https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-35-The-Monk-of-the-Temple-of-Rebirth/12984547/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-37-A-Single-Strike-Wounds-a-Bone-Refinement-Realm-Expert-Enter-quickly-I-m-scared-when-n/12984549/
Chapter 36: Bandits at the City Gates! (Seeking Readers)
Chapter 36: Bandits at the City Gates! (Seeking Readers)
As the calm voice resonated, everyone's gaze followed its direction.
Qin Zheng, too, was taken aback and looked towards the young monk.
"Good! Good! Good!"
"As expected of the Eternal Saint Monk of the Temple of Rebirth!"
The High County Magistrate, visibly excited, exclaimed his praise three times.
"Liu Shiye, quickly bring the silver banknotes for the monk!"
He turned to Liu Shiye beside him and spoke.
"Yes!"
Liu Shiye promptly left to retrieve the silver.
But at that moment, the monk's expression turned solemn, and he said, "There's no need for this, benefactor. Relieving the suffering of others is my vow, not a reward for silver."
The High County Magistrate smiled and said, "I've attached too much importance to material things. But please accept this silver as my offering to the Temple of Rebirth."
course, his words relaxed the monk's expression slightly.
The onlookers observed this exchange, each with their own thoughts, but none spoke up.
Once Liu Shiye returned with the silver, the High County Magistrate personally handed it to the monk before addressing the crowd again.
"What you have witnessed here, the promises I've made, are all genuine."
"For individuals participating in the bandit suppression, a reward of a thousand taels of silver. For factions joining the effort, a three-year tax exemption!"
He reiterated the conditions he had set.
Several factions, including the Canal Gang, were tempted by the offer. Even Zhang Wei, the Grand Master of the Canal Gang, showed a hint of interest.
The Canal Gang's profits were substantial, and the annual taxes they paid to the government were no small amount.
A three-year tax exemption meant a significant sum of money! Moreover, if they didn't take action, Black Goose City would surely fall.
If the bandits entered the city, their wealth and possessions would likely be plundered.
With this in mind, Zhang Wei slowly stood up, his face serious. "The Canal Gang will join this endeavor!"
After his declaration, the remaining factions followed suit, expressing their willingness to participate.
"The Black Tiger Gang will not stand idly by while Black Goose City is in crisis!"
"The Vermilion Bird Gang will also contribute to driving out the bandits!"
"And the Sanyuan Gang..."
One by one, they voiced their commitment.
The High County Magistrate's smile widened.
"Excellent! With everyone's support, the government won't be stingy!"
"Liu Shiye, quickly! Distribute the silver to these heroes!"
He waved his hand generously.
Liu Shiye promptly distributed the silver banknotes to everyone.
Qin Zheng, blending in with the crowd, silently accepted the silver.
With his current strength, participating in the bandit suppression outside the city wouldn't pose much danger. Instead, it would be an opportunity to accumulate merit.
As everyone agreed without opposition, Qin Zheng, after careful consideration, chose to remain silent and accept the offer.
A thousand taels per person, the government was likely to distribute tens of thousands of taels to those present.
The Black Goose City government indeed had deep pockets!
"Excellent! Heroes, let's rest in the city for a few days. On the third day, when the bandits arrive, we'll go out and suppress them!"
The High County Magistrate's decision was final.
And with that, the banquet came to an end.
The crowd dispersed, leaving the government office.
While the others stayed in the western part of the city, Qin Zheng headed to the eastern area alone.
On his way back, Qin Zheng was by himself, his mind entirely focused on the upcoming bandit suppression in three days. He didn't pay much attention to his surroundings.
Behind him, the evening mist gathered and condensed into a human-like silhouette, as if watching Qin Zheng from behind.
Qin Zheng's brow furrowed slightly, and he snapped out of his thoughts.
He abruptly turned around.
The evening mist enveloped everything, and nothing else seemed out of the ordinary.
Qin Zheng's face creased with a frown, and he decided to stop thinking about the bandit suppression for now. Using his lightfoot techniques, he swiftly headed towards the ruined temple in the eastern part of the city.
