He stayed hidden until late into the night.
Only after confirming the area was safe did Chen Sanshi melt into the darkness, returning home before dawn broke.
He didn't disturb Lan jie'er, who was still asleep. Quietly sitting by the bed, he pulled out the small box and examined it under the dim light.
At first glance, it was just an ordinary sandalwood box—plain, unadorned, without even a carved pattern. The only unusual thing about it was a strangely shaped keyhole in the center.
They called this thing an "Immortal Treasure."
What did that even mean?
Could it really be some divine artifact left behind by immortals?
Curiosity got the better of him.
He didn't have a key, so he tried prying it open directly. But the box didn't budge.
Even when he exerted the strength to draw a two-stone bow and channeled his qi and blood, the box remained completely motionless.
That shouldn't have been possible—it was made of wood, after all.
Surely he could smash it open.
But Chen Sanshi wasn't stupid.
Who knew if there was some kind of mechanism inside? Forcing it might damage the so-called "Immortal Treasure" within.
He sighed helplessly and decided to put it away for now. He'd figure out the mechanism later and find a way to unlock it properly.
"Whew…"
He exhaled deeply.
It had been one long, exhausting night.
Still, with Qin Feng finally dealt with and his qi and blood cultivated, life would likely get a bit smoother from here. Once he got promoted to Flag Officer and earned his Elite Selection qualification, things might finally ease up.
His thoughts drifted as he wrapped an arm around Gu Xinlan, using her as a soft pillow. Within moments, he sank into a deep, comfortable sleep.
The next morning, Chen Sanshi woke early and headed for the barracks.
Before he even reached the gates, he heard soldiers chattering excitedly inside about the chaos from last night.
"You guys didn't see it! The city was a damn warzone! I was right there watching the whole thing!"
"Even Thousand-Household Xiang Tingchun made a move himself, working with the heads of the Tianyuan, Tailei, and Zhao's Martial Halls. They cornered that barbarian assassin in some abandoned courtyard!"
"They were just about to capture him alive when—bam!—a group of masked killers jumped out of nowhere!"
"They had their faces covered, but judging by their fighting style, they had to be barbarians too. And skilled ones—every single one at least at the tempering bone stage! One of them even held his own against Thousand-Household Xiang!"
"They actually managed to wound the Tailei Hall Master and fought their way out of the city gate with the assassin!"
"Of course, more than half of them were killed in the fight."
"…Damn."
Listening to their chatter, Chen Sanshi finally realized just how fierce the battle in the city must've been last night.
But something didn't add up.
The assassin was rescued?
Then how did he end up mortally wounded and dying out in the wild?
Unless… the masked men weren't there to save him—but to take the "Immortal Treasure"? Maybe they turned on each other after escaping the city.
That would explain it. The barbarian assassin might have escaped with his life, only to die later from his injuries—right where Chen Sanshi found him.
And if that was the case…
Could it be that the reason the box wouldn't open was because the key was still in the hands of those other people?
This whole thing was turning out to be far more complicated than he'd thought.
Arriving at the camp, Chen Sanshi noticed that Hundred-Household Wang still hadn't shown up yet. He decided to head to the training grounds for some practice while waiting.
"Chen Sanshi."
Just as he picked up his plum-blossom spear, someone called his name.
He turned to see a middle-aged officer approaching with a smile—it was Hundred-Household Luo Dongquan, Song Yan's uncle.
"Hundred-Household Luo," Chen greeted, planting his spear in the ground. "If you have something to say, we can talk right here."
"Fair enough."
Luo Dongquan didn't take offense. With his hands clasped behind his back, he said, "I have a small favor to ask of you."
A Hundred-Household officer, asking him for a favor?
Chen Sanshi raised a brow but didn't overthink it. "Please speak freely, Sir Luo. But I'm just a lowly soldier—I doubt I can be of much help."
"You're very talented," Luo said with a sigh. "The most gifted young man I've ever seen since I took up martial practice."
