The Steward's Token Obtained

Back in the small house in the backyard, Xie An, in a great mood, opened a jar of old wine and took out some copper coins. He asked Han Li to go to town to buy some ingredients and made a "sumptuous" meal.

For a poor family, a sumptuous meal meant nothing more than two bowls of meat. They couldn't afford expensive spices, and compared to the taste from his previous life, it was indeed far off.

But the three of them, master and disciples, drank strong liquor and ate meat, savoring every bite.

"Master, what's the occasion today that makes you so happy?"

"Did something great happen? Tell us so we can celebrate with you!"

If Xie An were twenty years younger, he might have just told them. But now, he had long passed the age of impatience. He wouldn't speak of things that were still uncertain.

Life is full of disappointments, eight out of ten times.

Until the coffin is sealed, nothing is truly settled. There's no need to be boastful and speak too soon. After all, many villains laugh all the way until they are ultimately defeated.

"I'll tell you when it's finalized. Besides, our reunion as master and disciples is a joyous occasion in itself."

"Master is right. Come, I'll toast you, Master. May you never grow old."

"I wish Master to become younger and younger."

The next morning.

Before dawn, while his two disciples, who had drunk themselves into a stupor last night, were still fast asleep, Xie An had already gotten up early to practice the Health Cultivation Technique in the yard.

He didn't slack off just because he was about to take up his post as an executive at White Feather Hall. Instead, he worked even harder.

Xie An knew very well that he wasn't a child of destiny, nor a monstrous genius. He merely relied on his Lifelong Legacy. The effect of the Lifelong Legacy was to extend lifespan and increase strength, with no obvious benefits in other aspects.

Moreover, joining Tiger Wolf Gate, while providing Xie An with a higher platform, also meant facing greater risks.

After all, it was a martial arts sect with unconventional methods. Without sufficient strength, it would be difficult to establish a firm foothold in White Feather Hall.

Tang Qingyun's assessment this time was undoubtedly telling. If his strength hadn't been solid, even with Zhang Lin's recommendation, he wouldn't have been able to become an executive.

Fate often favors the prepared.

In the afternoon, at the hour of Wei, Xie An, disguised once more, arrived at Black Blood Ridge.

Elder Tang was not there. Instead, the burly Tong Shan appeared, carrying Xie An's identification token.

It was a triangular black iron token, about the size of a baby's palm, inscribed with Xie An's name and corresponding position. On the back was the totem of Tiger Wolf Gate: a green wolf and a white tiger.

In addition, there were three sets of uniforms for duty, for spring, autumn, and winter. Although not armor, the fabric was excellent, embroidered with wolf heads, creating a striking visual impact.

Xie An was also equipped with a broadsword made of refined iron, as well as other accessories, cloud boots, and so on.

"As an executive of Tiger Wolf Gate, you must abide by the rules of Tiger Wolf Gate and prioritize the overall interests of Tiger Wolf Gate in all matters..."

Tong Shan, in a very official tone, listed numerous points of attention and rules.

Xie An listened attentively.

In summary, there were only three core principles: no internal conflict, perform your duties well, and members should help and unite with each other.

The benefits were also clearly stated: a monthly salary of twenty taels, the ability to choose corresponding secret manuals for cultivation at the branch hall, a supply of basic medicinal supplements every three months, dedicated martial arts instructors, and specialized training grounds.

Furthermore, the sect would periodically assign tasks, and successful completion would be rewarded with corresponding merit and prizes.

Finally, Tong Shan concluded, "That's about it. It's okay if you can't remember everything at once. Zhang Lin will guide you often. But remember one thing: once you join Tiger Wolf Gate, your every word and action represents Tiger Wolf Gate. Don't tarnish our reputation outside."

"Thank you for your guidance, Brother Tong Shan."

"Mm, work hard. If you manage the Blood Ridge Black Market well, Elder Tang will naturally not treat you unfairly." Tong Shan left behind a word of encouragement in an official tone and then hurried away.

