...

Nightfall descended.

"Those who are off-duty should go home and rest. Have all the replacements arrived?"

Mr. Fang asked.

"They’re all here."

"Those who should go home, go home. The demon is fierce, but it can’t be defeated in one day. If we exhaust ourselves like this every day, without even finding the demon, we’ll burn out first."

"Mr. Fang, you should rest early too."

"I’m fine."

Everyone laughed and waved as they finished their shifts.

The tension of the day finally relaxed.

"Tang Zheng!" Fang Che called out. 𝑓𝘳𝘦𝑒𝑤𝑒𝘣𝘯ℴ𝘷𝘦𝓁.𝑐𝑜𝑚

"Mr. Fang, I’m here."

"Come here for a moment."

Tang Zheng entered Mr. Fang’s office: "Mr. Fang, what’s up? Has it been approved?"

"Haha, why so anxious? Not yet approved."

Tang Zheng felt a bit disappointed.

"It’s not that I won’t approve it."

Fang Che said softly: "About this matter, your brother-in-law came to talk to me."

"My brother-in-law?"

"Yes, your brother-in-law Yuan Jingjiang knows that you’ve always wanted to convert to a formal position, but he’s worried, so he came to me specifically, asking me to delay a bit and let you grow your strength first."

Fang Che laughed: "I originally didn’t want to agree, but your brother-in-law’s request wasn’t high. He said that as long as you reach the third grade General, you can become an official deacon. He knows your aspirations, but just wants you to be a bit stronger, more able to protect yourself, and be safer. It’s for your own good."

Tang Zheng’s excitement visibly wilted.

He hadn’t expected that just when he was about to achieve his lifelong dream, his brother-in-law would come out to stop him.

But Yuan Jingjiang’s reason was unassailable and indeed for his own good.

Unable to help but murmur disappointedly: "I know, brother-in-law is doing it for my good, but I just broke through to Second Grade Military General, not long ago, and reaching third grade... Who knows when that will be."

Unable to hide the sourness and bitterness in his heart, he bowed his head and sighed regretfully.

Fang Che laughed: "I didn’t want to listen to him at first, but then I thought about it, your brother-in-law is also doing it for your good. Plus, your current cultivation level is only Second Grade Military General, which is indeed a bit low. When it’s not approved, you work with everyone together on tasks, which is safer, but once you become an official deacon, you’ll have to take charge of your own zone, and most of your time will be spent patrolling that area. At that point, your cultivation will be a disadvantage."

"Yes, Mr. Fang, I’ll listen to you."

Tang Zheng said disappointedly: "I’ll go back and work hard on cultivation."

"Don’t rush. Your brother-in-law said to reach third grade General, which isn’t without shortcuts."

Fang Che laughed: "I really dislike these parents who stop their kids from growing. Dreams are right in front, yet not allowing them to touch, but you don’t have to be disappointed, I have a way."

"A way?" Tang Zheng’s eyes lit up.

"Of course. With your heart in this, how could I not help you? We could say we’re comrades through thick and thin."

Fang Che laughed heartily.

Tang Zheng also smiled shyly, remembering the aloof but lonely look Mr. Fang had when he first arrived, couldn’t help but smile warmly and said: "I wouldn’t dare compare with Mr. Fang."

"Don’t compare with me, but I can still fulfill your dream."

Fang Che laughed aloud, producing a jade bottle: "It’s just reaching third grade General. Look, here are ten Elixir Pills. Take them home, one a day, and combine them with the Elixir Pills I gave you before while practicing; also don’t be stingy with your Spirit Crystals during this time, make sure to use them properly. In ten days, it should be no problem for your cultivation to break through to third grade General. By then, I’ll sign off right away, no need to worry about what your brother-in-law says."

Tang Zheng started to tremble all over, his eyes shone with expectation and nervousness: "Mr. Fang, I... I..."

"Just take it when it’s handed to you! Why be so polite with me!"

Fang Che said: "This way, allocating your zone will also give me peace of mind."

Tang Zheng was extremely moved, his lips trembled slightly, as he received the jade bottle, holding it tightly and said in a trembling voice: "Mr. Fang, I will work hard, in this life I will follow your footsteps, just like you, to become a true Guardian!"

"Work hard! I believe you can do it!"

Fang Che said warmly: "I’ve already prepared your deacon’s clothes. On the day you become an official deacon, bring your brother-in-law along, and we’ll have a drink. I’ll take the chance to tell him, what is a brother-in-law doing meddling so much... Your future shouldn’t have conditions set... Simply inexcusable."

"Mmm, thank you Mr. Fang. My brother-in-law means well, I understand..."

Tang Zheng nodded vigorously, trying hard to hold back his tears.

With teary eyes, he smiled: "The other day when I went home, my mom said I’m becoming more like a man, and she feels safe seeing me. She’s even been arranging a bride for me these days."

"Oh, is there anyone suitable?" Fang Che immediately became interested upon hearing this.

"Yes." Tang Zheng looked down shyly: "It’s the widow of Steward Liu, who sacrificed himself five years ago in our Guardian Hall. He just got married when he sacrificed. Over these five years, I’ve often gone to check on her, help her with things; though neither of us said anything, I feel the intention is there."

"So I also don’t want my mom to worry, so I asked someone to ask Little Mei for me. If it works out, I’ll hold the ceremony next month."

Tang Zheng said with a flushed face: "Mr. Fang, please honor us with your presence and have a toast at my humble wedding feast."

"That’s a good thing."

Fang Che said seriously: "I’ll certainly attend. Also, tell your mom not to have any prejudices against her; if your mom disagrees, I can talk to her."

Tang Zheng was overjoyed, this was exactly the problem he was most worried about, he said: "If Mr. Fang is willing to step in, then it’s a done deal. You don’t know how much my mom appreciates you, every time she mentions you, it’s like she’s talking about a deity."