Chapter 636

Chapter 636: Descending Three Levels

The middle-aged cultivator gazed thoughtfully at Wang Chen and inquired, "What is your relationship with Lu Zhenren?"

His tone was calm, almost as if he were engaging in casual conversation with Wang Chen.

Wang Chen responded with a bitter smile, "There is no relationship whatsoever."

The middle-aged cultivator believed him.

Initially, when Wang Chen was brought to District C6 by Lu Peng, the middle-aged cultivator had assumed that Wang Chen was a junior relative of Lu Zhenren, placed there to accumulate experience and earn merits.

However, three months had passed, and Wang Chen remained an apprentice prison guard with no indication of leaving the dungeon.

Clearly, he wasn’t there merely to gain experience.

If he hadn’t committed any errors, why would any family allow their member to endure such a place for so long?

Thus, when Wang Chen stated he had no connection to Lu Zhenren, although the middle-aged cultivator felt a tinge of disappointment, it was within his expectations.

After a moment of contemplation, he declared, "Your performance over the past three months has been commendable. You have never missed a day of duty. According to the regulations of the Forbidden Prison Office, you are now eligible to be promoted to a formal prison guard."

Wang Chen’s eyes sparkled with gratitude, "Thank you, my lord!"

The distinction between an apprentice prison guard and a formal prison guard was significant, not only in terms of benefits but also because only formal prison guards could accumulate experience. After three years, they could apply for the Yongle Immortal Registry.

An apprentice prison guard, however, would never attain the same qualifications, remaining a temporary worker without any immortal rights!

"Don’t be hasty," the middle-aged cultivator gestured and continued, "However, you cannot stay in District C6. Currently, District J9 is short-staffed and requires a transfer of prison guards to fill the vacancies. Once you become a formal prison guard, you must comply with the transfer."

He fixed his gaze on Wang Chen, "Otherwise, you may leave."

Wang Chen’s heart sank.

In the Yongle dungeon, the ninth level was the most severe, with conditions worsening with each descending level.

District C6 was already a challenging environment; suddenly descending three levels to District J9 would mean facing far more dire circumstances.

But if he declined this opportunity, Wang Chen would have to leave the Forbidden Prison Office.

He might not even be able to remain in Yongle Immortal City.

The gold voucher and pill book he possessed was, after all, a temporary residence permit for Yongle Immortal City, which was set to expire in just three months!

Wang Chen suspected the middle-aged cultivator was aware of this, hence his confidence.

He truly had no alternative.

“I, the Lesser Steward, am willing to comply with the transfer.”

“Very good.”

The middle-aged cultivator allowed a slight smile to appear and reached out to take a piece of silk paper, handing it to Wang Chen: “Sign this contract.”

Though termed a contract, it was essentially a death warrant!

Serving as a prison guard in the Yongle dungeon was undeniably perilous, with a high likelihood of accidental death.

The lower the level, the greater the danger!

Wang Chen was about to be transferred to District J9, which was at the end of the middle third level, just one layer away from the most dangerous lower third level.

This contract was also his life-death document.

Wang Chen took the contract in his hand and without hesitation, stamped it with his magical seal.

The middle-aged cultivator collected the contract and nodded, saying, "You should rest tonight. Tomorrow, someone will take you to report to District J9."

Wang Chen stood and bowed respectfully, "Thank you, my lord."

"You’re welcome."

The middle-aged cultivator waved his hand, "Go on."

As he watched Wang Chen leave, he felt a twinge of regret.

It was a shame that with Wang Chen’s age and talent, if he had come from a certain immortal clan in Yongle Immortal City, he would definitely be treated as a Golden Core seed, nurtured as a Yuan Ying prospect.

However, Wang Chen came from humble origins, with a somewhat mysterious background, and no connections or support.

Giving him a chance for advancement and tossing him into the lower tiers for training would make his survival a matter of fate and luck!

In fact, the middle-aged cultivator had seen many people like Wang Chen before.

However, those who truly managed to rise to success were exceptionally rare!

He picked up his pen and circled Wang Chen’s name on the contract he had just signed.

Just then, as Wang Chen had just returned to his quarters and sat down to catch his breath, someone knocked at the door.

Wang Chen instantly recognized the visitor’s identity: "Come in."

Dan Lingfeng, the old guard, peeked in and entered.

He got straight to the point and asked, "I heard you were summoned by our supervising officer. Are you going to be promoted?"

Wang Chen nodded, "Yes."

It was not surprising that the news spread so quickly; in this place, even the slightest movement was known in no time.

Dan Lingfeng asked again, "Are you still staying in District C6?"

Wang Chen replied, "No, I’m being transferred to District J9."

"District J9?"

Dan Lingfeng’s eyes widened in disbelief: "You must be joking!"

Wang Chen smiled wryly, "I’m not joking."

"Insane!"

Dan Lingfeng suddenly raised his voice and then lowered it again, whispering: "You just got promoted and now you’re being sent to District J9? Did you offend someone up top?"

Under normal circumstances, someone like Wang Chen would only be transferred down one level.

Getting sent down three levels was definitely unusual!

"I didn’t," Wang Chen replied calmly. "Do I look like someone who likes to stir up trouble?"

Dan Lingfeng acknowledged, "Indeed, you are not."

Few young cultivators nowadays possess the low-key demeanor, calmness, and patience that Wang Chen exhibits.

The Forbidden Prison Office is often spoken of in the outside world as a fearsome beast, with everyone turning pale at its mention.

However, this old guard knew well that mastering the art of survival within its walls could lead to a comfortable life.

Grateful for the frequent gifts of wine and meat from Wang Chen, Dan Lingfeng wished to pass on his lifelong guarding experience to him.

Unexpectedly, Wang Chen went straight to District J9!

Separated by three levels, even the spiritual communication devices issued to the guards couldn’t bridge the gap.

Their chances of meeting again would be scarce.

"Take good care of yourself," Dan Lingfeng could only say. "Once in District J9, you must rely solely on yourself. Don’t expect help from others. Avoid standing out; when possible, stay hidden and endure…"

He rambled on, sharing much of his own experiences.

Though Wang Chen didn’t agree with much of what the old guard said, seeing him express genuine concern was rare, so he listened quietly without interruption.

All gatherings must eventually come to an end.

The next morning, Wang Chen followed a supervising officer from District C6 down to District J9.

They traveled via the teleportation formation.

It was said that each layer of the middle and lower three levels was independent, with no fixed passages connecting them, and movement between levels required the teleportation array for security, to prevent inmate escapes.

Upon entering District J9, Wang Chen immediately noticed the stark differences from District C6.

District C6 was already quite uncomfortable, but compared to District J9, it was like a minor witch facing a Great Witch.

The concentration of negative energy here wasn’t much higher, but the spiritual energy had significantly decreased, and there was a faint trace of dark forces and malevolence.

Thus, to survive in District J9, one’s Spirit and Will had to withstand the test.

Otherwise, collapse was inevitable.

Wang Chen was first taken to the duty hall of District J9.

There, he received his standard provisions and benefits as a formal prison guard!

They were quite substantial.