45: Chapter 44 Under the Big Tree 45: Chapter 44 Under the Big Tree PS: A new week has begun, asking for favorites, recommendations, monthly tickets, and even a small tip of spare change, just to help us rank a little higher on the new book list.

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Hou Niao was not someone completely ignorant of the ways of the world; he knew that to live comfortably, it was crucial to align with powerful allies early.

However, he had no connections or foundation here, nor did anyone introduce him to any factions—except for the Dugu Family and the Anhe Gang.

But he guessed that with his realm, even if he did manage to cling to them, he wouldn’t be clinging to the “big thigh” but only to the leg hair—the kind that could be plucked and blown upon while shouting ‘fast’?

Therefore, he had no other choice; his master, the Capital Commandant Li, was the only option he had.

If the Quanzhen Sect were a place he had truly chosen on his own, he would have carefully considered the character, philosophy, and even the direction of the cultivation techniques of the people there.

In seeking a master, a disciple also seeks a teacher; it’s a two-way selection.

If you borrow someone’s influence, you must work for them, and if there are differences in philosophy, leading to alienation, that can be very embarrassing, as outsiders will not blame the master but will say that the disciple does not respect the teacher or the way.

But Quanzhen Sect was not his most desired destination.

His original intention was to join the Anhe Daoist Sect.

He had been sent to “lie low”, so since it was only a temporary stay, there was no need to concern himself with the philosophies of “big thighs.” He just needed to cling on for now, as he would eventually betray them anyways.

It would be best if he were a villain; then, he could sell them out with a clear conscience.

“Daoist Wang, I have some official duties and am currently not in Jin City.

If there’s anything you need, Hou Disciple, feel free to tell me, and I can make some arrangements,” said Wang Shouzhong with a gentle expression and polite demeanor.

Hou Niao certainly knew he shouldn’t press further about whether Capital Commandant Li was really in Jin City or take Daoist Wang’s offer of making arrangements too seriously.

These were just pleasantries, which he had heard far too often in the Fufeng officialdom.

“No particular requests, just wanted to express my gratitude.

Although my position is low and my power weak, if Daoist Brother Wang has any tasks for me, feel free to command, I will carry them out dutifully without deceit or resistance,” he replied.

Wang Shouzhong became even more amiable, seeing that this little cultivator was sensible, not annoying, and knew his boundaries.

So he was more than willing to talk further.

“When you enter the Sect, there are established rules and regulations to follow, and even without my attention, you won’t lack anything.

The key is what happens after the one-month period, once everyone goes their separate ways.

You must understand that you are a talent personally selected by Capital Commandant Li.

In Jin City, the three heroes who lead the overall situation rarely intervene in the recruitment of new disciples, as this is the responsibility of other seniors and elders.

During this large-scale recruitment, out of nearly two hundred people, less than ten were personally selected by the three, either because they were old acquaintances’ children, or to repay a friend’s favor, or because of their exceptional aptitude.

However, no matter the reason, now that you’re part of this group, your mark is set; you cannot be fickle or undisciplined, as it would mislead both others and yourself.”

Hou Niao nodded, understanding the ecology of the official world.

He had been aware of this ever since he was secretly summoned into the mansion at night.

“I understand, Daoist Brother,” he acknowledged.

Daoist Wang fiddled with a Jade Ball in his hand, his heart unclear as to why the Capital Commandant would open the doors so wide for a disciple of such a low realm.

The threshold for this round of recruitment was very low, but still required at least someone of the Essence Building Realm to be considered, since the recruits would mostly be assigned to various towns and would need actual abilities.

What could an Energy Induction cultivator do?

Of course, he didn’t have the Capital Commandant’s authority and couldn’t see the spy report on Hou Niao.

This wasn’t to say that Hou Niao was very important but rather that the identity of the spy had to be protected at all costs.

To maintain this hard-won network of information, there were likely no more than five people in Jin City who were authorized to see this report.

But since the Capital Commandant had made this decision, there must be a reason, right?

In fact, just before leaving, the Capital Commandant had not made any specific arrangements for him, which was a headache for Daoist Wang.

