The madam softly instructed, with hidden rebuke.

"Commander Li, will you return once you leave?"

Li Xian just stepped out of the inner courtyard.

The nursing home attendants surrounded him, asking eagerly. The news of his appointment had spread, and all within the manor knew.

Li Xian replied solemnly, "I am first the commander of Yihetang Manor, then the Martial Captain. How could I not return? Do not speak such words again in the future."

The nursing home attendants all agreed and watched him return to the courtyard, discussing with lingering interest:

"When Commander Li first entered the manor, I said he would achieve great things, and now it proves true."

"Commander Li is only sixteen, yet he has won the madam's favor and been appointed an official in the county. How can someone be so fortunate? I'm truly envious."

"To me, the madam's favor is far better than being a Martial Captain."

"Alas, Commander Pang and Commander Ying can't even compare to a strand of his hair. Such a divine being, we should gaze at him more. In the future, meeting and speaking with him will be difficult."

"You all only see Commander Li's glory, but you don't know his diligence. In my view, Commander Li's achievements today were inevitable."

"Oh, you know Commander Li well."

"Not to boast, but I lived with Commander Li for a while, and we became good friends, roasting by the fire and wandering the manor together."

...

...

Li Xian returned to the Commander's Courtyard.

He changed out of the commander's outfit and donned his new clothes. The silk clothes fit him better, enhancing his extraordinary looks.

Since he had received an official title, he naturally presented the proper demeanor. He tied up his long hair, appearing youthful and radiant, and as he stood there, he truly had the bearing.

"This outfit isn't like an official robe, but it suits me well," Li Xian spun around, feeling quite pleased.

The structure of the Great Military Officer's attire is actually quite good, very handsome to wear. But "Martial Captain" is a position that bridges the government and Jianghu.

Thus, there is no specific official attire.

Speaking of which, the nature of the Martial Captain is somewhat similar to the Celestial Patrol Bureau. But the Celestial Patrol Bureau holds a higher position and more power, especially in turbulent times, with greater life and death authority.

Li Xian walked out of the manor.

"Brother Li, you truly are a remarkable person!" Lin Guolong exclaimed with envy.

Li Xian gave a humble smile, mounted the white horse with red silk, and returned to the county, surrounded by the crowd.

A few miles from the county.

The sound of drums and gongs and firecrackers filled the air, lively and bustling. At the city gate, there were lion dance celebrations, and the people crowded the streets to watch.

On this day.

It could be considered a wealthy return, making a grand appearance. In Qingning County, his glory was unmatched, and none could compare.

"This is the newly appointed Martial Captain, the one who saved us."

A woman picked up a child, gazing admiringly at Li Xian's face.

Li Xian found the fanfare too much, but with a generous spirit, since it had come, he accepted it.

Riding into the city, he arrived at the Immortal Dream Tower on Red Candle Street in Qingning County.

This tower is the tallest in Qingning County.

Seven stories high, each story three zhang. Inside, it is adorned with carved beams and painted rafters, exquisite paintings hanging down, the lights brilliantly lit, extremely extravagant.

"I once couldn't even enter Red Candle Street, yet now I'm drinking and enjoying myself in the finest tavern in Qingning County. Here, the so-called 'friends' of mine, who once wouldn't spare me a glance?"

"Now they all smile at me, are reserved in my presence, and speak with caution. Is this power? Though fine, I can't say I truly like it."

Li Xian dismounted. How can one claim detachment from the world without stepping into it? How can one claim to dislike power without experiencing it?

Li Xian now enjoyed a piece of it. A small ripple in his heart, but nothing more.

The lady shopkeeper, flamboyantly dressed, approached. Her gaze glued to Li Xian, she showered him with auspicious words, praising him from top to bottom.

Finally, she said, "New groom, please come in; many people are waiting for you inside."

The term "new groom" referred to the newly appointed official parading through the streets. In the Great Wu Dynasty, a man on his wedding day was also called a "new groom," exempt from kneeling to officials for a day.

Li Xian nodded and entered the tavern.

