The Brocade-Robed Elder nodded, then took out a register. As he began writing, he said, "The street-patrol mission starts at the middle of the fifth watch tomorrow and ends at the middle of the fifth watch the day after."
"May I ask your name and cultivation level?"
Zheng Que replied, "I am Zheng Que. I'm at the Qi Refining Third Layer."
The Brocade-Robed Elder's brush flew across the page, quickly recording the information. Then he took out a bamboo tally engraved with runes and handed it to Zheng Que. "Taiping County Town is divided into four areas: east, south, west, and north. Tomorrow, you'll be responsible for patrolling this section of East Street."
"This mission is done in pairs. You don't have a partner or any street-patrol experience, so an experienced hand will accompany you."
"The main purpose of patrolling is to check for unusual Yin energy in the streets and alleys you're responsible for, as well as any ghosts that have harmed people. If you find any, deal with them promptly."
"If the ghosts you encounter are too powerful for the two of you to handle, you can ask the cultivators patrolling the neighboring streets for help."
"Likewise, if cultivators patrolling a neighboring street call for help, one of you must go assist them..."
Zheng Que took the bamboo tally and nodded. "I understand."
The Brocade-Robed Elder gave a slight nod, then added, "When the mission begins, you can come to the Merit Bureau first and collect a Bijia Vest."
"The vest is engraved with runes that calm the mind and focus the spirit. It can ward off some ghosts' attacks on the soul and help protect you from ambushes."
"Besides that, wearing the vest marks you as acting on behalf of Gongfeng Square. Under normal circumstances, other cultivators