Longevity Martial Arts: Obtain Golden Affixes at the Start

"Zhou Liang is right! This kid only joined us halfway through his career; how can someone with only the initial stage of the Marrow Cleansing Realm become a county magistrate?"

"Yes, Prefect! This is against the rules!"

"It's not that we disagree with the prefect's arrangements, but if word gets out, I'm afraid it will discourage our old subordinates!"

Discussions rose and fell.

Many of these people were at the Meridian Opening Realm, only able to obtain the position of county magistrate. Hong Lang, on the other hand, was only at the entry level of the Marrow Cleansing Realm, and had just surrendered, yet he was already being offered the position of county magistrate. Naturally, everyone was a little unhappy about this.

Mo Wentian raised his hand, signaling everyone to be quiet. He looked at Zhou Liang and said, "What do you mean by that? Are you asking me to go back on my word?"

Zhou Liang cupped his hands and said, "Your subordinate dares not! It is just that I believe that although Hong Lang is favored by the prefect, he is still inexperienced and has not yet made any achievements. It is inevitable that people will feel resentful if he is directly appointed as the county magistrate."

Why not let him achieve some merit, silence the gossip, and allow him to rightfully assume the position of county magistrate? This would not only fulfill the prefect's promise but also win the people's approval—wouldn't that be a win-win situation?

Mo Wentian looked at Hong Lang and saw that he was calm and composed. He thought to himself, "This kid has a good temperament."

He nodded: "What you say makes some sense. In that case, tell me, what merit should he be awarded?"

Zhou Liang said, "Prefect, it is said that evil spirits are causing trouble in Sanyi County, and many people have been harmed."

If Brother Hong can rid the people of this scourge, he will not only benefit them but also earn merit. When he is appointed county magistrate again, who will dare to utter a single word of dissent?

Upon hearing this, Hong Lang's eyes widened in disbelief, almost thinking he had misheard.

Evil?

Is that thing something I can handle?

Everyone in the room was looking at him, their expressions full of schadenfreude.

Mo Qiushui's lips curled up, as if she was quite pleased to see Hong Lang suffer a setback.

If he refused on the spot, it would be considered cowardice, and even if Mo Wentian didn't say anything, he would definitely lose his position as county magistrate.

But if I agree...

Hong Lang glanced at Zhou Liang.

The guy stood there with a smile on his face, looking completely harmless, but Hong Lang always felt that he had some ill intentions.

Why do they want me to perform meritorious service for no reason?

There must be a demon in the abnormal situation.

"What's wrong, Brother Hong? Are you scared?" Zhou Liang's smile deepened when he saw that Hong was silent. "If it's really difficult for you, then just pretend I didn't say anything."

Mo Wentian also spoke up, "Hong Lang, tell me yourself, are you going to deal with this evil spirit or not?"

Hong Lang was quite helpless. He had been put in such a difficult position, could he really say no?

"Prefect, I am willing to go." Hong Lang had no choice but to accept the task.

Mo Wentian waved his hand, signaling him to step back.

Hong Lang thanked Mo Wentian and left the hall. It seemed that the following meetings were beyond his level to participate in.

Inside the hall, Mo Wentian spoke again: "Who among you is willing to go to Hengjiang County to serve as magistrate?"

All the martial artists at the Meridian Opening Realm fell silent.

Hengjiang County is a small county with only a dozen or so towns under its jurisdiction. It is not rich in resources and its people are not wealthy.

Not only can you not make any money from it, but it is also backed by a branch of the Black Wind Mountain, making it a dangerous place.

Nobody wants to go to this place.

Zhou Liang read Mo Wentian's thoughts. He knew there were some things Mo Wentian couldn't say, so he immediately stepped forward and said, "Prefect, I believe Mo Qiushui is suitable for this position."

"I second that!"

"I second that!"

A brief silence fell over the room, and then someone reacted and expressed their agreement.

Mo Wentian slowly said, "She's only at the Marrow Cleansing Realm; is it inappropriate for her to be appointed as a county magistrate?"

