33. The Butler’s Badge in Hand

Back in the small cabin in the backyard, Xie An, in high spirits, opened a jar of aged wine. He took out a few copper coins and sent Han Li to town to buy ingredients, preparing a "sumptuous" meal.

For a poor household, a sumptuous meal was nothing more than two bowls of meat. They could not afford expensive spices, and compared to the flavors of his past life, it was truly lacking. Yet, the master and his two disciples drank the strong wine and ate the meat with great relish.

"Master, what kind of day is it that makes you so happy?"
"Did you encounter some great stroke of luck? Tell us so we can share in the joy."

Had Xie An been twenty years younger, he might have blurted it out. But now, he had long passed that impulsive age. For matters not yet set in stone, he naturally would not speak.

Most things in life do not go as planned. Until a matter is settled and the coffin lid is nailed shut, it is not truly finalized. There was no need to boast prematurely; after all, many villains were known for laughing halfway through a scheme only to be killed in the end.

"I will tell you once it is finalized. Besides, the three of us being reunited is a joyous occasion in itself."
"Master is right. Come, I toast you, Master. May you never grow old."
"And I wish for Master to grow younger every day."

...

The next morning, before dawn had even broken, his two disciples, who had been dead drunk the night before, were still fast asleep. Xie An, however, had already risen early to practice his health-cultivating exercises in the courtyard.

He did not relax or slack off just because he was about to take up the post of Deacon at White Feather Hall; if anything, he worked even harder.

Xie An was well aware that he was no child of destiny, nor was he some monstrous genius. He relied solely on his "Longevity" trait. The effect of this trait was limited to extending his lifespan and increasing his strength; it provided no obvious bonuses in other areas.

Furthermore, joining the Tiger-Wolf Sect offered Xie An a higher platform, but it also meant facing greater risks. It was a Jianghu sect, after all, with ruthless ways. Without sufficient strength, it would be difficult to gain a firm footing in White Feather Hall. Tang Qingyun’s test the other day proved this well—had his own strength not been solid, he would not have secured the position of Deacon, even with Zhang Lin’s recommendation.

Fate often favors the prepared.

In the afternoon, during the Hour of the Sheep, Xie An returned to Black Blood Ridge, masked once more. Elder Tang was not there; instead, the burly man, Tong Shan, arrived carrying Xie An’s identity badge.

It was a triangular piece of black iron, the size of an infant’s palm, engraved with Xie An’s name and his corresponding title. On the back was the totem of the Tiger-Wolf Sect: the Azure Wolf and White Tiger.

There were also three sets of official uniforms for spring, autumn, and winter. Though not armor, the fabric was of high quality, embroidered with wolf heads that carried a striking visual impact. They also provided him with a broad saber of refined iron, along with various accessories, cloud-patterned boots, and more.

"As a Deacon of the Tiger-Wolf Sect, you must abide by the sect's rules and prioritize the interests of the sect above all else..."

Tong Shan enumerated the various precautions and disciplinary codes in a strictly official tone. Xie An listened attentively.

In summary, there were three core tenets: no infighting, diligence in one’s duties, and solidarity among sect members.

The benefits were also clearly stated: a monthly salary of twenty taels, the right to select corresponding manuals for cultivation at the branch hall, a basic medicinal supplement every three months, access to instructors, and a dedicated training ground. Additionally, the sect would periodically issue tasks; completing them would earn corresponding merits and rewards.

Finally, Tong Shan concluded, "That is roughly all of it. It’s fine if you don’t remember everything at once; Zhang Lin will guide you. But remember one thing: once you have joined the Tiger-Wolf Sect, your every word and deed represents us. Do not tarnish the prestige of the Tiger-Wolf Sect while you are out and about."

"Many thanks for the guidance, Brother Tong Shan."

"Mm, work hard. Manage the Black Blood Market well, and Elder Tang will naturally not treat you unfairly." With that encouraging, bureaucratic remark, Tong Shan hurried away.

From beginning to end, Tong Shan never asked about Xie An’s background, household registration, or appearance. It was clear that the Tiger-Wolf Sect truly did not care about one’s origins, looks, or age when recruiting talent.

