Chapter 10: A Pillow Offered Just as Drowsiness Sets In

Taiyang County.
Juniu Township.
Outside the Lu Estate.

Miao Yuanzheng arrived, travel-worn and weary. For the past two days, he had raced without rest, scouring every village and settlement in Taiyang County to fulfill the Great Virtuous Teacher’s mission. He had even ridden his horse to death. Yet, the moment the task was complete, he hurried back to the Lu Estate. He had to know how his son was faring.

He returned carrying something new—a blade he had kept sealed away for years. Having gone forty-eight hours without sleep, his eyes were bloodshot. He walked toward the estate, his sword strapped to his back, muttering to himself, "Don't lie to me... please, don't lie to me..."

Since the plague had broken out, he had been deceived too many times. Not just him, but the people of the town had been preyed upon by scoundrels, men who exploited their desperation for medicine with ruthless, heartless greed.

As he entered the gates, his breath hitched, his heart suspended in terror. "Don't lie to me... don't you dare lie to me!" When he had left, his son’s condition was dire. If he had been deceived, his son might already be...

Miao’s hand trembled; the blade on his back seemed to pulse with his agitation. If his son had met with some misfortune, he would end his own life in an eternity of regret. But before that, he would ensure everyone in the Lu Estate was buried with him. If he could not live, no one else would.

Lu Qiannan appeared. Seeing him, she looked surprised. "You’re back so soon? Have you finished what the Great Virtuous Teacher asked of you?"

Miao nodded, his voice tight with urgency. "Where is my child?"

Lu looked him over. "Go eat first. You look like you haven't had a drop or a bite in two days. Eat your fill; the Taiping Sect will not—"

Before she could finish, Miao lost his patience. He lunged forward and grabbed her. "Tell me! Where is my child?!" His face was contorted into a savage mask, his martial aura flaring like a raging beast. Lu was so startled she couldn't get a word out.

Suddenly, a small, childish voice rang out. "Daddy!"

Miao froze, released Lu, and spun around. A young boy stood nearby, holding a half-eaten steamed bun, looking at him with delight. "Daddy, you're finally home!" The boy ran over and threw himself into Miao’s arms. Miao held him tightly, kissing him, checking him over again and again.

Though the boy’s face still bore pustules and a trace of sickness, he was vastly improved from the comatose state he had been in before. Miao stroked his son’s hair, tears welling in his eyes. "It’s all right... it’s all right..." The boy held his bun out to his father to share. Miao took a bite and surreptitiously wiped the tears from his eyes.

"What is wrong with you?" Lu Qiannan said, indignant. "Trying to be kind and—"

A hand reached out, cutting her off. Lu turned to see Liang Jin approaching. She grew respectful. "Great Virtuous Teacher."

Liang looked at the father and son. "You completed your mission, and the Yellow Heaven has witnessed your piety. That is why your son has recovered so well. Remember to continue accumulating merit and contributing to the Taiping Sect. Before long, he will be completely healed."

Miao bowed deeply with his son. "I am at your command." He knew that having entered the Taiping Sect, he could never return to his old life. He had chosen this path to save his son, and he would not break his word.

Liang Jin nodded. This was exactly what he wanted. Even a seventh-rank martial artist could not resist the plague, meaning more martial artists would inevitably fall ill. They would all become his assets.

"What did you see while spreading the teachings in the villages?" Liang asked.

"It is unbearable," Miao replied. Recalling the sights of the last two days, he felt a deep sorrow. It was a tragedy of entire families and clans being wiped out by the plague. He had lost his wife, a pain that had devastated him, but he realized there were countless others suffering just as much.

Liang Jin nodded. "Good. I have another mission for you. Most of the sick can no longer make it to the Lu Estate to seek the protection of the Yellow Heaven, but I will not stand idly by. As a Yellow Turban Warrior, I command you to escort a shipment of blessed water to the villages to alleviate their pain. Are you willing?"

Setting a common, noble goal increased cohesion and loyalty. Miao raised his head, deeply moved. If he could do this, it would be a deed of immeasurable merit. He knew that in these times, blessed water was a precious commodity that would attract predators; the journey would be dangerous.

He had once fought for money, then for his kin. But now, he had the chance to fight to save the masses. He looked at his young son. Did he want his son to be ashamed of a father who killed for coin, or proud of a father who had sought redemption and stepped forward to save the world? The choice was easy.

"I will do it, even if it costs me my life," Miao replied.

Liang Jin nodded with satisfaction and sent him off to prepare.

Miao entrusted his son back to Lu Qiannan and departed. Liang then asked, "And your father?"

Lu looked embarrassed. "Father has been busy with... farming." She was confused; he seemed resistant to participating in the affairs of the Taiping Sect, always finding excuses to hide at home, as if he no longer cared for anything.

Liang smiled faintly. "So many have joined the sect that we need capable people to organize them. I had intended to appoint him as a渠帅 (Qu Shuai/Commander), but that depends on whether he comes around."

Liang was not exaggerating. Thousands had joined; more than he had initially expected. He had feared it would be difficult to convince them, but he was wrong. Most only needed to hear the teachings, chant the Taiping Scriptures, and see the miraculous effects of the blessed water. They would deceive themselves into believing he was a living immortal, pledging their absolute loyalty. His biggest challenge now was a lack of administrative talent.

Lu apologized, promising to keep trying. Liang didn't mind; he knew some things could not be forced. "Qiannan, I have a task for you. There is a special family in the city that needs blessed water. Find a way to deliver it, and tell them it was sent at the request of the palace maid, Su Lian."

Lu accepted the order. Though the city had been locked down for half a month, it was not completely sealed; there were always channels for official documents and supplies. She had her own connections.

Liang looked at her, silent and steady. Lu’s heart skipped a beat; she flushed and looked away.

"Qiannan," Liang said after a moment, "you are the person I trust most. Once you complete this mission, I will appoint you as a Divine Envoy to help me manage the affairs of the Taiping Sect."

Lu froze, then quickly knelt. "Thank you, Great Virtuous Teacher." She cared little for the rank; as long as she could contribute to this cause and remain by his side, she was content.

Liang pulled her to her feet. "Come, follow me inside. I will teach you a martial art personally. Practice diligently; you will have great responsibilities in the future."

The sect was growing fast, but it needed a firm foundation of martial strength. Relying on Miao alone was not enough.

Just then, it was time for the daily sign-in. Liang did so without hesitation. A line of text appeared on his panel:

[Congratulations, host. Sign-in successful. Reward: Bone-Strengthening Pill x10]
[Bone-Strengthening Pill: Consuming this allows an ordinary person to be promoted directly to a ninth-rank martial artist.]

Liang’s eyes lit up. It was exactly what he needed. Strengthening his subordinates was about to become much easier.