Chapter 1 The Beginning

Inside the wine shop's private room, only Xu Jingming, Zhang Ke, and Qian Yan were seated at the table.

"Knock, knock, knock." A gentle knock sounded on the door.

"Come in," Vice Captain Qian Yan said.

Immediately, an old man pushed the door open and greeted the three of them with utmost enthusiasm, "Hearing of Lord Jing's appointment, my master was overjoyed and ordered me to deliver a congratulatory gift." As he spoke, he placed a brocade pouch on the table.

"Captain, this is the steward from Lord Yu of Nansheng Street's residence," Qian Yan introduced.

Xu Jingming understood, "So it's Lord Yu! Lord Yu is too kind."

There were only three officials with some standing in his area of jurisdiction. Of course, the term 'official' here referred to those of at least the fifth rank! In the imperial capital, officials below the fifth rank were truly insignificant small fry, not worth mentioning. The Blood Rain Guard didn't even bother monitoring them.

"This humble one takes his leave." After presenting the congratulatory gift, the old man immediately withdrew.

Xu Jingming picked up the brocade pouch and glanced at it. Inside was a stack of gold leaves, estimated to weigh about one or two taels in total.

"Ten gold," Xu Jingming said, somewhat surprised. He took out a roll of paper from his sleeve. The paper detailed the annual tributes from officials, prominent families, wealthy merchants, and gangs within his jurisdiction.

"Lord Yu has given too much," Xu Jingming remarked.

"Lord Yu gave the previous captain fifty taels of silver. This time, it's doubled," Zhang Ke nodded. "It seems he intends to befriend you, Captain."

Qian Yan also chimed in with flattery, "This congratulatory gift is ten gold. As a rule, Lord Yu will send this amount every year from now on! Lord Yu is truly generous to you, Captain."

The three ate and drank while waiting for others to deliver gifts, checking against the list to see who hadn't sent anything or who had sent too little!

They ate and drank for a long time until everyone in the jurisdiction had sent their tributes.

The Blood Rain Guard's money was the least one could afford to owe!

Not a single person dared to shortchange them!

"The total is two thousand three hundred and fifty taels of silver." Xu Jingming looked at the final sum, feeling quite pleased. He smiled and looked at the two vice-captains. "Next time, we'll have to wait until next year, right?"

"Yes, once a year! That's the old rule," Zhang Ke nodded.

Qian Yan, however, said in a low voice, "Actually, we can squeeze them a bit more. Some wealthy merchants can still be pressured for more."

"But that would break the rules," Zhang Ke retorted. "If word gets out, it would tarnish our reputation within the Blood Rain Guard. Besides, which of the wealthy merchants in the imperial capital doesn't have connections? If you really push them too far, there could be trouble. We might even have assassins entering our houses at night. Even a rabbit will bite when cornered."

"A bunch of lowly bastards, can they overturn the heavens?" Qian Yan sneered. "Captain, we can completely target one wealthy merchant! Bleed him dry!"

"Remember this." Xu Jingming's voice turned cold, and he gave Qian Yan an icy glare. "We, the Blood Rain Guard, have our own rules! If anyone violates them… Hmph, Vice Captain Qian, don't blame me for turning against you!"

Qian Yan felt a chill in his heart.

He had been hoping that this captain had a powerful backer and a strong background, so they could pull off a few lucrative schemes together!

But it was clear that this captain was quite concerned about his reputation.

"I understand, I understand." Qian Yan said with a smile, "The captain's future is more important."

"Mm."

After spending half a day together, Xu Jingming discovered that his two vice-captains were quite different. Zhang Ke appeared burly and robust, but was actually smooth and tactful, adhering to the rules. Qian Yan, on the other hand, looked affluent and always wore a smile, but was actually ruthless and disregarded the rules.

Within the Blood Rain Guard, there were quite a few people who ignored the rules.

"Knock, knock, knock." Someone knocked on the door again.

"Captain, the broker has arrived," a Blood Rain Guard reported, bringing in a broker.

The broker immediately knelt down respectfully. "This humble one greets you, lords."

"Captain, this broker knows everything about selling and renting houses in our jurisdiction," the Blood Rain Guard said.

Xu Jingming nodded.

Now that he had taken office, he couldn't continue living in the Fei residence. He needed to move out.

…

He didn't know how long he could live with this identity, so he naturally wouldn't buy a house, but would rent one instead.

The rented residence was within his jurisdiction, in a relatively quiet area. A little over a li away were bustling areas with wine shops and teahouses.

