No reward without merit

"Pavilion Master Tao, why didn't you say this sooner?"

Chen Shi'an sighed softly. "I'm already a squad leader in the Demon Hunting Team. Joining the Hundred Flowers Pavilion now wouldn't be appropriate, would it?"

Tao Yaoyao said, "Commander Fu still shows me some consideration. You needn't worry about that."

Chen Shi'an shook his head. "There's no need to trouble you, Pavilion Master Tao. I would rather stay with the Demon Hunting Team than join the Hundred Flowers Pavilion.

"Of course, our earlier agreement still stands. When I need the Hundred Flowers Pavilion's help, I'll come to you with my poetry."

Tao Yaoyao frowned. "Chen Shi'an, the Desolate Ruins are vast. Windrise Stronghold is hardly worth mentioning within them.

"If you join the Demon Hunting Team, your achievements will remain confined to Windrise Stronghold for the rest of your life. If you join the Hundred Flowers Pavilion, I can take you to a bigger, higher stage."

Chen Shi'an smiled faintly. "I appreciate your kindness, Pavilion Master Tao.

"My ambitions aren't that grand. I'll be satisfied as long as I can secure a place for myself in Windrise Stronghold."

Tao Yaoyao raised her voice slightly. "Chen Shi'an, with your aptitude for the Martial Dao, I'm highly confident I can make you a ranked martial artist if you join the Hundred Flowers Pavilion."

Chen Shi'an looked straight into her eyes. "Pavilion Master Tao, you should remember what I told you last time. Once trust is lost, rebuilding it is very difficult.

"I can't trust your promises."

Tao Yaoyao narrowed her eyes. "I came personally to invite you. That should be proof enough of my sincerity. If you don't believe me, I can give you my word in public..."

Chen Shi'an patted the Demon Hunting Team squad leader's badge at his waist. "Pavilion Master Tao, please don't put me in a difficult position.

"Since I've put on the Demon Hunting Team's badge, I've already made my commitment.

"From this moment on, I'm a member of the Demon Hunting Team. I must remain faithful to my duties and answer to the team."

At that, he rose to his feet. "If there's nothing else, I'll be going home. I only have half a day off, and I need to say goodbye to my family."

After a brief silence, Tao Yaoyao sighed. "Chen Shi'an, you must understand that you're making the wrong choice. You'll regret it for the rest of your life!"

The corners of Chen Shi'an's mouth lifted slightly. "Important people are always forgetful, Pavilion Master Tao. I've already told you that people like us, struggling to survive at the bottom, can't afford to think so far ahead. What matters most is getting through the present."

With that, he pushed open the carriage door, quickly stepped down, and headed toward the Chen family home.

"Pavilion Master, this Chen Shi'an is getting more insolent by the day. I'll send someone to teach him a lesson right now!" Cui Zhu said indignantly.

But no reply came from inside the carriage.

"Pavilion Master, do you agree or not? At least give me an order," Cui Zhu urged.

"Stupid girl!"

Tao Yaoyao scolded her softly. "Chen Shi'an just became a squad leader in the Demon Hunting Team, and you want to attack him? Are you afraid Ye Xicheng won't have an excuse to pester me?"

Cui Zhu giggled. "Pavilion Master, Ye Xicheng is one of the best among your many suitors, and he's about your age.

"I think you two would make a good match. Why do you keep avoiding him?"

Tao Yaoyao lifted her eyes slightly. "In Windrise Stronghold, Ye Xicheng certainly counts as someone of note. But in the Desolate Ruins as a whole, he would disappear into the crowd."

Cui Zhu shook her head and sighed. "Pavilion Master, with standards that high, who could possibly be worthy of you?"

Tao Yaoyao rolled her beautiful eyes. "You little brat. After spending so long in a tiny place like Windrise Stronghold, even your horizons have shrunk.

"If you think Ye Xicheng is suitable, I'll make the arrangements for you. You can become the wife of the Deputy Commander of the Demon Hunting Team. How about that?"

