Chapter 637

Chapter 637: No Retreat

Three bottles of Pulse Opening and Evil Dispelling Pill, each containing ten pills, sufficient for a month’s use.

Additionally, there were several elixirs for nourishing essence, cultivating energy, strengthening the soul, and enhancing the physique, intended for daily cultivation.

Two sets of casual clothing for all seasons and two sets of Forbidden Prison Office uniforms, all crafted at the spirit tool level, including robes and garments.

A complete set of four spiritual symbols designed for pacifying evil, exorcising curses, dispelling illusions, and destroying demons, accompanied by a specialized symbol belt.

Lastly, a monthly salary of fifty Intermediate Spirits was provided.

According to the supervisor of the duty hall in District J9, additional bonuses were granted during seasonal festivals and the Spring Festival.

Beyond these benefits, Wang Chen was also allocated a small private house with its own courtyard.

The living conditions were significantly improved compared to his previous situation.

Wang Chen finally comprehended why the Forbidden Prison Office, despite its notorious reputation, continued to attract a steady influx of new recruits.

The allure lay in the clear pathways for promotion and the substantial rewards offered.

With countless cultivators vying for opportunities, many were willing to risk their lives!

The house assigned to Wang Chen was conveniently located near the duty hall, adjacent to other prison guards, subtly forming a strategic formation.

Upon entering the small courtyard, he immediately noticed that the negative energy within was considerably less than that outside.

There was no trace of dark forces or malevolence, and by investing spirit stones to activate the spirit gathering formation, his basic cultivation needs could be met, ensuring no regression in his cultivation level.

Originally, Wang Chen could take a day off every three days, but as a formal prison guard, he was now restricted to a break only once every seven days.

The manpower shortage in District J9 had reached a critical point, leaving the district in a precarious state!

Knock, knock!

Just as Wang Chen was about to thoroughly explore his new residence, the courtyard gate was abruptly pounded with force.

Standing at the gate were two prison guards: one tall and robust, and the other with a round face and large ears, appearing to be partners.

"You’re the new guy, right?"

The tall prison guard scrutinized Wang Chen with a condescending gaze and inquired, "What’s your name and cultivation level?"

Wang Chen frowned.

The newcomers did not seem amicable; the adage “the incoming are not good, and the good do not come” seemed apt here.

Wang Chen disliked the tone the other used, but maintaining a composed demeanor, he responded, "I am Wang Chen. May I know your names, fellow travelers?"

The chubby prison guard grinned and said, "I’m Zhu Jiu, and this is Hu Qi. Wang Chen, we don’t mean any harm; we simply wanted to check on a new colleague. We’ll be working together in the future, so it’s essential to get to know each other better."

"Isn’t that right?"

One played the bad cop while the other played the good cop?

Wang Chen smiled and replied, "Indeed, as a newcomer, I hope you two will take good care of me."

"Of course, of course."

The chubby guard, Zhu Jiu, squinted his eyes as he smiled, "Actually, we came with a small request…"

He deliberately paused, his gaze fixed intently on Wang Chen.

However, Wang Chen showed no inclination to cooperate: "Since it’s an unreasonable request, Zhu Jiu, you’d better not say more. It might upset our colleagues, and that wouldn’t be pleasant."

Zhu Jiu was momentarily stunned.

He had successfully used this tactic, combined with Hu Qi’s imposing presence, to manipulate new prison guards before, but he hadn’t expected Wang Chen to brush him off and even speak with a hint of mockery.

Zhu Jiu had encountered many young and hot-headed cultivators. Some came from powerful immortal clans, with backgrounds and connections he didn’t dare provoke.

But Zhu Jiu had learned that this newcomer, Wang Chen, had no such background; he had been transferred from District C6 to District J9, making him seem quite easy to manage.

Instead, he ended up with a face full of disappointment!

Though Zhu Jiu was thick-skinned, Hu Qi couldn’t hold back: "Kid, I’m talking to you because I respect you. Yet you’re acting all high and mighty; looks like you don’t know how to write ‘death’!"

The prison guard glared at Wang Chen with malice: "If you can survive three months here, I’ll take your last name!"

“Don’t,”

Zhu Jiu quickly pulled Hu Qi back, signaling him to calm down, then turned to Wang Chen and said, “Wang Chen, think carefully. District J9 is not an easy place to navigate; if you want to survive, you need friends here!”

Wang Chen believed that what the other said might be true.

District J9 was definitely far more dangerous than District C6, and a lone wolf was the easiest target for trouble.

However, even if he wanted to make friends, it wouldn’t be with these two!

Wang Chen suspected that they were probably eyeing the items he had just received: the elixirs, talismans, and spirit stones were excellent goods!

If Wang Chen were timid and easily intimidated, he would have fallen into their trap from the start, making his future days much harder.

If there is one concession, there will be another; retreating step by step would ultimately leave him with no way to retreat.

That would be his downfall.

Wang Chen disliked causing trouble, but he feared nothing!

He stated bluntly, “Sorry, I don’t need friends.”

Especially not friends like you!

Hu Qi became furious and immediately rolled up his sleeves: “Kid…”

Zhu Jiu again held him back: “Forget it; the newcomer doesn’t understand. They’re mistaking kindness for foolishness; let’s just leave.”

The two of them tugged and departed from the small courtyard.

Wang Chen shook his head and closed the door, feeling that trouble was bound to follow.

He hadn’t expected his arrival at the new district to be so rocky.

But Wang Chen was not afraid.

It was just a matter of facing challenges as they came—dealing with issues as they arose.

With the Forbidden Prison Office watching from above, even if they wanted to play tricks, they could only act in secrecy.

They would never dare to be open about it!

He put this incident behind him and focused on settling into his new home.

This house was much more spacious and comfortable than his previous residence. In addition to the improved environment, it included a quiet room, bathroom, tea room, and guest room—everything was fully equipped.

The furniture and items were all new.

Since Wang Chen had just arrived and had no duty to serve today, he took out the manual given by the duty hall and sat down to read it carefully.

This manual was essentially a prison guard handbook, listing hundreds of rules and regulations, clearly outlining Wang Chen’s job scope and responsibilities, and it included basic information about District J9.

District J9 currently housed a total of one hundred thirty-five prisoners, including demon cultivators, evil cultivators, and demons!

There were fifty-seven assigned prison guards, along with several supervising officers.

Every prisoner, guard, and supervisor had their names and images listed in the manual.

It was all clear at a glance!

After finishing the manual, Wang Chen grasped the basic situation of District J9.

The next three years would not be easy!

The manual clearly stated that the prisoners in District J9 were quite mixed, with a complicated background.

There was even a Golden Core cultivator among them.

The danger level was marked clearly, making it quite shocking to behold.

Although all the prisoners had their powers and even soul sealed, if this were enough to ensure a flawless safety, then the Yongle dungeon wouldn’t invoke such fear.

The following morning, after reporting in on his first day, Wang Chen went to the duty hall in District J9 for the first time for roll call.

He received a map of the patrol routes in the prison area.

The supervisor at the duty hall meaningfully told Wang Chen, “Young man, keep your eyes on the path beneath you; don’t make a wrong turn.”

Wang Chen nodded.