However, Xie An knew that since he had taken the position of Deacon, he would have to busy himself here from now on. The job as a pawnshop appraiser could no longer be maintained. If the Tiger-Wolf Sect found out that their newly recruited Deacon was holding down two jobs, even if it wasn't against the rules, it would leave a poor impression, which would be detrimental to his future development.

Since he intended to take root and thrive in the Tiger-Wolf Sect, Xie An needed to plan carefully and leave no room for others to criticize him. It seemed he would have to redeem his contract and resign from his position as an appraiser as soon as possible.

"Congratulations, old brother."

After seeing Tong Shan off, Zhang Lin, unable to hide his excitement, enthusiastically patted Xie An on the shoulder. He had worked with Zhang Biao for many years, spending every day in a state of mutual calculation and exhaustion. Now that a new environment had arrived, he was naturally overjoyed.

Xie An was naturally pleased as well. "I hope for your continued guidance, Brother Zhang."

"It is only right. Today is the sixth day of the New Year, and many disciples have returned home on leave. They won’t be back until tomorrow or the day after. I will assign you your disciples and specific duties then."

"Very well."

...

The black market was quiet on the sixth day. After strolling around the courtyard twice, Xie An left. He returned to the small room at the pawnshop, gathered his life savings of one hundred and eighty taels, and headed straight for the Li Mansion.

Today was the sixth day of the New Year, and the pawnshop was set to open its doors to customers the day after tomorrow. According to tradition, as a pawnshop employee, he would have to start preparing for work tomorrow. Xie An had to redeem his contract and resign as soon as possible, so as not to let this interfere with his work at the Black Blood Market.

In truth, Xie An had gathered the money two or three days ago. The only reason he hadn't rushed to the Li Mansion to redeem his contract was the lack of security felt by those at the bottom of the social ladder—he always felt it safer to have the next offer in hand before resigning. Now that the position of Deacon was secured, Xie An could resign with peace of mind, free from any further worries.

He arrived at the Li Mansion at the third quarter of the Hour of the Rooster. He found Chunlan and asked her to inform the Master and Mistress of the Li Mansion that he had a matter to discuss.

Chunlan didn't ask much, simply saying, "I will go and inform them. However, the Master and his family are currently having dinner in the inner courtyard. Please wait here, Master Xie."

"Very well."

Xie An folded his arms and stood in the wind and snow, waiting patiently. Although the wind and snow were heavy, Xie An was very patient. He had endured for thirty years; what was the time it took to finish a meal?

In the inner courtyard living room, Li Ru and his family were gathered around the table. The table was filled with delicacies—luxuries Xie An had never tasted in his entire life.

"Shaoyun, did the matter you entrusted to Zhang Biao yield any results?" Mistress Li asked, affectionately placing a piece of braised pork into her son’s bowl.

Li Shaoyun swallowed the pork in one bite. "It’s all settled. I’ll go to the Black Blood Market tomorrow to go through the motions, and I’ll be registered as an assistant to Zhang Biao, a deputy deacon. I won’t have to do any actual work, but I’ll gain access to the various martial arts resources of White Feather Hall."

Li Ru smiled broadly. "It seems those five hundred taels were well spent. With the martial arts resources of White Feather Hall, my son will surely pass the provincial examination in three years."

Li Shaoyun suddenly frowned. "But I just had someone inquire, and they said Zhang Biao was killed. The Tiger-Wolf Sect will most likely send someone else to take over his position as Deacon..."

"What? Deacon Zhang Biao was killed? Do you know who did it?" Li Ru was so startled his chopsticks nearly fell to the floor. In his eyes, Zhang Biao was a superior martial artist, someone the Li Mansion could never afford to offend. To think... that he had been killed?

Li Shaoyun looked worried. "I don’t know. I only hope that the new Deacon who replaces him won't be too difficult for me."

Just then, Chunlan hurried in, bowing respectfully. "Master, Mistress, Young Master. Master Xie is at the gate, saying he has a matter to discuss."

Li Ru snorted coldly. "Old Xie must have been left out in the cold for a few days, finally tempering his temper and realizing his status as a servant. Tell him to wait outside."