8-13

Chapter 8

Night fell again and Changyuan Street became very quiet. After two consecutive murders, the residents of this street became very careful. When night fell, they did not dare to make any noise. They shut their doors and windows and even placed defensive equipment by their bedsides. Rolling pins and kitchen knives were the most common items.

The county office was very tight-lipped. Some people who were well-informed only knew that two murders occurred on Changyuan Street. The few people's deaths were fishy, but they did not know clearly that it was the work of demons.

Hence, there was not too much panic that spread in the county.

In the dark night, at a street corner of Changyuan Street, Magistrate Mi Ke and a group of court underlings were currently standing guard here, all nervously looking at Changyuan Street in the night.

"What's Warden Chen doing? Why isn't he here yet?"

Mi Ke turned his head to look in the distance, but he did not see any figure. His heart which leaped to his throat was even in a flustered state. Now, seeing that it was almost time, why was this guy not here yet?

He bet his own life on Chen Chao. If this guy was not reliable, his body that was over 100 pounds would be forfeited.

Registrar Zhang carried a steel saber. At this moment, his eyes did not have much fear. On the contrary, he was a little excited. He lowered his voice and said, "Warden Chen is a martial path powerhouse, he's likely already here. It's likely that he's not meeting up with us in order to not alert the enemy."

Don't look at how Registrar Zhang looked boorish, in reality, his mind was unusually meticulous. Otherwise, he could not have held this position of official registrar for so many years too.

Mi Ke nodded his head and said doubtfully, "The demon this time shouldn't be tough to subdue, right?" "Do you know what realm Warden Chen is?"

Registrar Zhang shook his head and whispered, "Either way, he should be a pure martial artist. As for what realm, this lowly official can't say for sure either."

Cultivators and martial artists coexisted in Great Liang Dynasty. Martial artists were simple; there was only one path. But, cultivators had many diverse paths. There were various sects and schools of thought; each with its own divine abilities. Those who had not set foot on the cultivation path could not explain the intricacies. Laymen such as Registrar Zhang only knew that the world seemingly divided cultivation realms into six stages. It was all universal whether was it cultivators or martial artists.

Six realms. There was a saying that each realm was a layer of firmament.

As for which realm that young warden presently was, he did not know either.

But, just these few years of peaceful days, it constantly reminded them that the realm of that mysterious young warden was absolutely not low.

Also, there was no need to think too much. If even Chen Chao could not deal with the demon, this group of people teaming up would not be a match for it too.

It was not known whether or not Mi Ke had ever thought that Chen Chao would leave this place one day. Anyway, every time Registrar Zhang thought about it, he would feel great pain.

Just as Registrar Zhang was feeling pain all on his own, he suddenly discovered that Lord Magistrate next to him also revealed a pained expression on his face.

Registrar Zhang was stunned and actually felt somewhat touched for a moment. Could it be that he had such a heart-to-heart connection with His Excellency?

Just as Registrar Zhang's eyes were about to brim over with tears, Mi Ke already placed a hand on his shoulder and slightly exerted strength, making Registrar Zhang feel something that he... had never felt before.

His bearded face turned slightly red and he actually felt a little shy.

At this moment, countless thoughts flashed in his mind.

"What's wrong, Your Excellency?" Registrar Zhang asked with concern.

"My legs are numb." Mi Ke frowned. Only then, did his entire face relax and the pained expression faded. He tried his best to lean against Registrar Zhang so that his legs would not have to exert strength.

Registrar Zhang instantly became lost in deep reverie, feeling as if something had drifted away.

"It's going to be 10 pm soon, is Chen Chao that kid coming or not? Why isn't there any activities at all?!" Mi Ke gradually became irritated and began losing composure.

...

...

When Chen Chao left, the sky was not dark yet. Xie Nandu moved that newly-bought stove out. Sitting on that old chair under the porch, she lit the charcoal inside.

It was her first time doing something like this. At first, she seemed a little clumsy. But very soon, she could handle it with skill and ease. After lighting the stove that she paid money for, Xie Nandu grabbed a handful of snow to wash her hands and sat back down. Extending her hands, the two snow-white hands began to steam with white vapor.

Looking at that brand-new stove, she felt a little disappointed. It was likely because there were no sweet potatoes.

Compared to those things that she ate in the past, sweet potatoes were really something not worth mentioning. But, she had never experienced that kind of sweetness before.

Her hands became dry very quickly.

But, a gust of wind howled behind her.

Only to hear a creak, the wooden door in the courtyard was slammed heavily against the courtyard walls on both sides.

Wind and snow poured into this small courtyard.

Along with the wind and snow, there was also a figure.

He passed through the courtyard and arrived under the porch, shaking off the snow on his body.

Xie Nandu did not turn her head. She still had both hands placed above the stove and did not speak.

Only when that person reached a distance of several feet behind her, did she retract her hands. Standing up, she walked over to the bench opposite the stove and sat down. This time, she was face-to-face with that person.

The arrival was a young man with feminine looks. His complexion was pale and his body was thin. He was dressed in a thick, white cotton robe.

"Worthy of being the most outstanding descendant of White Deer's Xie Clan in this generation. With this composure alone, there won't be any problems gaining a firm foothold in the Divine Capital." The young man opened his mouth with a slight smile, his voice full of appreciation.

"But, since you've guessed something, why didn't you stick with that young warden at all times?" "Is it that you don't want to implicate him?" The young man smiled. "White Deer's Xie Clan is ultimately a level inferior to the Divine Capital's Xie Clan."

The teenage girl seating on the bench said calmly, "This is between us. There's no need to implicate others."

"I originally thought that you'd die in that mountain god temple. But I didn't expect that your luck is pretty good." The young man's voice was very faint; as if describing the most ordinary matter that had nothing worth paying attention to.

"Looks like Song Lian that old fellow is still quite capable."

Luring a blood demon to kill the young girl's party on that mountain was his original plan. But, he did not expect that the Song Lian who was already an arrow at the end of its flight, could really leave a glimmer of hope for this young maiden.

"Since you're so scared of people knowing, wouldn't killing me here leave behind more clues? Aren't you scared?" Xie Nandu looked at the young man and said calmly, "Methods of rearing demons, even if it's disguised as demons eating people, as long as a big shot from the Divine Capital comes, they're bound to find many flaws."

The young man nodded his head; very much in agreement with this, "It was indeed my fault before. I felt that I had to make your death flawless without any traces. But only later, did I understand one thing. After you're dead, there won't be so many problems anymore. After all, who'd go to war for a dead person?"

Xie Nandu shook her head, "White Deer's Xie Clan won't let their most outstanding descendant die so bafflingly."

"You're wrong. If you're really a genius; young but prudent and capable, then you won't die here. If you die here, how can you live up to the word genius?"

The young man had a mocking look, "If you're not a genius, who cares whether you're dead or not."

Xie Nandu stopped talking. At this point, she already knew the cause of everything that had happened.

There was someone in the Divine Capital who did not want her to appear safely in the Divine Capital. But, it was absolutely impossible for that person to influence the true big shots of the Divine Capital's Xie Clan. His means could not hide from the eyes of those big shots too. Being able to accomplish all these, he had clearly received tacit consent.

Even her time of departure from White Deer, how many retainers she had, how high their realms, it was all acquiesced by someone.

Why acquiesce?

Xie Nandu had a strange emotion in her eyes. But, it merely flashed across before fading; instantly returning to tranquility. This young girl who was considered to have gone through all kinds of hardships and difficulties before arriving at Tianqing County just said calmly, "Presumably, those big shots in the Divine Capital don't mean me any harm."

