Eternal Immortal Dynasty: Starting as a Petty Official

Chapter 213 The County Magistrate's Rewards and the Joy of the Birth of a Fine Son (Seeking Monthly Tickets)

"We have no idea when the new county magistrate will take office, and even if she does, I, a former official, will likely not gain her any trust!"

At this point, Zhao Xian gave a wry smile.

Upon hearing this, everyone remained silent.

That's probably the truth!

"However, even so, we should now make some preparations!"

As soon as the words were spoken, everyone's expressions brightened, and they all looked at Zhao Xian.

"Uncle Twelve will continue to assist the officials of Nankou Township in resettling the villagers. Once the village is established, Uncle Twelve will naturally become the village head!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Ze nodded slightly, clearly understanding Zhao Xian's intention.

"Fourth brother, second brother, you two should take your entourage and return to Xixiang first, lay down your arms and retire to your fields, and live a peaceful life for a while!"

"These past few years have been filled with constant travel and hard work; it's time for me to take a good rest!"

Zhao Xian looked at Zhao Cheng and Zhao Ji in front of him and said with a smile.

"With a hundred acres of fertile land in hand, and with hired laborers and oxen, I can finally live a few happy days!"

Upon hearing Zhao Xian's instructions, Zhao Ji immediately spoke with a smile.

As Zhao Xian's elder brother, he naturally had to speak up and support Zhao Xian at this time.

"After years of traveling around, it's time to come home and rest properly, and spend a few peaceful days with Grandpa!" Zhao Cheng chimed in with a smile.

"Leave only the newly recruited soldiers in the camp. Disband them and reorganize them into two teams. Zhao Hong, you and Zhao Duan can lead them!"

"Here you go!"

Zhao Hong and Zhao Duan responded in unison.

"Ah-Zhong and Ah-Bing should return to Xixiang first and focus on their spiritual practice. They must not slacken their efforts in the slightest!"

"Furthermore, the rewards for the fallen and wounded soldiers will also be distributed!"

After giving their explanations, Zhao Cheng, Zhao Ji, and the others naturally left.

Inside the tent, only Liu Ping, Liu Sheng, Yang Zhi, and Chen Chong remained.

Zhao Cheng and Zhao Ji could be considered Zhao Xian's private clerks, but Liu Ping and the other three were all clerks whose names were recorded in the county government's official register.

Now that Zhao Xian is considering retiring, he still needs to make proper arrangements for the four people.

"You four have followed me for a long time, and have fought many battles. I plan to petition the county magistrate for your merits. At that time, each of you will be rewarded with a single official position!"

"We are willing to follow you, Commander!"

Upon hearing this, the four men bowed and said hello.

"After serving as a sergeant for several years, it's time for a promotion!"

Zhao Xian didn't say much, but simply smiled and addressed the four of them.

"Marshal~" Liu Ping opened his mouth, wanting to say something more, but seeing Zhao Xian wave his hand, he had no choice but to swallow his words.

Seeing that Zhao Xian was unwilling to say more, the four of them had no choice but to get up and leave.

Over the next two days, after Zhao Xian had settled all the miscellaneous affairs in the camp, he led Xu Dejing and the two hundred county soldiers toward the county town.

Rongtai County.

When Zhao Xian saw Magistrate Gao Su again, he was surprised to find that the aura around the magistrate was becoming increasingly ethereal, as if he might fly away from her at any moment.

"Your humble servant Zhao Xian pays his respects to the County Magistrate!"

Coming to his senses, Zhao Xian immediately bowed to the scholar in the blue robe inside the stone pavilion.

"It's been ten days since I last saw Bozhang, and he's become even more composed. Please rise!"

Gao Su looked at his capable subordinates outside the pavilion and said with a smile.

Zhao Xian also stood up in response, his face showing great respect.

"Gao Jun has truthfully reported to me everything that happened during this grain transport journey. He frankly stated that without Bo Zhang's tireless efforts and constant vigilance, we would have suffered heavy losses like the grain transport team in Rongguang County!"

After entering Rongtai County, Gao Jun broke away from the group and rode alone back to the county town.