From beginning to end, Tong Shan didn't inquire about Xie An's background, household registration, or appearance. This showed that Tiger Wolf Gate truly recruited talent regardless of origin, appearance, or age.

But Xie An knew in his heart. Since he had taken office as an executive, he would have to work here from now on. He could no longer juggle the job of an appraiser at the pawnshop.

It seemed he needed to redeem himself and resign from his position as Appraisal Master as soon as possible.

"Congratulations, old brother."

After seeing Tong Shan off, Zhang Lin couldn't hide his excitement and enthusiastically clapped Xie An on the shoulder.

He had worked with Zhang Biao for many years, constantly scheming against each other and living in a state of turmoil every day. Now that he had a new environment, he was naturally overjoyed.

Xie An was also happy. "I hope Brother Zhang will guide me more in the future."

"Of course. Today is the sixth day of the Lunar New Year, and many disciples have taken leave to return to their hometowns. They will return tomorrow or the day after. I'll assign disciples and work to you then, old brother."

"Alright."

The black market was quiet on the sixth day. After strolling around the yard twice, Xie An left.

He returned to the small room at the pawnshop, gathered his entire savings of one hundred and eighty taels, and headed straight for the Li Manor.

The pawnshop was scheduled to officially open its doors to customers the day after tomorrow. According to the established rules, as a shop assistant, he was supposed to start preparing tomorrow.

Xie An had to redeem himself and resign as soon as possible. He couldn't let this interfere with his work at the Blood Ridge Black Market.

In fact, Xie An had already gathered the money two or three days ago. The reason he hadn't rushed to find the master of the Li Manor to redeem himself was that people from the lower strata lacked a sense of security. They always preferred to resign after securing their next offer.

Now that his executive position was confirmed, Xie An could confidently redeem himself, with no further worries.

He arrived at the Li Manor at a quarter past the hour of the rooster. He sought out Chunlan and asked her to inform the master and madam of the Li Manor that he had something to discuss.

Chunlan didn't ask any further questions, only saying, "I'll go inform them right away. However, the master and his wife are having dinner in the inner courtyard. Master Xie, please wait here."

"Alright."

Xie An clasped his hands and waited in the wind and snow.

Despite the heavy snowfall, Xie An was very patient.

He had endured thirty years, what was a single mealtime in comparison?

In the inner courtyard living room.

The Li family of three sat around the table eating.

The table was laden with delicacies, fine foods that Xie An had never tasted in his life.

"Shaoyun, has the matter you entrusted to Zhang Biao been resolved?" Madam Li affectionately placed a piece of braised pork onto her son's plate, asking as she did.

Li Shaoyun swallowed the braised pork in one gulp. "It's all settled. Tomorrow, I'll make a formal appearance at the Blood Ridge Black Market, and then I can become Zhang Biao's deputy, holding the title of deputy steward. I won't have to do any work, but I'll gain access to White Feather Hall's extensive martial arts resources."

Li Ru smiled broadly. "It seems the five hundred taels of silver we spent weren't wasted. With White Feather Hall's martial arts resources, my son is sure to pass the provincial examination in three years."

Li Shaoyun suddenly frowned. "But I just had someone inquire, and they said Zhang Biao was killed. Tiger Wolf Gate will most likely appoint someone else to take over Zhang Biao's stewardship..."

"What? Steward Zhang Biao was killed? Do you know who did it?" Li Ru was so shocked that his chopsticks nearly fell to the ground.

In his eyes, Zhang Biao was a high and mighty martial artist, someone the Li Manor could absolutely not afford to offend.

He was... killed by someone?

Li Shaoyun's face was full of worry. "I don't know. I just hope the new steward replacing Zhang Biao won't make things too difficult for me."

Just then, Chunlan hurried in, bowed respectfully, and said, "Master, Madam, Young Master. Master Xie is at the door and says he has something to discuss."

Li Ru let out a cold snort. "Old Xie must have been kept waiting for a few days and finally put away his arrogance, realizing his status as a servant. Make him wait outside."