The young man nodded and said, "Yes. They merely wanted to have a look. Otherwise, why would it be me?"

"Aren't you afraid that you'll really become a scapegoat in the end?" Xie Nandu looked at him and said in a calm voice, "I have another option for you to choose from."

The look of appreciation in the young man's eyes did not dissipate. But he still shook his head, "What a shame."

Seeing that this young man was so determined, Xie Nandu smiled and did not speak.

The young man glanced at the sky and let out a sigh, "I really want to talk to you more. But, there's not enough time."

He shook his head with some regret.

A mass of black-colored demonic qi poured out of the ground in front of the young man. A ferocious-looking demon instantly appeared. Its entire body was pitch-black and it was incomparably hideous. Thick demonic qi surrounded it, making people feel stifled at a glance.

"It's really quite a shame that a beauty like you will be eaten by such an ugly demon. But, it's something that can't be helped too." The young man shook his head sadly and then he waved his hand.

A strange aura poured out from his finger and slowly dissipated.

That ugly demon instantly started to run!

A short distance of several dozen feet, that demon only needed a breath of time to arrive in front of Xie Nandu and completely kill this teenage girl who was the most highly regarded in this generation of White Deer's Xie Clan!

The young man narrowed his eyes, seemingly already able to foresee the outcome of this story.

In the next second.

Clank-

A loud noise sounded out!

That demon failed to come into contact with Xie Nandu.

A black figure jumped down from the room and instantly rushed towards that demon.

The tremendous impact instantly took that demon out of the corridor.

The demon let out a strange cry, but immediately, the sound disappeared.

What replaced its cry was the sound of some blunt tool striking flesh and blood.

There were continuous sounds, like a series of spring thunders.

But wasn't it still winter now?

The black figure held down that demon and fell into the snow. Moments later, there was no more sound.

The heavy snow that filled the sky suddenly paused. When it returned to normal again, that black figure already rose from the snow.

It was Chen Chao.

The youth in black who was covered in snow lifted his head. Along with the circulation of vital qi within his body, the snow on his black clothes was instantly blown away. Snowflakes could no longer land on the young man's body.

The youth in black who was standing in the snowstorm was filled with surging blood vitality!

He looked at that young man standing under the porch. There were no unnecessary emotions in that pair of eyes that were as bright as stars.

The young man frowned and was just about to open his mouth when that youth in black who was in the courtyard instantly tensed up the muscles in his whole body. His body which was originally slightly bowed straightened in an instant. Like an arrow that left the bow, he stepped on the ground and already shot towards that young man!

Previously, that demon was several dozen feet away from Xie Nandu. Now, Chen Chao was also several dozen feet away from this young man. The demon was pummeled to death by Chen Chao with a few punches before it could come into contact with Xie Nandu. At present, could he come into contact with that young man's body or not?

Regardless of how much immortal cultivators looked down on martial artists, everyone was clear that once a cultivator let a martial artist get close, it definitely would not be a good outcome.

After the young man briefly lost focus, when he came back to his senses, he tapped his feet and already retreated out of the long corridor, returning to the courtyard anew.

Compared to Chen Chao who was akin to a ferocious beast, his movements were clearly more elegant; more in line with those so-called immortals' demeanor.

Prior to this, he already knew the identity of that youth in black who came roaring into existence. He was this Tianqing County's warden. But, he did not expect that this measly little county warden, his realm was actually much higher than he expected!

Was it Spirit Platform or was it Divine Trove?

If he was a Spirit Platform martial artist, he could still engage in battle. But if it was a Divine Trove martial artist opposite, then...

"Do you know..."

The young man floated in midair, vital qi lingering between his fingers. He opened his mouth, but his words were only half-spoken before it was stopped abruptly.

That youth in black who was akin to a ferocious beast already disappeared in an instant. While he was still stunned, his figure already appeared in front of him again.

A delicate face appeared before his eyes.

The expressionless youth in black just looked at him like that.

Without waiting for him to have any reaction, a fist that was not considered too big or small already smashed his face head-on!

Crack-

With a crisp sound, the young man's nose bridge shattered with a loud noise. The intense pain made him temporarily stop thinking. Immediately after, he felt pain coming from everywhere in his body.

The sound of bones breaking was sounding out continuously. Those punches also kept on falling; pitter-patter, like the sound of raindrops falling on roof tiles.

No idea how long had passed. It seemed to be just a moment, but also seemed like a long time had passed.

The sound finally stopped.

Xie Nandu looked at this scene that was currently happening in the courtyard and felt somewhat spellbound.

At this moment, it was as if she returned to that night in the mountain god temple. The same quiet youth was silently doing what he wanted to do.

It was as if only during battle, was that youth dressed in black clothes his true self.

By the time Xie Nandu returned to her senses, Chen Chao already dragged that young man who was exhaling more than what he was inhaling under the porch. He spat out a turbid breath as his chest heaved unsteadily; adjusting his breathing.

Xie Nandu was just about to open her mouth.

But very soon, she saw that Chen Chao was already squatting in front of that young man. He completely ignored the young man who still had blood gushing out of his mouth and started searching for items on that young man's body with a serious face.

Looking at his appearance, he seemed a little excited.

Xie Nandu looked at this scene and became absent-minded again.

She stood in the wind; a little messy.

Chapter 9: Review

After searching for a long time, Chen Chao found quite a number of good stuff on that young man. Satisfied, he glanced at the young man who was currently breathing feebly and lifted his head to ask, "Do you want him alive?"

Only then, did Xie Nandu who had been absent-minded the entire time come back to her sense. She frowned and asked, "Can he still be saved?"

"Tough."

Chen Chao chuckled and no longer cared about this guy and walked towards the stove over there. But when he was about to sit on that old chair, Xie Nandu was a step ahead.

Chen Chao frowned and did not say anything. Sitting down opposite, he moved close to the stove. Feeling the warmth, he hummed comfortably.

Only after a few moments, did Chen Chao turn towards Xie Nandu and ask, "Shouldn't you have something to say now?"

Xie Nandu thought about it. Presently, the two of them were truly considered to be grasshoppers on the same piece of string. There was nothing to hide now as well. She said straightforwardly, "I'm born in White Deer's Xie Clan."

Chen Chao frowned and said, "White Deer's Xie Clan, that White Deer's Xie Clan that's of the same lineage as the Divine Capital's Xie Clan?"

Xie Nandu nodded her head very calmly.

But, Chen Chao was a little surprised. He had long known that this teenage girl's identity was not ordinary. But, even if he knew that she was surnamed Xie, he did not guess the Xie Clan. Xie Clan these two words were really too heavy.

Over 200 years ago, the world coincided with troubled times. Great Liang's founding emperor decided to rise up and overthrow tyranny. White Deer's Xie Clan gave their all to help. Not only did they finance money and food, they even dispatched many of the outstanding descendants in the clan to help. Later, Great Liang Dynasty ruled the world. Under the conferment of the founding emperor, more than ten people in the Xie Clan were conferred. These dozen over people immediately became the Great Liang Dynasty's most trusted ministers. With the passage of time, these dozen over people gradually gained a firm foothold in the Divine Capital and formed a new family clan too. This was the origin of the Divine Capital's Xie Clan.

White Deer's Xie Clan was the ancestral shrine. The Divine Capital's Xie Clan was initially just a branch. But with the passage of time, generations of the Divine Capital's Xie Clan gained a firm foundation in the imperial court and were gradually able to be mentioned in the same breath as White Deer's Xie Clan. Several decades ago, thanks to the 100 plus years of accumulation, the Divine Capital's Xie Clan had long already leaped to become one of the largest family clans in the dynasty. In the imperial court, they could even contend with the Qing He's Wei Clan which stretched for hundreds of years. They naturally surpassed White Deer's Xie Clan for a time. Although the southern ancestral shrine was still the ancestral shrine, there were many rules that had long already inadvertently changed.

