Eternal Immortal Dynasty: Starting as a Petty Official

The pavilion, an official residence, had black tiles, white walls, and blue brick floors. It was kept quite clean and tidy, and many travelers came and went to stay there.

The saying goes that there is a pavilion every ten li (approximately 5 kilometers). The pavilion not only marks the geographical boundaries but also serves to receive officials and travelers.

When Zhao Xian entered the pavilion for the first time, he looked around with great curiosity.

"Jiulang, brush the mud off your clothes and then go to the backyard to pay your respects to Tingjun!"

"Thank you, Uncle Twelfth!"

Zhao Ze took a feather duster and stepped forward to carefully brush the dust off Zhao Xian's clothes.

After cleaning up, Zhao Xian, led by Zhao Ze, headed towards the backyard.

The pavilion consisted of only two courtyards, and in a short while, the two arrived at the door of a quiet room.

"Ting-jun, Jiu-lang is here!"

Zhao Ze bowed respectfully and reported.

"Let Jiulang in!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Ze raised his hand to signal, and Zhao Xian immediately strode into the house.

It was afternoon, and the room was dimly lit as no lights were on.

Zhao Xian squinted slightly, and only after his eyes gradually adjusted to the indoor light did he raise them to take a look.

A small table was placed directly opposite the door, with writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstone on one end and several scrolls of green bamboo slips stacked on the other.

Behind the table sat a young man with a fair complexion and gentle demeanor, wearing a silver crown.

"I pay my respects to Lord Ting!"

Zhao Xian quickly cupped his hands in greeting.

"Kuroro, please sit down!"

Chen Yuancheng was quite polite in his words and did not look down on Zhao Xian because of his youth.

"Thank you, Ting-kun!"

Zhao Xian bowed again and sat down on the lower left.

"Yesterday, I heard from the village chief Zhao Zhong that Jiulang is skilled in archery. I thought it was an exaggeration and didn't take it to heart. I have been quite negligent towards Jiulang. I hope Jiulang will forgive me!"

Chen Yuancheng bowed to Zhao Xian and said in a gentle voice.

"Tingjun's words are truly too kind, Jiulang!"

"Shooting ten times out of fifty paces, hitting the target ten times out of ten—all of you gentlemen in this pavilion can do that!"

Zhao Xian hurriedly replied humbly.

Seeing Zhao Xian's respectful and courteous manners, Chen Yuancheng was even more pleased.

"Ninth Brother, don't be modest. You've only just begun your cultivation, while everyone else in the pavilion is at least a second-rate martial artist. There's no comparison between you!"

Chen Yuancheng shook his head, then smiled and looked at Zhao Xian, asking, "Did Jiulang attain enlightenment through the 'Pine and Crane Nourishing Vitality Fist'?"

"Tingjun has discerning eyes!"

Since it concerned his own spiritual practice, Zhao Xian naturally told him the truth.

"Are there other martial arts styles available?"

"I am deeply grateful to the elders of my clan for their high regard and for passing on to Jiulang the 'Black Tiger Fighting Fist'!"

"The Black Tiger Fighting Fist is a style practiced by Daoist soldiers, known for its ferocity and brutality. Jiulang is young and has just entered the Daoist path; his physical constitution is not yet fully developed. He must not practice this fist technique again in the future!"

"It's not too late to start practicing after you turn twenty, when your physical abilities have fully developed!"

Chen Yuancheng nodded slightly, then offered his guidance.

"Thank you for your guidance, Ting-jun!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Xian immediately expressed his gratitude in a solemn voice.

If it weren't for Chen Yuancheng's guidance, Zhao Xian would have really intended to focus on practicing this style of boxing.

This is the foundation of a prominent family; it can be seen in the smallest details.

"Who taught you archery?"

"It was taught by my father and I also received guidance from my grandfather."

"My ancestor served as a soldier for several years, and he learned archery in the army."

Zhao Xian continued to recount the truth.

"I see!"

Chen Yuancheng looked enlightened. According to Zhao Xian's age, his grandfather should be around sixty years old.

Decades ago, the two states of Qing and Nan fought a great battle, and the Daoist soldiers at that time were quite elite.

After a conversation, Chen Yuancheng had a good understanding of the young man sitting below and was increasingly satisfied.

Thinking about his purpose in coming here to take up the post of pavilion chief, Chen Yuancheng realized that the young man in front of him was the very talent he wanted to recruit and win over.

He was originally from a collateral branch of the family, and to have obtained the position of village head was already a result of exhausting all the affection within the family.

