Cultivation System: Stronger with Age
Chapter 44 - 40: Hefty Reward, Chief Silver Jade Steward

Chapter 44: Chapter 40: Hefty Reward, Chief Silver Jade Steward

The atmosphere in the council hall was solemn.

Jiang Yuran sat upright behind a sandalwood table carved with peculiar runes, her delicate face full of coldness.

Steward Xu Bei and Steward Ma Rusong, who stood before the sandalwood table, were somewhat tense, their heads lowered, not daring to make any sound.

Wu Liangye, Gao Yunchao, and the other four Grand Chief Stewards sat on either side. Wu Liangye, slightly furrowing his brows, occasionally took a sip from a Wine Gourd.

Seated in sandalwood chairs below were Steward Ma Jiang and seven other Stewards, all silent.

The remaining forty-two Chief Stewards sat in order of their entry into the sect, with Lin Xuankong, who had joined not long ago, naturally seated at the very back.

Judging by this stance, the pretty Daoist Nun is about to lose her temper today, he thought. But why would she suddenly target Ma Rusong? He has strong backing and was just promoted to Chief Steward... This Ma Rusong really is more trouble than he’s worth. What mess has he caused this time?

As Lin Xuankong pondered, Jiang Yuran glanced at everyone and said, "Esteemed colleagues, you have fought many hard battles on campaign recently, and many have achieved remarkable feats, such as Steward Ma Jiang, Steward Zhao Yufei, Steward Lin Xuankong, Steward Nalan Yunzhu, and others.

Especially Steward Lin Xuankong. Despite his age, he has accomplished great feats, surprising both me and the Hall Master!"

Saying this, her expression softened a bit, and she smiled and nodded at Lin Xuankong, who was sitting at the far end.

The various Stewards present could not help but look at Lin Xuankong, their faces showing both surprise and envy.

After all, being publicly praised by the daughter of the Yin Talisman Sect Leader and the mighty Chief Steward Jiang was a rare honor in the entire Yin Talisman Sect. This fiery-tempered Chief Steward Jiang was usually either reprimanding people or preparing to do so!

As thoughts swirled among the crowd, Jiang Yuran continued, "Though the hall has already rewarded everyone according to their merits, you all should be allowed some time to recuperate! Unfortunately... something major has happened in the hall, and you must endure a few more days of hardship!"

After speaking, she looked at Xu Bei and Ma Rusong.

"Steward Xu, you are in charge of all matters in the warehouses, correct? Steward Ma, were you guarding the warehouse with several Deputy Stewards and disciples when the theft occurred yesterday?"

Their expressions changed slightly, and they each bowed, saying, "Yes," and "Yes."

Jiang Yuran’s face turned cold again, and she shouted, "In that case, how could you let two Flying Thieves steal from the third warehouse, making the entire Great Marsh Prefecture mock the Yin Talisman Sect!"

Ma Rusong looked somewhat grim, while Xu Bei bit his lip and bowed, saying, "Reporting to Chief Steward Jiang, at the time of the theft, I was guarding the first warehouse and was unaware of the situation in the third warehouse. Besides, this cannot be entirely blamed on Ma Rusong!

These two Flying Thieves targeted the third warehouse, which had the weakest guard. Both possessed Second-Layer Cultivation. Their Dart techniques were extremely formidable, every Dart hitting its mark, almost identical to the techniques of the rumored Conical Hat Strange Guest from some time ago.

Over forty disciples guarding the place were struck down by sharp Darts, more than twenty died on the spot, and three Deputy Stewards along with Ma Rusong fought bravely, nearly losing their lives as well..."

Jiang Yuran squinted her eyes slightly. "So, according to you, I should reward the injured Ma Rusong?"

Xu Bei’s face changed. Bowing, he said, "I wouldn’t dare! But the Flying Thieves were incredibly powerful and their Flying Sabers sharp, indeed beyond Ma Rusong and the others’ ability to resist. Even if other Stewards present here had faced them, I fear the result would have been the same.