Xie Nandu was the most outstanding existence in this generation of White Deer's Xie Clan. On White Deer this side, they did not harbor other intentions by sending her to the Divine Capital.

"I said long ago, becoming friends with me should be a pretty good decision."

Xie Nandu added a piece of charcoal to the stove and said with some regret, "If only there was a sweet potato."

Chen Chao frowned and analyzed, "The Divine Capital's Xie Clan wants you to head north to the Divine Capital. But, someone amongst them doesn't want you to appear in the Divine Capital."

"Not that they don't want to, but that there are no friendly sentiments in the influential families of the capital. Everything depends on whether it's worth it or not. Actually, the thinking of big shots isn't hard to guess, it's just to have a look at me."

Xie Nandu looked at Chen Chao, the meaning in her eyes was already very obvious.

"To see whether or not you're a so-called genius. This is a test too. Only if you pass, will your surname be Xie."

Chen Chao said mockingly, "This kind of behavior is very much in line with the temperament of those so-called big shots."

Xie Nandu looked at Chen Chao and said seriously, "Thank you."

How can a young girl who had yet to begin cultivating pass the so-called test after all of her retainers died in battle? It could only be through external forces.

This would be making use of people.

As a major family clan that was second to none in the Great Liang Dynasty, using people was one of the most fundamental abilities that Xie Clan descendants should possess.

Xie Nandu suddenly asked, "You don't have much information and I didn't make it clear to you too. How did you know that he'd show up here?"

Chen Chao glanced at the young man who had already stopped breathing and tilted his head, "There are many stupid people in the world. But it just so happens that I'm not one of them."

The demon appeared at Changyuan Street twice. Normal people would definitely still choose to go there and stand guard. But when he was chatting with Xie Nandu previously, she suddenly mentioned the matter of qi refiners rearing demons. That let Chen Chao understand that these two murders were not simple. Moreover, Xie Nandu chose to stay behind after that instead of going to Changyuan Street with him.

This was the biggest problem.

Xie Nandu had always believed that staying by Chen Chao's side was the safest. Why did she choose to stay behind at this time?

Did she wanted to keep Chen Chao out of this mess?

Then what would be the fate that she left for herself?

So very clearly, she wanted to draw that young man out. At the same time, she was also betting that Chen Chao this smart person would understand the hints that she had left for him.

Putting it bluntly, there were no coincidences tonight. Everything was a scheme planned by the two.

At this point, even Chen Chao could not help but admire this young girl's cunningness.

A calm temperament, highly shrewd, and extremely methodical when doing things. Plus, she had a meticulous mind. If say that she was a genius in cultivation too, then when Xie Nandu appeared in the Divine Capital, she would definitely set off a storm in the Xie Clan.

The outcome of the future was hard to say. But if one could have her friendship, it would certainly be good.

"That's also to say that I'm likely to be talking to the Xie Clan's next-generation family head?"

Chen Chao raised his eyebrows, but there was not much excitement.

He was not even as excited as when he was making a fortune from that young man previously.

"The atmosphere is all set up here. Aren't you going to tell your story?"

As a matter of fact, Xie Nandu was really interested in Chen Chao's story. Where this Tianqing County's young warden came from, how did he attain his martial arts cultivation, and even what martial arts realm he was in... All these were things that Xie Nandu wanted to know.

Curiosity killed the cat. But clearly, it would not kill Xie Nandu.

"There's nothing to say. But, I helped you once more today, no extra money?"

Chen Chao blinked his eyes. Only then, did he reach into his bosom and take out that demon bead he found in that demon. This demon bead was different from ordinary demon beads. The demonic qi was not that strong. But, it had the function to record images. It should be very welcomed by those noblewomen in the Divine Capital.

Using it to catch adultery would be guaranteed.

Keeping the demon bead, Chen Chao became serious and asked, "Does the test end here? Or is there more to come?"

Since he had already boarded the pirate ship, what else could he do other than try his best to keep the ship from sinking?

Xie Nandu shook her head and smiled slightly, "Who can really guess what big shots think?"

To take one look or take another look, who could say for sure?

Chen Chao suddenly said, "Someone like you, if anyone were to marry you in the future, wouldn't they be haunted with fear for life?"

Hearing this, Xie Nandu was not angry either, she just asked, "Why must I marry someone?"

Chen Chao was stumped by this. Just as he did not know what to say, Xie Nandu opened her mouth again and said with a smile, "If there's really a decent guy, what's the harm in marrying him?"

Chapter 10: I Just Want to Be a Martial Artist

After disposing of that young man's body, Chen Chao exhaled a long turbid breath.

A familiar night, but it was different from that night at the mountain god temple. Tonight, Xie Nandu spoke a lot and also asked a lot. However, the youth opposite her still seemed so cautious. She did not get an answer to many things.

She was not angry. She just maintained her curiosity about the youth in black.

In the early money, Chen Chao got up and walked out of the courtyard. He went outside the alley to buy a sweet potato. When paying for it, he hesitated for a moment, but opened his mouth and said, "I'll take another one."

Turning around and returning to the alley, he just so happened to bump into Zhou Gouqi who opened his door early in the morning. The two people exchanged glances and naturally quarreled again.

In the end, Chen Chao returned to the stove with a grim expression and handed that slightly larger sweet potato to Xie Nandu. While he placed that slightly smaller sweet potato in front of him without rushing to touch it.

Picking up the sweet potato, Xie Nandu asked something that was almost idiotic, "Do you know about that academy in the Divine Capital?"

Chen Chao nodded his head blankly. There were many cultivators in Great Liang Dynasty. But, there were only two main kinds of cultivators that could be used by the imperial court. The first were martial artists who spent countless skygold currency to temper their bodies. The other kind were confucianism cultivators of one of the three sects.

Foreign cultivation sects had systematic legacies that lasted for hundreds of years. It was even longer than the existence of a dynasty. They had deep foundations and would look for young boys and girls suitable for cultivation in the world, and bring them into the sect to cultivate, severing the fetters to the secular world.

The martial path was essentially another path for those ordinary people who could not become immortal cultivators. It did not require any talent. No matter how stupid the martial artist, if they endured bitterly for eight to ten years, they could at least cross the threshold too. And it was precisely because of this that cultivators in the world had always had the most contemptuous attitude towards martial artists. They felt that cultivation was in accordance with Heavenly Dao; obtaining power from heaven and earth to strengthen themselves. Hence, cultivators who were suited for cultivation were chosen by heaven. On the contrary, martial artists who were unsuitable for cultivation tried to forcibly walk the martial path. They naturally became aberrants in their eyes.

Hence, in foreign cultivation sects, virtually no sects with martial artists as the priority could be seen. Even if martial artists existed in some sects, they would definitely suffer from the cold-shoulder too.

Martial artists under such circumstances would choose to become an appendage to the dynasty. It virtually became the only choice.

Presently, the northern frontier army that was stopping demons from going southward, it could be said to have gathered the largest number of martial artists in Great Liang Dynasty.

As one of the three sects, confucianism cultivators had always had a lot of connections with the secular world. Countless years ago, confucianism prospered and they began writing books and enlightening people in the world. Then, it gradually formed confucian orthodoxy. Because of the special nature of confucianism, it was destined to have an inextricable relationship with the world from the beginning. After countless years of development, confucianism became the closest cultivators to dynasties. In fact, it was more like cooperation between a dynasty and confucianism. Confucianism provided the dynasty with the necessary intellectuals to govern the world. The dynasty also needed to provide an endless stream of students for confucianism.

