An Opportunity

"Brother Sun?"

Chen Zhuo looked at one of them in surprise. His peripheral vision swept over the other, and he realized he was a White-Uniform Runner from his own squad.

He was tall and broad-shouldered, with a heroic face. He was only three-tenths less handsome than Chen Zhuo, and his martial cultivation was nearly on par with his.

By comparison, he seemed a little more youthful.

What was his name again?

"Brother Chen? What are you doing here?"

Sun Fei was just as surprised to see Chen Zhuo there.

As far as he knew, Master Chef Yan had always been a cantankerous, eccentric man. Few people ever set foot in his little courtyard.

"I just finished eating."

Chen Zhuo replied with a smile.

Sun Fei glanced at the stone table, forcibly suppressing his confusion, then cupped his hands toward Yan Ming. "Master Yan, Chief Clerk Sun would like you to come over."

"Is your father Sun Changming?"

Yan Ming scrutinized Sun Fei.

"That's right. My father often speaks of you, sir."

At the mention of his family, Sun Fei's manner grew even more respectful toward Yan Ming.

Something wasn't right.

Chen Zhuo glanced discreetly at the middle-aged man before him, who looked a little weathered, and a haze of confusion rose in his mind.

Fatty Sun seemed a little too respectful toward Master Yan.

Was a chef really that highly ranked?

"Chief Clerk would like Master Yan to come over as well."

During the pause in their conversation, the handsome young man beside them suddenly spoke up.

Yan Ming's gaze landed on him, but he quickly looked away and turned back to Chen Zhuo.

"Both officials invited you personally. Why are you still standing here?"

"Me?"

Chen Zhuo pointed at himself and tilted his head toward Yan Ming.

"Who else?"

Yan Ming said calmly, "You certainly showed them something impressive tonight."

Chen Zhuo suddenly remembered the food sent to the Chief Clerk and Dianshi that day, especially the Three-Shreds Dish. His heart stirred.

He had originally planned to use his Vegetable Chopping Technique to win Yan Ming's favor.

He hadn't expected it to catch the attention of both the Chief Clerk and the Dianshi.

The opportunity had come so suddenly that his breathing grew a little ragged.

"Master Yan?"

Sun Fei blinked his wide eyes, his face full of confusion.

What did any of this have to do with anything? How had Brother Chen gotten involved?

"I'm old, and my legs aren't what they used to be. I won't go. Tell the two officials that this lad cut the vegetables for tonight's Three-Shreds Dish. I merely added the finishing touch. The person you're looking for isn't me—it's him."

Yan Ming's explanation was like a pebble dropped into a still lake, sending ripples spreading in every direction.

"Brother Chen?"

Sun Fei stared at Chen Zhuo in astonishment. "You can do that too?"

Up until now, Chen Zhuo had made just two impressions on him.

First, his handsome looks drew attention.

Second, despite his humble beginnings, he had entered the path of martial arts. But without a stroke of luck, he would probably never get past Body Refining.

He had never expected him to be a master chef as well.

The handsome young man beside them also began scrutinizing Chen Zhuo, his gaze strange.

The longer he looked, the colder his expression became.

Yan Ming's gaze swept over both their faces. A meaningful smile suddenly appeared on his own. "It's your honor to be invited by both officials. Why don't you hurry over?"

Chen Zhuo understood his meaning. After a moment's thought, he stood and said, "Sorry for the trouble, Master Yan. Please tidy up here."

Then he turned to Fatty Sun. "Brother Sun, please show me the way."

Yan Ming's smile faded, and he waved a hand.

The handsome young man's expression grew even more indifferent, as if veiled by a thin layer of frost.

"My name is Zhou Sheng."

After giving Chen Zhuo a deep look, Zhou Sheng left without another word.

Sun Fei spread his hands with a smile. "Brother Chen, this way."

Baiyun County was divided into inner and outer cities, and the Yamen likewise had an outer and an inner hall.

All routine official business was handled in the outer hall. The inner hall housed the three officials' residences and the study.

Ordinary White-Uniform Runners and Yamen Runners were not allowed into the inner hall unless they had pressing business.

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

Now that he had seen it for himself, he realized the rumors hadn't done it justice.

Ten times was an understatement.

Courtyards stretched deep into the grounds, while pavilions and towers appeared half-hidden among the flowers and trees.

Their upturned eaves traced graceful curves against the sky. Delicate rockeries and winding corridors made every step a new scene.

Night had fallen, and silvery moonlight spilled from above. A vast ink painting unfurled before his eyes.

"I've wandered into the imperial palace."

