Eternal Immortal Dynasty: Starting as a Petty Official

The uncle and nephew returned to the backyard of the pavilion, only to find that Zhao Ze, the thief, had already quietly left.

The two paid no attention, climbed the steps, and entered the elegant residence.

The charcoal fire in the brazier was burning brightly, and Chen Yuancheng got up to boil water and make tea.

A moment later, the aroma of tea once again filled the hall.

"Uncle, please!"

Chen Yuancheng rose to serve tea, his expression quite respectful.

Chen Sheng nodded slightly, gesturing for Chen Yuancheng to put down his teacup, and then smiled, "A small, rural clan, yet they can still produce ten mid-grade spirit stones. They are truly not to be underestimated!"

"Ten mid-grade spirit stones would be a significant blow to the Zhu family."

Upon hearing this, Chen Yuancheng smiled slightly and echoed his words.

"Uncle, you can decide what to do with these spirit stones!"

As he spoke, Chen Yuancheng placed the ten mid-grade spirit stones on the table in front of Chen Sheng.

In an instant, the table was filled with spiritual energy, and its light shone brightly.

"We officials of the hundred-stone rank, working diligently for ten years, only receive a salary of a thousand low-grade spirit stones."

"To exchange it for ten mid-grade spirit stones, we will probably need to add some more before the exchange can be successful."

"I pride myself on my unwavering will, yet now, with ten mid-grade spirit stones placed upon my desk, even my mind is moved!"

"This spirit stone must have belonged to the Daoist people of Shanghu Pavilion. Go away, don't disturb my peace of mind!"

After a moment of reflection, Chen Sheng closed his eyes slightly, avoiding looking at the scene, and waved his hands repeatedly, signaling Chen Yuancheng to put it away.

"Uncle, if it weren't for your presence, would the Zhu brothers have been able to so easily hand over these spirit stones?"

"Furthermore, mid-grade spirit stones are truly precious. I humbly request that you exchange them for talisman coins, Uncle!"

"I will then distribute them one by one to the people of Tingbu!"

Chen Yuancheng's words also made Chen Sheng fall into deep thought.

After a few breaths, Chen Sheng sighed and said, "In that case, I'll take two!"

"You are about to take up your post in the countryside. You will have many social interactions and social engagements in the future, and you will need a lot of money. Therefore, take four coins."

"The rest, I will take back to my clan and exchange them all for talisman coins."

"My uncle is a high-ranking official in the county and is nearing the Foundation Establishment stage. He has consumed a great many spirit stones, so he will take four. I will take two!"

Upon hearing this, Chen Yuancheng immediately took it upon himself to push eight mid-grade spirit stones in front of Chen Sheng, while Chen Sheng pocketed the remaining two.

"You little rascal, you do have a heart for filial piety!"

Chen Sheng looked quite satisfied and couldn't help but joke.

With the matter settled, Chen Sheng, accompanied by the clerks of the pavilion, soon left the pavilion, mounted his horse, and galloped towards the county town.

......

As the sun sets in the west and the moon rises in the east, several days have passed in the blink of an eye.

On this day, Zhao Xian leaned against the bed, idly flipping through "An Introduction to Cultivation," a book he had already read countless times.

This book, "An Introduction to Cultivation," was a gift from Chen Yuancheng. It is written in ordinary Chinese and contains a great deal of basic knowledge about cultivation, making it a must-have for everyone.

After studying Taoist texts at the pavilion for several months, Zhao Xian has now recognized six hundred Taoist characters, which is quite impressive.

However, according to Chen Yuancheng, in order to make progress in the path of cultivation, one must be able to recognize at least three thousand Daoist texts.

Therefore, Zhao Xian would need to study diligently for many more years to achieve this.

Suddenly, a commotion came from outside the window.

Zhao Xian looked back and, through the window paper, vaguely saw more than a dozen figures walking towards his home.

A few breaths later, a familiar voice leaped into my mind.

"Ah Yi, Ting-jun has come to visit Jiu-lang at home."

"It's village chief Zhao Zhong!"

Upon hearing the voice, Zhao Xian knew who the speaker was.

After exchanging a few pleasantries in the courtyard, someone pushed open the door, revealing the village head, Zhao Zhong.

"Fifth Uncle!"

Zhao Xian quickly got up and greeted him.

"Hey, don't get up, just lie there!"

Zhao Zhong quickly replied and then invited everyone into the house.

The house was cramped; even with only four or five people inside, it felt quite crowded.

The person in the lead was none other than Tingjun Chen Yuancheng.

