A Joyful Banquet

"What? Is this true?" Wei Zhun hadn't personally gone to the Earth God Temple, but he had sent people to constantly monitor the situation. Upon hearing the news that Fang Ming had revealed himself in broad daylight, he was quite surprised.

"Then... doesn't that mean if the Earth God acts up, Anchang County will be like a candle in the wind, easily extinguished... What should we do?"

Being able to appear in broad daylight meant he could initially break through the barrier between the yin and yang realms. If he were to cause trouble, the harm would be even greater. Wei Zhun, being from a prominent family, naturally understood this. There were strict family rules about not provoking such spiritual ghosts lightly.

However, this spirit was within Anchang County. As the County Magistrate, Wei Zhun had a responsibility to protect the land and couldn't shirk his duties.

Although this spirit was currently protecting the region, one could never predict the future!

Wei Zhun's face became grim and inscrutable as he said, "Go and keep a close watch. Report to me immediately if there are any developments!"

The subordinate received the order and respectfully withdrew. He was a houseborn child who had served the Wei family for generations and was extremely loyal. Wei Zhun regarded him as a confidant and entrusted him with secret matters.

However, in his heart, he was already planning to quickly repair the roads and collect taxes. With some achievements, he could then use his connections to get transferred out of this county as soon as possible!

This Anchang County was like a furnace, and he, the County Magistrate, was sitting right on top of the opening!

Meanwhile, at White Water Temple, Yuheng, who had just had his eyes treated, also heard the news from the old Daoist priest, Bai He. A bitter smile flickered across his lips, and he too felt a sense of powerlessness.

"I understand. You may withdraw. Tell everyone in the temple not to go out recently, and definitely not to cause trouble!" he said.

"Yes... Grand-disciple understands!" Although Bai He was an old man, he still treated the young man with great respect.

In the past, the Earth God Temple, and now the City God Temple, were established within the city, competing for pilgrims with White Water Temple. As the saying goes, cutting off someone's financial path is worse than killing their parents. Within White Water Temple, there had long been dissatisfaction, and some wanted to cause trouble for them. It was only thanks to the efforts of Yuheng and Bai He in suppressing them that nothing had happened.

"Rest assured, within a few days, reinforcements from the sect will arrive!" Yuheng saw that Bai He was diligent in his work and was from his own lineage, so he spoke some comforting words.

"Oh!" Bai He's body trembled slightly. "Could it be that a True Person is coming?"

If a True Person were to come, Bai He could serve them closely and receive some guidance, which would greatly increase his Dao cultivation. In the past few days, after Yuheng's guidance, he felt that his long-held confusion had been resolved, and if a True Person were to come, it would be even more incredible!

"Heh heh... It's not to that extent. This is a minor matter. At most, a few more senior brothers will be dispatched!" Yuheng said this, but his heart was filled with a bitter smile. The True Person was already entangled in other mundane affairs and probably couldn't come. The senior brothers in the sect had cultivation levels comparable to his own. Even if they all came, it might not be of much help... Fang Ming, who was being coveted by both sides, was in a very good mood and was feasting within the City God's Law Domain.

This City God's Law Domain was no small matter, spanning nearly half the county. The county here referred not to Anchang County town, but to the entire administrative area of Anchang County. Even if all of Fang Ming's subordinates were relocated here, it would be more than enough.

Fang Ming first moved the entire staff from Qingxi Township here and ordered them to manage the place carefully and assign rooms, as this would be his residence for a long time to come.

In the future, Fang Ming would have to comprehend laws himself to use the Power of Incense and Offerings from his believers to improve. This was not something that could be achieved overnight. Comprehending laws was extremely difficult, often taking years. In his previous life, Deities were suppressed by the Heavenly Court from above, had to comprehend laws in the middle, and develop believers from below. It was truly like three mountains pressing down, making advancement incredibly difficult!

