A Long Grind to Daoist Monarch-Chapter 116 - 106: Black Water River, Now the Bai Domain

The two Masters of the Fishery and Chai Market, along with the Sitting Hall Master of the Martial Arts Hall and several notable Third-Practice Experts, gathered around a table at the Rain Praying Platform of the Dragon King Temple.

They were the local bullies whose very presence could make Black River County tremble, the unrecognized "county magistrates" of the five-hundred-mile mountain path and eight-hundred-mile Black Water River.

Torches blazed in the front hall, illuminating the surroundings and dispelling the inky darkness of the night.

Wang the Temple Priest, respected by the villagers, watched as the Child and miscellaneous tasks brought the food and drink, ensuring everything was in order, before wisely stepping back without any disturbance.

Before closing the door, he looked up and saw Bai Qi standing out among the distinguished figures, sitting upright with an imposing presence.

This young man was clearly the youngest, the least experienced, and the weakest in martial arts, yet he sat to the left of Han Yang from the Celestial Eagle Martial Arts Hall, while Song Lin from the Chai Market held the position on the right.

"Truly a White Jiao in full form!"

Wang the Temple Priest exclaimed in admiration.

If Han Li, Deng Yong, or Song Qiying were to witness this scene, they would be utterly astonished, jaw-dropped.

Because, ever since the Dragon Court governed, it continued the courtesy customs of prioritizing the left established before the demise of the Dao.

The placement of the seven chairs at the Rain Praying Platform was intricate and deliberate.

Han Yang presided over the gathering, serving as half the host and commanded respect from the martial arts community, renowned and with a high reputation, thus naturally taking the central seat.

Following him, the seats on the left and right should have been reserved for Song Lin and Bao Daqing, the former being the Master of Chai Market, the latter representing the fire kiln, both holding decent status and martial prowess.

In past years, the prominent seats in Black River County were always led by the three major families, followed closely by the martial arts hall and then the prominent local gentry.

The reasoning behind this arrangement was simply the presence of influence, martial power, and wealth, determined by the size and quantity of these elements.

If not for the Red Eyebrow Bandits causing a huge stir midway, leading to significant losses in manpower for the Fishery and Chai Market, shaking them to the core.

Hosting tonight's gathering and overseeing the situation should have been the roles of He Wenbing and Song Lin. 𝚏𝕣𝐞𝗲𝐰𝕖𝐛𝐧𝕠𝕧𝚎𝚕.𝐜𝚘𝗺

At present, circumstances have changed, as the martial arts masters and their disciples fought off the bandits, earning the trust and reputation from the people, temporarily overshadowing the two families.

Bai Qi was brought to the seat below the host, occupying the first seat on the left.

Such an arrangement signified that for the future of Black River County, Bai Qilang, barely eighteen years old, could move effortlessly anywhere.

The rise in his status was simply astonishing.

"Natural disasters and human calamities have never been absent, and Black River County, though heavily hit this time, should recover well with proper rest and recuperation.

Life outside the County City is difficult, as everyone knows. Calamities of monsters, demonic plagues, disasters from the heavens, Turbid Tide... they never cease."

Han Yang raised his cup first, followed by the others, engaging in some polite conversation before delving into serious discussions,

concerning disaster relief distribution, stabilizing the public's sentiments, and reorganizing the guards for the Inner and Outer City, Han Yang spoke methodically, with clarity and coherence, demonstrating that this plain-looking Hall Master, with a grayish complexion, truly harbored great insights.

The last topic, recruiting Village Braves and reorganizing the guards, made Song Lin on the first seat to the right, and He Wenbing at the lowest seat, involuntarily twitch their eyelids harshly.

Everyone knew that Black River County did not set up a government office; the County City only managed conscription and tax collection, leaving all trivial affairs to local self-governance.

Earlier, it was always the three major families, Fishery, Chai Market, and Fire Kiln, independently organizing manpower, responsible for escorting goods, patrolling streets, and watching the night during peaceful times, and serving in bandit suppression and thief elimination when needed.

Now, Han Yang singled this issue out, intending to reorganize, undoubtedly affecting the root interests of the three families.

"Militia training?"

The term sprang to Bai Qi's mind, he mused:

"Previously, such guards were essentially privately kept militia of the families, obeying the masters' orders only.

Han Yang now wants to get involved, having various martial arts halls train them, taking on tasks like city defense, thief searching, canal clearing, fire rescue at night.

This amounts to local militia training, with each household providing able men and receiving a monthly salary.

The strategies of the old martial artists were indeed sharp; elevating the status of the martial arts halls subtly and effectively."

Song Lin exchanged a glance with his sworn brother Hu Zhenshan and spoke:

"The idea of recruiting Village Braves from the numerous common households is indeed feasible, but the expenses for weapons, provisions, and salaries will be considerable for long-term maintenance."

Han Yang did not respond, and Zhu Wan, sitting at the second seat on the left, said in a deep voice:

"Nothing in the world is difficult, only fearing those determined. Black River County's guard, known for its bravery in bandit suppression, is only attending to the masters' affairs, neglecting city defense, behaving sluggish like a lazy donkey.

The Red Eyebrow Bandits easily broke into the Outer City, set several fires, while Inner City only reacted after hearing the commotion, those commanders, although Second-Practice Experts, scattered like grains of sand, allowing the bandits to defeat them one by one... Master Song, speaking frankly, I hope you won't mind.

If another bandit raid were to happen, would the Chai Market guards care about the lives of others?

When the shantytown outside burned and became desolate, no one came to extinguish the fire, when Inner City households were breached, no help arrived!

