Chapter 90: Chapter 89: Harmony and Joy

The nine Cyan Dragon Guards in the hall laughed together upon hearing this.

They hadn’t seen such an earnest young man in a long time.

Normally, when people join the Cyan Dragon Guard, even if they care about things like monthly stipends, they would still put on an act.

But this young man was straightforward, getting straight to the point.

This wasn’t really Chen Tang’s fault though.

He was truly worried after being tricked in his past life.

Furthermore, he needed to find some time to go to the Snow Mountain to learn some advanced martial arts from the Mountain Guest.

Chen Tang’s honesty, though unexpected, actually made a few of the Cyan Dragon Guards nod quietly in approval and feel a sense of fondness towards him.

They truly did not like the kind of people who were slick and opportunistic.

Such people could thrive under the other three Guard Captains.

Even though Cai Yin said it was too much, he didn’t actually mind.

“Actually, the Cyan Dragon Bureau usually has nothing much going on, it’s relatively relaxed.”

The one speaking was a man in his thirties seated in the first position, named Wei Qun. He seemed relatively steady among the nine and said, “But when something does happen, we must act swiftly, and we might not have time to rest for several days.”

“Like the case in Changze County, the Cyan Dragon Bureau was busy for a whole day.”

Cai Yin continued, “Since you’re not yet an official Cyan Dragon Guard, the requirements aren’t high. Just check in daily, and if you need to go out, let us know beforehand.”

“And, you don’t need to call me Lord Cai anymore; all that master and servant stuff is tedious. Just call me Cai Tou like the others.”

“Sure, Lord Cai.”

“…”

“Ahem, old habits die hard. I’ll definitely change it next time.”

Cai Yin sized up Chen Tang and said casually, “You should be already at Ninth Grade, right?”

Chen Tang responded vaguely.

Cai Yin said, “I saw you stand your ground while an arrow from a Two-Stone Bow was shot at you in the training ground. That strength can’t just be someone who’s just entered the ranks.”

“Later, let Xiao Wang take you to the armory to learn the Bone Transformation Technique of the Cyan Dragon Bureau, and it’s mandatory to learn the Cyan Dragon Swordsmanship.”

Generally, after cultivating to the Ninth Grade, to advance further, one needs to switch to martial arts that strengthen the bones.

Ordinary martial arts can only be practiced to the level of skin and flesh; they cannot reach the bones.

Chen Tang had already cultivated to the Extreme Realm of Ninth Grade, so he should be practicing the Bone Changing Technique by now.

“You’re free to be lazy, but during the mid-year assessments, don’t embarrass me!”

Cai Yin glared with bull-like eyes and said, “I’ve already boasted about you; there’s less than half a year left, and you need to cultivate to Seventh Grade, okay?”

“Cai Tou, half a year is too rushed.”

Wei Qun frowned and said.

The others also nodded in agreement.

Even with great talent and ample resources in the Cyan Dragon Bureau, it’s impossible to jump from Ninth Grade to Seventh Grade in half a year.

“It’s also fine if you don’t reach Seventh Grade.”

Cai Yin said, “If you can defeat the Cyan Dragon Guards under the other Guard Captains, then no one will be able to speak against you.”

It all comes down to strength.

Wang Yanli shook his head and said, “Even that won’t be easy. I heard there are a few quasi-Cyan Dragon Guards under the other Guard Captains, and their cultivation is at the Eighth Grade.”

Cai Yin chuckled, gave Chen Tang a deep look, and said, “Don’t be fooled by this kid’s Ninth Grade cultivation; when it comes to reaction speed, even Eighth Grade may not compare to him!”

In the training ground, catching an arrow shot from a Two-Stone Bow requires not only sufficient strength but also a quick reaction.

Without any preparation, even an Eighth Grade martial artist might not dodge that arrow, let alone catch it with their hand.

“You guys should get acquainted with him; when you have free time, practice with him more so that he doesn’t always think about being lazy.”