Although Fang Ming had one less mountain to bear on his head, carrying the remaining two was still not easy. This was even after he had delegated many tasks.

However, at this moment, everyone in the great hall was jubilant. Although the Lord's title had changed inexplicably, being able to enter the city and gain the faith of a county was a great event! As the Lord advanced, his subordinates could also be promoted, so naturally, everyone was overjoyed.

At this moment, all his subordinates were present, even Wang Zhong and Wu Hongyu, who had been appointed as Earth Gods, had arrived.

Everyone bowed together and said, "Congratulations, Lord, on ascending to the divine position of City God!"

"Haha... Rise!" Fang Ming was delighted and gestured forward, exempting them from their bows.

After the ceremony, Fang Ming said, "Although my foundation has expanded, my responsibilities have also increased significantly. I will need all of you to work with me to ensure peace in this region and bring blessings to all the people!"

"Your subordinates will do their utmost to help the Lord create a great enterprise!" Naturally, no one would object. They all responded in deep voices.

"Excellent!" Fang Ming nodded and said, "Wang Zhong!"

"This subordinate is here!" Wang Zhong stepped forward, exuding a bit more scholarly air. He had served as an Earth God for several months and had been diligent in his work without overstepping. However, he still had the temperament of a soldier and had appointed many Yin Soldiers, pouring most of his net income into them. Among them were many villagers from Dachang Village, which was understandable.

"You have done well. I hope you will be even more diligent in the future!" Wang Zhong had only just been assigned his post and had no significant achievements. Promoting him now would not be appropriate and would only damage his own fortune. Therefore, he only offered a little encouragement.

"This subordinate obeys!" Wang Zhong also knew that his merits were not many. His first appointment as a deity relied on his contribution to the "dragon-following" cause. Now, being the local Earth God and being able to protect the souls of his hometown was already very satisfying. He thanked them and retreated.

"Zhou Si, Wang Deng, Zheng Jing, Wu Hongyu!"

"Your subordinates are here!" "This subordinate is here!"

The four stepped forward.

"The Four Great Families contributed greatly to this matter, and you deserve great credit. Furthermore, I will grant each of your families an additional twenty slots!" These slots were for those who would be supported after death and would not have their souls scattered. Last time, Fang Ming had only given ten slots to each family.

"Thank you, Lord!" Great Clans valued this the most. With these slots, the Four Great Families would not have to worry about the afterlife of their clan members for the next few years.

Moreover, with their merits recorded, it would serve as a basis for future promotions. The four were overjoyed and bowed.

Seeing the envious glances from their subordinates around them, Fang Ming smiled and said, "You don't need to be like this. I will not mistreat those who have contributed. These slots can also be awarded in the future."

Upon hearing this, all the subordinates were overjoyed and bowed. Their loyalty increased by several percentage points, if Fang Ming could see this attribute.

Although he had some thoughts running through his mind, Fang Ming spoke clearly, "Xie Jin, Zheng Jing, where are you?"

"This subordinate is here!"

"You have rendered meritorious service in suppressing bandits. Xie Jin, I hereby appoint you as a subordinate eighth-rank Deputy Inspiring Might Captain, in charge of three battalions of three hundred men. Zheng Jing, I promote you to Camp Commander Imperial Martial Captain, in charge of one battalion."

This Deputy Inspiring Might Captain was the deputy to the Guard General. With this title, he could manage three hundred men. Xie Jin and Zheng Jing had military merits and could naturally be promoted quickly. Furthermore, to control a county, at least five hundred Yin Soldiers of one guard were barely sufficient. They would recruit these first to avoid chaos in the barracks. An army of one hundred men would normally require support from logistical and garrison soldiers. However, Fang Ming's subordinates were all Yin Soldiers, different from living people, so they did not need these.

Xie Jin was the highest-destined military general under Fang Ming and the designated candidate for the first Guard General. Managing three hundred men should not be a problem.

"Thank you, Lord!" Xie Jin and Zheng Jing knelt and saluted.