As Gao Su's protector, Gao Jun would naturally report all the details after returning to the county town.

"You flatter me, Your Excellency. Without the assistance of officials such as Dejing, Dekun, He Can, Zhu Shen, and Liu Cai, Zhao Xian would not have been able to ensure the safety of the grain supplies!" Upon hearing this, Zhao Xian immediately cupped his hands in a humble manner.

"Dejing, Dekun, and others are all capable officials who act prudently, but without your talent, this matter would have been difficult to accomplish!" Seeing Zhao Xian's respectful and humble demeanor, Gao Su was even more satisfied.

"What a pity, its spiritual root aptitude is too poor. Otherwise, we could have taken it back to the sect and nurtured it properly!"

Now that he was about to leave Rongtai County and return to his sect, Gao Su naturally felt a desire to recruit him.

Zhao Xian's spiritual root aptitude is at the upper level of the third grade, which is certainly not bad in Rongtai County.

However, the Yunlan Sect dominates a province, encompassing seven prefectures and sixty-five counties, with countless Daoist people under its rule, like stars in the sky.

To even begin, one's spiritual root aptitude must be at least at the intermediate level (B-grade).

If even B is not acceptable, then C is even less so.

Of course, now that Zhao Xian is a high-ranking official, according to the rules of the Yunlan Sect, he can also be considered an outer disciple.

Every year, the state government produces a batch of outer disciple tokens and distributes them to newly promoted officials of the Hundred Stone Rank in the prefectures and counties. This outer disciple token is currently in Zhao Xian's storage bag.

Even if Zhao Xian did not become the high-ranking official, he would still be considered an outer disciple of the Yunlan Sect.

This can also be considered another way for the Yunlan Sect to recruit talent.

Seeing that Gao Su remained silent, Zhao Xian carefully took out a memorial from his sleeve, held it high, and said in a deep voice, "Your Excellency, this is the document outlining the duties of the officials for this grain transport mission!"

It's called a job, but it's really just a disguised way of asking for credit.

However, Gao Su is about to leave office, so he naturally doesn't care about Zhao Xian's little scheme.

As expected, Gao Su raised his hand and the memorial flew into his hand. He unfolded it, glanced at it casually, and then placed it on the stone table.

"Those officials who have rendered meritorious service should naturally be rewarded!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Xian was naturally delighted, knowing that the county magistrate had tacitly acknowledged the merits of the officials.

"All the officials are here, but one is missing," Gao Su said with a smile, looking at the young clerk outside the pavilion. "Before you all returned, Prefect Zhou of Xiao County had already sent his commendation letter to the Prefectural Governor of Rong County!"

"The Prefectural Governor's Office distributed commendation documents to the magistrates of our three counties, with Rongtai County ranking first. This has greatly boosted my prestige!"

"This commendation document specifically mentions Rongtai's sergeant Zhao Xian, who, despite only being at the Qi Refining stage, successfully delivered the grain supplies by commanding several thousand militiamen!"

"The name of a mere Qi Refining cultivator has appeared on the official documents of a high-ranking official with a salary of two thousand piculs of grain. This is probably the first time in a hundred years!"

"Why is Zhao Xian's name not on your lowly sergeant's commendation document?"

Hearing this, Zhao Xian could only give a wry smile and bow again: "To be able to pay homage to a True Immortal while still only at the Qi Refining stage is the greatest gain I, a mere cultivator, have made this time!"

"Haha! You!"

Upon hearing this, Gao Su pointed at Zhao Xian and burst into laughter.

After laughing, Gao Su stroked his short beard and fell into deep thought, wondering how to reward Zhao Xian.

Promotion to a higher official position was naturally impossible.

He was about to leave office, so promoting Zhao Xian would only harm him!

Should we bestow some spiritual gifts upon him?

I'm afraid this is the only way!

Upon thinking of this, Gao Su was about to speak when, unexpectedly, a sentence that Gao Jun had inadvertently uttered flashed through his mind!

This kid's brother-in-law seems to be a first-rate martial artist with a faint divine or demonic bloodline!

