Eternal Immortal Dynasty: Starting as a Petty Official

Chapter 169 Returning to Wohu Township, Searching for Wohu Mountain (Seeking monthly votes)

Upon hearing this, the courtyard fell silent.

Zhao Xian bowed deeply, his eyes lowered, but he was quite uneasy.

After a few breaths of silence, a gentle breeze blew by, helping Zhao Xian to his feet, and a kind voice once again reached his ears.

"Bo Zhang, what a pity!"

With a soft sigh, Chen Sheng looked at the valiant cultivator before him with deep regret: "If I still had a daughter who was unmarried, I would surely betroth her to you!"

Upon hearing Chen Sheng's words, Zhao Xian was slightly taken aback.

Immediately, Zhao Xian smiled slightly, stepped forward, picked up the white jade teapot, and gently touched it, instantly filling the air with the aroma of tea.

"I was recommended by Yuan Cheng to become an official, and I was further favored by Lord Chen and Lord Liu, who recommended me to become a clerk of the hundred-stone rank!"

"Within two years, he was promoted twice. Looking throughout the county, who else has risen so rapidly as Zhao Xian?"

In Zhao Xian's heart, Yuan Cheng was his elder brother, and Chen Gong and Liu Gong were his teachers!

At this point, Zhao Xian put down the white jade pot and raised his teacup to toast Chen Sheng.

"Haha! Since Bozhang has offered me tea, I will grant your request!"

Upon hearing this, Chen Sheng immediately burst into laughter, took the teacup, and sipped the spiritual tea.

After this heartfelt conversation, Chen Sheng and Zhao Xian became even closer and more amicable.

"Where does Bo-zhang intend to begin?"

"Our top priority is to secretly send men to seal off Wohu Township and prevent the Yan family from escaping!"

"Secondly, arrest important members of the Yan family and their guests; under severe torture, we will surely obtain the information!"

Finally, troops were mobilized to exterminate the Yan family!

On the way to Yunwu Mountain, Zhao Xian had already prepared a plan, so he answered without hesitation.

"The Yan family is not some small, rural clan like the Wu family of Xixiang. They are wealthy merchants who have been rooted in Rongtai County for over a century, with deep-rooted connections!"

"Several more clansmen have joined the Yunlan Sect; they are certainly not easy to deal with!"

Seeing that Zhao Xian's words were very concise, Chen Sheng still offered some pointers.

"If that's the case, we'll need Lord Chen to intervene, joining forces with the Xu and Cao families of Wohu Township, along with my men and Yuan Cheng's men, to perhaps wipe out the Yan family!"

Seeing this, Zhao Xian pondered for a few moments before adding another sentence.

"The Xu and Cao families are of little importance!"

Chen Sheng shook his head again and said with a smile.

"Please enlighten me, Master Chen!"

At this point, Zhao Xian naturally understood that Chen Sheng must have other plans, so he immediately cupped his hands in a salute and said solemnly.

"Although the Yan family has never had a Foundation Establishment cultivator, they are still somewhat famous in the county because of that true disciple."

"It is impossible for me alone to exterminate such a family!"

"Let's add the Liu family to the list!"

After a moment's thought, Chen Sheng looked at Zhao Xian and told him what he meant.

"We will do as Lord Chen wishes!"

"However, we still need Master Chen's intervention regarding the Liu family's side!"

Zhao Xian immediately agreed solemnly, but a hint of hesitation appeared on his face.

"I will personally go and discuss this with the Liu family!"

"Bozhang, now that you've decided to act, you must uproot the Yan family with overwhelming force!"

"Don't hesitate, or you'll jeopardize everything!"

"Zhao Xianjin obeys Lord Chen's command!"

A moment later, several riders galloped away at the foot of Cloud Mist Mountain!

Meanwhile, inside a magnificent and ancient hall in the mountains, Chen Sheng was sitting opposite a scholar in a purple robe with slightly graying temples.

Steam rose, carrying a faint aroma of tea. Through the rising steam, Chen Sheng looked at Chen Changshangren, the patriarch of the Chen clan, across from him.

