Chapter 859 - 402: Using the Body as the Pivot, Channeling Yin and Yang, A Long Dream in the Azure Skies, The Courtesan’s Bearing

Chapter 859: Chapter 402: Using the Body as the Pivot, Channeling Yin and Yang, A Long Dream in the Azure Skies, The Courtesan’s Bearing

That night was deep in sleep, sleeping soundly.

The next day, before the hour of Mao. Li Xian woke up on time, and saw that the sky was yet to brighten. But the market vendors had already set up their stalls, working hard to make a living. He steeled his will, washed his face with a basin of cold water, and refreshed his spirit.

Li Xian clenched his fists, from today onward, he must be taut like a drawn line. Diligently practice martial arts, until he achieves success!

After a simple bath, he donned a copper mask and headed to the Marquis station. The Gold Appraisal Guards had gathered at the training ground, and Li Xian followed the crowd, lining up at the very back.

Among the Gold Appraisal Guards, the lowest are the "Wei Riders", numbering over three thousand, primarily responsible for city defense, guarding, and following orders. Above them are the "Gold Chiefs", more free, with initial authority to lead the troops.

Yesterday’s polo game, the black and red teams, were composed of "Gold Chiefs". Yu Hai was also among them.

Above the Gold Chiefs are the "Lang Generals". They are esteemed figures, even in Jade City, they are worth noticing; "Lei Chong," whom we met the other day, serves in this role. Further up is "Central Lang General" Xu Shaoqian. He can arbitrarily deploy a segment of Gold Appraisal Guards, endowed with a certain degree of life-and-death authority.

Any threat to Jade City’s safety can be killed in advance. Jade City is vast, and the Gold Appraisal Guard’s "Marquis Stations" serve as outposts. Next to West Wind Street is the ’Twenty-one’ district market, housing three "Great Wu Marquis Stations", fifteen "Central Marquis Stations", thirty-four "Small Marquis Stations".

The Great Wu Marquis Stations accommodate three thousand soldiers, Central Marquis Stations four hundred, Small Marquis Stations tens of soldiers.

Li Xian’s Marquis Station is formally named "West Wind Street End Marquis Station". It’s one of the three Great Wu Marquis Stations. The Wei Riders perform daily duties, including patrolling streets, guarding city gates, field patrol, deploying Yamen Runners...

It’s rather simple.

Thus began the first day of duty. Li Xian had no status, no assignment, so he followed a group, patrolling the "Wild Forest Hill" in Yuanbao Square. The accompanying Gold Appraisal Guards were dressed in dragon-tiger uniforms, imposing and respectable, with swords on the left, and orders hanging on the right.

On street patrol, it was truly like a tiger among sheep. Just by standing there, the public couldn’t help but look and hurriedly avoided them. Passing by stores, the shopkeepers came out one after another, bowing and calling out praises. Every word was "Worthy Magistrate" "Worthy Soldier", quite flattering.

The official Wei Rider, "Li Jian", noticed an extra person at the back of the team. His stature was notable, wearing a mask, and silent. He was leading at the front and suddenly moved aside, letting the second person lead, then came to the back and asked: "Newcomer?"

Li Xian said: "Indeed." Li Jian asked: "Why not wear armor? What is your name?"

Li Xian truthfully told him. Learning Li Xian was also surnamed "Li", Li Jian’s expression suddenly brightened with joy, saying: "Rare, rare, you are also surnamed Li. Not many in the Gold Appraisal Guards are surnamed Li."

Li Xian knew there was no "Li family clan" in Jade City, hence few in Gold Appraisal Guards have the surname "Li". Li Jian came from an ordinary background and struggled through a harsh selection to barely enter the Gold Appraisal Guards. Rarely encountering a fellow "Li", this moment of sudden meeting, though just sharing a surname, made it feel much closer.

Li Jian’s gaze fell on the copper mask, curious and asked why he wore it. Li Xian thought of "Yao Yin’s" advice, wanting to hide his face to avoid difficulties, but people kept asking like this, it’s a bit tiresome. Thinking: "I need to think of a way to stop people from asking why I wear the mask." He said: "Born with a facial disease, looking hideous, ashamed to show myself."

Ahead of the team, another Gold Appraisal Guard "Bai Zhenglong" said: "I guessed it might be like this, unless utterly unsightly, it’s hard to explain, might be laughed at. Who would wear a mask on patrol otherwise?"

Li Jian patted Li Xian’s shoulder, saying: "As men, we should focus on strength and responsibility. Being ugly, what’s the harm? When success and fame are achieved one day, wealth, beauties will not be lacking."

Li Xian agreed: "Brother Li Jian’s words are quite true!"

Gold Appraisal Guards patrol streets to deter crime. The market’s trivial affairs are managed by the "Workshop Officer". Above that is the County Government Office’s administration. Gold Appraisal Guards don’t need to handle these.

Today’s duty was easy, arriving at Wild Forest Hill, patrolling around on the mountain paths. If there’s no threat to Jade City’s safety, then rest and return.

Passing by shops, if feeling thirsty, they could enter and drink water. The shop owners eagerly attended to them, welcoming them greatly.

Sometimes, they might encounter women throwing themselves at them. Gold Appraisal Guards are exemplary men, their armor complements their stature, walking through the streets, how impressive. Naturally, they attract female attention. And if acquiring Gold Appraisal Guard protection, becoming their lover, Workshop Officers, Yamen Runners would not dare to bully.

Although Gold Appraisal Guards don’t govern Workshop Officers, Yamen Runners... they can, under the guise of "threatening Jade City’s safety", arrest them. A bit of a punishment, even if not dead, they would shed a layer of skin.

Thus, Workshop Officers, Yamen Runners fear them like tigers. The common people admire and flatter them.

Approaching noon, the Gold Appraisal Guard’s duty neared its end. Heading back to the Marquis station, they passed through a street.

On the street, a pavilion suddenly had its windows opened on the second floor. A red silk dropped slowly. Bai Zhenglong leapt forward, snatched the silk, sniffed it. The woman’s fragrance overflowed.

Bai Zhenglong’s expression softened. A coquette giggle came from the second floor of the pavilion.

There was a lady in a red skirt, with bare shoulders, dressed alluringly, her face meticulously made up, with powder and rouge, waving at Bai Zhenglong, sweetly calling out: "Bai Lang, you rascal, passing by here, why don’t you come in for a sit?"

Bai Zhenglong laughed and cursed: "Seductress.", put the silk into his chest, glanced at Li Jian sideways.

Li Jian said: "Everyone’s patrol shift reaches this, surely tired. Move freely a bit! But don’t be late for noon lessons."

Bai Zhenglong laughed heartily, bowed to Li Jian, then looked at the charming lady on the second floor, saying: "You little seductress, see how I teach you a lesson.", quickly heading up to the pavilion.