"Just such a residence costs fifty taels of silver per year to rent. If I were to buy it, it would cost two thousand taels. It's not easy to live in the imperial capital! The rent is much higher than in Lanyue City." Xu Jingming looked at the ordinary residence. It had only a few rooms, with a small half-mu training ground behind the house. This was why Xu Jingming rented this place.

Blood Rain Guards and auxiliary guards carried furniture, bedding, and other living supplies, quickly setting everything up.

"Captain, everything is set up," Zhang Ke said, arranging everything. "Captain, do you really not need to find two maids to serve you?"

"No need. Remember to buy some good wine for the brothers," Xu Jingming said, tossing out a piece of silver.

"Thank you, Captain."

The Blood Rain Guards responded in unison, all showing joy. They weren't happy about the wine itself, but rather because they felt their 'boss' valued them and wasn't stingy! Some cold captains wouldn't spend a single copper coin on their subordinates! Working under such captains was truly miserable.

The auxiliary guards had already obediently left, as they weren't entitled to any wine. Blood Rain Guards and auxiliary guards were of two different levels. What reason would a Blood Rain Guard captain have to buy wine for auxiliary guards? Even if Xu Jingming bought it, the auxiliary guards wouldn't dare to drink it.

Soon, only Xu Jingming was left in the residence.

Outside the residence gate, five Blood Rain Guards were stationed long-term! They were responsible for guarding the street and were ready to obey Xu Jingming's orders at any time.

"The annual tribute from the jurisdiction is around two thousand three hundred taels. My salary is six hundred taels. With some extra income here and there… If I'm lucky, I can save up five thousand taels a year. But I also have to spend money in many areas, building friendships, entertaining guests, and perhaps sharing some with my superiors. These expenses are not small," Xu Jingming thought. "As a Blood Rain Guard captain, it's already quite good to have three thousand five hundred taels left over each year."

"If I play by the rules, it would take thirty years to earn ten thousand gold!"

"But in the Blood Rain World, can I, with this identity, live for thirty years?"

Xu Jingming shook his head.

As a Cosmic Professional Player, starting from the day he took on the role of Blood Rain Guard captain, the targeting he faced was already increasing.

If he became a centurion, the targeting would increase again.

According to the information he had gathered… The higher the official rank, the harder it was to live long!

"Captain, shouldn't we go to Fragrance Pavilion?" A subordinate's voice came from the door.

"Let's go to Fragrance Pavilion." Xu Jingming was hosting a gathering for the captains in the chiliarch today, so he had to arrive early.

******

Xu Jingming quickly became familiar with the life of a Blood Rain Guard captain. As a captain, he could eat, drink, and be merry every day!

Because the auxiliary guards did the hard and tiring work. The Blood Rain Guards under him did the work of monitoring various places! Only when major events occurred would they report to the captain for orders. In reality, such so-called 'major events' might only happen once every ten days or so.

"This kind of life is truly easy," Xu Jingming said, practicing his spearmanship in the training ground of his residence. Only when the sun began to set did he leave his house. Immediately, the five Blood Rain Guards outside the gate followed him.

They arrived at Nine Flavors Restaurant.

"Captain," Zhang Ke and Qian Yan, the two vice-captains, greeted him warmly. Xu Jingming waved his hand, and the five Blood Rain Guards behind him retreated to find a place to drink and eat.

Xu Jingming, Zhang Ke, and Qian Yan entered Nine Flavors Restaurant.

They sat down in a corner on the second floor.

"Captain, the 'Nine Flavors' of Nine Flavors Restaurant are famous in the imperial capital. You must try them," Zhang Ke said.

"Tell me, what's happened in the past three days?" Xu Jingming asked.

According to the rules, they had to meet once every three days! The two vice-captains reported all the work from the past three days. If there were any special major events… They would naturally report to Xu Jingming immediately.

"The past three days have been relatively stable in our jurisdiction. There have only been some cases of brawling and petty theft. The deaths were just some gang members, not worth mentioning. However, many major events have occurred in other parts of the imperial capital," Zhang Ke said.

"Tell me about them," Xu Jingming said as he ate and listened.

As time passed…

More and more guests filled Nine Flavors Restaurant. There was also a performance on stage. Music played, flowing like a stream throughout the restaurant, and the guests enjoyed the atmosphere.

Xu Jingming was also in a good mood because the music was pleasant, the performing women were beautiful, and the nine flavors of Nine Flavors Restaurant lived up to their name.

"Dong, dong, dong."

Suddenly, the sound of chaotic footsteps rang out, causing Xu Jingming to frown slightly. Anyone with a bit of taste would walk more gently when hearing music at this time. But the footsteps of this group showed no restraint as they came up to the second floor.

