Chapter 9: Chapter 9: I Want to be the Master Official

Translator: 549690339

[Side Quest Updated, Publishing…]

[Side Quest: Long-Term Perspective·II]

[Description: An excellent Guardian Beast Master will establish a familiar and intimate relationship with the beast with whom they are about to form a Soul Contract.]

[Requirement: Make your domesticated beasts not despise any of the host’s actions that are within bounds!]

[Reward: “Spirit Attraction Blood Refinement Skill”]

No sooner had Feng Qing’an come to his senses from the joy of acquiring a training method, he heard the mechanical voice in his mind. Before he could think about how to accomplish the task, he received a notification.

[Side Quest: Long-Term Perspective·II, Completed]

[Reward: “Spirit Attraction Blood Refinement Skill”, Do you wish to receive it?]

“Receive it.”

There was no hesitation about this. The familiar information flow emerged in his mind. All sorts of information, extremely detailed and in a way that Feng Qing’an can understand, flowed in his consciousness.

“Just as I thought!”

After a quick glance, Feng Qing’an grasped the use of the “Spirit Attraction Blood Refinement Skill”. “Spiritual Soul Condensing Skill” is a Guardian Beast Master training method, which trains in Soul Power, and when trained to a certain extent, can condense a soul agreement and form a Soul Contract with a pet beast.

“Spirit Attraction Blood Refinement Skill”, on the other hand, is different. Although it is also a secret formula that a Guardian Beast Master needs to learn, it is not for one’s own use, but for the pet beast.

Its use is to strengthen the beast’s bloodlines and physique, giving it a higher chance to undergo an extraordinary metamorphosis, giving birth to a significant spiritual intelligence.

This is exactly what Feng Qing’an speculated. If a Guardian Beast Master doesn’t have a way to enhance the life level of his Guardian Beast, wouldn’t that be too inadequate? Otherwise, the pet beast that was contracted when it was weak would have to be abandoned when it becomes powerful.

The only slight regret is, he can’t use the Blood Refinement Skill because he is now just an ordinary person who knows the training method of a Guardian Beast Master. He doesn’t have a bit of Soul Power, let alone use this exclusive method of a Guardian Beast Master.

“I have to wait till nightfall!”

Listening to the noisy noises outside, although Feng Qing’an is full of anticipation and can’t wait to start training immediately, he knows that this is not the time.

Regardless of the method of training, a quiet and stable environment is needed. Given his family’s current situation, it is definitely not an option. Any time, someone could enter the room.

Feng Qing’an could only restrain his excitement, walk outside and wait quietly for nightfall.

By the afternoon, the courtyard had become even livelier. The village chief and village elders came to visit. Feng Qing’an was eavesdropping at the side when he heard them talking about raising a stone stele.

Raising a stele is obviously to commend his elder brother Feng Qingping’s winning of the title of Advanced Scholar, and to inspire the younger generation of the village to take his brother as a role model and aim for it.

Carving a stone involves setting up a flagpole stone in front of the ancestral hall to display the Advanced Scholar’s achievements and console the ancestors. Achieving the title of Advanced Scholar is a matter of great honor, no matter where it is placed.

“Little Qing’an, your elder brother has won the title of Advanced Scholar. You must learn well from your elder brother and do not lag behind. In a few years, you should also participate in the Imperial Examination and come back as an Advanced Scholar!”

An aged village elder leaning on a crutch said, grinning at Feng Qing’an who was observing the commotion.

“Third Elder, the title of Advanced Scholar cannot be easily earned. Er Niu, this little one, is far inferior compared to his elder brother!”

Yin Shi said with a smiling face.

“Qingping lad isn’t even a Crown Prince, yet he has already won the title. Although your second child is a bit inferior, achieving the title of Advanced Scholar is almost a sure thing!”

Another village elder stared at Feng Qing’an, subtly complimenting him. His eyes were filled with an unspoken admiration.

The villagers are not blind. Both brothers are exceptional at a young age. Even though the younger brother’s performance is less conspicuous, he is still far superior to ordinary people. His chances of winning the title of Advanced Scholar is definitely not a joke.

“My elder brother has already won the title of Advanced Scholar, why should I still study? When my brother is posted as an official, I will follow him and become a Master Official. Wouldn’t that be more leisurely?”

Seeing his parents discussing his future participation in the Imperial Examination and what rank he should achieve, Feng Qing’an felt his scalp tingle. He immediately blurted out a diversionary comment.

Could he not have to live up to such high expectations? The higher the expectations, the greater the disappointment. His brother’s ability to achieve the title of Advanced Scholar had nothing to do with his ability to do the same.

Feng Qing’an is very clear about his abilities. He does not want to put on any pressure or to have others hold too high expectations of him. Compared to his elder brother, he is characterized by being the younger brother in all aspects.

“You want to be a Master Official?”

The overjoyed Yin Shi’s face sank immediately when she heard Feng Qing’an’s absurd words, and the village chief and a few village elders stared at him, sharing astonished looks. One of the elders stared at Feng Qing’an, gripping his cane tightly.

“Mother, my elder brother has struggled for ten years, can’t I enjoy a little? What’s wrong with being a Master Official?”

Feng Qing’an said this solemnly, without any signs of guilt.

He has already got the training method. Transcendence seems within reach, and the Imperial Examination should be put aside for now. There’s no time to waste on these mundane matters.

As for their expectations, well, they already have one Advanced Scholar, they should be content. They don’t need him to be the icing on the cake. Even if he made an extreme effort to study, the probability of becoming an Advanced Scholar would be very low.

“What does your elder brother’s ten-year struggle have to do with you?”

“He’s my elder brother!”

Feng Qing’an asserted with confidence.

“Feng Qing’an!”

With a simple conversation, Feng Qing’an effortlessly turned the smiling Yin Shi into a fury. When he heard his mother call his full name, Feng Qing’an did not hesitate to turn tail and run.

If he doesn’t run, should he wait to be beaten?

“Stop right there! You want to be a Master Official? I’m going to break your legs today!”

An enraged Yin Shi picked up a broom and chased after Feng Qing’an, vowing not to stop until she gives him a good beating.

“Mother, I was wrong, I was just joking!”

Feng Qing’an swiftly wove through the crowd. When he turned his head and saw Yin Shi resembling a tiger in pursuit, he immediately cried out for mercy. The guests who were watching laughed and hollered, some of them shaking their heads and sighing.

Anyway, the derogatory statement made by Feng Qing’an today will surely spread throughout the area with the dispersal of the guests.

As for the label that might be attached to him, Feng Qing’an could hardly guess, but it definitely won’t be a good one.

But that’s exactly what Feng Qing’an wants. The title of “Elder Brother of the Advanced Scholar” is too heavy. He feels more relaxed behaving a bit casually, so that others’ expectations of him aren’t too high.