Chapter 729: Youth Only Comes Once

Chapter 729: Youth Only Comes Once

Ya’an naturally had her own thoughts.

In ancient etiquette, it was important to match social status. Although Qin Feng was currently thriving in the Imperial City, holding various titles, to be honest, those were just empty names without any real substance.

After Father Qin’s death, he had been posthumously enfeoffed as a First-Class General by Emperor Ming. This noble title could be inherited, but according to the Great Qian’s laws, the children would have to observe a three-year mourning period before they could inherit the title.

In other words, Qin Feng would have to wait at least two and a half more years before he could become a Second-Class General.

And for a commoner to marry a princess was undoubtedly a pipe dream – this was Ya’an’s main concern!

However, if Qin Feng became one of the Thirty-Six Stars of the Demon Slaying Department, everything would be different.

The Thirty-Six Stars were the face of the Great Qian, a symbol of both identity and strength, as well as an official position.

Just by becoming a Thirty-Six Star, he would be equivalent to a fourth-rank military officer. If he could even become a Chief in the Heavenly City, he could stand shoulder to shoulder with third-rank military officers!

If Qin Feng had such a status, and their relationship were to progress rapidly in the future, she could successfully secure the approval of Liu Jianli and Cang Feilan, without having to worry about any etiquette issues. She could directly move to the next step.

As a princess of the nation, Ya’an had been helping her father manage the Gathering Treasure Pavilion since she was young. She always liked to plan ahead, being prepared for any eventuality.

So when she saw the Thirty-Six Stars Token, she had a flash of insight and became so invested in this matter.

Sensing Qin Feng’s puzzled gaze, Ya’an explained calmly, “This honor is what you deserve, and since there are already Thirty-Six Stars stationed in the Imperial City, I don’t see any issues with it.”

Nan Tianlong looked at Ya’an and said softly, “That’s true, the Thirty-Six Stars Token is a reward and recognition for you.”

“However, I must remind you that no matter where you are, this identity comes with responsibilities.”

“Now, let me ask you again – Qin Feng, are you willing to become one of the Thirty-Six Stars?”

Nan Tianlong’s expression became extremely serious and solemn towards the end.

The positions of the Thirty-Six Stars were fixed at thirty-six. If a spot were to suddenly open up, it would likely be for one of two reasons:

First, someone had been promoted to become one of the Twelve Divine Generals.

Second, someone had unfortunately perished while defending the human realm.

In most cases, it would be the latter.

As the saying goes, “The greater the power, the greater the responsibility.” Each of the Twelve Divine Generals and the Thirty-Six Stars walked a tightrope between life and death, dancing with mortality.

The inheritance of this title may seem simple, but the weight it carried was far greater than the heavens and mountains.

That’s why Nan Tianlong had such a grave expression. Not only him, but even Sima Kong the Immortal Spear, the Mad Blade, and the Sword Ghost who had once served in the Northern Domain, all had solemn expressions.

It seemed he had already caught a glimpse of a bright and beautiful future, waiting for him!

At this moment, the Mad Blade Zhen Tianyi said, “Every Thirty-Six Star and Twelve Divine General will have a title that allows the world to remember them, to stir the hearts of the people.”

“Since you’ve become a Thirty-Six Star, you could think of one for yourself in advance.”

Qin Feng was stunned when he heard this, and asked in surprise, “Aren’t these titles supposed to be naturally bestowed by the common people over time, through common usage?”

Sima Kong put down his teacup and explained, “There are a thousand people, a thousand faces, and ten thousand voices. Some titles are indeed the result of gradual accumulation.”

“But in more cases, it is the push of the imperial court and the Demon Slaying Department that makes those titles resound across the Great Qian.”

Qin Feng suddenly understood – he had always wondered why the titles of the Twelve Divine Generals and Thirty-Six Stars were so consistent among the populace, and now he realized it was the result of behind-the-scenes maneuvering by the authorities!

Suddenly, Qin Feng seemed to have thought of something, his expression odd, “Could it be that titles like ‘Immortal Spear’, ‘Mad Blade’, and ‘Southern Sky Dragon’ were also chosen by the seniors themselves?”

At these words, the great hall fell silent, as if you could hear a pin drop.

Zhen Tianyi was the first to stand up, saying, “Since the matter in Suiyang City is settled, I should be on my way as well. That boy Qin’an has been in the Imperial City long enough, tell him to come visit me when he has time, don’t let him slack off on his cultivation.”

Without waiting for Qin Feng’s response, he directly left the hall.

The gazes of the others then naturally fell upon the Immortal Spear and Commander Nan Tianlong.

Sima Kong spoke up, “Commander, I still need to return to the Heavenly City to report. If there’s nothing else, may I take my leave first?”

Nan Tianlong nodded slightly, “You may. The demonic threat that wiped out the Demon Slaying Department in Suiyang City requires me to quickly arrange for new personnel to take over.”

“And the matter of the shrines and spiritual power offerings cannot be delayed, I must notify everyone as soon as possible.”

“Well, that’s all for today then.”

However, after just a few words, the three of them all left. This left Qin Feng and his group exchanging puzzled glances.

Sword Ghost, dressed in a black robe and wearing a ghost mask, shook his head and laughed, “A young person should be carefree. It seems that they have lived up to the names they chose back then.”

Qin Feng asked curiously, “Senior Sword Ghost, did you choose the name Sword Ghost for yourself? What was the name you made for yourself when you were with the Demon Slaying Department in the northern region?”

Sword Ghost’s voice hesitated for a moment, then he stood up and left without saying another word.

It seems the seniors were all young once too. Qin Feng nodded with satisfaction and made up his mind that he must choose a striking name that would shock the world!

‘Hmm, should it be ‘Literature Emperor’ or ‘Saint Immortal’? What a dilemma!’