ragginovel Chapter 21 Retribution is Just That
Chapter 21 Retribution is Just That
Besides honing one's skills, there are many shortcuts to understanding the true meaning of a concept, the most common being using visualization diagrams.
The visualization diagram contains the insights of advanced cultivators. For a Qi Refining cultivator to comprehend the visualization diagram is equivalent to an advanced cultivator receiving personal initiation.
Even cultivators with average comprehension can grasp the true meaning after meditating on the visualization diagram two or three times. The next step is simply to spend some time raising the level of that understanding.
However, only Core Formation cultivators can draw such visualization diagrams; even Foundation Establishment cultivators would find them difficult to obtain.
Besides these, there are also some powerful forces that can plant seeds of true meaning through external means. With more comprehension, cultivators can transform these seeds of true meaning into complete true meaning.
After hearing Gao Ling's words, both Li Cheng and Jiang Chen were somewhat tempted.
A spiritual chef who has grasped the true meaning of food can satisfy not only one's appetite but also one's true understanding of the food's essence.
Although neither of them knew how to cook and couldn't directly learn the true essence of others' cooking, they could still learn a thing or two from it.
Jiang Chen didn't care. Although he was also a member of the Garrison Command, the Garrison Command hadn't assigned him any official duties, so a private banquet was no big deal.
Li Cheng shook his head: "Although this is a rare opportunity, I am currently under orders to investigate matters in the Southwest Ward, and you, Brother Gao, are the one being investigated."
If I accept your invitation, and then some gossip spreads, we'll both be in trouble. Let's wait until this matter is over before discussing it further.
Gao Ling naturally knew the gravity of the situation, but having just received a favor, he had to show some respect.
Jiang Chen nodded and said, "Guard Gao, you don't need to be so polite. I'm not a very magnanimous person, but I won't implicate the innocent."
I was a little frightened, but that was that scoundrel Shirahama's business, it has nothing to do with you. I should thank you for taking care of him for me.”
Gao Ling also breathed a sigh of relief: "Brother Jiang, don't worry. Before sending him to Changyuan Mountain, I will use some tricks on him. I will definitely not let him leave Changyuan Mountain alive."
At around noon the day after tomorrow, you can go to the East Gate Wharf to watch. At that time, Shirahama will be taken to Changyuan Mountain, and his gruesome appearance will definitely satisfy you.
He originally wanted Bai Bin to redeem himself at Changyuan Mountain, and then he would use his connections to get him transferred back.
After all, he's a trusted confidant who has served him faithfully for over a decade or two. If he doesn't find a way to protect him, the loyalty of his subordinates will crumble.
It seems that as long as Bai Bin lives, Jiang Chen's hatred will not subside. For his own future, he has no choice but to sacrifice Bai Bin.
At this moment, Li Cheng also reminded him: "Brother Jiang, you must not spread what I just said to Brother Gao."
This kind of thing is taboo; it's usually kept secret. But you're the one who suffered in this matter, so if you don't agree, all our discussions will be in vain.
Jiang Chen cupped his hands and said, "Brother Li, rest assured, I am not a magnanimous person, but I am clear about gratitude and grudges."
Yesterday you dealt with Gu Laohu's family, and this time you also helped deal with Bai Bin. You've been kind to me, and I would never cause you any trouble.
"I have a few questions I'd like to ask Brother Li."
Li Cheng waved his hand: "You're too polite. Just tell me what's on your mind."
Jiang Chen asked, "I heard that the sword-wielders under your patrol are all recruited by yourselves."
After I joined the garrison command, my treatment was exactly the same as that of a patrol guard. I wonder if I could recruit swordsmen?
He asked this question because he wanted to recruit some people and cultivate his own team.
Like Hou Ming, he can help me ship goods and gather information, saving me a lot of time.
Although the cultivation world values strength above all else, power struggles and conflicts of interest are still common.
Why? Because having power allows one to build their own team, acquire resources more efficiently, and cultivate faster.
When competing for resources with other cultivators or forces, having their own core group makes them stronger overall.
Upon hearing this, Li Cheng was taken aback: "Your question has really stumped me. The practice of people like you joining the garrison command with their skills and receiving patrol guard treatment only started this year."
There's really no precedent for this. I can ask Steward Zhao about it for you; it's under his jurisdiction.
Jiang Chen also cupped his hands in acknowledgment: "Then I'll have to trouble you, Brother Li."
After exchanging a few pleasantries, Li Cheng and Gao Ling also took their leave.
Jiang Chen sighed inwardly: "I never expected my status to rise so much. Before, even an ordinary ghostwriter could easily control me."
People like Gu Laohu and his mother are enough to keep me from going out.
In just one month, I've already become sworn brothers with the regular patrol guards.
However, he still knew his own limitations.
"My current status is nominal. It is the Garrison Command, Li Cheng, and Gao Ling who value my potential and believe that I will be able to join the Golden Cauldron Sect in the future."
Otherwise, I, a Qi Refining Level 4 cultivator, wouldn't even have the right to sit down in front of a Qi Refining Level 4 cultivator.
If my potential cannot be converted into real strength, then it is as if it has no potential at all.
I still need to improve my cultivation and talisman-drawing abilities as soon as possible. If I don't improve, my current position will be my death knell.
With that in mind, he began drawing talismans again.
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Two days passed, and as noon approached, Jiang Chen arrived at the East Market.
Before long, several guards and more than a dozen swordsmen escorted fifty cultivators dressed as rogue cultivators out of the garrison headquarters and headed straight for the east gate.
Li Cheng and Gao Ling were also among them. When they saw Jiang Chen, they both smiled and waved.
Beside Gao Ling was a middle-aged cultivator with tattered clothes and numerous bloodstains on his body.
His face was smeared with blood, obscuring his features. But Jiang Chen still recognized him by his distinctive single eye; it was Bai Bin, the one who had tried to mess with him earlier.
At this moment, Shirahama was walking unsteadily, as if his legs were weak.
Jiang Chen chuckled inwardly: "You took bribes from others and now you want to cripple my legs and send me to Changyuan Mountain."
I never imagined you'd stoop to this level; karma really does catch up with you!
He watched as Shirahama was put onto the cargo ship, and only after the ship left the dock and headed south did he leave the East Market and return to his own courtyard.
The next morning, Li Cheng visited the Jiang family's courtyard.
After taking his seat, Li Cheng quickly said, "Brother Jiang, I have already inquired about the matter of the swordsman with Manager Zhao."
We can also recruit artisans who enjoy the same treatment as patrol guards, but with different titles. Ours are called "knife handlers," while yours can be called "guards" or "servants."
The quota is limited to five people, and the treatment is the same as that of the ghostwriter. They will be registered at the garrison headquarters, receive a set of standard clothing and ritual implements, and be exempt from taxes for themselves and five relatives, as well as taxes for a residence.
However, the garrison headquarters does not pay salaries; their treatment depends entirely on your wishes.
Once you've selected your men, just bring them to Steward Zhao at the garrison headquarters.
"Furthermore, they have no law enforcement authority unless ordered to be conscripted by the garrison command or other patrols."
If someone takes the initiative to attack other cultivators, the Garrison Command will handle it as a conflict between independent cultivators.
However, when other cultivators attacked them, it was treated as an attack on government personnel.
Jiang Chen understood that fighting was prohibited in the market. However, if the swordsman intervened, it could be considered law enforcement, and there would be no serious consequences if someone was injured.
One's own guards have the same right of defense as the person who performs the attack, but they cannot take the initiative to attack.