Becoming a Saint From the Iron Armor Skill-Chapter 72 - 67: Huge Harvest

’If she had recognized his potential a few months ago and provided Chen Cheng with some Martial Arts Resources, she likely could have recruited him to serve the Luo Family.’

’But times were different now. Chen Cheng’s Martial Dao cultivation had reached an initial level of success, and he had been promoted to an official constable in the City Guard Department. It would be inappropriate for her to bring up recruitment again, so she could only settle for the next best thing: hiring Chen Cheng as a Tributor for Luo’s Shop.’

Chen Cheng knew a little about being a Tributor. It was nothing more than stepping in to help the owner when they were in trouble, doing whatever he could.

Although he was an official constable of the City Guard Department and held an official position, he was still allowed to do this.

It was not uncommon for Officials from the City Guard Department to secretly protect merchants.

However, prominent families typically looked down on ordinary constables. Meanwhile, powerful Chief Constables like Liu Yunfeng, with their formidable Martial Arts Power, mostly aligned themselves with the great clans, secretly protecting their assets. In essence, this was no different from being a Tributor.

Luo’s Shop was a legitimate business, and this Shopkeeper was Mr. Zheng’s wife. There was naturally no problem with becoming their Tributor.

’However, I need to focus on cultivating the Martial Dao. It wouldn’t be realistic to spend all my time fighting and killing for others as a hired thug.’

After a moment of thought, Chen Cheng asked seriously, "Shopkeeper Luo, may I ask what I would need to do as a Tributor for your esteemed shop?"

Seeing how thorough Chen Cheng’s thinking was, Luo Yunzhi praised him silently.

’When a major power like Luo’s Shop hired a Tributor, most people would probably agree without a second thought. If Chen Cheng had acted that way, a person of her caliber would have inevitably looked down on him.’

"It’s very simple. If you, Young Master Chen, can cultivate to the Skin Grinding Realm Perfection in the future, I ask only that you do your utmost to help the Luo Family when we are in trouble," Luo Yunzhi said seriously, her gaze intense.

Seeing Chen Cheng fall silent in contemplation, Luo Yunzhi added, "Of course, as a Tributor for Luo’s Shop, you will receive a monthly stipend of thirty taels of silver. Furthermore, you will be able to purchase all goods at Luo’s Shop for half price."

Chen Cheng’s eyes lit up. A monthly stipend of this much silver was undoubtedly a godsend!

However, he wasn’t going to agree rashly. He thought for a moment and said, "Since Shopkeeper Luo has shown me such favor, I can agree. However, I can only promise to do my best. If my life is in danger, I must prioritize my own survival."

"Young Master Chen is indeed a straightforward man!" Luo Yunzhi praised. She wasn’t displeased that he prioritized his own life; on the contrary, his candor made her think even more highly of him.

’In these chaotic times, who doesn’t cherish their own life? The so-called "a gentleman dies for one who knows him" is nothing but empty talk. When it’s truly a matter of life and death, you can’t even rely on your own family members, let alone guards and servants.’

Luo Yunzhi raised her hand, and Qian Bin quickly came forward and presented a booklet.

"Young Master Chen, this is a token of Luo’s Shop’s sincerity. Please accept it."

"A property deed!" Chen Cheng took the booklet and glanced at it, his heart jolting in surprise once more.

Inside the booklet was the deed to a residence—a two-courtyard manor located near the center of the Ruyi District, worth at least two hundred taels of silver on the market.

...

After leaving Luo’s Shop, Chen Cheng walked down the street with the deed to the two-courtyard manor and three gold coins tucked away, still in a state of disbelief. It all felt like a dream.

The gains from this visit were truly enormous, far exceeding his expectations.

In addition to the Tributor position and the manor, Luo Yunzhi had also offered him a spot to train at the Luo Family’s Martial Arts Hall in the Inner City.

At the Luo Martial Arts Hall, male and female disciples trained separately. All disciples were provided with ample Martial Arts Resources and were protected by the Luo Family’s experts, ensuring their safety.

It was clear Luo Yunzhi had already investigated him. Everything she offered seemed tailor-made for him.

As his Martial Arts Power grew, a clash with the great clans was inevitable. Chen Cheng’s biggest worry had always been Mu Xiaowan’s safety, and Luo Yunzhi had undoubtedly seen this, turning Chen Cheng and the Luo Family into a community with shared interests.

Ultimately, in choosing the Luo Family, Chen Cheng was also choosing the Zheng Martial Arts Hall.

According to rumor, Mr. Zheng had come from a Humble Family yet was extraordinarily gifted. With his Bone Forging Realm power, he had dominated Linji City, punching far above his weight, and had always refused to align with the Four Great Clans.

’Life probably isn’t easy for such a brilliant figure. The road ahead is sure to be difficult!’

’If it’s a blessing, it’s not a curse, and if it’s a curse, there’s no escaping it,’ Chen Cheng thought to himself.