From Lu Yan's assessment, Lu Feng knew he had passed this round of the evaluation.
Still, he wasn't entirely satisfied with having been hit three times.
If those little stones had been arrows, he would have taken three arrows already.
Lu Feng straightened his clothes, then cupped his hands and said, "You flatter me, sir. What other tests are there?"
Lu Yan smiled faintly. "There's one final test: actual combat. Since you asked me to evaluate you, I'll be your opponent."
At this, Lu Feng felt a faint jolt of alarm. Lu Yan was a Ninth-Rank Martial Artist. Although he had broken through four ranks in the past two days and reached the Seventh-Rank Martial Artist level, he had little confidence facing a Ninth-Rank Martial Artist.
Lu Yan naturally understood his concerns, so he added, "Don't worry. I won't use my full strength. Just give it everything you've got and use what you've learned."
Only after hearing that did Lu Feng feel reassured.
With that, the two returned to the Martial Arts Arena. Lu Yan slowly walked to stand opposite him and raised his right hand. "All right, the third test begins. Come at me!"
Lu Feng cupped his hands. "Yes. Then forgive me, sir!"
As soon as he finished speaking, he darted forward, reaching Lu Yan in the blink of an eye.
He turned both hands into palms and unleashed a rapid series of strikes at Lu Yan's chest.
Thud, thud, thud!
Unfortunately, Lu Yan easily blocked every strike. But as Lu Feng's assault grew more and more powerful, a look of surprise appeared in Lu Yan's eyes.
Seeing that ordinary punches and palm strikes couldn't break through Lu Yan's defenses, Lu Feng immediately circulated his Internal Force and unleashed the first form of Cloud-Dispelling Palm: Flowing Water, Moving Clouds!
The next moment, he struck out with both palms at once, a terrifying force sweeping out in an instant.
Seeing this, Lu Yan could tell that this palm strike was no ordinary move, so he circulated his Internal Force and punched in response.
Thump!
Fist and palm collided with a muffled boom. The impact sent Lu Feng staggering back seven or eight steps before he could stop, while Lu Yan was forced back two steps.
Once they had steadied themselves, Lu Yan burst into laughter. "Excellent! Excellent! Excellent! That palm strike of yours was far more powerful than your father's. You've passed the third test!"
At this, Lu Feng was delighted. "Sir, what about my application to compete for the position of Constable?"
"Mm. According to the rules, you meet the requirements. I'll record your place in the competition."
Hearing this, Lu Feng smiled. "Then thank you, sir!"
Lu Yan smiled and walked up to him, then lowered his voice. "Lu Feng, if I'm not mistaken, you've reached the Seventh-Rank Martial Artist level, haven't you?"
"Your insight is remarkable, sir. Nothing gets past you."
Hearing Lu Feng's answer, Lu Yan stroked his beard, looking thoughtful. "Mm. It seems this time, the competition for the new Constable is going to be even more exciting! All right, go take care of your duties. Remember to come to the County Yamen's Martial Arts Arena the day after tomorrow before the Chen hour to compete for the Constable position."
"Yes. Thank you for the reminder, sir. I'll take my leave."
After leaving the County Yamen, the smile on Lu Feng's face slowly faded. He wanted to compete for the new Constable position for two reasons. First, it would bring him greater status and authority, making his uncle's family, Captain Wang, and the Caobang Gang's Great Chieftain think twice before laying a hand on him.
Second, a Constable's salary was much higher than a Constable's assistant, reaching ten taels a month.
Besides, once he became a Constable, the tribute money from those shops would increase as well.
Since he had chosen the path of martial arts, he would certainly need a great deal of silver in the future. Becoming a Constable at the County Yamen was only the beginning.
A quarter of an hour later, Lu Feng arrived at the outskirts of West Street. The scene before him seemed no different from usual.
But Captain Wang had specifically assigned him to patrol West Street alone today. There had to be something behind it.
Still, his strength was now no weaker than that of Li An, the Caobang Gang's Great Chieftain. If Li An dared attack him, Lu Feng wouldn't mind killing him.
Even if Captain Wang came after him personally, Lu Feng was confident he could escape.
So Lu Feng made his way deeper into West Street. When he reached the docks, he noticed several Caobang Disciples glance at him before hurrying toward the Caobang Gang's headquarters.
At the sight, Lu Feng sneered inwardly. It seemed his guess was right: they had laid a trap for him on West Street today.
He just didn't know whether it was a death trap or something else.
Lu Feng glanced at the Caobang Disciples, then continued inspecting the docks as if nothing were amiss.
After finishing his inspection and entering the street to the right, he found every shop shuttered. Even the few street stalls in the area were gone.
For a moment, the entire street stood empty.
"Heh, so this is where you've been waiting for me. In that case, let's see what you're planning." Lu Feng thought.
Then he strode farther down the street. The next moment, a crowd of knife-wielding men leaped out from both sides.
They were all dressed in Caobang Gang uniforms and made no effort to conceal their identities.
Lu Feng stood in the middle of the street, calmly watching the Caobang Gang members surround him.
After looking around, he saw no important figures among them and sneered. "Heh, you've put on quite a show for a mere Constable's assistant like me. I'm honored."
At his words, several figures slowly emerged from the far end of the street.
Lu Feng knew two of them very well: his cousin, Lu Qiming, and the Caobang Gang's Great Chieftain, Li An.
Looking at Lu Feng in the middle of the street, Lu Qiming immediately sneered. "Heh, cousin. We meet again!"
Lu Feng glanced at him, looking unconcerned. "We do. Cousin, it seems we're quite fated to keep running into each other!"
Lu Qiming's gaze turned icy. He gave a cold snort. "Hmph, enough talk! The Caobang Gang is backing me today. I advise you to hand over your Constable's assistant position without a fuss, or don't blame me for being ruthless."
At this, Lu Feng folded his arms and said with a playful look, "Great Chieftain Li, is the Caobang Gang planning to openly attack an official? Or has your gang already become my cousin's dog?"
Li An's expression shifted slightly. Then he said coldly, "Lu Feng, you're only a Constable's assistant. Don't try to throw your official status around with me. If you want to leave here alive, do as Young Master Lu says. Otherwise, don't expect to walk away unscathed."
At his words, Lu Qiming looked as if he already had Lu Feng in the palm of his hand. "Lu Feng, don't blame your cousin for showing no mercy. Just sign this transfer agreement and cripple one of your own arms. If I'm in a good mood afterward, I might let Great Chieftain Li spare you. How does that sound?"
"Oh? So I should thank you for sparing my life, then?" Lu Feng narrowed his eyes slightly, and the killing intent in his heart surged higher and higher.
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