Water Ink Panel: Starting with Bow Technique to Hunt the Sun and Patrol the Skies
Chapter 119 - 43 The Bigger the Waves, the Pricier the Fish

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"Martial title?"

As soon as these words were spoken, the hall erupted in an uproar.

It was well-known that changing one's status in the Great Zhou was a difficult task.

Generally, whatever status the people of Great Zhou were born with, they would die with, barring any exceptional circumstances.

To change status, one must either serve in the military, earning merit on the battlefield, or pass the civil or martial exams to become an officer or general.

However, for most ordinary people without connections, either path was nearly impossible.

Many social intricacies were involved, and it wasn't simply about one's cultivation; ordinary people were at a disadvantage.

Likewise, once one's status changed to martial, it meant gaining an opportunity to enter the Great Zhou Court, becoming a person of significance, and acquiring a degree of fame and social status.

It didn't guarantee a lifetime of wealth, but at the very least, it provided critical social resources, ensuring a prosperous life for three generations.

Someone as formidable as Li Linfeng hadn't acquired a martial title in his lifetime.

Now, with the government clerk presenting the martial title, it was no surprise that everyone was taken aback.

After hearing the clerk's words, everyone felt the county magistrate was demonstrating considerable sincerity.

However, unlike others,

the same words fell on Li Linfeng's ears like a weight, causing his heart to sink as he sensed something amiss.

He realized that the words of the Guardian Martial Department's clerk were directed at him.

The clerk's words were polished, seemingly respectful, yet they had cornered him.

If he refused, he would oppose the court and seem ungrateful, which would end badly; if he hindered the disciples' path to advancement, he'd meet resistance all around.

But if he agreed, his lifelong efforts in Linfeng Hall would likely be halved.

Originally, he planned to train four or five direct disciples and focus on three for special cultivation.

One disciple to manage, one to act as a strategist, and one for martial prowess, thereby expanding and strengthening Linfeng Hall.

Even if he didn't have the martial title, his descendants could benefit from his legacy.

Now, after the tiger demon incident, one of his five direct disciples was dead, and another was crippled.

Among the three remaining, two had hidden injuries due to conflicts with Mi Gang.

The last one was fine, extraordinarily gifted, yet his reputation was not established, so he was in a period of accumulating strength.

Under these circumstances, the government still demanded he dispatch some disciples, essentially digging up his foundation.

Did he have the means to refuse?

No!

The government loomed like a mountain in front of him, immovable and insurmountable.

Li Linfeng's fists clenched tightly in his sleeves, his knuckles turning white.

The clerk dressed in black, wearing an id card, glanced at Li Linfeng and continued: "Our lord knows that Master Li has a hard time regarding his disciples, being a rare and good teacher, but we also hope Master Li takes into account the overall situation and shows some consideration for the city's people."

Li Linfeng exhaled and took two steps forward, staring directly at the official of the Guardian Martial Department, speaking with a smile: "You can have my disciples, but I require the treatment for each to be doubled, twenty taels per person. If injured or killed, the compensation should be eighty taels, and for direct disciples, it should be doubled again."

"If you can agree, I will arrange it. If not, then let's drop it. Compared to the city's people, I should consider my disciples more."

Li Linfeng set a high price, and given the government's typically stingy ways, they would surely refuse.

Thus, he could use this to decline the government's summon while solidifying support within his hall.

However, unexpectedly, the Guardian Martial Department agreed!

"Fine, Master Li indeed treats his disciples like his own children. Before I came, the County Magistrate stated clearly, as long as Master Li's demands aren't excessive, we can agree. I find Master Li's terms quite reasonable."

Not only that, the clerk of the Guardian Martial Department upped the ante, taking a stack of silver notes from his bosom and placing them on the table: "This is a token of appreciation from the County Magistrate prepared beforehand, please accept it."

Then, he took out a porcelain bottle: "I also have Qi Blood Pills, twenty in total, issued by the court to consolidate qi and blood and increase cultivation progress. I hope Master Li won't make it difficult for me."

"Our county government is determined to exterminate the tiger demon and hopes Master Li will support us. We'd be eternally grateful."

Qi Blood Pill?

Li Linfeng's expression changed, knowing this was part of the Zhou Country Court's martial mechanism salary, comparable to a powerful tonic.

Outside, one pill was worth between one to five taels.

The Guardian Martial Department had indeed put in a lot.

With matters reaching this point, Li Linfeng knew he had no room to maneuver.

He couldn't fight back, nor could he escape.

What else could he do?

Li Linfeng slowly unclenched his fists hidden in his sleeves.

"How many do you need this time?"

A smile flashed across the clerk's face as he quickly said: "Considering the heavy losses Master Li has suffered, you only need to send one more direct disciple, five inner courtyard disciples, and ten outer courtyard disciples. If the tiger demon is slain, the greatest contributor can obtain a martial title."

"Alright, I understand."

The Guardian Martial Department's clerk cupped his hands and said: "Then we meet tomorrow at Mao Hour under the West City Gate. Since the matter is settled, I won't disturb Master Li further, farewell."

"Take care, no need to see me off."

The clerk turned to leave, and the disciples gathered at the entrance of the hall parted to make way.

After he left the inner hall, Li Linfeng called Ouyang Tiezhu and Wushili over, saying: "Get some silver from A Fu and take care of your brothers' affairs. I'll handle the second one's matters myself."

"Yes, Master," Ouyang Tiezhu stepped forward, "Then who goes this time?"

Li Linfeng looked at Ouyang Tiezhu, then at Wushili.

In the tiger demon incident, even the two seemingly unscathed disciples, Niu Daping and Dong Zizhuang, met with misfortune. These two had recently recovered from injuries, and if sent again, they'd likely face dire consequences.

As he struggled with the decision, his peripheral vision caught sight of Shen Qing standing outside, and with a sigh of resignation, he said: "Send your junior disciple."

Ouyang Tiezhu and Wushili exchanged a glance: "The junior disciple has not been practicing martial arts for long. Even if he is extraordinarily gifted, his combat experience is lacking. If sent, it might be a life-and-death situation."

Li Linfeng reluctantly said: "Ask your junior disciple's opinion first."

Saying this, he motioned for Shen Qing to come over.

Shen Qing understood, approached, and cupped his hands: "Master, you called for me?"

Li Linfeng said: "I intend to send you this time. Are you willing? If not, then forget it."

Shen Qing glanced at everyone, weighing the pros and cons in his mind.

After continuous cultivation, his real combat strength might be approaching the Qi Cultivation Realm, coupled with his archery skills, who could say.

Moreover, with the Turtle Breathing Technique, Eagle Eye, and the Dragon Roar Armor, if he couldn't win, he could at least ensure his safety.

The greater the risk, the greater the reward!

Opportunities to obtain a martial title were rare.

It was also a chance to gauge how powerful he truly was after mastering so many martial arts and skills.

With this in mind, Shen Qing agreed: "I am willing, Master."

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