You Die for Me!

Taking on the duty of garrisoning was akin to being chained to a location. Only death, old age, or disability would allow one to retire; otherwise, one could only strive for promotion.

In truth, with Zuo Qianqiu's strength and merits, he could have long ago taken up a position as a Chiliarch with real power in the Cloud Province Brocade Guard Myriad Household Garrison.

However, with the Purple Mountain demon threat still unresolved, and having not yet found a suitable successor, he had delayed assuming the post.

It was from that time that he began taking on disciples and cultivating successors, but even if his eldest disciple Wang Teng wanted to take over, it would take at least a decade.

Without the strength of the peak Divine Aperture Realm, one could not securely hold the position of Chiliarch of Dragon Abyss Prefecture.

Dragon Abyss Prefecture was a border prefecture, different from other inland prefectures.

"If there's an opportunity, I'll definitely go and see it."

Chen Fan was also captivated by the idea upon hearing this, but he knew that one had to take things one step at a time, and eat one bite at a time.

He had a cheat, and as long as he was given enough time, he would definitely be able to stand at the pinnacle of martial arts!

"You're from Ping An County and haven't traveled far. This trip to Cloud Province is a long one. The round trip, plus the time spent at the Myriad Household Garrison, will take at least a month."

"I remember that in three days, a dignitary will be dispatching a team of Brocade Guards from Dragon Abyss Prefecture to Cloud Province. You can lead the team and accompany them."

Zuo Qianqiu said.

Wang Teng couldn't help but twitch his eyes upon hearing this. He knew that his master was starting to trick people again.

It was true that the Chiliarch didn't have good body refinement techniques, and it was also true that the Myriad Household Garrison had Divine Aperture Realm body refinement techniques, but it was even more true that Chen Fan would fall into a well-designed trap, escorting that dignitary home!

"What kind of dignitary requires us Brocade Guards to escort them?"

Chen Fan frowned upon hearing this.

The Brocade Guard were the Emperor's personal guards, with the authority to act first and report later, specially authorized by the imperial power to monitor aristocratic families and sects, slay demons and monsters, and safeguard the peace of the region. That was their duty.

How could they now become dogs guarding the homes of some damn dignitaries?

"Even princes and ministers cannot mobilize our Brocade Guards without the Martial Emperor's special permission, but this dignitary is a member of the imperial family, naturally of immeasurable importance."

"The journey from Dragon Abyss Prefecture to Cloud Province is long, with many places where demons lurk, and is fraught with danger, and the dignitary's identity is sensitive, so an imperial decree was issued from the Central Capital, requiring the Brocade Guards along the route to escort them."

"However, the dignitary is not someone without the power to truss a chicken. Perhaps your safety will require the protection of the dignitary and the Dao protectors around them."

Zuo Qianqiu said meaningfully.

In his opinion, it was nothing more than a matter of pomp and circumstance. If there were only that dignitary and her Dao protectors, they could reach Cloud Province in a few days on fast horses. Would they need them?

However, their Brocade Guard was just a dog raised by the Martial Emperor. They could only obey what the Emperor told them to do and had no way to refuse. He just hoped that this dignitary wouldn't be too difficult to deal with.

"Alright then."

"This subordinate thanks Left Chiliarch for his kindness!"

Chen Fan stopped dwelling on it upon hearing this, because there was a particularly heartbreaking problem in front of him, which was that he really didn't know the way to the Cloud Province Brocade Guard Myriad Household Garrison.

Dragon Abyss Prefecture must have a map, but this map was also difficult to understand. If he took the wrong road, it would be a waste of time and embarrassing.

"You're welcome."

Left Chiliarch nodded upon hearing this.

"Chen Fan, let's go, I'll take you to eat!"

Just as the three of them were staring at each other, speechless and preparing for an awkward chat, Lu Xuening, wearing a standing-collar water-patterned eight-treasure dress, appeared at Chen Fan's house. Seeing that Zuo Qianqiu and Wang Teng were also there, her face immediately fell.

"Junior Sister, listen to me!"