After all, unlike other cultivators, scholars at least had the world and the common people in their hearts...

That academy in the Divine Capital was the holy land of all intellectuals. If one did not go to foreign lands to cultivate, entering that academy would be the best path.

Chen Chao picked up the sweet potato and slowly peeled the skin, revealing the golden flesh that was emitting heat. Lowering his head to take a bite, it was very sweet.

Barring no accidents, Xie Nandu would definitely enter that academy. If her talent was good, becoming well-known throughout the Divine Capital would just be a matter of time. It was just that, no matter how outstanding she was, it was probably not so easy to make a difference in her career.

Great Liang Dynasty did not forbid women from becoming officials. But sadly, in these 200 plus years, there were indeed no female officials that appeared.

If Xie Nandu wanted to become the female premier of this Great Liang Dynasty, the road ahead would likely be very long and full of thorns.

"If I were to reach the Divine Capital and gain a firm foothold, I'll be able to help you fight for an examination spot for the academy."

Xie Nandu looked serious and did not seem to be joking. Earlier, she had been saying that she would repay Chen Chao. But she did not specify how exactly. But now that she had said this, it was more valuable than any amount of skygold currency. Chen Chao was naturally clear about what an examination spot in the academy represented.

Every year when the academy enrolled students, it was always a grand event for the entire Great Liang Dynasty. Which family in the Great Liang Dynasty did not want to send their descendants to the academy?

An academy examination spot was sufficient to make those major families vie until their heads were bashed and battered too.

In addition to the vast number of cultivation manuals, that academy also had some of the most powerful cultivators in the Great Liang Dynasty today.

The academy's dean was a legendary figure.

Of the so-called six firmament realms, most likely, that academy dean was already standing at the top.

Across the entire Great Liang Dynasty, one could not find more than a few existences who could contend with that academy dean.

Even in those foreign cultivation sects, there would not be too many powerhouses who could ignore that academy dean too.

If one could become the disciple of such a character, what difficulties would they still face in Great Liang Dynasty?

It would be too easy to have a meteoric rise.

...

...

"I'm a martial artist."

Chen Chao naturally knew that since Xie Nandu dared to say so, she was confident in winning a spot for him. That was also an opportunity that countless people in the entire Great Liang Dynasty wanted. But, he still rejected it flat-out.

"Is it not possible to change to immortal cultivation?" "Your talent should be decent. Walking the path of a martial artist is too difficult."

Xie Nandu smiled slightly and said, "And those skygold currency, the amount is too colossal. It's very hard for you to afford it too."

She was genuinely thinking for Chen Chao.

If Great Liang Dynasty's martial artists wanted to keep improving, they needed countless skygold currency to purchase various spirit medicines to temper their physiques. This colossal sum of skygold currency was not something that a martial artist could afford. Hence, too many martial artists only had one path -- which was to enter the army and kill the enemy in the northern frontier to render meritorious service so as to exchange for that huge sum of skygold currency. Although Chen Chao was a warden, his monthly salary was virtually negligible in front of that required sum of skygold currency.

Chen Chao smiled and said, "So, I give my life up for the sake of that vague and illusory thing?" "If you really want to help me, why don't you add more money."

Xie Nandu looked at the sweet potato in his hand and unconsciously swallowed her saliva. That petite face had some desire. Anyone would find it cute.

"If you have any concerns, there's no harm in saying it out. You saved me more than once, we should be friends."

Xie Nandu raised her head and looked at Chen Chao. The fog in that pair of eyes seemed to have dissipated. Now, it revealed a most earnest look.

Actually, in the first place, there should be the unique advantage of being able to establish a relatively pure friendship between young boys and girls. Even if these two were not ordinary youths, there would always be times when things would suddenly become simple.

Chen Chao looked at that half a sweet potato in his hand and felt rather awful. He thought to himself: My aptitude isn't as good as you think. Do I have to tell you that I can only be a martial artist?

Becoming a martial artist was a helpless move in the first place.

Chen Chao sighed silently.

But, could he say these things?

Did he not want face anymore?

Chen Chao put that sweet potato down. He looked at the girl opposite pick up that sweet potato, peel the sweet potato skin rather seriously, then carefully put the sweet potato in her mouth and gently bite. Then, her entire face was full of blissfulness. Chen Chao raised his eyebrows: Don't you know that eating too many sweet potatoes will make you fart?

Returning to his senses, he sat up straight and said calmly, "My dream is to be a martial artist!"

"Therefore, I have no interest in other paths."

Chen Chao had a serious look and he was calm and collected.

But, who knew about the pain in his heart?

Xie Nandu raised her head. First, she glanced at Chen Chao with some surprise. She did not see other emotions on his face, so she smiled. There was no disappointment in her eyes, but there were some other emotions as she said softly, "You really are a special person."

Chapter 11: Black Market

After having a conversation that was neither deep nor shallow with Xie Nandu, it was close to noon too. Counting the days, today was the date. Grabbing an oiled paper umbrella, Chen Chao led Xie Nandu out of the door.

Xie Nandu put down the sweet potato that only had the skin left. Receiving the oiled paper umbrella, she casually asked, "Where are we going?"

Chen Chao did not hide it either and said casually, "Black market."

Hearing this, Xie Nandu clearly got excited. When she was in White Deer Prefecture, she often heard her family talk about the black market. She knew that it was the place where cultivators carried out transactions. In foreign lands, there were cultivation sects that specialized in this business. But within the borders of the Great Liang Dynasty, there would be government-established venues in the provincial capital of the prefecture for cultivators to carry out transactions. But, this kind of official venue would often deduct part of the skygold currency from both sides of the transaction. Under such circumstances, black markets were born as the times required, becoming the platform for cultivators to transact on their own.

Tianqing County was too out-of-the-way and the Great Liang Dynasty did not set up any marketplaces. If one wanted to get any spirit medicines and cultivation aspect materials, there was only the black market.

And because it was too remote, Tianqing County's black market only opened for one day a month. Today just happened to be the day it was open.

The demon beads that Chen Chao accumulated over this one month, he originally planned to exchange all of them for skygold currency today to purchase the spirit medicines that he needed to temper his body next month.

However, Chen Chao was clear in his heart that he could barely cope with things these few months. The days in the future would definitely get worse and worse.

He glanced at Xie Nandu without leaving any traces. At that time, how the rest of his days would be would depend on whether or not she found her conscience and send him a large sum of spirit medicines after she arrived at the Divine Capital. Or even directly deliver those spirit medicines to him.

Walking on the streets, there were only a few pedestrians as usual. Chen Chao seemed a bit pleased.

When he passed by the county office, the underling at the entrance gave Chen Chao a somewhat respectful glance. Chen Chao just nodded his head slightly and did not say anything.

He only knew about it earlier. Turns out that last night, Mi Ke and a group of court underlings guarded Changyuan Street all night. In the end, this Lord Mi Ke caught a cold. He heard that he was still lying in bed now. After learning about this, Chen Chao quietly remembered that he had forgotten to give Mi Ke a heads-up previously. He sat in front of a fire all night under his porch, but Mi Ke suffered a night of heavy snow and wind.

How sinful.

But he heard that after Mi Ke fell ill, Registrar Zhang bustled around, inviting physicians and brewed medicines with a look of worry.

Lord Mi had a good subordinate!

Walking down the county office street, the two people turned into Willow Leaf Alley to the east and walked to the end before arriving at a relatively spacious street market.

