NOVEL ONLINE FREE Chapter 1: Entering the Temple
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Capital City, Military Department.
A dispatch officer dressed in brocade stood patiently at the entrance of the government office.
Upon seeing Shen Qing, his face lit up with joy, and he quickly ran up to greet him, saying, "Subordinate Yu Hai Bei greets Lord Shen. Lord Lan has already conveyed the message to let me take Lord Shen to receive the Emperor's reward and assist you with your official appointment."
"Thank you for your assistance."
"No need, no need, it is my duty."
Shen Qing nodded and took the lead in stepping into the Military Department Office.
Yu Hai Bei followed a step behind, trailing Shen Qing.
The Military Department of the Great Zhou Country is divided into the Five City Military Departments, with five major regions, East, West, South, North, and Central, each with a Chief Officer position, managing the Military and Guardian Martial Departments of the Five Districts of Great Zhou, specifically responsible for national security.
Generally speaking, from traitors and demons to thieves and petty thieves, all fall under the jurisdiction of the Military Department.
However, there are slight differences between the Capital City's Military Department and those in other regions.
The regional Military Departments mostly focus on local affairs, whereas the Capital City's Military Department primarily safeguards the Imperial family's security.
The emphasis, therefore, differs slightly based on the task at hand.
It is precisely this difference in emphasis that elevates the status of the Capital City's Military Department above other government offices.
"This way, Lord Shen," Yu Hai Bei said with respect, guiding Shen Qing into the Military Department Office.
The moment they stepped inside, an indescribable aura of prestige enveloped them.
Shen Qing cast his eyes around, observing the curved eaves and painted beams, very impressive.
Far incomparable to local government offices.
The space was enormous, and the number of people was significant too.
Shen Qing quickly estimated that in the short distance he walked, the number of officers he encountered already greatly exceeded that of a single office in Yongzhou.
It appeared the scale of the Capital surpassed his previous impressions by a good margin.
Following behind Shen Qing, Yu Hai Bei introduced each area one by one, "Our Military Department Office is a three-court compound; the first courtyard is where the officers in Kyoto conduct their daily patrols and office work. Since this area belongs to the Imperial City, patrols continue ceaselessly day and night, and thus there are quite a number of officers."
Shen Qing thought of Tian Xiaohu and his group, asking, "Are there any requirements for becoming an officer here? What about the official salary?"
"One must be a Cultivator, at least at the Qi Cultivation Realm, and have a clean background, a home, and family within the Capital Region to be eligible."
Hearing this, Shen Qing couldn't help but feel a touch of lament.
In Taiping County, a cultivation level of Qi Cultivation would be enough to open a Martial Arts Hall, becoming a person of influence, yet in this Capital City, it's only the threshold for becoming an ordinary officer.
To know that officers are somewhat less than 'clerks' speaks volumes.
No wonder this is the heart of the Zhou Country, with experts everywhere.
This requirement for family and home bars any fugitives from entering.
Calculating like this, if he wanted to bring Tian Xiaohu and his peers in, it might pose some trouble.
As if sensing Shen Qing's thoughts, Yu Hai Bei lowered his voice and said, "If Lord Shen wants to have someone from your side get a position here, you just need to inform a few Chief Officers, and mention it to the constables below, and it should be no problem at all."
Shen Qing glanced curiously at Yu Hai Bei, thinking this person was indeed perceptive and adept at reading people.
He diverted the topic carelessly, "So, what about the second and third courtyards?"
"The second courtyard is where the officers and constables work, and the third courtyard is the office for the five Chief Officers and Lord Commander," Yu Hai Bei guided the way, saying, "Lord, today we are headed to this third courtyard, this way, please."
Shen Qing acknowledged with a nod and headed toward the second courtyard.
As the surrounding officers noticed this unfamiliar face making his way toward the second courtyard, their attitudes immediately turned respectful, no longer ignoring him as before.
Shen Qing couldn't help but laugh silently.
Human hearts are indeed subtle.
Passing through a shadow wall to enter the second courtyard, there were noticeably fewer people inside.
He counted roughly a dozen or so individuals; some sat cross-legged on the ground cultivating, others stretched and gestured with their fists, while a few, with nothing better to do, sparred with each other.
It was evident that these individuals were filled with Great Perfection in blood energy, their aura restrained, and were at the very least of the Qi Sea Realm of cultivation. Randomly setting one loose locally could see them dominate an area.
When Shen Qing appeared in the backyard, these constables and officers were evidently perceptive enough to realize that someone with the ability to enter must have an extraordinary identity.
A few paused their cultivation, glanced at Shen Qing, and whispered, "Whose son could this be, coming from the back? He looks so young."
