Eternal Immortal Dynasty: Starting as a Petty Official

Chapter 151 Paying Homage to the County Magistrate (Seeking Monthly Tickets)

The moonlight, like water, spilled across the bustling mountain forest.

After an unknown amount of time, the rich aroma of meat permeated the mountains and forests.

The villagers, in groups of ten, sat around the campfire, enjoying the fragrant roasted meat.

On the other side, Zhao Xian's expression was very solemn as he sat with Zhao Li and the others.

This was because Zhao Cheng's injuries were too severe, and he was on the verge of death!

The powerful blow from the pig-like dragon landed squarely on Zhao Cheng's chest!

"Fourth Brother's injuries require immediate attention!"

After a few moments of contemplation, Zhao Xian looked at Zhao Li and Zhao Yi and said solemnly.

"The spell cast by Lord Song and that Rejuvenation Pill will only last for a day at most!"

"To save Fourth Brother's life, we must go to the Daqingshan Market to buy better elixirs!"

"Uncle, you, Zhao Ji, and Zhang Gong should immediately ride to the Daqingshan market!"

After saying that, Zhao Xian took out five palm-sized mid-grade spirit stones from his sleeve and handed them to Zhao Li.

Zhao Li didn't stand on ceremony and immediately accepted the spirit stone. He exchanged a glance with Zhao Ji and then walked towards Zhang Gong in the distance.

A moment later, the thunderous sound of hooves filled the air as the three riders sped off towards the county town!

"Father, what are the casualties?"

Zhao Xian watched Zhao Li and the other two leave, then perked up and looked at Zhao Yi, asking a question.

"Only Ah Cheng was seriously injured!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Yi also sighed.

"Ah Xian, we've got this place under our care, you should go and rest!"

"Since we're going to pay our respects to the county magistrate, we can't appear listless!"

He looked up at Zhao Xian again and asked in a low voice with concern.

"good!"

Zhao Xian didn't stand on ceremony and immediately agreed. He then gave some instructions to his cousin Xu Hua and the others before walking aside and telling Zhao Hong and the others to take a rest.

Meanwhile, Wu De and the others had already returned to their village home.

After learning from Wu De that Zhao Xian and his group had quelled the demonic disturbance in Pinghe Township, the township head Yuan Wei was quite delighted!

Thankfully, Pinghe Township was not left to be the only township in the county still suffering from demonic calamity.

The next morning, as dawn broke.

Zhao Xian, along with Zhao Hong and Huang Zhong, got up early and headed ahead to the country house.

After tidying up the country house and changing into clean clothes, Zhao Xian and his two companions hurriedly left the house and rushed towards the county town!

At this moment, Zhao Yi led the demon-hunting team slowly towards the village from the riverbank.

The enormous remains of the demon beast also amazed the Taoist practitioners who came and went.

Taking this opportunity, Zhao Yi and others also widely publicized Zhao Xianping's deeds of subduing demons.

Upon arriving at the village inn, Zhao Yi and his party received a warm greeting from Yuan Wei, the village head. After the greetings, the villagers set up camp on the west side of the inn, waiting for Zhao Xian's return.

It is about 60 or 70 li from Pinghe Township to Rongtai County. The three of them rode their horses at full speed for more than an hour and then they could see the towering city walls of Rongtai County.

Zhao Hong originally intended to queue to enter the city, but Zhao Xian called out to him, and he rode straight towards the city gate.

The officials guarding the city, seeing such a young high-ranking official, naturally dared not stop him and immediately and respectfully opened the city gates to let Zhao Xian and his entourage enter the city.

The group of Daoists who had been cut in line by Zhao Xian were not surprised by this at all.

The gleaming official seal hangs at his waist; how could he not recognize it!

Once inside the city, Zhao Xian and his entourage headed towards the county government office.

After walking through several bustling streets, we arrived at a very solemn and dignified residence, which was the Rongtai County Government Office!

After tying the horse to the hitching post, Zhao Xian asked Zhao Hong and Huang Zhong to wait there while he walked towards the gate.

