Four Tiers of Treatment
"It seems there aren't many smart people among you. Fine, Ma Wei!" Qiu Changming shouted, and a burly man with a thick beard stepped forward.
"Here, take these fifty-three people back to Tongfu Inn. The next steps will be arranged by someone else," Qiu Changming instructed.
"Yes, all of you, come with me!"
In a short while, Ma Wei had taken away more than fifty people, leaving less than six hundred people on the scene.
"Only fifty-odd people left, which is much better than I expected. My Soul-Calming Office doesn't want cowards. We don't need these fifty-odd people. The rest of you, come with me!" Qiu Changming said loudly again.
In a short while, the group followed Qiu Changming to the Soul-Calming Office was stationed.
This small town was essentially a military stronghold, with numerous watchtowers and houses built entirely of gray-white stone, exhibiting a monotonous and rugged style.
The town was entirely Constable Soul-Calming Office Division; there were no other unauthorized personnel.
The shops along the street all run legitimate businesses; there are no places for romantic escapades.
The group walked along a long street and eventually gathered in a square in the center of the town.
"Now, I will read out the assessment rules." Qiu Changming stepped onto the highest platform at the front and suddenly shouted loudly.
The riot in the square subsided, and everyone quieted down.
"Those who carry the Silver Token total over six hundred, divided into ten groups. Those in the bottom seven Grade C Constable servants, enjoying the lowest level of treatment, with a monthly salary of six taels of silver, a certain amount of tonics, and free access to the first floor of the Cultivation Arts Pavilion."
Those who rank in the top 20% will receive a monthly salary of ten taels of silver, double the amount of tonics they receive, and have free access to the second floor of the Cultivation Arts Pavilion.
Those who rank in the top tier will receive a monthly salary of twenty taels of silver, double their share of tonics, and have free access to the first three floors of the Cultivation Arts Pavilion.
After hearing these words, many people in the square silently clenched their fists.
The difference between the treatment of Class A and Class C is too great. Many people there are from poor families and have to fight tooth and nail for every resource.
"I must earn first-class treatment."
"The top-tier treatment pays 240 taels of silver a year, plus a large amount of qi and blood tonics. No wonder it's so dangerous; every year, so many people still desperately want to get in."
"If one is Grade C Constable, every step backward will lead to further setbacks, and any hope of advancement later will be as difficult as ascending to heaven."
In the square, many people were whispering among themselves, their eyes gleaming.
Lin Qing could sense that the atmosphere at the scene had suddenly become heated, and some people with explosive tempers were now looking at those around them with a fierce look in their eyes.
"This assessment is bound to be a fierce battle," Lin Qing thought to himself.
As the only openly independent force in the Prefectural City, the Soul-Calming Office holds an extremely high position even for its ordinary Constable. No one dares to provoke them, making the competition for each assessment extremely fierce, with this year being the most intense yet.
Lin Qing felt no fear whatsoever; on the contrary, he felt a faint sense of anticipation.
He possessed Nine Force Types and was confident that he could easily defeat anyone he encountered, even some prodigies from prominent Lineage in the Prefectural City.
As he was pondering, Qiu Changming announced loudly, "The assessment rules are very simple. Over the next few days, I will have people set up eighteen arenas in this square. Everyone will draw lots to determine one-on-one matches. The winners will advance, and the losers will be eliminated. Everything will be decided by strength."
This caused another stir in the crowd, with many people eager to get on stage.
Lin Qing pondered to himself that the assessment rules were simple and crude, and luck played a significant role. If he was unlucky and drew a strong opponent in the first round, then in the clash of the strong, someone would inevitably fall into the category of Grade C Constable.
"Those who hold the Gold Token, step forward!"
Suddenly, Qiu Changming's voice echoed across the square like thunder.
Lin Qing's heart skipped a beat. He stepped out of the crowd, and in an instant, countless eyes converged on him. Another person also stepped out, a fair-skinned, chubby man with oil dripping from the corner of his mouth.
"Lin Qing, you have been granted Gold Token by Executive Wang Ling, Wei Dong has been granted Gold Token by me. You two do not need to participate in this round of the arena competition; just wait patiently for the results."
At that time, you will face the challenge together with six other Gold Token.