"Master Martial Captain."

N aí were 180 banquet seats, all occupied. Merchants from the county, family members of the aristocracy, and scholars rose to greet Li Xian as he entered the tavern.

Their voices were uniform and resonant.

Such a scene... was just for a young man. The dancing girls and beauties of the Immortal Dream Tower, following the sound, all looked over, dazzled, never having seen such a scene, unforgettable for a lifetime.

Li Xian took his seat with grace, showing no sign of timidity. He raised his cup, drinking happily with the crowd.

Halfway through the drinking.

The dancers began to dance, while the sound of pipa and huqin floated through the air. The clinking of glasses, and the excess of wine and meat.

"Master Martial Captain, I have a daughter in the Lin Family, named Qingwan, just sixteen, the same age as you. If you don't mind, how about taking her as a concubine?"

A family member of the Lin Family spoke loudly.

They had already brought the daughter. Truly, she was very pretty, with a shy joy as she glanced at Li Xian.

The red lanterns shone.

The woman's tenderness added a touch of emotion.

Li Xian knew of this girl. Lin Qingwan... a well-known beauty of Qingning County, the Lin family's daughter, elegant and talented, skilled in embroidery. It was said she had long been engaged to the young master of the Luo Family.

He couldn't help but recall the past.

Li Xian and his younger brother were penniless, clothes tattered. With hunger gnawing at them, they left the city to dig wild vegetables to fill their stomachs. At that time, they heard the sound of horse hooves...

Lin Qingwan, dressed in splendid clothes, along with the young master of the Luo Family, went out for a spring outing. Five or six servants accompanied them, all dressed neatly.

In contrast, Li Xian, with hands covered in mud, wore only ragged pants, skinny as a stick, looking like a stray dog.

"Thirty years east of the river, thirty years west. Life's fortunes are truly unpredictable," Li Xian sighed internally and politely said, "I appreciate the Lin Family's kind offer, but Li Xian is focused on martial arts, uninterested in matters of romance. If Miss Lin were to follow me, it would waste her life, so I'll have to decline."

The Lin family member felt a deep regret, and Lin Qingwan was taken aback, her eyes reddening. She indeed admired this young hero, but it was not meant to be.

"Master Martial Captain, I have an empty mansion..."

"Master Martial Captain, I have a shop..."

Everyone spoke up, offering treasures, women, land, and shops to him. Li Xian declined some and accepted others; this grand banquet was more exhausting than practicing martial arts.

In a corner of the banquet hall.

Xu Liefeng rushed over upon hearing the news, his gaze filled with resentment as he stared intently at Li Xian. Now he was neither human nor ghost, while Li Xian was brimming with spirit, enjoying endless success and had even been appointed as Martial Captain.

"If I can't kill you in a month, what meaning is there left for me to live!" Xu Liefeng's heart raged with anger.

...

...

The banquet concluded, and everyone dispersed.

Li Xian called Lin Guolong over to inquire about the specifics of the "Martial Captain" duties.

Lin Guolong held nothing back, explaining the situation thoroughly. The role of Martial Captain was a localized military officer, present in some counties and absent in others.

Martial Captain Hall was established, similar to a government office. However, it did not deal with civilian affairs but rather handled disputes in the Jianghu.

It mediated conflicts between martial arts schools and sects.

The Jianghu was chaotic, with many vicious fugitives. The Martial Captain also had the duty to capture these criminals from the Jianghu.

In times of war, the Martial Captain held the authority to lead troops, functioning as a minor general.

"Brother Li, do a good job as this Martial Captain. Every year, in our Great Wu Dynasty, some local Martial Captains are selected to run errands in the Celestial Patrol Bureau. If you seize the opportunity and enter the Celestial Patrol Bureau, your future will indeed be limitless." Lin Guolong said with envy, and continued:

"However, you still have a long way to go. It seems being a Martial Captain won't be easy for you."

Li Xian asked, "Why?"