The county soldiers guarding the gate were naturally very capable, but in Zhao Xian's eyes, although they were heavily armed, they lacked a certain menacing aura.

The county soldier guarding the gate immediately spotted the seal on Zhao Xian's waist and quickly stepped forward to greet him.

"Greetings, sir!"

The leading county soldier bowed respectfully and then asked in a humble voice, "May I ask what brings you here, sir?"

As gatekeepers, they naturally recognized all the county officials, but the official in front of them was a complete stranger.

At such a young age, yet holding such a high position, he must be a high-ranking official in the prefecture!

"Zhao Xian, the county magistrate's clerk, has come to pay his respects to the county magistrate

Upon hearing this, Zhao Xian immediately replied with a smile.

"A sergeant?"

The county sergeant paused for a moment, then, as if remembering something, looked at Zhao Xian with surprise: "Are you Lord Zhao, whom the county magistrate appointed to exterminate the demonic beasts?"

"It is indeed you!"

Zhao Xian nodded.

"A few days ago, Chief Clerk Liu gave us some instructions: if Chief Clerk Bing Cao comes, first lead him to Lord Liu!"

Upon hearing this, the county sergeant immediately spoke in a solemn voice.

"In that case, please take me to pay my respects to Lord Liu!"

Zhao Xian nodded slightly, but he understood that Liu Yuan must have something to say to him before the county magistrate!

"Zhao Jun, please!"

The county magistrate immediately led the way.

Upon entering the county government office, such a young official of the rank of 100 shi (a unit of grain measure) naturally attracted the attention of the passing officials.

However, since no one recognized Zhao Xian, no one dared to step forward and exchange pleasantries.

After passing through the main hall in the front yard, and walking a few steps, you arrive at a side courtyard.

"Mr. Zhao, Lord Liu is conducting his business right here in the main hall!"

The county sergeant pointed to the main hall, then turned and left.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Xian's expression turned solemn. He immediately straightened his clothes and walked towards the main hall.

Upon entering the hall, Liu Yuan was engrossed in his documents and did not notice his arrival.

"Military Officer Zhao Xian pays his respects to Lord Liu!"

Zhao Xian took a deep breath, then cupped his hands in a salute and said solemnly.

"Ah! It's Lord Zhao who has arrived!"

Upon hearing Zhao Xian's voice, Liu Yuan also raised his head and exclaimed in surprise towards the hall.

"Zhao Xianxing has lived up to his mission, and within a month he has wiped out the evil forces in eight villages in the northwest of the county and the bandits causing chaos in four other areas!"

Seeing Liu Yuan's delight, Zhao Xian also smiled and continued.

"Okay, okay!"

"You quelled the demonic scourge and banditry within ten days, Bo Zhang! You are truly a man of great talent!"

Liu Yuan repeatedly said "good," got up from his seat, walked quickly to Zhao Xian, raised his hand to help Zhao Xian up, and praised him repeatedly.

"Lord Liu, you flatter me! It wasn't just Bo Zhang's effort; it was also thanks to the assistance of the officials from these villages and towns!"

Zhao Xian also stood up and said modestly.

"Ha ha!"

"Bo Zhang is too modest!"

"The scourge of demons and bandits has raged for over half a year; why haven't the officials quelled it before?"

"If Bo Zhang hadn't intervened, tens of thousands of Daoist people would likely still be suffering from demonic calamities and bandit attacks!"

"Bozhang, please sit down!"

"Serve tea!"

After exchanging pleasantries, the two took their seats, and soon a servant came forward to serve tea.

The two each took a small sip of hot tea and then put down their teacups.

"Bozhang, the reason I stopped you before the county magistrate was to give you some serious advice!"

Liu Yuan looked at Zhao Xian with a slight smile on his face.

"Bo Zhang thanks Master Liu for his guidance!"

As Liu Yuan was a confidant of the county magistrate, Zhao Xian naturally understood what Liu Yuan wanted to tell him, and was very grateful, so he bowed again.

"The county magistrate is a core disciple of the Yunlan Sect, with profound cultivation. She usually spends most of her time in seclusion for cultivation."

