Chapter 62: Chapter 62: Revealing One’s Edge

The ruffian was extremely fast and had a wealth of fighting experience. An ordinary person would never have been able to react in time. By the time they did, they’d probably already have taken a fist to the face.

At this moment, Chen Ping’an’s face was expressionless, showing no sign of panic.

’Of course not!’

’If he, a cultivator at the Qi Blood Third Layer, showed panic while dealing with an ordinary person, then something would be seriously wrong!’

However, Chen Ping’an had no intention of revealing his True Realm today.

It had only been a few days since he acquired the Public Door Thirteen Sabers. If he revealed his full strength now, it would be far too shocking.

’Hmm.’

’Revealing the level of Martial Arts Introduction should be about right.’

As Chen Ping’an made up his mind, the ruffian reached him and threw a punch straight at his head.

The fist was aimed right at his temple, the most vulnerable spot on the head. 𝗳𝐫𝚎𝗲𝚠𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝘃𝚎𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝗺

’He’s certainly experienced!’

’Too bad he’s too slow!’

Chen Ping’an swayed back slightly, dodging the man’s fist, and swung his right hand up in a smooth motion.

The ruffian’s punch met only air. While he was still stunned, a heavy blow struck his chin.

An excruciating jolt shot through his entire body!

But his rich fighting experience allowed him to grit his teeth through the pain and try to counterattack. Chen Ping’an gave him no such chance. His left fist followed up, landing a heavy punch on the man’s vulnerable ribs.

BAM!

The ruffian cried out in pain and fell heavily to the ground.

"What!"

The scene, which had unfolded in a flash, left Young Master Xiao Hu completely stunned.

He wasn’t the only one stunned; so were the Tiger Head Gang ruffians and the surrounding neighbors who had gathered to watch.

Chen Ping’an retracted his fist and stood calmly, just as before.

’If I had used the full force of my Qi Blood Third Layer, I might have killed that ruffian on the spot!’

But Chen Ping’an had held back on those last two punches.

Even so, the ruffian’s injuries were not light. He wouldn’t be getting out of bed for at least ten days to half a month.

His goal this time was to reveal a bit of his edge, so a light punishment was sufficient. There was no need for a fight to the death.

"Martial Arts Introduction!"

Young Master Xiao Hu was, after all, a martial arts expert at Qi Blood Second Realm Perfection. He identified Chen Ping’an’s martial arts level in a single glance.

Of course, this was exactly what Chen Ping’an wanted Young Master Xiao Hu to see.

"When did this happen?"

Young Master Xiao Hu’s heart shook. As far as he knew, this Chen Family’s kid was just an ordinary person, even if he was a temporary constable for the Garrison Commandant’s Office. Since when did he achieve Martial Arts Introduction?

"Though my position may be humble, I am still an official constable of the Nanquan Alley Town Patrol Office, with my name on the rolls. Young Master Xiao Hu, your man attacked me. In the heat of the moment, I struck a bit too hard. You don’t have a problem with that, do you?"

Young Master Xiao Hu barely heard the rest of what Chen Ping’an said. All his attention was focused on one key phrase.

"’On the rolls!’"

’When did that happen!?’

Young Master Xiao Hu didn’t even know what to say. In less than ten breaths of time, he had been shocked twice in a row.

First, the Martial Arts Introduction, then being registered with the Garrison Commandant’s Office!

’How long has it been? What kind of dumb luck did this kid stumble into to change so much?’

Achieving Martial Arts Introduction was one thing, but getting on the official rolls of the Garrison Commandant’s Office wasn’t something that talent alone could fast-track!

Of the more than one hundred constables in the Nanquan Alley Town Patrol Office, the vast majority were un-registered temporary constables. How many of them had muddled through most of their lives only to remain temporary constables in the end?

’This Chen Family’s kid is on the rolls?’

’He must be bluffing, right?’

With this thought, a trace of suspicion arose in Young Master Xiao Hu’s heart, and he looked at Chen Ping’an doubtfully.

"You’re an official constable?"

"Whether I’m on the rolls or not is something Young Master Xiao Hu can find out with a single inquiry. There’s no need for me to lie about such matters."