"Ninjiro greets Ting-kun!"

Zhao Xian was about to get up and bow when Chen Yuancheng stepped forward and gently patted his shoulder, stopping him.

"How is Jiulang's injury?"

Immediately, he asked with a concerned expression.

"The injury is gradually healing."

Zhao Xian immediately replied respectfully.

That night, the bandit leader merely touched Zhao Xian's chest with the scabbard, and Zhao Xian was sent flying backward.

The chest injury was only a superficial wound, but the internal organs were damaged, requiring more than a month of rest.

"As long as it doesn't hinder your spiritual practice, that's good!"

Chen Yuancheng nodded slightly.

"Among all the Daoist people, the fact that Lord Ting came to visit Jiulang first shows how much Lord Ting values ​​Jiulang!"

The village chief, Zhao Zhong, suddenly interjected.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Xian was quite grateful, his eyes slightly red.

Seeing that the "Introduction to Cultivation" in Zhao Xian's hand was already worn out, Chen Yuancheng took out a brand new book from his sleeve and handed it to Zhao Xian.

"Jiulang has gradually improved in archery, but he is still lacking in close combat. I asked a member of the clan to copy a sword technique manual from the clan's library. I hope that Jiulang will practice it diligently after he recovers from his injury."

"If there's anything you don't understand, feel free to ask me!"

The onlookers were quite shocked to see Chen Yuancheng present Zhao Xian with a secret sword technique manual.

In this world, although the path of cultivation is widely known, it is only the most basic technique.

More advanced martial arts manuals are kept in the libraries of aristocratic families and are not taught to the general public.

The saying, "Leaving a son a basket full of gold is not as good as leaving him a single classic text," highlights the preciousness of martial arts manuals!

"This is such a precious item; I hope Lord Ting will take it back!"

After a moment's hesitation, Uncle Zhao Ren stepped forward, bowed, and said with a wry smile.

"It's alright. I observe that Jiulang is diligently cultivating day and night. One day he will surely make great progress in his cultivation and become famous for his swordsmanship!"

Chen Yuancheng shoved the book into Zhao Xian's hands, his words carrying an air of unyielding authority.

Zhao Xian had no choice but to put the book into his pocket, his face solemn, and he bowed to Chen Jun.

"Jiulang will surely follow Tingjun closely and protect him to the best of his ability!"

"Kuro, you flatter me!"

Upon hearing this, Chen Yuancheng immediately helped Zhao Xian up and said solemnly.

"That night, Jiulang shot and killed two bandits, and then surrounded and killed the bandit leader!"

"The thief is worth a thousand coins, and the thief's leader is worth ten thousand coins."

"Including Jiulang, eight more people were injured by the bandit leader."

"Right now is a time of scarcity, so I will award the bandit leader ten thousand coins, the eight injured Daoist priests one thousand coins each, and Daoist priest Zhao Li, who turned the tide and killed the bandit leader, will receive two thousand coins!"

"Including those two thieves, Jiulang will receive three thousand coins."

"Kuro, do you have any objections?"

After saying that, Chen Yuancheng looked at Zhao Xian and asked with a smile.

"Jiulang has no objection, but it is a pity that his elder brother and the others were severely injured by the bandits."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Xian replied respectfully.

"Don't worry, Jiulang. The county has allocated 48,000 coins for the repair of the pavilions and houses."

"Tingjun added another two thousand coins, making a total of fifty thousand coins."

"Each of the four Daoist disciples, including your elder brother, who are severely injured, will receive three thousand five hundred coins!"

Neighborhood chief Zhao Zhong immediately comforted her.

"The magistrate is merciful!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Xian immediately became solemn and bowed to the east.

"The remaining Daoist civilians who participated in the battle will each receive two hundred coins."

Zhao Ze, who was seeking to steal, also chimed in.

"Jiulang, I will exchange those three thousand talisman coins for ten Essence Pills for you. These pills are superior to Nourishing Essence Pills and can help you with your cultivation, making up for the progress you missed due to your injury these past few days!"

"Ah! Thank you so much, Ting-kun!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Xian exclaimed in surprise and quickly thanked him again.

A bottle of Essence Pills contains ten pills and is worth about fifty spirit stones. Three thousand talisman coins are worth at most thirty spirit stones.

The others were also quite moved upon hearing this, realizing that Tingjun truly valued Jiulang highly!

After chatting for a while, Chen Yuancheng and the others got up to take their leave.

He and his men need to go and comfort the eight injured Taoist priests at Shanghu Pavilion one by one.