The Heaven-Favored Ones

At the County Office.

Chen Lin showed his token and, as he had hoped, met Xu Qingyuan.

"Haha! My savior has come in person! Forgive me for not coming out to welcome you!"

Xu Qingyuan's courtesy eased Chen Lin's taut nerves. Chen Lin had feared the man had some other motive and would attack him the moment they met.

As a precaution, he had sent Grass and He Chengfeng out of the county town to hide. If he failed to send a signal within an hour, they were to find a way to rescue him at once.

"You jest, County Magistrate. I wouldn't dare call myself your savior. Without your warning, I wouldn't have escaped those bandits' domain either."

Chen Lin cupped his fists and spoke modestly.

Xu Qingyuan waved a hand. "Please, don't stand on ceremony. At the time, I thought you were a reckless fool for killing those bandits three times inside their own domain. Only now do I realize you had everything well in hand and possessed a way to destroy them completely. Their little domain was nothing in your eyes. I must have made you laugh."

Without waiting for Chen Lin to reply, he went on.

"Have you come because you've decided to join the County Office? The Immortal Lord has issued an Imperial Edict ordering Government Offices at every level across the country to act together and encircle eighteen notorious rebels. We've spotted traces of rebels here too, and we need people. If you're willing to join us, I can first request an Official Position for you. Make a contribution during the campaign, and your reward will certainly far exceed the posted bounty!"

Chen Lin was tempted, though not by the reward. It was the Official Position Xu Qingyuan had mentioned.

Even the lowest-ranking post