Cui Zhu's pretty face flushed. "Don't tease me, Pavilion Master. How could he ever take an interest in me?"

Tao Yaoyao leaned out through the window and lightly flicked Cui Zhu's forehead. "You little brat, now you're getting carried away."

Her lips curved as she looked at Cui Zhu. "In the blink of an eye, we've spent so many years in Windrise Stronghold. Even a little girl like you has reached the age when love begins to blossom."

Cui Zhu's face grew visibly redder, and she hurriedly changed the subject with a guilty air. "Pavilion Master, we were talking about Chen Shi'an. Are we just going to let him be so insolent?"

Tao Yaoyao smiled confidently. "In a little place like Windrise Stronghold, how could there be a man who isn't attracted to me?

"You need to understand how men think. Chen Shi'an keeps refusing to join the Hundred Flowers Pavilion only because of that pitiful scrap of masculine pride.

"He wants to prove himself to me. He wants to stand before me with a higher status.

"Just wait. Once he thinks he's achieved something, he'll show his true colors and fall at my feet."

Cui Zhu blinked. "Pavilion Master, why do I feel that Chen Shi'an is a little different from those other men?"

Tao Yaoyao rolled her eyes. "What's different about him? Are you questioning my charm?

"You're just a little girl who's only begun dreaming of romance. What do you know?"

As he neared home.

Chen Shi'an saw the front door standing wide open, with a crowd of neighbors gathered inside. Everyone was beaming and offering all kinds of cheerful congratulations.

Su Qingrou's face glowed as she thanked them one by one.

A square iron plaque had also been nailed to the doorframe of the Chen family home.

Two bold, powerful characters were carved into its center: Demon Hunting.

This iron plaque represented the honor bestowed upon Demon Hunting Team families.

Whenever someone from a household joined the Demon Hunting Team, Windrise Stronghold would send them one of these iron plaques.

Possessing this iron plaque entitled the household to numerous privileges:

Everyone in the family was exempt from the city construction fee; even if the household lost all its men, the stronghold would still preserve the family members' household registration...

The Demon Hunting Team was certainly efficient.

Before Chen Shi'an had even returned home, they had already nailed the plaque to his doorframe.

In a short span of time, the once destitute and helpless Chen family had been blessed with one happy event after another.

Su Qingrou's Chen Su Ji chili sauce was popular and selling like hotcakes; Chen Tiantian had become a reserve divination medium of Windrise Stronghold; and now Chen Shi'an had become a squad leader in the Demon Hunting Team.

Out of the depths of misfortune came good fortune! Their prospects rose like the morning sun!

The Chen family home, once so deserted that sparrows could gather at its door, was now packed with neighbors.

Seeing this, Chen Shi'an decided to return a little later, once everyone had left.

Just then, he noticed a striking figure in a White Lotus Dress hurrying toward the Chen family home. It was none other than Fang Ruyu.

What is she doing here?

Chen Shi'an frowned.

As Fang Ruyu approached the house, she also noticed the lively crowd. She stopped at once, hesitating to go any farther.

After a moment's hesitation, Chen Shi'an gave a loud cough.

Fang Ruyu turned and saw him. A delighted smile immediately appeared on her face, and she hurried toward him with quick, small steps.

At the same time, Chen Shi'an turned and walked into a quiet alley.

"Chen Shi'an, just how many secrets have you been hiding?" Fang Ruyu asked the moment she entered the alley.

Chen Shi'an replied indifferently, "Did you need something?"

The smile on Fang Ruyu's face visibly stiffened. "Can't I come to see you without needing something?"

Chen Shi'an's lips curved slightly. "There's no longer any relationship between us. If there's nothing you need, we should see as little of each other as possible, so people don't misunderstand."

Fang Ruyu froze. "If you hadn't pretended to be such a gambler, how could I possibly have broken off our engagement?"

Chen Shi'an shook his head with a sigh. "Miss Fang, you've already made your choice. That page has been turned. Why keep singing the same old tune?

