An Incident Occurs

Chapter 26: Trouble Brewing

"Dumplings for going out, noodles for coming home." The hand-pulled noodles were made by Wan Qing especially for them.

The noodles were fragrant, chewy, and smooth, bursting with rich carbohydrate flavor when eaten.

From kneading the dough to controlling the heat, every step was perfected. The young lady's culinary skills were as astonishing as her medical expertise!

Xiao Cha ate from a basin, slurping it down in one go before patting her belly and exclaiming, "This is amazing~ Wan Qing, it would be great if we could eat at your place forever~"

Wan Qing smiled, "Your appetite is like a cow's. I can't afford to feed you."

Lu Li was also shocked by Xiao Cha's appetite!

And after eating a whole basin, her waist was still so slender. No one knew where all the food went.

Looking at it this way, Xiao Cha's monthly salary of ten dollars barely covers her food. Her "side income" all goes to the beggars, so it's no wonder she lives so frugally.

At this moment, Xiao Cha finished the noodle soup for Wan Qing.

After the three of them finished dinner, it was time to burn incense as usual.

Lu Li opened the drawer and saw there were still three sticks of incense. He said, "Did you two not use them after I left?"

Wan Qing said softly, "We don't need such extravagance."

The two girls were like that. Lu Li smiled and said nothing more, lighting the Calming Incense.

The fragrance slowly wafted through the air. Xiao Cha twitched her delicate nose, saying with a hint of excitement, "This incense is also good for Martial Arts. After smelling it, my 'qi' flows exceptionally smoothly. I'm confident I can achieve Organ Refining within two months!"

Wan Qing said joyfully, "Achieving Organ Refining in Martial Arts grants the title of 'Juren'. Uncle would be immensely pleased if he knew in the afterlife!"

"It's almost time for Old Man's death anniversary. I'll burn more money for him to spend down there~"

The two girls chatted animatedly while Lu Li listened quietly beside them.

Organ Refining was the third realm of Martial Arts. They had previously said "killing people is not illegal," and now there was even a title.

It seemed very powerful. If he encountered such an enemy, would a gun still be useful?

At this moment, the effect of the Calming Incense began to take hold. The three stopped talking and focused on absorbing the precious incense.

Lu Li and Xiao Cha closed their eyes, but Wan Qing kept hers open. Her eyes were exceptionally bright, her irises like a collapsing universe.

The next day, Lu Li still woke up very early.

Practicing Martial Arts and Spirit Refining kept his body in peak condition, making him feel full of energy every day.

This feeling was truly delightful.

However, his cultivation being stuck at a bottleneck made Lu Li less happy.

He contemplated the Pine Stillness Diagram and then entered a state of Concentrating Spirit to test himself. The speed of his mental strength increase had sharply decreased. It seemed he was nearing the limit of his current realm.

Breaking through the Spirit Refining realm required a profound enlightenment.

Even though this was only the second realm, equivalent to second grade in elementary school, if he couldn't break through, he couldn't break through.

Lu Li set it aside for now and began practicing the White Dragon Whip Technique he had just learned.

His movements were extremely precise, but every time he reached a critical moment, his broken leg caused a slight hesitation, preventing his strength from flowing smoothly and thus failing to achieve the optimal training effect.

Lu Li didn't overthink it and practiced repeatedly with sheer determination.

One advantage of physical training was that diligence could make up for lack of skill.

Just as the young man's clothes were soaked with sweat, the two girls emerged from their room.

In the bright spring sunlight, they appeared noticeably fairer and more tender. A fragrant breeze followed them as they walked.

Wan Qing smiled charmingly, "The Western Soap you brought, Young Master, is very good. My skin feels fragrant and smooth after washing."

Xiao Cha handed him a towel and said, "It must have been expensive, right? You even kept it in a crystal bottle."

Lu Li wiped the sweat from his brow and smiled, "It's not worth much. Just use it."

The two women didn't believe him, thinking he was being modest.

