Junior Steward Li

When Han Shan saw Chen Shi'an leave, he hurried after him, limping.

The gambling house's enforcers exchanged looks, staring at one another without daring to make a sound.

Neither the strength Chen Shi'an had just displayed nor the Demon Hunting Team Squad Leader's Token at his waist was something they could afford to provoke.

It was still early.

There were few customers in the wonton shop.

Following the original owner's habit, Chen Shi'an sat in the corner on the right side of the shop.

Han Shan sat opposite him with a fawning smile and, without standing on ceremony, ordered two bowls of wontons and wolfed them down.

Chen Shi'an had only finished half his bowl when Han Shan had already emptied both of his, drinking every last drop of broth.

"What happened to your father?" Chen Shi'an asked calmly.

Han Shan's eyes dimmed slightly. "About five days ago, someone tried to sneak into the stronghold. My father happened to be on duty and fought him.

"But that person was incredibly strong. He seriously injured my father in a single exchange, then took the opportunity to slip into the stronghold."

Hatred surfaced on his face as he continued. "My father was injured defending the stronghold, but they didn't give him a penny in compensation. Instead, they charged him with failing to defend it, stripped him of his position as Centurion, and confiscated a thousand taels of silver from our Han Family."

Chen Shi'an frowned slightly but offered no opinion.

Han Shan continued, "What the stronghold did really chilled our hearts. If this is how they treat people who've rendered service, who will be willing to risk their lives for them in the future..."

Chen Shi'an listened quietly. Only after Han Shan had finished venting did he speak in a low voice.

"Your father probably suffered this treatment because the person who sneaked into the stronghold had an unusual identity.

"Did your father tell you anything?"

Han Shan's eyes flickered, and he gave an awkward smile. "My father never talks to me about official business."

Chen Shi'an pressed him quietly. "Your father isn't a Centurion in the City Guard Battalion anymore. What official business? After being treated so unfairly, how could he not complain at least once or twice? Do you really know nothing?"

Han Shan smiled awkwardly. "Squad Leader Chen, I really don't know."

The corner of Chen Shi'an's mouth lifted. "Have you forgotten who I am now?

"I'm a Squad Leader in the Demon Hunting Team. Based on what you just said alone, I could arrest you and claim credit at the stronghold."

Han Shan's expression changed drastically. "Squad Leader Chen, I only told you all that because I considered you a friend."

Chen Shi'an raised his eyelids slightly. "Tell me. Who was the person who sneaked into the stronghold?"

Han Shan hesitated for a long while before lowering his voice as far as he could. "You absolutely mustn't tell anyone about this. I only overheard it myself.

"After my father came home injured, Commander Wang Tianye of the City Guard Battalion personally brought men to our house. He warned my father not to leak a single detail about the person who'd sneaked into the stronghold..."

Hearing Wang Tianye's name immediately confirmed Chen Shi'an's suspicions. The person who had sneaked into Windrise Stronghold was no ordinary figure.

"Why are you telling me all this? I'm only asking who, exactly, that person was," Chen Shi'an said in a low voice.

Han Shan glanced around, then lowered his head. "My father judged that he came from either the Hundred Miasma Forest or Desolate Suppression City."

Desolate Suppression City was the nearest city in a human nation to the region where Windrise Stronghold stood. It belonged to the Sacred Martial Dynasty.

The Hundred Miasma Forest? Desolate Suppression City?

Neither place was ordinary. Chen Shi'an realized that something major might be about to happen in Windrise Stronghold.

If that person really came from the Hundred Miasma Forest, could he be after Fu Nantian's Jade Pendant?

While Chen Shi'an's thoughts ran wild, Han Shan added, "Squad Leader Chen, that's all I know."

Chen Shi'an paused briefly. "Anything involving the Hundred Miasma Forest and Desolate Suppression City must be important. It's not something a small fry like me can get involved in. Even if you know more, I don't want to hear it."

Relief washed over Han Shan, and a fawning look appeared on his face. "Squad Leader Chen, since you're helping me, could you help me all the way and lend me three taels of silver to pay off my gambling debt?

"Once I have enough money, I'll pay you back first thing."

After a moment's thought, Chen Shi'an took out three taels of loose silver and set them on the table.

Han Shan's eyes lit up, and he reached for them.

Chen Shi'an coughed softly.

Han Shan hastily withdrew his hand and solemnly promised, "Don't worry. My father may no longer be a Centurion, and our family may have had a thousand taels confiscated, but we still have some savings.

"As soon as I get the money, I'll pay you back."

Chen Shi'an asked, "I only became a Squad Leader in the Demon Hunting Team yesterday. How did you hear about it?"

Han Shan hurried to answer. "My father may have lost his post, but he still has a few connections. An older family acquaintance visited us yesterday and mentioned it."

Chen Shi'an nodded and pushed the silver toward Han Shan. "There's no rush to repay me.

"I can help you this once, but there won't be a second time. Take care of yourself."

