Entering the Hound Guard

The Wei Dao Si, since its inception, has weathered over three hundred years of storms.

During this time, major clans, imperial dynasties, and sects, in order to secure a foothold within the Wei Dao Si and gain a certain degree of influence, would often send their younger generations into its ranks.

As a result, various forces intertwined within the Wei Dao Si, creating a complex web of relationships.

Therefore, martial artists like Xia Qi'an, who possess no background or identity, are exceedingly rare.

The participants in this training camp mostly hailed from the major clans, imperial dynasties, and sects. Only a select few were recruited due to possessing special talents, and these martial artists were considered the cream of the crop among the younger generation of the Great Li Dynasty.

Although the martial arts competition strictly prohibited the use of a martial artist's true power, Bloodline Power, and this competition could not entirely represent a martial artist's future achievements.

Still, to emerge victorious in such an absolutely fair contest was enough to prove Xia Qi'an's extraordinary talent.

After the martial arts competition concluded, the major clans began to secretly investigate Xia Qi'an's background, assessing whether he was worth recruiting and cultivating.

Consequently, Xia Qi'an gradually gained some renown within the Wei Dao Si.

Of course, this was only known to a select few who were aware of his existence.

After all, Xia Qi'an was still in the Early Blood Refining Realm, and had not yet caught the eye of the truly influential figures.

Upon returning to Jinling, Xia Qi'an immediately rushed home to visit Xiao Cao.

When he saw a female Snake Guard sitting in the courtyard teaching Xiao Cao to read, the stone in his heart finally settled.

Upon seeing Xia Qi'an return, the female Snake Guard proactively took her leave.

However, this also gave Xia Qi'an some inspiration.

Xiao Cao was still young and couldn't always stay at home. Perhaps he could find a school for her to attend.

Even though this world was plagued by Demons and Monsters and fraught with danger, reading, writing, and acquiring knowledge were still very important.

As for whether she would practice martial arts, that would depend on her personal wishes when she was older.

Afterward, Xia Qi'an played with her in the courtyard for a while before taking her out to the streets.

This morning, Xia Qi'an returned from the training camp.

It was nearing noon when he got home, just in time for a meal.

And now that he had money, he naturally had to eat a good meal.

So, Xia Qi'an took Xiao Cao to the best restaurant in Jinling City and had a grand feast.

Afterward, he bought Xiao Cao some calligraphy brush toys and other items, and brought them back home.

Then, he went alone to Chu Shiqing's residence.

While he was out shopping earlier, he had received a message from a Snake Guard.

It stated that Chu Shiqing had summoned him.

Upon arriving at the Chu residence, he saw Chu Shiqing, as usual, leisurely drinking tea and reading a book, attended by a maid.

"Greetings, sir!" Xia Qi'an quickly stepped forward and bowed to Chu Shiqing.

Chu Shiqing casually glanced at Xia Qi'an and slowly said, "Hmm! ...Good. In just one month, you have already reached Cultivated Blood Refining Four Times. You are truly a promising talent!"

Xia Qi'an replied humbly, "This is all thanks to your guidance, sir. Without you, I would never have had such an opportunity!"

"Hmm!" Chu Shiqing nodded slightly and continued, "I summoned you here to ask you whether you wish to join the Hound Guard or the Snake Guard under my command?"

"Since you are the commander of the Snake Guard, sir, I naturally wish to join the Snake Guard and serve you," Xia Qi'an answered immediately.

"That was my original intention as well, but you were too flamboyant in the training camp, and some of the clans in Jinling City have already noticed you. Moreover, your martial arts talent is outstanding, so being a Snake Guard would be a waste of your potential!"

"Therefore... after much deliberation, I have decided to assign you to the Hound Guard. What do you think?" Chu Shiqing said, though in reality, he was merely using this matter to put Xia Qi'an in his place.

Xia Qi'an was supposed to join the Hound Guard, but Chu Shiqing was making things difficult, simply to let Xia Qi'an know that he had the power to decide Xia Qi'an's fate.