At this moment, Xiao Cha thought of something and took out the five wristwatches. She suggested, "It might be too conspicuous to go to the National Martial Arts Association to exchange them. How about this: we split up and find a few pawnshops to sell them."

Lu Li readily agreed, "That sounds good. It'll save us from causing trouble."

"Then you take two and I'll take three. Let's set off immediately. I can patrol the streets while I'm at it."

With the plan set, the three of them left immediately.

Xiao Cha changed into her imposing Patrol Officer uniform. She collected the day's offerings and finally left the items for the beggar children.

Tong Shao was in charge of distributing them. The little girl even made a face at Lu Li.

Xiao Cha smiled, "I've been busy helping Tong Shao settle down lately. Once she's registered, she won't be a refugee anymore. Then I'll find a good family to adopt her."

Wan Qing strongly agreed, "This girl is quite sensible. I've even thought about keeping her with me."

The three walked and chatted, soon arriving at a crossroads.

"You two continue straight ahead, I'll go west. We'll meet back here later."

"Okay."

Coincidentally, Lu Li didn't know the way, so Wan Qing took his sleeve and they walked together.

Strolling along the bustling ancient street, the marketplace was filled with the vibrant energy of daily life.

Smelling the faint fragrance from the young lady, Lu Li's restless heart gradually calmed down.

Although Wan Qing couldn't see, she understood everything in her heart. At this moment, she said softly:

"Young Master, there's no need to rush. You are brimming with talent; these minor setbacks are just part of the scenery."

Her voice was delicate and melodious, making one feel utterly soothed every time she spoke.

Lu Li suddenly felt that this bit of hardship truly amounted to nothing.

At this moment, his sleeve was held by the beautiful woman, and Lu Li really wanted to hold her delicate hand... but he could only think about it; otherwise, it would be too presumptuous.

"Young Master, it's time."

"Ah... yes, it is."

Lu Li came back to his senses and found they had arrived at the entrance of a pawnshop.

Upon entering, he found it quite interesting. The counter was exceptionally high, requiring one to look up to converse with the pawnbroker.

And the pawnbroker in this establishment, if nothing else, certainly had a pair of eyes that could size people up.

With just one glance, he recognized Lu Li's "aura" of not being short on money and quickly came out from behind the counter.

"Esteemed Young Master, a pleasure to meet you. My surname is Zhang. May I ask what brings you here today?"

Lu Li handed over the watch and said calmly, "300 dollars, dead pawn. I'm in a hurry, no dilly-dallying."

Shopkeeper Zhang took it and appraised it at a glance. It was worth the price.

He then glanced at Lu Li's imposing demeanor and knew this gentleman was not one to be trifled with; he might just leave if things weren't to his liking.

There was no need to lose business, so Shopkeeper Zhang cupped his hands and said, "As you wish. I'll go get the payment for you."

The good-natured, plump pawnbroker returned to his counter and actually brought back a silver ingot.

Lu Li took it and saw that the back of the silver ingot was engraved with words – Dajin Bank, Taikang Ingot.

These were the dynasty and reign title. Lu Li calmly handed it over to Wan Qing.

Wan Qing felt it with her hand and said softly, "A 150 tael ingot, which is exactly 300 dollars. Payment and goods are settled."

This silver ingot was much easier to carry than 300 silver dollars. Lu Li nodded to the pawnbroker and left the pawnshop with the young lady.

~~~~~~~~~~

Next, the two, like a couple strolling down the street, leisurely returned to their meeting point.

Xiao Cha, with her long legs, had run ahead and was already waiting. After meeting up with them, they were about to head to the National Martial Arts Association.

However, as they passed the street corner where Tong Shao was, all three of their expressions changed!

They saw countless burly men holding ropes, binding the little beggars' hands together.

Tong Shao was among them, her small face full of panic.

Beside them, several officers resembling patrol officers watched coldly!

Xiao Cha immediately rushed forward!