Practicing is easy when one has infinite skill points.

Zhong Lin sat in the carriage, his face full of joy as he squeezed a small cloth pouch in his hand. Inside were ten taels of silver—the payment given to him by the steward of the Liu family.

Killing Zhang Kun's entire family, looting the bandit leader's corpse—altogether, that had only amounted to nine taels of silver. That was the price of several lives.

But now, with just two paintings, he had earned a total of fifteen taels of silver. Converted into copper coins, that was more than ten thousand. In Heishan County, a family of three could live comfortably for a month on just three hundred copper coins.

Fifteen taels of silver, if spent carefully, could support a family of three for four or five years. It was an enormous sum.

"Now I can finally afford to eat meat freely, and I can also pay for tuition to learn how to read," Zhong Lin thought, unable to hide the joy on his face.

Before reaching the East Market, he got off the carriage early. Zhong Lin headed straight to the butcher's shop and bought two jin of pork belly. On the way home, he also bought a large rooster, carrying everything as he walked back.

His personal rule was simple—whenever conditions allowed, he would eat well and eat his fill. He would not allow himself to go hungry. He had to nourish his body as quickly as possible.

As he walked, he passed by a martial arts school. Hearing the shouts from within, he couldn't help but stop and take a look.

The martial arts school's entrance was wide open, allowing him to clearly see the courtyard where a group of apprentices were training. Some were lifting stones, others were practicing spear techniques, and some were brandishing swords and knives. The atmosphere was lively and intense.

This was "Clear Wind Martial Arts School." Zhong Lin had already inquired about it before—the tuition was extremely high. Thirty taels of silver, non-negotiable, and that only covered three months. If a student wanted to continue learning after that, they had to pay again.

Zhong Lin couldn't help but recall the old saying: "A poor man studies literature, a rich man practices martial arts." Thirty taels of silver—ordinary people truly couldn't afford that.

"No rush. One step at a time."

When he got home, Zhong Lin cooked a pot of stewed pork, adding dried green beans and sun-dried pumpkin slices as side dishes. Around the pot, he placed some flatbreads made from coarse flour.

As soon as he lifted the lid, the rich aroma instantly filled the entire courtyard. Zhong Lin and Little Shi, who had been crouching by the pot, nearly drooled at the scent.

"Time to eat! Time to eat!"

After eating his fill, Zhong Lin grabbed his brush, ink, paper, and inkstone and headed back to Shiding Restaurant to set up his stall again. After all, he had rented the tables and chairs for a full day—he couldn't let them go to waste.

He hung up another painting, Nie Xiaoqian1, and before long, a crowd had gathered around him again.

The unique, three-dimensional paintings—so lifelike they seemed as if they could step right out of the canvas—drew more and more people. Even though his prices were high, curious customers were still willing to give it a try, and they all left satisfied, clutching their newly purchased artwork.

In just one day, Zhong Lin had made a name for himself in Heishan County.

Beyond the crowd, a scholar named Xu Heng stood with a dark expression, watching Zhong Lin paint. He let out a cold snort.

"The tallest tree in the forest is the first to be felled. A river that sticks out its banks is the first to be drained. Does he really think talent alone can help him rise in Heishan County?"

By evening, Zhong Lin was carrying his brush, ink, and paper in one hand and a freshly bought pig's head in the other, strolling back toward Sweetwater Alley with a relaxed and contented expression.

Sweetwater Alley was located in the southeastern part of Heishan County. It was a district full of low, cramped houses where commoners gathered. The winding alleyways twisted and turned in all directions.

At this moment, Zhong Lin was so pleased with himself that the phrase "Riding high on the spring breeze" barely seemed to do him justice. That afternoon alone, he had painted six pieces by Shiding Restaurant, each selling for three taels of silver, earning him another eighteen taels.

Adding that to the fifteen taels from the morning, he had made a total of thirty-three taels of silver in just one day—enough to pay for his tuition at the martial arts school.

"Two more days of painting, then I'll stop. First, I'll find a scholar to teach me how to read, then I'll go to the martial arts school. If I run out of money, I'll paint again. Perfect."

Zhong Lin laid out a short-term plan for himself. He hadn't forgotten that his ultimate goal for earning money was to enter the world of martial arts. Since he had been reborn into this world, he was determined to live it to the fullest.

Lost in thought, he turned a corner—only to find himself face-to-face with a burly, broad-shouldered man.

The man's beady eyes locked onto Zhong Lin, his face full of hard lines and rough muscle, exuding an intimidating presence.

Zhong Lin's instincts screamed danger! He immediately stopped walking and turned to leave the alley.

But at some point, another man had appeared behind him—shorter, but with a sinister grin. He blocked the exit, his expression playful and mocking.

He was surrounded.

Zhong Lin's mind raced. He had only recently arrived in Heishan County—he couldn't possibly have made any enemies. He had never seen these two men before. There could only be one reason for this.

Zhong Lin's face darkened. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a cloth pouch and placed it on the ground.

"All my earnings are here. Can I leave now?"

Facing two thugs, and with no weapons on hand, the best course of action was to pay up and avoid trouble.

He could settle the score later.

The shorter man strolled forward, clicking his tongue in amusement.

"Well, well, the kid's pretty sharp. You think you can set up shop on my turf without paying tribute? You trying to die?"

Zhong Lin took a deep breath and cupped his hands respectfully.

"I'm new here and didn't know the rules. I've been rude to you both—please forgive me. I won't take a single coin from today's earnings. Consider it my apology. From now on, I'll make sure to pay tribute to you every day."

"Haha! Did you hear that, San? This kid's got brains! I like him!"

The short man grinned, picking up the pouch from the ground. Feeling the weight of the silver inside, he broke into an even wider smile.

After tucking the pouch into his belt, he reached out and slapped Zhong Lin's face repeatedly, each smack ringing out loud and clear. Within seconds, Zhong Lin's cheeks were red and stinging.

"Listen up. I'm Qin Yong. Folks call me Second Master Qin. Since business is booming for you, I won't be greedy—just hand over twenty taels of silver every day. And don't even think about running. I know where you live. You've got a little brother, right?"

Qin Yong bared his yellowed teeth in a cruel smile, his expression full of malice.

A chill ran through Zhong Lin's heart, and a seething rage burned inside him. An icy killing intent surged through his entire body.

Lowering his head, he quickly responded, "Yes, of course. I wouldn't dare disobey."

"Good. And don't think twenty taels is too much. Now that you're paying up, you're one of my people. If anyone gives you trouble, just say my name. Got it?"

"Yes, thank you, Second Master Qin."

"Tomorrow, same place. Don't be late."

"I wouldn't dream of making you wait, Second Master. I'll bring it to your house directly. That way, I can also get to know you better."

"Haha! Smart kid! I like that. Fine—bring it to Huaihua Alley, House No. 6. Don't forget!"

Qin Yong laughed heartily and strutted away, with the silent brute, San, following behind. As he passed Zhong Lin, San casually smacked the back of his head, nearly knocking him flat on the ground.

"Haha, little chick!"

Only after they had left the alley did Zhong Lin finally get up, his face devoid of its earlier obsequiousness. His eyes were cold, filled with murderous intent.

"I just wanted to live a good life. Why do people keep pushing me?"