Chapter 156: Rediscovering the Feeling of Freeloading
Chapter 156: Rediscovering the Feeling of Freeloading
South of the Zhenmo Division's yamen, a high wall blocked the view from the outside.
This served to make the newcomers within forget about the bustling Qingzhou City, focusing all their attention on their cultivation.
For most sect disciples, reaching the Initial Realm within ten years was an unthinkable feat.
However, with the abundant resources of the Zhenmo Division, the warriors in the Initial Realm within these walls sprouted like bamboo shoots after a rain shower, an endless stream, with many even breaking through in less than a decade.
The entrance was unguarded.
The energy of these newcomers was squeezed to the limit every day by the lieutenants.
Led by Chen Jinyu, Shen Yi slowly stepped into this area filled with the scent of sweat.
If he hadn't broken through to the Initial Realm, he would probably be one of them now.
The night sky was dark and dense, with rows of cramped courtyards in the distance, emitting a dull, connected glow.
"They all have their own courtyards."
Chen Jinyu seemed quite satisfied with the environment, a far cry from their situation in Boyun County. Her brother now had a much more spacious dwelling.
Even she, as a family member, had been provided with separate accommodations not far from here.
"It's not bad." Shen Yi nodded casually.
While the treatment was harsh for newcomers, they weren't made to sleep in crowded barracks. After all, these individuals weren't soldiers, but future solitary figures clad in ink-black robes. As long as they achieved some merit and earned the cloud pattern on their sleeves, they would enjoy excellent treatment.
These so-called courtyards were, in reality, just two houses facing each other with a small space in between that could barely accommodate five people standing shoulder to shoulder.
The small stove Chen Jinyu mentioned was placed in this space, and a clay pot on it emitted a gurgling sound, filling the air with the aroma of meat.
Two men, noticeably more robust than before, wore sleeveless short gowns and squatted on the ground, their eyes glued to the pot.
Niu Da swallowed his saliva. "Luckily your sister is here. What have we been eating otherwise?"
Chen Ji gently fanned the fire, a smile on his face. "This is something we wouldn't have even dared to think about in the past."
There was no way the Zhenmo Division would skimp on their food. Their meals consisted of medicinal herbs and meat, though prepared with minimal effort—a simple stew with not even a pinch of salt, resulting in a somewhat bland taste.
Just then, a crisp shout came from behind the two men. "Brother!"
Niu Da instinctively used his body to block the pot and raised his arm to protect the back of his head.
Chen Ji turned around, the hand holding the fan slowing as he seemed to be taken aback.
Then, he excitedly jumped to his feet. "Commander Shen!"
Though less than three months had passed since they last met, being in the unfamiliar Qingzhou City made it feel like a much longer time had elapsed.
He carefully examined the young man's ink-black robe and exclaimed with delight, "You're already wearing the lieutenant's uniform!"
Though the sleeves lacked the cloud pattern, with Commander Shen's abilities, it was only a matter of time.
"Move aside." Shen Yi walked up to the pot and squatted down, too lazy to explain the difference between a lieutenant and a colonel to this kid.
"Commander Shen," Niu Da quickly moved to the side, still raising his arm to protect his head. It was clear that the ink-black robe had left an impression on him, but seeing his fellow countryman doing so well, he couldn't help but smile proudly.
Even in Qingzhou City, the constables from Boyun County weren't treated like lackeys.
Chen Jinyu carefully took out three sets of bowls and chopsticks from the house and distributed them to everyone, whispering, "Shh, don't let the lieutenant find out."
"Hehe, I'll drink mine in the house." Niu Da skillfully ladled some chicken soup for Shen Yi, just like how they used to have lunch in the courtyard of the Boyun County yamen.
For once, he felt a rare surge of appetite, unsure if it was the food or the sense of familiarity with this world that tempted him.
"Hey! I've caught you red-handed again!"
A voice rang out, followed by the approaching footsteps of a lieutenant clad in the distinctive cloud-patterned ink robe. With a mix of annoyance and amusement, he chided, "I told you, no family members are allowed in. Are you trying to get thrown out again?"
Niu Da quickly shut the door, hiding inside the house as he noisily gulped down the scalding hot soup.
Chen Ji turned awkwardly, offering an excuse, "Liu...just one last time..."
Liu, the lieutenant, rolled his eyes, not truly angry but still stern in his reprimand, "You've already delayed things for so many years. Focus your mind, strive to break through to the Initial Realm in the next two to three years, and get out there sooner!"
"And you, which courtyard are you from...?"
He raised his whip, pointing inside, and then his entire body shuddered three times.
The fair-skinned young man, quietly squatting on the ground with a bowl of soup in his hands, had eyes that were a little less cold and sharp, but they still caused Liu to instantly recall the figure sitting astride the fierce wolf fur coat outside the Diamond Gate.
"Y-you... I..." Liu hid the whip behind his back.
"Don't mind me." Shen Yi nodded slightly.
He had simply come to freeload a meal and didn't want to cause any trouble for others.
The lieutenant's unusual reaction clearly made the siblings uncomfortable. Fortunately, after a word from Commander Shen, Liu quickly retreated from the courtyard, his heart still pounding. "Enjoy your meal."
Chen Ji stood there, slightly dazed, before squatting back down. "..."
As he had said to Butcher Zhang earlier, it was no surprise that Commander Shen possessed such abilities. A person like him was destined to be revered by all.
In just a short time, even the Zhenmo Division lieutenants treated him with such deference. Chen Ji wondered how many more remarkable things Commander Shen had accomplished while he was diligently cultivating.
"Commander Shen, is being a Zhenmo Division lieutenant very dangerous?" Chen Ji asked curiously.
"Not sure, I haven't been one for long, but it's always good to be cautious." Shen Yi waited for the soup to cool down a bit before drinking it all in one go, relishing the warmth in his stomach as the previous boredom gradually faded, replaced by a sense of contentment.
Aside from demon-slaying, he actually preferred the life of an ordinary person.
"Liu said I have good talent and will break through to the Initial Realm soon." Chen Ji excitedly shared his recent progress.
He talked about how another constable from the county had broken through the skin barrier and received a reward from the lieutenant, and how a newcomer had been caught slacking off and punished with several lashes.
Shen Yi nibbled on the chicken leg, chewing slowly as he occasionally joined the conversation.
Chen Jinyu sat quietly beside them, listening until late into the night. Then, she got up to prepare a room, bidding them farewell while holding the ferocious wolf fur coat.
Chen Ji walked his sister out of the courtyard and turned back, saying, "I heard a few lieutenants chatting. They said Qingzhou hasn't been peaceful lately, so Commander Shen, you should also be careful."
"It's fine. They haven't let me out these past few days, so I'll just stay here with you." Shen Yi stretched lazily.
"Okay." Chen Ji fetched water to wash the pot, bowls, and chopsticks.
He didn't ask why Commander Shen chose to stay in this humble place instead of the lieutenant's separate courtyard.
Back when Commander Shen casually tossed him ten taels of silver but was reluctant to let him have a mere glance at the roast goose leg, Chen Ji had already grown accustomed to his ways.
(End of Chapter)
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