Vol. 1 - Ch. 60 - Recruiting Servants

At the foot of Chaotic Burial Mountain, a small group of people were shouting and hawking their wares. These villagers from the surrounding small settlements regularly gathered here to trade their surplus items for what they needed. 

Among the goods for sale were various wild animal pelts, dried meat, and some crudely crafted iron weapons. These weapons were far from exquisite, serving only basic functions.

The marketplace operated on a barter system---no money changed hands. Instead, people traded goods directly, creating a hub that connected over ten nearby villages, all previously under the jurisdiction of the Chen family. 

To participate in this market, villagers had to contribute a portion of their goods equal to one-tenth of the value of what the Chen family was offering. 

Although this wasn't a significant amount individually, the cumulative wealth was substantial. Some villagers grumbled about it, but they reluctantly accepted the arrangement for the sake of security and convenience.

After the Chen family defeated the Li family, their fame skyrocketed. With several Blood Coagulation Realm martial artists among their ranks, no one dared to complain openly. 

However, the ongoing battle between the two families in Chaotic Burial Mountain became a topic of gossip among the villagers, who had expected a change in ownership of the meeting place. To their surprise, the Chen family emerged victorious.

While the merchants murmured among themselves, one suddenly shouted, "Hey, did you hear? The Chen family is hiring servants right now."

This statement caused a stir in the crowd, and everyone began to ask whether it was true. 

"Of course it's true," another vendor replied. 

The villagers, who had no martial artists among them, were eager to learn more. After all, an encounter with a wild beast in their village could spell disaster.

Although the status of a servant was low, joining the Chen family---a prominent clan in Chaotic Burial Mountain---promised a more comfortable life. 

However, a burly salesman scoffed at the idea, saying, 

"Becoming a servant means a lifetime of subservience. Where's the freedom in that?"

"I am Tian Meng," he continued, "I can hunt in the mountains and farm in the valleys. I have plenty of strength, so why should I submit to servitude? The Chen family underestimates us." 

Other merchants nodded in agreement. They too had skills and abilities. If they could make ends meet without becoming servants, why should they settle for a lower status?

Still, some vendors couldn't help but envy Tian Meng's meat jerky on display at his stall. 

He was a renowned local hunter, skilled in tracking and surviving encounters with ferocious beasts. His recent escape from the jaws of a Body Tempering Realm beast had made him a legend in the nearby villages. 

Given their strength, it was natural for them to despise the role of a servant. On the other hand, many villagers were small and weak, struggling to survive. For them, becoming a servant of the Chen family might not be such a bad deal after all.

"I have heard," one of the salesmen said, "that the Chen family's conditions for recruiting servants are quite enticing. As a servant, you can receive two pounds of blood rice and one pound of fresh beast meat every month. And if you make significant contributions to the family, they'll even teach you Body Tempering Techniques..."

The mention of blood rice caught everyone's attention. Even for non-martial artists, eating it could improve their physical constitution. 

Good farmland for growing blood rice was scarce near Chaotic Burial Mountain, especially in small villages like theirs. But besides blood rice, there was also fresh beast meat. And let's not forget the intriguing Body Tempering Techniques. Just the thought of it made many of them yearn for the opportunity.

As villagers, their hearts still longed for the martial arts cultivation path. Unfortunately, not everyone had the qualifications to pursue it. 

The lack of Body Tempering Techniques made it impossible to progress, and the resources required for warriors were considerable---far beyond what they could bear. But when you truly become a warrior, even as a domestic servant, the rewards could be life-changing.

While the crowd was pondering the situation, Tian Meng, who was standing nearby, began to pack up his items for sale. 

A familiar vendor, surprised by his actions, asked,  S~eaʀᴄh the Novёlƒire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

"Tian Meng, aren't you going to continue selling your goods?"

Tian Meng grinned confidently and replied, "Selling goods? I'm Tian Meng. I can hunt in the mountains and farm in the valleys. I have a lot of strength. As for the position of chief servant, I've already claimed it! No one else should try to take it away from me!"

With that declaration, Tian Meng quickly gathered his belongings and left, leaving the other vendors stunned. 

However, they soon realized the significance of his words and hurriedly closed their stalls as well. If even someone as capable as Tian Meng was eager to secure a position within the Chen family, it was clear that this opportunity was too valuable to pass up.

The news of the Chen family's recruitment spread rapidly, reaching the surrounding villages near Chaotic Burial Mountain. The villagers, many of whom struggled to make ends meet, saw this as a rare chance to improve their circumstances.

The next day, Chen Tianjing led several clan members to the outskirts of the family compound. An open space had already been cleared nearby for the purpose of recruiting servants, and Chen Tianjing was in charge of overseeing the process. 

Despite being aware of the plan before Chen Xingzhen's announcement, Chen Tianjing was deeply concerned about the family's future, especially given the scarcity of food within the clan and the large number of mouths to feed.

As he stepped out of the family compound, the sight of the approaching crowd momentarily stunned him. 

There were over one hundred people gathered in the vast area in front of him---nearly as many as the Chen family itself. 

However, unlike the well-fed and well-clothed clan members, most of these people appeared malnourished, their tattered clothes barely clinging to their emaciated frames. 

Chen Tianjing had seen such conditions before and wasn't surprised. 

Surviving on their own in Chaotic Burial Mountain, without the safety of a family haven and lacking martial skills, was no small feat for these individuals.

Facing the expectant gaze of the crowd, Chen Tianjing raised his head and surveyed the scene. Beside him, several clan warriors stood tall, their chests held high with pride. The sense of family honor was at its peak.

"I believe everyone has come here because of the Chen family's recruitment of family servants," Chen Tianjing began. 

"I think you already know the details, but I'll repeat them once again..."

As Chen Tianjing described the treatment and benefits offered to family servants, many in the crowd became visibly excited. This time, it wasn't just a rumour; it was confirmed by the Chen family themselves, making it all the more credible.

However, Chen Tianjing's next words doused their excitement like cold water.

"This time, the Chen family will only recruit twenty family servants. Those who don't meet the criteria should leave voluntarily. I hope everyone will abide by the rules!"

"What? Only twenty? That's too few!" someone in the crowd protested.

"Exactly!" others echoed, their dissatisfaction growing louder.

Chen Tianjing, unperturbed by the rising discontent, snorted and unleashed the powerful aura of a Blood Coagulation Realm martial artist. With a swift motion, he slashed to the side, and a large grinding stone nearby instantly shattered into pieces.