"Chieftain, how is the matter?"

"Since the Fourth Elder has made up his mind, then let him do it!"

"Although our Chen clan has remained prosperous in Rongtai County for many years, our reputation within Rong Prefecture has declined considerably!"

"As for the Yan family's relationship within the Yunlan Sect, they are nothing more than a few outer sect disciples and one outer sect steward!"

Upon hearing this, the scholar in purple robes smiled calmly.

"With such merit, if Gao Su really recommends him to the prefecture, and with our clan putting in some effort, the Fourth Elder will surely be able to take up the position of County Commandant!"

"Thank you, Chieftain!"

Upon hearing this, Chen Sheng naturally bowed respectfully.

"We're all family, no need to be so polite!"

"But there's something else you mentioned~"

At this point, Master Chen Chang showed a hint of hesitation.

Actually, this is not a big deal, it's just that we're concerned about the reputation of the Chen family!

The other thing Chen Sheng mentioned was that he wanted to select a woman of marriageable age from the clan to marry the young cultivator named Zhao Xian.

"Zhao Xian is a man of keen insight and decisive action. He is only twenty years old this year, yet he is already a late-stage Qi Refining cultivator. Who knows, he might even glimpse the Foundation Establishment realm in the future!"

Seeing Chen Chang hesitate, Chen Sheng spoke up again to persuade him.

"Let me think about this matter!"

Despite Chen Sheng's repeated persuasion, Master Chen Chang still did not relent.

Seeing this, Chen Sheng could only sigh inwardly, it seemed that this matter would not succeed!

Meanwhile, Zhao Xian and his group were also speeding towards Donglai Township.

As dusk fell, the group finally returned to their Donglai village home.

Night falls in the secluded courtyard of a country house.

The people in the hall were seated and waited quietly for Zhao Xian to arrive.

Shortly after, Zhao Xian emerged from the inner room.

Everyone present rose in unison, cupped their hands in greeting, and said, "Greetings, Sergeant!"

"Please be seated, everyone!"

Zhao Xian looked around at the people in front of him and said with a smile.

On the left were Zhao Zheng, Zhao Cheng, Zhang Gong, and Xu Hua, while on the right were Song Ming, Cao Quan, Liu Sheng, and Yang Zhi.

"I have summoned you all here tonight because I have something to tell you!"

Upon hearing this, everyone turned to look at Zhao Xian, their eyes fixed on him.

"The county magistrate has decided to take action against the Yan family of Wohu Township!"

"What?!"

"Is this really true?!"

Upon hearing this, everyone in the hall wore expressions of disbelief!

Even Song Ming, who knew about this beforehand, looked quite surprised.

I thought this matter would proceed gradually, but I didn't expect it to be so fast.

"Exterminate the Yan family within seven days!"

Zhao Xian looked at everyone again and said calmly.

"Seven days?!"

The announcement of this timeframe once again surprised everyone present!

This is quite urgent!

"The Chen family of Cloud Mist Mountain will also intervene after the Yan family is wiped out!"

Zhao Xian took in the expressions on everyone's faces and then spoke again.

"With the Chen family involved, the Yan family has no chance of survival!"

Upon hearing this, Xu Hua immediately echoed in agreement, his deep voice resonating throughout the hall.

"Mr. Cao, what's the relationship between your Cao family and the Yan family?"

Suddenly, Xu Hua looked at Cao Quan opposite him and grinned.

Upon hearing this, the others all looked at Cao Quan.

"Our Cao family has no connection whatsoever with the Yan family! The destruction of the Yan family is actually a great thing for our Cao family!"

Seeing everyone looking at him, Cao Quan immediately smiled and said.

"Ah Quan already knew about this!"

At this moment, Zhao Xian also spoke up to help him out of the predicament.

"This operation must be carried out swiftly!"

"Team Leader Zhao, you will lead your team back to Wohu Township tomorrow!"

"I will obey Sergeant Bing's orders!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Zheng immediately stood up and accepted the order!