"I heard a Southern Chief was coming to our office, could it be him?"
"How could it be? He looks so young; if he could become Chief, that would be too absurd."
While they speculated, Shen Qing, following Yu Hai Bei's guidance, walked into the third courtyard, leaving those in the second courtyard staring at each other in disbelief.
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The man who had just denied it lightly swallowed down his spit saying, "It really is him."
They were each incredulous.
Shen Qing's Divine Sense was sharp, noticing every move these people made.
He did not waste time explaining, quickly striding inside.
Upon entering the third courtyard, the sight changed once more.
The courtyard was filled with various artificial scenic rocks and flowing water, creating a tranquil environment.
Additionally, the courtyard's size compared to the first and second courtyards was only larger, not smaller.
Yu Hai Bei guided Shen Qing to the front of a side chamber.
"Lord Shen, we have arrived. The Emperor's rewards and your official appointment documents are prepared, this way, please."
"Alright."
Shen Qing pushed open the door and strode inside.
Upon entering the room, he saw an older middle-aged man sitting lazily in a chair, eyes closed, either resting or in cultivation.
Before Shen Qing got close, he sensed a faint searing heat.
It was evident that this middle-aged man's cultivation was not low, at least at the Ling Xu Realm or higher, demonstrating profound cultivation.
He hadn't expected such an existence to be so unassuming within the Military Department, without any presumptuous airs.
Yu Hai Bei stepped forward saying, "Lord Wang, this is Lord Shen Qing, who has come today to commence his service and receive the Emperor's rewards, we hope you could assist."
The middle-aged man on the chair lazily opened his eyes, letting out a long yawn, stretching before addressing Shen Qing, "You're the new Chief, Shen Qing?"
Having no knowledge of this middle-aged man's background, Shen Qing maintained his composure and answered, "Yes."
The middle-aged man said nothing but silently produced a Jade Token for Shen Qing, saying, "This is the Beautiful Pattern Jade Token personally bestowed by the Emperor. Holding this token allows you access to the Imperial Armory and to draw ten thousand Wish Power Pearls. It's also proof of your position as Chief of Kyoto's Military Department."
Shen Qing received the jade token and closely examined it.
This item was a translucent jade green, containing an elusive spiritual energy within.
The entire jade token was intricately and mysteriously carved with beautiful patterns, under the sunlight outside the room, shimmering with a ghostly green glow.
The small seal character 'Shen' in the center was particularly dazzling.
More remarkably, upon touching the object, he felt a faint warmth, quite extraordinary.
The middle-aged man explained, "This Beautiful Pattern Jade Token has been imprinted with Divine Skills by a Great Power, equipped with an anti-counterfeiting feature. After taking it back, drip a drop of your essence blood on it, binding it to you. It would be useless in anyone else's hands."
"Thank you, senior."
Upon hearing this, Shen Qing immediately adjusted his fingers, using his spiritual energy to puncture his fingertip, squeezing a drop of essence blood onto the Beautiful Pattern Jade Token.
The jade token momentarily glowed, absorbing the drop of blood.
Instantly, Shen Qing felt a bloodline connection to the jade token, clicking his tongue in amazement.
Today, I have witnessed something indeed, no wonder Kyoto, the heart of the empire's martial capacity, takes such efforts even with a mere token, making it like an artifact.
The middle-aged man chuckled, "The last person holding this token insisted on biting his tongue and then spitting onto such a treasured item, making it reek. You're pretty clever."
'Uh...' Shen Qing hadn't considered this either.
The middle-aged man then handed a bundle of documents to Shen Qing, "These are your official documents. Now your registration is listed under 'officials,' within them is also a description of your position, keep them safe."
Accepting the official documents, Shen Qing eyed them with surprise.
Never expected that upon entering the Capital City, his identity would change from 'martial' registration to 'officials.'
In Great Zhou Country, the hierarchy is Emperor, Aristocrats, Officials, Physicians, Martial, Farmers, Artisans, Merchants, and Servants.
Official registration is only second to the Emperor and Aristocrats, signifying royalty and nobility.
In a sense, starting from today, Shen Qing has officially entered the temple, becoming a part of the upper echelons of the Great Zhou Country.
And this was just the matter of a decree from Ji Zikong.
The middle-aged man remarked, "That's all there is to it."
The difference between what he anticipated about receiving rewards and commencing his service and what happened was stark, leaving Shen Qing somewhat surprised.
On the way, he had thought about how he would manage to retrieve thousands of Wish Power Pearls, but it seemed that was a needless concern.
Without further ado, he took his items, clasped his hands in a brief bow, and silently retreated.