Xie Jin then said, "Reporting to the Lord, it seems that Anchang County is temporarily short of soldiers. Should we recruit from other counties?"

The number of wandering souls in a county naturally exceeded two hundred, but most of them were the old and weak, women, and children. If they were looking for strong young men, there truly weren't enough. There were some before, but after several recruitment drives, they were all gone. There were also fierce ghosts, but Xie Jin had already suppressed them, turning them into military merits, hence the shortage of personnel.

"There's no rush for this matter. First, establish the organizational structure, and then recruit slowly within this county. However, be careful not to lower your standards. Don't bring me any useless trash!" This was a time for lying low and gathering strength, so it was not advisable to make a grand display and attract the attention of other counties.

Moreover, this was also an opportunity for the living souls of this county. Those selected as Yin Soldiers would naturally not have their souls scattered after seven days, although only the young and strong would be chosen.

"This subordinate understands!" Xie Jin was also pleased. This way, he would have two hundred slots. He could arrange for many acquaintances and also use them to build relationships. The Lord usually didn't interfere too much with these matters. Of course, there was a bottom line; they had to be able to fight when deployed, otherwise, the Lord would not forgive him.

Fang Ming smiled. He knew all about the tricks his subordinates employed, but as long as they didn't cross the line, he turned a blind eye. After all, the water that is too clear has no fish! Of course, if they crossed the line, he would deal with them severely, without regard for their reputation, contributions, or past favors.

He then ordered a grand banquet.

As his subordinates grew in number, the scale of these banquets also increased.

This was evident not only in the exquisite dishes and numerous servants. The Four Great Families had somehow found a troupe of dancers and musicians, though there were only five or six dancers, they were all above average in beauty.

As they, clad in light silks with their chests half-exposed, danced gracefully to the music, it was truly **enchanting and captivating. Most of Fang Ming's subordinates were dumbfounded, as if in a dream.

Although Fang Ming had not indulged in a life of debauchery in his previous life, he had experienced the trials of the computer age. He was not swayed by such a spectacle. However, upon closer inspection, he found that ancient song and dance possessed a unique charm. The atmosphere alone was incomparable to a cold, lifeless screen, and it broadened his horizons.

It was just that his previous subordinates, all from humble backgrounds, had never experienced such a thing and almost made fools of themselves on the spot. Fang Ming let out a cold snort, silencing them and preventing any embarrassing incidents.

After the banquet, it was time for the usual meeting in the study room.

The study room had also been expanded to accommodate all his subordinates.

Once everyone was in place, Fang Ming began, "The population of the county town is greater than the sum of the three townships. Registering the population is a major task. Although Guo Sheng has recruited more people, he is still overwhelmed. Zhou Si and Wang Deng, I'll trouble you both to go and assist him!"

Although it was said casually, it was still an order. Zhou Si and Wang Deng respectfully agreed. The county town's population was greater than the combined population of his subordinates' villages. Although Guo Sheng was doing his best, he was still stretched thin. Zhou Si and Wang Deng, being familiar with the local area, would make things much easier.

Although they were Ancestral Spirits of the great families, Guo Sheng had been in charge of the accounts for a long time. In terms of seniority, he was not afraid of these two overpowering him or marginalizing him. If He Dong were still around, Fang Ming would never have let the three of them handle the accounts together; it would have been a perfect opportunity for the subordinates to deceive him.

Moreover, this was not an official appointment, but a temporary assignment. They could be recalled once the task was completed. The accounts were of utmost importance and formed the basis of Fang Ming's system for expending divine power. Only his most trusted confidants could handle them.

Guo Sheng was exceptionally talented, loyal, and came from a humble background with a clean record. His only mother was still in Fang Ming's hands, making him the most suitable candidate at present.

Thanks to High Floating Clouds, vlasombra, sslion, Wang Feng Zihai, My Arrogant Er, and others for their generous rewards.