Chapter 36: Forcibly Claiming Credit

In his eyes, these things were nothing but trouble, whether it was a whole crate of gold or a few severed heads.

It was best to keep a distance and avoid getting involved.

“You don’t know the full story. This batch of gold is military pay that was stolen from the court not long ago. The court dispatched many experts to capture the thieves, but so far, there have been no leads.”

“Never expected we’d run into each other here. If I’m not mistaken, these barbarians are the ones who stole the gold. You could hand it over to the court and earn an official position.”

Hong Lian knew this matter inside and out since she had arranged this batch of gold.

There was no use keeping these things with her; exchanging the gold for an official title was the right move. The gold couldn’t be spent without being melted down again.

There was no way to just hand over the bandits to the authorities. Xu Feng himself was a scholar with credentials, and having achieved such merit, the government would surely grant him an official rank.

“Involving barbarians… if we attract their attention, wouldn’t that be dangerous?”

Xu Feng hesitated—not out of indecision.

His main concern was the unknown origin of the gold and the heads. Who placed them here? If the rightful owners came looking, it would be impossible to shake them off.

He only wanted to quietly stay home and cultivate his strength for self-preservation.

He would not interfere unless absolutely necessary.

“Why are you being so fussed over, like a woman? Are you afraid of a bunch of bandits? Listen to me, take these things back and don’t let outsiders benefit.”

“This gold and these heads can only serve their purpose in your hands. If you feel uneasy, just do more good deeds in daily life.”

Seeing Xu Feng’s lack of greed for the gold, Hong Lian couldn’t help but think more highly of him. Others would have jumped at the chance to haul the gold home immediately.

Some might even harbor ill intentions toward her.

At least now she could prove she hadn’t misjudged him; Xu Feng was not the kind of petty man common in Zuojin City.

He was truly a gentleman worthy of lifelong trust.

“You have a point. I really shouldn’t be afraid of a bunch of bandits.”

Xu Feng recalled the original owner’s obsession. After transmigrating, he had inherited all the original memories. The original owner was a scholar whose greatest wish was to restore the family fortune and serve as an official.

Unfortunately, opportunities had never come.

The Feng family had only given the original owner a lifeline out of gratitude for ancestral kindness, with no other support.

In these times, it was extremely difficult to become an official without backing. Now an excellent opportunity lay before Xu Feng.

If he agreed to take the gold back, official rewards from the court would soon follow.

“Does Young Master Xu have any doubts? If you find it inconvenient to act, I can handle it for you.”

Hong Lian was determined to place this achievement in Xu Feng’s hands, ready to resolve any concerns he might have.

“Let me think it over.”

Xu Feng had to decide whether this choice was in his best interest.

If he chose to become an official, he could no longer keep a low profile. His identity as the Ghost-faced Man must remain hidden, and he must decide whether to reveal his cultivation.

There were benefits too. Even if the court was corrupt and incompetent, the future was promising. Moreover, it would smooth his Daoist path, making future breakthroughs easier.

In the long run, becoming an official was better. He couldn’t hide in the Feng family forever.

“Then I won’t be polite.”

After a moment’s thought, Xu Feng made his decision.

He was not indecisive, merely weighing the pros and cons.

“I knew Young Master Xu was a hidden dragon unwilling to remain obscure. What future is there staying with the Feng family? You must go out and see the world. With your abilities, you will surely shine.”

“Thank you for your encouragement. I owe you a favor, Miss Hong Lian.”

They did not linger by the lake. These things had to be delivered home quickly, or they would cause trouble if discovered by others.

On the shore, they parted ways, promising to meet again when time allowed. Hong Lian watched Xu Feng leave.

“Sister Hong Lian, why are we giving the gold we worked so hard for to this pretty boy?”

Only after Xu Feng’s figure disappeared did the bandits lurking by the shore leap out.

“You fools don’t understand. Keeping these things with us would only bring trouble. Handing them over to him will at least make him owe us a favor. It’ll be easier to ask for help later.”

Seeing Hong Lian’s determined expression, the men opened their mouths but said nothing.

They suspected it wasn’t so simple. Maybe their boss fancied the guy; otherwise, why be so eager to please?

…

Xu Feng returned to the Feng family, avoiding everyone’s gaze.

He intended to quietly bring the items back to his courtyard, but as soon as he entered, he was caught by Old Master Feng and Feng Yuzhi.

“What is this? Why the smell of blood? Don’t bring such messy things home.”

Feng Yuzhi covered her nose, clearly annoyed.

Old Master Feng, experienced and worldly, looked at Xu Feng in surprise, recognizing the scent of human blood.

“Have you gotten into trouble outside?”

Seeing he could not hide it, Xu Feng told the truth. Upon learning these were the gold lost by the court and the heads of the barbarians, father and daughter were shocked.

“How did these end up with you?”

“I happened upon them in the middle of the lake, killed them, and recovered the government’s lost property.”

Old Master Feng and Feng Yuzhi exchanged skeptical glances. To them, Xu Feng seemed weak and incapable of killing those burly barbarians.

“Father, finally a stroke of luck after so much searching.”

“Zuo Lang had been trying to find a position in the court. Because of the lost provisions, the provincial governor despises us. If we can bring in this merit, it might rebuild our standing.”

They ignored Xu Feng’s feelings entirely, already treating the gold as their own.

“That makes sense. This gold will do the most good in Zuo Lang’s hands. Heaven truly favors me.”

As their excitement grew, Xu Feng interrupted.

“Old Master, I found these things. Why turn them into whitewashing that benefits outsiders?”

Before Old Master Feng could respond, Feng Yuzhi glared at him.

“Shut up. Don’t ruin the Feng family’s big plan. Stay home for now, and don’t embarrass us by showing these things around.”

“Found is found, but claiming you killed anyone? Your hands shake even when slaughtering chickens. Do you really think no one knows your true nature?”

Xu Feng’s pupils constricted. He had underestimated Feng Yuzhi’s shamelessness.