https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-1-Ghost-Head-Blade-Technique-Seeking-Collection-/12984451/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-3-I-Spared-Him-Who-Will-Spare-Me-/12984453/
Chapter 2: A Pound and Seven Candareens of Merit!
Chapter 2: A Pound and Seven Candareens of Merit!
Great Jin Dynasty, Chongming Year 27.
Qingzhou, Black Goose City.
A continuous drizzle fell from the sky, pattering softly onto the muddy ground.
It was the hour just before dawn, when the sky was neither light nor dark.
Yet, the dimly lit execution ground was already surrounded by a crowd of people, both inside and out.
Ji Changyin slowly approached the pavilion, yawning as he took a seat.
The chilly morning air prompted him to tighten his clothes, then move closer to the fire burning beside the table.
Only when his body warmed up slightly did he turn his gaze towards the execution ground before him.
A somewhat slender yet upright figure stood in the center, holding a Ghost Head Blade.
At this sight, Ji Changyin's eyebrows furrowed imperceptibly.
Then, he shifted his gaze to the crowd outside the execution ground, where among the onlookers stood several burly men with robust auras.
The already damp and cold weather made Ji Changyin feel even colder upon this discovery.
"Ah," he sighed softly, then beckoned to a soldier standing guard beside the pavilion.
"Sir, what are your orders?" the soldier asked as he approached respectfully.
"Tell everyone to stay alert today, it's not going to be an ordinary day!" Ji Changyin said, his eyes fixed on the crowd outside the execution ground.
The soldier, who had been serving by his side for years, understood his meaning and bowed in acknowledgment.
As Ji Changyin watched the soldier leave to quietly inform the other soldiers on the execution ground, his heart finally eased a little.
Due to its unique geographical location, Black Goose City was designated as one of the execution grounds in Qingzhou. Criminals from all over Qingzhou would be brought here to face their sentences.
As the Stationed Army Captain in Black Goose City, Ji Changyin was in charge of the city's military garrison and execution grounds, naturally making him the execution overseer for every execution.
Being an overseer meant he had to wake up early, but the task was not particularly arduous as it would be over quickly.
However, today was different.
The person to be beheaded was the eldest son of the Golden Cicada Gang, the top gang in Black Goose City, and the son of the gang leader.
The gang leader had his son late in life and cherished him immensely, willing to give him everything.
Ji Changyin couldn't imagine what the gang leader would do if his son were actually beheaded.
With this thought, Ji Changyin once again looked towards the upright figure standing in the center of the execution ground, his eyes filled with curiosity.
Qin Zheng's heart was filled with apprehension at this moment.
Despite having witnessed countless beheadings in his past life's memories, and despite feeling as if he had personally experienced them, he still felt nervous about executing someone himself.
Thankfully, awakening his Golden Finger gave him some confidence.
With this thought, Qin Zheng focused his mind, directing a strand of his consciousness towards the scroll floating above his Heart Sea.
【Qin Zheng】
【Lifespan: 70 (17)】
【Martial Arts: Ghost Head Blade Technique (Minor Accomplishment)】
【Merit: None】
【Current Martial Art: Ghost Head Blade Technique can be upgraded, requiring 5 candareens of Merit. Do you wish to upgrade?】
As Qin Zheng read the contents of the scroll, his heart grew excited.
After grasping the Ghost Head Blade, he had somehow awakened the Merit Scroll within him.
Overjoyed, he quickly refined the blade, learned the Ghost Head Blade Technique, and took the first step towards mastery.
He then used the remaining 2 candareens of Merit to upgrade the Ghost Head Blade Technique to a Minor Accomplishment.
He had spent all three candareens of Merit he possessed.
Seeing the final prompt, Qin Zheng also wanted to continue upgrading, but he had no more Merit to use.
In a daze, Qin Zheng awakened the Golden Finger, unsure of how to replenish his merit points.
But he had made up his mind; after beheading this head today, he would immediately resign from the role of executioner.
After removing the palm mark on his chest, he would venture into the jianghu world, embracing chivalry and justice!
This way, he could explore this world and simultaneously accumulate merit to enhance his martial arts.
Such a wonderful prospect! Qin Zheng's heart, filled with trepidation, gradually calmed.
Closing his eyes, he adjusted his breathing, patiently awaiting the moment.
"The third hour has arrived! Bring the criminal to the stage!"
A clear voice suddenly rang out in the execution ground, causing an uproar among the surrounding crowd.
Curses, cries, and pleas for justice filled the air.
Qin Zheng instantly opened his eyes.
On one side of the execution ground, two soldiers escorted a young man wearing only an undershirt and bound with ropes. He was being led to the center of the execution ground.
"You dog! Give me back my daughter!"
"You beast! This is your retribution! The heavens are watching, and finally, you're getting what you deserve!"
"..."
The crowd erupted in a chorus of insults.
Yet, the young man's face was filled with a smile, as if the curses weren't directed at him, and he wasn't the one about to be beheaded.
But upon closer inspection, one could see malice and resentment swirling in his eyes.
However, when he caught sight of Qin Zheng, his expression froze for a moment, then turned deathly pale, and the resentment in his eyes transformed into terror.
He quickly glanced around and, upon spotting a familiar figure, his expression softened.
The soldiers bound the young man's hands and feet, forcing him to kneel on the execution platform before stepping away.
"Do you know who I am?"
Qin Zheng's mind was occupied with recalling the various techniques of the Ghost Head Blade Technique.
The young man beside him spoke up, but Qin Zheng ignored him, focusing on his upcoming task.
Getting no response, the young man coldly laughed and continued, "Although I don't know why you're still alive today and not dead..."
"But you should know that your death is imminent!"
Qin Zheng's eyebrows furrowed at these words.
A flash of insight struck him, connecting the palm mark on his chest with his current situation.
The palm mark on his body was the doing of the young man's backers! But why would they send someone to kill him before he had even beheaded their man?
Could it be that by killing him, they could prevent their man from being beheaded?
Qin Zheng listened intently to the young man's next words.
"If you're smart, you'll cut the ropes on my hands and feet, and I'll make sure you're well rewarded after I escape."
"I'll also have someone heal the injuries you've suffered."
"But if you don't do as I say, death is the only path that awaits you!"
The young man's tone was condescending, as if he were bestowing a favor upon Qin Zheng.
"Today, I will not be beheaded!" he declared confidently.
Hearing this, Qin Zheng tightened his grip on the Ghost Head Blade and glared at the young man.
A vibration emanated from the Heart Sea, and the Virtue Scroll trembled.
A line of text materialized:
"Shi Yan, a vile and evil man, oppresses men and kills. Slaying him will earn you one liang and seven qian of merit!"
(End of Chapter)
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