When the group reached the second floor, a guard scanned the surroundings. His gaze paused on Xu Jingming and his companions before he finally spoke, "Everyone on the second floor, please vacate your seats and go downstairs immediately! The Shen Gong family will cover your meal expenses."

"Please."

One after another, gray-clothed guards urged each table.

"The Shen Gong family?" The guests on the second floor all had some money, or they wouldn't have come to Nine Flavors Restaurant to eat. But seeing the aura of this group and hearing the name 'Shen Gong family', they immediately stood up.

"Captain, it's the Shen Gong family," Qian Yan whispered. "Let's go."

"Shen Gong?"

Xu Jingming glanced at the group.

They were arrogant, and even their guards had an air of superiority!

"The Shen Gong family is one of the most prominent and influential families in the imperial capital. Even the town governors of the Blood Rain Guard's four prefectures wouldn't dare to provoke them easily." Xu Jingming knew very well that the Shen Gong family ranked in the top ten in the imperial capital. Looking at the entire Blood Rain World, they were a terrifying force that ranked in the top twenty.

Even Fei Qing, who was behind him, had great power only because the emperor supported him.

The Shen Gong family's strength was due to their deeply rooted foundation. Even the emperor would appease such a large family.

"Captain," Zhang Ke also urged softly, "Let's go."

"Let's go."

Xu Jingming got up.

Conflicts with the Shen Gong family were a death sentence.

"Senior Brother, are those three Blood Rain Guards?" A man and a woman, surrounded by a crowd, were there. The woman glanced at the three leaving Xu Jingming, whose official robes were partially visible beneath their outer garments.

"A bunch of mad dogs." The young man glanced at Xu Jingming and his companions with disgust in his eyes. "A large group of Blood Rain Guards are always watching around my house. No matter how much we curse them, they don't say a word, just keep watching us."

"Even throughout the imperial capital, on streets with a bit of fame, you can see these mad dogs." The young man curled his lips. "I didn't expect to see three more mad dogs at Nine Flavors Restaurant today. What a downer."

Xu Jingming, Zhang Ke, and Qian Yan walked down the stairs, clearly hearing the man say 'three mad dogs'.

Qian Yan remained calm.

Zhang Ke's ears turned slightly red.

Xu Jingming also frowned.

But the three still walked down Nine Flavors Restaurant.

"Now that the riff-raff are gone, Junior Sister, I'll have the head chef of Nine Flavors Restaurant cook personally and bring out their signature nine dishes for you to try." The young man said with a smile, "Not just anyone can have the head chef of Nine Flavors Restaurant cook for them."

"Oh." The woman was very curious, enjoying her senior brother's flattery. Being courted by a member of the Shen Gong family made her feel very important.

The entire second floor was occupied only by the man and woman, listening to music and enjoying the food while everyone else stood serving them.

…

Walking on the street outside.

"What bad luck, running into Shen Gong Fu even when we're just eating," Zhang Ke grumbled about his displeasure after leaving the restaurant.

"Can we afford to offend a member of the Shen Gong family? In their eyes, we're just dogs," Qian Yan said with a sneer.

"Mad dogs," Xu Jingming added.

"Captain, there's no need to be angry. Those big shots in the imperial capital usually don't bother with us," Zhang Ke said. "This Shen Gong Fu has an average status in the Shen Gong family. He's not even in the top five of the younger generation. His cousin, Shen Gong Shou, is already a second-rank official at less than thirty years old, highly valued by the emperor, and has an excellent reputation. Shen Gong Fu is nothing, his reputation stinks, yet he's so arrogant in front of us."

"Even if he's arrogant, we have to endure it," Qian Yan shook his head. "They're born with nobility! And they have the backing of the vast Shen Gong family!"

"Many members of the Shen Gong family are in the Blood Rain Guard," Zhang Ke also said. "There are three Blood Rain Guard chiliarchs. The head of the Shen Gong family is a duke! A key minister of the empire! With a flick of his little finger, we'd be crushed to pieces."

Xu Jingming knew how powerful the Shen Gong family was because he had gathered information from the virtual world network.

The intelligence recorded that three hundred years ago, during a struggle for the imperial throne, the Shen Gong family had three thousand deathsworn soldiers participate! They ultimately helped the prince they supported ascend to the throne. Each of those three thousand deathsworn soldiers was at least a second-rate expert!

…

Night.

Shen Gong Fu swayed as he stepped off the pleasure boat, feeling very content.

