I am about to die of old age, and I have awakened the character of longevity.

Chapter 33 Obtaining the Deacon Badge
Back in the hut in the backyard, Xie An, in a good mood, opened a jar of old wine, took out some copper coins, and asked Han Li to go to the town to buy some ingredients to make a "sumptuous" meal.

The rich dishes of a poor family were nothing more than two bowls of meat, and they couldn’t afford expensive spices. The taste was far worse than that of the previous life.

But the three masters and apprentices enjoyed the meat with a sip of liquor.

"Master, what day is it today that makes you so happy?"

"But what great joy has happened to you? Tell us about it and cheer us up."

If Xie An were twenty years younger, he might have spoken directly. But now he was no longer impatient, so he would not speak out about something that was not even a clue.

Eight out of ten things in life are not as we wish.

A matter isn't settled until it's finally resolved. There's no need to be so arrogant. After all, many villains are killed off in the end.

"I'll tell you once it's finalized. Besides, the reunion of the three of us, master and disciple, is a happy occasion."

"Master is right. Come, I'll toast you. I wish you eternal youth."

"I wish the master will become younger and younger."

……

The next morning.

It was still dark, and his two disciples, who were drunk last night, were still fast asleep, but Xie An had already gotten up early and gone to the yard to practice health-preserving exercises.

He did not relax just because he was about to take up the position of deacon of Baiyu Hall, but worked even harder.

Xie An knew full well that he wasn't a child of luck, much less a genius. He simply possessed a longevity stat. The longevity stat only increased longevity and strength, with no significant benefits in other areas.

Moreover, although joining the Tiger and Wolf Sect gave Xie An a higher platform, it also meant facing higher risks.

After all, it was a Jianghu sect, and its ways were very wild. Without sufficient strength, it would be difficult to gain a foothold in Baiyutang.

This time, Tang Qingyun's test was undoubtedly very telling. If he was not strong enough, even with Zhang Lin's recommendation, he would not be able to be the deacon.

Fate often favors those who are prepared.

At noon, Xie An came to Heixue Ridge again with a mask on.

Elder Tang was not there. The one who came was the strong man Tongshan, carrying Xie An's identity badge.

A triangular black iron plaque, about the size of a baby's palm, was engraved with Xie An's name and the corresponding position. On the back was the totem of the Tiger and Wolf Sect: a blue wolf and a white tiger.

There are also three sets of duty uniforms, one for spring, one for autumn, and one for winter. Although they are not armor, they are made of fine material and have a wolf head embroidered on them, which is very visually striking.

Xie An was also equipped with a broadsword made of fine iron, as well as other accessories, cloud boots, etc.

"As a deacon of the Tiger and Wolf Sect, I must abide by the sect's rules and always prioritize the overall interests of the Tiger and Wolf Sect..."

Tongshan enumerated many precautions and sect rules and regulations in a very official tone.

Xie An listened carefully.

To sum up, there are only three core points: prohibit internal fighting, do your job well, and disciples should help each other and unite.

The treatment is also clearly stated: twenty taels of monthly salary, you can go to the branch hall to choose the corresponding secret book to practice, the hall will also distribute a set of basic medicine every three months, the hall has special martial artists to teach, there is a special martial arts field, etc.

In addition, the sect will regularly assign tasks, and if completed, you will receive corresponding merits and rewards.

Finally, Tongshan concluded, "That's about it. It's okay if you can't remember it all at once; Zhang Lin will guide you as much as possible. But remember one thing: once you've joined the Tiger and Wolf Sect, your every word and action represents us. Don't let this tarnish our reputation outside."

"Thank you, Brother Tongshan, for your advice."

"Well, do a good job. Take good care of the Xueling black market, and Elder Tang will naturally not treat you unfairly." Tongshan left a few words of encouragement and hurried away.

