"Master Ye, please!"
A man beckoned Ye Chen to follow him, leading him up to a secluded attic. Inside, a young man awaited in a private room.
"Master Ye, please sit down!" The young man gestured warmly, his voice smooth and polite.
Ye Chen took a seat, his eyes scanning the room. He couldn't quite place this young man, but he knew it would be wise to stay attentive. "Who are you? I don't believe we've met before," Ye Chen inquired, his voice calm but laced with curiosity.
The young man smiled slightly and replied, "I am Zhao Tianyu, the eldest son of the Zhao family on Baiye Street in the outer city. I invited you here, Master Ye, because I want to offer you a place to live in the inner city!"
"Residence in the inner city?" Ye Chen raised an eyebrow, a frown tugging at his lips. "Can this kind of residence be traded?"
"Of course it can be traded!" Zhao Tianyu said with a confident grin. "The inner city has little regard for the poor of the outer city. In fact, they don't care who settles there as long as the proper qualifications are met. You should have received a silver certificate. Anyone with this certificate can move into the inner city."
Ye Chen considered this, his thoughts turning over the implications. "And you want to purchase my residence quota?"
Zhao Tianyu nodded. "Yes, Master Ye. The inner city's residence quota is highly coveted, and obtaining it isn't easy. The Blacksmith Guild often has a place, but there are other methods as well. I am offering you a fair trade—I'll buy your quota, and in return, you can rest assured that no one from the guild will pursue you."
Ye Chen narrowed his eyes. "Your Zhao family is well-known, but if you're so well off, why can't you secure a residence yourself?"
Zhao Tianyu's smile faded a touch. "The Zhao family is influential, yes. But with the limited places available each year, even we find it difficult to get a residence in the inner city. The Blacksmith Guild's quota is the most easily obtainable, but it requires connections. I'm offering you a straightforward solution—buying your quota is the quickest way."
Ye Chen paused, processing the information. "And what is it that you expect in return for this favor? What do you really want from me?"
Zhao Tianyu's expression grew more serious, his gaze locking with Ye Chen's. "I need someone with your talent and potential. The inner city is where power is concentrated, and only those who are truly strong can thrive. But it's not just about strength—it's about who you know and how you position yourself. The inner city will offer you many opportunities, but without the right connections, it can also swallow you whole."
Ye Chen listened intently. "Why are you so eager for me to enter the inner city?"
Zhao Tianyu leaned in closer, his voice lowering slightly. "Because, Master Ye, only the inner city offers true opportunities. In the outer city, no matter how strong you become, you're limited by your environment. The martial arts here barely scratch the surface. But in the inner city, martial artists who surpass the Blood Exchange Realm are commonplace. The best forgers, the best warriors—they all congregate there."
Ye Chen's brow furrowed. "So you're saying that unless I enter the inner city, I'll be limited to the outer city and its constraints?"
"Exactly," Zhao Tianyu said. "If you remain here, you'll never reach your full potential. The inner city is where you can truly grow, where the best resources and the most powerful mentors reside."
Ye Chen felt the weight of Zhao Tianyu's words. The inner city did indeed offer numerous advantages, but was it worth the cost? He wasn't entirely sure.
"Master Zhao," Ye Chen said carefully, "I appreciate your offer, but I need time to think it through."
Zhao Tianyu's eyes gleamed, and he nodded graciously. "Take all the time you need. But remember, opportunities like this don't come often. Think about what you could accomplish in the inner city."
Ye Chen arrived at the martial arts school, his thoughts heavy with the offer from Zhao Tianyu. He wanted to consult with his master, Xu He, although he wasn't sure how much advice he could expect. Xu He was not the most engaged master, but in times of uncertainty, Ye Chen knew it was best to seek guidance.
"Master, Ye Chen requests an audience," he called out.
From behind the door, Xu He's voice responded. "What is it? If it's about cultivation, you can speak with your senior brothers."