"Just tell me. What did you come to see me about today?"

Fang Ruyu bit her lip lightly. "Chen Shi'an, do you really hate me that much?"

Chen Shi'an exhaled softly. "Fang Ruyu, haven't you realized by now that we're not the same kind of people? We can't even piss into the same pot.

"I can't be bothered to bring up what happened with Song Yuming today.

"From now on, let's avoid contact whenever possible.

"I won't bother you, and you shouldn't come troubling me either."

With that, he walked straight past Fang Ruyu and strode toward the mouth of the alley.

Fang Ruyu spun around, staring blankly at his retreating figure with an extremely complicated look in her eyes.

Three breaths later, she said in a low voice, "Chen Shi'an, Dean Lu wants to see you. He wants you to go over right now."

"Lu Chenyang?"

Chen Shi'an's brows drew tightly together.

Lu Chenyang's residence at the Windrise Martial Academy.

Once again, Elder Fu led Chen Shi'an into Lu Chenyang's study.

Before Lu Chenyang could speak, Chen Shi'an hurriedly cupped his hands in apology. "Dean Lu, I offended a disciple of your academy at the Demon Hunting Team today. Please forgive me."

Lu Chenyang studied Chen Shi'an with a smile. "Clothes make the man, just as a saddle makes the horse. That saying certainly holds true.

"Brother Chen-oh, no, I should say Squad Leader Chen.

"Wearing the Demon Hunting Team's uniform, with a saber like that at your side, you look exceptionally handsome and imposing."

Chen Shi'an waved his hands repeatedly. "You flatter me, Dean Lu. I merely got lucky and obtained a squad leader's position."

Lu Chenyang chuckled. "No wonder you refused without hesitation when I invited you to join the academy. You had somewhere better to go.

"What's even more surprising is that you kept such strength hidden, Squad Leader Chen. The younger generation is truly formidable!"

Chen Shi'an was about to speak, but Lu Chenyang waved a hand. "Our academy's disciple lost in an arena duel because his skills were inferior.

"You needn't worry, much less apologize. I didn't summon you here to call you to account."

At that, he laughed heartily. "You're a squad leader in the Demon Hunting Team now. Your standing is different. Even if I wanted to call you to account, I would have to weigh the matter carefully."

Chen Shi'an hurriedly cupped his hands and replied with trepidation, "You're overstating things, Dean Lu. If you wished to hold me accountable, I would certainly bow my head and accept your judgment."

Lu Chenyang seemed pleased with his reaction and nodded. "Squad Leader Chen, there is some friendship between us.

"Your becoming a squad leader in the Demon Hunting Team today is a joyous occasion. I ought to give you something to mark it."

With that, he took a porcelain vial from inside his robes and held it out to Chen Shi'an.

Chen Shi'an looked puzzled. "This is...?"

Lu Chenyang smiled faintly. "You're not yet twenty, but you easily defeated a sixth acquired stage disciple of our academy. Your strength must be at least at the seventh acquired stage.

"With such potential, you have a chance of entering the ranks if you're properly nurtured.

"There are three Marrow-Washing Pills in this vial. With them, your chances of becoming a ranked martial artist will be greater."

Chen Shi'an froze.

Marrow-Washing Pills were precious pills used for marrow-washing and bone-tempering. They could purge impurities from the body and greatly improve one's Martial Dao potential.

However, alchemists were scarce. In a barren land like the Desolate Ruins, they were as rare as phoenix feathers and unicorn horns.

Windrise Stronghold did not even qualify as a middling stronghold in the Desolate Ruins, and there was not a single alchemist within its walls.

This made Marrow-Washing Pills exceptionally precious, beyond anything ordinary people could hope for.

Even an important figure like Lu Chenyang would find it difficult to obtain them.

Chen Shi'an had once heard that a Marrow-Washing Pill had been sold at one of Windrise Stronghold's irregularly held auctions, fetching the staggering price of six thousand taels of silver.