"Young Master." The guards had been waiting for a long time.

"Mm."

Shen Gong Fu got into the carriage and casually asked, "Has the Zhang family's little woman been taken to the villa?"

"We killed her husband, and the Zhang family's little woman has already been tied up at the villa," the personal guard said in a low voice.

"Well done."

Shen Gong Fu's eyebrows lifted, feeling extremely pleased as he lowered the curtain.

Thinking of the voluptuous Zhang family's little woman, Shen Gong Fu felt itchy in his heart.

"My uncle is too, only favoring his son!" Shen Gong Fu looked at the carriage and his expression suddenly turned somewhat unpleasant. "His three sons are all officials, the eldest is a second-rank official. The third brother is also a Blood Rain Guard chiliarch! What about me? I asked for an official position, and my uncle told me to copy books in the academy? Said it would temper my character?"

"It's only because my father died early, otherwise it wouldn't be your turn to be the family head," Shen Gong Fu thought to himself.

He was very dissatisfied.

Although he was arrogant and unrestrained outside, he was subjected to heavy suppression within the family! He felt all kinds of injustice!

"I have to support my own guards! I have to pay for my own residence. Hiring a first-rate expert as a guard costs two or three thousand taels of silver a year! My older brother has a group of top guards by his side. What about me? I have to recruit them myself! They don't even want to let me have a first-rate expert." Shen Gong Fu's eyes held all kinds of ferocity, and many thoughts surfaced in his mind.

Because of his identity, he naturally had to maintain appearances, and his monthly expenses were extremely high. The family restricted his expenses in various ways, which made Shen Gong Fu even more dissatisfied.

Suddenly—

Puff, puff, puff!!!

Sounds rang out in succession.

"Hmm?" Shen Gong Fu's expression changed. He immediately lifted the carriage curtain and saw five guards fall. The only remaining guard was barely holding on for two moves before being pierced through the chest with a spear.

"Heh, heh, heh—" The guard was pierced by the spear and made a painful sound. The spear was pulled out, and the guard collapsed to the ground.

Shen Gong Fu looked at the black-clad figure in disbelief.

The black-clad figure wore a bronze mask, held a spear, and walked over.

"Spare me, spare me, good hero," Shen Gong Fu pleaded repeatedly. "I have money, I have money! Who hired you? I'll pay double!"

"Double?" The bronze-masked man said in a raspy voice. "Your bounty isn't low."

"I have some gold here." Shen Gong Fu immediately took out a brocade pouch from his arms. "There's at least a hundred gold here! Also, this jade… is worth at least a hundred gold. I, I… My silver notes use the same character code, it's 'Autumn, Wind, Leaf, Snow'."

"That's it?" The bronze-masked man said, "Too little."

"No, no, you send me back, I have more at home." Shen Gong Fu said anxiously, "I'm a member of the Shen Gong family, I have a nobility title, you can't kill me, you kill me, you're finished! Heaven and earth… You can't escape."

"Pfft."

A throwing knife directly pierced Shen Gong Fu's forehead.

Shen Gong Fu's eyes widened in disbelief. Which faction was it that would kill a member of the Shen Gong family without hesitation?

The bronze-masked man checked Shen Gong Fu's corpse and then took the brocade pouch, jade, silver notes, and other items, putting them in his arms. He also carried the bodies of two second-rate expert guards. Because the other guards were killed by throwing knives, these two guards… Were killed by the spear!

"Whoosh."

Carrying the two corpses, the bronze-masked man quickly disappeared.

"Plop! Plop!"

The faces of the two corpses were destroyed, tied with stones, and thrown into the lake.

The bronze-masked man watched the two corpses sink, and dark ripples spread across the lake's surface.

"To think a dignified member of the Shen Gong family, who is so arrogant outside and has such a grand display… Only carries this little bit with him?" The bronze-masked man looked at the brocade pouch. "A horse doesn't grow fat without nighttime fodder. If I obediently work as a Blood Rain Guard, I'll only get three to five thousand taels of silver a year. Of course, I have to open up other avenues for wealth. Killing this member of the Shen Gong family, even this income isn't high."

The bronze-masked man took off his mask, revealing Xu Jingming's face.

"This little bit of gold and silver is really unworthy of the Shen Gong family's reputation," Xu Jingming muttered.

The Shen Gong family, very scary?

Would a Cosmic Professional Player like him be afraid?

"When will I be able to save up ten thousand gold? Hmm, I can't be impatient! I must guard against arrogance and rashness, be steadfast, and work hard to slowly save money," Xu Jingming thought to himself and then vanished.