Can you two masters truly wash your hands clean of these matters?"

Song Lin's face darkened, about to retort, but saw his sworn brother Hu Zhenshan gently shaking his head.

The tide is undeniable!

"It's rare for Old Zhu to speak genuine words, the guards have become private soldiers kept by the masters, avoiding effort when other affairs arise.

In my opinion, we should follow Brother Han's proposal, selecting young and strong Village Braves from the common households, safeguarding the region and maintaining peace."

As for the silver? The martial arts faction can contribute together, and the three big families should each pitch in, after all, doing business is for peace."

Mu Chun from the Broken Blade Sect jumped out to show support, while Bao Daqing from the Fire Kiln kept quiet, clearly waiting for the Fishery and Chai Market to take the lead.

"Hall Master Han speaks reasonably! The Fishery is willing to contribute five thousand taels annually for the recruitment and training of village braves!"

He Wenbing, sitting at the lowest position, looked exhausted, his voice hoarse, and he agreed submissively.

Song Lin's expression suddenly became unpleasant. The martial arts faction was united, but the three families had their own thoughts. How could they negotiate?

"I am also willing to contribute five thousand taels as a donation, plus another thousand taels to build shelters in the outskirts for the refugees."

The master of Chai Market hardened his heart, determined to outspend the Fishery, with his wealth, could he really be outdone?

"Since Master Song and Master He are so charitable and generous, I will represent Master Li by nodding and contributing four thousand taels, plus one hundred weapons."

Seeing Song Lin and He Wenbing relent, Bao Daqing finally spoke up.

Thus, the matter was settled.

"With the purses full, the specific plan depends on how Brother Han organizes it.

Black River County is not small; recruiting village braves to give the poor a livelihood is a greatly beneficial act, sure to be widely supported."

Looking at Han Yang, who was nominated by the martial arts faction, Hu Zhenshan's words carried a hint of sarcasm.

"Brother Bai, do you have any high insights? Feel free to speak. We all look to the instructor's guidance, and if he can step forward, all masters and the three big families will surely comply."

Han Yang spoke lightly, using the Tongwen Hall as a shield, his words impeccable, not giving Hu Zhenshan any opportunity.

This was you asking me to speak!

Bai Qi put down his chopsticks, wiped his mouth, and said unhurriedly:

"Hall Master Han takes the lead, and other martial arts masters also agree, while the three masters are willing to contribute money, making everyone happy.

My master often says, no matter how big or small, it must be implemented to be effective. For instance, the restructuring of the guard, how many people to recruit, how to manage and supervise, to avoid pretending to be something they are not... I have some immature views."

Han Yang was stunned; he originally intended just to broach a topic. No matter what Bai Qi said afterward, he would praise it briefly.

It is true that young talents in martial arts are quick to excel, often able to understand many things swiftly and improve rapidly.

But when it comes to handling mundane affairs and understanding relationships, that is not their forte.

"Please go ahead, Brother Bai."

Han Yang responded with a smile, assuming the young man just wanted to show off.

"The three registers and six households are the regulations set by Dragon Court. Be it prefecture or county, record-setting is the priority.

Therefore, why not set ten households as a card, ten cards as armor, ten armors as a security, establishing roles of village chief, armor captain, and card leader for communication and contact?

Then form ten securities into a battalion, place one or two skilled practitioners as regiment commander, with several deputy commanders. The martial arts masters lead as battalion commanders, and the masters send people as governors. The former recruits village braves to teach martial arts, while the latter manages funds and supplies, each handling their own part."

Lightly glancing at Han Yang, whose expression suddenly tightened, Bai Qi smiled and said:

"My master dislikes restrictions and loathes getting involved. In my view, the position of battalion commander is none other than Hall Master Han. Sect Leader Mu and Sect Leader Zhu are suitable as deputy commanders. Three to five governors can be appointed by the masters of Chai Market, Fire Kiln, and Fishery.

Apart from the crucial times of harvesting, there should be regular monthly training. With five hundred miles of mountain paths and eight hundred miles of water routes, there is no shortage of bandits and water thieves; they can be used for training and regularly purged to ensure the safety of surrounding villages."

Is this young man really only seventeen? How could he handle dividing benefits so skillfully?

Everyone was astonished, not by the 'high insights' Bai Qi proposed, but because the arrangements gave both the martial arts faction and the three families tangible benefits.

The former held the weapons, and the latter secured the funds, both not losing out.

"The younger generation is truly remarkable, truly remarkable!"

Han Yang sincerely praised, without the slightest perfunctoriness. The concept of restructuring the guard had only recently formed in his mind, without a clear plan.

Bai Qi, however, in a moment, comprehended it thoroughly, considering all aspects, which was truly rare.

At least his own son, Han Li, lacked such sharpness and intelligence.

"But Brother Bai left out one person; you killed Yang Meng, removing a traitor from Black River County, deserving of a deputy commander role!"

Returning a favor, Han Yang smiled slightly and said:

"Brother Bai, a fisherman by origin, renowned from the East Market Pier, why not consolidate the fishermen and recruit them as village braves, incorporating them into Brother Bai's fish division.

At that time, merging several shops to form a fleet would also facilitate business.

From the Black Water River to the Nu Yun River, there are many profitable routes.

The three ferries at East Market Pier could also be given to Brother He, as a loan for Brother Bai to train the fishermen, enhancing their skills on the water."

Wouldn't that just be the current Fishery?

Glancing at the dejected He Wenbing, Bai Qi thought to himself:

"If I become the master, what will he do? If truly accomplished, the Black Water River would have to change its name to 'Bai'."