Chapter 41: Six Consecutive Slashes

Hearing Chen Sao's words, Jiang Cheng felt deeply moved.

But Chen Sao doesn't earn money easily, and moreover, what he lacks is not a small sum.

"Chen Sao, there's no need to be in such a hurry; just go ahead and purchase a Senior Member."

He laughed and said, "After buying an Ordinary Member, you won't have to worry about being robbed on the way back; even if you encounter members of the Wild Wolf Gang, they won't do anything to me."

"So that means there's still a three-thousand-yuan shortfall?"

Chen Sao, as if she hadn't heard, continued speaking to herself.

"Alright, wait here; Chen Sao will go back right now and get the money for you."

"Hey! Chen Sao!"

Jiang Cheng startled, quickly rose, and grabbed her firmly.

"Chen Sao, I'm really not deceiving you; an Ordinary Member is enough, and to become a Senior Member you just need to pay the remaining balance later. With my current earnings, I can definitely gather the amount before the end of the month."

"Indeed, Chen Sao, you've helped us so many times; this time you really don't have to," the Old Man also urged.

Three thousand yuan is truly not a small amount.

"Xiao Cheng, since you said you can gather the remaining three thousand before the end of the month, I'll give you the three thousand now; you go straight to purchase the Senior Member in one step—wouldn't that be better?"

Chen Sao asked back.

"This…"

Jiang Cheng was at a loss for words.

Because, indeed, that's the reasoning.

But…

"I know what you're worried about; don't worry," Chen Sao continued, "I've saved some money over the years, and even if I lend you this three thousand, it won't affect my life with Xiao Yue. Besides, you'll repay it in a few days, so what is there to worry about? Or perhaps you don't trust Chen Sao?"

"No, no, Chen Sao, how could I possibly not trust you?"

Jiang Cheng released his grip, his expression helpless.

"Grandma and I have already troubled you so much; asking you for help again makes us feel uneasy."

"What's the problem? Our families have shared decades of friendship; helping each other is only natural, right?"

Chen Sao smiled faintly, "I'll be back in a moment."

After speaking, she turned and walked out of the house, heading toward her own home.

"Chen Sao is a good person."

The Old Man's face was full of emotion.

Three thousand yuan—lend it the moment it's asked.

In this world, it's unlikely they'll ever find another person as kind to them as this.

"Indeed."

Jiang Cheng didn't know what to say either.

He told Chen Sao about this just to inform her, without intending to borrow money, yet ended up owing a favor.

Upon careful reflection, his repayment on this side was merely a pound of pork and a pound of eggs from last night.

"I still need to earn more; by next month, things will be much better," Jiang Cheng thought to himself.

"Xiao Cheng."

At that moment, the Old Man asked anxiously, "Is that Senior Member really that powerful? If you buy it, you won't have to pay the Wild Wolf Gang anymore?"

"Yes, Grandma, the martial arts schools on the street—gangs are afraid when they see them," Jiang Cheng explained.

"That's good."

The Old Man nodded, though his heart still felt uneasy.

The main issue is five thousand; that amount is too large.

Not to mention the three thousand among it, which is borrowed.

She feared Jiang Cheng might encounter a swindler, but knowing even Chen Sao approved the decision eased her considerably.

In less than three minutes, footsteps sounded outside the house.

Chen Sao went out and returned. After coming in, she carefully closed the door, then took a handkerchief from her pocket, unfolded it, and revealed a stack of banknotes.

"Xiao Cheng, here's three thousand; count it."

"No need, I trust Chen Sao," Jiang Cheng hurriedly said.

"It's not a matter of trust; if I miscount and you're short by a hundred or two, what will you do?" Chen Sao urged.

"Alright."

Jiang Cheng had to tally it.

Not more, not less—exactly three thousand yuan.

"That's enough, right? If it's not enough, tell me."

"Enough, enough."

Jiang Cheng, frightened, kept nodding, "I've saved two thousand these past days; with your three thousand, that's exactly five thousand."

"That's good then."

Chen Sao finally smiled, "If you can buy the Senior Member, then buy it—getting it in one go is great. By the end of the month, you won't have to pay the management fee or the Stall Fee, and you won't worry about robberies on the way back. Grandma and I will be much more at ease. Keep the money for now; after breakfast, go ahead."

"I'll go after more people arrive; it's only just past seven now," Jiang Cheng glanced at the time.

"Alright, on the way hide the money, keep your expression natural, don't let anyone notice," Chen Sao instructed.

"Mm."

Jiang Cheng replied.

After breakfast, Jiang Cheng rested a while, then resumed practicing Double Staff.

Time passed little by little, and as it neared nine o'clock, the Double Staff skill rose to Proficient.

At this moment, a flood of memories resurfaced in his mind, and this Double Staff seemed to have been practiced for a year.

The previously simple combos, such as four consecutive downward chops, already felt immensely Proficient to him, swinging like a windmill.

At the same time, he also learned more complex technique combos.

For example, the closed stance six downward chops.

The earlier four downward chops used an open stance as the preparatory posture.

This time, the preparatory posture is a closed stance, just like wielding nunchaku, hiding one staff under the armpit.

First, the right hand performs a Straight Chop, placed at the left shoulder; the left hand does a Reverse Chop, then the right hand swings over the head for a Straight Chop, placed under the armpit, returning to the closed stance, but mirrored from before.

Then the left hand does a Straight Chop at the right shoulder, followed by the right hand's Reverse Chop, and finally the left hand swings over the head for a Straight Chop.

Completing these three steps returns to the initial preparatory posture, repeating cyclically.

During the initial practice, each strike had to be precise enough to produce a whooshing sound; later, the movements became continuous, like a fan, so fast that only after‑images could be seen.

Jiang Cheng exhaled slowly.

If this move is mastered, it can be called a double‑blade meat grinder, its efficiency at defeating enemies far surpasses that of a single Short Staff.

After a short rest, he tried practicing again; the motions between every three downward chops were smooth, but when linking to the next part, a pause occurred.

In actual Real Combat, it would be better if the double downward chops, double upward lifts, double horizontal sweeps, and four downward chops were fluid.

"Xiao Cheng, it's nine o'clock; shouldn't we go to the Martial Arts Hall?"

The Old Man glanced at the wall clock and reminded him.

"Hmm, we'll head out right away."

Jiang Cheng smiled, tucked the Double Staff onto his back, and pulled his clothing down to cover it.

He walked to the bedside, opened the box, took out all the money inside, checked that the pockets on his body had no holes, and then put the money back in.

"Grandma, I'm on my way."

"Go ahead, be careful on the road."

The Old Man followed out of the house, watching Jiang Cheng depart.

When passing the neighboring house, Jiang Cheng called out a greeting, then lifted his head and chest, and walked toward the street.

(End of chapter)