Volume One: Menial Servant in Changshui County Chapter Fifty-Four: One Hundred Thousand Taels of Gold

After Director Zhong departed, although all major decisions fell to Chen Xuanfeng, matters of appointment were best left until Director Zhong’s return, Chen thought. After all, Director Zhong was still the head of the Demon Slaying Bureau in Changshui County; Chen was merely acting as caretaker.

Later, Zhou Cheng split from the main group and set off alone for Anxi Prefecture. Chen Xuanfeng led the others back to the Bureau. Just as Chen was about to return to his own office, Lu Jiuzhang quietly followed him.

“Is there something you need?” Chen Xuanfeng inquired.

“Director Chen, I’ve heard that after slaying demon beasts, the Bureau rewards even the menial workers. What do you think…?” Lu Jiuzhang ventured.

“There are indeed rewards, but bear in mind, your current status is that of a menial worker. The reward isn’t much. If you become a Demon Slayer Guard, the reward will nearly double,” Chen explained.

“Director Chen, menial workers are lowly; shouldn’t killing demons earn greater rewards? Those Demon Slayer Guards and Demon Slayer Envoys are already ranked, their strength is formidable, and dealing with demon beasts comes easily. Shouldn’t their rewards be less?” Lu argued.

“I didn’t make the rules. If you’re dissatisfied, you can go to the Central Demon Slaying Bureau in Jingzhao Prefecture and seek out the Chief Director to plead your case,” Chen retorted.

This man truly had no talent for conversation; he killed the topic outright.

“Remember this: resources always flow toward the strong. That’s the rule. If you’re unhappy, work hard and cultivate! When you’re strong enough, you can challenge the rules, perhaps even make new ones. When you’re weak, you must abide by them—even if you’re dissatisfied, you have to swallow it,” Chen admonished.

The law of the jungle, the first law. This world was not the same as the one Lu Jiuzhang had crossed over from. Such was the way of things—what could be done? Even after half a year since his arrival, Lu Jiuzhang sometimes still forgot. He reminded himself: this must not happen again.

“Director Chen, I’d like to claim my reward in advance,” Lu returned to the original topic. Turning those rewards into cultivation resources as soon as possible was the priority.

“Once you’ve made up your mind, go to the treasury and claim it. Tell them I sent you,” Chen replied.

The treasury clerk managed the Bureau’s finances; all salaries were disbursed from there. The clerk’s rank was equal to the Demon Slayer Guards, a step above ordinary menial workers.

Yet, upon seeing Lu Jiuzhang, the clerk dared not slacken. Lu had worked with Zhou Cheng to slay a ranked demon beast—reward: twenty-five taels of silver. He had slain three more ranked beasts alone (including those killed by his guard, credited to him)—reward: one hundred fifty taels!

The reward was considerable; previously, there simply weren’t so many demons to slay. Otherwise, one could make a fortune just by hunting ranked beasts.

Some suspected a loophole: hire a guard and keep slaying beasts for endless silver. In truth, such cases didn’t exist. Martial artists at the eighth rank could easily dispatch ranked demons, but most such experts scorned the paltry rewards. Too little! If slaying a single beast earned hundreds or thousands of taels, perhaps they’d act.

Returning to the main topic: if Lu Jiuzhang became a Demon Slayer Guard and then claimed his reward, the sum would at least double. But Lu clearly couldn’t wait that long. Who knew when Director Zhong would return? Lose money, and you can earn more; lose your life, and it’s over. No matter how much wealth you have, only what’s in your hand is truly yours.

…

In just a few days, Lu Jiuzhang’s silver had already reached over two hundred taels—he was practically a wealthy man.

Next, Lu went to the archive room. The Bureau’s few martial arts manuals were kept there. The archive lay near the offices of the Directors and Deputy Directors; no one dared cause trouble nearby.

If someone’s strength surpassed eighth rank, enough to overpower the Bureau’s Directors, they could come and go freely. But by then, they’d hardly care for these manuals.

“Brother Lu!” The clerks greeted him with respect. Lu had entered the ranks; no need for conflict.

“Sir, Director Chen sent me to choose a martial art,” Lu said.

“All the manuals are here. Please choose for yourself,” the clerk replied, fetching several books and laying them before Lu.

Four in all. The first, “Thunder Fist”—fast strikes, thunderous power, formidable force. The second, “Demon-Slaying Saber Technique”—the Bureau’s most common saber method, designed to counter demon beasts. Many Demon Slayer Guards at ninth rank used it, especially those without connections; those with backgrounds received better techniques from their elders. Such common methods held little appeal for them.

The third, “Golden Water Sword Formula”—sword moves like threads of water, yet powerful and destructive.