"Zhao Hong and I, along with Song Jun and the others, will ride ahead!"

"Once the demon-hunting team returns to Crouching Tiger Village, you must maintain a tight defense and ensure that not a single member of the Yan family escapes the village!"

The night was deep, and the cold wind was howling. Before anyone knew it, a bead of sweat had begun to seep from everyone's foreheads!

The next morning, as dawn broke.

A group of knights had already left the village and were galloping westward along the main road.

As the sun rose in the east, a group of people also walked westward along the official road.

Donglai Township and Wohu Township are located to the east and west of the county, respectively, almost spanning the entire county.

Even though Zhao Xian and his men ran all the way, they did not arrive at Wohu Village until nightfall.

After opening the gate of the country house, Zhao Xian and the others also checked into the side courtyard of the country house.

The quiet country house was suddenly filled with the noise of people and horses.

This commotion naturally alerted Yan Su, who lived in the country house, and He Qing, the village head.

The two arrived together and were somewhat surprised to see Zhao Xian and the others returning.

"Zhao Jun, why did you return to Wohu Township so late at night?"

Upon seeing this, He Qing immediately stepped forward, bowed respectfully, and asked.

"Lord He, there are signs that the demonic beasts of Yunling are once again moving eastward. The county magistrate has ordered us to return to Wohu Township immediately and be on guard!"

Zhao Xian did not hesitate and immediately gave the reason he had already thought of.

Upon hearing this, both He Qing and Yan Su were somewhat shocked!

But in Zhao Xian's eyes, Yan Su seemed to have breathed a sigh of relief!

"Mr. He, Mr. Yan, this matter must not be leaked!"

Suddenly, Zhao Xian looked at the two of them and shouted in a stern voice.

"We will obey Lord Zhao's command!"

The two were startled and bowed in unison in response.

"We are exhausted after a long day of searching, but we still need to go into the mountains to continue our search tomorrow."

"In that case, we shall take our leave!"

Upon hearing the music, He Qing recognized its refined quality and immediately bowed again before turning and leaving with Yan Su.

After the two left, Zhao Xian immediately looked at Zhao Hong and the other three and gave them a wink.

Without hesitation, Zhao Hong and his three companions immediately headed towards a secluded corner.

A few breaths later, the four people had already leaped onto the wall, scaled it, and disappeared into the night.

"Alright, everyone, get some rest!" Zhao Xian smiled slightly at the four people behind him, then his gaze fell on Cao Quan. "Quan, stay at the country house tonight, don't go home!"

"Cao Quan obeys!"

Cao Quan nodded in agreement.

Meanwhile, Zhao Hong and his three companions, having left the village house, took advantage of the darkness and made their way towards the distant village pavilion.

The four of them were on Zhao Xian's orders to meet with Liu Zhuo and Zhao Ze.

To avoid disturbing the others in the pavilion, the four of them climbed up the wall and jumped into the backyard of the pavilion.

Before long, candlelight was lit in the back hall, and the door was closed.

"With the Chen and Liu families joining forces, along with the Cao and Xu families from this village, the Yan family is truly doomed!"

In the hall, by candlelight, Liu Zhuo looked at the people in front of him and said with great emotion.

"Master Liu, it's all because the Yan family acted unscrupulously and committed this heinous crime!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Hong naturally smiled and replied.

He had studied at Liu Zhuo's private school for a year, and now, to show his closeness, he addressed Liu Zhuo as "Teacher Liu".

Liu Zhuo could see through Zhao Hong's little scheme, but he didn't find it offensive.

After all, apart from Huang Zhong, everyone in the hall was from Shanghuting.

People in that era had a deep-rooted sense of hometown and the bonds between fellow townsmen were far stronger than those of later generations.

"What are your instructions, Ah Hong, for your arrival, Lord Zhao?"

"Apprehend those strangers who have been visiting the Yan family in recent days and interrogate them severely!"

Upon hearing Liu Zhuo's question, Zhao Hong immediately replied in a solemn voice.