There were many stalls set up on this street. Many stalls were littered with various kinds of spirit medicines that gave off luster and magic artifacts.

But, these were all small-scale shops. The truly powerful sellers would have a storefront on this street that belonged to them.

This was Tianqing County's black market.

The Great Liang Dynasty turned a blind eye to these places that did not have government-established venues. Plus, Tianqing County's security was surprisingly good. Hence, the scale of the black market was not small. In the course of time, the black market here already became the largest one outside of the provincial capital there. Whenever this day came, martial artists from several nearby counties would come to Tianqing County to buy some spirit medicines.

But it was all odds and ends; not some big purchase.

"Warden Chen!"

"Warden Chen, you came here?"

"Warden Chen is here! Everyone move aside!"

"Warden Chen, I have a fine blood ginseng here! High quality and inexpensive!"

"Warden Chen, my Seven Leaves Grass is absolutely top-grade!"

"Warden Chen, this is my younger sister..."

When Chen Chao heard that, he looked at the vendor with some surprise.

That vendor hurriedly added, "This is the spirit medicine that my younger sister picked."

But after saying this, he continued again, "It just so happens that my younger sister hasn't married yet. If Warden Chen wants to..."

"No need!"

...

...

The moment Chen Chao appeared here, those stall owners became excited. They could not be blamed for losing composure, it was truly because Chen Chao had already become the biggest customer of this black market in these two years. Every time he came, regardless of whether was it the number of demon beads sold or the number of spirit medicines purchased, it could not be compared to ordinary martial artists.

Those martial artists were at most on a small scale. But, Chen Chao made huge business deals each time.

Everyone's eyes were on Chen Chao. Instead, Xie Nandu who was on the side was ignored.

Chen Chao clasped his hands toward everyone and did not talk nonsense either, bringing Xie Nandu and dashing into a shop called Longevity Pavilion that was facing the street.

The shop was quaint. At this moment, there was only an old man with white hair sitting behind the counter and napping. However, just as Chen Chao walked in, this old man opened his eyes. Both eyes which were full of cloudiness instantly regained clarity.

"Warden Chen, you're indeed punctual."

The old man squinted his eyes and was all smiles. In such a small place, the young warden in front of him was their biggest patron. Naturally, he should maintain his enthusiasm.

"And this girl is...?" The old man took a look at Xie Nandu and furrowed his brows imperceptibly. By relying on his many years of judging people, he naturally knew that this young girl had an extraordinary background and was definitely not simple.

"A friend."

Chen Chao took out a heavy black-cloth bag. Passing it to the old man, he said, "Calculate the price."

The old man nodded his head. After taking the bag, he took out a tray that was the size of a grinding disc from under the country. Only after placing it on the counter, did he pour out all the demon beads in the bag.

For some time, a series of crisp sounds echoed here. The noise varied in loudness and the sound of collision sounded as pleasant as mountain spring water landing on rocks.

Large and small beads landed on the jade tray.

Martial practitioners did not need to use demon beads. But, other cultivators had use for this item. So every time after obtaining demon beads, Chen Chao would sell them. Then he would go and buy the spirit medicines that he needed.

Most of those spirit medicines were planted by foreign cultivators in their own sect's medicine garden. A small quantity was found deep in the mountains and in old forests. Some cultivators specialized in this profession and were called herb pickers.

The old man chuckled as he counted the demon beads. Only after categorizing the demon beads based on the condition and effect, did he say, "The quantity is fewer than last time. I assume that there aren't many demons nearby anymore."

He seemed to be casually chatting. But in reality, he was reminding Chen Chao that if he still did not think of other methods, it would be hard to follow up.

Chen Chao was shrewd too, saying straightforwardly, "I killed a blood demon a few days ago."

"Blood demon?" !

The old man's slightly narrowed eyes suddenly snapped open. He could not believe it.

Among the demons in Great Liang Dynasty that had not taken human form, blood demons were extremely terrifying existences. After ordinary cultivators encountered it, forget about killing it, even wanting to retreat unscathed was a luxury.

"Where's the demon bead? Let this old man take a look." The old man became excited too. The demon bead of a blood demon was definitely good stuff.

Chen Chao did not hesitate either, taking that blood-colored demon bead out. After placing it in the tray, he looked at the old man calmly.

"Ah..." The old man wiped his hands and gently picked up that blood bead. Sizing it up for a moment, he muttered, "High-grade."

The quality of this demon bead was undoubtedly excellent. The blood vitality inside was even plentiful. Most likely, that blood demon was at least a demon of the Spirit Platform Realm already. It should have been only a step away from stepping into the Divine Trove Realm.

But, such a demon was still killed by Chen Chao.

The old man looked at Chen Chao. Just what realm was this young warden?

Six firmaments of cultivation. The second realm was Spirit Platform and Divine Trove was already the third realm.

If he was Divine Trove Realm at this age, it meant that the young man in front of him was absolutely a real genius!

Such a genius was only working as a warden in a measly little county town?

The old man was somewhat in a trance. But very soon, he heard someone knocking on the counter.

When he returned to his senses, the youth in black in front of him also retracted his hand.

"State your price."

Chen Chao did not want to waste too much time here.

The old man mused for a moment and quickly said, "These demon beads. a total of 2,000 skygold currency. This blood demon's demon bead, I'll give you 5,000 coins!"

This price was not low. But, Chen Chao still immediately said, "10,000!"

The old man's expression suddenly became ugly, as if there was some anger. But, it was still hidden very well by him. He squeezed a few words out from the crevices between his teeth, "10,000 is too much! At most 6,000!"

The price of those ordinary demon beads was transparent long ago. They were only talking about this blood demon's demon bead.

"9,000. I believe that you can still sell it for more." Chen Chao smiled and said, "The next time I have good stuff, I'll still come and find you."

The old man had a helpless look as he said, "Warden Chen, this price is really impossible."

Chen Chao smiled slightly and said, "It definitely works."

The old man shook his head and still insisted on his view.

Chen Chao did not speak. Putting away the demon bead, he turned around to leave.

The old man did not react. He just let out a sigh with some disappointment.

It was just that when Chen Chao already had one foot out of the shop, the old man gritted his teeth and seemed to have made up his mind. He yelled, "7,000! It's only worth this price!"

Chen Chao turned around and said with a slight smile, "8,000."

Hearing this, the old man sat down like he was deflated and nodded his head somewhat dejectedly.

But Chen Chao did not show any emotion. He returned to the counter and casually placed the demon bead on the counter, waiting for the manservant in the back to get the money. However, he still casually asked about how much the demon bead of that demon he killed last night was worth.

"This demon bead isn't common. But, it's not very useful for cultivation. Only those noblewomen in the provincial capital might pay a high price. I'll take it for 1,000."

The old shopkeeper knocked on the counter, his eyes narrowed.

Chen Chao shook his head. He did not plan on selling it just yet. The price of this thing in a small place was definitely less than one-tenth of those provincial capitals.

The old shopkeeper also knew Chen Chao's disposition. Hence, he did not say much. He just casually talked about the method of using this thing.

After getting the skygold currency and walking out of the shop, Chen Chao massaged his head. He was quite satisfied.

If he took that blood demon's demon bead to sell elsewhere, it would naturally not be that price. It was just that it would be too much trouble. He did not like that.

As for why he did not take out the items that he found on that young man yesterday night, it was in order to avoid causing new problems. Chen Chao naturally would not be so stupid.

Xie Nandu suddenly said, "Putting on an act, the human heart is complicated."

Chen Chao did not refute it. He just said coolly, "You've definitely never experienced it. But, there's nothing special about haggling over the price. As long as he's willing to buy, he definitely won't lose money. And no matter how I sell it, it will be a loss. I'm merely reducing my losses to a minimum."

