Chapter Forty-One: Advantages

Guan Yuan’s explanation was lucid, and Cui Xiu listened intently. As he described it, there was little in Anyuan County requiring the direct intervention of the Yangsi, and in the past, Guan Yuan alone was more than sufficient to handle most situations. Should he ever need extra help, he could simply call upon someone. Now, however, the latest order seemed nothing more than a mandate to add unnecessary personnel to the Yangsi—people who would consume resources yet serve little purpose. Small wonder Guan Yuan was displeased.

Were Cui Xiu in his shoes, he too would find it hard to be content. Once such a precedent was set, who could predict what the future would bring? At least in the short term, this change promised no clear benefits. For Guan Yuan, it was a vexation, but to Cui Xiu, the news was a boon. He could avoid too much danger while still reaping his desired rewards—a stroke of luck for anyone.

Naturally, Cui Xiu did not refuse. At present, agreeing to this arrangement promised far more advantages than drawbacks. Moreover, opportunities like this were rare—who could say when another might arise? He was not willing to relinquish it lightly.

His understanding of the world’s mysteries was limited, and from the memories of his predecessor, it was clear that supernatural abilities remained far beyond the reach of ordinary folk. The very secrecy shrouding the Yangsi—of which most commoners had never even heard—was proof enough. Thus, aside from the Yangsi, Cui Xiu saw little chance of obtaining the things he sought through other means. Under such circumstances, why would he decline?

Of course, he did not answer Guan Yuan’s proposal directly. Instead, he began to inquire about the Yangsi itself. Whatever he chose, he needed to first understand the organization’s true nature. In all their previous interactions, Guan Yuan had spoken little of the Yangsi, as though some rule forbade it. Thus, while Cui Xiu knew of its existence and extraordinary attributes, he remained largely in the dark.

Now, however, he could use this opportunity to learn more. Guan Yuan was not surprised by Cui Xiu’s questions; he valued directness and saw no harm in sharing. Still, certain matters could not be discussed with outsiders, so he limited himself to basic explanations.

After listening, Cui Xiu did not hesitate further and gave his reply to Guan Yuan.

Once Guan Yuan had departed with his answer, Cui Xiu gazed about the apothecary, momentarily lost in thought. He had not intended to remain under the Wu family’s employ for long, but this sudden turn of events had nevertheless unsettled his plans.

To be candid, Guan Yuan’s announcement had taken him entirely by surprise. He had already set aside most of his ambitions regarding the Yangsi. Though he had visited Guan Yuan a few times before, it was only to cultivate goodwill; any deeper intentions he had dismissed.

Thus, while Guan Yuan’s arrival brought certain benefits, it also disrupted his previous designs. His foremost priority had been preparing for the provincial exam, followed by gathering Source Energy, and then collecting martial arts techniques. Beyond these, exploring the world’s mysteries was also a goal, though not one he had considered in depth.

But after today, these plans had been shaken. His decision to pursue the imperial examinations was motivated chiefly by the status of a licentiate. This world, much like his former one, revered scholars; to pass even the first exam brought a host of privileges, both hidden and overt. The mere title provided great convenience in dealing with others, and this was one of Cui Xiu’s main incentives.

Now, with the prospect of joining the Yangsi, his calculations shifted. According to Guan Yuan, the Yangsi was also a governmental body—albeit a special one—and membership conferred official status. For instance, as a Yangsi Captain, Guan Yuan held the equivalent rank of an eighth-grade official, only one rank below the county magistrate.

Of course, the two positions were not strictly comparable, but in terms of social standing, being a member of the Yangsi was certainly no less than being a licentiate. Moreover, those in the know regarded the Yangsi as an extraordinary force; in this sense, the role carried even more weight. In special circumstances, one could even stand toe-to-toe with high-ranking officials.

Guan Yuan had mentioned this in passing during his explanations: aside from occasionally having to carry out dangerous assignments, most of the time, life in the Yangsi was quite comfortable. Given the abundance of supernatural phenomena in this world, no one could guarantee they would never be plagued by such troubles. When strange occurrences arose, those aware of the Yangsi always sought their aid.

Take, for example, Master Wu. Though the Wu family wielded great influence in Anyuan County—enough to give even the magistrate pause—when confronted with spirits and mysteries, they had no choice but to turn to Guan Yuan for help. Even when Guan Yuan was reluctant to intervene, they still had to treat him with utmost respect. Such was the value of a specialist—much as it had been in Cui Xiu’s previous life.

Given this opportunity, Cui Xiu’s determination to pass the provincial exam waned. Even if he lacked the power to confront the uncanny for now, the mere title of Yangsi member was imposing enough. Ability could come later.

As for gathering Source Energy, this plan remained unaffected—indeed, it might even be aided, for his method of harvesting it was, after all, something he had learned from Guan Yuan; with insider knowledge from the Yangsi, he might gain even more.

As for collecting martial arts techniques, Cui Xiu had not yet made up his mind. Guan Yuan had told him that joining the Yangsi would grant him access to certain cultivation methods, but until he encountered them himself, Cui Xiu could not be sure whether his own Grey Mist ability would still function as before.