I only hope Chief Steward Jiang will give us a chance to make amends by capturing the two Flying Thieves!"

The Stewards seated below looked at each other, then silently shook their heads.

Most of these were early or mid-grade Second-Layer Stewards. Facing Second-Layer Flying Saber experts, they indeed would struggle to resist. After all, mid-grade Second-Layer Martial Cultivators—unlike late-stage practitioners such as Lin Xuankong—had not yet reached the point of being able to resist sharp weapons!

However, a few Stewards who seemed to be late-stage Second-Layer had a trace of pride on their faces.

Lin Xuankong, sitting at the far back, thought to himself: So it was two Flying Thieves who killed more than twenty disciples and looted the third warehouse. No wonder the pretty Daoist Nun is so furious! But Xu Bei saying the thieves were like the Conical Hat Strange Guest is truly an injustice and also underrates my Concealed Weapon Technique!

With my Concealed Weapon Technique, if I were handling forty-odd Martial Cultivators who lacked strong defenses, a dozen flicks of my wrist would leave no survivors...

Beside him, Wu Liangye suddenly took two more sips of wine, stood up, moved to Jiang Yuran’s side, and whispered, "Chief Steward Jiang, you may not have received the news while on campaign..."

Seeing this, Lin Xuankong, at the rear, frowned. Though I can’t hear Wu Liangye’s words clearly... it’s obvious Wu Liangye is pleading for Ma Rusong! What kind of backer has this scoundrel found? Steward Xu is one thing, but even a Grand Chief Steward is pleading for him!

Jiang Yuran, after listening to Wu Liangye’s whispered advice, glanced at Ma Rusong and pondered for a moment before speaking. "If not for Grand Chief Steward Wu speaking on your behalf, and if the problem had not occurred in the third warehouse, which is not the most important, I would immediately send both of you to Four-direction City for hard labor!

But under the Sect’s rules, there must be punishment. Xu Bei, for poor management, will forfeit a year’s salary. Ma Rusong, for inadequate guardianship—considering his injuries while fighting the thieves, his situation is somewhat understandable—will forfeit half a year’s salary...

Alright, you two can go sit down! You will both still have duties in this mission. If you can make amends, your monthly salary will naturally be restored!"

After speaking, she looked at the crowd and shouted, "All Stewards, listen to my orders!"

Everyone stood up upon hearing the command.

"These two Flying Thieves stole two hundred and ten Evil Lizard Demon Blood Pearls, two hundred Marsh Python Forehead Scales, and many other valuable items. They also caused the deaths of many of our Yin Talisman Sect disciples!

This matter concerns the lives of our Yin Talisman Sect disciples, as well as the interests and reputation of the Sect, and must not be underestimated!

All of you are to put aside all other matters immediately. Send out all disciples to strictly investigate these thieves, including all towns in the Outer City. Even if we have to turn the Great Marsh Prefecture upside down, you must drag them out and make an example of them!"

"Yes!" everyone responded in unison.

Jiang Yuran stood up. "Anyone who provides accurate information will be rewarded with two thousand silver taels. Anyone who captures these thieves will, in addition to receiving many spoils of war as a reward, receive a promotion. Stewards of one type can be promoted to Silver Jade Steward, and Stewards of another type can also be promoted to Silver Jade Steward!"

「● ● ●」

After Jiang Yuran and several Grand Chief Stewards finished announcing the mission, they left the Martial Arts Hall and went to the guest room to discuss matters.

Many Stewards began to talk in the council hall, while Steward Ma gathered his subordinates Lin Xuankong, Steward Hu, and three others.

To Lin Xuankong’s surprise, Han Lu, who was looking a bit troubled, was also among them. This "Warlord" with an unhealed leg had been reassigned to Steward Ma’s command. It seems Steward Ma is afraid he’ll slack off in his Martial Cultivation while serving as a Steward outside!