"The thief knows those people's movements best, so you will lead Ah Hong and the others to apprehend them!"

Liu Zhuo immediately looked at Zhao Ze and gave him instructions.

"When to act?"

Zhao Ze nodded, then looked at Zhao Hong and asked in a low voice.

"Act now!"

Upon hearing this, both Zhao Ze and Liu Zhuo were somewhat surprised.

"Zhao Jun has arrived at Wohu Township. Within seven days, investigate the Yan family's crimes and exterminate them!"

Seeing their surprise, Zhao Hong immediately spoke again.

"Once this is done, Yan Su will be brought to justice, and Master Liu can also get a promotion!"

"Um?!"

Upon hearing this, Liu Zhuo was slightly taken aback, then a smile appeared on his face.

The position of village head, though not bad, is still just a lowly job of welcoming and seeing off guests!

The position of village assistant, though lowly in rank, is of great power, second only to the village magistrate!

Within a village, if there is a powerful village head, the village head can only live a life of mediocrity in his village house!

As night deepened, several figures carefully opened the pavilion's gate, stepped out, and disappeared into the darkness.

Tonight, dark clouds obscured the moon, and the night was gloomy. However, Zhao Hong and his three companions were already first-rate martial artists at the Bone Refining level, while Zhao Ze was a second-rate martial artist at the Tendon Refining level.

The five people walked briskly along the rugged country road, but were not seriously injured!

Before long, the group arrived at a rural village.

The inner wall was not more than ten feet high and was mostly collapsed. The group went straight over the inner wall and made several turns before arriving at the front of a dilapidated house.

Zhao Ze gave him a wink, and Zhao Bing immediately rushed inside.

A moment later, Zhao Bing carried a dark figure out of the courtyard gate.

"This fellow must have never been groomed since birth; he stinks terribly!"

Zhao Bing kicked the dark figure beside him and said with a helpless expression.

"for you!"

Zhao Hong tore off a strip of cloth from his body and handed it to Zhao Bing.

"Cover your nose and try to bear it!"

"what!"

"What?! Hurry up, we still need to catch another one!"

It wasn't until dawn that Zhao Hong and his three companions returned to Wohu Village.

The four of them leaped over the wall into the courtyard as before, only to find a figure already practicing boxing techniques inside.

"Brother~"

Zhao Hong immediately stepped forward and greeted him.

After a few breaths, seeing that Zhao Xian remained silent, the four of them turned around and went back to their room. After a busy night, they needed to rest!

As the sun rose in the east, Zhao Xian led Mu Chun and Yang Zhi away from the village house and headed towards the mountains and forests near the village pavilion.

This scene also fell into Yan Su's eyes.

He didn't sleep a wink last night!

Only when they saw Zhao Xian go to the mountains to investigate did they finally breathe a sigh of relief.

"I didn't sleep very well last night, so I'll rest a bit more! Today's village affairs are for you to decide!"

Turning to the clerk behind him, Yan Su said with a smile.

"We will certainly not disturb Lord Yan!"

Upon seeing this, the minor official replied with considerable respect.

After leaving the village, Zhao Xian sped towards Wohu Township.

Although what he said yesterday was fabricated, Zhao Xian did not intend to just pretend; he genuinely wanted to go to Crouching Tiger Mountain to investigate!

After all, according to Chen Yuancheng's previous reminder, their family's spirit well might be connected to a spirit vein!

Traveling swiftly, the three arrived at the foot of Crouching Tiger Mountain.

After instructing Mu Chun to watch over the horses, Zhao Xian and Yang Zhi headed up the mountain.

Although it is now mid-September, the mountains and forests are no longer as lush as they were in summer, but they are covered with fallen leaves, making it extremely difficult to walk.

Both were Qi Refining cultivators, skilled in martial arts, and possessed strong footwork. Before long, they had climbed to the highest peak of Crouching Tiger Mountain.

The two stood alone on the cliff, the mountain wind howling and their clothes fluttering in the wind!

