Chapter 192: Immortal

This time, the distribution of compensation took much longer, lasting three full days.

Mainly because the casualties were higher than before.

The number of dead reached one hundred twenty-two, and with the lightly and seriously wounded combined, it was nearly two hundred.

But the Southern Barbarian army fared no better—over four hundred men were almost entirely wiped out, save for a few captives who looked like Qi people.

Li Lin’s order was that anyone resembling a Southern Barbarian was to be executed on the spot.

The garrison troops carried out the order with great delight.

Those living in the Southern Frontier all had some degree of blood feud with the Southern Barbarians.

Although many soldiers had died, reinforcements arrived quickly.

In this world, joining the military was already one of the better paths, and moreover, Li Lin’s reputation was quite high; most people in Yulin knew that County Inspector Li was upright and fair, never cheated others, and was a rare good official.

Thus, many were eager to enlist.

After distributing the compensation, Li Lin rested for two days before returning to work.

Then he saw an assistant county magistrate with dark circles under his eyes.

Jiang Jili looked at him with a hint of ‘resentment’: “County Inspector Li, you really have it easy.”

Li Lin smiled and said, “Each has their duties—I guard the homeland, while you handle all the rear affairs.”

Jiang Jili understood this logic, yet he still felt it was unfair… The resettlement of twenty thousand people was excruciatingly tedious, and the Prefect’s directive was that since Beiliu County was now empty, twenty or thirty thousand people must be moved there from Yulin City, combined with the two thousand previously rescued, to form a population of forty to fifty thousand—enough to sustain a county’s basic functions.

But all this was tedious work—not only was there the question of whether people were willing to go, but even registering changes in household registration was a nightmare.

What benefits would they gain by relocating? How much compensation could they receive… that was another issue.

Everyone wanted more, and many with power or influence even tried to sneak through back doors to get extra.

So they could get even more.

All these matters left Jiang Jili utterly exhausted.

So sometimes he envied Li Lin—even though fighting on the front lines was dangerous, after victory, one could rest, without having to endure such exhausting, laborious tasks.

“Forget it—what are you planning to do about that Qin family man in the dungeon?”

Li Lin smiled: “He’s critically ill—he’s about to die.”

“If he doesn’t die, send him to the Prefect. I’m sure he’d be very interested.”

After all, he’s a close relative of Qin Niu—delivering him to the capital counts as a minor achievement.

Currently, the only place making effective progress against Qin Niu is Jin Commandery.

As for Guixun… Qin Niu has raided it several times already; reportedly, all the county towns now dare not open their gates.

Jiang Jili sighed: “When will the Imperial Army arrive?”

Speaking of this, Li Lin was also speechless.

The imperial court promised to send a large army to attack Yue Commandery’s Qin Niu—but three months have passed, and they still haven’t even chosen a commander.

Jiang Jili leaned closer and whispered: “I have a way to keep him alive…”

“Oh?” Li Lin was surprised: “That’s impressive?”

“My Jiang family has a divine physician.”

“Then… what do you gain if he lives?”

“You’ll earn great merit, and you can share a little of it with me,” Jiang Jili said in a low voice. “Let me sign my name on the official documents.”

“Fine.” Li Lin thought for a moment, then nodded.

“Thank you.” Jiang Jili bowed. “I’ll go treat him now.”

Then Jiang Jili went happily to the prison.

Li Lin, meanwhile, led the government office runners on patrol.

He occasionally appeared before the common folk to “show his face,” ensuring he didn’t give the impression of neglecting his duties.

At noon, when he finished work and stepped out of the government office, he saw someone familiar.

Wang Tianyou.

The two went to a tavern, and Wang Tianyou, without a word, ordered a full table of fine wine and delicacies.

Li Lin smiled: “We two can’t possibly eat all this.”

“Just taste a bit—it’s not about filling your stomach, but about enjoying the best.”

Li Lin nodded; the remark made sense.

“Here, I first congratulate Senior Li on your promotion…” With that, Wang Tianyou drained his cup.

Li Lin also raised his cup and drank the yellow wine dry.

Seeing that Li Lin was still willing to drink with him like this, Wang Tianyou secretly sighed with relief.

Today, their statuses were utterly different.

Previously, Li Lin was merely a novice Spirit Hunter, while Wang the Young Master belonged to a renowned family of Jincheng, with uncles and cousins holding minor posts in the Prefectural or County offices, and his family having long been wealthy merchants—his status was considerable.

But now, Li Lin was different—he was the son-in-law of Magistrate Huang.

He was also County Inspector of Yulin City and Military Supervisor of the Southern Route of Jin Commandery.

An eighth-rank official.

It may sound low, but the position of Military Supervisor carried considerable deterrent power.

Sixty years ago, military officers held little status, and Military Supervisor meant little.

But now, with the world in turmoil, the status of generals has risen dramatically; in a sense, Military Supervisor holds more power than a County Magistrate.

Li Lin finished his drink, set down the cup, and asked: “Young Master Wang, what do you want from me?”

“I heard you’re emulating the Immortals… I have something here that might be useful to you.”

A blue-covered book was placed on the table.

Li Lin glanced at it—the title read “Immortal’s Secret Record.”

He picked it up, flipped through it, then gently placed it back on the table and said: “Too valuable—I cannot accept it.”

Though called “Immortal’s Secret Record,” it was in fact a record of the rumored locations where Immortals had wandered or appeared in the mortal world.

It looked like folk tales, but since Young Master Wang dared to bring it out, the content must be credible.

Though not a cultivation scripture, it contained many clues about Immortal cultivation.

“This book has been in my family for decades,” Wang Tianyou said, meeting Li Lin’s gaze. “Our clan has searched for these places before, but always missed the Immortal’s blessing. I believe only someone destined can hold this book.”

Li Lin looked into Wang Tianyou’s eyes, fell silent for a moment, then asked: “Young Master Wang, what favor do you want me to do?”

“Nothing—just between friends…”

Li Lin raised his hand, cutting him off: “Our relationship doesn’t need such indirectness. What do you truly want—or what does your family want?”

Wang Tianyou’s face flushed awkwardly, then he grew serious: “I was wrong… let me drink first.”

After downing the cup, Wang Tianyou spoke openly: “Actually, my family’s elders hope you can help us secure the position of County Magistrate of Beiliu.”

Li Lin paused, then chuckled: “That’s not something I can decide—I’m only a Military Supervisor.”

“But Magistrate Huang can,” Wang Tianyou said. “We don’t ask you to do anything—just help us arrange a meeting with him. The rest, we’ll handle ourselves.”

(End of Chapter)