Chapter 15: Attributes
Chen Yuan returned home after having his meal, and it was already past noon.
He initially planned to take a short nap before heading out to gather ordinary human physiological data required for simulating the physical model of the "Huangting Jade Book."
Unexpectedly, as soon as he got home, Lin Cheng came looking for him.
"Brother Lin, you're back so early as well?"
Lin Cheng usually worked at the Pig Slaughtering Association, keeping records. There was a lull between the morning market's end and the evening market's start, leaving him with some free time.
It wasn't unusual for him to return home for lunch during this break.
However, since taking over Chen Yuan's butcher shop, he shouldn't have had much free time during the day.
"This is because of the commotion caused by the Yangfu Sect demon yesterday at the western city morning market. Many who didn't buy pork yesterday came today, so the stock sold quickly."
Lin Cheng smiled. Since taking over the butcher shop, with the additional income, his vigor and energy were visibly improved.
Chen Yuan nodded, just about to say something.
When Lin Cheng mentioned the words "Yangfu Sect," Chen Yuan suddenly recalled the conversation he had overheard outside the eatery earlier.
Unaware of Chen Yuan's thoughts, Lin Cheng asked again, "You've just moved here and helped solve such a big problem for my family. I thought I'd cook dinner tonight and invite you over for a meal. My wife saw you return earlier, so I came to ask. Don't bother cooking for yourself tonight—just come over. You shouldn't have anything scheduled at the martial arts hall tonight, right?"
Chen Yuan was still unfamiliar with the area. Even if he wanted to cook for himself, it wouldn't be convenient these days.
If nothing unexpected happened in the evening, he'd likely end up eating at an eatery outside.
With Lin Cheng extending the invitation, there was no reason to refuse.
He nodded in agreement.
After a moment's thought, he turned and asked, "Speaking of this Yangfu Sect... Brother Lin, since you work at the Pig Slaughtering Association, have you ever heard of this sect's members extorting silver forcibly in the city?"
Lin Cheng was momentarily stunned, his brows furrowing. "Yuan, have you also heard about this?"
Chen Yuan recounted the incident he had witnessed at the eatery to Lin Cheng.
"After causing such a commotion, these cultists from the Yangfu Sect still show no restraint?" Lin Cheng's expression darkened slightly.
"Have you seen them before, Brother Lin?"
Lin Cheng shook his head, then nodded again. "I haven't encountered them while working at the association, but your sister-in-law, who often goes to other people's houses to do needlework, has heard some things."
"She says that over the past month or two, the Yangfu Sect members have been demanding offerings in the city. They scout for families, coercing them into offering incense fees and silver. If someone refuses, they fabricate accusations of being a member of the Yangfu Sect and secretly report them to the authorities. This forces these families into a dire choice: pay up to avoid disaster or face ruin and destruction."
As he spoke, Lin Cheng brought up yesterday's morning market commotion.
"The Yangfu Sect cultist chased by the authorities at the market yesterday reportedly drove a family into a corner. Desperate, they reported the matter to the authorities themselves."
"Yet, even though the cultist was caught, that family didn't end up well either…"
Chen Yuan frowned. "The authorities act so arbitrarily?"
If not reporting leads to false accusations, and reporting still results in misfortune, doesn't that only enable the cultists to spread chaos?
"Who knows." Lin Cheng sighed. "That's just how things are these days. Whether it's cults or the imperial court, there's no good outcome for anyone caught in the middle."
"The only silver lining is for people like us—too poor to catch anyone's attention."
He gave a bitter smile.
Chen Yuan's heart stirred, but he couldn't share such optimism.
That may have been true before, but circumstances might be different now.
Their current butcher shop business, without the backing of his late father Chen Ye's connections, could easily look like a juicy target to others.
The real concern was that if someone did set their sights on them, even if Chen Ye wanted to help, his stepmother would likely intervene and prevent it.
Chen Yuan chose not to voice his concerns to Lin Cheng.
There was no need to burden Lin Cheng with worries he couldn't solve.
Given his situation, Lin Cheng would have no means to deal with such trouble even if it arose. If he had, he wouldn't still be struggling to repay his debts to the association.
However, as long as Chen Yuan successfully mastered refined strength and became an official disciple of the Swallow Wing Martial Hall, they would enjoy the hall's protection. The butcher shop business would then be less likely to attract unwanted attention.
Lin Cheng didn't stay long at Chen Yuan's place.
After agreeing on a time for dinner, he left to shop for groceries on the street.
Chen Yuan felt unsettled after his conversation with Lin Cheng and lost the desire to rest.
He decided to step out of the house and begin collecting data.
...
In the blink of an eye, ten days had passed since Chen Yuan left the Chen family.
During these ten days, Chen Yuan adhered to a strict schedule. Every morning, he went to the martial arts hall to practice martial arts. The rest of his time was spent gathering the physical data needed for the Huangting Jade Book.
After ten days of consistent effort, he finally accumulated enough data for the Huangting Jade Book to simulate and calculate the feedback model for personal attributes.
...
Swallow Wing Martial Hall – Training Courtyard
Chen Yuan, panting heavily, put down the strength-training stone lock in his hands.
After catching his breath, he examined his current physical attributes:
Name: Chen Yuan
Realm: Nourishing Body
Strength: 0.6 (approx.)
Physique: 0.8 (approx.)
Dexterity: 0.7 (approx.)
Note: The average physical attributes for an adult in the current environment—1.
This was the Huangting Jade Book's model of human physical constitution, derived after analyzing the human body's qualities in this world.