"I will obey your command, sir, whatever you decide!" Xia Qi'an replied.

"However..." Chu Shiqing seemed to have something to say but hesitated.

Seeing Chu Shiqing's demeanor, Xia Qi'an knew he was up to his usual tricks and proactively asked, "Sir, are there any difficulties?"

"It's not exactly a difficulty, but the Hound Guard within the Jinling City area, while I have the authority to dispatch them, they are ultimately not under my direct command. You must be extremely careful in your actions going forward!" Chu Shiqing reminded him with feigned concern.

Xia Qi'an immediately understood Chu Shiqing's meaning: "I am foolish, sir. I hope you will guide me more in the future!"

With these words, Xia Qi'an was also stating his position.

Even if he served in the Hound Guard in the future, he would still be Chu Shiqing's man.

"Mm... I have already ordered someone to send your official uniform, saber, and token. You can sign for them and take them home later!"

"Tomorrow is the day you officially step through the doors of the Wei Dao Si. You need to report to the Wei Dao Si branch! Do you understand?"

Chu Shiqing was very pleased with Xia Qi'an's attitude and, after a few more instructions, sent him home.

Returning home.

Xia Qi'an tossed and turned on his bed.

He thought of the deceased Su Mu.

Su Mu was also a Hound Guard, yet he also worked for Chu Shiqing.

He wasn't interested in the contents of the letter at all.

He just had a vague feeling that there was more to it than met the eye.

Moreover, he always felt that Chu Shiqing was a rather mysterious person, and he had no idea what strange things he was up to in secret.

He really didn't want to get too involved with Chu Shiqing, otherwise, he would eventually end up like Su Mu.

However, on the streets of Jinling, Chu Shiqing could be considered one of the most influential figures.

It would not be easy to break free from his control.

And the other influential figure was Wang Yangshuo, the commander of the Hound Guards in Jinling's Wei Dao Si.

Wang Yangshuo also hailed from the Wang Clan of Jinling.

He was the uncle of Wang Xie, a good friend Xia Qi'an had made in the training camp.

According to Xia Qi'an's knowledge, Wang Yangshuo had been in seclusion cultivating in recent years to advance to the Tiger Guard rank, rarely intervening in the affairs of the Wei Dao Si.

However, thinking of the noble clans, Xia Qi'an suddenly had an idea.

Perhaps he could try to befriend some of the young masters from these noble clans, paving the way for a falling out with Chu Shiqing in the future.

Chu Shiqing thought Xia Qi'an was young and could be easily manipulated.

But having lived two lives, Xia Qi'an was naturally not a fool.

Since he couldn't afford to offend you, and you weren't on the same path, Then it's fine for me to choose not to associate with you!

The next morning, sunlight streamed down like golden threads.

Xia Qi'an, dressed in the official uniform of the Wei Dao Si, with his saber and token hanging from his waist, strode out with an imposing air to report for duty.

The Wei Dao Si's official uniform was exquisite and luxurious, with fine craftsmanship and high-quality materials that were extraordinary, resistant to fire and water, and difficult for blades to penetrate.

On the uniform, patterns of flowers, birds, fish, and insects were embroidered with red silk threads, appearing lifelike.

There were two sets of uniforms, each containing five pieces: an official hat, a robe, trousers, official boots, and a belt. Wearing this uniform, Xia Qi'an felt invigorated and majestic.

He was already a man of strong and handsome features, with a tall and sturdy build. Now, coupled with the official uniform, he exuded the imposing aura of an imperial enforcer.

Of course, Xia Qi'an was not serving a secular dynasty. The Wei Dao Si he served was more powerful and complex than any secular dynasty.

The martial artists of the Wei Dao Si were officially recognized in any secular dynasty and even enjoyed certain privileges.

At this moment, Xia Qi'an might not be considered a prominent figure in Jinling.

But if he were to return to Lishan County now, even the highest official of the county would have to show him utmost respect.