Eternal Immortal Dynasty: Starting as a Petty Official

Chapter 200 Qi Lian's Visit, Five Yang True Method (Seeking Monthly Tickets)

After Huang Zhong and Zhao Bing left, the cavalry was temporarily without a leader, so Zhao Ji temporarily led the cavalry to patrol the border area.

At this time, seven or eight days had passed since Zhao Hong and others escorted the refugees to Xixiang.

Scattered and scattered, the camp gathered dozens more refugee families.

Although it is unknown why Zhao Hong has not yet returned, Zhao Xian naturally cannot afford the daily food expenses of these fifty or sixty refugee households staying in the camp!

Seeing this, Zhao Xian simply ordered Zhao Duan to lead his soldiers to escort these dozens of refugee households to Xixiang first.

Zhao Hong, Zhao Duan, and Zhao Bing have been under Zhao Xian's command for three years, and now that they have all entered the Bone Refining stage, they naturally need to undergo rigorous training.

In response, Zhao Xian intended to entrust the task of escorting the refugees to Xixiang entirely to the three of them.

This can also be considered as training the three of them to lead troops independently!

After Zhao Duan escorted the refugees away from the camp, there were several hundred fewer people there, and the camp became much quieter.

As night fell, the moon rose high in the sky, and a cold wind howled.

In the tranquil mountains and forests of Ronghuai County, several figures suddenly appeared.

"The situation is urgent, we must discuss this immediately!" The leader of the men in black looked around at the others and shouted sternly.

"Esteemed envoys," one of them said in a deep voice before the others could finish speaking, "five days ago, the Zhang brothers led two platoons of elite troops to Rongtai County to lie in ambush. However, they were exposed in Nankou Township and were all killed by Zhao Xian's soldiers!"

"What?!"

"Such a thing is true!"

Upon hearing this, everyone exclaimed in surprise.

"That Zhao Xian is truly despicable!"

Immediately someone shouted sternly.

"We have been plotting in Ronghuai County for a year, and all the pieces we have laid have been destroyed!"

"We absolutely cannot let this scoundrel continue to cause trouble!"

"That's only right!"

"However, Zhao Xian lives in the military camp every day, and it is really difficult to ambush and kill him!" Another person said with a furrowed brow and a helpless expression.

"Unless a Foundation Establishment cultivator or a Xiantian martial artist intervenes, it's unlikely they can break through the camp and kill this beast!"

Upon hearing this, everyone else fell silent.

If Huang Tiandao truly had a Foundation Establishment cultivator or a Primordial Martial Artist stationed in Ronghuai County, how could they possibly hide like ants and rats!

"Snap! Snap!"

The sound of a dry branch snapping suddenly rang out, and everyone's expression changed drastically as they all looked in the direction of the sound!

The moonlight was as white as frost, and a scholar in a blue robe walked slowly towards them.

"Envoy Qi!"

Upon seeing the newcomer, everyone's expressions immediately relaxed, and the wariness in their eyes lessened somewhat.

"Fellow Daoists, I have just returned to Ronghuai County from Xiao County. I am unaware of any unforeseen events that have caused you all such alarm!"

As he approached the group, Qi Lian looked around at them, a hint of curiosity appearing on his face.

"Lord Qi, the Zhang brothers secretly led two squads of elite soldiers to Rongtai County, but they were all killed by Zhao Xian!" The leader of the men in black immediately told the truth upon seeing this.

"Zhao Xian is not someone the Zhang brothers can handle!" Qi Lian sighed softly, then looked at the group and asked, "Now that this has happened, what do you intend to do?"

"We also don't know what to do!" With a long sigh, the man in black then recounted in detail how Zhao Xian had set up a checkpoint in Nankou Township to check passersby.

"I will handle this matter for now; you all should focus on other matters."

After pondering for a while, Qi Lian looked at the others and gave them instructions in a deep voice.

"We will obey the orders of the King of Qi!"

