Rogue 07

Wang Ergou, who previously disapproved of Fang Zhiyi's lavish spending, now obeyed his every word.

Although he was a man of the martial world and looked down upon the imperial examinations and the imperial court—what did the court matter anyway? Didn't they just pretend not to see martial artists like them? But this time, watching so many ordinary commoners participate in this exam, some crying and some laughing, only his brother here was fiercely inhuman. He didn't read a single book, yet he ranked at the top every time.

The brothers sent by the branch master said that when the branch master heard about this, he laughed so hard a snot bubble popped out.

Combined with what Fang Zhiyi had said, they were supposed to be doing something that would bring everyone a good life. Although he didn't quite understand it, listening to the branch master and Fang Zhiyi couldn't be wrong.

Because the exam was held in the capital, Wang Ergou had unbuckled his trusty saber outside the city walls; otherwise, the city guards would never have let him in.

To celebrate Fang Zhiyi's top placement, he specially ordered a table full of dishes.

Fang Zhiyi was rather indifferent, though he had gained a deeper understanding of the current political situation. The Western Shu Kingdom was situated in a remote area, its military discipline was mostly lax, and its internal governance had loosened significantly. In the early years, when the late emperor was alive, there were restrictions on martial artists. However, as one batch of martial artists was suppressed, another quickly rose, and over time, it became a complete mess. This led to the current situation where wanderers of the martial world ran rampant. Over a long period, a delicate balance formed between the martial world and the imperial court: as long as these so-called martial arts masters did not target the court, the emperor would not do anything to them.

After all, at most, it only meant the deaths of a few commoners.

Crucially, some court officials colluded with those orthodox martial sects, accepting their bribes and naturally turning a blind eye. This was why Jiang Gucheng had killed someone back then and gotten away completely scot-free.

Moreover, within the imperial court, civil officials and military generals formed separate factions with deep-seated grievances. The civil officials controlled the court, thinking the military generals were brainless, while the military generals were straightforward and full of foul language. The emperor was more like a mascot, lacking any real opinions of his own.

Damn it... Someone behind them smashed a wine cup fiercely onto the table. Wang Ergou frowned and looked over.

On that man's table sat only a plate of peanuts and a jug of wine, and it was the cheapest kind of wine at that.

They actually struck me off the list of successful candidates just because they said I'm ugly? What kind of bullshit imperial court is this! The man cursed to himself. Fang Zhiyi raised a hand to stop Wang Ergou from making a move.

Then, the man's next sentence gave Fang Zhiyi goosebumps.

Hic... Since I can't test my way in, I'll fight my way in!

Suddenly, someone patted the man on the shoulder. The moment the man turned around, Fang Zhiyi froze. This brother's appearance was indeed quite unsightly...

What? the man asked, his face full of anger.

Um, excuse me, is your surname Huang?

The man paused for a moment and nodded. That's right.

Fang Zhiyi stared at him blankly. And your given name is Chao?

The man paused again. Yeah, my name is Huang Chao. My parents were uneducated, so they asked an old scholar in the village to name me. Do you know me?

Fang Zhiyi almost lost his composure. Know you? I know you all too well!

It wasn't until much later that Fang Zhiyi realized his Chao was not the Chao of the infamous rebel.

I see that you have an extraordinary constitution. Do you have any interest in doing something great with me? Fang Zhiyi offered his recruitment.

Huang Chao looked at him in confusion. We don't know each other, do we? Who are you?

Fang Zhiyi.

Huang Chao thought for a moment and suddenly remembered seeing this name. You, you are this year's top scholar, Fang Zhiyi, aren't you? He looked Fang Zhiyi up and down, and seeing the other party's handsome face made him feel quite bitter. Hmph, the heavens are unfair.

Fang Zhiyi shook his head. This world is inherently unfair. Everyone wants fairness, but throughout history, who can truly say the world is fair? So-called fairness is just a complaint when one hasn't received preferential treatment.

Huang Chao froze. His drunkenness gradually faded as he stared blankly at Fang Zhiyi.

With Brother Huang's literary talent, you might not necessarily lose to me. I suppose being struck from the list was entirely due to your appearance.

Even Wang Ergou felt Fang Zhiyi was going a bit too far. Who exposes someone's shortcomings right to their face? But then again, this brother's looks were indeed a bit extreme. If he took him back, the branch master might just protect him and use him as a lucky charm to ward off evil spirits.

Huang Chao slammed the table fiercely. That's why I say it's unfair!

Wang Ergou, terrified that the man might start a fight, was on full alert. They had invested a lot of money in Fang Zhiyi; they couldn't afford a mishap here. This man surnamed Huang looked vicious; just one glance sent a chill down his spine. He looked left and right, and ultimately could only grip his chopsticks tightly in his hand.

Sometimes, choice is greater than effort. If Brother Huang joins hands with me, we might just achieve something great, Fang Zhiyi smiled.

Huang Chao muttered, Choice is greater than effort? Choice...

His eyes suddenly lit up. To be able to say such words, I admit you are above me! What a great phrase, choice is greater than effort! I'd like to hear what brilliant ideas you have!

Because gifts had been sent in advance, Fang Zhiyi, the top scholar, simply went through the motions and received his official appointment. On the day he set off, Huang Chao, clutching the letter Fang Zhiyi had written, anxiously walked into the residence of the Great General, Wang Shi'an.

On the day Fang Zhiyi took office as the county magistrate of Yangcheng, the streets were decorated with lanterns and colored banners. The people who knew Fang Zhiyi felt like they were dreaming. How did that former street thug suddenly turn into the local magistrate?

He didn't put on any airs. He returned all the congratulatory gifts sent by his neighbors, continuously expressing his gratitude to everyone, which improved his reputation even further.

When the news reached the branch of the Heaven-Shrouding Sect, the Left Branch Master was so happy he couldn't close his mouth.

However, most of the sect members didn't know about this. Fang Zhiyi had said that his relationship with them needed to be kept a secret, but the tangible benefits had indeed been delivered.

The sect members, who hadn't had much to do for a long time, suddenly received an order from the branch master to pack their gear, grab their weapons, and move out in full force.

Some guessed whether they were going to fight another sect, while others thought they were going to snatch some martial arts treasure. But no one had too many thoughts on the matter; for them, as long as there was a clear goal, it was fine. It wasn't until they collectively arrived at the outskirts of Yangcheng and watched the branch master swagger into the city that everyone was a bit dumbfounded.

There had been rumors of some thousand-year-old treasure in Yangcheng before, but hadn't Jiang Gucheng already snatched it away?

Could there be something else?

Immediately after, a new order came down. Their mission was... to use the Heaven-Shrouding Sect's underground information network to verify and punish the criminals smuggling illicit salt and spices.