With that, he rose and walked slowly out of the shop.

Han Shan snatched up the silver and repeatedly saluted Chen Shi'an's retreating back, his face full of delight.

Three taels of silver was no longer much to Chen Shi'an.

Giving it to Han Shan amounted to buying a favor. Who knew? It might prove useful someday.

After leaving the wonton shop, Chen Shi'an strolled toward the Hundred Flowers Pavilion.

The Hundred Flowers Pavilion offered a wide range of services. During the day, it served as a teahouse and restaurant. Many people seeking information would buy a sufficiently expensive pot of tea or wine there.

Transactions requiring a guarantor were also conducted there.

At night, the Hundred Flowers Pavilion became a pleasure house filled with twittering beauties, a pit that swallowed gold.

When Chen Shi'an entered the ground-floor hall, an attendant immediately approached and asked attentively, "Sir, would you like tea or wine?"

Chen Shi'an said evenly, "Please announce that Chen Shi'an, a Squad Leader in the Demon Hunting Team, requests an audience with Pavilion Mistress Tao."

As he spoke, he displayed the Squad Leader's Token at his waist.

The attendant gave it a quick glance and said indifferently, "It's a little early. If you aren't busy, Squad Leader Chen, order a pot of tea or wine and enjoy it for now.

"When it's a bit later, I'll ask a steward to announce you."

Clearly, being a Squad Leader in the Demon Hunting Team did not carry much weight at the Hundred Flowers Pavilion.

Chen Shi'an had expected this. He took out a tael of silver and offered it to the attendant with a smile. "I know I've come a little early, but the matter is urgent, so I had no choice. Please make an exception for me."

The attendant did not take the silver immediately, though his tone softened somewhat. "Squad Leader Chen, it's not that I won't make an exception.

"At this hour, never mind the mistress-even our stewards might not be out of bed yet.

"If I go announce you now, I might get a thorough dressing-down."

Still smiling, Chen Shi'an took out another tael of silver.

Only then did the attendant accept it. "I can announce you, but I can't guarantee you'll get to see the mistress."

Chen Shi'an nodded. "Thank you for the trouble."

A short while later, the attendant returned, all smiles. "Squad Leader Chen, you're in luck. I happened to run into Junior Steward Li when I went inside. She asked me to bring you over."

Junior Steward Li?

A steward was a steward. Why add "junior"?

Though puzzled, Chen Shi'an promptly thanked him and followed him to the Hundred Flowers Pavilion's rear courtyard.

When they reached a secluded courtyard, the attendant whispered, "Junior Steward Li is inside. Go in yourself."

If you think this book is good, please remember to add it to your bookshelf so you can find it next time.

With that, he turned and left.

Chen Shi'an knocked on the courtyard gate. A woman's clear voice immediately sounded from within. "Come in."

The voice sounded rather familiar. Thinking it over, he realized it belonged to Cui Zhu, Tao Yaoyao's maid.

She was Junior Steward Li?

Filled with doubts, Chen Shi'an pushed open the gate and entered.

Rounding a screen wall as tall as a person, he immediately saw a little bridge over flowing water, green trees, and abundant flowers.

In a four-sided pavilion beside the stream, Cui Zhu sat at a stone table, staring expressionlessly at Chen Shi'an.

Chen Shi'an strode into the pavilion and sat opposite her. "You're Junior Steward Li?"

"Don't I look like it?"

Cui Zhu answered coldly, "We invited you to the Hundred Flowers Pavilion several times before, but you put on airs and refused to come.

"Now that we're ignoring you, you've come running here first thing in the morning, all eager.

"Isn't that ridiculous?"

Cui Zhu had long hated Chen Shi'an enough to grind her teeth.

Now that he had delivered himself to her doorstep, she finally had a chance for revenge. How could she let it slip?

Chen Shi'an had no good impression of Cui Zhu either.

A visitor was a guest.

Yet she had come at him with spear and club the moment they met.

Chen Shi'an had no intention of indulging her. With a slight smile, he let his gaze settle on her chest. "Junior Steward Li-an apt title. They really are rather small."

Cui Zhu hastily looked down. Her fair face suddenly flushed scarlet, and she snapped in embarrassed fury, "Lecher! Shameless!"

Chen Shi'an looked taken aback and replied with righteous confidence, "Everyone in your Hundred Flowers Pavilion calls you Junior Steward Li. Why can't I?"

"Does it mean the same thing when they say it and when you say it?" Cui Zhu demanded.

"How is it any different?"

Chen Shi'an raised his voice. "Go on, tell me what they mean and what I mean."

Cui Zhu immediately retorted, "They call me Junior Steward Li because I'm young. You call me that because..."

Unable to continue, she glared hatefully at him. "You Chen bastard, don't think you're so impressive just because you've memorized a few lousy poems.

"The mistress falls for your tricks, but I don't.

