The leading soldier stepped forward and respectfully saluted Xu Guang.

"Greetings, Chief Xu."

Xu Guang smiled and casually took out some elixirs, tossing them to the other, "You've worked hard, no need to be so polite."

Upon seeing the elixirs in hand, just the scent alone made his blood boil slightly, and the captain immediately understood that this was at least an eighth-grade elixir.

Truly worthy of being from Jiufeng Mountain, so generous with his gifts.

Xu Guang smiled and walked into the city gate with the crowd.

Zhuang Yue, acting as the coachman on the carriage behind, smirked, thinking that Xu Guang's demeanor was really a show but somehow gave off a feeling of what a real man should be like.

He could only feel a mix of envy and jealousy.

Shen Muyu did not like visiting the most famous Moon Embracing Tower in Chuannan Prefecture; instead, she preferred Mountain View Tower not far from the East City Gate.

Xu Guang followed her preference.

The shopkeeper of Mountain View Tower was overjoyed, spouting auspicious words as if they cost nothing.

Shen Muyu was very familiar with this place and skillfully ordered some demon beast meat dishes, then dismissed the shopkeeper.

Zhuang Yue joined them at the table.

Having traveled together, he was not a particularly wicked person and had basic decency.

Wine had gone around thrice, and dishes five times.

Zhuang Yue wisely excused himself.

The few people did not make things difficult for him and indicated that he could act freely.

Originally, he was just a tainted witness intended to trouble Shen Suzhen, but now that Shen Suzhen was dead, he naturally had no purpose left.

"Being a steward here is not an easy task."

Shen Muyu took a sip of clear wine and said softly.

Jiang Zi Yun continued, "Do you know what the most important duty of a steward is?"

"I heard from my uncle that the two stewards of Dragon Gate and Taiyi Alliance need to contribute at least over three thousand spirit crystals to their sects each year. These spirit crystals come from slaying fierce ghosts in Wangdang Mountain, collecting taxes from wealthy households in the city..."

"Working in Chuannan Prefecture, the most important thing is to mingle without standing out. The key is to see what Jiufeng Mountain wants you to do."

A steward, aside from having power, also has obligations.

Xu Guang listened attentively, knowing these were valuable experiences.

Even though he didn't think his position as the Seventh Steward gave him much say, he still needed to understand some unspoken rules. Even if he offended someone, he would know how he did so.

"The Celestial Dragon True Skill you got from the Ghost Shark can be referenced, but I don't recommend you share it. Dragon Gate has become somewhat obsessive with their legacy now."

Jiang Zi Yun seemed very familiar with these matters, and even Shen Muyu beside her looked at her with newfound respect.

Xu Guang nodded, and at the same time, learned from Shen Muyu that as Chief Steward of Chuannan Prefecture, Wine Daoist could earn two merits from the Steward Hall each year, enough to exchange for three innate martial techniques and two hundred spirit crystals.

This was a substantial fortune.

Xu Guang suddenly understood why Master Fuqing was so quick to lend him money back then.

Besides valuing him, they also believed he could repay it. After all, once he took office, the merits he earned each year could be exchanged for two hundred spirit crystals.

If he could endure it, he could repay it in three years.

These thoughts were only in Xu Guang's mind. He didn't crave the steward's power, only wondered if Jiufeng Mountain would require him, like Dragon Gate and Taiyi Alliance, to provide a set amount of spirit crystals annually alongside Wine Daoist.

He preferred being alone in cultivation.

Jiang Bai's promise for him to be his deputy was better than he imagined.

This was not stripping away his power; on the contrary, it was about protecting him.

With Jiang Bai at the forefront, he wouldn't need to handle many matters personally.

Inexplicably, he glanced at Jiang Zi Yun.

This girl seemed to always look at him differently, probably she was the one who brought about Jiang Bai's promise?

...

The matters concerning the Shen Family went from turbulent to silent.

It took half a month.

Many prominent families and sects fought fiercely, desperately tearing pieces from the Shen Family.

This was the fate of becoming the target of all.

Xu Guang had no particular emotion about it; in fact, without Shen Suzhen, the Shen Family should be much more peaceful.

The Shen Family paid a significant price, and under Taiyi Alliance's mediation, they must have pledged a lot to the Jiang Family and Jiufeng Mountain. These two didn't pursue further, indicating the matter was closed in Zouchuan Dao.

Two more days passed.

Master Fuqing returned.

Brought compensation for Xu Guang from the Shen Family.

Xu Guang watched the box full of spirit crystals, wide-eyed.

Fifteen hundred spirit crystals!

Such generosity!

He took out seven hundred spirit crystals from it.

"Senior sister, this is for you..."

Master Fuqing waved him off, "Use it yourself. Breaking through to the fifth grade is your most important task, and the affairs in Chuannan Prefecture are not as simple as you think."

Since she said so, Xu Guang naturally did not want to reject her kindness and kept it in mind.

"What you did in Changsong Prefecture has been acknowledged by the sect. Our resources from Wanhua Institute have been delivered on time. If you need anything, you can find me back at Jiufeng Mountain."

With the Jiufeng Mountain Grand Sacrifice held once every five years approaching, Master Fuqing would not leave the sect.

During this time, Jiufeng Mountain should have the most experts around.

Presumably, it would also be the most peaceful time in Zouchuan Dao.

After all, no one would want to cause trouble with such a major force like Jiufeng Mountain watching.

...

"Glutinous rice wine meat, fifty coins a portion."

The vendor with a long drawl carried two large cooked jars wrapped in thick cotton cloth, walking along the street.

Du Shizhen exhaled white breath, walking on the road with several young men, rubbing his hands together. Feeling slightly warmer, he continued forward.

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