Before Lu Xuening could speak, Wang Teng knew that his Junior Sister's ugly expression must be due to a misunderstanding.

She thought that he and his master had come to persuade Chen Fan to dissipate his cultivation.

He immediately pulled Lu Xuening aside and whispered a few words in her ear.

"Really?"

Lu Xuening was stunned upon hearing this, and then said in disbelief.

"Absolutely true."

"Vice Chiliarch Chen's physical condition is not bad, and after Master examined his body, he gave a suggestion to suppress the erosion of the Blood Fiend into his flesh."

"In three days, he will set off to the Cloud Province Brocade Guard Myriad Household Garrison armory to find a body refinement technique suitable for him!"

Wang Teng said with certainty.

Of course, he didn't mention that his master had tricked Chen Fan into being a bodyguard for the dignitary.

"That's great, I knew he would be fine."

"He doesn't look like he's cultivated the Blood Fiend Art at all."

Lu Xuening smiled happily upon hearing this.

"Junior Sister, you have to admit, you look quite good in this outfit today."

Wang Teng winked at her.

"Go to hell!"

Lu Xuening directly gave her senior brother a powerful punch, her face flushed.

The Myriad Household Garrison of the Brocade Guard in Dragon Abyss Prefecture does indeed have female Brocade Guards, but they usually wear Flying Fish Robes and carry Embroidered Spring Blades. The only difference is in their hair ornaments; otherwise, they all look the same.

It's only during their days off that these female Brocade Guards change into women's clothing, but generally, very few of them actually wear it. Xue Ning herself rarely does.

Today, she came to see Chen Fan because she wanted to take him to stroll around Dragon Abyss Prefecture City. Naturally, it wasn't appropriate to wander around in a Flying Fish Robe, so she wore casual clothes.

"Xue Ning, you've come at the right time. Vice Chiliarch Chen is new here and not very familiar with Dragon Abyss Prefecture. You can accompany Vice Chiliarch Chen for the next few days to show him around and help him get acquainted with the environment."

Zuo Qianqiu nodded at Chen Fan and left Chen Fan's courtyard with Wang Teng.

"Your subordinate respectfully sees off Left Chiliarch!"

Chen Fan cupped his fist in a salute and said.

"Chen Fan, let's go. I'll take you around."

Lu Xuening said excitedly.

"Thank you very much!"

"I'm also hungry."

Chen Fan said with a smile.

He didn't know why, but seeing Lu Xuening in women's clothing felt strange. It was like your good brother suddenly turned into a woman and went shopping with you.

Because when they were in Ping An County, Lu Xuening always wore the Ninth-Rank Black-Robed Constable uniform, and it was the men's version, with a hat. Although you could tell from her face that she was a woman, you would automatically ignore it when you were around her.

Now, this sudden change of attire was a bit overwhelming.

"Are you going to wear that Vice Chiliarch uniform to go shopping with me? Be careful, the common people will avoid you."

Lu Xuening reminded him.

"Why would that be?"

"Does the Brocade Guard have a bad reputation in Dragon Abyss Prefecture City?"

Chen Fan said with some surprise.

He knew that the Brocade Guards and constables in Ping An County would wear their uniforms when they went out, which would save a lot of trouble and even allow them to extort some money.

"This is a rule set by my master. Brocade Guards from the Myriad Household Garrison of Dragon Abyss Prefecture are not allowed to wear Flying Fish Robes to eat, drink, or extort money in the inner city."

"Moreover, it's not just the Brocade Guards; the constables and yamen runners are the same."

"The common people are afraid of the skin we wear, so they don't dare to overcharge us, or even ask for money. If this goes on, who would dare to do business?"

Lu Xuening said.

"That makes sense. Wait for me a moment; I'll go change my clothes too."

Chen Fan said.

"Change your shoes while you're at it."

Lu Xuening suddenly thought of the embarrassing incident when she and Chen Fan first went to Wangchun Pavilion.

Even a courtesan had such discerning eyes, let alone the owners of some shops.

Therefore, to avoid being recognized, it was best to change everything thoroughly.