CHAPTER 67: CHAPTER 67: TENANT! THE MISERABLE BLACK TORTOISE MARTIAL ARTS HALL

"I don’t know!"

"What?"

The skinny-faced man’s expression twisted in disbelief at the landlady’s answer.

Is this fat woman genuinely ignorant of Chen Pingchuan, or is she deliberately refusing to tell me? he wondered.

The skinny-faced man stared fixedly at the landlady’s face, as if trying to see right through her. After several seconds, he had to admit he might be dealing with an idiot. To waste so much time for an answer like that... he felt like he had the worst luck imaginable. He couldn’t even be bothered to maintain a final shred of civility.

With a grim expression, he said coldly, "Since you don’t know, shouldn’t you give me my money back?"

"What money back?"

"The money for asking a question!"

"Didn’t you ask?"

"I did!"

"You asked, so why should I return any money?"

"But you said you don’t know!"

"And what was this money for, exactly?"

Looking at the landlady’s despicable, shameless expression, the skinny-faced man could no longer hold back. The anger that had been building inside him erupted like a volcano.

"I... will... tell... you... one... more... time," he roared, "It’s the fee... for asking... a question!"

The landlady seemed genuinely frightened by his terrifying outburst. Her body began to tremble uncontrollably, and though she tried to maintain a calm facade, the panic in her eyes betrayed her. Her previous arrogance vanished.

"What... what do you want?" she stammered. "I already answered your question!"

Her words left the skinny-faced man utterly bewildered. He started to wonder if he had zoned out and somehow missed her real answer. He frowned, and after a brief pause, he patiently asked again, "I am asking you, is there a man named Chen Pingchuan anywhere around here?"

"I don’t know!"

Sensing the man’s expression growing darker by the second, the landlady finally felt a true sense of fear. Her voice trembled as she said, "You asked me if I knew, and I told you I didn’t. This is a huge area, how could I possibly remember everyone? Use your brain for a second! Besides, I’ve already answered your question. You’re not trying to go back on our deal, are you?"

After speaking, she cautiously took two steps back, stuffing the money into her blouse with one hand. With the other, she deliberately turned her communicator screen outwards, revealing the police force’s number poised but undialed, all while putting on a frightened look.

The skinny-faced man opened his mouth, then snapped it shut. For a moment, his hesitant, speechless expression was almost pitiable.

SLAP!

To his own surprise, the skinny-faced man slapped himself across the face. He hated how foolish he was, getting into an argument with a brainless woman.

"Hey! What are you doing? You’re not trying to frame me, are you? Let me tell you, my son is—"

The skinny-faced man cut off her incessant chatter, roaring with all his might, "Shut up! Keep the money, I don’t want it back! Now, will you *please* just get out of my sight. Scram!"

Seeing the man gritting his teeth, the landlady finally reined herself in, but she couldn’t resist getting the last word. "Rent is a three-month deposit and one month in advance. Utilities are your responsibility. Any damage to the furniture will be compensated at its original price."

"And don’t use the bathtub when you shower, because it leaks. If you cause a leak, you’ll have to pay for the repairs."

"Don’t bring strangers back here to stay, because the neighbors are all..."

BANG!

The loud slam of the door cut her off. Undeterred, the landlady could only shout at the top of her lungs at the closed door.

"There’s all kinds of food downstairs and public transport is convenient! For only a thousand a month, you’ve really gotten a steal! And don’t say I didn’t warn you, the power cuts off at ten p.m. sharp!"

Finally, feeling annoyed by his attitude, she muttered a final curse.

"Country bumpkin!"

The skinny man could not take it anymore. He threw his luggage to the floor and yanked the door back open. He’d already made up his mind. Today, even if it meant risking exposure, he was going to kill this old hag.

But when he looked, the hallway was empty. There was no sign of her.

...

Lying on his bed, Chen Pingchuan stared at the text on the simulation panel, still unable to comprehend it.

These words felt incredibly familiar, as if the abilities they described were an inherent part of him, deeply engraved in his very soul—both intimate and yet strangely distant.

Just then, the soft CLICK of the room’s door closing echoed in the silent space. Chen Pingchuan was yanked from his thoughts and sat up abruptly.

My sister must have left for school.

He went to the window and watched his sister walk down the familiar street below until she disappeared from view. Only then did Chen Pingchuan begin to pack his schoolbag. He emptied all the stationery out of it, and then his lips began to move, muttering over and over.

"Ten thousand Federation Coins, ten thousand Federation Coins, ten thousand Federation Coins..."

He stopped only when the schoolbag was stuffed to the brim with Federation Coins, a look of satisfaction on his face.

Since the last midday bus had already departed, Chen Pingchuan didn’t take his usual route through the old street. Instead, he wound his way through a labyrinth of alleys until he reached a stretch of open land that ran alongside a highway. He took a deep breath, gathering his strength for a moment before his legs exploded with power. He shot forward like a hunting predator, kicking up dust and gravel in his wake.

His speed reached an astonishing fifteen meters per second, equivalent to over fifty kilometers per hour—a feat well beyond the capabilities of an ordinary person.

After running continuously for over an hour, he began to approach the city proper. Chen Pingchuan slowed to a walk and straightened his slightly disheveled clothes, once again adopting the guise of an ordinary high school student.

He found a nearby maglev train station and, following the route he had planned, arrived at his destination: the Black Tortoise Martial Arts Hall.

Although the Black Tortoise Martial Arts Hall was within a bustling commercial district, its exact location was peculiar. It was tucked away in a small alley just off the main street, making it seem exceptionally deserted compared to the noisy, prosperous street outside.

Standing at the entrance, Chen Pingchuan felt he had come to the wrong place. Its slightly dilapidated facade, plain sign, and narrow entrance all gave off an unreliable vibe. But with a ’since I’m already here, I might as well check it out’ attitude, he stepped inside.

"Welcome to the Black Tortoise Martial Arts Hall! Our establishment is dedicated to preserving ancient Daoist School culture, striving to unleash the infinite potential of the human body through ancient martial arts!"

"Choosing the Black Tortoise Martial Arts Hall is the first step toward success!

We are now offering the Supreme Newcomer Grand Package! For just 8,888, you can enjoy unprecedented value!

Services include:

Professional guidance from an elite team of master instructors to ensure your success on your martial arts journey.

High-precision body composition analyzers for a one-on-one, detailed analysis to formulate the most rational training plan for you.

An expansive training area, allowing you to immerse yourself in your training without fear of being disturbed.

And an extensive library of ancient and secret martial arts manuals for you to peruse at your leisure, keeping you one step ahead of the competition!

This promotional offer is for a limited time only, so hurry and sign up! Begin your triumphant journey to godhood today!"

"For inquiries, please consult the front desk."

Chen Pingchuan stood rooted to the spot, feeling hesitant.

Should I just leave and check out the other martial arts halls? This whole sales pitch sounds completely untrustworthy.

But if he chose another hall, it would be a waste of time. Furthermore, according to his research, this was the only martial arts hall with an extremely small number of students.

As Chen Pingchuan wavered, a timid little girl slowly emerged from behind the front desk. She walked up to him, tugged on his arm, and tilted her head back, looking up at him with a pleading expression.

"Please, mister," she whispered, "would you like to get a membership?"