In the moonlight, Zhong Lin held a thief who had just climbed over the wall, his right hand clutching the man’s neck.
Fear filled the thief’s eyes, and though he wanted to beg for mercy, his choked throat could only manage muffled sounds.
"It’s getting more chaotic!"
Zhong Lin sighed, his fingers exerting force. With a crack, the life in the thief’s eyes faded away.
Zhong Lin glanced at the short knife at the thief’s waist, murmuring in a cold, barely audible voice, "Who brings a knife to steal? Leave it behind in your next life."
Zhong Lin wouldn’t be so ruthless with petty thieves, considering they’re only trying to survive. But carrying a knife was different—it’s not burglary, it’s robbery, and the penalties differ drastically.
He leapt up, grabbing the thief’s body, disappearing into the courtyard, and found a hidden spot to dispose of it, unconcerned about being traced back.
The county government was already in chaos, barely functioning, let alone investigating any crimes.
When Zhong Lin returned to the courtyard, a shadow stood in the yard, startling him as he thought it was another thief, ready to engage.
"Old Xu, why are you up so late at night?"
It was Xu Le, Old Xu, standing in the courtyard.
"I heard noises outside and got up to check. What happened?" Old Xu frowned.
"Nothing, just a small thief. I got rid of him."
"Thank you, Zhong Lin."
"Oh, don’t get sentimental on me, just go rest!"
Under the sun, golden light spilled across the courtyard, a few lazy leaves drifting down from above, casting dappled shadows in harmony with the sunlight.
In the kitchen, Old Lady Xu was busy cooking for everyone.
In the study, Old Xu held a ruler, looking "fierce" as he supervised Xiuger’s and Little Stone’s reading and writing.
Zhong Lin sat in the front room, guarding the door, while flipping through medical books, occasionally listening to the sounds outside.
Without practicing the Blood Coagulation Technique to cultivate in martial arts, Zhong Lin didn’t stay idle, taking the opportunity to study medical books.
Skills: Iron Mountain Skill (Full Level), Black Tiger Fist (Full Level)
Techniques: Iron Sand Palm (Full Level), Rolling Stone Fist (Full Level), Bow Technique (Full Level), Flying Locust Stone (Full Level), Willow Catkins (Full Level), Wind-breaking Saber Technique (Full Level), Instant Kill Skill (Full Level), Concealing Breath Skill (Full Level), Seeking Breath Skill (Full Level)
Miscellaneous: 3D Art (Full Level), Calligraphy (Full Level), Culinary Skill (Full Level), Medical Skill (Full Level), Pharmaceutical Technology (Full Level), Disguise Skill (Full Level), Oral Skill (Full Level), Lock Opening (Full Level)
The system panel changed slightly because Zhong Lin complained about the disorganized skills, resulting in this new format.
It’s divided into three major categories: "Skills, Techniques, Miscellaneous."
"Skills" can be understood as cultivation techniques; Zhong Lin currently practices Iron Mountain Skill and Black Tiger Fist as martial arts skills.
"Techniques" include various martial arts moves, weapon handling, and special abilities.
"Miscellaneous" is more chaotic, encompassing calligraphy, art skills, medical skill, and oral skill in this range.
Although still somewhat chaotic, it’s a bit better than before.
Zhong Lin rubbed his chin, "So this dumb system has some intelligence, just not much."
Old Lady Xu’s loud call drew everyone’s attention.
Little Stone and Xiuger darted out, leaving Old Xu shouting in the study.
Zhong Lin also closed the system panel, set aside his book, and walked toward the inner hall with a smile.
The aroma of food filled the courtyard. Though not family, the five of them shared a sense of peace and tranquility.
However, compared to the courtyard’s serenity, chaos outside had intensified.
As the defending Guard Army in the city faced defeat, the chaotic army led by Guo Yanhuai approached Black Mountain County.
Disorder in the city worsened with undercover agents spreading rumors, and some gangsters causing further trouble.
The war hadn’t started, yet Black Mountain County was already descending into chaos.
The petty thief from yesterday wasn’t an isolated case; some even climbed over walls in broad daylight, only to be thrown out by Zhong Lin after having their limbs broken.
Daytime wasn’t suitable for killing, otherwise these acts would make survival impossible.
Three more days passed, bringing explosive news.
The chaotic army surrounded the city.
The county magistrate ordered the gates closed tight and the government office to urgently mobilize, demanding all officials and arrest officers to patrol and suppress unlawful acts with severe measures.
Zhong Lin, merely an artist, wasn’t within the scope of conscription.
Old Xu managed to suppress his panic, patting his wife’s hand, speaking deeply, "Zhong Lin, are we really going to be okay?"
Old Lady Xu also looked anxiously at Zhong Lin; at this moment, he was their pillar.
Zhong Lin nodded, "Relax, we’ve prepared well enough. There’s silver coin, no shortage of food, and we’re armed."
"Even if the chaotic army breaches the city, during the most chaotic times, those wishing to capitalize wouldn’t lose their minds targeting ordinary households like ours. Wouldn’t it be better to rob pawnshops, banks, or wealthy families?"
"And if they do come, it’s mostly chaotic soldiers or gangsters, mere rabble."
Zhong Lin spoke the truth. With his cultivation of Seventh Grade Bone Forging Realm, he possessed immense strength, enough to be a formidable warrior on the battlefield, easily handling a few chaotic soldiers or gangsters.
When the time comes, he’ll hide Little Stone and others in the cellar, leaving him with no worries. Few foes he can kill outright, more he can outrun.
"Old Xu, did you gather the materials I asked for?" Zhong Lin turned to ask.
Old Xu nodded, "Yes, I went to several pharmacies and called on old friends, finally gathering everything you needed."
Speaking, Old Xu entered a room and retrieved a palm-sized porcelain bottle, contents unknown.
Zhong Lin’s eyes showed a hint of joy as he accepted the bottle, satisfied.
This is why Zhong Lin cooperated with Old Xu—because the old man had extensive connections!
With Zhong Lin’s current medical skill, he’s surpassed Old Xu, easily able to concoct all sorts of medicines, including Eight Treasures Blood Building Soup.
But some things can’t be achieved by skill alone; making medicines requires materials, and without them, no skill matters.
Take Eight Treasures Blood Building Soup for example. It would take forever for Zhong Lin to buy and gather the necessary herbs, but Old Xu is different. Even with the Black Mountain County’s restrictions on herb purchases, the old man effortlessly found a way.