"You really make people unable to see through you at times. When it feels like you're worldly-wise, you also seem to have your own perseverance in other aspects.

Xie Nandu was somewhat emotional. Up till now, she felt that Chen Chao rejecting her help to get him an academy examination spot was a very crazy thing.

Chen Chao himself had difficulties that he could not explain, so he could only stand upright on his own.

Chen Chao did not say anything. Afterward, he walked back and forth along this street and went in and out of many shops. He bought quite a few spirit medicines that could be used to temper the body. With the skygold currency from selling that blood demon's demon bead, Chen Chao bought an extra month's share when he was buying spirit medicines. As for why he did not spend it all at once, he vaguely felt that he would not continue to stay in this realm for too long.

Above Spirit Platform was Divine Trove.

Several years of training already let Chen Chao touch the threshold of that realm. Presumably, he would step into that realm before long and become a Divine Trove martial artist.

And that would be the most difficult realm for martial artists. Many martial artists were unable to cross this realm for the rest of their lives.

Reaching that realm also meant that he needed even more spirit medicines.

That meant a huge sum of skygold currency.

Chen Chao heaved a sigh, knowing that he would have the biggest headache when the time comes.

Returning to his senses, he was about to leave this place.

But after taking a few steps and having just reached the street corner, a black figure suddenly dashed out of the side alley. Chen Chao turned his body sideways slightly and dodged the hand that was going to grab him. Then, he saw that black shadow's true face. It was a dark and skinny youth. He wore a gray-colored cotton robe that was full of patches. After seeing that teenager clearly, there was an additional hint of a smile on Chen Chao's face.

He reached his hand out and pressed on the dark, skinny teenager's shoulder. The other party could not move anymore.

When the dark, skinny teenager saw this, he had a helpless look, "Big Brother Chen, can't you let me win once?"

Chen Chao grinned and said, "Next time for sure."

The corners of the dark, skinny teenager's mouth twitched. Then, he noticed Xie Nandu who was behind Chen Chao very quickly. He quickly retracted his line of sight and asked, "Big Brother Chen, who is this elder sister?"

Chen Chao said calmly, "A friend."

"I pay respects to sister-in-law!" The dark, skinny teenager chuckled. Scratching his head, he looked a little silly.

Chapter 12: Hurry Up and Find Warden Chen

This dark, skinny teenager in front of him was called Lin Cheng. The two of them had a good relationship.

When he first arrived at Tianqing County, something happened to Lin Cheng's family. His mother passed away from an illness, but they could not afford the money for a coffin. At that time, Chen Chao's heart softened, and he gave him some money. That was how these two people had some friendship. After burying his mother, Lin Cheng bustled around in Peach Blossom Alley and helped Chen Chao quite a bit.

After that, he went over to that Xuanming Mine outside the periphery of Tianqing County all alone to seek a living. Cultivators required spirit medicines to refine pills for cultivation, while forging magic artifacts required all kinds of different materials. Hence, the Great Liang Dynasty had ore mining everywhere. There was a stone mine around the perimeter of Tianqing County that specialized in mining Xuanming Stones. The scale of the stone mine was not large. Every year, it could only produce a few thousand pounds of Xuanming Stones. But, these Xuanming Stones were necessary for cultivators to forge magic artifacts too. The imperial court used a lot of these to exchange for other necessities with foreign cultivation sects. Hence, many miners were needed all year round.

Although Lin Cheng was skinny, he was in fact naturally strong; enough to rival a robust adult man. So they made an exception and took him in there. It was just the right amount every month; a few pieces of skygold currency in wages. In a place like Tianqing County, several pieces of skygold currency was already quite a sum. If one did not need to cultivate, it would be more than enough for Lin Cheng to marry a wife after working for a few years.

However, there were often cave-ins over at the stone mine. In fact, they were really just risking their lives.

"Why are you back?"

Chen Chao looked at Lin Cheng with some doubt. Each person over at the stone mine only got one day off a month. This kid in front of him just came back at the beginning of the mine. He should not be showing up again this month.

"There were multiple cave-ins that occurred consecutively over the past few days. The lord in charge stopped the mining and gave a few days off. I just so happen to have something to give to Big Brother Chen." While talking, Lin Cheng looked around carefully, and only then, did he drag Chen Chao into the alley. He carefully took out a stalk of grass that had seven leaves from his cotton clothes that were full of patches. The root portion was wrapped in dirt by Lin Cheng and the leaves were fresh and green. Green liquid could be seen flowing through the veins with the naked eye. A luster glimmered on the surface of the leaves. One look and it was clear that it was extraordinary.

Chen Chao frowned. Although he knew that this object was extraordinary, he did not recognize it.

"It's Seven Star Grass"

Xie Nandu said softly, "It's written in the Lost Records. It can be used to refine many medicinal pills and has the effect to clear one's mind and make one's qi flow smoothly. Looking at the grade, it's of the highest grade even among Seven Star Grasses. It's no worse than the value of your blood demon's demon bead."

In the past few years, other than having confucian scholars teach her those confucian books, Xie Nandu who had not set foot on the path of cultivation would read many books on cultivation in White Deer's ancestral shrine. She had an eidetic memory. Plus, she was patient. So she naturally knew a lot of things.

"There's also an interesting story related to the Seven Star Grass."

Xie Nandu smiled.

In the Lost Records, it was recorded very clearly that decades ago, there was once a superior grade Seven Star Grass that was discovered by someone on Sword Qi Mountain. Coincidentally, the grand elder of a major sect in the foreign lands failed to make a cultivation realm breakthrough and urgently needed this item to save his life. Therefore, that sect sent its disciples to Sword Qi Mountain, wanting to buy it at a high price. Sword Qi Mountain had existed for a long time. It had a great reputation, but it was not a powerful sect. Coupled with the fact that the Seven Star Grass was useless to them, they did not push them away and wanted to sell it too. It was just that that foreign sect offered too low a price. It was no different from robbery. In a fit of rage, Sword Qi Mountain gifted over ten famous swords as thanks. Countless sword cultivators came in great numbers and directly uprooted that foreign sect. That poor grand elder did not get his life-saving spirit medicine. His head was personally cut off by some sword cultivator.

"There was such a thing?"

Lin Cheng opened his eyes wide. He did not expect that a tiny little herb could make those seemingly immortal-like existences lose their lives. Even a sect suffered extermination.

"Sword Qi Mountain?"

Chen Chao did not have any thoughts about this story itself. But he was interested in that Sword Qi Mountain.

Xie Nandu explained, "Sword Qi Mountain, it's a sword cultivator sect in foreign lands. However, there aren't powerful sword cultivators within the sect, so it can only be considered a second-rate sect. They have no interest in killing people. Their cultivation is also incidental. All they have been doing is only forging swords. At present, half of the world-renown swords are from this mountain."

"It seems like even if they are many forged swords that sword cultivators can't do without, there are so many famous swords hidden in the mountain, but I don't see anyone coveting them."

Chen Chao felt that if this Sword Qi Mountain wanted to exist in the world, it would not just be simply forging swords. Without their own strength, while also having something that so many sword cultivators needed, it was likely that some sword sects would be constantly thinking of forcibly occupying it.

Nodding her head, Xie Nandu said, "Every hundred years, they will definitely release a new sword. It will be the sharpest sword in the world for the entire 100 years. Cultivators call it the Hundred Year Sword. And this Hundred Year Sword's sword owner, each one is destined to become the world's strongest sword immortal. With this connection, Sword Qi Mountain naturally endures without declining. No one will risk offending half, or all the sword cultivators in the world by making a move on Sword Qi Mountain..."