Wohu Mountain is about 100 zhang high and stretches for more than ten li. It can be considered a spur of the Yunling Mountains.

The highest peak is called Tiger Head Peak. From a distance, the entire mountain looks like a fierce tiger lying on the field.

"Mr. Zhao, I had heard of Crouching Tiger Mountain when I was in Donglai Township. Today, climbing to its heights and looking out, it truly is extraordinary!"

Yang Zhi, who was following behind Zhao Xian, also spoke up at the opportune moment to praise him.

"Haha, I grew up at the foot of Crouching Tiger Mountain since I was a child, but I never knew he had such a reputation!"

Zhao Xian laughed loudly and said with a smile on his face.

"At the foot of the mountain is Shanghu Pavilion, and further ahead are Dahu Pavilion and Xiahu Pavilion!"

Zhao Xian pointed to the villages at the foot of the mountain and introduced them to Yang Zhi one by one.

Then, Zhao Xian's mind stirred slightly, and a flash of golden light appeared in his eyes as he looked down the mountain.

The village, which was originally somewhat indistinct, has become clearly visible.

Zhao Xian naturally discovered the location of Yangpingli and then found the location of his family's spirit well.

As expected, wisps of pale blue light emanated from the vicinity of the spirit well.

Zhao Xian followed the pale blue light, searching for the source little by little.

A moment later, the light dissipated, and Zhao Xian turned his gaze to his feet.

"Tiger Head Peak!"

"That spiritual vein is located on Tiger Head Peak!"

"I've climbed all the way here, but I haven't sensed a single trace of spiritual energy. Could it be inside the mountain?"

With this in mind, Zhao Xian also prepared to search Tiger Head Peak carefully!

Yang Zhi, standing to the side, looked down at the terrain while secretly glancing at Zhao Xian out of the corner of his eye.

He naturally did not know why Zhao Xian had come here, but seeing that Zhao Xian seemed to be deep in thought, he did not dare to interrupt.

"Ah-Zhi, let's go for a walk on this mountain!"

Suddenly, Zhao Xian came to his senses, looked at Yang Zhi, and said with a smile.

After saying that, the two of them headed down.

After wandering through the mountains and forests for most of the hour, Zhao Xian still did not find any gaps where spiritual energy was dissipating.

"Snap! Snap!"

Suddenly, footsteps echoed through the woods!

Zhao Xian and Yang Zhi exchanged a glance, both showing a hint of wariness on their faces.

"Clang!"

Yang Zhi drew his sword and stepped in front of Zhao Xian.

Seeing Yang Zhi's attitude, Zhao Xian was naturally very satisfied.

"Grandfather, it's freezing cold, there aren't any herbs here. Let's go back!"

Just then, a slightly immature young voice came from the woods.

"You've only been up here a short while and you're already complaining about being tired. I think our family is going to be ruined by you!"

"Look at Zhao Xian from Yangping Village. He's only a year or two older than you, and he's already a high-ranking official!"

Then another aged voice entered Zhao Xian and the other person's mouth.

Zhao Xian was slightly taken aback to find that he was also mentioned in the conversation.

After pondering for a few moments, Zhao Xian patted Yang Zhi on the shoulder, signaling him to put away his ring-pommel sword.

The only people who could come to Wohu Mountain at this time are those from Shanghu Pavilion!

"He just got lucky!"

"If it were me, and Chen Yuancheng recommended me for a minor official position, I might very well have become a sergeant!"

The young voice muttered defiantly.

"Splash!"

With one hand pushing aside the tangled branches blocking their way, a figure burst straight into the sight of Zhao Xian and his companion!

Seeing Zhao Xian and his companion standing with their hands behind their backs, smiling at him, the young Daoist immediately showed a hint of panic on his face!

"Grandpa, grandpa~"

The young Taoist priest took a step back and said in a trembling voice.

"What is it?"

Then, another gaunt figure entered Zhao Xian and his companion's field of vision, standing alongside the young Daoist.

The gaunt old man looked up and saw two bright eyes staring at him and his grandson.

