Dark Moon

"Poor scholar, rich martial artist. Practicing martial arts definitely costs money like flowing water. As far as I know, those tonics aren't cheap. Kid, if you're not willing to spend even this much, how can you become a martial artist?"

Liu Dabiao spoke with conviction, his reasoning sound.

Chen Feng wanted to refuse, but several minions stared at him with cold eyes. Their intentions were self-evident.

"Then... I'll borrow a little?"

"That's more like it. Once you leave this alley, where else will you find a benevolent person like me to lend you money? If you become a martial artist, all this money spent will eventually come back."

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Chen Feng pondered for a moment, then finally borrowed five taels of silver from Liu Dabiao, with a monthly interest of three parts. Seeing Chen Feng press his handprint onto the paper, Liu Dabiao revealed a satisfied smile.

"Kid! I look forward to you becoming a martial artist soon, haha."

With that, he strode away.

Chen Feng watched their retreating backs, faintly hearing the conversation between Liu Dabiao and his minions.

"Master Biao, is it really okay to lend him so much money? Should we..."

"Shut up! Do you still want my reputation? If I give it out and then someone gets robbed, how can I do business? Let's wait a few days..."

"What if that kid really..."

"Heh, look at his cowardly appearance. If he can succeed, I, Liu Dabiao, will never touch women again. A life of a poor ghost, and he still thinks of turning into a master? Pfft!"

"Haha, hahaha..."

Chen Feng's gaze also gradually became playful.

A monthly interest of three parts, such exorbitant interest. If it were an ordinary person, they would be waiting to work for Liu Dabiao for the rest of their lives.

As for Chen Feng... he wasn't planning to repay it, so it was pure profit.

Just then, the system's voice sounded in his ear--

[Forced to take out a loan... Experience +225]

This was even more profitable.

Pingcheng, Lin Family.

High walls and grand courtyards, bluestone paving the ground, pots of precious orchid grass placed before the steps, exquisite palace lanterns hanging under the eaves. Everywhere exuded the orderliness of a wealthy family.

Ever since they hitched a ride with the Li Family, the Lin Family's life had become increasingly prosperous.

"Father! That Chen family brat isn't dead!" Lin Yan shouted, sensing big trouble.

"Not dead? Didn't I tell you to finish the job cleanly? How did I teach you? You must do things thoroughly, what's the point of leaving loose ends?" A middle-aged man, slightly stout, sat high in the hall, his brow furrowed.

He was Lin Yan's father, Lin Chong'an.

"I hired two thugs to do it, and they clearly told me Chen Feng was dead! They must have lied to me."

"Why didn't you handle it yourself?"

"I was still studying at the time, afraid of accidents. A stain would affect my official career."

"...And those two thugs?"

"After I gave up studying, they were dealt with cleanly."

Lin Chong'an took a sip of tea and said lightly, "It's fine. The Chen family is already annihilated. Even if that brat is alive, he can't stir up any storm. You should focus on practicing martial arts. Just assign someone to deal with this trivial matter."

"He has joined the Dragon Walk Martial Arts School."

"..."

"He is now Zhou Bingzhong's registered disciple."

"..."

"He's only one step away from becoming a martial artist and can become a personal disciple."

"..."

Lin Chong'an put down his teacup, slammed the table, and roared, "Unfilial son! You've angered me to death! Why didn't you say so earlier!"

"Father, I only just found out," Lin Yan quickly replied. "The priority now is to eliminate this threat."

At this moment, a graceful and beautiful woman entered the hall. She was Lin Yan's mother, Madam Zhang.

"Don't blame Yan'er. No one would have expected that little beast to still be alive. But it doesn't matter. We'll crush him to death before he gains any power. What's the use of getting so angry here?" Madam Zhang complained.

Lin Chong'an was silent for a long time, then said, "I'll send someone to find out where that brat is living now. We'll find someone from a gang to get rid of him, to avoid long nights and many dreams."

A flicker of joy flashed in Lin Yan's eyes. Hmph, Chen Feng, just a jumping clown. Let's see how you can fight me now.

Then, Lin Yan spoke again, "There's one more thing..."

"Speak."

"My martial arts realm broke through today. I want to invite some fellow disciples for a banquet, but..."

Lin Chong'an understood what his son wanted to do before he finished speaking. He waved his hand and said:

"If you want money, take it yourself. Be generous to your friends; they will be your connections in the future. If there are any talented individuals, you can offer some benefits to recruit them. As for the specific amount, you decide..."

Lin Yan nodded repeatedly, listening attentively.

Seeing him like this, Lin Chong'an couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

His son was smart, but too fond of playing. It seemed he hadn't practiced martial arts diligently, and most of the money given to him was probably spent on drinking.

"Fine, go."

Night fell.

The darkness was thick and impenetrable, the stars swallowed by dark clouds. A cold wind swept through the streets and alleys, rustling the branches of the old tree.

The Fúshēng Restaurant in the distance was brightly lit, with wealthy young members still indulging in pleasure.

Chen Feng concealed himself in a dark corner.

He wore tattered clothes and had mud smeared on his face, looking like a homeless beggar.

Leaning against the wall, he buried his head low.

Without careful observation, no one would notice him.

Ever since Sun Qiang told Chen Feng the news, Chen Feng had been sneaking around the Lin Family's vicinity every night to scout, observe, and familiarize himself with all the roads around the Lin Family.

This alley was the necessary path for Lin Yan to travel between the restaurant and his home. The sides of the alley were piled with miscellaneous items, and few people passed through.

Chen Feng was like an experienced hunter, silently setting everything up, just waiting for the prey to take the bait.

He had already figured out Lin Yan's travel patterns.

Lin Yan would occasionally host banquets at the Fúshēng Restaurant, or go to the Zuìchūn Tower for merriment.

This was also why Chen Feng was confident in taking down Lin Yan alone – Lin Yan's body had long been depleted by wine and women due to his frequent visits to places of pleasure.

He possessed Upper Grade Root Bone but had no practical combat ability.

Chen Feng held a dagger in his hand. The Five Elements Fist was easily recognizable, so he didn't plan to use it. A sharp weapon to cut the throat, however, could achieve a swift kill.

Now, he just had to wait for Lin Yan to come out...

A few more moments passed, and the noise from the restaurant gradually subsided.

A moment later, a familiar voice cut through the night and reached Chen Feng's ears. Several figures staggered out, the one in the lead being Lin Yan.

After bidding farewell, the group dispersed from the entrance of the restaurant, leaving only Lin Yan. He hummed an off-key tune and staggered in Chen Feng's direction.

"Hmph! Cheng Huaian, also an ungrateful... hic!"

Lin Yan's voice grew closer, laced with drunkenness.

Chen Feng's eyes darkened, his whole body tensed. He then slowly shifted his position, making himself appear half-collapsed within the alley.

The clutter in the alley wasn't enough to completely conceal him. If Lin Yan spotted a shadow and became wary, his plan would be ruined. So, rather than ambushing, he chose to disguise himself. Chen Feng did his best to appear harmless.

Closer.

Even closer...

Lin Yan, completely unaware, walked into the alley. He glanced at Chen Feng leaning against the wall, narrowed his eyes to observe him, and then dismissed him as an ordinary beggar, walking away with disgust.

"Pah! What kind of Beggar is this, startling me, what bad luck!"

After cursing, he didn't forget to kick Chen Feng.

[Experience the life of a beggar... Experience +23]

Chen Feng: "..."

When Lin Yan fully exposed his back to Chen Feng.

Chen Feng no longer hesitated.

The opportunity he had been waiting for had arrived.