Upon hearing this, everyone bowed and responded in unison.

"Lord Qi, upon your return to Xiao County, did you manage to meet the Daoist Master?"

"My return to Xiao County this time is because..."

A few days later, Zhao Hong led his troops back. After settling his soldiers, he went to the military tent to report back to Zhao Xian.

"Song Jun actually managed to extort a thousand bushels of millet from those misers?!" Zhao Xian exclaimed in surprise before Zhao Hong could finish speaking.

"It was only through his elder brother's letter and the pressure of the county magistrate's order that Lord Song managed to obtain this thousand bushels of millet!" Zhao Hong said with a bitter smile. "And afterwards, Lord Song also made an agreement with the prominent families and wealthy households in the western countryside that he would not ask for a single grain of millet again!"

"A thousand bushels of millet, if you really calculate it, could only feed a hundred or so refugee households, but that wouldn't last long!"

"In addition, the refugees still need to clear land and build houses."

At this point, Zhao Xian also sighed and did not continue, clearly indicating that he did not have a high opinion of Song Ming.

"Let's take it one step at a time!" Zhao Hong shook his head. "Before leaving, Lord Song asked me to deliver a letter to Zhu Shen, the village head of Pinghe Township, Cao Miao, the village head of Shahe Township, and the village head of Yulin Township!"

"If nothing unexpected happens, these letters will probably also be demanding money and provisions!"

"Did you meet Zhao Duan on your return journey?"

"I met him halfway through my journey in Yulin Township!"

"In the past few days, the camp has gathered another twenty or so refugee families. Let your soldiers rest well for a few days. After a few days, when there are more refugees, you will escort them to Xixiang!"

"Here you go!"

After responding, and seeing that Zhao Xian had no further instructions, Zhao Hong bowed again and turned to leave.

Inside the military tent, Zhao Xian was left alone.

In the afternoon, Zhu Ji entered the tent to report that an old friend from Wohu Township was requesting an audience outside the camp gate.

"An old friend from Crouching Tiger Village~" After a moment's thought, Zhao Xian looked at Zhu Ji, "Please invite him in!"

"Old friend~"

Zhao Xian muttered to himself, also somewhat curious about who this old friend was.

He was originally from Wohu Township, and apart from the township officials and the sons of prominent families in the township, he didn't know many people!

Before long, the curtain was lifted, and a scholar in a blue robe walked in with a smile on his face.

"Lord Qi?!"

Upon seeing the person who had arrived, Zhao Xian was quite shocked!

"This humble servant, Qi Lian, pays his respects to the Military Commander!"

Seeing Zhao Xian's shock, the scholar in the blue robe immediately bowed and paid his respects.

"Lord Qi, please rise quickly!"

Upon seeing this, Zhao Xian quickly got up, stepped down from his seat, and went forward to greet him.

"Qi Jun, it's been about two years since we last saw each other after you left Wohu Township to pursue your studies!"

After carefully examining Qi Lian, Zhao Xian remarked with considerable emotion.

"Though less than two years, it's almost the same!" Qi Lian chuckled, then looked at Zhao Xian before him and teased, "That young man who barely reached twenty back then is now a well-known figure in the county!"

"Commanding several hundred soldiers and controlling the vital passage between the north and south counties, he was truly awe-inspiring!"

"Qi Jun is merely mocking me!" Zhao Xian chuckled, glancing at Zhu Ji behind him. "Serve tea!"

After exchanging a few words, Zhao Xian invited Qi Lian to take a seat.

Taking a sip of hot tea, Qi Lian set down his cup and looked around the simple furnishings of the military tent. He remarked with a sigh, "I thought that Bo Zhang, having risen to such a high position, might have developed a taste for extravagance, but I never expected him to be so simple and frugal!"

"Why should we, as cultivators, care about these external things!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Xian replied without any apparent concern.

"I've heard that Yuan Cheng has already taken up an official post as a county bandit clerk. Is that true?"

