"Nathaniel Clark's father was a constable before he passed away. After studying for six months, Nathaniel Clark can join the government office as an official." James Foster explained.

As early as yesterday, Nathaniel Clark had come to see him and informed him about leaving the academy.

To be honest, he felt it was a bit of a pity. Nathaniel Clark's martial arts talent wasn't high, and his progress in cultivating the "Bull Demon Strength" technique was among the lowest of the students, but Nathaniel Clark's enthusiasm for training had never wavered. Most importantly, Nathaniel Clark's strength was increasing at a decent pace.

If Nathaniel Clark stayed at the academy for three years, even if he couldn't break through to Martial Master, he would be able to do so within five years after leaving.

He had wanted to persuade him to stay, but Nathaniel Clark's words convinced him.

"Teacher, leaving the academy doesn't mean I'm giving up martial arts. It's just that I have an elderly great-aunt at home who needs care. By taking a government post, I can look after her and also have money to buy herbs to aid my training. Even if it takes a few more years to become a Martial Master, I still think it's worth it."

A few years' time was something those from noble families couldn't afford to waste, because they aimed for even higher realms. But for martial artists from poor backgrounds, becoming a Martial Master was already a lifelong pursuit.

To become a Martial Master, change the family's circumstances, and nurture the next generation.

That was the path martial artists from humble origins should choose.

Hadn't he himself walked such a path?

So why stop Nathaniel Clark?

"He should have left long ago. With his talent, staying at the academy is just a waste of time."

"Exactly. He gets beaten every time we spar. If I were him, I'd be too embarrassed to stay."

Some students muttered quietly. Emily Turner heard their words and shot them a cold glance.

Nathaniel Clark's martial arts aptitude might not be high, but his strength was definitely not weak.

Every time she defeated Nathaniel Clark, it was only when she went all out. If she matched her strength and speed to Nathaniel Clark's, she would be at a disadvantage.

Because Nathaniel Clark's attacks were always unexpected, coming from places she couldn't anticipate.

Most importantly, she had been improving all along, yet still had to give her all to beat Nathaniel Clark each time. Didn't that show Nathaniel Clark was improving too?

These guys who looked down on Nathaniel Clark had no idea—they weren't even a match for him.

……

……

Chapter 11: The Constable's Duty Is to Collect Money

The morning sun had just peeked out, slowly dispelling the night's chill.

County Office of Da Ning.

Nathaniel Clark entered the office with his identification documents. After waiting for a quarter of an hour, he received his constable appointment letter from a clerk.

Then, without delay, he hurried to the patrol station on another street.

In the Liang Dynasty, the county office and the patrol station were separate. Unlike in ancient times, where constables worked in the magistrate's office and also protected the county magistrate.

In Da Liang, where official positions were assigned based on strength, the county magistrate was the strongest martial artist in the county on the surface, so he didn't need protection.

If anyone dared to storm the county office and the magistrate couldn't handle it, no matter how many constables came, they'd just be throwing their lives away.

"You're Nathaniel Clark, son of Constable Chu?"

At the patrol station, the one who met Nathaniel Clark was a head constable, who looked him over curiously for a moment and said, "Not bad, like father like son. Do your best. Old Lane, we've got a newcomer—show him the ropes."

Soon, Nathaniel Clark put on a brand-new uniform and followed the veteran constable called Old Lane out on patrol.

"Nathaniel Clark, right? Got connections up top?" Old Lane asked with a grin as soon as they stepped outside.

"My father, Chu Ping, was a constable in Da Ning County before he passed away."

"You're a sly one. When a man dies, his influence dies with him—especially here at the patrol station. Never mind, you don't have to say. Since Captain Collins asked me to show you around, I'll make sure you understand the rules of our patrol station."

He had already received a handbook with the rules when changing into his uniform. It listed various regulations, but as someone who had lived two lives, Nathaniel Clark knew very well that any department with law enforcement power always had two sets of rules.

"Every year, ten new constables join our patrol station. Maybe only two or three make it through without getting crippled. The ones who get crippled are all hotheads. Since Captain Collins asked me to guide you, it's to teach you the rules of being a constable. As long as you follow the rules, you'll be just fine."

"Please teach me, Master Lane."

Nathaniel Clark was very sincere. As they walked, Old Lane said, "What do we constables do?"

"Arrest bandits, maintain public order?"

"Forget the first part. Our job is to maintain order and collect taxes. Don't get that wrong, or you won't even know how you died."

A different newcomer might have been confused—wasn't arresting bandits the same as maintaining order?

But Nathaniel Clark only needed a moment to understand the hidden meaning behind Old Lane's words.

"Order, order—what we maintain is order among those unruly merchants and troublemaking commoners."

Nathaniel Clark: "?"

"We're only a bit stronger than ordinary folks, and we've learned a bit of basic martial arts. Real bandits are vicious and powerful—not something small-time constables like us can handle."

"Thank you for your guidance, Master Lane. I'll remember it well."