"My nephew, Song Yan, can't compete with you anymore. But don't misunderstand—I bear you no ill will. When skill falls short, one must accept it."
He paused, then continued, "I only want to ask you to give up your slot for the Elite Selection in the first half of next year. Let Yan'er take that opportunity instead, and you can compete in the second half."
"Of course, I wouldn't ask for free."
He produced a silver note from his sleeve and held it out. "Here—one hundred taels of silver. Enough to buy plenty of blood-tonic soup and beast meat to strengthen your cultivation. It's only a half-year delay. Quite a good deal, don't you think?"
There were two Elite Selections each year—one in the first half, one in the second.
Each Thousand-Household Division could only nominate one person per selection.
On the surface, waiting half a year didn't sound like a big deal.
But then, why didn't Luo Dongquan make his own nephew wait half a year instead?
Only a fool would believe such nonsense.
Chen Sanshi wasn't about to delay his future for a handful of silver. "Thank you, Hundred-Household Luo, but I don't think that's necessary. Song Yan's talent is quite good—he'll have no trouble competing in the second half of the year."
Luo Dongquan's smile didn't falter. "Fine. If the deal doesn't work out, at least there's no bad blood. Don't take today's matter to heart…"
"Old Luo, you've got a kind heart, I'll give you that!"
A thick, pudgy hand suddenly reached out and snatched the silver note right from Luo's fingers.
It was Hundred-Household Wang Zhi, who had somehow appeared beside them without anyone noticing. He grinned from ear to ear. "So this was a gift for Sanshi, huh? Damn, a whole hundred taels—you sure are generous! No one's richer than you, that's for sure!"
"Wang, you bastard!"
Luo Dongquan lunged forward, trying to grab the note back.
But Wang Zhi was quick and slippery. He sidestepped easily, speaking cheerfully as he tucked the note into his chest. "Since when do people take back gifts after giving them, huh?
"Or wait—was it not a gift? Were you trying to bribe the kid instead?"
He grinned wider. "Should we let Thousand-Household Xiang know about this?"
"You—!"
Luo Dongquan's face turned red, words choking in his throat. After several seconds of silence, he gave a cold snort, spun on his heel, and left without another word.
Chen Sanshi was left staring, dumbfounded.
Hundred-Household Wang really is something else. A few sentences, and he'd just pocketed a hundred-tael silver note like it was nothing!
"What did that bastard Luo want with you?"
Wang Zhi spat in Luo's direction, his tone full of disdain.
Chen Sanshi truthfully explained the whole situation.
Wang Zhi let out a sharp laugh. "Scheming old dog. You know why he wanted to push you to the second half of the year, right?"
He leaned closer and lowered his voice. "Word is, Grand Commander Sun is getting old. The Elite Selection in the first half of next year will be the last one where he personally takes in direct disciples."
"After that, someone else will take over."
Chen Sanshi wasn't particularly surprised, but now it made perfect sense.
Wang Zhi clapped him on the shoulder. "Forget about Luo. Don't deal with that snake anymore."
He straightened up and said, "Anyway, stand by and wait. Thousand-Household Xiang and Deputy Magistrate Zhang just arrived. The assembly horn will blow any moment now—they're gathering everyone for inspection."
Then he explained the process in detail.
The Elite Selection was usually drawn only from the newest batch of recruits.
Those who could demonstrate exceptional talent in a short time were considered high-potential—worth investing in and grooming.
First, Thousand-Household Xiang Tingchun would personally test everyone's cultivation level.
Then, Deputy Magistrate Zhang from the county office would verify each soldier's enlistment date and confirm that there had been no bribery or favoritism.
Once verified, the results would be reported to the Liangzhou Grand Commander's Office.
After some time, that office would send a special Selection Officer to personally confirm the records and ensure no falsification.
Finally, those who passed would head to the Eight Northern Garrisons of Liangzhou to take part in the true Elite Selection, where their final rank and position within the camps would be determined.
"Bwooooom—"
As soon as Wang Zhi finished explaining, the long, deep sound of the assembly horn echoed through the entire camp.