"Last March, Chen Jun was recruited by the county magistrate as the county's bandit officer, and it has been over a year now!"

Zhao Xian answered without hesitation.

After drinking several cups of tea, Zhao Xian noticed Qi Lian glancing at Zhu Ji inside the tent. He understood immediately and nodded to Zhu Ji.

Zhu Ji bowed respectfully, then turned and left the military tent.

"What brings you here, Lord Qi?"

With no one else inside the tent, Zhao Xian stopped hiding his intentions and immediately asked in a deep voice.

"Bozhang, do you know where I've been these past two years?"

"Zhao Xian is unaware!"

"Xiao County!"

Upon hearing this, the military tent fell into a deathly silence.

After a while, Zhao Xian's face turned solemn. A flash of light appeared in his hand, and a bronze bell the size of a palm appeared on the table.

He picked up the mallet and struck it gently; the clear sound of the bell echoed within the military tent.

Looking up at Qi Lian to his lower right, Zhao Xian slowly asked, "Have you ever traveled to the three southern counties?"

Qi Lian chuckled lightly and nodded slightly.

"Has Lord Qi come here today because of the matter of Flying Dragon Mountain and Mangniu Mountain?"

Several months have passed since the bandits were quelled in Ronghuai County. Zhao Xian had naturally already guessed that the forces behind Feilong Mountain and Mangniu Mountain were Huangtiandao cultivators.

"The glory and honor have long since vanished with the wind!"

"I have come today for Bozhang alone!"

"What do you mean by that?" Zhao Xian asked, a look of seriousness on his face.

"Is Bozhang interested in joining Huang Tiandao?"

"I am deeply grateful to the County Magistrate for selecting me from the mountains and fields. I will never betray my lord and seek refuge with another!" Zhao Xian said immediately upon hearing this.

"Lord Qi, this matter should not be spread to others. Please return!"

Zhao Xian got up to see the guest off, a bitter smile on his face.

"Bo Zhang, from the moment we first met, I knew you were no ordinary person!" Qi Lian didn't rise, but looked up at Zhao Xian, filled with emotion, and said, "Indeed, in just two short years, you've become famous throughout the county!"

"The banditry in Rongtai and Ronghuai counties can be said to be entirely your doing!"

"However, Bozhang, you are not a disciple of the Yunlan Sect. To take another step forward is as difficult as ascending to heaven!"

"Even if you establish a solid foundation in Taoism, if you come from a poor background, you probably won't be promoted to a county magistrate like Chen Sheng!"

"At most, he'll be nominally registered in the prefecture, serving as a figurehead for the county!"

Are you willing to accept this?

It has to be said that Qi Lian's words had stirred up a storm in Zhao Xian's heart!

Seeing the uncertain expression on Zhao Xian's face, Qi Lian spoke again: "Bo Zhang, you set up a checkpoint here to inspect the caravan, do you know that the officials in the county are waiting to see you make a fool of yourself?"

"The powerful families in the county are probably also dissatisfied with you!"

"You have killed two Huang Tiandao military officers who forcibly broke through the checkpoint. Are you aware that powerful clans in the surrounding counties are secretly colluding with us?"

"Bo Zhang, Gao Su is a core disciple of the Yunlan Sect. He has served here for twenty years, and in the previous years, he consistently achieved top marks in the prefectural and county assessments!"

"He won't be able to stay in Rongtai County for much longer!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Xian couldn't help but look at Qi Lian below him, a look of shock on his face!

One was the shock that Gao Su was to be transferred from Rongtai County, and the other was the shock that even the Huangtiandao cultivator knew about the secrets of such a high-ranking official!

Qi Lian is just a Qi Refining cultivator!

"Bo Zhang, I have known you for many years, and I know you are no ordinary person!"

"My return to Rongtai County is for Bozhang's sake!"