Chen Chao nodded his head.

Lin Cheng had already passed him that Seven Star Grass. "I found this in the mining cave. I don't know what it's used for either, but I thought that Big Brother Chen would definitely have use for it, so I brought it back for you, Big Bro."

He extended his hand, but Chen Chao did not immediately take it. He just said, "Do you know that this Seven Star Grass can henceforth allow you to never enter that stone mine and risk your life to dig anymore? Furthermore, you can marry at least eight wives and live in luxury for the rest of your life."

"It's so valuable?" Lin Cheng was a little surprised. But those eyes were full of smiles. He was not dumb either. Previously, when he learned about that story, he virtually already knew the value of this Seven Star Grass. But, he was still willing to take it out. That already explained a lot.

"When my mother was still alive, she always taught me to repay the kindness from a drop of water with a gushing spring." "Back then, when no one buried my mother, it was you, Big Brother Chen, who extended a helping hand. Just this kindness, I, Lin Cheng, will remember it for life!"

Lin Cheng stuffed the Seven Star Grass into Chen Chao's hand and then chuckled, "If Big Brother Chen really feels bad about it, just give some money. But, don't be in a hurry to give me, I'm afraid that I can't hold back and spend it all. I'll leave it with Big Brother Chen first."

Finished saying all this, Lin Cheng said that his house needed to be cleaned up. Otherwise, if Mother were to come back anytime, there would not be a place to stay. Therefore, he would not stay here with Chen Chao any longer.[TL note: Yes, his mother is dead. I believe this has to do with Chinese superstition about the spirit returning home for a visit.]

Before going away, Lin Cheng looked at Xie Nandu and said seriously, "This elder sister, my Big Brother Chen is absolutely someone worthy of entrusting your life to. You can actually consider him."

When he finished saying this, he sped away.

Not letting Chen Chao have a chance to speak.

Looking at the dark, skinny youth's back view, Chen Chao was silent.

When Chen Chao extended a helping hand back then, it was not that he was really warmhearted and compassionate. There was plenty of suffering people in the world. Even if he wanted to help them all, how many could he help? It was merely how Lin Cheng looked that made Chen Chao remember a certain youth from many years ago. That was why he was suddenly moved with compassion. But he did not expect that the kindness that he casually sowed back then, by now, was no longer as simple as being repaid with a gushing spring.

Putting away the Seven Star Grass, Chen Chao did not plan to sell it just like that. Among the magic artifacts that he found on that young man previously, there was one that was used to store these kinds of spirit medicines. There was no need to worry about the loss of the spirit medicine's medicinal properties.

"This doesn't seem to be your personality." Seeing that Chen Chao did not plan to sell this Seven Star Grass just like that, Xie Nandu was a little doubtful.

Although Chen Chao in her understanding was decisive in taking action and absolutely did not drag things out, in some aspects, he was really no different from a street vendor.

Chen Chao smiled, "I didn't study much, but I seem to have read something before: a gentleman only wants money obtained through the right way, not ill-gotten gains."

Xie Nandu smiled, looking like a pear blossom in full bloom..

"However... I'm not a gentleman. The reason why I'm keeping this thing is probably because I feel that all things in the world shouldn't be taken for granted."

Chen Chao drew a deep breath. He just took out that bit of money to help him bury his mother. Then that person wanted to repay him with something that was countless times more valuable. Was he to accept it with peace of mind? Most likely, even if he reasoned until his throat became parched, Chen Chao could not accept this justification too.

And the reason why he chose to accept it was because Lin Cheng was merely an ordinary youth. If someone else learned that he harbored a precious treasure, it would go without saying what his outcome would be like.

A man's wealth is his own ruin by causing others' greed.

"Who the hell are you!"

Xie Nandu grabbed her own tiny hands. It was fair and delicate; without any threat.

Chen Chao grinned and said, "Although I'm not a gentleman, I'm a good guy. I said it right at the start when we were in the mountain god temple."

Xie Nandu was at a loss for a reply and just snorted coldly.

Chen Chao had nothing to say either. The two people went back the same way they came from just like that.

When they passed by the county government again, it was already afternoon.

Just as they were about to pass by the county office, a low-ranking official came out from inside. Because he was too anxious, he even stumbled in the snow. But he crawled to his feet very quickly. Ignoring the snow on his body, he sprinted into the distance with a look of panic.

"Where is he going in such a hurry?"

Chen Chao recognized that that person was the low-ranking official who went to look for him that night. That night, the two of them even had a chat. So he casually asked the court underling at the entrance of the county office.

That court underlying smiled and said, "He went to find Warden Chen. Someone from upstairs came, it was Warden Chen's direct supervisor; Warden Li from Commandery Qingshan. He specially asked for Warden Chen to make a trip to the county office. Who knows what it's for? Lord Magistrate tasked him to go find him and he was rather anxious..."

Chen Chao looked at him and remained silent.

That court underling was also smiling at first. Then, he gradually stopped smiling.

The two people exchanged glances, both not speaking.

Xie Nandu let out a sigh.

That court underlying was startled, "The Peach Blossom Alley that Warden Chen is staying is a little far."

His voice grew softer.

When he finished saying this, he came to his senses very quickly. Without waiting for Chen Chao to speak, he yelled into the county office at the top of his voice, "Your Excellency, Warden Chen is here!"

Chapter 13: Showdown

In the county government's main hall, a middle-aged man dressed in blue official robes with a long saber hanging at his waist was currently sitting unrestrainedly on the main seat that originally belonged to Lord Magistrate. While Mi Ke who caught a cold yesterday night could only drag his sick body and sit on the seat that originally belonged to the official registrar. And Registrar Zhang who could only accompany by standing at the side now, his oafish face was not too happy about it.

Mi Ke took a look at that man seated in the main seat. That person was precisely Commandery Qingshan's Warden Li. Although Warden Li still did not have the authority to dispatch him, this Warden Li was a genuine sixth-grade official; two grades higher than him, this magistrate. Furthermore, commanding the local wardens in the various counties of a commandery, there was the responsibility of defending the territory and giving peace to the people. To say that his authority was small, it was not small. To say that it was high, it was also very high. Because once he linked a certain incident to demons or cultivators, then even if it was the county chief, they could only look on helplessly and give him free rein on the matter.

He suddenly arrived at Tianqing County without prior notice. Mi Ke was naturally not prepared either. At this moment, although Mi Ke was confused, when he thought about Tianqing County's peaceful days these past few years, coupled with that only three people died in the recent incident before the demon was swiftly eliminated, there was no reason to find fault. Moreover, Tianqing County was way more peaceful compared to other surrounding counties. There should be no cause for Warden Li to make trouble even if he wanted to.

Since he was not here to find trouble, Mi Ke suddenly thought of another possibility. During Chen Chao's tenure in Tianqing County, he killed countless major and minor demons, maintaining the peace of the land. No matter what, no one else could compare. Could it be that the man in front of him came to Tianqing County presently to reward Chen Chao? Or, could it possibly be to promote him to be the warden of Commandery Qingshan and be in charge of a commandery?

Mi Ke pondered silently. If there were the case, then Chen Chao would be leaving Tianqing County. That would really be... something sorrowful.

Previously, Registrar Zhang was still wondering if his lord really had not thought about Chen Chao leaving. But if he knew what Mi Ke was thinking at this moment, he would definitely feel that he had a heart-to-heart connection with his lord again.

