Scarlet Valorous Guard

Leaving the martial armory, Lu Chen followed Zhou Lingfeng through the county yamen's rear courtyard to the study where the registrar worked.

Inside the study, several clerks were sorting through case files. Hearing footsteps, they hurriedly rose and bowed.

"Greetings, Lord Zhou."

Zhou Lingfeng waved a hand and walked straight to the desk.

The registrar was a lean old man in his fifties with a short beard. Wearing bronze-rimmed spectacles, he was flipping through a roster.

When he saw Zhou Lingfeng bring Lu Chen in, he immediately set down his brush and smiled. "This must be Lu Chen, the top scorer of this year's Martial Examination?"

Lu Chen clasped his fists. "Greetings, Registrar."

The registrar looked him up and down, his eyes carrying a hint of curiosity.

"A young hero indeed."

Zhou Lingfeng said, "Enough small talk. Handle the business first."

The registrar immediately grew serious and took out a document scroll.

Zhou Lingfeng looked at Lu Chen. "Starting today, you are a man of the Great Zhou court."

"You will temporarily hold the post of Scarlet Valorous Guard."

Lu Chen's expression turned solemn. He clasped his fists and said, "Yes, Lord Zhou."

Zhou Lingfeng nodded and gestured for the registrar to record it.

The registrar picked up his brush and wrote Lu Chen's personal details into the roster.

Standing beside him, Zhou Lingfeng slowly said, "Scarlet Valorous Guard is the lowest rank among the Martial Temple's martial posts."

"Above it are Dragon-Tiger Guard, Black Armor Guard, Golden Scale Guard, and Heavenly Dragon Guard."

"Each rank requires different levels of strength and comes with different authority, responsibilities, and resources."

"With your current Blood-Moving Realm cultivation, you are only qualified for the post of Scarlet Valorous Guard."

Lu Chen listened attentively and nodded.

Zhou Lingfeng continued, "A Scarlet Valorous Guard receives