The challengers are the eight strongest individuals jointly selected by us from among the Grade A Constable.
"Eight against eight, the winner Gold Token, the loser is relegated to Grade A," Qiu Changming instructed again.
"Understood." Lin Qing and the fat man Wei Dong beside him responded almost simultaneously.
"May I ask Elder Qiu, what special treatment do those who hold the Gold Token receive?" someone suddenly asked loudly from the crowd.
"Those Gold Token enjoy special privileges, with a monthly salary of 40 taels of silver, double the amount of tonics compared to Grade A Constable -class servants, full access to the Cultivation Arts Pavilion, and the opportunity to meet the Chief Commissioner of the Soul-Calming Office for one-on-one guidance. And this is only part of the privileges of Gold Token Constable," Elder Qiu declared.
These words completely ignited the atmosphere in the room, and many people's eyes turned red. The treatment of Grade A Constable was already tempting enough, but compared with the treatment of a special class servant, it was nothing.
Lin Qing also felt a bit of pressure, as countless wolf-like gazes swept over him.
The fat guy next to him suddenly leaned in and whispered, "Brother Lin, damn it, the pressure is immense."
"There is indeed pressure, but pressure can also be a driving force. I also want to take this opportunity to test my abilities," Lin Qing said in a low voice.
"Brother Lin has a good attitude, unlike me, whose mind has gone completely blank from panic," Wei Dong said with a smile.
"That's all I have to say. Wen Yong, you're in charge of arranging their accommodations. The assessment will officially begin first thing tomorrow morning," Qiu Changming instructed from the high platform.
"Yes."
An hour later, everyone was assigned accommodations. The four Silver Token Martial Artist shared a courtyard, while Lin Qing and his companion each had their own room, and they happened to be neighbors.
Over the next few days, the assessment proceeded in full swing. With nothing else to do, Lin Qing spent his days watching the competition with Wei Dong.
Wei Dong was a foodie, and his mouth was almost always chewing on something. However, he was very generous and would always share half of his food with Lin Qing. Although Lin Qing did not accept it, Wei Dong's likable personality and their similar circumstances made their relationship quickly become close.
"Brother Lin, this is osmanthus cake from Hundred Flavors Tower in Prefectural City. Would you like a piece?" At this moment, on a viewing platform on the east side of the square, Lin Qing was intently watching the battle in front of him.
This battle is very important, as it is Ma Ziye's first time on stage. If she wins, she will have the opportunity to compete for the second or even Grade A Constable qualification.
The two were from the same hometown, and Lin Qing naturally hoped that Ma Ziye and Li Ping could receive better treatment, preferably both of them being awarded the highest grade.
Wei Dong, as usual, ate his food nearby, occasionally asking Lin Qing if he wanted some, but the answer was always the same: he didn't want any. This time was no different.
Upon hearing this, Wei Dong stuffed the entire piece of osmanthus cake into his mouth.
"Then I'll eat it," Wei Dong mumbled.
Below the stands, Ma Ziye and the Martial Artist opposite her had also determined their victory.
Ma Ziye's martial arts are extremely unique, as they primarily rely on leg techniques. At this moment, a spinning kick accurately struck her opponent's chest, sending him flying off the stage.
"Ma Ziye wins!"
Upon hearing the announcement of victory, Ma Ziye was incredibly excited and jumped up and down on the spot.
"We won! We won! This heroine is truly amazing!"
Lin Qing breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing this, and was genuinely happy for Ma Ziye.
Next, Li Ping took to the stage and defeated his opponent in a single move, winning by sheer force.
Seven days passed in the blink of an eye, and on this afternoon, the first round of assessments finally came to an end.
Ma Ziye was relegated to the Grade B Constable, while Li Ping successfully obtained the treatment of the Grade A Constable service.
"Now, I will announce the list of candidates for the next round of assessments. Luo Tai will face Lin Qing, Yang Gan will face Wei Dong... The assessments will be held in three days. Everyone, go and prepare well. This competition is of utmost importance. Whoever wins the Gold Token will receive preferential treatment from the Soul-Calming Office Division in the future. I won't say any more nonsense. You may all disperse," Qiu Changming said in a deep voice.