Chapter 25: Entering the World to Exit the World
\nFor seven days, Zuo Meng wandered the small town until his initial curiosity faded.
\n“This body’s truly feeble.”
\nHe rose from bed. Even in the Dream World, one could sleep and rest like living another life.
\n“The boxing techniques from the boxing hall won’t help. A scholar’s constitution can’t handle such training.”
\nHis earlier visit to the boxing hall wasn’t idle wandering – he’d sought body-strengthening methods, but their drills clearly didn’t suit his current form.
\n“No silver left. Even eating’s become difficult.”
\nHis cousin’s provisions had run out days ago. Though he’d “borrowed” food several times, the Taichu Immortal Ancestor couldn’t keep begging. The creator of Wan Fa needed proper solutions.
\n“First solve the silver problem. My real world martial arts can gradually strengthen this body.”
\nAs a failed scholar from impoverished roots – mere licentiate with no prospects – survival proved challenging.
\nBut Zuo Meng wasn’t truly Xue Chuan. On the eighth day, he charmed a local tycoon with otherworldly wisdom, swindling enough silver to open a shop. The tycoon even considered him a High Person, visiting regularly without suspecting deceit.
\n“Finally operational.”
\nHis combined calligraphy shop and kingfisher pet store earned modestly but steadily. When his cousin – now Wang Yuanwai’s concubine – visited, she sighed in relief at his stability. Even her maid approved; the old Xue Chuan would’ve deemed trade beneath him.
\nZuo Meng kept interactions brief – she was another’s wife now. With Wang Yuanwai’s first wife recently deceased, his cousin’s position had improved. Intervention was unnecessary… and impossible, given Wang’s servants could overpower him tenfold.
\nDays passed uneventfully.
\nHalf-month later…
\nZuo Meng lounged eyes-closed in his shop. Business received minimal attention – most focus remained on martial arts and Transcendent breakthroughs.
\n“How adorable this kingfisher is!”
\nA green-skirted girl entered.
\nSixteen-year-old Zhi Hua came from Suzhou fabric shop owners – comfortable but not wealthy. Rare for feudal times, her parents cherished their daughter, educating her alongside boys.
\nShe frequented poetry gatherings and painting exhibitions until today’s canceled event brought her shopping. The vibrant bird caught her eye immediately.
\n“Shopkeeper, what’s the price?”
\nZhi Hua stood transfixed.
\n“Not selling.”
\nZuo Meng didn’t open his eyes.
\nHe ran business whimsically. Having earned this month’s keep through selling a feng shui painting to his tycoon patron, extra profits meant nothing. Internal energy cultivation took priority over customers.
\n“Not selling?”
\nZhi Hua blinked in disbelief.
\nComing from merchants, she’d never seen such service. Confirming his dismissiveness, she huffed out.
\n“He’ll starve running shop like this!”
\nShe cursed silently while leaving.
\nBut trouble finds the unwary. Within minutes, three men entered.
\n“Closed. Go elsewhere.”
\nZuo Meng waved without looking.
\n“Oho, putting on airs!”
\n“Scholar Xue, your pawnshop loan’s due.”
\nThese “travelers” from the usury den weren’t simple folk – local gangsters playing both legal and illegal games.
\n“Debt?”
\nZuo Meng’s concentration broke.
\nXue Chuan’s memories surfaced – 200 taels borrowed for imperial exams, now 280 with interest.
\n“600 taels. Pay now or forfeit shop.”
\nThe Tall, thin man Wang San glared. His thugs cracked knuckles.
\n“You demand repayment of skillfully borrowed silver?”
\nZuo Meng stood. His days practicing real world martial arts sufficed against small thugs. Young Hero Zuo built his legend through unpaid ventures – repayment wasn’t in his nature.
\nThe lenders gaped.
\nSince when did debtors act so bold?
\n“Needs beating!”
\n“Old Hua, rough him up before dragging to magistrate!” Wang San eyed the shop greedily. Tough customers always yielded after thrashings. With written contracts, he feared no court.
\n“Why complicate simple matters?”
\nZuo Meng hefted a jar from the counter – perfect weight. Though barely trained, tools helped.
\nCRASH!
\nThe jar exploded across Old Hua’s skull. The lead thug collapsed, legs twitching.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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