If he showed too much concern, would it backfire?

But if he showed no attention at all, would his master think he lacked insight?

He hadn’t been apprenticed to Li Chuping for long, and most of Li’s senior disciples had already been sent out to be on their own, leaving him alone to serve his master, striving for perfection was quite a challenge.

“Jin City has three major offices, the Mu Shuai Office is led by the nomadic envoy, the Central Army Office is commanded by Gao Zhonglang, and the Capital Commandant’s Office is in the hands of Capital Commandant Li, each with their own duties and responsibilities.

The Mu Shuai Office takes charge of every aspect of Da Feng Plain, handling civil governance and cultivation altogether, but with particular emphasis on tasks such as management of cultivators, dispatching, promotion, daily cultivation, resource allocation, and guidance on skills and so forth.

The Central Army Office specializes in warfare; it houses the most powerful mobile cultivation power of Da Feng Plain and, during times of war, also has the authority to command the stationed cultivators in various locations.

It can be said that it is the sharpest claw and fang of the Quanzhen Sect in Jin City.”

The Capital Commandant’s Office is the smallest in scale, but its power and responsibilities are exceptional, as it handles internal supervision and external espionage, managing intelligence and rooting out internal threats and traitorous spies.

All the dark aspects… heh heh, within the Quanzhen Sect, every Capital Commandant’s Office is a key and mysterious place, feared and loathed; that’s how members of the sect perceive it.

It goes without saying, what will you face being carved for Capital Commandant Li?”

Hou Niao felt a bit overwhelmed hearing this; he truly didn’t understand the internal power divisions within Shan Country, as the differences with Anhe Country were too great, simply not the same path.

The good news was, it’s cool under a big tree, and with such a powerful backer, surely no one would come to investigate him, right?

As long as he was careful in his doings.

The bad news was, because of this large tree, he might become more noticeable, and more eyes would be watching him, likely restricting his private activities significantly.

To be muddled is to court death; having come this far, could he even turn back?

Daoist Wang continued to provide guidance, feeling that it was better to point things out to this guy; the last thing he wanted was for him to cause any unnecessary trouble for his master.

The Capital Commandant’s Office had always been on the cusp of the storm within the great power of the Quanzhen Sect, and when various factions competed for power, it often fell to the Capital Commandant’s Office to mediate and resolve these conflicts.

Therefore, to forge iron, one must be strong oneself.

“In a month, you will also join a government office in Jin City to work, and you must remember not to get involved in any sectarian strife and simply focus on the task at hand.

Everyone has flaws; it is impossible to be foolproof.

As long as you conduct yourself with integrity, you won’t have to fear disaster knocking on your door.

But if you entangle yourself in those vortexes, knowing my master as I do, the closer ones are to him, the less likely he is to show mercy; typically, their punishment is even harsher.

By then, no one will be able to help you.”

Hou Niao internally complained, ‘What kind of backer is this if I can’t rely on him to act recklessly?

And act with integrity?’ He himself had been kicked out of Fufeng City precisely because he was too upright.

The only difference was that he lacked power, while Capital Commandant Li held a high position with significant influence; thus, it’s not about what kind of person you are, but the power you hold that matters.

…Farewell to Daoist Wang, he returned to his dwelling at the edge of the city, the new environment, the new identity, gave him a somewhat surreal feeling.

Sitting alone on the rooftop, he gazed at the Great Dao in the distance, contemplating whether he should inform Chong Ling Daoist of his entry into the Quanzhen Sect.

With his current status, reaching out was difficult; he could only passively wait for Chong Ling Daoist to send someone.

Alas, this identity was quite bothersome.

In fact, having interacted with the Quanzhen Sect these days, his perception of them wasn’t as bad as he thought.

Maybe it wouldn’t be unacceptable as a destination for his cultivation path?

Gazing into the distance, he fell into deep thought.

…In front of the sect lies the Great Dao; from a high platform, one can see far.

At sunset, the crowd thins, and at the border’s edge, the messenger never arrives.