Chapter 352: Chapter 170: Exchange (2)
’And this nominal post with the Jingwu Guard,’ Chen Qing thought. ’It seems to offer freedom, but in reality, it’s a leash. Once you start completing missions for Cultivation Resources, you’ll inevitably form deeper and deeper ties with the Jingwu Guard. Over time, through subtle influence, your stance might quietly change.’
’If they’re just offering nominal posts, why not recruit Loose Cultivators and Assassins? It’s obvious they believe the young people from the Sects have more potential and drive.’
’The Court is using an overt scheme, luring us with benefits to gradually infiltrate and win over the future pillars of the Sects... Brilliant. Truly brilliant.’
The power of an overt scheme lies in the fact that even when you know it’s not that simple, you still willingly walk into the trap.
Zhao Lin seemed to have seen through some of their thoughts but didn’t expose them. He simply clapped his hands.
Immediately, serving maids walked out carrying Jade Plates, distributing a wooden Token to each of the Five Heroes and Seven Talents present.
The Token was exquisitely crafted. The front was engraved with the two characters for "Jingwu," while the back was adorned with swirling cloud patterns and had a small groove in the center, hinting at some hidden mechanism.
"This is a Military Merit Order."
Zhao Lin explained, "You can use this Order to accept missions and to record and check your Military Merit. The specific rules and the list of exchangeable items—especially those priceless treasures that are hard to find in the outside world—are all detailed within."
Chen Qing took the Token. It was definitely not made of ordinary wood.
His eyes narrowed slightly, his mind racing. He had already figured out most of the deeper meaning behind the Jingwu Guard’s move.
The Court was using the righteous cause of eliminating the Demon Sect to openly extend its reach to the most outstanding young generation of the martial Sects.
Zhao Lin said no more. He clasped his fists in a salute to Bian Zhengze and the others, then sat down.
For the remainder of the banquet, the atmosphere grew noticeably more animated. Many had lost interest in the food, gathering in small groups to talk in low voices. Their conversations all revolved around "Military Merit" and "exchanges," especially concerning the rare resources that money couldn’t buy.
The banquet continued for nearly another hour before concluding in a seemingly harmonious and lively atmosphere.
Everyone bid farewell to Bian Zhengze and Zhao Lin, departing with their own thoughts.
After all the young talents had left, the smile on Bian Zhengze’s face faded slightly. He looked at Zhao Lin beside him and asked slowly, "What do you think of this batch of prospects? Among them, who do you favor the most?"
Zhao Lin pondered for a moment before saying, "Six of them."
Bian Zhengze asked with great interest, "Oh? Which six?"
Zhao Lin replied, "Chen Qing and Nie Shanshan of the Wutai Sect. Xiao Bieli and Han Dang of Cold Jade Valley. Feng Shuhao of Qixia Manor. And... the disciple of Qi Lingxiao, the ’Wind-Splitting Whip’—Jiang Bai."
Bian Zhengze nodded but said nothing more.
***
Chen Qing, Nie Shanshan, and Yan Yaoyang hadn’t gone far from the Mansion Master’s Mansion when Shi Ziyi and Fang Rui of the Xuanjia Sect approached from the side, clearly waiting for them.
The group then made their way to a teahouse.
Fang Rui was the first to speak. "Brother Chen, Senior Sister Nie, Senior Brother Yan, what do you think about what Commander Zhao said earlier? I think this is a huge opportunity!"
His eyes shone as he continued, "We get a nominal post and can accept missions voluntarily to exchange Military Merit for resources, including wondrous items like the Astral Condensing Pill! Not to mention those rare resources you can’t buy even with silver. The Court’s Treasure Vault has a deep foundation, far beyond what an ordinary Sect can compare to."
"The way I see it, this is a rare shortcut. The risks are manageable, but the potential rewards are immense. For us, eliminating the Demon Sect is our duty anyway. Now we can earn extra resources for it, so why not?"
Yan Yaoyang mulled it over for a long moment before nodding. "It’s completely voluntary, with no obligations, giving us the freedom to engage or withdraw as we please. We can temper ourselves and also exchange for much-needed Cultivation Resources, especially the Astral Condensing Pill and the many treasures you can’t find on the market... An opportunity like this is indeed a good one."
He was clearly very optimistic about the Military Merit exchange system.
After all, the Astral Condensing Pill and other special resources were incredibly rare, far beyond what gold and silver could measure.
Shi Ziyi didn’t state her opinion immediately, instead turning her gaze toward Nie Shanshan and Chen Qing.
Nie Shanshan mused for a moment, then said softly, "The Court’s move has profound intentions. The two words ’Military Merit’ carry significant weight. Although they say it’s voluntary and without obligation, the moment you start accumulating Military Merit, you establish a tangible connection with the Jingwu Guard. Those resources that money can’t buy are certainly tempting, but—"
"The stakes involved, and the potential issues of allegiance it could bring in the future, must be carefully considered. I need to think this over before making a decision."
Her stance was clear: she was inclined to wait and weigh the bigger picture.
Seeing that Nie Shanshan had finished, Shi Ziyi’s gaze naturally turned to Chen Qing.
Chen Qing’s expression was calm. Meeting everyone’s eyes, he spoke slowly, "My view is similar to Senior Sister Nie’s. This matter indeed requires careful thought."
He first set a cautious tone, then slightly shifted his focus. "The Jingwu Guard represents the Court, and the resource channels they control—especially for those rare items far beyond what gold and silver can measure—are undoubtedly extremely tempting. In the end, how one decides depends on their individual needs and desires."
His words both affirmed Nie Shanshan’s cautious attitude and avoided completely negating the positive views of Fang Rui and Yan Yaoyang, while also highlighting the core appeal of the Military Merit system: its ability to provide special resources.
After exchanging opinions, each of them had already begun to form their own plans.
Fang Rui had obviously made up his mind, a look of eager anticipation on his face.
Yan Yaoyang’s eyes also gleamed. The scales in his mind had clearly tipped, and he was already calculating how to obtain Military Merit as quickly as possible to exchange for the items he coveted.
