First-Class Sponsorship, Trouble Arises

"It's time to end this!"

Lin Mo's body weaved continuously as he muttered to himself.

Long-term use of the [Insightful Eye] was too much of a burden for his current cultivation level. In just about twenty breaths, his eyes were already sore and unbearable.

On the other hand, Zhu Hao, though his momentum was waning, still had the enduring power of the Entangling Ape Fist, allowing him to continue.

"Let's finish this quickly and aim for a decisive blow!"

Swish!

The whip-like arm grazed Lin Mo's arm. The mere friction sent scraps of his sleeve flying and blood splattering.

After a long time without gaining the upper hand, Zhu Hao subconsciously rejoiced. In his daze, his breathing quickened, and Lin Mo found an opening.

He used the momentum to charge forward, his entire body like a drawn bow. His right index and middle fingers twisted into a claw, and Blood Essence surged instantly.

With a hint of madness in his eyes, Lin Mo let out a shriek like a crazed ape and struck directly at Zhu Hao's throat!

This claw was fast, accurate, and fierce, executing the sharp and tricky nature of the White Ape Eight Section Fist to its utmost. It also unleashed the White Ape Momentum along with that wild ape-like ferocity.

"I'm done for..."

Zhu Hao felt a chill at his throat. The sharp gust of wind pressed against his skin like a knife. He froze, cold sweat breaking out all over his body.

The fingertips stopped steadily an inch from his Adam's apple, the force held back.

"I concede, Brother Zhu."

The madness in Lin Mo's eyes gradually subsided. He retracted his stance, cupped his hands, and smiled.

"I lost. Thank you for holding back, Brother Lin." Zhu Hao shook his head with a wry smile, his eyes filled with unwillingness.

Lin Mo said humbly, "If Brother Zhu hadn't fought two opponents consecutively and wasn't a bit low on stamina, the outcome would have been hard to predict."

"I didn't expect that even though I'm over ten years older than you, Brother Lin, my mind isn't as clear as yours..."

Zhu Hao looked up at Lin Mo's clear black eyes. The trace of unwillingness in his gaze quickly turned to acceptance.

He had indeed expended some energy, but Lin Mo's proficient and agile boxing, mixed with a touch of madness, was even more baffling. Even more incomprehensible was his terrifying perception.

Even at the Changhe Martial Arts School, he was likely a top-tier talent.

"It's getting late. Brother Lin, this is your first time reporting here. I'll take you around to familiarize you with the Li Family patrol procedures later."

Li Zhiming stepped in to smooth things over. It was the time for the Li Family patrols to be on duty. This earlier session was just to let everyone get acquainted and loosen up.

He hadn't expected Zhu Hao to appear first, and now, another young genius!

Many patrolmen gathered around, and during this brief moment, they exchanged a few simple greetings with Lin Mo, just to get acquainted.

After everyone dispersed with their large red lanterns bearing the Li Family's insignia, returning to their respective docks for patrol, Li Zhiming led Lin Mo towards Wharf No. 3 and No. 4 to the east. The area was already sparsely populated. The two walked down the street, carrying their red lanterns.

"Young Brother Lin, your martial arts are truly top-notch. I didn't expect someone so young to have such excellent practical combat experience..."

Li Zhiming offered a compliment and continued, "Our patrol duties aren't too heavy. Recently, our main focus has been on preventing Water Ghosts. We patrol fifteen times a month, from the first quarter of the Wushi hour to the third quarter of the Mao hour daily."

"Preventing Water Ghosts is naturally important, but this area has been a bit chaotic lately. If you encounter anything suspicious at night, don't be foolish and try to confront them head-on. Feel free to call for our patrolmen."

As he spoke, Li Zhiming handed Lin Mo a Li Family patrol waist token. "We all recognize these waist tokens. With one, patrolmen from the nearby docks will come to assist."

"Thank you for your guidance, Head Patrolman Li." Lin Mo cupped his fists in thanks.

