Chapter 40: A Plan

“As expected, it’s heavily guarded.”

After careful observation, Chen Luo finally identified the person responsible for the blockade.

An emaciated old man concealed himself on a tree nearby, blending in with his clothing color; under normal circumstances, he would be virtually undetectable. Although Chen Luo remained in the Bone Tempering Realm, after absorbing the pale blue energy, his strength now matched that of an ordinary Zongshi. Since the old man had not yet reached the Zongshi level, he could not escape Chen Luo’s perception.

Having confirmed the presence of guards, Chen Luo changed direction to explore another approach.

However, he discovered more defenders stationed there as well, with a formidable army blocking the entrance and hidden experts lurking in the shadows.

This was just at the entrance of the mountain valley; the situation deeper inside remained unclear. Rushing in recklessly would indeed be unwise.

Throughout the night, Chen Luo detected over a dozen covert sentries.

All of them were accomplished jianghu warriors, masters wielding inner qi, including three who were in the Bone Tempering Realm. These were only the ones he sensed; there might have been even stronger Zongshi hidden beneath the surface.

Such was the power of the imperial court, boasting far more skilled individuals than those found among the common folk.

Once rare to encounter in Qingya County, these formidable experts now filled the mountain valley like common dogs.

Realizing infiltration was impossible, Chen Luo decided to return home.

‘Too bad about those heads.’

As he left, Chen Luo glanced back one last time. The corpses of the travelers had already been cleared away, leaving no chance for him to salvage anything.

Upon reaching his village, dawn was breaking. As usual, Chen Luo began his morning cultivation just before sunrise.

Within him, another thread of ‘intangible energy’ accumulated. After practicing breath control for so many days, its marginal benefits had diminished significantly. Additionally, the digestion of the pale blue force was slowing down, causing it to accumulate and clog several of his qi vessels.

“This cannot continue.”

Chen Luo pondered potential solutions. Relying solely on the royal brain’s power was clearly insufficient; he could only use it sparingly each day, akin to the duration of drinking a cup of tea. Overuse led to mental fatigue, triggering automatic sleep.

This weak attribute severely hindered Chen Luo’s grand plans for immortal cultivation.

“I must find a way out.”

After pondering for a moment, Chen Luo’s gaze shifted towards Qingya County.

If stealth won’t work, then he’ll go openly.

A plan began to take shape in Chen Luo’s mind.

Late morning approached.

At the entrance of Qingya County’s yamen, Jiang Danian stifled a yawn, feeling drowsy. Regardless of changes at the top, those at the bottom remained largely unaffected. Even with new county officials, it didn’t hinder the lower-ranking staff from slacking off; after all, their duties persisted regardless of who was in charge.

Jiang Danian found himself in this very state. With only a modest monthly income, there was no need to overexert himself; he simply got by day-to-day as best he could.

During Qingya County’s calamity, he had narrowly escaped death. Thankfully, hiding in a widow’s cellar saved his life. Later, when the imperial court appointed a new official, the surviving bailiffs resumed their positions. Now, with the military stationed here, the security in Qingya County had significantly improved.

The only regret was the significant loss of familiar faces, including Little Taohong, whom he frequently visited. She reportedly died that fateful night, killed by the ‘rebels.’ This news brought tears to Jiang Danian’s eyes, not just for her but also because finding such affordable companionship would now be much harder. The newly emerging courtesans were too expensive; he tried once and ended up scrimping on meals ever since.

Finding such affordable brothel girls would be much harder now. The newly introduced ones were too expensive; he visited just once, leaving him with barely enough money for watery meals ever since.

“Uncle Jiang! I’ve come to see you.”

A sudden voice startled Jiang Danian, causing him to jump.

“Is it that nephew from the Chen family?!” Jiang Danian recalled Chen Luo’s identity.

He didn’t have many drinking buddies, and Third Uncle Chen was one of them. In their past outings, Jiang Danian often invited Chen Lao San along for nights at the brothels. Together they shared camaraderie, carrying guns and laboring side by side, enjoying each other’s company immensely.

