Chapter 985: Ding Jiu Team

Leading Li Baxian and the others to the Recruitment Office, the process of registration, assessment of past military achievements, determination of military ranks, and collection of guard orders was quite familiar.

None of them had accumulated much military merit previously, so they all received the rank of Fruit Guard. This is the rank most True Lake Realm cultivators first arriving at the State Guard typically receive.

The military rank determines the monthly stipend. A Fruit Guard's rank only yields a monthly stipend of 10,000 military merits, which is incomparable to Lu Ye's Captain rank. A Captain's monthly stipend is 30,000, and Lu Ye receives a double stipend, meaning 60,000 military merits per month. This was the condition agreed upon when Qian Wudang initially asked him to take on the captain's role.

Lu Ye had previously assumed all captains received this, but he only recently learned otherwise during a conversation with Geng Wu, the Martial King. It seemed he was the only captain in the Enforcement Hall receiving a double stipend! He was also the only one with his own residence in Haotian City; other captains had no fixed place of residence. Only God Sea Realm grand cultivators were eligible for their own living quarters in Haotian City.

Only then did Lu Ye realize that the terms Qian Wudang offered him were not standard Enforcement Hall regulations but rather his own special arrangement. His motive was simply to entice Lu Ye to become the captain and then assign Lin Yinxian to his team, which showed considerable thought.

Having reported to the Recruitment Office, the normal procedure dictated that within three days, the office would assign the new guards to various passes needing additional personnel. Therefore, Lu Ye had Xiao Xinghe lead their group, including his martial brothers, around Haotian City, while he himself slowly proceeded to the Law Enforcement Hall to meet Qian Wudang.

He intended to ask Qian Wudang to intervene and transfer the eight new recruits, including Lin Yinxian, to the Law Enforcement Hall and then assign them to his own team.

Inside the hall, Lu Ye met Qian Wudang and explained his purpose. Qian Wudang chuckled, "You're showing favoritism!"

Lu Ye's team had been short by eight members, and seeing no signs of him recruiting new ones, Qian Wudang knew he was waiting for someone. He just wasn't sure who until now.

"My Lord," Lu Ye said, "although my martial brothers and the others have only just reached the True Lake Realm, each of them possesses profound foundations and can fight above their rank. While their current cultivation might be a bit lower, it won't be an issue with a little time. Furthermore, I'm well-acquainted with them, which will make task execution and cooperation much smoother."

Qian Wudang nodded, "I've heard of Lin Yinxian and Feng Yuechan from the Danxin Sect, and I know their capabilities... But what about this Wu Wang? What makes him so highly regarded by you?"

"Wu Wang is exceptionally talented," Lu Ye replied, "I dare guarantee that among cultivators of the same level, no body refiner possesses a stronger physique than him!"

Qian Wudang couldn't help but be moved. "Really?"

"Naturally!" Lu Ye affirmed with a serious nod. "I've seen it with my own eyes; even body refiners from first-grade sects pale in comparison to Wu Wang."

"You have body refiners, spellcasters, sword cultivators, weapon specialists, and even ghost cultivators – a well-rounded configuration. You've thought this through thoroughly. In that case, I'll grant your request!"

"Thank you, My Lord!" Lu Ye clasped his fists. Although he knew Qian Wudang wouldn't reject his request, Lu Ye only truly felt relieved when he heard the direct affirmation.

"Now that your team is complete," Qian Wudang said, "it shall be designated as Team D4."

"Understood." All Enforcement Hall teams are numbered for easy tracking of task completion and handover. Lu Ye's team previously hadn't been numbered, and he had discussed this with Geng Ling, so he was naturally aware. Team numbers carry no inherent rank or correlation to the team's overall strength. Lu Ye naturally had no objection to the designation 'Team D4.'

Qian Wudang then signed a handwritten order and handed it to Lu Ye. "Take this order to the Quartermaster's Office; you can claim a set of artifacts specifically for the Enforcement Hall. But remember, these artifacts are extremely difficult to refine, so try not to lose them."

"Understood!" Lu Ye replied.

The so-called specialized artifacts for the Enforcement Hall were none other than the Three-Element Restriction Array. Lu Ye had used this item once before. It required the cooperation of three people to activate, and once engaged, it could restrict the flow of spiritual energy within a certain range, specifically for apprehending individuals.

However, Lu Ye always felt that this item was somewhat of a white elephant. Because Enforcement Hall teams are all in the True Lake Realm, ordinary targets would likely not be their match, making the Three-Element Restriction Array unnecessary. Those capable of defeating an entire team would surely be mighty cultivators! And the Three-Element Restriction Array has no restrictive effect on the divine sense of such cultivators... He had learned this the hard way at Immortal Mist Mountain last time. That Ning Hu's divine sense, once activated, instantly broke through the Three-Element Restriction Array's suppression.

But since it was standard equipment for Enforcement Hall teams, it was best to take it anyway; there might be an opportunity to use it sometime.

Leaving the Law Enforcement Hall, Lu Ye hastened towards the Quartermaster's Office. Upon arriving, he presented Qian Wudang's signed order and smoothly acquired a set of three Three-Element Restriction Arrays.

He then rushed back to his courtyard and began distributing the Three-Element Restriction Arrays. As he did so, he suddenly realized there was one extra piece. "Where's Shenhai-chan?" Only then did Lu Ye realize that Shenhai-chan hadn't appeared.

Yiyi shook her head, indicating she didn't know where Shenhai-chan had gone.

As he was searching around, he saw Shenhai-chan swiftly approaching from afar, circling before landing in the courtyard. She happily exclaimed, "Captain, I heard our team has new members!"