The northern part of the city felt eerie; it wasn't a place to linger.
Upon returning to the temple, he found that the children had fallen asleep under Qi Yan's care, but Qi Yan was still waiting, a hint of worry evident on her face.
Upon Qin Zheng's return, her expression softened, and the worry in her eyes dissipated.
"Brother Qin."
Qi Yan approached him.
"Hmm."
Qin Zheng nodded, thought for a moment, and said, "In three days, I'll be heading out to suppress the bandits. During this time, I'll find you all a new place to stay."
Qin Zheng didn't know how long he'd be away from the city to deal with the bandits.
Leaving them in this dilapidated temple wasn't safe, so he decided to find a cleaner place for them to stay.
After Qin Zheng finished speaking, he went off to rest and sleep on his own.
Qi Yan stood there, slightly dazed, and when she looked at Qin Zheng, her eyes were filled with concern.
Time passed, and it hadn't yet been three days.
On the very next day, a large group of bandits appeared outside Hei Yan City.
In an instant, the city became tense once again.
Qin Zheng found a larger courtyard in the south of the city and settled the group from the ruined temple there.
Soon after, he was summoned by the government office to meet at the western gate of the city.
As he was about to leave, Qi Yan hurriedly found Qin Zheng.
Her cheeks were slightly flushed, and she looked at Qin Zheng, wanting to speak but hesitating.
Finally, she took out a small sachet from her bosom and handed it to Qin Zheng, saying softly, "Brother Qin, this is the sachet I embroidered these past few days."
"Inside is a peace amulet I obtained from the temple. The bandits are fierce, and I can't be of much help to you."
"I'm giving you this sachet, hoping that you'll return safely."
Qin Zheng took the sachet from her, smiled, and said, "Thank you. You all should also be careful during these days."
After saying this, he left without looking back.
Qi Yan remained where she was, her eyes filled with worry.
When Qin Zheng arrived with the Ghost Head Saber on his back, the place was already crowded with young disciples from various factions, as well as many young monks in similar attire, presumably from the Temple of Rebirth.
Qin Zheng was puzzled; he wondered if these monks had entered Hei Yan City earlier or had only appeared recently. He felt like they had suddenly emerged out of nowhere.
This doubt flashed through his mind and vanished.
Liu Shiye was already waiting there, and he respectfully led Qin Zheng up to the city wall.
The Eternal Saint Monk from the Temple of Rebirth, the Grand Master of the Canal Gang, and the Wei Bangzhu from the Black Tiger Gang, all of them at the Sinew Forging Realm, were present.
Qin Zheng walked forward and greeted everyone.
Then, he turned his gaze toward the city below.
The western gate, the main entrance to Hei Yan City, was the primary target of the bandits' attacks.
When Qin Zheng looked down, he saw that the bandits had gathered below the gate, forming a dense, dark mass.
A tall and sturdy man held a Crescent Moon Saber, his eyes closed as if accumulating his aura.
This was the leader of the bandits, Zhang Xiowen!
Upon seeing this, Qin Zheng's eyes slightly sank.
The man seemed to sense Qin Zheng's gaze, opened his eyes, and looked back.
For a moment, their gazes collided in the air.
"Boy! Open the city gate, or we won't spare you!"
The man spoke slowly, his voice like thunder, echoing clearly up to the city gate.
Qin Zheng narrowed his eyes, paying no heed.
"We'll give you half an hour more. If you don't open the gate, our army will forcefully breach the city!"
"During this time, I want to show you all a performance!"
The man's voice continued.
As he finished speaking, the crowd behind him parted to the sides, creating a pathway.
Soon, several people with their hands bound and wearing dog chains were led to the man's side.
"These are the soldiers you sent to suppress the bandits. Now, they've all been captured by us!"
"From now on, every moment that passes, I'll behead a group of them!"
"If the gate isn't opened in half an hour, I'll commence the attack!"
(End of Chapter)
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