Chapter 351: Chapter 170: Exchange
Just as the crowd was murmuring with a mix of thoughts and speculations, a side door to the banquet hall opened, followed by the sound of steady footsteps.
The hall instantly fell silent as all eyes turned to the entrance.
Mansion Master of Yunlin Prefecture, Bian Zhengze, strode into the room.
He was a man of about fifty with a refined, scholarly face. Dressed in a brocade robe, he wore a gentle smile as his gaze swept over the crowd, and he gave a slight nod.
However, the crowd’s attention was quickly drawn to the man beside him.
The man was clad in black martial attire, with a standard-issue long saber hanging from his waist. His posture was as straight as a pine, a stark contrast to the typical Jianghu aura of the many sect disciples present.
’The Commander of the Jingwu Guard, Zhao Lin!’
Chen Qing’s gaze sharpened as he immediately recognized the man.
He had seen Zhao Lin once from a distance during the formation of the four-sect alliance, and the man had left a deep impression on him.
He subconsciously glanced at Nie Shanshan beside him, his eyes filled with a silent question.
’Had a high-ranking member of the Jingwu Guard ever attended the Mansion Master’s banquet before?’
Nie Shanshan understood his unspoken question and immediately used a Secret Transmission. "This Commander Zhao... has never attended any of the previous small gatherings."
Chen Qing’s heart stirred. He had a feeling this banquet was for more than just fostering goodwill.
’The relationship between the Jingwu Guard and the local sects has always been delicate. Zhao Lin’s appearance here must have a deeper meaning.’
"Greetings, Mansion Master! Greetings, Commander Zhao!"
Regardless of their inner thoughts, everyone in the hall rose to their feet, cupping their fists in a unified salute.
"There’s no need for such ceremony, talented youths. Please, sit down."
With a warm smile, Bian Zhengze gestured for them to be seated, then walked with Zhao Lin to the head of the hall and sat down.
Bian Zhengze gave a signal, and the waiting maids filed in, placing platters of exquisitely prepared delicacies on each table.
An intoxicating aroma filled the air. Many of the dishes were flavored with rare Treasure Medicines or featured Exotic Beast Treasure Meat as the main ingredient, making them clearly invaluable.
The cost of the banquet made Chen Qing secretly gasp. ’The Mansion Master’s generosity is truly extraordinary.’
Bian Zhengze raised his cup. After everyone had drunk a cup of Spirit Wine, he began to speak with a relaxed smile. "I see a few new faces this year. You are all future pillars of our Yunlin Prefecture. It gratifies me to see you all here. Please, don’t be so formal. Relax, haha."
Despite his words, everyone knew the Mansion Master’s banquets were never just for idle pleasantries.
Sure enough, after a few more pleasantries, Bian Zhengze’s tone shifted. He turned to Zhao Lin beside him and smiled. "Commander Zhao has been working tirelessly for the peace of Yunlin, eliminating numerous scoundrels and performing meritorious service. He happened to be in the mansion discussing important matters with me today, so I invited him to come along and meet all you young heroes. Commander Zhao, why don’t you say a few words to the future of Yunlin?"
Zhao Lin stood, bowed slightly to Bian Zhengze, and then turned to face the crowd.
"The Mansion Master is too kind. I am a simple man and don’t like to beat around the bush. I have indeed come today to discuss a matter with all of you talented young heroes."
You could have heard a pin drop in the hall as everyone held their breath in anticipation.
"Lately, the Demon Sect has grown more rampant, and their movements have become increasingly furtive. I’m sure you’ve all heard the rumors, and some of you may have even had firsthand encounters."
Zhao Lin’s voice was grave. "Annihilating the Demon Sect and maintaining local peace is the responsibility of the Jingwu Guard. However, the Demon Sect’s power is vast, and the Jingwu Guard’s strength alone is not enough to contain them."
He paused before continuing, "Therefore, the Jingwu Guard has decided to extend an invitation to all talented youths to take up nominal posts within our ranks. We will be setting up a mission board posting various tasks, such as demon extermination, fugitive hunting, and investigations."
"You may all choose to accept missions freely, according to your own will and abilities. Upon completing a mission, you will be awarded a corresponding amount of ’Military Merit’ based on its difficulty."
Nominal posts? Military Merit?
The moment these words were spoken, the eyes of many in the crowd lit up as they began to ponder the implications.
’Could this be a new way to acquire resources?’
Feng Shuhao of Qixia Manor was the first to rise. He cupped his fist and asked, "Commander Zhao, if I may ask, regarding this mission board—are we free to accept or decline missions as we wish? Are there no mandatory obligations?"
This was the question on everyone’s mind.
Sect disciples feared nothing more than being shackled by the Court’s bureaucracy.
Zhao Lin nodded with certainty. "Young Hero Feng has hit upon the crucial point. The nominal post is just a formality, a way to record Military Merit and redeem resources. All missions are completely voluntary; there will be no compulsion. You will all remain pillars of your respective sects, and the Jingwu Guard will never interfere in your sects’ internal affairs."
Hearing this promise, many breathed a sigh of relief, their interest piqued even further.
Just then, Xiao Bieli of Cold Jade Valley spoke up, his voice cold as he asked another key question. "What can this Military Merit be exchanged for? It is said the Court’s Treasure Vault contains all the wonders of the world. I wonder... do you have Astral Condensing Pills?"
At his words, all eyes turned to Zhao Lin.
For them, the allure of an Astral Condensing Pill was simply irresistible!
A smile touched Zhao Lin’s lips as he announced loudly, "As long as you have enough Military Merit, we naturally have Astral Condensing Pills! And not just those. We have all sorts of Exotic Treasures, Top-Grade Treasure Artifacts, Cultivation Technique Secret Manuals, and vast amounts of Cultivation Resources... Many of these are rare items that can’t be bought with silver and are reserved for the Court’s internal use. The Jingwu Guard is under the direct command of the Royal Family. We represent the Court—do you think our foundations are anything but profound? I won’t say more, lest you accuse me of tooting my own horn!"
The crowd erupted.
Even though they had anticipated it, hearing the confirmation from Zhao Lin himself sent a jolt of excitement through the room.
Even those with calm dispositions, like Xiao Bieli and Nie Shanshan, had a sharp glint flash in their eyes.
Of course, there were level-headed individuals among them as well.
’It’s easy to talk about redeeming Military Merit, but how much would a single Astral Condensing Pill cost? What kind of missions would you have to complete to earn enough? There’s probably a catch to all this.’