"You actually dared come to our Hundred Flowers Pavilion and cause trouble today. I'm going to teach you a proper lesson!"

With that, she leaned forward swiftly and struck at Chen Shi'an's chest with her palm.

The strike was extremely fast and carried considerable force.

Despite her young age, she was a fairly strong Martial Artist, probably at least at the fourth acquired stage.

Chen Shi'an shifted slightly sideways, easily evading her attack. At the same time, his hand shot out like lightning and clamped around her wrist.

Cui Zhu's expression changed drastically, and she hastily tried to pull her hand back.

But Chen Shi'an's hand held her fast like an iron hoop.

Not only could she not pull free, her struggles left her wrist aching badly.

"Chen Shi'an, you bastard! Let go of me!" Cui Zhu cried urgently.

But instead of releasing her, Chen Shi'an tightened his grip, making Cui Zhu grimace in pain as a mist of tears welled in her round eyes.

"You little brat, what a temper. If I don't teach you a lesson today, you'll only get more insolent."

Chen Shi'an freed his other hand and lightly flicked Cui Zhu on the forehead.

Tok! The sound was crisp and loud.

Only then did he release her.

Freed, Cui Zhu immediately stood and hastily retreated three steps. Rubbing her forehead, she said through gritted teeth, "Chen Shi'an, you bastard! You dared lay hands on me in the Hundred Flowers Pavilion. You're not getting out of here today!"

Chen Shi'an waved a hand. "You little brat, you're small everywhere, yet here you are imitating other people's tough talk.

"If you dared touch me, or were capable of it, would you have waited until now?

"Hurry up and fetch your mistress. I've got business to discuss."

Cui Zhu ground her teeth with hatred and stamped her foot hard. "Chen Shi'an, just you wait! This isn't over between us!"

With that, she stormed toward the back of the courtyard.

"You little thing. If you still won't behave, I'll have to give you a proper lesson later." Watching Cui Zhu's furious departure, Chen Shi'an curled his lips slightly.

He waited for roughly the time it took two incense sticks to burn.

Tao Yaoyao entered the courtyard, but Cui Zhu was nowhere to be seen.

Presumably, she hated Chen Shi'an enough to grind her teeth but could do nothing about him, so she had simply stayed away. Out of sight, out of mind.

Tao Yaoyao sat opposite Chen Shi'an and smiled. "Squad Leader Chen, you're a rare guest. Coming so early, you must have something urgent to discuss."

Chen Shi'an cupped his hands slightly. "I'm sorry to disturb you so early.

"I came to ask whether you could help me obtain a few Marrow-Washing Pills, Pavilion Mistress Tao."

Tao Yaoyao smiled faintly. "If you're willing to become a resident literary guest of our Hundred Flowers Pavilion, I'll naturally find a way to get you Marrow-Washing Pills."

Chen Shi'an raised his eyelids slightly. "Pavilion Mistress Tao, let's not bring that up again.

"One Marrow-Washing Pill for one poem. How about it?"

The corners of Tao Yaoyao's mouth lifted. "Marrow-Washing Pills are assets belonging to the Hundred Flowers Pavilion. Poetry is a personal interest of mine.

"I'm afraid I don't have the authority to exchange Marrow-Washing Pills for poems."

Chen Shi'an frowned slightly. "How can I obtain Marrow-Washing Pills?"

Tao Yaoyao smiled. "City Lord Xiang has a certain number of Marrow-Washing Pills. You're a Squad Leader in the Demon Hunting Team now. If you earn major military merit, you'll certainly be rewarded with them."

Chen Shi'an considered briefly. "Earning major military merit requires luck, and there's no telling how long it'll take. I'd like a more definite, concrete method."

Tao Yaoyao's smile remained unchanged. "Our Hundred Flowers Pavilion also has Marrow-Washing Pills, but they're not for sale. They must be exchanged for something equally valuable."

"Such as?" Chen Shi'an prompted.

Tao Yaoyao said, "There are many things we can accept in exchange, provided they're precious enough.

"Given your circumstances, you could exchange Demon Cores.

"You've joined the Demon Hunting Team, so you'll often leave the stronghold to hunt Demon Beasts.

"If you obtain Demon Cores, you can bring them to the Hundred Flowers Pavilion and exchange them for Marrow-Washing Pills.

"One core from a first-level Demon Beast can be exchanged for three Marrow-Washing Pills."

A first-level Demon Beast!

Chen Shi'an frowned.

Ranked from weakest to strongest, Demon Beasts ranged from the first to the ninth level, followed by the upper Three Realms-the Wind Riding Realm, the Void Separation Realm, and the Freedom Realm.

Those below the first level could not form Demon Cores and were considered ordinary wild beasts.

A first-level Demon Beast's cultivation corresponded to that of a First-Rank Martial Artist, but it was usually stronger than an ordinary First-Rank Martial Artist.

How difficult would it be to kill a Demon Beast stronger than a First-Rank Martial Artist and obtain its core?