32. Elder Tang

Whew!

Xie An secretly exhaled, feeling an unprecedented sense of relief.

He looked at the name, the crimson fingerprint, and the large snowflakes drifting from the sky…

The snowfall remained as it had in previous years, yet the future was already on its way.

Though it was the same world, the scenery had changed.

Elder Tang smiled as he closed the roster. “I will have your badge made as soon as I return. It will be delivered within a day. Then you will officially become an officer.”

Xie An cupped his hands in thanks. “Thank you, Elder Tang.”

Elder Tang waved his hand dismissively. “No need to thank me; it is your own talent.”

After speaking, Elder Tang exchanged a glance with Tong Shan and Zhang Lin. The two seemed to realize something and quickly found an excuse to bow and take their leave.

Clearly, as elders of the Tiger Wolf Sect, they understood how rigorous the assessments of the Merit Hall were, especially with Elder Tang personally present, overseeing every detail.

Though Xie An had passed the strength assessment, Elder Tang needed to speak with him privately next—a kind of ideological guidance.

After leaving the courtyard, the two did not depart but stood in the snowy ground by the gate.

Tong Shan, usually cold and aloof, finally spoke: “Officer Zhang has an excellent eye, recommending such a talent to Elder Tang. Surely, your merits will not be overlooked. I have followed Elder Tang for many years, yet seldom have I seen him so pleased.”

Zhang Lin lowered his posture, aware that Tong Shan was one of Elder Tang’s favored confidants. “It is all thanks to Elder Tang’s keen insight; I have but a minor role. By the way, Brother Tong, Elder Tang personally coming here—is it truly just for assessing the new officers?”

Tong Shan glanced at Zhang Lin, hesitated, then said, “The death of Zhang Biao has angered a certain patron of the White Feather Hall, who repeatedly complained to the Tiger Wolf Sect headquarters, expressing many grievances against Wei Dian. Elder Tang’s visit is not only for the assessment but also to investigate and restore order within the hall. He will likely visit here frequently for some time.”

Upon hearing this, Zhang Lin felt immense pressure.

Elder Tang was essentially the head of the Merit Hall, overseeing promotions and merits for all officers under the Tiger Wolf Sect leaders. Regular visits to White Feather Hall undoubtedly increased the pressure on Zhang Lin.

Moreover, Zhang Lin harbored certain suspicions regarding Zhang Biao’s death...

Tong Shan seemed to perceive Zhang Lin’s anxiety. “Officer Zhang, there’s no need to worry excessively. Elder Tang is known for fairness and strictness and won’t unjustly implicate the innocent. If you perform well, Elder Tang will surely notice.”

Zhang Lin bowed. “Brother Tong’s words are wise.”

…

Only Xie An and Elder Tang remained in the courtyard.

Zhang Lin had privately told Xie An that besides strength, the assessment involved a conversation.

Xie An was mentally prepared and did not resist the idea. In fact, he thought such practices showed the Tiger Wolf Sect’s growing emphasis on talent, a chance for someone like him with no background to rise.

Elder Tang studied Xie An for a moment. “You have never practiced martial arts, have you?”

Xie An did not hide the truth. “No.”

Elder Tang continued, “I see your white hair, so you must be at least fifty. Yet your vitality is strong and your strength enduring. Could it be a health cultivation technique?”

Xie An’s heart skipped a beat.

He wondered: Could Elder Tang also be well-versed in cultivation for health?

Suppressing his curiosity, Xie An replied, “Elder Tang’s insight is sharp; nothing escapes your notice.”

Satisfied with the answer, Elder Tang smiled and waved his hand. “It’s not surprising. I’m from Tang Family Fort in the county and have practiced health cultivation since childhood. Few people cultivate it nowadays, and fewer still reach your level. Where did you learn it?”

Upon hearing Elder Tang hailed from Tang Family Fort, Xie An relaxed. His earlier doubts were answered.

No wonder Elder Tang had changed the risky practical test to archery—besides concern for his age, it was because they both practiced health cultivation.

Xie An saw no reason to conceal the truth and recounted how he had once studied health cultivation under Master Tang Qingfeng. He finished with a bow.

