Chapter 49: Nostalgia
Chapter 49: Nostalgia
This title was lightly spoken by the beggar.
Chen Ji and the others hadn't quite processed it yet.
Butcher Zhang, however, jolted awake from his previous astonishment and gave his big belly a hard pinch.
Ouch! He hadn't misheard!
But how was this possible?!
Butcher Zhang wasn't the envious type, he was simply baffled.
Although he wasn't particularly interested in court affairs.
The Qingzhou General was a figure who held the same status as the leaders of the major sects. Coupled with the Town Magic Office's transcendent position in the martial arts world, the General's word was law in Qingzhou.
To the average martial artist, the General was more like a legendary figure mentioned by storytellers during mealtimes to pass the time.
How could he suddenly be connected to someone close by?
"Nonsense!"
Old Liu furrowed his brows and glared at the beggar.
It was bad luck to spread rumors about something that hadn't even happened yet. Beggars like him tended to have loose tongues.
Shaking his head, Old Liu turned back to Shen Yi and sighed, "The message to the General did mention something like that, but the General is often away, and no one knows when he'll return. Even if he does come back... well, it's best not to get your hopes up too high."
Old Liu was a straightforward man and didn't want Shen Yi to be disappointed if the reality fell short of his expectations, wasting a talented prospect.
He glanced casually to the side, and Butcher Zhang understood the hint. He scratched his head and entered the hall, striking up a random conversation with Chen Ji and the others.
"Magistrate Lin, afflicted by a demon's technique, has already been escorted out of Boyun County by specialists to seek the General. He won't be returning to Qingzhou for the time being."
Old Liu lowered his voice, "Now that you've joined the Town Magic Office, we're all brothers risking our lives together... These brothers won't shy away from taking a knife for you, but they also don't want to see you rise above them overnight, especially those who are new. It's only human nature, and I hope you can understand."
His words were concise and clear.
Rather than a reprimand, it was more of a gentle reminder.
Shen Yi pondered for a moment before comprehending Old Liu's meaning.
The "talent" he had intentionally displayed before Lin Baiwei had indeed produced the desired effect.
However, there was always a trade-off.
Despite the smiles on their faces, the men before him probably weren't as happy as they seemed.
They were all individuals who risked their lives for their achievements.
If Shen Yi were to flaunt his connection to a high-ranking official, it wouldn't matter if his background was solid. But if it wasn't, he'd be asking for trouble.
"Following Li Xinhan's instructions, we'll first send you back. Everything will proceed as usual, and we must keep this matter confidential. We'll make arrangements when the two officials return."
After speaking, Old Liu fell silent.
Li Toutou might have a temper, but he had a good heart. If Shen Yi had his own plans or felt that they were suppressing him, then so be it. He wouldn't say more.
"I have no objections."
Shen Yi shook his head.
He had joined the Town Magic Office for two reasons: to have a backer when fighting demons, and to gain access to martial arts and precious medicine.
The former would provide him with more information when facing demons, instead of being in the dark about everything beyond the county, as was currently the case.
With sufficient demonic essence to support him.
Coupled with the assistance of martial arts and precious medicine, his progress would be much faster than struggling on his own.
Compared to these tangible benefits, he didn't value an empty title that would only bring him trouble for now.
As Old Liu said, if there were any benefits to be had, they would only come when the officials returned.
Old Liu quietly observed Shen Yi's expression.
Seeing the clarity in his eyes and the indifference in his tone, he was secretly surprised.
Everyone understood that a promised reward was not as good as one in hand, but how many people could truly ignore such a huge opportunity, even if there was only a slim chance it was real?
Old Liu gritted his teeth as he recalled the oversized clothes Lin Baiwei had been wearing yesterday, and the steadfast belief he held suddenly wavered.
The few men behind him quickly kicked him to the ground. "Are you asking to get your head chopped off?!"
Spreading rumors about a demon catcher was a dangerous game. If word got out to the ascetic warriors who spent their days in the demon caves, they would surely flay this young man alive.
"We're on official business, just passing through Boyun County temporarily, so we're in a bit of a hurry. You should head home and pack, then you can come with us."
The beggar pressed Old Liu's face into the ground and helplessly smiled at Shen Yi.
...
Outside the yamen.
The young men who had been chosen were quite excited, clenching their fists.
In a world plagued by demons and magic, having some martial arts skills was undoubtedly the fastest way to improve one's status.
Though they were just ordinary runners and soldiers today, if they could pass the trial training of the Town Magic Office, the county magistrate would have to treat them with respect when they returned to Boyun County.
Thinking of this, they couldn't help but glance at the young man in front of them.
No one was blind or deaf; although they couldn't quite make out what the group of lieutenants and the other party were saying, just from their attitudes, it was clear that something was up.
Shen Yi was certainly not here for the same trial training as them.
Unfortunately, they didn't usually interact much, so trying to form a connection now would be a bit awkward... At least they shared the same hometown, so that might count for something once they entered the Town Magic Office.
"Boss Shen, I still need to go home and spend some time with my mother, and also comfort my wife."
Ironically, the two who had a closer relationship with Shen Yi didn't have as many ulterior motives. Niu Da was in a hurry to get home, and after scratching his crotch, he wanted to take off running.
Chen Ji had long suspected that Shen Yi was no ordinary man, and he even believed that if the general really had taken him on as a disciple, it wouldn't be surprising.
Whether it was the trial training or directly joining as staff, it was only a matter of time.
"Sir Shen..." he cupped his hands.
"That's enough." Shen Yi waved his hand, his thoughts now in order.
Finally, he could shed this runner's uniform and put an end to the mess his past life had made.
Since he wouldn't be working at the yamen anymore, there was no need to be addressed as 'Sir' anymore.
However, seeing Niu Da's departing figure, he felt a slight twinge.
Parting ways with one's hometown was usually a sorrowful affair.
Shen Yi tried his best to summon some melancholy, but upon further reflection, he realized he had no family to bid farewell to, no home to remember, and the small house he lived in belonged to the yamen.
He only had two friends he could talk to, one of whom was traveling with him, and the other...
Shen Yi turned to look at Butcher Zhang and saw him grinning as he followed behind. He recalled Zhang's earlier mention of returning to Qingzhou to visit his old flame.
Great, the other guy would most likely be traveling with them too.
He certainly couldn't go bid farewell to Qinglin's mother.
"Let's go, we'll treat ourselves to a meal." Shen Yi shook the silver ticket in his hand.
"Count me in, count me in! My mouth's been tasting like sawdust lately, and we should get three musicians to play the flute and sing for us!" Butcher Zhang slapped his belly vigorously.
"..."
Who brings a silver ticket to a restaurant?
Chen Ji took out the silver ingot from his waist and sighed, "Two will do, I don't need any."
"It's fine, I'll use two." Butcher Zhang patted him on the shoulder confidently.
Thanks to the monthly tickets and rewards from the generous readers, and for the readers' support yesterday, this newbie author is very grateful that you are still willing to read and help out despite the rough writing. There's still one more bonus chapter to make up, and I hope you'll continue to support me!
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