From beginning to end, Tongshan never inquired about Xie An's background, household registration, or appearance. It was clear that the Tiger and Wolf Sect recruited talent regardless of background, appearance, or age. But Xie An knew clearly that now that he had taken on the position of steward, he would have to work here. He couldn't afford to take care of his duties as a pawnshop attendant.

It seems that I have to redeem myself as soon as possible and resign as the court master.

"Congratulations, brother."

After bidding farewell to Tongshan, Zhang Lin could not hide his excitement and came forward enthusiastically to pat Xie An on the shoulder.

He and Zhang Biao had worked together for many years, constantly scheming against each other, and their lives were a chore. Now that he was in a completely new environment, he was naturally overjoyed.

Xie An was naturally happy too, "I hope Brother Zhang will give me more advice in the future."

"As you should. Today is the sixth day of the Lunar New Year, and many of the disciples have asked for leave to return home. They won't be back until the day after tomorrow. I'll assign the disciples and jobs to you then."

"it is good."

……

The black market was deserted on the sixth day of the Lunar New Year. Xie An strolled around the yard twice and then left.

He returned to the pawnshop's small room, took all his savings of 180 taels, and went straight to Li's house.

The day after tomorrow is the day when the pawnshop officially opens its doors to customers. According to traditional customs, as a pawnshop clerk, I will start busy preparing tomorrow.

Xie An must redeem himself and resign as soon as possible, otherwise he cannot delay his work in the Xueling black market because of this.

In fact, Xie An had already gathered enough money two or three days ago, and the reason he didn't rush to ask the Li family to redeem him was simply because he was a low-class person who lacked a sense of security and always thought it would be more appropriate to resign after getting the next offer.

Now that the deacon has been confirmed, Xie An can redeem himself with peace of mind without any worries.

He arrived at the Li residence at 3:30 pm, found Chunlan, and asked her to inform the master and mistress of the Li residence that he wanted to see them for something.

Chunlan didn't ask any more questions, only saying, "I'll go and inform them right away. But the master and his family of three are having dinner in the inner courtyard. Master Xie, please wait here for a moment."

"it is good."

Xie An folded his hands and stood in the wind and snow, waiting quietly.

Although the wind and snow were strong, Xie An was very patient.

I have endured for thirty years, let alone the time it takes to eat a meal?
Inner courtyard living room.

Li Ru and his family of three are eating around the table.

The table was filled with delicacies from land and sea, the best things Xie An had ever tasted in his life.

"Shaoyun, has there been any result on the matter you asked Zhang Biao to do?" Mrs. Li added a piece of braised pork to her son's food affectionately and asked.

Li Shaoyun swallowed the braised pork in one gulp. "It's all done. Tomorrow I'll go to the Blood Ridge black market and go through the motions. Then I can become Zhang Biao's deputy and be a nominal deputy deacon. I don't have to do any work, but I can get many martial arts training resources from Baiyutang."

Li Ru smiled broadly, "It seems the five hundred taels of silver I spent earlier were not wasted. With the martial arts training resources at Baiyutang, my son will surely pass the provincial examination in three years."

Li Shaoyun suddenly frowned and said, "But I just asked someone and they said Zhang Biao was killed. The Tiger and Wolf Sect will most likely send someone else to replace Zhang Biao as the deacon..."

"What? Deacon Zhang Biao was killed? Do you know who did it?" Li Ru was so frightened that his chopsticks almost fell to the ground.

In his eyes, Zhang Biao was a superior warrior, someone that the Li family could not afford to offend.

Actually... was killed?
Li Shaoyun's face was filled with worry. "I don't know. I hope the new deacon who replaces Zhang Biao won't make things too difficult for me."

At this moment, Chunlan hurried in and bowed respectfully, "Master, Madam, Young Master. Master Xie is at the door and said he wants to see you for something."

Li Ru snorted lightly, "Old Xie may have been left out for a few days, so he's calmed down and knows his status as a servant. Let him wait outside the door."

(End of this chapter)