"Master, I've been offered a residence in the inner city," Ye Chen announced. "Someone wishes to purchase my quota, and I've come to ask for your advice."
The door creaked open, and Xu He stepped out, his brow furrowing slightly. "A residence in the inner city?" His voice carried a hint of surprise. "Tell me, who wishes to buy your quota?"
"Zhao Family, Baiye Street," Ye Chen replied.
Xu He's face grew serious as he processed this. "Ah, the Zhao family," he muttered, his voice dropping slightly in respect. "You have done well, Ye Chen, securing such an offer. But let me give you some advice."
Ye Chen felt his curiosity peak. "Master, do you not recommend I take the offer?"
"No," Xu He said, shaking his head. "The truth is, most people see the inner city as a place of glory, a place of power and opportunity. But there is a harsh truth few realize. While there is power, there is also a sharp divide between the elite and the common folk. Once you enter the inner city, you'll find yourself surrounded by powerful forces, and your status as a blacksmith may not be enough to protect you."
Ye Chen listened closely.
"In the inner city, you could easily end up working for a powerful faction, bound by a contract, forging weapons at their command. Your status may be nothing more than a tool in their arsenal. And as for your martial arts qualifications, they're not as strong as many others in the inner city. While you're talented in forging, without a strong martial arts background or connections, you may find yourself overlooked."
Ye Chen was taken aback. This mirrored much of what Zhao Tianyu had told him, though Xu He's warning came from a more experienced perspective.
"Master, what should I do, then?" Ye Chen asked, his voice tinged with uncertainty.
Xu He paused, then spoke thoughtfully. "You must tread carefully. If you decide to trade the quota, ensure you secure something of value in return—something that can help you progress. I would suggest you ask for a Marrow-Cleansing Secret Potion and thirty portions of the Hundred-Forged Secret Medicine."
Ye Chen's eyes widened. "What is the Marrow-Cleansing Secret Potion?"
Xu He explained: "It's a rare medicine, highly beneficial for those in the Bone Refining Realm. For you, it can cleanse the impurities from your body and improve your cultivation. If you take enough of it, your martial arts potential could double. Its value is immense—on the black market, a single dose could cost over 3,000 taels of silver."
Ye Chen nodded, now understanding the value of what his master was suggesting. "I understand, Master. I'll follow your advice."
Ye Chen returned to Zhao Tianyu, ready to finalize the deal. "Master Zhao, I've decided to accept your offer. But I have my terms."
Zhao Tianyu's eyes gleamed with anticipation. "Go on."
"I wish to trade my inner city residence quota for a Marrow-Cleansing Secret Potion and thirty portions of the Hundred-Forged Secret Medicine," Ye Chen stated firmly.
Zhao Tianyu's eyes flickered with surprise, but he nodded. "Very well, Master Ye. You drive a hard bargain, but I can agree to that."
After the agreement was signed, Zhao Tianyu had his servants deliver the items to Ye Chen. Ye Chen wasted no time in returning to the martial arts school.
In the school's private training room, Ye Chen took the Marrow-Cleansing Secret Potion. The intense energy surged through his body, nearly tearing him apart with the pain. He gritted his teeth and continued to practice the Qinggang Hands, channeling the energy to minimize the damage and maximize the benefits.
Over the next few hours, the pain subsided, leaving behind a sense of clarity and strength. Ye Chen felt the impurities leave his body as his cultivation improved. When the ordeal was over, he stood taller, his body stronger than ever before.
"I've broken through to the Stone Skin Basic Accomplishment!" Ye Chen exclaimed, his voice filled with pride and determination.
He knew the journey wasn't over. With the Hundred-Forged Secret Medicine and the resources now at his disposal, he would continue to push forward, seeking greater power and mastery in both his martial arts and blacksmithing. The inner city might have its dangers, but Ye Chen was ready to face them head-on when the time was right.
For now, he had made a powerful step forward.