If that's the case, then bestowing this treasure upon Zhao Xian would be quite appropriate!

Upon further reflection, Gao Su secretly changed his mind.

"You have rendered a great service by transporting provisions, and you have also enhanced my reputation among the prefect and my colleagues. You deserve a reward!"

Lowering his hand, Gao Su looked at Zhao Xian outside the pavilion and said with a smile.

"You came from humble beginnings, yet you have come this far through hardship and danger!" With a serious expression, Gao Su slowly rose and stood by the railing with his hands behind his back.

"You have now reached the eighth level of Qi Refining, and with the Xuan Yuan Pill bestowed upon you by Prefect Zhou, you are practically only one step away from Foundation Establishment!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Xian bowed deeply and solemnly declared, "Without the County Lady's promotion of me to the position of Military Officer, I would not have reached this point!"

"Zhao Xian's current situation is entirely due to the county magistrate's mercy!"

"It was just something I did on the spur of the moment!" Gao Su chuckled and continued, "Qi Refining is merely the starting point of the path to immortality; Foundation Establishment is only the first step!"

"I observe that you are surrounded by blazing fire energy, indicating a solid foundation. You might even achieve Foundation Establishment in the future!"

"Today, I will bestow upon you a piece of my insight gained when I broke through to the Foundation Establishment stage!"

"Thank you, Your Excellency!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Xian immediately knelt down and solemnly shouted.

Gao Jun once said that County Lord Gao Su had the potential to advance further, which means that Gao Su must have cultivated a mid-grade Dao foundation!

Such insights into Foundation Establishment from a genius disciple are extremely precious!

As for why it's not a high-grade Dao Foundation, if Gao Su had cultivated a high-grade Dao Foundation, he would have been a true disciple of the sect!

Why would they waste decades lingering outside the Yunlan Sect?

"The insights gained from foundation building are merely a personal gift from me; this visualization diagram is the true reward the county bestows upon you!"

After saying that, a scroll and a jade slip appeared in front of Zhao Xian.

"Zhao Xian bows in gratitude to the County Magistrate!"

After bowing, Zhao Xian finally stood up and accepted the scroll and jade slip.

Zhao Xian had no idea what the visualization diagram was, but for the county magistrate to give it as a reward after this grain transport, it must be extremely precious!

Do you know what the effects of visualization are?

"This humble official does not know!" Zhao Xian replied truthfully upon hearing Gao Su's inquiry.

"Visualize the scene in the painting in your mind to nourish your spirit."

"Once the three stages of practice are completed, essence and energy will naturally arise, spirit and energy will unite, and the Baihui acupoint will be broken through. Then, one can draw in the spiritual energy of heaven and earth to temper the five internal organs!"

"Thus lies the crucial point for martial arts cultivators to transition from the acquired to the innate realm!"

"This~" Zhao Xian looked surprised, but didn't know what to say!

Such a treasure is enough to create a martial arts cultivation family!

I am utterly unworthy to have received this gift from Gao Su!

"While the martial arts of Qi and Blood may offer formidable combat power, it cannot compare to the path to immortality!" Seeing the disbelief on Zhao Xian's face, Gao Su shook his head and sighed, "Even a Xiantian martial artist rarely lives past the age of sixty years. Even with marrow cleansing and blood transfusion, they can only extend their lifespan by another thirty years!"

"The immortal path begins with the establishment of the foundation, granting a lifespan of three Jiazi (60 years). After entering the Core Formation and Qi Refining stages, another three Jiazi can be added to the lifespan!"

"Only by surviving the Yin Wind Tribulation and refining the Martial Dao Golden Core can a martial artist achieve the same lifespan as a Celestial Golden Core True Person, both living to eight hundred years!"

Gao Su came from a prominent family in the prefecture and county, and his words showed a disdain for the Qi and Blood Martial Arts. However, in the eyes of Zhao Xian, a cultivator from a small rural family, both Innate Martial Artists and Foundation Establishment cultivators were already high above and great figures that could only be looked up to!

