Chapter 384: Reaching the Capital, the Gang Leader

They docked at a wharf several dozen li outside the capital.

The three of them took three fast horses from the dock hall and rode straight for the capital.

The walls of the capital were over twenty meters high, towering and majestic, imposing beyond compare.

Following behind Wan Xiwen and Hu Weicheng, Wangchuan presented his identity papers and travel permit, paid an entry fee of one tael of silver, and was only then allowed through—and that was already on account of the Caobang’s face.

After entering the city, Wan Xiwen led his horse forward and explained,

“In a place like the capital, vagrants are not permitted inside, and ordinary commoners may not enter without a proper reason. Even if they pay the silver, they are not allowed to stay in the city overnight!”

“...”

Wangchuan clicked his tongue inwardly.

Beneath the Son of Heaven’s feet, things truly were different.

“It can’t be easy to buy a residence in the capital, can it?”

He could not help asking.

Wan Xiwen and Hu Weicheng exchanged amused looks.

“The cheapest residence in the capital costs five hundred taels of gold, but some people can afford to buy one and still can’t afford to live in it... Even a single steamed bun here costs thirty Copper Coins.”

“Tsk tsk. That’s really expensive. At our Sanjiang Branch Helm dock, a meat bun only costs two Copper Coins.”

Wangchuan sincerely found it expensive.

“So, then. Surviving in the capital is no easy matter.”

Wan Xiwen spoke with deep feeling.

Hu Weicheng nodded and sighed.

“To support the people at headquarters in the capital—more than a hundred mouths in total—the expenses are endless... A great deal of the silver sent to headquarters by the various halls each year is actually spent on this, to the point that every year elders propose simply moving headquarters out of the capital and into a nearby commandery city.”

“But...”

“The Caobang is, after all, the richest gang under heaven. If we moved out of the capital... wouldn’t that be lowering ourselves and putting us on the same level as those Beggar Sect beggars?”

“...”

Only after Hu Weicheng said this did Wangchuan realize that not a single beggar could be seen anywhere on the streets of the capital.

The Beggar Sect probably really could not survive here.

Just as he was wondering about it, he suddenly caught sight of a familiar figure on one of the capital’s streets.

Xue Lingsong, wearing a sour expression, stood by the window on the second floor of a restaurant, staring fixedly at him. But the moment he noticed Wan Xiwen and Hu Weicheng, he gave a cold snort, withdrew his gaze, and turned away from the window.

Wangchuan was briefly taken aback.

Xue Lingsong had actually held a grudge against him?

That pampered young master really could not afford to lose.

Wan Xiwen and Hu Weicheng had naturally noticed that little episode as well, and waved it off in reassurance:

“Don’t worry. Although the Xue Family is indeed somebody in the capital, so long as you do not go looking for trouble yourself, they will not dare provoke you openly either. On this patch of ground in the capital, the Xue Family is not the only great power.”

“Yes.”

Wangchuan nodded.

Having people above him to rely on felt rather nice.

At that moment, they passed a lofty and imposing seven-story pavilion. At the entrance hung saber and sword weapons of strikingly fine quality...

Every single one looked superior to what he currently carried.

On the plaque above the entrance were written three characters:

Treasure Pavilion!

Wan Xiwen smiled and introduced it.

“The finest master artisans in Nanyu Kingdom are all in the Treasure Pavilion. It is said they have dealings with Tang Sect, Divine Sword Manor, and even the Ministry of Works. Whatever sort of weapon you want, you can buy it here—provided you have the money.”

As he said this, he looked Wangchuan up and down.

“Everything on you can be replaced, aside from your Thousand-Forged Battle Armor, which is still passable.”

“...”

Wangchuan laughed bitterly.

He truly had come from a small place.

The capital was indeed the capital!

The three of them soon arrived at the Caobang.

The main gate of the Caobang faced a side street. The entrance was broad, the gate itself imposing, and the atmosphere inside was stern and dignified.

With the two elders leading the way, no one came over to question Wangchuan’s identity.

“Is the Gang Leader here?”

Elder Wan asked one of the disciples at the gate.

The latter replied respectfully,

“In reply to Elder, the Gang Leader is currently discussing matters in the main hall.”

“Good.”

Only then did Elder Wan lead them inside.

With the elders guiding the way, they went straight to the headquarters’ main discussion hall.

When they reached the entrance, Wan Xiwen gestured and said,

“Elder Hu and I will go in first and report. Wait here at the door. When you hear us call your name, then you may come in.”

“Yes!”

Wangchuan accepted the order with cupped fists.