"However, in the past six months or so, there have been many monsters and bandits causing trouble in the county, which is why the county magistrate has not been able to remain in seclusion for long!"

"When Bozhang meets the County Magistrate, he must not conceal anything and must report the truth!"

66

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After giving him some instructions, Zhao Xian felt even more grateful to Liu Yuan.

With the official business concluded, Liu Yuan then instructed his clerk to report to the county magistrate that Zhao Xian had requested an audience.

During this break, Liu Yuan also chatted with Zhao Xian.

"Is Bo-Zhang twenty years old this year?"

"Still a little short, he's only eighteen years old now."

"Haha! Eighteen years old, the perfect age for youthful infatuation. Do you have someone you like?"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Xian was slightly taken aback, then blushed and immediately shook his head.

"Is there any engaged person in that family?"

"Lord Liu is joking. Zhao Xian comes from a poor farming family; there's no marriage agreement between them!"

Zhao Xian chuckled again, shook his head, and said.

Seeing this, Liu Yuan was about to speak when a county official entered through the door.

"Lord Liu, the county magistrate requests the request of the military officer!"

"In that case, Bozhang, please accompany Lord Gao to pay your respects to the County Lady!"

Upon hearing this, Liu Yuan immediately looked at Zhao Xian and said with a smile.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Xian naturally stood up to thank him, and then followed the clerk out of the main hall.

"Bozhang! Bozhang!"

He had only taken a few steps when he heard Liu Yuan shout several times from the hall.

Zhao Xian and the county official exchanged a glance, then both stopped and looked back.

"Bozhang, in the county magistrate's courtyard, there are beautiful maids, but I don't know who Fanfan is. Don't let your eyes be deceived!"

Liu Yuan strode down from the main hall, walked to Zhao Xian's side, patted Zhao Xian on the shoulder, and said with a smile.

"This~"

Zhao Xian was both amused and exasperated by these words, but upon reflection, he understood the implication behind Liu Yuan's words.

The beautiful maids in the county magistrate's courtyard were beyond my reach.

"Thank you for your instructions, Lord Liu. Zhao Xian will keep them in mind!"

Zhao Xian bowed to Liu Yuan, and then walked towards the inner courtyard with the county official.

It was still that quiet and elegant courtyard, but last time Zhao Xian accompanied Chen Yuancheng here, he could only wait outside the courtyard. Today, however, he was able to enter this mysterious courtyard.

As Zhao Xian stepped into the courtyard, he felt a surge of spiritual energy wash over him!

The rich spiritual energy caused the magical power within Zhao Xian's body to flow faster!

"Such a rich spiritual energy!"

A hint of shock flashed in Zhao Xian's eyes as he pondered to himself.

"Lord Zhao, a spirit-gathering array has been set up here, which can gather the surrounding spiritual energy, and there is also a spiritual vein underground."

The county official seemed to know what Zhao Xian was thinking, and immediately explained to Zhao Xian in a low voice.

"Thank you very much, Mr. Gao! May I ask your honorable name?"

Zhao Xian thanked him in return, and then asked with a smile.

"Your humble servant is far-sighted!"

Upon hearing this, the clerk replied with a smile.

"We serve by the Lady's side, and we have heard of Lord Zhao's reputation. He has solved many problems for our lord by pacifying demons and defeating bandits!"

"Zhao Xian wouldn't dare!"

"This is all thanks to the county magistrate's effective teaching and the diligent work of the officials under her jurisdiction!"

Zhao Xian quickly offered a humble remark, gaining a new understanding of the identity of the minor official before him.

The fact that this minor official addressed the county magistrate as "Lord" indicates that he must be someone close to the county magistrate, or more likely, a personal attendant!

The county magistrate has the right to appoint and dismiss officials in the county. He usually appoints his attendants, retainers and other close associates who accompanied him to his post as county officials.

However, these clerks were different from those working in the front courtyard; these clerks were all the county magistrate's private clerks!

In other words, the county government is paying out of its own pocket to support these officials on behalf of the county magistrate!

When the county magistrate leaves office, these officials will also follow him away.

Some powerful official families have quite a few such private officials, and some of these private officials have been in service for generations, with the son succeeding the father and following the master.

He can be said to have earned the deep trust of his lord!

"Liu Jun also held Zhao Jun in high regard, even chasing after him to give him some instructions!"

During their conversation, Gao Yuan brought up the matter that had just occurred.

"Zhao Xian comes from a peasant family and is uncouth and rude. Lord Liu is worried that Zhao Xian's words and actions might be offensive and impolite!"

Zhao Xian quickly began to explain.

"The county magistrate is in the pavilion!"

Gao Yuan didn't ask any further questions, but simply nodded his head forward.

"Master, Military Officer Zhao Xian has arrived!"

Gao Yuan led Zhao Xian closer to the outside of the pavilion and then spoke respectfully.

"This humble official, Zhao Xian, pays his respects to the County Magistrate!"

After saying this, Zhao Xian bowed deeply!

"Bozhang, get up!"

A few breaths later, a gentle voice came from inside the pavilion. Upon hearing this, Zhao Xian immediately stood up slowly, cupped his hands in thanks, and expressed his gratitude.

Looking up, one can see a scholar in a blue robe sitting upright on a stone bench in a small pavilion by the lake, holding a scroll of green bamboo slips, engrossed in reading.

Behind the scholar in the blue robe, two pretty maids waited respectfully.

"You quelled the demonic calamity within ten days, Bo Zhang. Though this is our first meeting, I am quite satisfied with you!"

"It has lived up to the strong recommendations of Chen Sheng, Liu Yuan, and Liu Yu!"

"Zhao Xian dared not claim credit for what was done by Heaven; this was all due to the county magistrate's effective teaching and the diligence of the officials under her jurisdiction!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Xian immediately responded respectfully once again.

"Haha, you're quite modest!"

The scholar in the blue robe put down the bamboo slip in his hand and looked up at the black-robed youth outside the pavilion.

His brows exuded a heroic air, with sword-like eyebrows and bright eyes. He stood tall and straight, with a ring-handled sword at his waist, truly a heroic and extraordinary figure!

"What a valiant young man!"

"And lift your head!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Xian immediately looked up and gazed into the pavilion.

The scholar in the blue robe was about forty years old, with thick eyebrows, big eyes, and a robust build. His brows revealed a resolute and upright spirit!

"Sixth level of Qi Refining, unfortunately a bit short!"

"He's not even twenty yet, and hasn't come of age, so it's understandable!"

The scholar in the blue robe carefully examined Zhao Xian, then smiled calmly.

"A solid foundation!"

"His cultivation level is quite solid!"

"It's because I took too many pills, leaving some residual 'pill toxins' in my body!"

"What level of cultivation technique are you practicing?"

"Reporting to the County Lord, the cultivation technique Zhao Xian practiced is called the 'Six Yang Technique,' a mid-grade Yellow Rank technique. It was copied from the Chen family library by Chen Yuancheng, the magistrate of Wohu Township."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Xian immediately replied in a solemn voice.

"The Six Yang Techniques"

After a moment's thought, the scholar in the blue robe looked at Zhao Xian and smiled, "I have heard of the Yellow Rank High-Grade 'Nine Yang Technique' and the Profound Rank Mid-Grade 'Primordial Yang True Method,' but this 'Six Yang Technique' is the first time I've heard of it!"

"A mere mid-grade Yellow Rank cultivation technique is sufficient for you!"

"However, since you have performed such a great service, you should naturally be rewarded!"

"Fine!"

"In that case, I will bestow upon you a cultivation technique!"

After saying that, the scholar in the blue robe waved his sleeve, and three crimson jade slips appeared on the stone table.

"I have three fire-attribute cultivation techniques here: the Nine Yang Technique, the Blazing Sun True Method, and the Crimson Flame Technique."

"Except for the 'True Technique of Blazing Sun,' which is a low-grade Profound Rank, the other two are both high-grade Yellow Rank!"

Which one do you choose?