“Thanks to Master Tang Qingfeng’s guidance, I have what I am today. I can never forget his teaching grace.”

Though somewhat exaggerated, Xie An’s success owed largely to his longevity trait, but Master Tang Qingfeng’s instruction had indeed been crucial. Expressing gratitude would surely please Elder Tang and mark him as a grateful and sensible man.

As expected, Elder Tang’s eyes brightened with approval. “You remember well. When Tang Qingfeng returned from promoting health cultivation at the Chen Martial Hall in Wuqiao Town, he mentioned an old man around fifty, vigorous and strong. That must have been you.”

Xie An was surprised that such a great figure as Tang Qingfeng had spoken of him, feeling honored. He bowed again. “I am grateful Master Tang still thinks of me.”

Seeing Xie An’s heartfelt gratitude, Elder Tang’s gaze softened. “Tang Qingfeng is my sworn brother. Our father took him as a disciple when he was young, and he learned health cultivation alongside me. After mastering it, our father granted him the Tang surname and made him an adopted son, hoping he would inherit our family’s century-old health secrets. Over the years, he has not disgraced the family, traveling far and wide to promote health cultivation. In this, I am no match for him.”

At this, Elder Tang revealed a hint of humility.

Xie An sensed from his words that, though not biological brothers, the two shared a close bond, and that Elder Tang admired his sworn brother greatly.

Respecting their family matters, Xie An simply bowed and listened attentively.

After some more polite conversation, Elder Tang said, “Though many officers in the black market conceal their identities with masks to avoid trouble, now that you are an official officer of the Tiger Wolf Sect, I need to see your face clearly. Once confirmed, you may continue your covert duties without interference.”

“Understood.”

Xie An removed his mask and lifted his face for Elder Tang’s inspection.

Elder Tang examined him for a moment before standing. “Welcome to the Tiger Wolf Sect. Though you are the eldest among the White Feather Hall’s officers, with health cultivation supporting you, persistent effort over time could well surpass the younger and stronger.”

“Thank you, Elder Tang, for your advice.”

“Also, my name is Tang Qingyun. If you ever develop your qi perception, you may come to me. There is a certain opportunity in Tang Family Fort awaiting you.” With that, Elder Tang turned and left.

Xie An had not expected Tang Qingyun to say the same words as Tang Qingfeng, indicating he too hoped to promote the family’s health cultivation.

This was undoubtedly good news.

Xie An thanked him and then masked up to see Tang Qingyun out.

“Elder Tang.”

Zhang Lin immediately bowed, seeming to await something.

Tang Qingyun glanced at Zhang Lin. “Let the new officer take over Zhang Biao’s duties. I will remember your recommendation. You two must manage this black market well.”

Disappointment flashed in Zhang Lin’s eyes, but he quickly composed himself. “Yes.”

After Tang Qingyun and Tong Shan disappeared into the snowy distance, Zhang Lin turned to appraise Xie An, silently thinking: This fellow still wears a mask? How cautious.

Still, Zhang Lin maintained a calm demeanor and bowed to Xie An. “Congratulations, elder brother. Not only did you pass the Merit Hall’s assessment, but you also earned Elder Tang’s favor. Your future is boundless.”

Xie An returned the gesture. “Thanks to Brother Zhang’s recommendation.”

Zhang Lin smiled, pleased by Xie An’s humility. “You’re modest, elder brother. It’s your own talent. Otherwise, I’d be scolded by Elder Tang. Now that you’ve taken Zhang Biao’s place, daily affairs of the Xueling Black Market will be handled by us two. We must support each other.”

“Of course.”

“Come by tomorrow afternoon to collect your badge, and you’ll officially take office.”

Xie An nodded and took his leave, heading toward Wuqiao Town.

Dusk had fallen, twilight gathering, with fiery clouds drifting across the sky.

The breeze was gentle, the moon bright, yet everything had changed with time.

Xie An’s tightly wound heart finally relaxed.

He only awaited the Tiger Wolf Sect’s badge to turn his fate around.

“Both Tang Qingfeng and Tang Qingyun mentioned an opportunity in Tang Family Fort… Could it be that they seek a successor for the old master who is nearing death?”