Taking a deep breath, Zhao Xian raised the scroll high again and solemnly said, "This treasure is extremely precious. My meager contributions are insufficient to bear such a treasure. I implore the County Magistrate to take back the scroll!"

"How could I possibly take back the sacred object bestowed upon me by Gao Su!"

"Take it!" Gao Su waved his hand dismissively, but seeing Zhao Xian's hesitant expression, he continued, "This visualization diagram is a rubbing, enough for only a few people to visualize!"

"In that case, Zhao Xian thanks the County Magistrate!"

"Alright, now that you're back, take a few days to rest!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Xian bowed again in thanks and then slowly withdrew.

Upon leaving the quiet backyard, Zhao Xian was surprised to find Gao Jun waiting for him there.

"Greetings, Lord Gao!"

Upon seeing this, Zhao Xian immediately stepped forward a few paces and bowed with his hands clasped in greeting.

"Judging from the joy in Bo Zhang's eyes, he has obviously received a lot of benefits from the Third Elder!" Gao Jun said jokingly after glancing at Zhao Xian for a few moments.

"As Lord Gao said, the County Magistrate has been very kind to Zhao Xian!" Zhao Xian straightened his face and cupped his hands towards the backyard.

Just as he was about to speak further, Gao Jun waved his hand, stopping Zhao Xian: "Keep the gifts bestowed by the Third Elder safe and sound, and do not tell anyone else!"

"I think you've done a pretty good job escorting the grain this time!"

"It won't be long before we leave with the Third Elder, so this thing is of no use to me!"

"I'll give it to you then!"

After saying that, Gao Jun had a piece of spiritual material in his hand that was about a foot long and as thick as a little finger, and as white as jade.

"Dragon tendons!"

Upon seeing this piece of spiritual material, Zhao Xian couldn't help but let out a soft exclamation.

"Huh!" Gao Jun exclaimed in surprise, teasingly, "You actually recognize dragon tendons!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Xian naturally reached out and pulled out a nearly identical spiritual object from his neck.

"Zhao Xian's grandfather was a Taoist soldier who fought in the Southern Continent for many years. The Southern Continent is full of dragons and snakes, and this piece of dragon tendon was obtained by my grandfather when he hunted a dragon!"

However, the section of dragon tendon in Zhao Xian's hand was only a few inches long, while the dragon tendon in Gao Jun's hand was more than a foot long.

"I also fought in the Southern Continent back then, but I wasn't a Taoist soldier!"

Gao Jun nodded slightly and tossed the piece of dragon tendon to Zhao Xian, clearly unwilling to mention the matter of Nanzhou.

"Find a good weapon refiner at Yunlan Pavilion and have your battle bow properly tempered!"

"With this piece of dragon tendon, we can definitely create a mid-grade weapon-level battle bow!"

"Thank you very much, Mr. Gao!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Xian had no choice but to bow and offer a salute.

Go!

Zhao Xian bowed once more towards the backyard before turning to leave.

Gao Jun stood still, watching Zhao Xian gradually disappear from sight.

"Fifteenth Uncle, when Nineteenth Brother asked you for this piece of dragon tendon before, you refused. How can you give it to Zhao Xian now?"

'

Suddenly, Gao Yuan appeared beside Gao Jun, glanced in the direction Zhao Xian had gone, and then asked with a smile.

"With Xiao Shijiu's archery skills, it's truly a waste of talent for him to possess such exceptional archery skills!"

Gao Jun chuckled and then walked away gracefully to the side.

With a chuckle, Gao Yuan turned and stepped into the backyard.

Several days later, at the camp in Nankou Township.

A group of burly men stood before Zhao Xian.

No more, no less, exactly sixteen people.

These were the Daoist followers whom Zhao Xian had previously invited to serve as his attendants.

After resting at home for several days, they have finally returned to camp.

"From this day forward, you will all serve me. Do your best in your duties, and Zhao Xian will never let you down!"

"We pay our respects to Lord Zhao!"

More than ten people shouted in unison.

Seeing the excited expressions on everyone's faces, Zhao Xian also went up to each of them and spoke a few words.

"Aji, you'll be in charge of training these people for now!"

