Chapter 922: The Invitation

Xiaoqi!

Wang Chen chose to join the Blood Guard system, certainly not aiming for the lowest rank of Guard.

His ambition was immense, the kind that couldn’t be shared with anyone.

However, the speed of his promotion took even Wang Chen by surprise.

Though Xiaoqi is the lowest position within the Blood Guard, commanding no more than ten people, it holds a military rank equivalent to a seventh-grade officer.

Being directly under the Royal Family of Daliang, his status was indeed no less than that of a county magistrate!

Moreover, with an official position, any achievements made by his subordinates could also bring rewards to his superior.

Wang Chen had slain Black Whirlwind Li Kui, securing a minor achievement, but having such an accomplishment didn’t immediately qualify him for promotion to Xiaoqi, as seniority also played a crucial role.

Additionally, positions weren’t just increased at will; typically, it was a case of one position per person, and only when a spot became available could someone else naturally fill it.

Within Linjiang Wei Hall, there were indeed those qualified to serve as substitutes.

But this stroke of luck firmly landed on Wang Chen.

Five days later, Linjiang Wei Hall received a commendation order from the capital, promoting Wang Chen to the position of Xiaoqi.

However, he wasn’t replacing the Xiaoqi who had previously died in battle but was instead elevated to the captain of the newly formed sixth team in Linjiang Wei Hall!

As for the vacant Xiaoqi position, it was filled by another Senior Guard.

This significantly alleviated Wang Chen’s pressure.

Nonetheless, he became the target of envy and jealousy among the Blood Guards.

“Congratulations, congratulations!”

Old Qiu was genuinely happy for Wang Chen. Though he lamented the loss of a fierce warrior under his command, he took pride in Wang Chen’s rapid rise.

Meanwhile, Dong Zhihui, standing nearby, was consumed by jealousy, his eyes nearly bleeding with resentment.

At just sixteen, Wang Chen was still a mere boy, a newly promoted Guard, yet he had surpassed Dong Zhihui in just a few months.

This left Dong Zhihui feeling utterly miserable!

Yet, he had to force a smile, joining his colleagues in congratulating Wang Chen.

“Team Leader Ling!”

One Blood Guard joked, “Now that you’ve been promoted to Xiaoqi, shouldn’t you treat us all to a drink?”

“Yes, yes, yes!”

Everyone joined in, “You must treat us!”

They couldn’t let Wang Chen off without making him spend some money, to ease their resentment.

Wang Chen smiled and replied, “No problem; let’s go to Spring Moon Tower tonight!”

“Spring Moon Tower!”

The crowd erupted in excitement.

Linjiang, though merely a county city, was still a prominent town within Taiping County, bustling with many people and thriving businesses. Naturally, the city had its fair share of establishments like brothels and gambling houses, which were places where wealth was easily spent.

Spring Moon Tower was one of them, and its prices were particularly high.

For ordinary members of the Blood Guard like them, their monthly salaries were barely enough to cross the threshold of the lowest level of Spring Moon Tower!

Wang Chen actually planned to host a banquet there, and that display of generosity alone was enough to dispel much of the resentment in people’s hearts.

“Team Leader Ling…”

Dong Zhihui frowned and said, “You’re not joking, are you? With so many of us, can you afford to treat us at Spring Moon Tower?”

In fact, there were not many people present, but Dong Zhihui intended to provoke Wang Chen, trying to set a trap with his words.

If Wang Chen claimed he could afford it, he would pull more people over to make Wang Chen spend even more money.

If Wang Chen was boasting…

Then there would be a good show to watch!

Wang Chen smiled and replied, “I still have money for drinks…”

He looked meaningfully at Dong Zhihui and added, “Brother Dong, don’t worry. If I can’t pay, I won’t leave you at Spring Moon Tower washing dishes to pay off a debt!”

Wang Chen’s joke made everyone burst into laughter.

Dong Zhihui felt his face turn red.

He was both embarrassed and anxious, thinking of retaliating with a sharp retort, but a piercing gaze suddenly swept over.

It was Old Qiu!

Dong Zhihui’s swelling head felt like it had been doused with a bucket of ice water, instantly waking him up.

After following Old Qiu for many years, he knew well that while this Xiaoqi seemed approachable, he could be ruthless when it came to matters of importance.

Old Qiu was clearly supporting Wang Chen, and if he jumped in now with negativity, how would he fare later?

Dong Zhihui quickly withdrew his head.

He kept silent.

However, since he had just spoken, Wang Chen didn’t intend to let it go. He had already gone around the Wei Hall, inviting all the Blood Guards he could.

Everyone was quite accommodating, especially since Wang Chen was treating at Spring Moon Tower. Therefore, four out of the five other Xiaoqi were willing to join, with the remaining one being on a mission.

Of course, Wang Chen wouldn’t overlook the boss of Linjiang Wei Hall—Zongqi Pang Tai.

Wang Chen’s promotion had a lot to do with both Zongqi Pang Tai and Zongqi Xue from the capital.

However, Zongqi Xue had returned to the capital three days ago.

“I have important matters tonight, so I won’t be attending.”

Pang Tai shook his head and said, “Everyone, have fun.”

Although the recent Yellow Lotus Cult incident had caused significant losses to the Wei Hall, it was fortunate that the crisis was contained in time and did not lead to major disaster.

Moreover, the Blood Guard had killed many cult members, including a notable leader.

With achievements balancing out the shortcomings, Pang Tai’s position remained steady.

He naturally had a good impression of Wang Chen, who had contributed significantly, and didn’t want to attend the banquet personally and spoil his subordinates’ enjoyment, so he politely declined.

After all, it was better to maintain some distance between superiors and subordinates!

Pang Tai not attending didn’t surprise Wang Chen. He quickly presented a letter he had prepared earlier and placed it in front of Pang Tai.

“This is a small token of appreciation from your subordinate; I hope you will accept it.”

Pang Tai was a bit surprised, then laughed in astonishment, raising his hand to gesture lightly at Wang Chen, “Alright, let’s say this won’t happen again!”

Although the Blood Guard’s wages were not low, they were still not enough to cover the costs of martial arts training.

To maintain or even improve one’s strength, one either needed support from their family or had to find ways to earn extra outside.

The Blood Guard had quite a few opportunities to earn extra.

The most lucrative was confiscation, although such chances were rare, and it might take a year and a half before encountering one, leading to many people competing for limited rewards.

Secondly, there were battle gains, where typically some of the spoils could be kept.

Otherwise, who would be willing to fight with all their might?

As a superior, Pang Tai often received offerings from his subordinates.

If Wang Chen hadn’t given anything, he wouldn’t have missed that small amount of silver, but he would definitely hold a grudge and think of Wang Chen as someone not worthy of deep trust.

Now that Wang Chen had offered something, Pang Tai didn’t want Wang Chen to feel embarrassed, so he accepted it with ease.

After Wang Chen bid farewell and left, Pang Tai opened the letter on the table and took out a silver medal, clearly seeing the amount inscribed on it.

He felt even more satisfied.

Talented and smart young people like Wang Chen were truly rare these days!