Staying Alive Cautiously in the Celestial Realm and Becoming the Strongest

The power of the Blood Cloak Guard was immense, but they could not do as they pleased within the nation of Great Liang.

At the end of the day, this formidable force was a blade in the hands of the Royal Family, meant to strike at whomever the emperor wished. If the sword developed its own will, it would inevitably need to be reforged.

Over the centuries, there have been more than a few Blood Cloak Guard Commanders—essentially the bosses of the Blood Cloak Guard—who were executed by beheading or dismemberment!

The affairs of the Ling Family appeared to outsiders as merely internal family strife; even if there were any legal transgressions, they did not fall within the jurisdiction of the Blood Cloak Guard.

Zhang Weiran, that is, Junior Flag Zhang, was merely the lowest-ranking Martial Officer in the Blood Cloak Guard system.

If he were to interfere in the Ling Family's affairs and someone reported him, he would be in big trouble!

"This is a recommendation order."

Zhang Weiran handed Wang Chen a delicately-made copper badge, "Take it to the Capital Guard Yamen in Jiangyuan City, and participate in the entry assessment for the Blood Cloak Guard. Under equal conditions, you may be accepted at a lower tier!"

This opportunity that Junior Flag Zhang gave to Wang Chen was to let him become a Blood Cloak Guard.

Once inside the system of the Blood Cloak Guard, first and foremost, Wang Chen's safety would be secured. Those who initiated the turmoil within the Ling Family would need to think twice, as taking root might cost them their lives.

The Blood Cloak Guard was merciless in dealing with enemies, like a brisk autumn breeze sweeping away fallen leaves!

After Wang Chen became a Blood Cloak Guard, as long as he worked hard to become a General Flag or Head of the Hundred Households, avenging his grievances and reclaiming his family fortune would be simple, he might even have others volunteer to do it for him.

"But whether you can join our Blood Cloak Guard depends on your own ability."

Zhang Weiran finally said, "The Blood Cloak Guard does not keep the idle!"

Wang Chen nodded, clutching the copper badge in his hand, "Thank you, Uncle Zhang."

"You call me Uncle Zhang, and this is the most I can do for you."

Zhang Weiran said sentimentally, "Your father... never mind, this little trinket is for you."

With that, he handed Wang Chen a beast skin bag the size of a palm, "You can use it now."

Whistle~

Just as Wang Chen received the beast skin pouch, suddenly a sharp eagle cry rang in his ears.

The next moment, a grey shadow swept in from the semi-open window into the great hall, momentarily soared above Zhang Weiran.

Then it steadily landed on his shoulder.

It was indeed a small hawk!

Zhang Weiran's expression stiffened, he reached out to remove the bamboo tube tied to the hawk's leg, then poured out a scroll from inside.

He unrolled the scroll and glanced at it, immediately stood up and bellowed, "Forward scouts report, traces of the Rebel Faction detected, brothers, follow me immediately to apprehend them!"

"Yes!"

Eleven Blood Cloak Guards responded in unison, abandoning their rice wine and beef, and donned their cloaks on their heads.

Zhang Weiran also put on his cloak, gave Wang Chen a slight nod, then strode towards the door.

Bang!

The door swiftly opened, and the Junior Flag of the Blood Cloak Guard vanished into the windy and rainy night within the blink of an eye.

The rest of the Blood Cloak Guards followed closely behind, forming a disciplined and elite military force.

The tavern's great hall, filled with over a hundred people, dared not even breathe heavily for a long while, before they finally seemed relieved, whispering to each other and the lively buzzing atmosphere was gone.

After Zhang Weiran and the others had left, Wang Chen suddenly realized he had become the center of attention.

Many furtive glances fell on Wang Chen, filled with both curiosity and awe, even Old Master, who had been quite friendly with him, did not come over to speak again.

There was a sense of respect but keeping distance.

Wang Chen did not mind, it was merely a fleeting meeting, and no one owed anyone anything.

He nonchalantly cleared the alcohol and meat from the table, filling his stomach first.

The beef with soy sauce at Tongfu Inn was indeed exceptional; it was marinated perfectly and even included some medicinal herbs that had certain nourishing effects.

After filling up, Wang Chen approached the counter and said to the shopkeeper, "Shopkeeper, I'd like a top-tier room please."

The glamorous shopkeeper took a deep look at him, smiled enchantingly, and said, "This honored guest, all the top-tier rooms are taken, but the one reserved by that official is still available."

Zhang Weiran had already paid, and even if he left now, she wouldn't dare offer it to someone else.

But Wang Chen was clearly different.

Wang Chen showed no pretense, "Then I'll take that one."

"Alright."

Manager Tong took a bunch of keys, smiled, and said, "Please, follow me."

Following the charming shopkeeper, Wang Chen arrived at the backyard.

Located on the third floor, the top-tier room sought by Manager Tong was led by her holding a lantern, with Wang Chen following behind, his gaze fixed on her swaying waist and plump figure, which made the Qi-Blood inside of him boil somewhat.

It wasn't that Wang Chen had weak willpower; it was simply the instinct of this body!

Manager Tong led Wang Chen to a room, unlocked the door with a key, and said, "Honored guest, please rest well, and call the attendant if you need anything."

Wang Chen nodded, "Thank you."

The top-tier room was quite nice; while not luxurious, it was clean and tidy.

In such a remote area, one couldn't ask for much more.

Closing the door, Wang Chen sat on the bed's edge and took out the beast hide pouch that Zhang Weiran had given him earlier.

Untying the drawstring, Wang Chen pulled a leather scroll from the bag.

It was actually a human skin mask!

He tried putting it on his face; the size wasn't a perfect fit, but it could be adjusted by stretching and then camouflaged with hair.

After pressing the mask tight, Wang Chen looked at himself in the copper mirror on the table beside him.

The mirror showed a face of an ordinary man, completely unremarkable.

Although its craftsmanship was nowhere near as exquisite as that of Thousand Mechanisms Changing, if one wasn't looking closely, they really wouldn't see any flaws.

Wang Chen was very satisfied.

Zhang Weiran was clearly very aware of his predicament, and the items he provided were highly targeted.

Being a Blood Cloak Guard...

Not bad!

Although the Blood Cloak Guard had a poor reputation in the Martial World and among the folk, seen as the Imperial Court's hunting dogs, even the naive Ling Zhiyuan had heard of them and even felt disgusted at times.

But being a member of the Blood Cloak Guard was still something prestigious.

Wang Chen stroked his chin, deciding not to disappoint this "Uncle of the World."

For him, entering the Cangqing Domain was primarily for gaining experience, and secondarily for exploring the origins of the world.

Being part of the ruling tier would certainly offer more opportunities than being a wandering martial artist, which would be more beneficial for his mission.

Of course, being a Blood Cloak Guard would definitely come with many restrictions.

But the least of Wang Chen's concerns were these restrictions, as he wasn't from the Cangqing Domain originally. Without any bonds except karma, how could he possibly be bound by the rules of this world?

Wang Chen had made up his mind.

First, he would repay the karma owed by this body, then become a top-tier powerhouse in the Cangqing Domain, and subsequently search for the World's Origin.

Ten years was the timeframe he had set for himself, and he was eager to see how far he could go this time!

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First update delivered.