Night falls.
Zhao Ya changed into his night patrol outfit, grabbed the necessary items, informed Zui’Er, and then headed out the door.
The streets were brightly lit, but there were very few pedestrians.
Zhao Ya knew that by this time, most of the neighbors should have gone to work.
When Zhao Ya first arrived, he found it strange that most of the residents here were women.
Later, he learned that because of the proximity to the Jade Belt River, many flower boat girls lived here.
Of course, the proximity was one thing, but the more important reason was the presence of Dingtai Martial Arts Hall, which ensured good security in the area, deterring most thieves and bandits from causing trouble here.
Additionally, Lu Dingtai did not discriminate against these women working in the flesh trade, saying that no one would choose such a livelihood unless they had no other options.
Due to this empathy, the areas around Dingtai Martial Arts Hall gradually became the preferred residence for flower boat girls.
Lu Dingtai became a protector in the hearts of these girls, earning their respect.
Even Zhao Ya and other disciples of the Dingtai Martial Arts Hall were valued by these girls.
According to Miao Shaocheng, anyone from the Dingtai Martial Arts Hall could drink on the flower boats for free; if you were good-looking, the girls might even favor you.
He had tried more than once to coax Zhao Ya into drinking on a flower boat, but Zhao Ya always refused.
He didn’t like going to such places.
Compared to indulgence, he preferred to train at home.
However, tonight was different; Zhao Ya was going to patrol Xiushui Square next door.
This was the first bounty task Zhao Ya had accepted.
In recent days, Zhao Ya had carefully studied the bounty briefs several times.
Though the task of capturing the Jade Butterfly, ranked number one, was very tempting to Zhao Ya,
he understood that since it had been on the bounty list for three years without being completed, the Jade Butterfly must be extremely hard to catch.
Rather than aiming too high, it was better to focus on something practical.
The night patrol task was the one Zhao Ya chose after careful consideration.
Recently, Xiushui Square had been quite restless, with frequent nighttime break-ins and even robberies, once resulting in death.
Although the authorities dispatched people to investigate, there was no significant progress.
For their own safety, residents of Xiushui Square pooled resources to issue a bounty task.
The task was simple: patrol the area and ensure the safety of Xiushui Square’s residents.
Though the bounty was not as lucrative as capturing the Jade Butterfly, it was decent enough, so Zhao Ya accepted it.
Xiushui Square wasn’t far; with Zhao Ya’s pace, it took only a moment to cover the few miles. Upon arrival, a few people were waiting for him.
"Master Zhao, tonight we have to trouble you!" said a chubby man.
His name was Kong Cun, the initiator of the bounty funding, who managed several pharmacies, thus having some savings.
"Shopkeeper Kong, no need to be so polite. I’m receiving payment to solve problems. Since I’ve accepted this task, I’ll naturally do my best." Zhao Ya said.
"Good!" Kong Cun was very pleased.
At first, when Zhao Ya approached him for the task, he was hesitant, thinking Zhao Ya was too young.
Kong Cun wondered how much skill someone could have at this age.
Zhao Ya noticed this and displayed some skills, informing Kong Cun that he was a disciple of the Dingtai Martial Arts Hall.
Kong Cun was first shocked by Zhao Ya’s abilities and then delighted.
The Dingtai Martial Arts Hall was renowned, and Zhao Ya being a disciple proved his skills.
Hiring such a master for the price was a bargain.
Kong Cun handed Zhao Ya a small package.
"This is your payment."
Upon opening it, Zhao Ya discovered it was more than agreed.
"The extra is a bonus for Master Zhao, as it’s the first day!" Kong Cun said cheerfully.
Zhao Ya accepted with a grateful nod, putting it into his pocket.
"This is our night watchman, Chen Ada, who will guide you. This young man is Chen Sanhu, your assistant. He can run errands or help as needed."
A wrinkled, sixty-something old man nodded and smiled at Zhao Ya.
The nearby young man, Chen Sanhu, looked at Zhao Ya with curiosity and admiration.
Zhao Ya nodded, "Alright!"
After a few brief instructions, Kong Cun left.
"Master Zhao, should we leave now or wait a bit?" Chen Ada asked with a grin.
"Let’s go now; I want to familiarize myself with the paths."
"Yes!"
Xiushui Square was relatively affluent among the nearby districts, mainly home to merchants, so the roads were wider compared to Ankang Square where Dingtai Martial Arts Hall was located, attracting bandits.
As they walked, Chen Ada introduced the area to Zhao Ya.
"This is Master Liu’s house. A few days ago, robbers attacked, and Master Liu was killed. I went to see, and there was blood everywhere, even the head was smashed, it was gruesome."
Chen Ada sighed.
Zhao Ya didn’t speak, but Chen Sanhu behind them grew impatient.
"Alright, enough with the chatter. Master Zhao is here to patrol, not listen to your tales."
Chen Ada smiled awkwardly, closed his mouth, and led Zhao Ya on a circuit around Xiushui Square.
"Master Zhao, this is the resting room. If you get tired at night, you can take a break here. Shopkeeper Kong has had it cleaned; it’s very tidy."