I Can Use Myriad Divine Abilities-Chapter 33: Livelihood

Two men, looking utterly disheveled, fled out of Fish Alley, their panic-stricken appearance as though a ferocious tiger was chasing them.

Under the cover of night, they bypassed two alleys and ducked into a dilapidated house.

Inside, the furnishings were sparse, and a scar-faced man sat broodingly by the table.

Upon seeing the two enter, he forced a smile: "It’s good you’re alright."

The two men exchanged glances, their humiliation and rage vanishing by half.

To them, the scar-faced man who had abandoned them earlier in the face of danger seemed entirely disloyal, forgetting all former oaths.

But thinking from another perspective, if they were the scar-faced man, facing a Martial Artist’s threat, they might not have fared any better—maybe even fled faster.

So let’s not begrudge each other, brother!

"Take a seat, all of you."

The scar-faced man lifted a jar of wine from under the table, pouring a bowl for each of them: "Have a drink to steady your nerves."

The two men sat down, feeling despondent.

"As for this matter..."

The scar-faced man took a sip from the wine bowl, saying hatefully: "Firstly, blame that broker Jiang Qi. Damn him for saying the other side were orphans and a widowed mother, easy pickings. Almost got us brothers killed!"

"Exactly, exactly!"

The two men immediately shared the sentiment, cursing: "That damn bastard said he’d take a thirty percent cut if it was a success. I’ll give him three fists and a kick!"

This pack of rogues had heard that a family had recently moved into Fish Alley, consisting only of a widow and a boy.

And they seemed well-off at that.

The scar-faced man and his two brothers were naturally tempted, so they concocted a story about collecting relocation silver to extort them.

As for the Cyan Robe Gang, that was just their way of puffing themselves up to intimidate others.

They never expected the other party to be an Entering Force Martial Artist!

The three of them usually bullied ordinary folks with no pressure, but going against a Martial Artist was suicide.

The more they thought about it, the more frightened they felt, sipping the sour, turbid wine while continuously cursing that broker Jiang Qi.

The scar-faced man sighed: "Brothers, with the strange happenings at Qianfeng Mountain, the county town’s gates are shut, entry and exit are forbidden, and inspections are tight. We can’t act so recklessly anymore."

His two brothers looked at each other and then fell silent, the wine they’d just drunk turning bitter in their hearts.

One man hesitated and asked: "Big brother, what are we going to do in the future?"

The scar-faced man irritably scratched his head, saying: "I had a connection with a Fierce Tiger Gang member, hoping to do this job to make ties with him, finding us a means of livelihood.’

"Even being Peripheral Gang Members would be a great opportunity!"

Linhe County has two major gangs, the Fierce Tiger Gang and the Furious Whale Gang. The former is a local force, running businesses like brothels, gambling houses, and pawnshops.

The Fierce Tiger Gang is not only powerful but also has a good relationship with the Government Office and the backing of a prominent Linhe family.

If they could become Peripheral Gang Members of the Fierce Tiger Gang, they wouldn’t have to worry about food and drink and would have a robust support network.

They could swagger freely in the neighboring street markets!

Unfortunately, the Fierce Tiger Gang’s recruitment is stringent, and for illiterate and unskilled men like them, gaining approval is nearly impossible.

"Alas!"

All three sighed heavily as if they had missed a tremendous opportunity.

"Let’s see how it goes!"

Holding his wine bowl, the scar-faced man made up his mind, a hint of ruthlessness in his eyes: "If the city does fall into chaos, that’s a good thing; it’ll be our chance!"

While these three ruffians dreamed about their future, Zhang Yuan was also pondering his path.

The Chen Family Village was finished; who knows how many survived.

He certainly couldn’t go back.

Zhang Yuan was grateful that he had planned ahead, buying a house and settling in the county town, avoiding a massive problem.

But the issue is, with such a major incident at Qianfeng Mountain, can he continue hunting and gathering herbs there?

Zhang Yuan felt uncertain!

Previously, he had only escaped the disaster with the help of a crow’s advice.

Zhang Yuan didn’t think he could always be so lucky!

Qianfeng Mountain is the only major mountain in Linhe County. If he truly can’t go into the mountains anymore, his livelihood is cut off.

Though it’s the worst-case scenario and may not happen...

Zhang Yuan must plan ahead for his future livelihood!

Furthermore, he wanted to learn Martial Arts and fully develop his abilities.

In the following days, Zhang Yuan went out every morning, wandering around the county town to gather news and information.

By noon, he returned home and no longer went out.

The situation in Linhe County has not descended into chaos, despite the rising prices of essentials like firewood, rice, oil, and salt. Due to the Government Office’s strict control, the market and people’s spirits remain relatively stable.

Of course, given the short time, if Linhe County remains closed for another half month, the situation could grow worse.

Driven by fear of the supernatural disaster.

The City God Temple’s incense offerings flourished, burning day and night without cease.

Countless people flocked to the temple, burning incense and praying for Lord City God’s protection over everyone. 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝙬𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝒎

Walking down the street, Zhang Yuan could smell the scent of incense!

Zhang Yuan believed this City God must be efficacious, but he suspected that such efficacy did not originate from the deity itself but rather from the collective belief power of thousands of ordinary people.

This theory applies to Ancestral Halls as well!

After a few more days, the Linhe County Government Office posted pacifying notices in the streets and alleys.

First, the supernatural disaster at the Qianfeng Mountain region had been resolved. From today onwards, the county town would no longer close its gates, and the movement of people and trade would return to normal.

Secondly, to prevent similar incidents from happening again, entering Qianfeng Mountain is strictly prohibited from now on.

Violators will be executed without mercy!

Zhang Yuan saw the pacifying notice immediately, shocked that his worst fears had come true.

Indeed, entry to the mountains is now forbidden, rendering his hunting and herb-gathering skills useless.

The good news is that once the pacifying notice was posted, the prices of essentials in the city dropped in response. Though not immediately back to normal levels, it was only a matter of time.

This meant Zhang Yuan’s silver taels could last for a long period.

The condition is not purchasing medicinal herbs for martial training or spending much money to learn from a martial master!

What surprised Zhang Yuan was that the next day, the Government Office posted another notice, this time a recruitment announcement.

The Linhe County Government Office plans to recruit ten constables, three patrol officers, and one Posthouse Minister, offering good treatment and selecting the best candidates.

This new notice immediately stirred quite a commotion in the county town.

Many people gathered in front of the notice, eagerly reading the detailed requirements.

After all, even the lowest-ranking government official position is a solid, secure job—a great opportunity for common folk.

Excitement surged among the crowd!