Cai Yin said and stood up, preparing to leave.

After a few steps, as if remembering something, he turned back and took two leftover pieces of pastry from a tray and left, satisfied.

After Cai Yin left, the remaining Cyan Dragon Guards stood up and greeted Chen Tang.

“Junior Brother Chen, I am Yue Shou.”

“I am Mo Zilian…”

“Chi Yun…”

Everyone stepped forward with smiling faces to introduce themselves and welcome Chen Tang into the Cyan Dragon Bureau.

Some were more enthusiastic.

Others spoke little, just nodding.

Instead of the exclusion or hostility Chen Tang imagined, the atmosphere was lively and harmonious.

Amidst everyone’s teasing, Wang Yanli helped Chen Tang don the Cyan Dragon Armor and equipped him with the Cyan Dragon Sword.

Wang Yanli snorted lightly, completely unconcerned, acting boldly and openly.

Seeing this, Chen Tang accepted it calmly.

Once dressed, standing in front of a copper mirror, there was indeed a dramatic change in his demeanor!

Originally, Chen Tang only exuded a hint of wilderness.

Now, with his tall figure, armored and sword-bearing, his tiger-like eyes surveying the surroundings added a touch of authoritative presence!

I must say, this outfit is really impressive.

After chatting with Chen Tang for a while, everyone dispersed.

Wei Qun said, “Yanli, take care of Xiao Chen.”

“Don’t worry.”

Wang Yanli took Chen Tang to get familiar with the Cyan Dragon Bureau and then to the armory to study the cultivation techniques.

On the way, they passed by a blacksmith’s workshop where, even in the cold winter, the few people inside wore only thin sweatshirts, exposing their chests, and hammered iron with rhythmic clangs.

Chen Tang sighed inwardly.

The Cyan Dragon Bureau truly had everything.

“If the soft armor or weapons get damaged or if you want to forge any weapon, you can come here to find Old Zhang.”

Wang Yanli pointed to a robust elder in the blacksmith’s shop and said.

“A new recruit?”

Old Zhang saw Wang Yanli and his companion and greeted them.

Wang Yanli smiled and nodded, taking Chen Tang around the Cyan Dragon Bureau, introducing its different departments, any taboos, and things that needed attention.

“Hmm?”

Just then, a few Cyan Dragon Guards approached, led by a woman in her thirties. She wore the same Bronze Armor as Cai Yin, a sharp sword hanging at her waist. Her figure was voluptuous, and the charm in her eyes was enchanting.

Wang Yanli had just introduced that in the Cyan Dragon Bureau, anyone wearing Copper Armor was at least a Guard Captain.

The Bronze Armor weighed dozens of pounds. Although its defense was better, one must reach the Fifth Grade and cultivate Inner Qi; otherwise, it was too burdensome to wear regularly.

“This is Qin Xiaomei, one of the four Guard Captains.”

Wang Yanli nudged Chen Tang with his elbow, quickly whispering, then bowed in salute and said, “Greetings, Lord Qin.”

Chen Tang mimicked the gesture perfectly, following along.

“Is this the new little brother recruited by Brother Cai?”

Qin Xiaomei came closer, her peach-blossom eyes roving over Chen Tang as she drew small circles on the soft armor on his chest with her finger, smiling. “Such a handsome appearance. How about joining me in the future?”

“My lord is joking.”

Chen Tang took a half step back, his expression calm.

Qin Xiaomei felt completely different to him compared to Qingmu.

Qingmu possessed innate allure; her words and actions were natural and unobtrusive.

Even when teasing occasionally, it was in moderation and didn’t offend.

Qin Xiaomei, however, though also full of charm, exuded a sense of vulgarity deep down.

“Hmph!”

Before Qin Xiaomei could say more, a Cyan Dragon Guard behind her impatiently jumped out, scolding, “You’re just a Ninth Grade and not even a formal Cyan Dragon Guard yet, don’t get too arrogant!”

