Apotheosis Begins with Tai Chi

Chapter 349: Chapter 170: Military Merit (Part 3)

Thinking this, he reached out, took the two heads, and placed them on the desk.

But when he unwrapped the coarse cloth from the first head, the expression on his face instantly changed.

“This… this is also a Third Level Wanted Criminal…”

His voice trembled slightly, and his eyes were filled with disbelief. He couldn’t imagine how a fair-skinned boy as young as Chen Cheng could have possibly killed such a major criminal.

Fang Lang and the other two also looked over. With a single glance, they recognized it as the head of the lanky man from before.

However, they were all very curious. How did Chen Cheng get his hands on an extra head?

Next, the Merit Officer composed himself and unwrapped the coarse cloth from the other head.

“This… this is the Profound Armor Army—oh, no, this is a rebel army leader, a First Level Wanted Criminal, Xiao Kui…”

The Merit Officer sucked in a cold breath, his pupils constricting and his voice trembling:

“Young Master… did you… did you really kill this man?”

“No.”

Chen Cheng replied calmly:

“A friend and I killed him together… Of course, she did most of the work. She had no use for this small amount of Military Merit, so she gave it to me.”

At these words, the Merit Officer’s pupils shrank until they nearly vanished. This was the Military Merit from a First Level criminal! Yet, hearing the boy say it so nonchalantly, it sounded like it was nothing at all.

Fang Lang’s mouth twitched twice, but he immediately forced a smile.

Zhao Dongping’s face was dark, his fists clenched tightly.

Su Bing, however, looked as calm as ever and teased casually:

“Brother Chen! You’re really something else! To think you actually befriended that cat-raising noble! No wonder you weren’t interested in allying with us!”

Obviously, this head belonged to the fierce bandit leader who had been beheaded with a single sword strike that day.

“Miss Su, you’re joking.”

Chen Cheng shook his head and said:

“I did think carefully about the alliance, but I know my own limits. I’m young, weak, and my Root Bone isn’t ideal… I was afraid I’d just drag you all down, so I didn’t bring it up again.”

“We’re not afraid of you dragging us down!”

Zhao Dongping said hurriedly:

“Just say the word, and we’ll do everything we can to help you. From now on, we’ll share weal and woe, and never betray you!”

“No, thank you…”

Chen Cheng’s brow furrowed. ‘Is this guy really that stupid, or is he just playing dumb? Can’t he even take a hint? I’ve already politely refused, but he insists on hearing a direct rejection before giving up?’

“Young Master, we should focus on official business for now! You can discuss things among friends later. Wouldn’t you agree?”

The Merit Officer spoke up at the right moment. Seeing Chen Cheng nod, he continued:

“A First Level Wanted Criminal can be exchanged for ten thousand silver taels, or one hundred Military Merit points. Adding one Third Level Wanted Criminal, the total comes to thirteen thousand silver taels, or one hundred and thirty Military Merit points.”

“I’ll take the Military Merit.”

Chen Cheng said, taking out his Martial Guard Official Document.

In truth, Chen Cheng wasn’t sure which option was more advantageous. But since Fang Lang and Su Bing had both chosen Military Merit, it was probably the best choice, so he decided to just follow their lead.

Su Bing seemed to notice Chen Cheng’s uncertainty and said in a low voice:

“In the Northern Territory, Military Merit can not only be exchanged for Martial Arts or resources at the Government Office, but it can also be used in the Sects…”

“You only need silver if you want to spend it at places that aren’t official or affiliated with a Sect.”

“Understood. Thank you for telling me.”

Chen Cheng nodded, then followed the Merit Officer to complete the detailed registration.

Finally, Chen Cheng got his Martial Guard Official Document back.

On the page dedicated to recording Military Merit, a line of small, vermilion characters was clearly written, stamped with an Official Seal the size of a grain of rice.

The ink and seal paste were made with a special process, giving off a strange, indescribable smell and a shimmering, iridescent sheen.

It was somewhat like the color-shifting ink from his previous life; an ordinary person could never hope to forge it.

「Leaving the Patrol Office.」

Chen Cheng rode alone in his carriage to Futong Inn.

「In the other carriage.」

Zhao Dongping had barely sat down before he started complaining:

“That kid is too cunning! He was obviously afraid we’d take a cut of his merit! He didn’t let a single word slip beforehand!”

“His haul alone is worth thirteen times what I got! Thirteen times!! On what grounds!? You tell me, on what grounds does he deserve that!?”

“Alright, the guy got lucky. What can you do?”

Fang Lang waved his hand dismissively, but his tone grew heavy:

“Still, that kid is truly scheming. He even fooled me! I was just waiting around like an idiot, thinking he’d join us once he’d thought it over!”

“Actually…”

Su Bing hesitated for a moment before speaking up:

“I don’t think Young Master Chen meant to deceive us. Maybe that noble only gave him the head today.”

“As for joining our alliance… the problem might be with us. We rejected Huang Jiao because her Root Bone was poor, and we rejected Ning Chong because he was weak and inexperienced.”

“After considering all that, isn’t it normal that Young Master Chen wouldn’t want to join us?”

“Su Bing! That’s enough!”

Zhao Dongping roared angrily:

“This isn’t the first time you’ve sided with that little bastard Chen Cheng! If you think he’s so right about everything, why don’t you just go and ally with him yourself!”