Chapter 48: The Name That Echoes Through Li City
In the Middle Land, if someone from the lower classes sought to change their destiny, the quickest path was through martial arts. If the nobility and wealthy wished to maintain their faction's continued glory, they too needed to produce strong heirs.
The annual county martial academy major tournament was a grand event, drawing audiences from all over Li City. Those who gained admission into the Southdream Martial Academy instantly became the talk of the town.
Now, imagine the sensation that spread through Li City at the mention of a special recruitment, an event that wasn't even guaranteed to happen only once in a decade.
Ever since Wu Yuan undertook his assessment at the county martial academy, many rumors had begun circulating. And today, with confirmation from the mayor's faction, these rumors took flight, spreading like wildfire.
"Special recruitment? What is that?"
"Under normal circumstances, entering the Cloud Martial Hall requires participation in the martial academy major tournament. But special recruitment is reserved for those with exceptional talent. These prodigies need not participate in the tournament; they are granted direct entry into the Cloud Martial Hall!"
“Our Wu Clan will prosper!"
With the official confirmation from the mayor's faction, the entire Wu Clan in Li City boiled over with excitement. The branch clan immediately burst into celebration akin to the three major festivals, sweeping away the previous gloom of the devastation of their mansion and the loss of their clansmen.
A martial arts powerhouse had the power to alter the fate of a family or a clan with a single word.
...
In the East of Li City.
A plaque of a mansion occupying a large area, about 200 meters away from the mayor's manor, was replaced with the words ‘Wu Mansion’.
Wu Yuan, his mother Wanqin, his sister Wu Yijun, Chieftain Wu Qiming, Wu Dongyao, Wu Long, Wu Liuye, and several others, all gathered here. Of course, there was also Gu Ji, who had changed into the attire of a steward.
In addition to the Wu Clan, County Mayor Jiang Dongque, the county magistrate, and several other officials from Li City also graced the occasion.
"County Mayor Jiang, according to the sect laws, a medium-sized mansion would suffice," Wu Yuan remarked, shaking his head.
"Haha, the sect law also stipulates that if there are no suitable medium-sized mansions available, you may occupy a large mansion," Jiang Dongque chuckled, his demeanor amiable. "Since you've been specially recruited into the sect, you'll acquire a large mansion in a few years after achieving greatness in martial arts. Why not take this step now and save yourself the trouble?"
"Very well, I appreciate your kindness, County Mayor," Wu Yuan replied with a smile, no longer refusing the offer.
Numerous large, medium, and small mansions were established in every provincial city and county city of the Cloudstride Sect for the sect members and their families, and were allocated according to rank.
The larger the mansion, the closer it was to the military barracks and the mayor's manor. The size of the mansion was also a direct representation of the status of the mansion's master. It would also receive heavier protection.
Should one retire, one had to vacate their mansion, much like Guan Zishan from Dongye Municipality who returned to his hometown after his resignation, with the majority of his family also relocating back to Dongye Municipality.
Of course, if one made great contributions, there was a chance of obtaining permanent residential rights. But this was extremely rare.
Both parties conversed for a while. After which, the county mayor, county magistrate, and others tactfully excused themselves, giving the Wu Clan some privacy.
"When I became a scholar, there were over a hundred of us in my batch. The county mayor came by to give us a motivational speech, but I've never had a private conversation with him," Wu Dongyao lamented, "But the county mayor personally came down to congratulate Wu Yuan and express his goodwill!"
"Special recruitment just isn't the same," Wu Long said seriously, "With Wu Yuan's talent, he has the potential to become a first-rate Adept in the future."
In each county, the term of a county mayor lasted for four years. Typically, only one or two first-rate Adepts would emerge from a county.
In the Middle Land, literati could take the imperial examinations, aspiring to become mayors, a status that rivaled a first-rate Adept. But ultimately, the formidable strength of martial arts experts meant that their individual power surpassed that of the collective. Literature served as a supporting role, martial arts remained the core!