They walked to the side of the wharf, and Li Zhiming stopped. He suddenly asked, "Young Brother Lin, do you know about sponsorships?"

"I have a general idea."

He had heard about sponsorships from Xu Changfeng. It was a method for aristocratic families to recruit talented retainers. Simple and effective! After all, practicing martial arts required a lot of money. It had always been said that literature was for the poor and martial arts for the rich.

"On behalf of the Li Family, I would like to offer you a First-Class Sponsorship, which includes fifteen taels of silver per month and three hundred catties of meat." Li Zhiming spoke slowly.

He knew that although he was one of the influential figures in the Li Family, sponsorship slots were extremely limited, especially for First-Class Sponsorship, of which he only had one. The Li Family was in dire need of manpower and talented individuals. Based solely on his age and his easy defeat of Zhu Hao, Lin Mo was worth a try. As for his character and disposition, Li Zhiming knew that if he didn't act now, someone else would sponsor such a talent.

"Thank you for your high regard, Head Patrolman Li. However, I'm curious about the responsibilities after accepting the sponsorship..."

Fifteen taels of silver, plus meat and Blood Essence Pills, were indeed valuable, but they would come with corresponding duties. Lin Mo was always cautious and naturally wanted to clarify things. He didn't explicitly state his next question, but Li Zhiming understood what he wanted to ask.

Li Zhiming waved his hand and continued, "The sponsorship is separate from other matters in principle. However, when the Li Family holds martial arts competitions or needs people to maintain order, you will be called upon."

Martial arts competitions, maintaining order? Lin Mo lowered his head in thought. He understood the general idea, but he wasn't clear about the specifics. Fighting to the death for a bit of money wasn't worth it.

As if sensing his worry, Li Zhiming explained, "While that's true, all of you who receive sponsorship from the Li Family have the right to judge such matters before making a decision. If you feel there's danger, you can refuse. The Li Family doesn't force anyone."

"Then... thank you, Head Patrolman Li."

After a simple rundown of the work procedures and a discussion about the sponsorship details, Lin Mo began his solo patrol of the docks, carrying a red lantern for light and keeping a watchful eye on the water's surface.

Whether it was Water Ghosts or those coveting river trade who wanted to cause trouble and sabotage things, they generally acted at night, which was why patrol duties were typically scheduled for the evening.

The night was deep, and the moonlight spilled onto the water like a silver veil. Waves continuously crashed against the dock's stone embankment, splashing droplets of water.

"Compared to the village, the docks are much safer. I haven't seen any sign of Water Ghosts for a long time. It's not easy to earn even one or two silver coins from dealing with Water Ghosts..."

After patrolling for a while, the soles of his shoes crunched on the bluestone bricks, stirring up the accumulated water with a light splash. He crouched by the dock to rest for a moment.

Lin Mo scanned the water's surface. After observing for a good while, he only saw a few small fish occasionally leaping out of the water.

The duty of a patrolman was far more peaceful than he had imagined. He hadn't seen a single person all night, and Lin Mo was content with that.

Although it meant less money from killing Water Ghosts, the main thing was safety.

As dawn approached, the sky was just beginning to lighten, and the river breeze, carrying the scent of moisture, swept over him.

"Patrolman Lin, you've worked hard tonight. We'll take over from here."

"Alright, I'll trouble you then."

The new dock manager was a sharp young man. Lin Mo exchanged a few words with him and was about to leave when he saw a cargo ship approaching in the distance.

Judging by its appearance, it had likely been sailing all night...

As the cargo ship docked, several burly men dressed in rough clothing disembarked to unload the cargo. Sacks of cloth landed heavily on the cargo boxes with dull thuds.

Lin Mo watched from afar and suddenly asked, "Where are these people from?"

"Looking at the ship's markings, it seems to be from Qingshan County in the neighboring district. They came down the river," the young manager said after a couple of glances, stating his inference.

"How far is Qingshan County from here?"

"About a hundred li." As soon as the manager replied, Lin Mo tucked his sleeves in and, with a cheerful smile, walked over.