Seeing that Zhao Xian had slowly sat down in his seat again, looking dazed and lost, Qi Lian continued speaking.

"Judging from Bo Zhang's solid foundation and steady aura, he must be practicing a profound-level cultivation technique, right?"

"The low-grade Xuan-level 'Blazing Sun True Method' was bestowed upon me by the County Magistrate!"

Coming to his senses, Zhao Xian looked at Qi Lian to the left and replied with a wry smile.

"Gao Jun has governed Rongtai for twenty years, his rewards and punishments are fair, and his moral character far surpasses that of other core disciples of the Yunlan Sect!"

Gao Su was Zhao Xian's patron, and Qi Lian wanted to win over Zhao Xian, so naturally he wouldn't belittle Gao Su here!

Moreover, compared to the other core disciples of the Yunlan Sect, Gao Su is truly remarkable!

"A low-grade Xuan-level cultivation technique can at most forge a seventh-grade Dao foundation; there is absolutely no possibility of advancing further in the future!"

"Going a step further?!" Zhao Xian chuckled upon hearing this. "Lord Qi, with your vast knowledge and remarkable memory, in the past hundred years, has Rong County produced any Core Formation Realm cultivators from impoverished backgrounds?"

"A seventh-grade Dao Foundation is already an existence that we poor people can only dream of!"

"I have confidence in Bo Zhang!" Qi Lian's expression turned serious as he continued in a solemn voice, "A mid-grade Dao Foundation has the potential to advance to the Core Formation stage, while a high-grade Dao Foundation will definitely lead to the Core Formation stage!"

"In the past hundred years in Rong County, although no one of humble origins has achieved the level of a Core Formation True Person, there have been at least a handful of Foundation Establishment cultivators who, despite their impoverished backgrounds, have forged a mid-to-high grade Dao foundation!"

"Who dares to say that Bozhang cannot become the next one?"

"Lord Qi, did you come here today merely to waste your breath on me?" Zhao Xian chuckled lightly, glancing at Qi Lian with a meaningful look in his eyes.

"A high-grade Xuan-level cultivation technique, the Five Yang True Method!"

Qi Lian took out a jade slip from his sleeve and flicked it lightly, and the jade slip landed on the table in front of Zhao Xian.

"What do you want me to do?" Zhao Xian didn't even look at the jade slip. Instead, he looked at Qi Lian with a solemn expression and asked in a stern voice.

"Please have mercy!"

Qi Lian said slowly.

"As far as I know, there are several high-ranking officials in the county who come from prominent families. If they speak to the county magistrate, they can surely persuade Zhao Xian to relax the investigation."

"Why doesn't Lord Qi use this cultivation technique to win them over?"

At this point, Zhao Xian stared intently at Qi Lian.

"A bunch of two-faced, incompetent fools, how dare they enter the eyes of Huang Tiandao!" Qi Lian said with a disdainful look.

"Bo Zhang, tracing this method back to its origins, it is a cultivation technique for the Core Formation stage called the 'Purple Yang Treasure Manual'!"

"This is not something we fabricated at will!"

Seemingly aware of Zhao Xian's hesitation, Qi Lian immediately spoke up to explain.

"Our Huangtiandao has three Dao Masters, all of whom are True Immortals of Core Formation. Below them are eight Great Commanders and numerous Foundation Establishment Masters. Our Dao possesses countless treasured cultivation techniques and scriptures!"

"As for us Qi Refining cultivators, we all practice Profound-level cultivation techniques, so Bo Zhang can rest assured!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Xian finally picked up the purple jade slip on the table. With a slight thought, his divine sense immediately attached itself to it like a tide.

In the blink of an eye, Zhao Xian was already immersed in the cultivation technique.

After an unknown amount of time, Zhao Xian came to his senses and a look of emotion appeared on his face.

He had worked tirelessly and without complaint, all for the sake of obtaining a higher level of martial arts techniques, only to have them obtained by his own enemy!

I have to say, this is quite funny!