If one wishes to advance further in one's career, whether in immortality or officialdom, one must have a brave and close companion by one's side.

"If you don't take what Heaven offers, you'll suffer the consequences!"

Thinking of this, Chen Yuancheng also had a thought and pointed out, "Ninth Brother, you have just entered the Dao and your internal magical power is still weak. You must not rush to practice cultivation techniques."

"You need to calm your mind and concentrate your energy to cultivate your magical power. After a month, when your magical power is more concentrated, you can then start practicing the technique."

"This action will greatly benefit your future spiritual practice; remember this!"

By the end, Chen Yuancheng's expression had become quite serious.

Having already decided to recruit Zhao Xian, Chen Yuancheng would not stand idly by and watch Zhao Xian be too eager for quick success and ruin his future potential.

"I am deeply grateful for your guidance, Mr. Guoting!"

These words touched upon the secrets of cultivation, and Zhao Xian immediately rose from his seat and bowed in respect.

"Tomorrow we will formally begin studying Taoist texts. We need to prepare paper, ink, brushes, and inkstones, and also..."

Before he could finish speaking, Chen Yuancheng saw the troubled look on Zhao Xian's face and suddenly realized that Zhao Xian probably didn't have these writing implements at home.

The Zhao family, located in Shanghuting, was considered a relatively well-off family, yet even they didn't have these things.

By the same token, probably very few households among the Daoist families in the entire pavilion could afford to buy one.

The desire to pass on the Daoist teachings and build one's own team appears to be fraught with difficulties.

"Tingjun, would it be acceptable to use wood as a pen and sand as paper?"

Zhao Xian suddenly asked.

"That's the only way!"

Chen Yuancheng sighed.

After chatting for a few more minutes, the voice of Tingfu Liu Quan came from outside the door, saying that dinner was ready and inviting Chen Yuancheng to eat.

Upon seeing this, Zhao Xian quickly got up to take his leave.

Chen Yuancheng rose to see him off, and as they reached the door, he repeatedly reminded Zhao Xian:

"Do not be frugal this month; it is best to eat lingo rice for all three meals!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Xian quickly nodded in agreement, bowed again, and then turned and walked out of the pavilion.

"Jiulang, why don't you stay and have a meal with us?"

When they reached the front yard, Wang Jia, the thief, saw Zhao Xian walking towards the gate and quickly called out to invite him.

"Thank you for your kindness, Mr. Wang. It's getting late, and I need to get home soon."

Zhao Xian politely declined with a smile.

......

As Zhao Xian stepped out of the pavilion, the smile on his face slowly faded, his brows furrowed, and he fell into deep thought.

He was just a country boy, and apart from his archery skills which far surpassed those of his peers, there seemed to be nothing else that would make Chen Yuancheng look at him differently.

Why are you trying so hard to win me over?

If it were said that Chen Yuancheng imparted Daoist teachings to the people with no other desires, not only would Zhao Xian, who possessed the mind of an adult, not even the young children would believe it.

Lost in thought, I found myself back in Yangpingli before I knew it.

There was an inner wall, and outside that was a moat, about ten feet deep, which was sufficient to defend against thieves.

Yangpingli has two gates, one to the north and one to the south. The north gate is usually closed, while only the south gate is open for entry and exit.

Each village had a village head and a village gatekeeper. The village head was responsible for collecting taxes, while the village gatekeeper was in charge of opening and closing the village gate and also had the responsibility of supervising the entry and exit of villagers and outsiders.

The village gatekeeper was a resident of the village. There was a bullet room on one side of the gate, which was usually the place where the village chief, elders and others would discuss matters. The village gatekeeper lived there permanently.

"Oh, Jiulang's back!"

The wardens of Yangpingli naturally recognized Zhao Xian and immediately greeted him with a smile.

"Today, Jiulang has truly brought glory to Yangping Village!"

"It's not as amazing as Uncle Eleven makes it out to be; it was just luck!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Xian immediately smiled and said modestly.

"I think Jiulang is quite capable. When the village practices archery next year, Jiulang will surely make a name for himself at Shanghu Pavilion!"

The gatekeeper there was a thin man, who smiled and replied upon hearing this.

"It's getting late, let's hurry home!"

Zhao Xian responded and walked along the inner path toward his home.

On the way, they met several elders from the clan who already knew about the archery practice that day, and they all praised Zhao Xian repeatedly.

Small rural clans face difficulties in making a living, and often engage in disputes over water and land, sometimes even resorting to gang fights. Naturally, they are quite united.

Zhao Xian brought honor to Yangping Village, and the villagers were naturally overjoyed.