He glanced around, observing the area nearby.

The Caobang headquarters actually did not look as grand as a commandery hall. It lacked carved balustrades and ornamental finery, and there were not many sentries. There were few decorations at all. Everywhere, the place was steeped in a stern and heavy atmosphere.

Perhaps because it stood beneath the Son of Heaven’s feet, it dared not be overly ostentatious;

or perhaps because land in the capital was simply too expensive!

Before long, he heard his name called from inside:

“Wangchuan!”

“Come in!”

Wangchuan drew a deep breath, steeled himself, and stepped into the main discussion hall.

At the seat of honor sat a thin old man in a purple robe. His temples were flecked with white, but his eyes were exceedingly deep and sharp, like two bolts of lightning striking his face, making it hard for anyone to meet his gaze directly.

“This subordinate, Wangchuan of the Sanhe Commandery hall, pays his respects to the Gang Leader!”

As Wangchuan had been instructed beforehand by the two elders, he bent respectfully and bowed.

The gaunt old man in the purple robe looked him up and down, surprise flickering in his eyes, and said,

“So it is just as the Carrier Pigeon Messages said—very young indeed.”

“Your Hall Master sent word by pigeon, saying that you were the Deputy Hall Master who cultivated 《Poison Sand Palm》, stabilized the Sanhe Commandery hall, and proposed holding the martial tournament to bring glory to the gang... You have a good head on your shoulders.”

“This subordinate dares not claim the credit. Without the gang’s support and the Hall Master’s cultivation, this subordinate would not be where he is today. I merely did my utmost in carrying out my duties and did not think too far beyond that.”

Wangchuan first declared his loyalty.

The Gang Leader of the Caobang gave a slight nod and said,

“Your Hall Master has already sent word about your affairs, and the two elders have also spoken many good words for you... This martial tournament was handled very well. You should be rewarded!”

Wangchuan’s heart surged.

“Since you have already broken through to Fourth Rank and have now come to headquarters, then go to the Armory Manual Vault and collect two Fifth-Rank cultivation methods as your reward.”

The Gang Leader’s tone was calm, giving him an unfathomable air.

Wangchuan immediately bowed in thanks.

“Many thanks, Gang Leader! This subordinate will cultivate diligently and will not fail the Gang Leader’s expectations.”

Obtaining two Fifth-Rank martial arts right away was already quite good.

Wangchuan was satisfied.

The Gang Leader continued,

“The two elders have pleaded on your behalf, asking that you remain at headquarters for a period of study and cultivation so as to consolidate your Fourth-Rank Martial Artist realm, improve your strength, and avoid targeting and retaliation from the Beggar Sect. I have agreed. In a moment, go and take a look at your residence. For the next month, unless there is some matter requiring it, do not leave headquarters. Focus on cultivating properly.”

“Yes!”

“You may withdraw.”

“This subordinate takes his leave.”

Wangchuan withdrew from the main discussion hall.

A Caobang disciple was already waiting outside the door.

“Hall Master Wangchuan, please come with me. I’ll take you to where you’ll be staying.”

On the western side of headquarters was a row of side rooms, several of which stood empty.

The room was not large, but at least in the capital he now had a safe place to stay and log off.

“Hall Master Wangchuan, shall I take you to the Armory Manual Vault as well? It’s in the inner court, and people are generally not allowed to go in and out. You should come with me first and collect your cultivation manuals...”

“Certainly. Though I still haven’t asked your honorable name, brother.”

Wangchuan casually offered him a gold ingot worth five taels.

The man hastily waved his hands and refused.

“Hall Master Wangchuan is too courteous. This little one is Lin Zhentao, just a runner and errand boy at headquarters. I truly don’t deserve it...”

Lin Zhentao only had the cultivation of a second-rank martial artist. At headquarters, he truly counted as a very insignificant little figure.

“This is my first time here. My first time at headquarters, and my first time in the capital. There are many things I do not understand, and I will surely need to ask Brother Lin about them.”

As Wangchuan spoke, he pressed the gold ingot into the other man’s hand.

Lin Zhentao hurriedly accepted it, then lowered his voice and warned him:

“Hall Master Wangchuan, you must be careful. Those cultivation manuals in the Armory Manual Vault aren’t so easy to get. The one guarding the vault is a nephew of the Gang Leader’s wife, and he often makes things difficult for people from outside who come here to study—especially those without background or reputation. Do you have any familiar elder you could ask to accompany you?”

Wangchuan smiled inwardly.

Those five taels of gold had been well spent.