An Opportunity

"Brother Sun?"

Chen Zhuo looked at one of them in surprise, his peripheral vision sweeping over the other, only to discover it was a White-Uniform Runner who worked in the same squad as him.

He was broad-shouldered and tall, with a heroic appearance that was only three points inferior to his own, and his martial arts cultivation was much the same.

By comparison, he possessed a bit more youthful spirit.

What was his name again?

"Brother Chen? Why are you here?"

Sun Fei was equally surprised by Chen Zhuo's presence here.

As far as he knew, Master Chef Yan's temperament had always been eccentric and difficult, and very few people were ever able to set foot in his small courtyard.

"Just finished eating."

Chen Zhuo replied with a smile.

Sun Fei glanced at the stone table, forcibly suppressing the doubts in his heart, and cupped his hands toward Yan Ming: "Master Yan, the Dianshi requests your presence."

"Your father is Sun Changming?"

Yan Ming scrutinized Sun Fei.

"That is correct. This junior often hears my father speak of you."

When it came to family background, Sun Fei's attitude toward Yan Ming became even more respectful.

Something wasn't right.

Chen Zhuo inadvertently glanced at the slightly aged middle-aged man before him, a fog of confusion rising in his heart.

Was Fatty Sun's attitude toward Master Yan a bit too respectful?

Could a mere cook hold such a high status?

"The Chief Clerk also requests Master Yan's presence."

In the gap between their words, the handsome youth standing to the side spoke up abruptly to remind them.

Yan Ming's gaze landed on him, but it only touched him briefly before shifting back to Chen Zhuo.

"Both officials have extended personal invitations; why haven't you stood up yet?"

"Me?"

Chen Zhuo pointed at himself, tilting his head to look at Yan Ming.

"If not you, then who?"

Yan Ming said indifferently: "Tonight, you certainly showed off a great skill."

Chen Zhuo suddenly remembered the meal he had sent to the Chief Clerk and the Dianshi, especially the Three-Shreds Dish, and his heart couldn't help but skip a beat.

He had originally intended only to use this Vegetable Chopping Technique to win Master Chef Yan's favor.

He hadn't expected it to actually alarm the Chief Clerk and the Dianshi.

The opportunity had come so suddenly that his breathing grew slightly heavy.

"Master Yan?"

Sun Fei blinked his large eyes, his expression full of confusion.

What was going on? How did this end up involving Brother Chen?

"I am old, and my legs aren't as nimble as they used to be, so I won't be going. Tell the two officials that the Three-Shreds Dish tonight was prepared by this lad; I merely added the finishing touches. The person you are looking for is not me, but him."

Yan Ming's explanation was like a pebble dropped into a calm lake, sending ripples spreading outward.

"Brother Chen?"

Sun Fei looked at Chen Zhuo in astonishment: "You actually have this skill?"

Originally, his impression of Chen Zhuo was limited to two points.

First, his handsome face, which drew attention.

Second, that he had stepped into the path of martial arts from a humble background, but without further opportunity, he would likely stop at the Body Refining stage.

He never imagined he would also be a master chef.

The handsome youth to the side also began to size Chen Zhuo up with a strange, serious gaze.

The more he looked, the colder his expression became.

Yan Ming's gaze swept across both their faces, and a meaningful smile suddenly appeared on his own: "To be invited by both officials at once is your honor; why aren't you going yet?"

How could Chen Zhuo not understand his meaning? After only a moment's thought, he stood up and said: "I'll leave the cleanup to you, Master Yan."

With that, he turned to look at Fatty Sun: "Brother Sun, please lead the way."

Yan Ming withdrew his smile and waved his hand.

The handsome youth's expression grew increasingly indifferent, as if shrouded in a thin layer of frost.

"My name is Zhou Sheng."

Giving Chen Zhuo a deep look, Zhou Sheng dropped this sentence and turned to leave.

Sun Fei spread his hands and smiled, "Brother Chen, please."

Baiyun County is divided into an inner and outer city, and the yamen is similarly divided into an outer and inner hall.

All daily official business is conducted in the outer hall, while the inner hall houses the courtyards and studies of the three officials.

Ordinary White-Uniform Runners and yamen servants are forbidden from entering the inner hall without urgent business.

Chen Zhuo had long heard that the inner hall was ten times more beautiful than the outer hall.

Seeing it tonight, the inner hall was not as ugly as the rumors suggested.

It was far more than ten times better.

The courtyards were deep, with pavilions and towers half-hidden among the flowers and trees.

The curves of the upturned eaves slicing through the sky, the exquisite rockeries, and the winding corridors made every step a new scene.

Under the shroud of night, with the silver moonlight spilling down, a landscape ink painting unfolded before his eyes.

I have stumbled into a heavenly abode.