“Wei Dong, what’s it to you? Don’t find trouble for yourself!”

Wang Yanli sneered, “If you want him, you should talk to our Cai head.”

On the surface, these words were directed at that Cyan Dragon Guard, but in reality, they were a veiled insult.

Qin Xiaomei naturally heard the hidden meaning.

She only smiled slightly and said, “Just joking, no need to be so serious, see how flustered it’s made my sister Yanli, as if someone was going to snatch her man.”

The few Cyan Dragon Guards with Wei Dong let out a burst of malicious laughter.

Chen Tang asked, “Sister Li, weren’t you going to take me to the Armory? Let’s go.”

“Hmm.”

Wang Yanli took a deep breath, ignored the others, and led Chen Tang away.

Chen Tang asked, “Does this Qin Xiaomei have any grievances with Cai head?”

“Not really.”

Wang Yanli replied, “She tried to seduce Cai head before, but he ignored her.”

After pausing for a moment, Wang Yanli looked at Chen Tang and advised, “You must be careful not to fall for her tricks. Also, you can be casual in addressing our Cai head, but with others, you must adhere to proper titles. Don’t break the etiquette.”

“Cai head comes from a humble background and doesn’t mind such things, but others are different; they have strict rules.”

They walked further and could see from afar a separate courtyard with two Cyan Dragon Guards stationed at the entrance.

Wang Yanli said, “That’s where the Captain of the Cyan Dragon Bureau, Tan Wujiu, lives, a Fourth Grade.”

In the Cyan Dragon Bureau of Wu’an County, the Captain is the highest authority.

Chen Tang asked, “How many people are there in the Wu’an County’s Cyan Dragon Bureau?”

“About a hundred people.”

Wang Yanli answered, “Including you, Brother Cai has under him ten Cyan Dragon Guards, and the other three Guard Captains have over ten each.”

Chen Tang nodded. Plus the other staff in the bureau, like those in the blacksmith’s shop, it should be about right.

Wang Yanli said, “Don’t be fooled by the small number of our Cyan Dragon Bureau people in the Commandery, our power is not insignificant, and the overall combat strength far surpasses that of some noble families’ personal guards.”

“Against tens of thousands of troops, we surely couldn’t hold out, but against others, we Cyan Dragon Guards are not afraid.”

After all, to become a formal Cyan Dragon Guard, one must be at least Seventh Grade.

A group of one hundred Sixth and Seventh Grade martial artists, plus four Fifth Grade Guard Captains and one Fourth Grade Captain gathering together, holds an unshakable position in Wu’an County!

Once inside the Armory, Chen Tang looked around.

There were no vast collections of martial arts secret manuals to choose from, nor obscure fragments of techniques in corners for him to find by chance.

There was only a cultivation technique for training bones that seemed to involve breathing techniques.

And a scroll of Cyan Dragon Swordsmanship.

Of course, Chen Tang wasn’t disappointed.

He had never intended to rely on the cultivation techniques of the Cyan Dragon Bureau for his own cultivation.

Wang Yanli said, “Your cultivation is too low. Actually, the Cyan Dragon Bureau has a Yijin Technique, ’Cyan Dragon Claw.’ With your current bone strength, you cannot practice it yet.”

“Once you cultivate to the Eighth Grade, you can practice the ’Cyan Dragon Claw.’ Not only is this technique capable of Yijin, but it’s also the Cyan Dragon Bureau’s strongest grapple technique, perfected to even seize blades empty-handed!”

The techniques in the Armory cannot be taken out or passed on; they can only be practiced here.

Chen Tang read through twice, memorizing the Bone Transformation Technique and the moves of Cyan Dragon Swordsmanship.

By noon, after bidding farewell to Wang Yanli and others, Chen Tang returned to the inn.

He had a family member who had almost caused his death.

He still remembered it clearly in his heart.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep