Chapter 108 Captain's Reward
Chapter 108 Captain's Reward
The inner city, the Commandant's Office.
Compared to the austere and simple atmosphere of the outer city's military command post, the inner city's military command post was more majestic and imposing, yet it also exuded a profound sense of history.
Towering pavilions stood tall, armored soldiers lined the streets, and officials hurried to and fro, their expressions displaying the unique composure and efficiency of the inner city.
Inside the study, calming sandalwood incense burned. Captain Chen Yanzhou sat upright behind a large rosewood desk, reviewing the documents that had just arrived.
He was about forty years old, with a lean face and deep, bright eyes. He looked like a scholar, but the dignified demeanor he had developed from being in a high position and in charge of the city's criminal and military affairs was revealed unintentionally.
His dark blue casual clothes made his demeanor appear even more composed.
Despite being travel-worn, Lu Beichen stood upright at the lower end of the table and reported on the recent events in the outer city in a clear and organized manner, highlighting the key points one by one.
From Song Jing's sudden emergence and defeat of Li Wei at the Chasing Wind Martial Arts School, to the Wang and Zhang families being swiftly and mysteriously destroyed, the discovery of evidence of collusion between the Blood Lotus Sect and the Black Tiger Gang, and then the disappearance of Li Wei and Qin Yue, suspected to be related to Li Wujiu, a remnant of the Blood Lotus Sect...
Han Sha colluded and went into hiding —
He emphasized Song Jing's role in the incident, highlighting his crucial role in providing key ledgers and single-handedly destroying the Blood Lotus Sect's branch.
Lu Beichen directly cooperated with the Commandant's Office to repel a powerful enemy, and what is even more commendable is his mindset and sense of responsibility that "everyone should kill evil and heretics".
Chen Yanzhou listened intently, his fingers unconsciously tapping lightly on the table, his expression changing as Lu Beichen narrated.
When he heard that Song Jing had defeated Li Wei, he nodded slightly; when he heard that the Wang and Zhang families had been destroyed and that evidence of the Blood Lotus Sect's crimes had been discovered, a glint flashed in his eyes; when he heard Song Jing's words, "Everyone has the right to kill him," he paused in stroking his beard, and a faint hint of approval appeared on his lips.
After Lu Beichen finished speaking, Chen Yanzhou remained silent for a moment before slowly opening his mouth, his voice steady yet carrying an undeniable weight: "This young man—Song Jing—is quite interesting. Born into humble circumstances, he has risen against all odds, possesses a decisive nature, and, more importantly, a strong sense of justice, daring to do what ordinary people wouldn't. His mastery of the Chasing Wind Leg Technique—to master this leg technique in the outer city requires extraordinary perseverance and comprehension. With his speed, passing the speed test in the first stage of the martial arts examination—and obtaining an A-grade evaluation should be no problem."
He paused, then continued his analysis: "The second stage, the strength stage—from what you've said, he's also proficient in a powerful and explosive leg technique, I think it's called the Wind and Thunder Leg Technique? He also practices external martial arts. His strength and explosiveness must be considerable; obtaining a second-class ranking shouldn't be difficult. Thus, with second-class rankings in both stages, he'll qualify for the final practical assessment. Considering his ability to defeat Li Wei and his slight advantage in your sparring, his chances of passing the assessment and obtaining a temporary disciple position are quite high."
Lu Beichen quickly replied, "Your Excellency is wise. Brother Song Jing's strength is indeed superior to mine, and his talent and temperament are both excellent. If he can enter Pingtian Sect, even as a temporary disciple, and receive its resources and cultivation, his future achievements will surely be limitless."
Chen Yanzhou glanced at Lu Beichen, seemingly seeing through his protectiveness and admiration for Song Jing, and smiled noncommittally: "You seem to have a high opinion of this young man. However, Beichen, you should know that Pingtianmen is a powerful force in the prefectural city, and its temporary outer disciples are no ordinary people. Those who can enter its ranks are all elites from various towns in the outer city. Song Jing may be a force to be reckoned with in the outer city, but in the inner city, or even the prefectural city, he may not stand out."
He picked up his teacup, took a sip, and spoke calmly yet with a hint of cold reality: "Temporary disciples, or so they're called prospective disciples, actually have an extremely high attrition rate. The sect gives them six months and allocates resources accordingly, but if they can't break through to the second realm, the Flesh Refining Realm, within six months, they will be dismissed."
The resources within the inner city far surpass those of the outer city. At Pingtian Gate, even a temporary disciple has access to a vast array of cultivation techniques and elixirs.
The guidance from teachers and mentors far exceeded expectations in the inner city. Many so-called geniuses from the outer city only realized how vast the world was after entering the inner city.
"Just like Lin Xuanyue of the Chasing Wind Martial Arts School and Guo Wenzhou of the Broken Mountain Martial Arts School, they were once temporary disciples of the outer sect of the Pingtian Gate. Unfortunately, they failed to seize the opportunity to break through within the stipulated time limit and eventually had to return to the outer city to spread their branches. Although they were considered figures in their own right, they ultimately failed to enter the inner sect." Chen Yanzhou's tone carried a hint of barely perceptible emotion, as if he were reminiscing or reminding someone.