After the Qingya County incident, Chen Lao San disappeared. Now, whenever Jiang Danian went alone to indulge in pleasures, even the wine tasted bland without a friend to split the bill.

Finding compatible companions wasn’t easy.

“How did you return all by yourself? Where’s your third uncle?” As Jiang Danian spoke, he glanced behind Chen Luo but saw no sign of Chen Lao San.

“My third uncle is in Yanhu County today, so I’m back here on my own to visit.” Chen Luo explained with a smile.

His purpose for seeking out Jiang Danian was straightforward: to apply for the position of grave digger in Qingya County through his connection.

If indirect approaches won’t work, why not go straight ahead! In any other place, he might need to think more strategically, but here in Qingya County, they were like local tyrants.

Upon arriving earlier this morning, Chen Luo had already inquired and learned that even the grave diggers working at the quarantine zone were dispatched from Qingya County.

“Went to Yanhu County? Why didn’t he return to Qingya instead? There’s military presence here now, it’s much safer,” Jiang Danian expressed his discontentment.

With Third Uncle gone to Yanhu County, wouldn’t it mean he’d lose his drinking companion forever?

“Third Uncle is getting older, and the incident last time really shook him up. So, he decided to retire early,” Chen Luo casually provided an excuse for his uncle. After all, with a substantial amount of silver at hand, there was no chance Third Uncle would return as a grave digger.

“Retired, what a pity.” Jiang Danian felt regretful but understood. Being a grave digger differed greatly from their bailiff duties; it carried too much risk. He vividly recalled when Magistrate Lou had asked him to inform Third Uncle about collecting the bodies of Wang Laozuan’s family.

During that incident, Jiang Danian thought Third Uncle might not survive, yet surprisingly, the man’s sheer luck pulled him through.

“What brings you here?”

“This is what I propose: my third uncle’s position at the county yamen remains vacant, right? Since it’s just sitting idle, why not let me fill the role? That way, it doesn’t go to some outsider.” As Chen Luo spoke, he took out two pieces of broken silver from his pocket and handed them to Jiang Danian.

“I couldn’t possibly accept your money.”

Jiang Danian returned the silver, gave Chen Luo a thoughtful look, and then said:

“Wait here for a moment; I’ll go inside and speak on your behalf. The county yamen currently lacks a grave digger, so there shouldn’t be any issues.”

Jiang Danian didn’t think much about it. Despite being a grim occupation, being a public servant had its benefits. For many people at the bottom rung, such positions were highly sought after. As the nephew of an old friend, he was more than willing to lend a helping hand.

Jiang Danian proved efficient, emerging from the official residence shortly thereafter with a new appointment document written by the county adviser. For lowly roles like grave digging, the magistrate himself needn’t personally pen the letter; the adviser could handle it.

“It’s done.” Jiang Danian handed over the new appointment document.

With this, Chen Luo officially became part of Qingya County’s administrative staff.

His clear background and existing records within Qingya County made it easier for him to secure employment at this time; otherwise, finding work in the county yamen would have been quite challenging.

“Many thanks, Uncle Jiang!” Chen Luo promptly expressed his gratitude.

Now that his identity issue was resolved, he could openly seek help with ‘borrowing brains.’ Indeed, solutions exist even when circumstances seem rigid.

As long as one is willing to think creatively, there are always more ways to overcome difficulties than problems themselves!

“Since you call me Uncle Jiang, helping you comes naturally. If you have spare time, remember to tell your Third Uncle to come back for a drink with me sometime.”

Jiang Danian patted Chen Luo on the shoulder before turning to head back into the county yamen.

Contrary to appearances, Jiang Danian was not merely a gatekeeping bailiff but the Constable himself. Yawning at the entrance earlier had just been a moment of laziness, but with a younger generation member arriving now, he needed to maintain a proper image.