Someone immediately chimed in, "If even someone as low as Hong Lang, who's only at the initial stage of the Marrow Cleansing Realm, can be appointed as a county lieutenant, why can't Miss Mo be a county magistrate? You shouldn't avoid recommending relatives for positions, you should be a prefect!"

"That's right!"

"That's absolutely right!"

The others echoed in unison, their voices so synchronized it sounded like they had rehearsed.

The Black Wind Sect members looked troubled. They had originally wanted to try and win over Hengjiang County, but given the current situation, it wouldn't be appropriate to oppose them outright, especially since they would still be working under Mo Wentian in the future.

They had that much sense; after exchanging glances, they could only agree in the end.

Seeing that everyone was adamant, Mo Wentian reluctantly said, "Very well! Mo Qiushui, would you be willing to take up the post of magistrate of Hengjiang County?"

Mo Qiushui immediately clasped his hands in a fist and said, "Your subordinate will certainly do his utmost to live up to the expectations of the Prefect and all colleagues!"

What followed was another round of recognizing and rewarding those who had contributed.

Black Wind Sect has taken over a county. They had an agreement with Mo Wentian that as long as they conquer Tianmu County, Black Wind Sect disciples would be given priority for positions in each county.

From today onwards, most of the disciples of the Black Wind Sect will be government employees, and the opportunity to obtain Blood Essence Pills, which are good for improving cultivation, as well as other salaries, is rare.

The Heavenly Strategy Martial Saint forbids others from planting Blood Essence Grass in order to control all martial artists and prevent others from becoming too powerful.

Only those disciples from top sects and aristocratic families who possess secret medicine inheritances have no need for Blood Essence Pills and are not subject to the constraints of the Heavenly Strategy Martial Saint. Their relationship with the Heavenly Strategy Martial Saint is more like a "cooperation," jointly governing the world rather than being ruled.

As for sects of the Black Wind Sect's caliber, they wouldn't dare to go against the Heavenly Strategy Martial Saint even if they had a hundred lives. Therefore, they have been waiting for a legitimate opportunity to enter the system.

Hong Lang was unaware at this time how difficult it would have been for a peasant like him to enter the system if Cao Jin hadn't introduced him.

……

When Zhou Liang returned to his residence, it was already dark.

As soon as he stepped into the courtyard, he heard suppressed sobbing coming from upstairs.

He took a deep breath, straightened his clothes, and went upstairs.

Inside the bedroom, a woman sat on the edge of the bed with her back to the door, her shoulders swaying slightly.

"Lan'er," Zhou Liang called softly as he walked over.

The woman looked up; her eyes were swollen like peaches, and her face was streaked with tears.

"Husband..." she said in a hoarse voice, "My two younger brothers, did they really die in vain?"

Zhou Liang sat down next to her and reached out to put his arm around her shoulder, but she pushed him away.

"Lan'er," Zhou Liang softened his tone and put his arm around her shoulder again, "I will definitely do what I promised you. Give me a few more days."

The woman looked up at him, her eyes blurry with tears: "Really?"

Zhou Liang nodded: "When have I ever lied to you?"

The woman calmed down a little and leaned on his shoulder.

About half an hour later, the woman's crying gradually stopped. Exhausted from crying, she leaned on his shoulder and fell asleep.

Zhou Liang gently laid her down on the bed before tiptoeing out of the bedroom.

Downstairs, a lean martial artist had been waiting for some time.

"My lord, you wanted to see me?" the martial artist asked, clasping his hands in greeting.

"Liu Xiao, I have something to tell you to do." Zhou Liang whispered a few words in his ear.

Liu Xiao frowned after hearing this: "Sir, Hong Lang is someone the prefect has his eye on. If things come to light..."

"Um?"

Liu Xiao's heart skipped a beat, and he immediately changed his words: "I misspoke, but that kid is indeed a bit strange. Five Marrow Cleansing Realm cultivators couldn't defeat him, I'm afraid..."