Chapter 71 - 67: Massive Harvest

The Zhou Family is likely one of them. Lord Shen is responsible for monitoring the Zhou Family, and he will only make a move once the Demon Suppression Department has located the Black Lotus Sect’s headquarters.

If we expose Zhou Fang’s identity as a member of the Black Lotus Sect today, I’m afraid it will tip them off and hinder any further investigation.

This matter is of great importance. Only those we trust know the full story, so you must keep it strictly confidential and not let it get out."

"Yes," Chen Cheng replied solemnly, then immediately grew worried about his own situation. "Mr. Liu, if the Zhou Family is involved with the Black Lotus Sect, I’m afraid they’ll disregard the Shen Family and come after me."

Liu Yunfeng said, "Don’t worry. We already have people in place monitoring the Zhou Family’s every move. If they do anything out of the ordinary, it won’t escape our notice.

If the Zhou Family dares to make a move, it will give us the perfect pretext to eradicate them. Zhou Xu would never be so foolish."

"Thank you, Mr. Liu," Chen Cheng said, cupping his fists.

Liu Yunfeng said, "Since you now know about the Black Lotus Sect, you’ll need to do your part. Secretly investigate their movements.

You just went through a major battle during the assessment, so you must be physically and mentally exhausted. Go home and rest for today. Come back for duty tomorrow, and I’ll assign you a task."

"Yes." Chen Cheng acknowledged the order. He left Liu Yunfeng’s quarters, stopped by the constables’ lounge to retrieve the Long Saber and clothes he had changed out of, and then headed out of the City Guard Department’s Government Office Hall.

Just as he stepped out of the entrance to the Government Office Hall, he saw Qian Bin, the steward from Luo’s Shop, approaching with a wide smile.

"Little Bro... Ahem, Younger Brother Chen, long time no see." Qian Bin had meant to call him Little Brother Chen, but thinking better of it, he corrected himself to Younger Brother Chen.

"Brother Qian, did you need to see me about something?" Chen Cheng asked. Clearly, Qian Bin wasn’t waiting here just to exchange pleasantries.

Qian Bin smiled. "Our Shopkeeper would like to invite you to stop by the Luo’s Shop, Younger Brother Chen. She has an important matter to discuss. I was wondering if you might be available?"

"Your shopkeeper?" Chen Cheng hesitated for a moment. ’What could the shopkeeper of Luo’s Shop want with me?’

Qian Bin chuckled. "Younger Brother Chen, our shopkeeper said this matter will only benefit you. You might not know this, but our shopkeeper is the younger sister of the Luo Family Patriarch, and also the wife of Mr. Zheng from the Inner City Zheng Martial Arts Hall."

"You mean to say your shopkeeper is the wife of Mr. Zheng... Zheng Hun?" Chen Cheng was inwardly stunned, but also puzzled.

’Mr. Zheng Hun is the leading figure in Linji City’s Martial Arts Realm. Wouldn’t his wife be some lofty, important person? Why would she be working as a simple shopkeeper at the Ruyi District branch of Luo’s Shop?’

Sensing Chen Cheng’s confusion, Qian Bin chuckled. "Our shopkeeper has never been one to sit idle. She helps the Luo Family manage the shops in her spare time."

"Since that’s the case, then I’ll trouble you to lead the way, Brother Qian," Chen Cheng said, cupping his fists.

The Ruyi District branch of Luo’s Shop wasn’t far from the City Guard Department. Before long, the two of them arrived at the shop, went straight to the second floor, and stopped in front of a room.

Qian Bin knocked gently on the door. "Shopkeeper, Younger Brother Chen has arrived."

"Come in."

Qian Bin pushed open the door and led Chen Cheng inside.

The room was elegantly furnished. Sandalwood incense burned on a table, filling the air with a faint, pleasant fragrance and creating a remarkably comfortable atmosphere.

Hearing the footsteps, a graceful woman in a green dress who had been standing by the window slowly turned. A gentle smile graced her beautiful face.

On the way over, Chen Cheng had learned from Qian Bin that the shopkeeper of the Ruyi District branch of Luo’s Shop was named Luo Yunzhi. This beautiful woman must be her.

He had seen Luo Yunzhi from a distance once, several months ago. She had been standing by this very window then as well. Chen Cheng was a little surprised. ’She looks to be around thirty, but rumor has it that Mr. Zheng is over fifty.’

"I am Luo Yunzhi, Young Master Chen," she said with a radiant smile and a slight bow.

"I am Chen Cheng. A pleasure to meet you, Shopkeeper Luo!" Chen Cheng quickly cupped his fists and spoke with solemnity. ’I plan to join the Zheng Martial Arts Hall in the future, which means this woman will likely be my master’s wife. I’d better be on my best behavior.’

"Please, sit, Young Master Chen." Luo Yunzhi raised a fair hand, gesturing toward the mahogany chair beside the tea table.

Chen Cheng quickly said, "After you, Shopkeeper Luo."

Luo Yunzhi didn’t stand on ceremony and took a seat in the other chair, after which Chen Cheng sat down.

Qian Bin took the teapot from a serving girl, attentively poured hot tea into the cups in front of the two, then bowed and stood off to the side.

"Please, have some tea, Young Master Chen," Luo Yunzhi said with a smile.

Chen Cheng didn’t stand on ceremony. He’d been busy all morning and was genuinely thirsty, so he picked up the teacup and downed it in one go.

Seeing him drink so hastily, Luo Yunzhi seemed a bit surprised. She gestured for Qian Bin to refill the cup, then smiled faintly and took a delicate sip of her own tea, covering her mouth with her sleeve.

"Steward Qian mentioned before that Young Master Chen is a straightforward and decisive person. Today, I’ve seen it for myself."

"My apologies, Shopkeeper Luo," Chen Cheng replied with a chuckle. He then straightened his posture, waiting for her to continue.

The handsome young man before her was calm and composed. His expression and manners were humble and polite, poised and dignified—a stark contrast to the fierce and ruthless figure she saw on the City Guard Department’s training grounds.

Luo Yunzhi’s beautiful eyes glinted with interest as she marveled inwardly. After all, just a few months ago, she had clearly seen this same young man looking so cautious and awkward.

’I’ve met Chen Cheng three times now, and he’s given me a different impression each time. This boy is truly remarkable. An aura like this... he might even rival my husband in his prime!’

This was the third time today someone had given Chen Cheng a strange look, so he was completely unfazed by it now. He simply sat there calmly, waiting for Luo Yunzhi to speak.

’This beautiful woman is the wife of a top-tier Martial Dao expert. She’s probably not going to try to play matchmaker. I should be safe on that front, at least.’

"Young Master Chen, would you be willing to become a Tributor for Luo’s Shop?" Luo Yunzhi asked with a smile.