"Lord Mi, Tianqing County has been peaceful for several years. Now, an incident where a demon hurt people appeared again. Lord Mi mustn't slack off. In Commandery Qingshan, there are countless pairs of eyes watching Tianqing County."

Warden Li drank a mouthful of tea, looking calm and collected.

Mi Ke put on an attitude of humbly seeking advice. But in reality, this Lord Magistrate had already cussed him out god knows how many times in his heart. Even if a few people died in Your Father's Tianqing County, it's also much more peaceful than other county towns! Why don't you go and think about how other counties should prevent demons instead of talking rubbish here?

But when he opened his mouth, it changed to: "Your Excellency is right. We'll definitely be on 120% alertness. Protecting the territory and giving peace to the people is also our duty."

Warden Li was very satisfied. Then, he sized up the surroundings and yearned for his own warden office in Commandery Qingshan. That was much better than this current lousy county government. It was just that the Great Liang Dynasty's warden offices were at most only set up at the prefecture level. This kind of county town did not have such an office. Otherwise, he would not be waiting for Chen Chao in the county government, but would have gone directly to the warden office.

"No worries, this warden knows about Lord Mi's ability. It's just a pity that I have no power over Lord Mi's career. Otherwise, I'd give Lord Mi a helping hand no matter what. Rather, County Chief Liu has some friendship with me." "After heading back this time, I'll definitely say a few words of praise about Lord Mi in front of him. By the year-end examinations, he'll have to give Lord Mi a first-class grade no matter what."

Warden Li casually talked and gave a grandiose promise. But, there was little credibility and it was not believable.

Mi Ke was considered a wily old fox in the officialdom too, he had long already given up the idea of climbing up. Hence, he did not follow up. Just as he was all smiles and wanted to speak, the court underling outside yelled out. After Mi Ke heard clearly, he immediately said, "Warden Chen is here. This lowly official will take my leave."

He beckoned his hand. Registrar Zhang who was by the side understood his meaning and helped Mi Ke up. The two people did not wait for Warden Li to speak and already left the main hall.

A young man dressed in a black shirt with a saber hanging at his waist already entered the main hall.

Bringing with him some wind and snow.

The moment Warden Li saw Chen Chao, he had a look of displeasure and said with a frown, "As the Great Liang Dynasty's warden, why aren't you wearing official robes?" !

Chen Chao looked at this Warden Li whom he had never met before and raised his eyebrows. This was the first time that they were meeting and he was already taking him down a notch.

Chen Chao was neither obsequious nor haughty, clasping his hands as he said, "Following Great Liang's laws, wardens at the county level get two sets of official attires every year. But ever since this lowly official assumed the post, I've never received any official robes before."

Warden Li was stunned. Just now, he subconsciously wanted to intimidate this youth with a common officialdom measure. But, he did not expect that the other party rebutted him all of a sudden. In the warden system, the closer one got to a local area, the more unwelcome one was. This was old history. Everyone knew that many rules had long since ceased to exist. Normally, no one would latch on and not let go too. He himself was also aware of it. The reason why he spoke like this, was also to knock this subordinate whom he had never met before down a peg.

But, he did not expect that this youth was actually not willing to lower his head at all.

Before coming, he had once specially gone to retrieve Chen Chao's files to read. But there were only sporadic bits of records on it. Generally, there was only one situation, and that was that this warden official's position was bought by the family behind this youngster and he directly took office. Normally, this kind of existence definitely would not accomplish anything while in office.

Previously, when Tianqing County had always been having peaceful days, over at Commandery Qingshan, they merely treated it as they concealed the matter of demons hurting people and did not report it.

But not long ago, they received news from reliable sources that this was all true.

Now that he took a look at this youth, Warden Li somewhat believed it.

The youth opposite had an exuberant blood vitality. The qi vitality flowed in his body without any signs of stagnation. Furthermore, his breathing was methodical. He had probably already touched the threshold of Spirit Platform Realm. At this age, it was already hard to come across.

If he could step into Spirit Platform and become a Spirit Platform martial artist, then he could even assume the position of Commandery Qingshan's warden.

However, he was still too young.

In official circles, this kind of bad temper would encounter obstacles everywhere.

However, he could not quite figure out which family was behind this youth.

How many of the Great Liang Dynasty's major families were surnamed Chen?

"Before coming, this warden has already read through your files, you deserve praise for your excellent performance. It's rare for a county town to be peaceful. Just based on this, you're better than the others under this warden's command." When he mentioned this, Warden Li had a grim expression. Just this year alone, there were two wardens under him who died in office.

These two people normally did nothing. They had always been timid and overcautious; just two slackers. In the end, they still ended up dead.

Chen Chao was silent.

He was thinking about the reason why this warden came here. A warden that was in charge of a commandery was not very impressive. In fact, if Chen Chao wanted to at this moment, he could completely kill this martial artist who had merely stepped into Spirit Platform Realm within a short time. But for such a long time, he had never seen this Warden Li before, why did he come today?

Could it be just for the sake of knocking him down a peg?

Chen Chao did not think that this was a good thing.

At least, it would not be so simple.

So ever since he came in, he never left a good impression on this warden. As the saying went -- honest and kind people were easy to bully. Those who were not would become honest and kind... after a beating.

"Since Tianqing County is so stable and you're also so capable, this warden has the intention to reassign you elsewhere."

As Commandery Qingshan's warden, although he did not have the power to assign these wardens under him a role, he still had the power to transfer the wardens under him to other county towns. This was a lateral transfer, he did not even need to ask anyone, he just needed to report it.

Chen Chao furrowed his brows. If it were normally, facing such a thing, he would naturally gladly give his consent. Tianqing County no longer had many demons. If he wanted skygold currency, he would have to think of a way. And other places still had demons, it was precisely a way to earn money. However, in the present situation, Chen Chao did not want to leave just like this.

Firstly, it was because Xie Nandu was still around. He had an agreement with her previously. This was very important.

The second was simpler. The situation elsewhere had always been the same. It was not in recent years. Why did he not have this idea before, but came to find him now?

The water here was very deep and the information that he got was little. It was the easiest to become the sacrifice of those big shots.[TL note: deep waters is a euphemism for a troublesome situation. Can be too many unknowns, too many big shots, too many schemes, etc]

"This lowly official has been here for a long time. I've already developed feelings for this place. Plus, Tianqing County isn't too peaceful nowadays as well, there are demons hurting people from time to time. Under the present circumstances, this lowly official really can't bear to leave. Abandoning the civilians in this county fills my heart with anxiety..."

Chen Chao had a sincere look; sincere emotions on his face. No matter who saw it would praise him to be a good official.

Warden Li sneered coldly in his heart. Having traversed the official circle for so many years, how could he not know what this young man in front of him was thinking?

Chen Chao had been paying attention to Warden Li's reaction the entire time. Seeing him like this, Chen Chao knew in his heart that today's matter most likely could not be resolved without spending some money.

Just as he was about to open his mouth again, Warden Li already slowly opened his mouth, "Since you have such love for the common people, don't you know that the common people of the Great Liang Dynasty should all be protected by us?" "But, this warden takes into account that you find it difficult to leave this place, so I won't force you to do something that you're not willing to do either. But since you have feelings for this place, there just so happens to be something that concerns the safety of the local people that should be handed over to you."

Warden Li had a look of composure, a slight smile on his face.

Sly old fox!

Chen Chao secretly cursed. He also knew that no matter what he did, he could not change anything. After all, he was holding the post of warden. No matter what, he would be kept in check by this old punk.

Warden Li had a solemn look as he said calmly, "These few days, that quarry that mined Xuanming Stone for the imperial court has already collapsed several times. This isn't something normal. This warden has already received some news..."