Volume One: Menial Servant of Changshui County Chapter 53: The Person Behind the Scenes

Deep within the ancient forest, Lu Jiuzhang stood with his hands clasped behind his back. The dense canopy above blocked out the moonlight, shrouding the woods in utter darkness. Yet, his vision remained unhindered. Attaining the first rank in martial cultivation meant an all-encompassing strengthening of the body. While not as sharp as in daylight, he could perceive his surroundings clearly within several yards.

Suddenly, Lu Jiuzhang shot forth a punch, striking the massive tree before him. With a resounding crack, the trunk—wide enough that it would take two men to encircle it—snapped cleanly in half. Was this the true strength of a ninth-rank martial artist? No, not even close. He had not gathered his strength for that blow, nor used his full power. Had he drawn his saber as well, the result would have been even more terrifying.

Not far away, a man stood behind a tree, watching Lu Jiuzhang’s movements. Suddenly, the man coughed, a trace of blood seeping from the corner of his mouth.

“Who’s there?” Lu Jiuzhang reacted at once, unsheathing the saber at his waist in a flash.

Out from the shadows emerged Chen Xuanfeng.

“Chief Chen!” Lu Jiuzhang took several steps back, keeping his guard up.

“Impressive strength. To reach the ninth rank of martial arts in such a short span—truly remarkable.” Chen Xuanfeng approached at a measured pace, his words full of praise.

“You overestimate me, Chief Chen,” Lu Jiuzhang replied, shaking his head. How could he dare admit such a thing so easily?

“No need to deny it. I already knew when you carried me down the mountain,” Chen Xuanfeng said. “Whether by talent or fortune, breaking into the ninth rank in both the scholarly and martial paths in such a short time is extraordinary for Changshui County.”

Lu Jiuzhang did not answer, but asked instead, “Then, why have you come here in the middle of the night, Chief Chen? To watch me train?”

“Not exactly,” Chen Xuanfeng replied ambiguously.

“It’s late, Chief Chen. You should get some rest.” With that, Lu Jiuzhang made to slip away.

When in doubt, best to leave at once!

“Wait.” Chen Xuanfeng blocked his way. “There may be some misunderstanding between us.”

“You must be joking, Chief Chen. What misunderstanding could there be between the two of us?” Lu Jiuzhang forced a smile.

“Zhou Cheng told me you suspected your elder brother’s death was my doing,” Chen Xuanfeng said slowly. “He wasn’t tattling—he just hoped to clear the air between us. But your brother’s death had nothing to do with me. Back in Miaodi Village, it was Yuan Wufeng who blocked me, delaying my arrival. And this time, I killed that sorcerer first, for your sake.”

“I have some inkling about your brother’s death, but the force behind it is not one you can afford to provoke. If you dig too deep and discover the mastermind, your end will come all the swifter. Sometimes, ignorance is the only way to survive a little longer.”

There was a certain logic to his words.

“Then why did you recruit me into the Demon-Slaying Bureau, Chief Chen? At the time, you couldn’t have known I had achieved entry into the scholarly path,” Lu Jiuzhang asked.

“You really want the truth?” Chen Xuanfeng looked at him.

“We’re already at this point. What use is a lie now?”

“It all began twenty years ago. Your father was the Imperial Tutor to the Crown Prince. When the Prince died, your father was implicated. I met your father a few times—not well-acquainted, but we belonged to the same political faction. The border army once answered to the late Prince, and I was one of his personal guards.”

“There were many bodyguards, from third-rank martial artists to those outside the ranks altogether—a vast camp. At that time, I had already reached the ninth rank. But after the Prince’s death, cultivation resources dwindled. I broke into the eighth rank years ago and have since stagnated.”

“Afterwards, the border forces were restructured. Various powers infiltrated, each seeking to seize control. The open and covert struggles between these factions were brutal. The Prince’s supporters, weakened by his death, were eventually suppressed into obscurity. It was then I left the border army and joined the Demon-Slaying Bureau.”

“So, at the root of it, your father and I were of one faction. Looking out for you is only natural,” Chen Xuanfeng explained.

His words made sense. Yet, after so many years, Lu Jiuzhang knew that even powerful factions could fall to infighting and enmity. The Lu family had long since declined, and Chen Xuanfeng, at the very least, was still a deputy director of the Bureau—a major figure within Changshui County. Before Lu Jiuzhang gained his rank, the gulf between them had been insurmountable.

“Do you know who was truly behind my brother’s death, Chief Chen?” Lu Jiuzhang asked directly.

“I don’t know for certain,” Chen Xuanfeng replied. “My guess is that it was someone of great influence from North Slope Prefecture, carried out by agents from Anxi Office. It likely wasn’t anyone from the Bureau. If it were an inside job, you wouldn’t have survived. Whoever it was, they dared not use the Bureau’s power, so they resorted to such means. Deputy Director Yuan Wufeng may have provided them with some assistance.”

“Thank you for your guidance, Chief Chen,” Lu Jiuzhang said with a respectful bow.

“Tomorrow, go to the Bureau and choose your foundational techniques. Now that you’ve entered the martial path, your physical strength alone is limited. Only with the proper methods can you wield the true power of a ninth-rank martial artist.” With these words, Chen Xuanfeng turned and departed.

The next morning, the group set out for Changshui County.

Outside the city’s moat, Chen Xuanfeng stopped Zhou Cheng. “There’s no need for you to return to the Bureau. Go straight to Anxi Office instead,” he instructed, “and when you register, note that Lu Jiuzhang has reached both the ninth rank in the scholarly path and martial arts.”

“He’s reached the ninth rank in martial arts?” Zhou Cheng exclaimed in astonishment. “Chief Chen, you can’t be serious! One thousand needles for those who lie…” he added daringly.

Chen Xuanfeng, however, took no offense. Seeing that he gave no further explanation, Zhou Cheng realized it was true—unbelievable! How long had it been since their last encounter? And Lu Jiuzhang had already advanced to the ninth rank!

“If you run into Director Zhong, ask whether Lu Jiuzhang might be promoted to Demon-Slaying Guard. As for your own appointment, bring it up as well. You’ve been at the ninth rank for years and ought to have become a Demon-Slaying Agent by now. Your promotion has been delayed long enough. Take this opportunity to push for it.”

“Thank you, Chief Chen!” Zhou Cheng said, delighted.

Becoming a Demon-Slaying Agent meant not only greater status, but also increased resources for cultivation—perhaps even a chance to reach the eighth rank. The difference was immense.

“No need to thank me. You’ve earned it. If Director Zhong isn’t around, the appointment may be postponed. Wait until his return,” Chen Xuanfeng said.