Chapter 93: Chapter 84: Recommendation

Pang Jiu smiled. “It was nothing, Master Chen. No need to be so formal.”

Ultimately, Pang Jiu led Chen Qing to a heavily guarded stone hall beside the training grounds.

Pang Qinhai was seated in the hall’s main seat, and the wide desk before him was piled high with Jade Boxes, property deeds, silver notes, and Treasure Medicines—a dazzling, astonishing collection of confiscated wealth.

“Lord Captain, Master Chen is here,” Pang Jiu reported with a bow.

Pang Qinhai gestured to an empty chair. “Sit.”

Chen Qing sat down as instructed.

Pang Qinhai’s gaze drifted outside the hall. “Ghouls and demons, wallowing in their own filth. They thought they could blot out the sky with a single hand, but they never knew the law is a furnace that will ultimately incinerate all wickedness.”

Chen Qing cupped his fist. “Your Lordship is truly perceptive.”

Pang Qinhai’s gaze returned to Chen Qing’s face. He got straight to the point. “You’ve had all night. Have you thought it over?”

Chen Qing replied, “I ask for your Lordship’s guidance.”

“My Wutai Sect does not rely solely on the Military Examination to recruit disciples.”

Pang Qinhai spoke slowly. “Its Outer Sect accepts all manner of talent, regardless of background. As long as one’s aptitude is acceptable and they can afford the fees, they may join the Outer Sect and cultivate Middle and Lower Grade Martial Arts.”

“After three years of training in the Outer Sect, those whose Root Bone, temperament, and comprehension meet the requirements will have their details submitted to the Deans of the Inner Sect. If a Dean takes a liking to them, they can be accepted as a disciple, receive the True Inheritance of a Heart Method, and rise to prominence overnight!”

Chen Qing listened in silence.

’This is the conventional path. Three years of arduous cultivation in the Outer Sect, waiting to be selected… It’s full of uncertainty.’

’I’ve already reached the Transmutation Force realm, and my foundation is stable. To squander another three years in the Outer Sect… the cost in time is too great.’

’It would be even worse than just waiting for the Military Examination.’

“Of course, that path is time-consuming and relies on luck. However… the Wutai Sect has another rule.”

Pang Qinhai seemed to have read his mind. “Anyone with familial ties to an Inner Sect Disciple, who holds a valid letter of recommendation and a token, may be exempt from the three years of arduous training in the Outer Sect and be submitted directly to a Dean for review. If they pass…”

He paused for a moment. “…they become an Inner Courtyard Disciple and are taught a Superior Heart Method.”

Chen Qing’s eyes immediately lit up.

’Getting directly into the Inner Courtyard… this is undoubtedly a shortcut.’

’The three years I would save are invaluable to me.’

’But the key is… that recommendation letter…’

Just as his mind raced, contemplating the possibilities, Pang Qinhai’s next move made his pupils constrict.

From within his wide sleeves, he produced an old, simply-adorned envelope.

“That young lady from the Wu Family has mentioned you to me twice.”

Pang Qinhai’s tone was even as he gently pushed the envelope toward Chen Qing. “Furthermore, as the Captain of Gaolin County, it is my duty to scout and recommend talented individuals. This is my letter of recommendation. It does not name a specific person; whoever holds this letter gains the qualification to have their information submitted directly for the Inner Sect’s review.”

There was one thing he left unsaid: Chen Qing came from humble origins and had no background. If he managed to join the Wutai Sect through Pang Qinhai’s help, he would surely remember this debt of gratitude in the future.

Chen Qing’s eyes fell upon the letter, and his heart began to pound.

’The Wutai Sect! The Inner Sect! A Superior Heart Method!’

Chen Qing was genuinely tempted. Waiting for the Military Examination would take another year.

Chen Qing cupped his fist. “Thank you, Your Lordship!”

“This letter is merely a foot in the door. Entry into the Wutai Sect requires a thorough review by its masters. As the saying goes, ’the blacksmith must himself be strong.’ In the end, your success will depend on your own ability.”

Pang Qinhai continued slowly, “The journey to the Prefecture City is a long one. The Wu Family has already made the arrangements. Three days from now, you will depart from the Goddess Temple Pier and travel north by waterway. The fleet is composed of the Wu Family’s dedicated ships for transporting Spirit Fish, so it will be safe and quick.”

’Three days from now! The Goddess Temple Pier!’

Chen Qing slowly raised his hand and gently accepted the letter.

Seeing this, Pang Qinhai nodded in satisfaction.

Chen Qing hesitated for a moment. “Lord Pang, there is one more thing I’d like to ask. I wonder if Your Lordship might be able to help?”

Pang Qinhai glanced at Chen Qing. “Let’s hear it.”

He did not rush to agree.

Chen Qing said, “My father, Chen Wu, was conscripted for labor three years ago to dig a canal. To this day, there has been no word from him…”

“Three years ago… you don’t mean the Qianren Canal, do you?”

Pang Qinhai murmured to himself, then said gravely, “I will make some inquiries for you, but I can’t make any promises…”

Chen Qing bowed deeply. “Thank you for your trouble, Your Lordship.”

Pang Qinhai waved his hand. “Alright, you may go.”

Chen Qing cupped his fist in salute once more before turning and striding out of the grimly austere County Soldier Camp.

…

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