"You, you all are~"

The withered old man stood in front of his grandson, looked at Zhao Xian and the other man, and said in a trembling voice.

The old man lowered his gaze and carefully examined the two people in front of him.

Wearing a bronze crown, with fair skin, exquisite clothes, and precious jade and sharp weapons hanging from his waist, this must be an important person!

"You were just calling my name in the woods a moment ago, what, you don't recognize me now that you've seen me in person?"

Zhao Xian looked at the young Daoist behind the withered old man and suddenly said with a smile.

"Zhao, Zhao Xian!"

Upon hearing this, the young Taoist pondered for a few moments before realizing what was happening. He immediately looked at Zhao Xian and screamed!

"Snapped!"

The gaunt old man suddenly turned around and slapped the young Taoist!

"You damned bastard!"

"You've come to see Sergeant Bing, why aren't you kneeling and paying your respects!"

After being slapped, the young Taoist priest finally realized that the person in front of him was a high-ranking official!

A look of panic immediately appeared on his face, and he stood there at a loss!

"Are you Sun Fu from Chunping Village?"

Zhao Xian suddenly looked at the young Daoist opposite him and said uncertainly.

"Yes, it's me!"

"No, it wasn't me! I'm not Sun Fu!"

Upon hearing this, the young Taoist priest first nodded, but then shook his head frantically, replying incoherently.

Seeing the panic on the faces of the grandfather and grandson, Zhao Xian thought for a moment, then took out two yellow talismans from his sleeve and threw them at the two of them!

In an instant, the yellow talisman was affixed to the chests of the two people, and a spiritual light spread across their bodies, and the two people finally calmed down.

"Sun Gan and Sun Fu, commoners of Shanghuting, pay their respects to Lord Bingcao!"

The grandfather and grandson calmed down and immediately tried to kneel down to pay their respects.

"We're all from the same village, no need for such formalities!"

Zhao Xian, however, did not allow the two to kneel down.

There's no need for me to use my authority as a high-ranking official on the people of Shanghuting.

Upon hearing this, the grandfather and grandson straightened up again.

"Ah Fu, you've grown even more robust in the years I haven't seen you!"

"Are you still studying at a private school in Wenmaoli?"

Having recognized them, Zhao Xian immediately recalled the information about the grandfather and grandson in front of him and smiled as he spoke.

"A talisman to ward off the cold, stick it on your body to keep warm!"

Seeing that the two were dressed in thin clothes, Zhao Xian took out two more yellow talismans from his sleeve and handed them over.

"Thank you, sir!"

The gaunt old man hesitated for a moment, then bowed and accepted the yellow talisman.

She took one and stuck it on her grandson, but hesitated for a few moments before putting the other one close to her body.

These cold-dispelling talismans are of low quality, each worth a hundred catties of millet, and he couldn't bear to use them on himself!

Old bones, resistant to the cold!

"It's freezing cold, why aren't you staying home? What are you doing up in the mountains?"

Zhao Xian didn't mind this little gesture and continued to ask with a smile.

"I'll dig up some herbs to treat frostbite, and prepare to sell them at the market!"

Sun Fu touched the yellow talisman on his body with great curiosity. When Zhao Xian asked, he quickly answered.

"There have been monsters lurking in the mountains lately, be careful!"

Zhao Xian nodded slightly, then smiled and said.

"Ah Xian, another monster?"

Upon hearing this, Sun Fuli was shocked and pressed for an answer.

But then he suddenly realized that he had called out Zhao Xian's name, and his face immediately showed some unease!

"The monsters in Yunling have been behaving strangely, so I've returned to Wohu Township to investigate!"

At this point, Zhao Xian looked at Sun Gan and asked, "When you're digging for medicinal herbs in the mountains, have you noticed anything unusual?"

"This~"

Sun Gan hesitated for a moment, then smiled wryly and said, "Afu and I usually only wander around the outskirts; we don't dare venture deep into the mountains!"

"I didn't notice anything unusual!"

"Grandfather, didn't you say last time that there was some movement under Tiger Head Peak?"