The fourth, “Swift Wind Step”—a movement technique; once mastered, as swift as the wind, able to maneuver among several foes with ease.

Presented with these four manuals, Lu hesitated. The “Golden Water Sword Formula” was unsuitable; he was already adept with the saber. “Thunder Fist” and “Demon-Slaying Saber Technique” were harder to choose between. “Swift Wind Step” was also tempting.

“Any advice, Lord Chen?” Lu asked.

This archive keeper was a distant relative of Chen Xuanfeng.

“If you’re unsure, I suggest the ‘Demon-Slaying Saber Technique.’ Though basic, it’s a complete system. If you break through to fourth or even third rank, there are advanced volumes available. That was the purpose when the Bureau created it. As for ‘Thunder Fist’ and ‘Golden Water Sword Formula,’ they sound impressive, but in reality, they're of little use—only suitable for ninth-rank martial artists. Their supposed power is mostly exaggeration,” the clerk explained.

“Every year, Thousand Mechanisms House auctions martial arts manuals. Those top-tier methods fetch staggering prices. I once heard that three years ago in Northern Ridge Commandery, a manual started at a thousand gold, eventually reaching a hundred thousand gold!”

“One thousand taels of silver equals one gold; one thousand gold equals one spirit stone; a hundred thousand gold is a hundred spirit stones!”

A hundred thousand gold! Astounding!

Compared to that, Lu’s two hundred taels seemed insignificant. A hundred thousand gold—that’s ten million silver!

What kind of martial art could be worth so much? Lu felt practically beggared by comparison.

“May I select two manuals?” Lu asked. He had his eye on “Swift Wind Step” as well.

“Ahem… According to the rules, that’s not allowed,” the clerk shook his head.

Not by the rules—but if the rules were disregarded? Lu understood: the clerk was seeking a bribe.

“Sir Chen, will this do?” Lu took five taels from his pocket and slid them into the clerk’s sleeve.

The clerk, practiced in such matters, didn’t even count—just weighed the silver.

“Brother Lu—no, I should call you Lord Lu. When Director Zhong returns, you’ll be promoted to Demon Slayer Guard. Then you’ll be a lord, and this little amount hardly suits your status,” the clerk smiled.

The clerk didn’t yet know Lu had entered the ranks. He only knew from other workers that Lu and Zhou Cheng had slain a demon beast, and Lu’s guard had slain three more, all credited to Lu. The combined rewards were substantial.

“These manuals may be mediocre, but outside, each sells for several hundred to a thousand taels. Lord Lu, you’re giving so little—doesn’t that chill the heart?” the clerk complained.

“Sir Chen, forgive me. I’m still unmarried and saving up for a wife,” Lu joked, but his hands kept moving. He produced another ten taels and slipped them into the clerk’s sleeve.

Black-hearted, truly! These manuals could sell for hundreds or thousands outside, but they belonged to the Bureau, not the clerk!

“Hahaha, then may Lord Lu marry soon,” the clerk laughed, accepting the fifteen taels, evidently satisfied.

“Take the ‘Demon-Slaying Saber Technique.’ I’ll record it. As for ‘Swift Wind Step,’ Lord Lu must copy it yourself. But let me warn you: if trouble arises, don’t implicate me,” the clerk chuckled.

“Rest assured, Sir Chen!” Lu replied, grinning.

…

After registering, Lu left with two manuals. He could consult the “Demon-Slaying Saber Technique” anytime, but “Swift Wind Step” had to be copied soon—by tomorrow morning at latest.

Changshui County had few places for copying, but several existed. Still, Lu didn’t trust them; martial arts were too precious. After some thought, he decided to visit Teacher Zhou—both to ask about ninth-rank Confucian cultivation, and to handle this matter.

With this in mind, Lu left for Teacher Zhou’s house after work.

Meanwhile, after Lu departed, the archive clerk went to Chen Xuanfeng’s office.

“Director Chen, I’ve given the manuals to Lu Jiuzhang. To avoid suspicion, I took fifteen taels from him,” the clerk placed the silver on Chen’s desk.

“Keep the silver,” Chen said.

“Thank you, Director!” the clerk said, excited.

“Keep this matter to yourself. Tell no one,” Chen instructed.

“Understood, Director. Rest assured!” The clerk nodded and withdrew.

Chen Xuanfeng paced to the window; the sun was setting. He felt uncertain—was this the right course? Was Lu Jiuzhang truly worth such hope? Would placing his faith in him yield success?

Lu Huaigu, oh Lu Huaigu! Why did you choose him?

Chen’s heart was filled with confusion, and a touch of melancholy.