Chen Ping’an smiled faintly, his face full of confidence.

Chen Ping’an’s calm expression and demeanor completely dispelled the last bit of doubt in Young Master Xiao Hu’s mind. Once his suspicion vanished, Young Master Xiao Hu found himself in a dilemma.

’This...’

With things as they were, and with so many neighbors from Pear Blossom Lane watching, he was stuck between a rock and a hard place.

Under the heavy pressure of the Garrison Commandant’s Office, he wouldn’t dare attack a registered, official constable in public, no matter how bold he was!

It had nothing to do with strength, only status!

If he really did attack an official constable, things would blow up. Attacking an official constable was an entirely different concept from attacking a temporary one.

If he attacked a temporary constable, he could use his connections and a few bribes to smooth things over. But an official constable...

If an official constable was bullied for no reason while on duty, their superiors would definitely step in, even if the Head Constable above disliked the constable personally!

There was no other reason. An official constable represented the face of the Garrison Commandant’s Office! The Garrison Commandant’s Office was always the one to make others lose face; how could they allow someone else to make them lose face?

The more he thought about it, the more hesitant Young Master Xiao Hu became.

’My strength is far greater than this Chen Family’s kid. But I can’t act rashly for fear of the consequences. Fighting is no longer an option!’

’But to just retreat like this? With so many neighbors from Pear Blossom Lane watching, how could I keep my dignity!’

’My dignity is a small matter, but the rules of the Tiger Head Gang are a big one!’

’Today, if a Head Constable had shown up, I could have retreated and it would have been justifiable to any onlookers. But just an official constable... while the current situation makes me hesitate, his status alone isn’t enough to make me back down completely!’

’I can’t fight, but I can’t just retreat yet either!’

’What should I do?’

Young Master Xiao Hu’s thoughts raced.

"Young Master Xiao Hu, everyone understands the rules of the Tiger Head Gang. For so many years, no one has broken them. It’s just that I have my duties, so I must ask you not to make things difficult for me."

Seeing Young Master Xiao Hu’s hesitation, Chen Ping’an gave him a way out.

’To live well in this world, sometimes you have to rely on social graces. At least, that’s how it is before your strength is great enough to crush everyone.’

Hearing this, Young Master Xiao Hu put on a thoughtful expression, but inwardly he breathed a huge sigh of relief, silently giving the Chen Family’s kid a massive thumbs-up.

’This Chen Family’s kid really knows how to handle people!’

"Since you’ve put it that way, I’ll give the Garrison Commandant’s Office some face!" Young Master Xiao Hu said slowly, putting on an air of authority.

"Old Gao, normally this matter wouldn’t be settled so easily! But this time, Constable Chen has stepped in for you. We’ll all give him some face. With these household goods and this bracelet, I’ll consider your twenty taels of silver cleared! You’d better thank Constable Chen properly!"

With that, Young Master Xiao Hu waved his hand.

"Grab the stuff, let’s go!"

"Yes, Young Master Xiao Hu."

Two ruffians helped the collapsed man to his feet. The other thugs gathered the bags, chairs, and benches, and the whole group followed Young Master Xiao Hu as he left.

’This Young Master Xiao Hu is adaptable; he’s got something to him. As expected, no one who makes a name for themselves on the streets is a simple character.’

Chen Ping’an watched Young Master Xiao Hu leave, deep in thought. At the same time, he truly felt the benefits his new status as an official constable brought him.

This was just as an official constable. What if he were a Head Constable?

How much more prestige would that bring!

Glancing at Old Gao, who was thanking him profusely, and the wailing woman beside him, Chen Ping’an turned around.

’There is, however, one more matter to settle!’

"Uncle Pan, Aunt Pan, from what I just heard you say, it seems you have quite a problem with me?"

Chen Ping’an walked over to stand before Old Pan and his wife, asking slowly. His eyes were fixed on the two of them, like a predator staring at its prey.

...

P.S. As the title says.

I’ve successfully revived, so exciting~

The great curtain will also be pulled back bit by bit~ This world is still very large~

The protagonist will definitely have a great time later on~ Please let him get his cool moments bit by bit~

Don’t ask about the future, take it slow, no need to rush (talking to myself!)