For the ordinary people of Windrise Stronghold, six thousand taels of silver was simply an unimaginable sum.

Just a few months ago, Chen Shi'an had racked his brains over a city construction tax of six taels of silver.

Now, Lu Chenyang was giving him three Marrow-Washing Pills at once.

Even having lived two lifetimes, Chen Shi'an could not help feeling his heart pound.

At the same time, a strong sense of wariness rose within him.

No reward without merit!

Besides, Lu Chenyang was no good egg.

For him to suddenly offer such a lavish gift, he surely wanted something and had some scheme in mind.

Still, Chen Shi'an quickly composed himself. Wild delight appeared on his face. He started to reach for the vial, then visibly hesitated, saying in a trembling voice:

"Dean Lu, these pills are too precious. What virtue or ability do I possess to deserve such a generous gift?"

Lu Chenyang smiled faintly. "I'll tell you the truth. These pills aren't from me, but from City Lord Xiang."

"City Lord Xiang!"

Chen Shi'an looked shocked. "Why? I've never even met the city lord."

Yet thoughts raced through his mind, and he quickly distilled one important piece of information:

Xiang Chuxiong had bypassed Fu Qingyang and used Lu Chenyang to deliver the pills, so eager was he to win Chen Shi'an over.

This meant there was a serious problem with the relationship between Xiang Chuxiong and Fu Qingyang.

Lu Chenyang's smile remained unchanged. "Your performance in the Demon Hunting Team Assessment caught the city lord's attention.

"He believes you have the makings of a talent worth nurturing."

Chen Shi'an immediately grew excited. "Please tell the city lord that I certainly won't disappoint his expectations."

At that, he noticeably raised his voice. "I will do everything in my power to serve the Demon Hunting Team."

Lu Chenyang smiled faintly. "You should be serving the city lord, Squad Leader Chen, not the Demon Hunting Team."

Chen Shi'an blinked.

Lu Chenyang kept smiling. "You're a clever man, Squad Leader Chen. You should understand what the city lord means.

"The city lord asked me to tell you that Song Yuming's father, Song Yuan, won't make things difficult for you. You needn't worry about Wang Tianye either.

"In time, you will become at least a Deputy Commander of the Demon Hunting Team."

Chen Shi'an immediately looked overjoyed. He seized the porcelain vial and cupped his hands. "I will certainly do everything in my power to serve the city lord."

Lu Chenyang laughed heartily and patted Chen Shi'an on the shoulder. "Squad Leader Chen, from now on, we're on the same side."

Chen Shi'an beamed. "I hope you'll continue to lend me your support, Dean Lu."

Lu Chenyang waved a hand. "You're young and capable, Squad Leader Chen. Now that the city lord has taken an interest in you, your future is boundless.

"When you rise in the world, don't forget that we should help one another."

Chen Shi'an hurriedly replied respectfully, "If you ever have need of me, Dean Lu, just give the word. I certainly wouldn't dare shirk in the slightest."

Lu Chenyang's expression darkened. "Squad Leader Chen, it's been so long, and you still haven't given me the last two lines of that poem."

Chen Shi'an smiled apologetically. "Dean Lu, please don't be anxious. Recalling something can't be rushed. Without inspiration, I wouldn't remember it even if I split my head trying.

"Rest assured, the moment I remember, I'll present it to you immediately."

At that, he changed the subject. "Dean Lu, Song Yuming holds a grudge against me now.

"He's sure to cause trouble for me once we're in the Demon Hunting Team. How should I handle him?"

Lu Chenyang said, "I was just about to tell you about this. Song Yuming is a disciple of the Martial Academy. Like you, he serves the City Lord.

"He simply knows nothing about your situation.

"To keep Fu Qingyang fooled, if Song Yuming continues to provoke you, feel free to hit back."

Chen Shi'an looked troubled. "Dean Lu, Song Yuming is a disciple of the Martial Academy, after all, and his father is the chief steward of the Internal Affairs Court.

"What if I happen to slip up and injure him...?"

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