Lu Beichen felt a chill run down his spine, knowing that the Commandant was pointing out the difficulties and cruelty ahead.
While Song Jing's achievements in the outer city were dazzling, it was by no means easy for him to gain a foothold in the highly competitive and powerful Pingtianmen, let alone go further.
"Of course," Chen Yanzhou changed the subject, "if they can become temporary disciples, even if they ultimately fail to stay, this experience will be a valuable asset for them."
His knowledge, connections, and understanding of martial arts techniques far surpass those of those in the outer city. Once he leaves, he could govern a region and protect his hometown, which would be of great benefit. This young man is righteous; if he can grow up, it will be a good thing for both the country and its people.
He put down his teacup and tapped his finger on the dossier about the Blood Lotus Cult on the table: "The intelligence and evidence you brought back this time are crucial. Especially that ledger, which is enough to prove the crimes of the Blood Lotus Cult, the Black Tiger Gang, the Zhang family, and even Li Wei and others."
"Pass on my orders"
Chen Yanzhou's expression turned serious, and his voice suddenly became stern: "Effective immediately, a city-wide manhunt is hereby issued for Li Wujiu and Han Sha, remnants of the Blood Lotus Sect, and Li Wei and Qin Yue, traitors who colluded with the evil path! Drawings and postings will be made! Anyone who provides clues and verifies them will be rewarded with five hundred taels of silver!"
Whoever captures or kills Han Sha will be rewarded with one thousand taels of silver! Whoever captures or kills Li Wei or Qin Yue will be rewarded with one thousand five hundred taels of silver! Whoever captures or kills the ringleader Li Wujiu will be rewarded with two thousand taels of silver!
Four names, four alarming bounties!
In total, it amounted to a full five thousand taels of silver! This enormous sum was enough to purchase luxurious mansions and fertile land in the outer city, as well as top-tier martial arts techniques.
Divine weapons and sharp blades are enough to ensure that a small family can live comfortably for generations!
Lu Beichen's spirits lifted, and he clasped his hands in a fist salute, saying, "Your subordinate obeys! With this generous reward, those demons and monsters will surely have nowhere to hide!"
Chen Yanzhou nodded slightly, a hint of coldness flashing in his eyes.
Motivating people with money can sometimes be more effective than using swords. This reward is not only an incentive for those who have made contributions, but also a deterrent to potential protectors, and a fatal blow to Li Wujiu and his ilk. They will truly become rats in the street, unable to move an inch.
After finishing his official duties, Chen Yanzhou seemed to remember something. He looked at Lu Beichen, his tone softening slightly: "You just said that Song Jing's Chasing Wind Leg Technique has reached its peak, and his Wind and Thunder Leg Technique is also quite refined, not to mention his external martial arts skills—it seems he's a hard-working young man with some talent. If he can really pass the assessment and become a temporary disciple of the Pingtian Sect—"
He hesitated for a moment, a meaningful glint in his eyes: "Tell him a message. If he truly has the ability to pass the assessment and enter the outer sect of Pingtian Gate—this captain will give him a surprise," as a reward for his meritorious service in suppressing evil and his commendable character, and also to establish a good relationship. But the prerequisite is that he must first be qualified to receive this surprise. "If he can't even become a temporary disciple—"
Chen Yanzhou didn't finish speaking, but simply shook his head slightly, the meaning of which was self-evident—if one couldn't even cross the threshold, one naturally didn't deserve his "surprise," and would be out of luck for this opportunity.
Lu Beichen was shocked. The Commandant was a man of high rank and great power, with extremely high standards. For him to call it a "surprise" and offer it as a gift, it must be something extraordinary! This was both an endorsement and investment in Song Jing, and a test—whether he had the ability to accept this "surprise".
"On behalf of my brother Song Jing, I thank you for your kindness, Commandant! I will certainly convey your words!" Lu Beichen bowed hurriedly. He knew that this might be a great opportunity for Song Jing.
Chen Yanzhou waved his hand, indicating that Lu Beichen could leave.
He picked up another official document, his gaze seemingly drifting into the distance, muttering to himself, only he could hear: "To uphold justice and help the weak—this kind of character is especially rare in today's world. But—his natural talent is only so-so. The real storms are yet to come. Young man, how far can you go? I—am rather looking forward to it."
He admired Song Jing's temperament and acknowledged his achievements, but did not have high expectations for his talent and future. This was Chen Yanzhou's assessment of Song Jing.
A promise of "surprise" is not only a reward and an incentive, but also an invisible threshold.
Whether he can achieve it and how far he can go ultimately depends on the young man's own destiny and hard work.
At this moment, wanted posters are about to be plastered all over the city, and the bounty of up to five thousand taels will surely cause the already turbulent undercurrents in the outer city to boil over completely!
Lu Beichen bowed in thanks and was about to take his leave when he suddenly remembered something. He clasped his hands in a fist salute again, his voice carrying a hint of barely perceptible excitement and earnestness: "Commander, I have another request."
Chen Yanzhou raised his eyes: "Speak."