Chapter 83: Grand Coordinator

After handling it, I received a Common-tier treasure chest.

Chu Danqing felt a bit embarrassed—he was even giving out treasure chests for bullying noobs.

“Sir, thank you for your assistance,” said Xiong Zhigang, wiping blood from his blade and handing it to his old servant, then bowing to Chu Danqing as he approached.

“No need for thanks—it’s merely upholding justice when one sees injustice,” Chu Danqing replied. “It was pure chance—I happened upon two thugs burying gunpowder ahead to blow up the road.”

At these words, Xiong Zhigang’s expression shifted slightly—in Taichang, gunpowder was banned from civilian use.

Not to mention falling into bandit hands.

“Hmph, those corrupt officials in court,” the young man’s face darkened at the mention of gunpowder: “They dare not defend the borders, yet they can be so ruthless against loyal ministers.”

“Now they’re even using gunpowder—truly despicable!”

“Enough, Mingqian,” Xiong Zhigang quickly silenced him—words could bring disaster—and introduced him: “This is Zhao Mingqian, disciple of Master Qingshuo of Canluo Sect.”

As Xiong Zhigang introduced him, Zhao Mingqian straightened his chest, clearly proud.

Chu Danqing likewise introduced himself, giving his alias and persona, adding he was a wandering sorcerer from the countryside heading to the capital to seek his fortune.

“You’re also going to the capital?” Xiong Zhigang was surprised by the coincidence, then added: “Please go ahead of me—if you travel with me, you’ll only invite trouble.”

Xiong Zhigang knew his own situation—traveling with him meant certain ambushes and assassinations.

“To be honest, I’d still like to know what’s going on,” Chu Danqing thought a hidden quest might trigger.

“It’s merely court politics,” sighed Xiong Zhigang. “Ordinary people can’t even obtain gunpowder, let alone set it up.”

“The so-called leader of Longmen scheming to steal gold I never possessed is a lie—this is really court officials using bandits to kill me.”

“Mr. Chu, please leave quickly, lest you be caught in the crossfire,” Xiong Zhigang explained briefly.

Zhao Mingqian grew even more indignant and began cursing.

From his curses, Chu Danqing learned Xiong Zhigang’s background.

He was formerly the Grand Coordinator of Pingsu, a man too upright—he offended the Qiutan Faction—and was dismissed under the pretext of Taichang’s peace talks with foreign tribes.

But the peace talks collapsed, and now the enemy plans to invade outright.

In the end, the Emperor had no choice but to summon Xiong Zhigang to the capital, intending to reinstate him.

But this move struck the Qiutan Faction’s sore spot—they used their influence to spread slander and ruin his reputation.

They held high office and controlled speech and court power.

Bound by their reputation as upright scholars, they dared not act directly.

So they quietly spread rumors and exposed his location, inciting bandits to strike.

The Qiutan Faction’s reputation was actually quite strong—after all, the Emperor never attended court, so they could shape his image however they wished.

“Mr. Chu, you wield extraordinary arts—I stand alone and cannot hold out,” Zhao Mingqian bowed deeply: “I beg you to lend your aid to Grand Coordinator Xiong.”

“Ah—” Chu Danqing was caught off guard.

He’d thought Zhao Mingqian was arrogant, yet now he was begging him.

“Mingqian, you come from Canluo, the greatest sect—Mr. Chu is a man of the countryside; he cannot be expected to protect you.”

Xiong Zhigang said helplessly: “Don’t drag Mr. Chu into this quagmire.”

Zhao Mingqian straightened up, eyes filled with resentment, yet said: “I spoke rashly.”

【Side Quest: Escort Xiong Zhigang to the Capital】

【Trial Difficulty: C-Rank (Adventure)】

【Trial Reward: 2000 Park Points, +2 Attribute Points】

【Trial Failure: -4000 Park Points】

As he spoke, a side quest appeared.

Chu Danqing accepted it on instinct.

“Grand Coordinator Xiong, have you heard the phrase ‘rare goods yield great profit’?” Chu Danqing smiled: “I’m going to the capital to make my living.”

“The Qiutan Faction fears your return to the capital so much—that means if you arrive alive, you’ll surely be reinstated.”

“If I get you safely to the capital, you needn’t guarantee me wealth and honor—just ensure I never go hungry.”

“This deal is worthwhile.”

A high-ranking, upright official who owes you a great debt—that’s called a network of connections.

Second, every ambush and trap along the way means treasure chests.

Maybe even trigger more quests.

He also considered: side quests were branching sub-tasks of the main trial—meaning Xiong Zhigang’s survival and arrival in the capital would greatly aid Chu Danqing’s trial.

Zhao Mingqian’s face lit up with joy—things had turned unexpectedly.

“Mr. Chu, your righteousness!” Zhao Mingqian spoke before Xiong Zhigang could reply, accepting on his behalf.

Xiong Zhigang opened his mouth to say something, but Chu Danqing climbed into the carriage himself: “I don’t ride horses—riding with you shouldn’t be a problem, right?”

The old servant watched, helpless—once you’re already inside, who cares if it’s a problem?

“Sir, you jest—the carriage isn’t spacious, but two of us fit easily,” Xiong Zhigang said, climbing in after him: “Thank you for your aid.”

“If I’m truly reinstated, I’ll never eat alone—you’ll have your share.”

Hardship reveals true character—a stranger, seeing his plight, was willing to risk his life to help—Xiong Zhigang was deeply moved.

“Deal,” said Chu Danqing—he’d been waiting for those words. The more true friends he had, the stronger he became through blood oaths.

The three began chatting; Chu Danqing played the role of someone who knew nothing, asking questions constantly.

His questions left Xiong Zhigang and Zhao Mingqian puzzled—how could he know nothing?

Yet despite their confusion, they gave him detailed explanations.

This steadily expanded Chu Danqing’s understanding of the trial world, accumulating potentially useful intelligence.

Zhao Mingqian came from Canluo Sect, the greatest sect in the land; his master, Master Qingshuo, was one of the Five Elders of Canluo—a famed expert known across the land.

Hearing this, Chu Danqing felt a flicker of hope—would this be another Guo Ming?

Then he heard Zhao Mingqian call himself a top talent of his generation—and Chu Danqing was thrown off balance.

He’d assumed a top talent of his generation, even if not matching Guo Yin of the Hanging Sword River, should at least rival Lu Yin, the master of the Phoenix Spear.

But Zhao Mingqian struggled to fight ten bandits.

The gap was too vast.

As he learned more, Chu Danqing gradually understood the trial world’s mechanics.

He reached a conclusion: natives’ strength lay in their skills—their base attributes were low.

He had proof: Zhao Mingqian’s data panel.

Chu Danqing had obtained permission before scanning him.

(End of Chapter)