"What are your thoughts?" Ma Jiang asked.

The Stewards shook their heads slightly and pondered silently. No one spoke for a while.

Lin Xuankong thought to himself: The Forehead Scales from the Sect were taken by these Flying Thieves... The other stolen items can be set aside, but two hundred Marsh Python Forehead Scales are incredibly tempting. If I get my hands on them, I’ll only need two hundred more to reach my goal of Eight Hundred Forehead Scales!

I must find a way to catch these Flying Thieves!

Especially since this is my third mission. Even if not for the Forehead Scales, I must complete this third mission to learn the Yin Talisman Technique as soon as possible!

However... he glanced at the many Stewards discussing animatedly around him and thought, This mission will have a lot of competition!

"Xuankong, what do you think?" Ma Jiang suddenly asked.

Lin Xuankong, who was daydreaming, snapped to attention.

He thought for a moment and said, "First, we definitely need to inspect the scene and closely question the disciples who fought the Flying Thieves that day.

Second, we should try to find the Darts used by the Flying Thieves and look for clues regarding their origin and any Martial Cultivators skilled with Darts. We must pay extra attention to schools and Martial Arts Halls that teach Dart techniques!

Third, these Flying Thieves will eventually need to sell those stolen items. During this period, we should have people monitor merchants who collect such goods, as well as the officials’ auction houses in Great Marsh Prefecture!"

Ma Jiang nodded repeatedly in approval at his clear and thorough analysis. "Excellent, very comprehensive, and aligns with most of my own thoughts.

Then, the task of investigating the origin of the Darts and looking into the Martial Arts Halls teaching Dart techniques will be your responsibility. Remember, whatever you do, don’t alert the thieves!"

Finishing his words, Ma Jiang turned to Han Lu. "What do you think?"

Han Lu was taken aback and said, "Master, you mentioned two people using Darts. Do you think one of them could be the Conical Hat Strange Guest? They’re both Experts in Concealed Weapons! Shouldn’t we investigate from this angle?"

Lin Xuankong: ...

Ma Jiang frowned. "I shouldn’t have asked you. Alright, you will assign people to monitor the merchants and auction houses. That task shouldn’t require much thinking!"

Feeling a bit frustrated, Han Lu said, "It seems Master believes I have no chance of becoming a Silver Jade Steward!"

Upon hearing him mention Silver Jade Steward, Ma Jiang could not help but sigh. "This time, Chief Steward Jiang and the Hall Master seem determined to make an example and catch these Flying Thieves, no matter the cost!

It has been decades since our Great Marsh Hall of the Yin Talisman Sect promoted a disciple to Silver Jade Steward.

Silver Jade positions offer twice the monthly salary, medicinal herbs, and other benefits compared to regular Stewards of both types. It’s an honorary position that can only be achieved by performing multiple remarkable feats!

For decades, only Hall Master Xu Zhenhuan, who performed numerous meritorious deeds while he was a Steward, became a Silver Jade Steward. He is still acclaimed as a legend today!

It was from that time that he gradually rose to become the second most important figure in the Yin Talisman Sect, second only to the Sect Leader!"

Upon hearing this, Lin Xuankong’s eyes glinted. Twice the salary of a regular Chief Steward? Normally, I get two portions of medicinal herbs. If I become a Silver Jade Steward, does that mean I’d get six portions every day? That’s so much, I could drink medicinal herbs until I burp them up!

This Silver Jade honor is incredibly rewarding!

However, this mission will also be fiercely competitive. After all, who wouldn’t want to gain so many valuable items and become a uniquely prestigious Silver Jade Steward of one type or a Silver Jade Steward of the other type!

But this mission... I must complete it before anyone else. The substantial medicinal herbs from a Silver Jade position, the two hundred Marsh Python Forehead Scales, and the chance to cultivate the Yin Talisman Technique—all these are too important to me! Lin Xuankong clenched his fists tightly.