Applying for a Job

A moment later, Skinny Dog ran back into the room.

Fang Zhixing asked, "What did you hear?"

Skinny Dog glanced at Fang Zhixing, his expression somewhat complicated. He snorted. "Simply put, Cheng Tian'en stopped teaching you because he thinks you're not a good person."

Fang Zhixing was speechless. Smacking his lips, he said, "I'm not a good person? How does he know I'm not a good person?!"

Honestly, Fang Zhixing had always been cautious and impeccable in front of Cheng Tian'en.

Skinny Dog explained carefully, "Cheng Tian'en said that when he first met you, the smell of blood on you was very strong. He thought there was something wrong with you from the very first meeting and never considered you one of his own."

Fang Zhixing blinked.

He had indeed killed many people on his journey from Crouching Ox Village to the market town. He had not bathed along the way, nor had he had the means to.

"A strong smell of blood..."

Fang Zhixing's face tightened in displeasure. Gritting his teeth, he said, "Damn it, I paid him to teach me martial arts, not to take me on as a disciple!"

Skinny Dog snickered mockingly. "Cheng Tian'en was short on money for medical treatment before, so he taught anyone and everyone. Now that his injuries and illness have healed, he's naturally regained his standards. Don't forget, he's a renowned hero. Of course he has to keep up a hero's airs."

Fang Zhixing could not help feeling deeply depressed. After pondering for a moment, he suddenly stood and began packing his belongings.

Seeing this, Skinny Dog exclaimed, "Seriously? You're leaving just like that? You're not going to try and fight for it?"

"Fight for shit!"

Fang Zhixing said coldly, "Cheng Tian'en decided long ago that he wouldn't teach me anymore. But he's a hypocrite. He won't say it outright, only find roundabout ways to drive me off. Staying here any longer would be a complete waste of time."

Skinny Dog understood.

Still, he was quite happy about it. He loved seeing Fang Zhixing get knocked down a peg.

In the blink of an eye, it was noon.

Once Fang Zhixing had finished packing, he went to bid Cheng Tian'en farewell.

He clasped his hands and said, "Hero Cheng, an urgent matter has suddenly arisen at home. I need to return as soon as possible."

Cheng Tian'en fell silent briefly, a meaningful expression appearing on his face. He asked blandly, "What urgent matter is it? Do you need my help?"

Fang Zhixing quickly replied, "Just some trivial matters. I wouldn't dare trouble you, Hero Cheng."

Cheng Tian'en nodded and smiled faintly. "Then be careful on the road. I won't see you out."

Fang Zhixing turned and returned to his room, picked up his luggage, and swiftly left the Cheng Family Compound.

As expected, Cheng Tian'en did not come out to see him off. He had no intention of asking him to stay.

Unbelievable~

Skinny Dog trotted along happily, holding back a laugh as he asked, "Where are we going?"

Fang Zhixing replied, "There are plenty of places that would have me. We're going to the village chief's residence."

Skinny Dog asked in surprise, "What are we going there for?"

Fang Zhixing said seriously, "I heard the village chief is hiring bodyguards. Besides, this village chief has no ordinary background."

Skinny Dog immediately shuddered.

During this period, whenever Fang Zhixing went out to eat, he often struck up conversations with other diners and gathered plenty of information.

Village Chief Luo Kegong came from the Luo Clan, one of Dan Prefecture's four great clans.

The clan's power was so immense that it practically controlled everything with one hand.

For example, Cheng Tian'en was a disciple of the Iron Mountain Sect, while Chen Yusheng was a disciple of the Black Tiger Gate.

Yet in truth, both the Iron Mountain Sect and the Black Tiger Gate were loyal to the Luo Clan and belonged to the same power structure.

Skinny Dog instantly realized that Fang Zhixing must have planned out his future path the moment he learned this information.

He wanted to get close to Luo Kegong and find an opportunity to enter high society.

Before long, the man and dog arrived outside the gates of Luo Kegong's residence.

Fang Zhixing stepped forward and knocked.

Not long after, a gatekeeper poked his head out and asked, "Who are you? Do you even know where this is, knocking on the door like that?"

Fang Zhixing patted the hunting knife at his waist and replied, "Please inform the village chief that I'm here to apply for a bodyguard position."

The gatekeeper understood and replied, "Wait here."

A moment later, the gates creaked open.

The gatekeeper appeared again and said, "Come in. Follow me."

Fang Zhixing stepped inside and followed the gatekeeper into the residence.

As expected of a bureaucrat's home, it was adorned with carved beams and painted rafters, with artificial hills and flowing water—a truly imposing sight.

"Wait here."

The gatekeeper led Fang Zhixing into a spacious courtyard, then left on his own.

After waiting a short while, Fang Zhixing saw the rotund Luo Kegong approaching with a burly middle-aged man at his side.

"This humble one, Fang Zhixing, greets Village Chief Luo." Fang Zhixing enunciated clearly as he clasped his hands in salute.

"Mm, no need for formalities."

Luo Kegong casually waved a hand. He did not even give Fang Zhixing a proper look before asking, "Do you know the rules for applying to be my bodyguard?"

Fang Zhixing replied, "I've heard of them. You have a fierce general under your command. An applicant must last ten exchanges against him to qualify."

As soon as those words fell—

A proud look appeared on the burly middle-aged man's face, and he bared his teeth in a cold smile.

Clearly, he was that fierce general.

Luo Kegong nodded. "Then let's first see what you're capable of. If your skills are lacking and my subordinate injures you, you'll have only yourself to blame. You cannot resent anyone else."

Fang Zhixing quickly said, "This humble one understands."

The middle-aged man clasped his hands slightly and said, "I am Wang Yitong. I practice my family's Wang Family Inch Fist. Please enlighten me, brother."

Fang Zhixing assumed a stance and said seriously, "Please!"

Wang Yitong was unconcerned. Raising a hand, he crooked his fingers and said, "You first."

Fang Zhixing did not stand on ceremony. He lunged forward, using the Iron Mountain Sect's techniques as he threw a punch at Wang Yitong's upper body.

Wang Yitong shifted and dodged, evading the attacks one after another. He sneered, "Is that all?"

The moment the words left his mouth, Fang Zhixing's muscles swelled all over, twisting into a single cord. He suddenly accelerated at an angle—shoulder lowered, closing in, slamming forward!

Wang Yitong was startled. He raised both palms to block before his chest.

Explosive Technique: Inch Force!

Bang!

Wang Yitong was slammed backward, his feet scraping across the ground as he slid several meters away.

His hands burned with pain and trembled slightly.

Fang Zhixing also stopped, feeling a wave of numbness spread through his shoulder.

Just then, two explosive techniques had collided.

"Well now, you've mastered an explosive technique!"

Wang Yitong took a deep breath. The arrogance vanished from his face, replaced by grave seriousness.

Fang Zhixing clasped his hands. "You let me win."

By now, he had already gauged Wang Yitong's level: peak Force Unification Realm, not yet the Giant Python Realm.

After the enhancement from [Elite Shooter], Fang Zhixing's strength had surpassed the peak of the Force Unification Realm.

"What? You lost?"

Luo Kegong was greatly shocked, his face full of disbelief.

He knew that Wang Yitong was the third strongest person in the market town.

Other than Cheng Tian'en and Chen Yusheng, no one was stronger than Wang Yitong.

Wang Yitong looked somewhat embarrassed, his lips pressed tight. "This little brother looks quite young, yet his strength is extraordinarily great."

Luo Kegong laughed heartily. "Good, good, good! I've gained another expert!"

Fang Zhixing quickly said, "I am willing to serve you, sir."