Eternal Beast Taming Family

Tang Cheng paused in his writing, then looked up at Bai Liangshu and the others.

However, Tang Cheng's current state surprised Chu Jingyu. In just a short time, the town mayor seemed like a completely different person.

If he had previously maintained a composed and authoritative demeanor, he now looked haggard and appeared quite listless, as if he had suffered some great ordeal.

Tang Cheng's gaze swept over Chu Jingyu and the others one by one, a look of understanding flashing in his eyes.

"So it's you, old man. I was originally thinking of having you take a position in town, but I didn't expect you to apply to become a prominent family. Are you prepared to become what kind of prominent family?"

Because Tang Cheng's gaze finally landed on Chu Jingyu, Chu Jingyu smiled and said, "A prominent family."

"Oh?" Tang Cheng's face showed a hint of surprise. "Do you have a Source Device?"

"Of course I do. Some time ago, to avoid trouble, I hid in the deep mountains and accidentally came across a source artifact, and then formed a contract with my family."

Regarding the origin of the source artifact, this explanation was something Chu Jingyu and Chu Qinhui had already considered.

Although source artifacts are precious, they shouldn't mean much to this town mayor who came from the county seat. Besides, as a member of a prestigious family, it wouldn't be of much use to him to take source artifacts from other families.

Therefore, Chu Jingyu was not worried about his clan being wiped out and his treasures being stolen. However, he had to keep the fact that his own source artifact had a spirit and could easily see through the evolution path of source beasts a secret. This was the real root cause that could bring about the annihilation of his clan.

Tang Cheng nodded, not pressing for details. He took the family classics from Bai Liangshu and casually glanced through them.

"They applied to be from a lowly, ninth-rank family? This family is too small, only six people in total, and there aren't any collateral branches?"

Upon hearing Tang Cheng's words, Chu Jingyu's face showed a hint of melancholy. "Years ago, I had some unpleasantness with the family. I left the family and established my own household. The current Chu family originated from me."

Upon hearing his words, Tang Cheng and Bai Liangshu both showed extreme shock, appearing even more surprised than when they heard that someone had applied to become a new aristocratic family.

After a brief silence, Tang Cheng placed his hands on either side of his cheeks, forcing his expression back to calm.

"It seems the old gentleman has many stories to tell. Since you intend to become a powerful family, have you decided which villages to choose as your territories?"

Chu Jingyu cupped his hands in a gesture of respect, "I leave it to the mayor to decide."

Tang Cheng tapped his fingers on the table. "Since your Chu family mansion is near Fuhe Village, then the territory of Fuhe Village and the two neighboring villages will be managed by your Chu family."

What were the names of the two villages next door again? They shouldn't have been assigned to other families, right?

As the official in charge of both internal affairs and logistics, Bai Liangshu replied, "The two villages next door are Qingsha Village and Tuwo Village. Apart from Fuhe Village, which was designated as one of the six middle villages, the other two are among the six lower villages, so there was no choice for any family."

Tang Cheng frowned slightly. "They're all going to the lower villages? Didn't the Liu family leave? We'll just choose one of the villages they left behind and assign it to the Chu family to manage."

Bai Liangshu scratched his chin. "The villages left behind by the Liu family are all among the top six villages. If we give them to the Chu family alone, the other two families might object."

"Then give one to each of the other two families, which will also completely eliminate the influence of the Liu family."

"In that case, there's no problem."

After discussing the ownership of the regional power, Tang Cheng then asked Chu Jingyu:

"Have you set a date for the banquet? Since you are a newly established family, you should hold a banquet to announce the existence of the Chu family to the entire Heyu Town. This will also make it easier for you to communicate and interact with them in the future."

Chu Jingyu hadn't really considered this carefully. He pondered for a moment, then said, "The banquet will be held in five days. I hope the town mayor will be so kind as to attend."

Tang Cheng nodded. "That's settled then. Bai Liangshu, what do you think of this arrangement for anything else?"

This was a signal to send him away. Bai Liangshu cupped his hands in farewell and said, "Yes, Your subordinate takes his leave."

As he spoke, he waved to the Chu family, signaling them to follow him out of the courtyard.

Chu Jingyu and the other two tactfully took their leave and followed Bai Liangshu back to the original logistics department.

"Since the mayor has entrusted this matter to me, why don't we verify the source device together at the banquet? I hope Mr. Chu won't be stingy with my share then."

Faced with Bai Liangshu's overtures, Chu Jingyu naturally responded with a smile, "Of course not, we would welcome Director Bai's presence at that time."

Bai Liangshu smiled and waved his hand, "There are no other problems. By the way, the new aristocratic family will be presented with a plaque by the town. Do you think it would be better to have it engraved with 'Chu Family' or 'Chu Clan'?"

Although the name "Chu Mansion" sounds more prestigious, a lowly ninth-rank official from a humble family is far from deserving the title of "mansion."

"The Chu family is fine. Thank you for your trouble, Director Bai."

"There is one more thing. As a noble family, you have the responsibility to guard the borders. According to regulations, your Chu family has a six-month exemption from taxation. Starting from the day you became a noble family, you must send at least two people to guard the borders every year."

"Your family is small, so you should consider recruiting some unemployed contract masters or quickly building up your own power. You need to plan ahead."

Chu Jingyu's expression also turned serious. "Okay, we will give this matter serious consideration."

"That's all for now. You can go back now. If there are any other questions, I'll contact Xiaofan."

Finally, it was over. Chu Jingyu and Chu Qinhui breathed a sigh of relief. After saying goodbye to Bai Liangshu, they left the town mayor's mansion with slightly unsteady steps.

After the two left, Chu Shengfan's colleagues, who had been waiting in ambush, swarmed forward and surrounded him.

"Wow, that's impressive, Shengfan. You're about to become a member of a prestigious family without making a sound. We, the idle cultivators, will have to rely on you from now on." This was Chen Gengcai, who was being a bit boastful.

"I knew it! For Shengfan to be able to get on duty at this age, his family background must be extraordinary." This was Liu Yuan, who had a fiery temper.

"Hey, Xiao Fan, if you have any extra slots for spiritual awakening in the future, could you give us priority? My child is six years old and almost old enough to be able to have spiritual awakening." This was Huang Xiaoshu, who was somewhat mature in age.

There were other people around talking at once, but Chu Shengfan couldn't hear them clearly.

He looked up at the ring of heads surrounding him, feeling suffocated and dizzy.

"Alright, alright, don't you have any work to do? Or should I assign you some more tasks?" Bai Liangshu still held considerable authority in the logistics department, and his threat sent the crowd scattering like birds and beasts.

However, several people winked at him and hinted that they wanted to talk about something later, probably suggesting that they would wait until the break to finish.

Chu Shengfan was just about to return to his position and handle official business, which was much simpler than what others did.

But at this moment, Bai Liangshu put his arm around his shoulder and he heard Bai Liangshu mutter something under his breath.

"Xiao Fan, if your family has any extra slots for spiritual awakening, you must tell me. My son is eleven years old, which is the perfect age."