Suppressing the rise and fall of his chest, Chen Zhuo followed silently behind Fatty Sun.

Before long, the two arrived at an exquisite small courtyard.

"Brother Chen?"

Seeing Chen Zhuo suddenly stop and turn his head as if something were amiss, Sun Fei followed his gaze.

Yet, he found nothing unusual beyond the faint candlelight.

"It's nothing."

Along the way, Chen Zhuo had felt a strange sensation behind him, but every time he looked back, he found nothing.

Deciding not to dwell on it, he followed Fatty Sun's lead into the courtyard.

As he pushed open the door, the atmosphere inside rushed out to meet him.

Chen Zhuo's heart felt as if it had leaped into his throat, and the hair on his body stood on end.

"Who is this young brother? Why didn't Old Yan come?"

Chief Clerk Sun's rugged voice rang in his ears, making them buzz.

"His name is Chen Zhuo. Master Yan said that most of tonight's dishes were prepared by him, especially the Three-Shreds Dish," Sun Fei explained.

"Oh? A talent like this exists?"

Chief Clerk Sun's voice sounded again. Chen Zhuo finally suppressed the trembling in his heart and looked up, feeling as if a mountain had suddenly risen before him.

Chen Zhuo took a deep breath, cupped his hands, and said, "Greetings, Chief Clerk. All the meals were prepared by Master Yan; I merely handled the chopping, which is not worth mentioning."

Scanning with his peripheral vision, he saw Yao Xiong sitting to the side, staring at him in surprise.

"Greetings, Squad Leader Yao."

"It's actually you?"

Yao Xiong was quite surprised by his appearance. As he spoke, he explained to Chief Clerk Sun, "He is a White-Uniform Runner under Squad Leader Huang. At noon today, he attained the Martial Path."

"Not bad."

Chief Clerk Sun nodded slightly and smiled, "A fine talent, a good man, and even better knife skills."

"Since Old Yan sent you over, he must intend for you to take over as the head chef for chopping."

Chen Zhuo nodded.

"Old Yan is a capable man; you must be diligent and responsible."

"Yes."

"For those who practice martial arts, three parts training and seven parts nutrition. With your skills, I, Old Sun, will have a treat in store for the future."

Chief Clerk Sun chuckled softly, "Talent should be rewarded. Tell me, what do you want?"

As soon as these words were spoken, three gazes fell squarely on Chen Zhuo.

Chen Zhuo did not hesitate; he immediately bowed and said, "This subordinate only wants an opportunity."

"Oh?"

Chief Clerk Sun seemed to realize something, the corners of his mouth curling up, "You must understand that the promotion assessment is a matter of official regulation. As Chief Clerk, I must set an example."

"You misunderstand, Chief Clerk."

Chen Zhuo shook his head and said, "This subordinate has no other intentions; I only wish to join the Swift Squad to help Squad Leader Yao resolve his troubles."

Having said that, he cupped his hands toward Yao Xiong at the side, "I wonder, Squad Leader Yao, would you permit it?"

"Everything shall be decided by Chief Clerk Sun."

Yao Xiong said, his expression blank.

"Is that all?"

Chief Clerk Sun seemed somewhat surprised.

"That is all."

Chen Zhuo's voice was as firm as iron.

"Very well."

Chief Clerk Sun gave a slight nod and said, "Since that is the case, I shall make the call. Tomorrow, you are to report to Squad Leader Yao."

Chen Zhuo took a deep breath and slowly exhaled, his eyes growing brighter. "Many thanks, Chief Clerk."

Everyone knew that among the Three Squads of yamen runners, the Black-Uniform Squad handled the most miscellaneous tasks, while the Strong Squad held the most lucrative positions.

As for the Swift Squad, it was the most idle, yet also the most dangerous.

When it came to arrests and pursuits, the White-Uniform Runners suffered the highest casualties.

But he did not care.

In this world, where could one find a truly peaceful sanctuary?

Only with fewer distractions could he properly practice martial arts, and fighting enemies was the fastest way to improve.

In this way, he had temporarily escaped the shadow of Skin-Peeler Wang.

Next, it was time to focus on his own growth.

Just as he stepped outside, Sun Fei handed him a porcelain bottle.

"My brother never treats people unfairly. There are three Blood Vitality Pills inside. I have high hopes for you."

"By the way, Master Yan's skills are far beyond what you have seen. If you have the chance, be sure to watch closely and learn well; you will benefit endlessly."

Chen Zhuo gripped the porcelain bottle tightly, glanced at the small courtyard where Skin-Peeler Wang resided, and calmly strode away from the inner hall.

In the darkness, a shadow like a wandering ghost kept its gaze locked firmly on Chen Zhuo, as if shrouded in an impenetrable chill.