In the world of martial arts, grind your skill level to become a saint.

"Brother Su, you know I've been restless these past few days, unable to eat or sleep. A handsome young man like me has now been reduced to selling myself to save my business..."

Inside the Zhou residence, in a quiet and elegant courtyard, Zhou Zhengtang drank the wine in his hand and sighed deeply.

"I've heard that the young lady of the Ren family is incredibly beautiful and talented. Brother Zhou is truly blessed this time. Why are you so worried?"

Su Hao sat opposite him, put down his wine glass, and smiled.

He rushed over here, thinking that Zhou Zhengtang wanted to see him about something.

Unexpectedly, the other party immediately had his servants prepare wine and food that very night, and then began to "complain" to him.

"That's just hearsay; you've never seen her..." Zhou Zhengtang shook his head. "I saw her once when I went to the Ren family to propose marriage, and her appearance..."

"How is it?" Su Hao asked, somewhat suspiciously.

Could the rumors be false?

In this world, some daughters of wealthy families rarely appear in public to enhance their reputation. They even deliberately spread rumors to raise their status and marry into a good family, hoping to snag a rich husband.

Su Hao couldn't help but think of this.

"While she wasn't a celestial being, she was still stunning at first glance, but it's a shame it didn't suit me..."

Zhou Zhengtang began to wail.

"Believe it or not, I might spread this around someday?" Su Hao said calmly as he saw the other party start again.

"No, please!" Zhou Zhengtang quickly waved his hands, his face showing a bitter expression. "Just think about how after I get married, I won't have much time to go out and fool around with you anymore. You can vent your frustrations now..."

What does it mean to go out and fool around with me?

Su Hao was speechless, feeling a slight itch in his fists.

It turns out this guy not only came to show off his wife tonight, but also put a huge accusation on him.

If people talk about it in the future, they can say that it was Su Hao who led Zhou Zhengtang astray.

"By the way... are you really alright?"

Zhou Zhengtang shook his head, not having much time to waste arguing with this guy.

He asked with a somewhat serious expression.

Zhou Zhengtang suddenly arranged a marriage with the Ren family pharmacy in Ishibashi-cho, and coincidentally, he had been hearing that the other party was busy with family affairs.

Su Hao suspected that the Zhou family might have encountered some trouble.

Otherwise, why would this marriage alliance happen so suddenly?

Su Hao had asked Zhou Zhengtang before, and Zhou Zhengtang had said it was nothing.

But Su Hao didn't believe that the other party was simply inviting him over for a drink.

"Don't worry, it's normal for family businesses to have some minor setbacks. It'll be fine in a while!"

Zhou Zhengtang waved his hand, but seeing that Su Hao didn't seem to believe him and kept staring at him, he felt somewhat helpless.

"Actually, there's something I need to tell you. The reward for guarding missions in the future will mostly be rice, noodles, cooking oil, and dried meat. Recently, my Zhou family suffered heavy losses in a mission outside the city, which has affected our business as well."

Zhou Zhengtang didn't want to tell Su Hao these things, as it would be embarrassing.

However, these matters are not entirely up to him, since the monthly salary paid to Su Hao for his temporary post must go through the accounts.

"So that's how it is..."

Su Hao seemed to be deep in thought.

However, judging from Zhou Zhengtang's appearance, it seems that the Zhou family has suffered a considerable loss this time.

Otherwise, there would be no way to replace the compensation with something else.

This must be because the financial chain was damaged.

Moreover, the marriage between Zhou Zhengtang and the Ren family is most likely related to these people.

After all, the Ren family in Ishibashi Town is also a major producer of medicinal herbs, so the two sides can be considered to be in a strong alliance!

"I'm fine with anything, Brother Zhou, you don't need to be so polite, we're brothers after all."

Su Hao didn't hesitate and responded directly.

Although he received less pay, it didn't affect his plans.

Moreover, with his current savings, it should be enough for his needs in his spiritual practice in the near future.

If all else fails, slowing down the pace of cultivation for a period of time is also an option.

After chatting for a while, Su Hao left the Zhou residence and returned to his home.

These days, Zhou Zhengtang is a very busy man. He not only has to take care of his business, but also has to prepare for his wedding in a few days. Naturally, he has no time to entertain him.

Su Hao was also self-aware and did not linger to disturb him.

"Looks like I'll have to go to the boxing academy tomorrow. I wonder if Master Liu has seen that letter..."

Su Hao sat on the bluestone floor in the courtyard, lost in thought.

He was at the Zhou residence when he happened to run into some of Zhou Zhengtang's spies who came to deliver intelligence and information.

These intelligence reports and messages naturally mentioned that Commander Liu had already returned.

These days, because of what Su Hao had said about Master Liu, he had been arranging for people to keep watch near the boxing academy and to investigate Master Liu's current whereabouts.

So after Liu Shi returned, these people immediately sent over the intelligence.

Su Hao felt relieved upon hearing this news.

At least Master Liu is back, so he can get the recipe for the Eight Treasures Soup needed for his subsequent cultivation.

Without this, it's unknown how long it would take to break through the Qi and Blood Transformation and reach the Three Blood Realm.

Fortunately, he is currently well-off and has just caught up with the schedule at this time.

Besides the matter of the Eight Treasures Soup, Su Hao was also considering how to answer the most reasonable question if he met Master Liu tomorrow and the Master asked about Liu Jun.

I had sent a letter to the other party before, and I sent one again this time. Both of these events were related to Liu Jun.

Won't this arouse suspicion from the other party?

Regardless of the circumstances, I only did what I was supposed to do. As for whether to believe it or not, and whether the matter is true or false, Master Liu should be able to make his own judgment.

With this in mind, Su Hao composed himself and continued practicing the Crimson Blood Palm.

the next day.

Su Hao first went to Blackwater Street and handed over the fine iron weapons that had been agreed upon to him to the Mi Gang.

Then the two parties agreed on the next delivery time. Su Hao stayed at the blacksmith shop until noon. Seeing that there was not much business, he closed the shop and went to the boxing gym.

Now, due to the new policies, the imperial court has increased taxes, affecting all walks of life. In addition, gangs, vagrants, and thieves are rampant, and power struggles are frequent. The entire Yanshan City seems to have fallen into chaos and desolation.

Even Su Hao's blacksmith shop saw a decrease in business compared to before.

It was only because of his excellent craftsmanship that he was able to barely keep the shop afloat in such circumstances, since the other blacksmith shops on the street and the medicine street had already closed down.

Now, his blacksmith shop is the only one still open on the entire Blackwater Street.

Upon arriving at the boxing gym, Su Hao first looked towards the spot where Master Liu had been staying.

He felt somewhat helpless when he didn't see the other person.

Just as he was about to continue his cultivation, a new disciple came over and told him that Master Liu was waiting for him in the backyard.

Su Hao nodded upon hearing this, thanked him, and then went to the backyard.

It seems that Master Liu must have already read the letter.

Otherwise, they wouldn't have made me go to him in this way.

Today, Su Hao did not see Tang Huang and the others.

For some reason, no one came to the boxing gym today.