Chen Zhuo stilled the surge in his chest and silently followed behind Fatty Sun.

Before long, the two of them arrived at a delicate little courtyard.

"Brother Chen?"

Sun Fei noticed Chen Zhuo suddenly stop. He turned around, sensing something was wrong, and followed his gaze.

But apart from the faint candlelight, there was nothing unusual.

"It's nothing."

All the way here, Chen Zhuo had felt that something was off behind him. Yet whenever he turned to look, he found nothing.

In the end, he stopped thinking about it and followed Fatty Sun into the courtyard.

The moment he opened the door, the atmosphere inside hit him like a wave.

Chen Zhuo's heart seemed to leap into his throat, and the hairs all over his body stood on end.

"Who's this young fellow? Why didn't Old Yan come?"

Chief Clerk Sun's rough voice rang in Chen Zhuo's ears, making them buzz.

"His name is Chen Zhuo. Master Yan said he prepared most of tonight's dishes, especially the Three-Shreds Dish."

Sun Fei explained.

"Oh? So we've got a man of talent here?"

Chief Clerk Sun's voice rang out again. Chen Zhuo had only just managed to suppress his inner trepidation when he looked up and saw what seemed like a mountain suddenly looming before him.

Chen Zhuo took a deep breath and cupped his hands. "Greetings, Chief Clerk. Master Yan prepared all the dishes. I only did some chopping—nothing worth mentioning."

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Yao Xiong sitting nearby, staring at him in surprise.

"Greetings, Squad Leader Yao."

"So it's you?"

Yao Xiong was surprised to see him. Then he explained to Chief Clerk Sun, "He's a White-Uniform Runner under Squad Leader Huang. He entered the path of martial arts this afternoon."

"Not bad."

Chief Clerk Sun nodded slightly and smiled. "A fine-looking young man, with a good character and even better knife skills."

"Since Old Yan sent you over, I take it he wants you to take over as head vegetable cutter."

Chen Zhuo nodded.

"Old Yan knows what he's doing. You must work hard and do your duty."

"Yes, sir."

"Those who practice martial arts need to train three parts and eat seven. With your skills, I, Old Sun, will have a good meal to look forward to."

Chief Clerk Sun chuckled softly. "Men of talent deserve a reward. Tell me, what do you want?"

At once, three pairs of eyes fell on Chen Zhuo.

Without a moment's hesitation, Chen Zhuo bowed and said, "This humble subordinate only wants an opportunity."

"Oh?"

Chief Clerk Sun seemed to have thought of something, the corners of his mouth lifting. "You should understand that promotion examinations are part of the official system. As Dianshi, I must set an example."

"Chief Clerk, you've misunderstood."

Chen Zhuo shook his head. "I don't mean anything else. I only want to join the Swift Squad and help Squad Leader Yao shoulder his burdens."

With that, he cupped his hands toward Yao Xiong. "I wonder if Squad Leader Yao would agree?"

"Everything is for Chief Clerk to decide."

Yao Xiong said without expression.

"Is that all?"

Chief Clerk Sun looked a little surprised.

"That's all."

Chen Zhuo's voice was firm as iron.

"Good."

Chief Clerk Sun nodded slightly. "In that case, I'll make the decision. Tomorrow, you can report to Squad Leader Yao."

Chen Zhuo took a deep breath, then slowly let it out. His eyes shone ever brighter. "Thank you, Chief Clerk."

Everyone knew that of the Three Squads of Yamen Runners, the Black-Uniform Squad had the most miscellaneous work, while the Strong Squad had the fattest pickings.

As for the Swift Squad, it had the least to do—and the greatest risks.

They were responsible for arrests and pursuits, and White-Uniform Runners suffered the most casualties.

But he didn't care.

In this world, where could you find a patch of truly uncontaminated ground?

With less work, he could train properly. Nothing brought faster progress than fighting enemies to the death.

For now, he had finally escaped Skin-Peeler Wang's shadow.

Next, he just needed to focus on building himself up.

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

"My big brother never shortchanges anyone. There are three Blood Vitality Pills inside. I have faith in you."

"By the way, Master Yan's skills go far beyond what you've seen. If you get the chance, watch closely and learn well. You'll benefit from it for the rest of your life."

Chen Zhuo clutched the porcelain bottle tightly. He glanced toward the courtyard where Skin-Peeler Wang was staying, then calmly strode out of the inner hall.

In the darkness, a shadow drifted like a wandering ghost, its gaze locked firmly on Chen Zhuo, as if wrapped in frost that would never melt.