"You don't understand the power dynamics in Qingning County," Lin Guolong said. "Those presenting gifts are large land-owning families like the Lin Family, Luo Family, and Zhao Family. These people are shrewd and wealthy. Whenever a new official takes office, they inevitably try to forge alliances. This is nothing unusual, and you don't need to worry much as your interests don't clash significantly with theirs."

"The real challenge will come from dealing with the county's gang forces and traditional martial arts schools."

"And none of these people came. They are dissatisfied with you and unwilling to be restrained by your authority."

Li Xian was unconcerned, thinking, "This role of Martial Captain is merely for gaining experience. If there are too many trivial matters, I'll just ignore them. After all, there was no Martial Captain in Qingning County before."

With a smile, he said, "I see, Brother Lin, thank you." He cupped his hands in a gesture of respect and rode back to the manor.

...

...

Within Yihetang Manor.

In the Commander's Courtyard.

Li Xian loosened his muscles and tendons, using his Inner Qi to dispel the effects of alcohol. He changed into loose clothing and let out a comfortable breath.

At the banquet earlier, some families offered him properties.

But he did not accept, choosing instead to stay at Yihetang Manor.

Riding there took little time. Whether as "Nursing Home Commander" or "Qingning County Martial Captain," it's all just an empty title.

Taking it too seriously would become a shackle. The true foundation for turning one's fate is one's own strength.

"Being an official is secondary. As this type of military officer, it's very hard to climb up. Besides, being an official means nothing; having enough strength to roam the Jianghu suits my heart more."

"What I'm delighted about is... the Lin Family and Zhao Family gave me three shops. Now that I have my own shops, there's a flow of funds."

"I won't have to entirely rely on my wife, waiting passively, beyond my control!"

Two clothing shops and a food shop!

If there's time tomorrow, I must take a look.

The night was cool.

The banquet earlier was bustling with noise. Yet, Li Xian found it tiresome and uninteresting. Now, back at the courtyard, he felt content.

Peaceful and quiet.

The sound of cicadas filled the air.

Holding a Fine Steel Sword, he was invigorated, his Martial Intent pure. He disliked deceit, preferring straightforwardness and freedom.

Following his thoughts, he thrust out a sword.

The sword's tip trembled violently, emitting an odd "buzzing" sound. Li Xian turned the blade and stabbed backward, wielding his swordsmanship effortlessly.

His movements were graceful.

Although the swordsmanship was incomplete, he practiced rigorously and diligently.

[Skill Level +2]

[Skill Level +2]

...

Until midnight.

Suddenly, with a "crack," the Fine Steel Sword snapped in half.

[Setting Sun Bloodsword·First Layer]

[Skill Level: 14/12000 Great Success]

[Description: Though the swordsmanship is incomplete, your mind is resolute. Your relentless practice will lead to great success with the incomplete swordsmanship. You've comprehended the 'Blazing Wave' trait, visible in the initial glimpse of Martial Arts.]

[Your skill level is sufficient to practice the Setting Sun Bloodsword Second Layer.]

[Blazing Wave: With the body like a blazing sun, employing this trait allows moves to carry scorching heat waves.]

A scene unfolded before his eyes.

At the foot of a green mountain.

A small fenced courtyard.

A man and woman were comparing their sword skills. Their postures and demeanor were impeccable, and their playful sparring was filled with joy.

Li Xian suddenly thought, "That's it, if I could get my hands on the Yin Sword, using the 'Heaven rewards diligence' life chart to forcibly advance my skills and integrate the Yin Yang Dual Swords into one, wouldn't that be perfect?"

"But... my wife would never give it to me for nothing."

As the Yang Qi honed his body… a surge of energy rose from the Dantian, sweeping over his entire body.

Superior Martial Arts, even when divided and incomplete, had unforeseen effects.

At this moment, "Yang Qi honing the body" was an unexpected delight.

Li Xian glowed with a luminous light. Through his skin, veins, blood vessels, and bones were visible... undergoing a Yang Qi baptism.

With a "thump," Li Xian naturally stepped into the "Chest Drum Thunder Sound" realm. But this was merely a side effect!

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