"Chieftain, I will be staying home for a while, but after returning from Southdream Province, I will embark on my journey to the headquarters of the sect," Wu Yuan spoke in a soft voice, "The mansion is large. My mother does not have much experience with high society, hence I will be troubling chieftain to accompany me to the banquets held by the county mayor and the other nobles over the next two days."
"Wu Yuan, you can rest assured." Seeing Wu Yuan finally making a decision, Wu Qiming solemnly said, "I will pay close attention to your mother's health, and will take care of Yi Jun's education to the best of my abilities."
Wu Yuan smiled. He believed Wu Qiming was intelligent enough to understand what was left unsaid.
While weaker individuals relied on their clan's support, top martial arts experts might find their clan to be a constraint instead.
By bringing Wu Qiming to the banquet, Wu Yuan was essentially making a statement: Most of the rights once held by Wanqin have been handed over to Wu Qiming. In the future, Wu Qiming would act on behalf of Wu Yuan for matters in Li City.
It was anticipated that the Wu Clan's influence would grow rapidly. As long as Wu Yuan remained alive, his status within the sect would keep rising. Henceforth, with him as the clan's backer, the various officials within Li City wouldn't dare trouble the Wu Clan excessively. This alone would save the Wu Clan a significant amount of expenses and trouble in their business.
And what Wu Qiming needed to do was to take good care of Wanqin and Wu Yijun!
"Brother, this mansion is enormous, even bigger than the chieftain's!" Wu Yijun bounced excitedly as she ran out of the mansion.
"Haha." The members of the Wu Clan couldn't help but laugh in response.
The size of the Wu Clan's ancestral mansion rivaled the medium-sized mansions in the eastern part of the city. But in terms of price, it was cheaper than a small mansion in the East, not to mention the large mansions in this area. Residing in the East meant stepping into the highest ranks of Li City’s nobility!
Wu Yuan made various arrangements for the mansion. The outer courtyards were entrusted to the Wu Clan, while the inner mansion served as Wanqin and Wu Yijun's living space.
"Mother, do you have any objections to the chieftain handling these matters?" Wu Yuan inquired.
"How could I object?" Wanqin shook her head, sighing, "Today alone, we received hundreds of greeting cards from prestigious clans. I lack the relevant experience, how can I handle them? I can't even remember all their names."
"You are right to let the chieftain handle it." Wanqin laughed, "Moreover, the chieftain and the clan have been of great help to us over the years, one must not forget one's roots."
Wu Yuan nodded slightly. In the process of one's rise, one has to rely on others. Rather than acquire help from outsiders, why not trust your clansmen?
"Mother, for now, try to get yourself acquainted with the place. If you have any thoughts or concerns, speak directly to the stewards. The chieftain and I will be attending a banquet." Wu Yuan stood up.
...
To celebrate Wu Yuan's special recruitment, County Mayor Jiang Dongque prepared a grand banquet in the mayor's manor and extended an invitation to Wu Yuan.
This marked the Wu Clan's formal debut into the elite circles of Li City's high society.
The night grew late before the guests finally bid their farewells, departing from the mayor's faction.
At the entrance, Jiang Dongque watched the Wu Clan's carriage disappear into the distance. As it turned round the corner, the smile at the corner of his mouth finally receded.
"Sir, although Wu Yuan is a special recruit, he is still just a martial virtuoso at the moment. In the future, he will likely become a second-rate Adept at most." A historian by his side was somewhat puzzled, "What impact could he have on us? Why is there a need for such grandeur?"
"Just four or five months ago, he was still an eighth-grade martial novice." Jiang Dongque said lightly, "He is only fourteen this year!"
The historian was stunned. What struck them most about Wu Yuan was his astonishing rate of progress.
"Indeed, his strength may not pose a significant threat to me. However, who can say what heights he will reach in the future?" Jiang Dongque explained. "If he ascends to become a first-rate Adept and decides to return to his hometown, he might claim the position of a provincial general or a guard commander!"
"In such an event, I may gain no personal benefit, but what about my Jiang Clan?"