"Is Lord Qi returning to Rongtai County to stay for an extended period?"

Now that Bozhang's worries have been resolved, I will return to Ronghuai County today!

Seeing Zhao Xian clutching the jade slip, Qi Lian knew the matter was settled and immediately smiled and said.

"In that case, I will not linger with you any longer, Lord Qi!"

After slipping the jade slip into his sleeve, Zhao Xian looked at Qi Lian and said with a wry smile.

"Take care, Bozhang, and cultivate diligently. We will surely meet again someday!"

Qi Lian had also stood up at this moment, looked at Zhao Xian, and said with a sincere expression.

Zhao Xian also got up to see them off.

"Qi Jun, Chen Jun, he..."

After hesitating for a few moments, Zhao Xian finally voiced his question.

"Yuan Cheng is not a member of our Huangtian Dao. He merely listened to the teachings of a Daoist master when he was studying in Xiao County!"

Knowing what Zhao Xian was about to ask, Qi Lian naturally spoke up to answer Zhao Xian's questions.

"Regardless, Zhao Xian thanks the King of Qi for his kindness in transmitting the Dharma!"

Taking a deep breath, Zhao Xian bowed deeply to Qi Lian.

"Bo Zhang, I was also on Flying Dragon Mountain that night!" Seeing Zhao Xian's respectful tone, Qi Lian sighed inwardly and spoke truthfully.

After saying this, Qi Lian turned around, lifted the tent flap, and strode out.

Zhao Xian stood inside the military tent, his heart unable to find peace for a long time.

That night when they attacked Flying Dragon Mountain, if it weren't for the protective magic artifact that Chen Yuanqing gave Zhao Xian, he probably would have died from that Foundation Establishment talisman!

Was that talisman cast by Qi Lian?

Upon thinking of this, Zhao Xian took out a purple jade slip from his sleeve, but he didn't know what to say!

"Each serves their own master, and they have no choice in their actions!"

With a sigh, Zhao Xian could only say this much.

After leaving the military tent, Qi Lian headed towards the camp gate.

Looking around, all you see are rows of disciplined and orderly patrolling soldiers.

Small but complete.

The military camp had all the necessary arrangements and facilities.

This scene caught Qi Lian's eye, and Qi Lian nodded secretly.

Previously, he had just returned to Huang Tiandao's main camp, and the military camps outside the city and the soldiers in the camps were not so orderly!

"I previously declared that Bozhang was a rare military talent, and seeing him today, it is indeed so!"

"These are the kinds of generals we desperately need!"

Qi Lian was pondering to himself when he was startled awake by the sudden sound of horses' hooves.

Looking up, one could see an armored officer leading a troop of cavalry slowly into the camp.

"Lord Qi?!"

The leading military officer, seated high on his saddle, looked down upon Qi Lian and recognized him.

The officer dismounted and strode forward.

A blurry figure also rose in Qi Lian's mind.

"Zhao Ji?!"

Upon seeing the person approaching, Qi Lian finally recognized them.

"Has Qi Jun returned from his studies abroad?"

Zhao Ji stepped forward, bowed respectfully, and asked with a smile.

When Qi Lian bid farewell to Chen Yuancheng, Zhao Ji was still Chen Yuancheng's attendant, so he naturally knew about this matter.

"Haha! After two years of travel, I'll rest for a few days in Wohu Township before setting off again!"

Qi Lian chuckled lightly, looking the burly military officer in front of him up and down, feeling a chilling aura emanating from him.

"I almost didn't recognize him in that outfit!"

"Not bad, you've now entered the Bone Refinement stage!"

While chatting with Zhao Ji for a few moments, Qi Lian also recalled an earlier incident.

On the night the bandits of Mangniu Mountain attacked Zhao Xian, it seems that it was this very Zhao Ji who blocked Cheng Niu'er's attack!

They also routed nearly a hundred of Cheng Niu'er's men, causing them to flee in panic!