After some casual conversation, Zhao Xian turned to Zhu Ji behind him and gave instructions.

"Zhu Ji must be trained rigorously!"

Upon hearing Zhao Xian's words, Zhu Ji's face also showed excitement, and he immediately cupped his hands in response.

Now, he is finally not alone serving Zhao Xian!

After receiving the group of attendants, Zhao Xian was preparing to return to his military tent.

Unexpectedly, a series of rapid hoofbeats suddenly came from outside the camp gate.

Zhao Xian looked up and saw several familiar-looking officials.

Upon closer reflection, it seems he was a subordinate official of Liu Yuan, the clerk in charge of official duties.

"Could it be...?"

An idea popped into Zhao Xian's mind, and he immediately headed toward the military tent.

A moment later, the officials, led by Zhu Ji, entered the military tent.

"This humble official pays his respects to the Military Officer!"

"Rise!" Zhao Xian nodded slightly, then asked with a smile, "Have you all come from afar? What orders does the county have for you?"

The leading clerk quickly stood up and said with a smile, "Reporting to the military commander, the county magistrate has ordered that Liu Ping, a subordinate clerk in the military affairs department, be promoted to assistant clerk of Nankou Township, and that Liu Sheng, Yang Zhi, and Chen Chong be appointed as chief clerks in the county government!"

"good!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Xian's face lit up with joy.

It seems that the memorial I submitted to the county magistrate has been approved!

Apart from Liu Ping, who was transferred laterally, the other three were all promoted!

In this way, he could at least give an explanation to the four of them!

Zhao Xian didn't waste any time and immediately ordered Zhu Ji to summon the four men so that they could receive the appointment letters!

Before long, the four men entered the military tent and, upon learning of the county magistrate's appointment, accepted the appointment letter in unison.

The officials and clerks exchanged pleasantries for a few moments before getting up and leaving.

Zhao Xian also ordered Liu Ping and three others to escort the county officials out of the camp gate.

When Liu Ping and the other three returned, they found that Zhao Xian had already packed up and was leading his warhorse, ready to leave.

"Sir, what's wrong?"

Liu Ping was quite surprised to see Zhao Xian in such a hurry.

"Now that everything in the camp has been arranged, you four can pack up and go home for a few days to rest before taking up your posts."

"As for me, it's only right that I go home to see my wife!"

After saying that, Zhao Xian mounted his horse and headed towards the camp gate.

Liu Ping and the other three could only watch as Zhao Xian rode away into the distance.

As the saying goes, eager to return home, Zhao Xian left the camp around noon and only returned to Yangpingli when the moon was high in the sky.

Upon returning home, he saw that all the maids and servants had happy expressions on their faces, and he naturally had a guess in his mind.

Upon entering the main hall, Chen Yuanqing hurriedly came to greet them.

"Congratulations, Master, on the birth of your son!"

Upon seeing this, the maids on either side immediately offered their congratulations.

"My husband, you've returned from your long journey. You must be tired!"

He stepped forward and bowed, then said with a smile.

"It's alright! It's nothing much!"

"Where's the child? Bring him out so I can see him!"

Zhao Xian waved his hand, a hint of eagerness on his face, and looked at Chen Yuanqing.

"It's late, I've already gone to bed!"

Upon hearing this, Chen Yuanqing immediately turned around and led Zhao Xian towards the inner room.

Upon entering the inner room and approaching the bed, one could see a baby with a fair complexion and slightly wrinkled skin, wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying peacefully asleep.

There was no need to open the swaddling clothes; a quick scan with divine sense was enough to see the entire body.

"His qi and blood are quite vigorous, and his physical constitution is also quite strong, but I wonder what his spiritual root aptitude will be like in the future!"

Zhao Xian glanced at him a few times, then looked at Chen Yuanqing with a smile and said.

"Who told you to look at these things!" Chen Yuanqing glared at Zhao Xian, then returned to the bed, looking at the baby with a warm smile on his face.

Zhao Xian could only manage an awkward smile.

Looking around, but finding no place to rest, Zhao Xian had no choice but to go to a side room.

Silent all night.

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