She had clearly heard it from Qian Wudang and, not knowing what she had been busy with earlier, had rushed back. Lu Ye then introduced the two groups. Since they would be working together in the same team from now on, it was best for them to get acquainted as quickly as possible.

Among those present, Shenhai-chan had the lowest cultivation level. Being at the first layer of the True Lake Realm was already quite respectable anywhere. Lin Yinxian and the others all addressed her as Senior Sister Lin, and Shenhai-chan's eyelashes curved as she listened, looking joyful. Normally, Lu Ye would just call her by her name, so she rarely enjoyed being addressed as Senior Sister.

Feeling delighted, Shenhai-chan suggested, "Captain, why don't we go for a welcoming feast for Junior Brother Li and the others? It would also be a celebration that our team is finally complete."

"That's a good idea!" Lu Ye nodded. "To the Hundred Fragrances Restaurant?" "Yes!"

Shenhai-chan cheered and led the way. Seeing her childlike disposition, Feng Yuechan and the others, who were interacting with her for the first time, were all stunned, feeling that calling her 'Senior Sister' earlier might have been a bit premature.

In a short while, they arrived in front of the Hundred Fragrances Restaurant. However, to Lu Ye's astonishment, the Hundred Fragrances Restaurant was closed today, its grand doors shut tight. Recalling the previous incident where everyone had gathered there for a brawl, Lu Ye frowned and sent a message to Geng Ling to inquire about the situation.

He quickly received a reply. According to Geng Ling, after the last incident, Shen Manzi had intended to transfer the ownership of the Hundred Fragrances Restaurant, which was why it hadn't opened for the past few days.

"Don't misunderstand," Geng Ling's message continued, "it wasn't because of you all. That incident wasn't a big deal; Manzi simply didn't want to work so hard anymore. She's now planning to join my squad and serve in the Enforcement Hall with me."

Geng Ling's squad had always been short one member, so Shen Manzi joining was a perfect fit.

"Are you treating everyone, Yi Ye?" Geng Ling asked.

"My martial brothers and the others have arrived, and I wanted to welcome them at the Hundred Fragrances Restaurant... Do you have any good recommendations?"

"White Cloud Pavilion is good."

After confirming the location of the White Cloud Pavilion, Lu Ye led everyone there. Just as they reached the entrance, a man with a large belly and luxurious clothing came out to greet them. He cupped his fists and asked, "May I ask if you are Fellow Daoist Lu Yi Ye?"

"That's right." Lu Ye was a little curious how this person recognized him.

"I am Qian Julai, the proprietor of White Cloud Pavilion!"

Shenhai-chan let out a soft chuckle, finding the man's name amusing. Qian Julai, sounding like 'all money comes,' was truly openly greedy.

"Please come in, everyone. Fellow Daoist Geng Ling has already informed us and reserved a private room for you."

Lu Ye suddenly realized; he had been wondering how this person knew him, when he had never met him. It turned out Geng Ling had given them a heads-up. It seemed Geng Ling indeed had quite a reputation in Haotian City.

"Then we'll trouble you," Lu Ye said, gesturing to the others, and followed Qian Julai inside.

The main hall was very lively, with every table full of cultivators talking loudly and toasting each other.

"Is White Cloud Pavilion an establishment of the Heavenly Secret Merchant Guild?" Lu Ye asked thoughtfully. "Mainly, this Proprietor Qian didn't look like someone who could fight. Although he possessed some cultivation, his build clearly indicated a life of ease and indulgence; if he were to truly fight, he certainly wouldn't be able to display strength commensurate with his cultivation. Generally speaking, only cultivators from the Heavenly Secret Merchant Guild would look this way."

Qian Julai smiled faintly, "Fellow Daoist Lu, your insight is sharp. White Cloud Pavilion is indeed an establishment of the Heavenly Secret Merchant Guild. If you have any future banquets, please do favor our humble establishment with your patronage."

"Since Geng Ling recommended it, there's no problem at all," Lu Ye readily agreed. While serving in Haotian City, there would inevitably be occasions for banquets, and having a suitable, familiar place was not a bad idea.

Under Qian Julai's guidance, they passed through the main hall and arrived at a private room in the back. They each took a seat, and soon, exquisitely prepared dishes were brought out. With wine, they drank together, becoming slightly tipsy, and the atmosphere gradually grew lively.

Everyone drank their fill that evening; even Shenhai-chan and Feng Yuechan had several extra cups, and Amber even passed out from drinking. It was mainly because Amber saw Wu Wang drinking with gusto that it wanted to try as well. After a few cups, it felt nothing and thought its alcohol tolerance was astonishing. But by the time the alcohol hit, it was already dizzy and sprawling on its back.

It wasn't until the sky was full of stars that they left the White Cloud Pavilion. A cool breeze blew, dissipating much of their intoxication.

Returning to the courtyard, they each found an empty room and went in to rest. Lu Ye had considered this when he chose this courtyard as his residence; there were plenty of rooms, enough to accommodate the eight members of his team.

In his room, Lu Ye sat cross-legged, dispelling the effects of the alcohol, and continued refining explosive fire spirit stones, silently refining his plans for the future. Now that the team was complete, once his martial brothers and the others had rested for a couple of days, they could go to the Hunt Pavilion to take on tasks. This would allow them to quickly earn military merits and advance their cultivation. During the day, Lu Ye had noticed something: his Eighth Martial Brother, Xiao Xinghe, had already advanced to the seventh layer of the True Lake Realm, clearly a result of his recent cultivation with spirit talismans.