Zhao Xian has the talent to be a general, but Zhao Ji also has considerable strength!

In addition, there were several of Zhao Xian's cousins, who were also incredibly brave and strong!

The Zhao family truly produces many talented individuals!

After expressing his feelings, Qi Lian also bowed and took his leave.

Zhao Ji personally escorted him out of the camp.

After watching Qi Lian leave, Zhao Ji showed a thoughtful expression, then turned around and returned to the camp.

Before long, Zhao Cheng and Zhao Ji appeared in Zhao Xian's military tent.

After reporting the matter, Zhao Ji looked at Zhao Xian and tentatively asked, "Xian, what brings Qi Lian here?"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Xian raised the jade slip in his hand but said nothing more.

Upon seeing the jade slip in Zhao Xian's hand, both men's expressions became more solemn.

Although they were martial arts cultivators, they knew that the jade slip was extremely precious, as it contained very rare techniques and secret arts!

"Qi Lian is a cultivator from the Yellow Heaven Path. He's here on the orders of the Yellow Heaven Path to win me over!"

Since they were all close relatives, Zhao Xian didn't hide anything from them and immediately transmitted his voice.

"What?!"

Zhao Ji exclaimed in surprise, then fell silent, staring at Zhao Xian with a shocked expression.

"Even some prominent families in the county have secret dealings with Huang Tiandao; this was said by Qi Lian himself!"

Zhao Xian then telepathically explained to the two of them, before adding meaningfully, "The people of Wohu Township are the foundation of our livelihood!"

"Practice hard!"

Upon hearing this, both men nodded thoughtfully. Seeing Zhao Xian continue studying the jade slip, the two men also left the military tent with serious expressions.

Now that they knew Zhao Xian's current situation, the two of them, who had been somewhat relaxed, became tense again.

He became much stricter with both himself and his soldiers.

As for the checkpoints, Zhao Cheng directly instructed the officers in charge that as long as the due money was in hand, it didn't matter whether they investigated or not!

Upon hearing this instruction, the officer in charge was relieved.

In the dead of winter, when water freezes instantly, who would want to stand guard at a post in the cold wind!

Within a few days, the guard post had become incredibly spacious.

The passing caravans and pedestrians also smiled much more.

When people live in harmony, all will find peace and stability!

The sun sets in the west, and the rabbit rises in the east.

Time passed slowly, and within a few days, Zhao Bing and Huang Zhong both led their respective teams back.

Zhao Ji then relinquished his post of leading cavalry on patrols and spent his days honing his skills, training second-rate martial artists such as Xu Hua, Xu Fu, and Zhao Jun.

I hope these people will soon reach a first-class level.

According to the standards of county soldiers, both the squad leader and the platoon leader must be first-class martial artists or late-stage Qi Refining cultivators.

Currently, apart from Zhao Hong and his three companions, as well as Zhao Cheng, Zhao Ji, Zhang Gong, and Zhao Zong, the rest of the military officers are still at the muscle-training level!

Nowadays, although Zhao Xianmo's soldiers are much more capable than the county soldiers, they cannot be considered elite!

Now that we have nothing to do, when else should we intensify our cultivation if not now?

Seeing everyone diligently practicing, Zhao Xian was also quite pleased.

Zhao Xian distributed all the cultivation pills he had previously seized from Ronghuai County.

As for Zhao Cheng, Zhao Ji, and Zhao Zong, Zhao Xian also passed on the martial arts technique "Nine Transformations of Fish and Dragon" to them.

Unfortunately, Zhao Cheng and Zhao Zong did not reach perfection in the Skin Refining stage, so it is unlikely that they will be able to break through to the Innate stage in the future!

As for the remaining military officers, Zhao Xian secretly taught them the method of perfecting tendon training, but he could not teach them the "Nine Transformations of Fish and Dragon" technique!

This is the foundation upon which the Zhao clan was founded!