The historian nodded, but still felt that Jiang Dongque was making a fuss over nothing. After all, there were numerous first-rate Adepts within the sect, but how many of them could become a provincial general or guard commander?
Jiang Dongque cast a glance at the historian, choosing not to waste his breath on an explanation.
Gao Yu, the Protectorate of the Finance Hall, is a man of considerable reputation. If he holds Wu Yuan in such high regard, how could Wu Yuan be an ordinary recruit?
The expenses incurred by the extravagant celebration were all deducted from the sect's resources, costing Jiang Dongque virtually nothing. There was no reason for him to hold back.
...
In the general of defense's estate.
"General, most of the city officials and prominent families have departed," reported Liu Ye, bowing slightly, "As per your instructions, our captains have gone over to offer their congratulations."
"Good, I understand, you may rest now," Xu Shouyi softly replied.
Liu Ye exited the room.
This Wu Yuan has indeed become a special recruit. Jiang Dongque seems to be treating this with immense importance, could he be privy to some secrets? This Wu Yuan indeed poses a threat.
Although he was careful not to reveal his identity when making the assassination request, Xu Shouyi knew that Wu Yuan would likely suspect it was him.
Humph!
So what if you despise me? Xu Shouyi's gaze turned icy. No matter how talented you become, even if you reach the level of a first-rate Adept, you can't touch me without evidence.
...
In a discreet mansion located in the southern part of Li City, numerous well-trained men with stern expressions stood guard.
A stout and burly man entered the central hall.
"Junior brother."
Inside the room, the elegant man in a white robe turned and smiled, "You've finally returned."
"These days, I've been searching the villages and mansions around Li City, but haven't found any trace of the mysterious spearman." The short man picked up his canteen and chugged the water down, "And from the intel bought from the Starcom Consortium and the Pleiades Guild, no such martial expert has appeared anywhere in Southdream Province."
"How is your investigation in the city going?" the short man asked.
"Gao Yu has arrived." The elegant man in the white robe said.
"What?" The short man was shocked, "Why has he suddenly come to Li City? Has the Cloudstride Sect gotten wind of the Chu-Jiang Token?"
"It's possible!" The refined man nodded, "However, it might also be for a different matter. Today, the Cloudstride Sect has specially recruited a disciple from Li City. His name is Wu Yuan. At fourteen, he has the strength of a martial virtuoso."
"A martial virtuoso at fourteen?" The short man responded nonchalantly, "Decent talent, I suppose. If he works hard, he could become a first-rate Adept before 30."
The refined man simply nodded, seemingly not too interested in Wu Yuan. A first-rate adept? More than one first-rate adept had died at their hands.
"Let us continue our search a while longer." The refined man suggested, "If we still can't find any leads, we'll return and report to our master."
...
Within an unremarkable mansion, roughly twenty li from Li City.
The mansion’s facade gave no hint of its true nature – a hidden base of the Great Jin Empire within the Cloudstride Sect.
"Special recruitment, you say? A fourteen-year-old martial virtuoso? Quite the prodigy!" A young man dressed in blood-red clothes murmured to himself, listening to the reports from his subordinates.
"Guo Liu, according to your protocols, how would you handle this situation?" The red-robed youth asked the respectful, black-robed, middle-aged man at his side.
"Sir!" The black-robed man mustered a smile, though it appeared somewhat forced. "Our branch primarily focuses on gathering intelligence. Our combined martial prowess is not particularly strong, with only a few third-rate martial artists. Such special recruits often receive heavy protection from the Cloudstride Sect, so we typically just relay the information and await orders from above."
"Wait for orders? If you wait for instructions on every matter, by the time you act, the Chu-Jiang River will have already flowed into the ocean!" The red-robed youth shook his head slightly, "Forget it, since I'm passing by, I might as well eliminate a prodigy from the Cloudstride Sect, removing some obstacles in the way of Great Jin's plan to unify the world."
"Over the next few days, mobilize all your resources to monitor Wu Yuan's movements closely. When the opportunity arises, I'll personally take action."
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