Commander Su Luo

Welp, I failed my year, but it's all good ig... good news is that now I can steadily upload for a couple months. Enjoy!

――――

As time passed, Fang calmed down and realized that maybe his situation wasn't that bad.

Yes, he was treated like a mere commodity, tossed around like a coin, but in the end, he still achieved his goal, albeit in an unusual manner.

He knew that strength was the key to changing how he was treated. After all, he was viewed as a unique beast, and they weren't entirely wrong.

His plan of riding Madam Li's coattails wouldn't work if she didn't see him as a 'cute' and 'harmless' beast, so instead of lamenting, he decided to make use of the way people perceived him.

――

The next day, Marshal Cheng returned, pulling out a yellow bracelet engraved with runes. He hovered it over Fang, examining him closely as if waiting for something.

Five seconds later, Fang disappeared from the room as if nothing had happened and found himself in a grey field.

Nervous and a bit curious, Fang asked, 'Corbin, what's happening?'

Unbothered, Corbin responded, 'Oh, that fatty put you inside a spirit beast bracelet, nothing to worry about.'

'This is some kind of storage space, but for beasts, huh?' Fang commented while observing the endless field of grey grass.

'Yes.'

'Hmm, I hope the bracelet reaches Madam Li soon.'

――

In the meantime, Marshal Cheng made his way to one of the commanders known for taking bribes.

Soon, he arrived at a large arena, one of the three recruitment centers in Shenhong City where new guards were selected and trained according to the regulations implemented by Guan Pan.

Hundreds of cultivators ranging from Early Stage to Peak Stage Foundation Building competed on stages set up all over the arena, showcasing their power and spells.

There were three commanders supervising and overseeing Shenhong City's districts: the Beggar District, the Outlaw District, and last but not least, the Trading District.

The Beggar District might have been expected to be poor and unmaintained, but that couldn't be farther from the truth.

Every district had a distinct purpose―the Beggar District was focused on information gathering, the Outlaw District for entertainment and housing, while the Trading District was self-explanatory.

Marshal Cheng did not observe the competition for long; his attention was drawn to a small podium above the arena where a man sat on a large ice throne.

Ensuring he didn't impede his view, Marshal Cheng landed on the platform's corner and bowed deeply, waiting for permission to speak.

The commander never looked away from the arena during this, not acknowledging Marshal Cheng's presence.

Marshall Cheng felt pressured by the silence until the commander finally opened his mouth and commanded, "Speak!"

Raising his head, Marshal Cheng carefully eyed the young man on the throne. He looked to be in his 20s, with clear blue eyes and white hair, dressed in a pristine white hanfu. The young man's posture was upright and rigid like a mountain, while his presence was suffocating, emanating a distinct chill akin to a tame blizzard just waiting to be unleashed.

The Marshall wasn't shocked by the commander's imposing presence, but he still dreaded it.

'This is the aura of a Middle Stage Soul Transformation cultivator!' he thought.

Marshall Cheng decided to approach the Outlaw District's commander, Su Luo, due to his stance regarding the rivalry between the commanders of the Beggar District and the Trading District.

Commander Luo was known to be a reclusive and mysterious person with a cold demeanor who only cared about benefits and profits―sometimes even more so than the Trading District's commander―so it was no surprise that Marshal Cheng picked him as his bribing target.

Marshall Cheng realized he had been staring at the commander for quite some time. Hurriedly, he replied in a respectful and humble tone, "Good day, Commander Luo. I've come here to make a trade with you!"

Marshall Cheng knew Commander Luo hated wasting time, so he maintained a basic level of respect while explaining his proposal, not intending to offend the only man who could grant his promotion without offering a limb in exchange.

Commander Luo looked slightly intrigued by Marshall Cheng's proposal. After asking for the bracelet in which Fang was kept, he eyed Marshal Cheng and asked in his signature icy tone, "Why come to me first?"

Marshal Cheng replied after a short pause, his voice even more respectful, ensuring he didn't anger or imply that Commander Luo was the easiest to bribe. "Master Luo, I came to you first because the other two commanders would bully me and demand an arm or a leg. It's known that you are the mightiest of the three masters and wouldn't care for a little cultivator like myself if the benefits are enough to satisfy your greatness."

Bullshitting and adding a bit of truth were Marshall Cheng's only options since he knew flattery could get him killed on the spot in Commander Luo's presence.

Misunderstandings in the cultivation world could wipe out entire domains and sometimes even realms, so he chose his words very carefully.

Commander Luo stared into Marshal Cheng's bold eyes for a couple of minutes, then a small, unnoticeable smirk appeared in the corner of his mouth.

"Fine, I accept!" said Commander Luo, ending eye contact and switching back to viewing the fighting recruits.

Before Marshal Cheng could bow and quickly take his leave, Commander Luo clarified in a stern tone, "Don't you dare slack off in your cultivation, and I hope you know the selection is no laughing matter even if you are guaranteed to get promoted. A deputy commander cannot be weak!"

Marshal Cheng quickly agreed and promised to do his utmost best, then quickly left, not worried that Commander Luo would change his mind and decide to keep Fang without honoring his part of the agreement.

Not keeping your word and breaking promises could lead to the birth of a Heart Demon or Mental Calamity that could result in Qi Deviation during practice.

Now alone, Commander Luo peered inside the bracelet once again and bitterly thought, 'Maybe after I gift this beast to Miss Li, I can ask for the Frozen Lotus and refine my meridians after 100 years of stagnation.'

The atmosphere around him suddenly took a steep dive while small ice crystals began materializing all over the now-frozen podium.

'I'll come for you, Sister Qin, and when I do, the whole Bing Domain will cry for 100 days and nights!'