Shen Qing turned to Yu Hai Bei, "Is there anything else that needs completing?"
Yu Hai Bei replied respectfully, "There are still some trivial matters remaining, such as official attire and casual clothes. I will collect them for you, Lord, and there's not much else to worry about."
"Alright, then I'll trouble you to make a trip," Shen Qing said casually.
"By the way, today, Lord Commander has specifically gone out to search for you, and he has called back the other Chief Officers as well. If you have no other engagements, you should meet with them. It seems Lord Commander's intention is to hold a small gathering for you," Yu Hai Bei advised.
"Where are they?"
"In the hall of the third courtyard," Yu Hai Bei pointed to a location, "I am of low status and it is not convenient for me to go over there; you can proceed on your own, Lord."
Shen Qing nodded and proceeded directly in the direction Yu Hai Bei indicated.
Before even getting close, Shen Qing already heard laughter from the hall; without any sign of stage fright, he walked right in.
All eyes, all four, swept simultaneously toward Shen Qing as soon as he entered.
Shen Qing looked up and saw four people seated inside the hall, four men, one woman.
Seated at the center was Lan Gongliang, Command of all Military Forces, surrounded on both sides by two men.
"So, this is the new Southern Chief, Shen Qing, isn't it? I heard you're young, and seeing you today, your potential is indeed promising."
The speaker was a man with sharp facial features.
His voice was somewhat sharp, face very pale, and his physique differed from the typical warrior, appearing frail, as if a gust of wind could topple him.
Lan Gongliang spoke, "There are no outsiders here; you needn't be so formal. Please, come in."
"Yes, my Lord."
Shen Qing smiled subtly, walking calmly before the assembled individuals.
Lan Gongliang rose, pointing to the individuals before him, introducing them one by one, "This is Wei Chengye, Chief of the Central Region. Amongst everyone, he has served in the Military Department the longest with the most experience. If you have any uncertainties in official duties, you may consult him."
Shen Qing's gaze followed Lan Gongliang's gesture, noticing the Chief of the Central Region had thick eyebrows and big eyes, leaving an impression of considerable honesty.
Acknowledging Shen Qing's glance, he nodded slightly in acknowledgment.
Lan Gongliang then pointed to an ordinary-looking man, "This is Zeng Weifeng, Chief of the Northern Region, a master at catching criminals, descended from Zeng Yaozi. His family's renowned for numerous high forges. If you wish to forge weapons, he's the one to seek."
Next, he pointed to the only woman, "This is Zhao Lengyan, Chief of the Western Region, a noblewoman from the Zhao family and a descendant of a noble house."
"As for the Chief of the Eastern Region, that's Yang Henshan, the godson of Yang Changshi, the current eunuch officer."
Hearing each introduction, Shen Qing couldn't help but feel a bit amazed.
In this room, except for himself, everyone else had significant backgrounds.
Each had a backing; he couldn't help but feel a silent sense of respect.
After introducing them, Lan Gongliang said to the rest, "This young man is Shen Qing, the Southern Chief personally appointed by our Emperor. He is the sole survivor of the recent rebellion."
Shen Qing stepped forward, neither overbearing nor servile, saying, "I'm Shen Qing from Yongzhou, greetings to my fellow colleagues."
As the only female among the Chief Officers, Zhao Lengyan commented, "I heard this recent rebellion had many unexpected turns, even involving ancient relics. Is it true? Does the Huangtian Sect have such capabilities, wiping out so many people with just one formation?"
Shen Qing glanced at Zhao Lengyan, his eyes discreetly sweeping over her.
Perhaps due to martial practice, her physique appeared somewhat robust, muscles faintly visible.
Clad in a black casual robe, she somewhat resembled a man.
Often referred to as a tomboy.
Shen Qing fabricated a story, "Indeed, there were ancient relics involved. Speaking of which, as these relics surfaced, the situation spiraled into chaos. The Huangtian Sect took advantage of this, setting up a lethal formation, eradicated many martial masters at once. I was simply fortunate to have not participated, barely escaping."
In his view, since all the martial masters from the rebellion were mostly deceased, as long as the tale wasn't too outrageous, no one could verify it.
"I see," Zhao Lengyan laughed heartily, with no sign of sadness, "It seems my cousins weren't lucky this time."
Lan Gongliang surveyed the others, saying, "Chief Officer Shen here is a young talent. His joining our Military Department is a great benefit for our handling of demons nationwide. All of you must work together with solidarity."
"Yes, my lord," everyone chorused.
Speaking of demons, Shen Qing recalled something and approached to inquire, "Lord Lan, do you know that Taiping County has already been overrun by demons?"
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