PCJ – Chapter 501 Gained Three More Grim Reapers

When Jiaohua was away for a while, Wu Yuan’s morning training became less punctual. Although he still managed to complete his daily tasks, the timing was no longer consistent.

This was somewhat understandable—Wu Yuan had been extremely busy, tirelessly working day and night on the first meaningful project of his life, which he truly cared about.

Recently, everything that needed doing had been taken care of, and with some free time, Wu Yuan began to slack off, sleeping in until he woke naturally. Zeng Lei, who had been busy assisting Hao Yue, also had no time to keep an eye on him. As a result, Wu Yuan’s days reverted to his old routine, just shy of roaming the streets aimlessly.

Zeng Lei kept up his training, but the Mei Mountain Stance required years of perseverance—at least three to five—before any significant results could be seen. However, Zeng Lei noticed a substantial improvement in his physical condition, which changed both his and Wu Yuan’s expectations of the Mei Mountain Stance compared to when they first started.

The moment Jiaohua returned, Wu Yuan knew his good days were over. But the next morning, when it was time to get up, Wu Yuan was still sound asleep. Jiaohua, aware of Wu Yuan’s recent laziness, didn’t wake him up himself. Instead, he summoned the Three Guardian Spirits from his cultivation diagram.

“Ahhh!” A blood-curdling scream came from Wu Yuan’s house.

The neighbors, already familiar with such noises, chuckled knowingly. Since the return of the “Little Barbarian,” peace had been fleeting. When they saw Jiaohua return, they weren’t surprised that Wu Yuan was getting some much-needed discipline.

Jiaohua didn’t lay a hand on him. However, the Fat Cat rudely pulled off Wu Yuan’s blanket, and the Fat Monkey dumped a ladle of water over him. Though it was summer and the weather was hot, being splashed with cold water in the early morning instantly woke Wu Yuan.

What greeted his newly awakened eyes was a massive, gaping maw inches from his face, drooling menacingly. Terrified, Wu Yuan screamed as though his life depended on it.

Wu Yuan was deathly afraid of dogs—ever since he’d been chased and bitten on the backside by one as a child. Now, clad in just a pair of boxers, he bolted out of the room, shouting, “Dog! Dog! Help, somebody!”

Standing at the door, Jiaohua smiled mischievously, “Wow, fatty, you’re up early today!”

“A dog! A huge dog!” Wu Yuan, still panicked, failed to notice the Fat Cat or the Fat Monkey nearby—or the fact that he was only wearing boxers, which were embarrassingly tented.

“What dog?” Jiaohua looked around casually. Aside from two humans in the yard, there was no sign of any living creature.

“It’s in my room! It was on my bed just now!” Wu Yuan pointed toward his room.

“Let’s take a look,” Jiaohua said, smirking.

With Jiaohua’s company, Wu Yuan cautiously approached his room but hesitated at the door, too afraid to enter.

Jiaohua strode in boldly, “Nothing here. Fatty, are you losing your mind?”

“I swear there was a huge dog just now!” Wu Yuan insisted.

“Could it have gone invisible or burrowed underground?” Jiaohua teased.

“Must be!” Wu Yuan exclaimed in frustration.

With a smack, Jiaohua thumped Wu Yuan on the head. “Do you know what time it is? Do you remember what you’re supposed to be doing at this hour? When we started this journey, I told you—once you begin, there’s no turning back unless you’re dead.”

“Can’t I quit if I fail?” Wu Yuan asked hesitantly.

“You can. Failing just means death,” Jiaohua replied with a glare.

“Never mind, forget I said anything,” Wu Yuan grumbled and climbed onto the Mei Flower Stumps, lamenting the return of his tough days.

But things got worse when Jiaohua added, “Since you slacked off today, your training time is doubled.”

Wu Yuan didn’t dare utter a word of complaint. Based on his experience, any protest would result in further penalties, and he feared spending his entire day on the stumps.

When Zeng Lei arrived, he saw Wu Yuan training and burst into laughter, “Fatty, the sun must’ve risen from the west! Why so eager today?”

Wu Yuan glanced irritably toward his room but didn’t respond.

“Jiaohua’s back?” Zeng Lei quickly headed inside, calling out, “Jiaohua!”

Instead of a reply, a fierce mountain hound sprang out of the house, scaring Zeng Lei into retreating several steps. “Fatty, when did you get such a big dog?”

Having been in the special forces, Zeng Lei’s reaction time far surpassed Wu Yuan’s.

Wu Yuan nearly jumped off the stumps to declare he was right about the dog, but he restrained himself—it would mean more training time.

Jiaohua emerged from the room, followed by the Fat Cat and the Fat Monkey.

“Jiaohua, did you bring these from your place?” Zeng Lei asked.

“You and Fatty have gotten completely lazy recently. Are you planning to give up?” Jiaohua countered without answering.

Feigning ignorance, Zeng Lei turned to Wu Yuan, “Fatty, are you giving up?”

“You’re the one giving up! Even if I die, I won’t quit,” Wu Yuan grumbled internally, knowing full well quitting was equivalent to dying.

“Me neither,” Zeng Lei quickly added. “Even if I die, I won’t quit.”

“Do as you please. Teaching you two brings me no benefit. If you want to quit, go ahead,” Jiaohua replied.

“Jiaohua, was Fatty slacking off again this morning?” Zeng Lei asked. “He’s always been lazy. Lately, he’s been busy with the restaurant, so I can vouch that he’s still been practicing the stances daily—just not as punctual as before. As for me, I’ve never slacked off.”

“How’s the restaurant coming along?” Jiaohua asked.

“Almost done. The renovations are underway, and all the paperwork is being handled with Hao Yue’s help. The chef’s been hired, thanks to Mr. Fu Cha. Even without your seasonings, the food tastes great. Once we add your seasonings, the restaurant’s dishes will be top-notch. Business will be fantastic once we open,” Wu Yuan chimed in enthusiastically.

“Shut up!” Jiaohua roared, silencing Wu Yuan instantly.