As Guardian Yuan finished speaking, the tension on the Eight Trigrams Platform grew palpably thicker. Just as Yang Qianhuan was about to launch into a critique, his hooded head suddenly tilted, looking toward the Imperial City.

Song Qing and the others made the same motion.

Two figures broke through the air, accompanied by whistling winds, landing on the Bureau of Astronomy’s Eight Trigrams Platform.

The one on the left wore an azure robe embroidered with cloud patterns, leather boots, and a fine jade pendant at his waist that clinked melodiously. His features were handsome, and his bearing extraordinary. The one on the right wore casual imperial yellow attire in a masculine style, radiating both enchanting beauty and dignified authority.

Xu Qi’an and Princess Huaiqing had arrived to oversee the proceedings (or rather, to watch the show).

Seeing the pair arrive together, the white-robed术士s immediately became animated, buzzing with discussion.

“Her Majesty and Young Master Xu are here! Finally, someone to maintain order.”

The white-robed术士s behind Sun Xuanji exclaimed happily.

“Hmph, Imperial Enforcer Xu is one of us, alchemists. He’ll support Elder Brother Song as Supervisory Official.”

The alchemists declared confidently.

“Imperial Enforcer Xu and our Sister Zhong have that ambiguous relationship. No need to say more about who the position belongs to.”

Zhong Li’s supporters chimed in.

Some sighed in relief:

“Imperial Enforcer Xu is finally here. Now we can stop worrying.”

After all, inviting Sister Zhong to such a large gathering was quite risky. At any moment, there could be a human stampede, a mass suicide of Bureau术士s, or a meteorite strike on the Eight Trigrams Platform…

“Damn it, Imperial Enforcer Xu always steals our Elder Brother Yang’s opportunities. He definitely won’t allow his great enemy to become Supervisory Official.”

Yang Qianhuan’s followers had inherited his “hatred” of Xu Qi’an.

Hey hey, who has an ambiguous relationship with Zhong Li? How dare they tarnish someone’s reputation… Xu Qi’an’s gaze swept across the white-robed术士s, pausing briefly on the timid boys and youths behind Chu Caiwei. He thought to himself that Caiwei had finally taken on disciples too.

He raised his hand, and the clamor from the surrounding white-robed术士s subsided.

“Wasn’t it already said that the position of Supervisory Official is of great importance? Her Majesty needs to think it through carefully before making a decision. Don’t be impatient,” Xu Qi’an consoled them.

Yang Qianhuan coughed and spoke slowly:

“Heaven did not birth me, Yang Qianhuan, in vain!”

The white-robed术士s behind him chanted in unison:

“The Great Zhou would be in eternal darkness!”

After the slogan was finished, Yang Qianhuan said:

“A nation cannot go a day without its ruler, and the Bureau cannot go without a Supervisory Official. We know Her Majesty finds it difficult to decide, so we shall decide for Her Majesty.”

Xu Qi’an reminded them:

“Don’t forget, the Supervisory Official isn’t dead yet!”

He was met with silence from the white-robed术士s. They either pretended not to hear or pretended to be admiring the scenery.

Good grief, I feel for the Supervisory Official – life isn’t worth living… Xu Qi’an dropped the matter and turned to look at Huaiqing.

The Great Zhou’s number one powerful woman gave a slight nod.

Xu Qi’an immediately asked:

“What do you all want to do?”

He could see what was going on. None of the Supervisory Official’s disciples yielded to each other. In the past, with the Destiny Master keeping them in check, they could generally coexist peacefully.

Now, the Supervisory Official was being taken around the world by Huang, with no knowing when he’d return, if ever.

Without the Supervisory Official’s authority, the术士 factions within the Bureau had begun to fight among themselves.

Song Qing said coolly:

“We plan to select someone of high virtue today to succeed in the position of Supervisory Official. Young Master Xu, Your Majesty, we need you to oversee this fairly.”

The white-robed术士s all looked over. In their view, Imperial Enforcer Xu was a person of high virtue, and having him select the Supervisory Official was the most reasonable and convincing method.

Provided that Imperial Enforcer Xu chose the elder brother or sister they supported.

Huaiqing transmitted:

“The Bureau’s术士s are divided into various factions, none yielding to the others. It would take forever to select someone, and no matter who becomes a Supervisory Official, there will be dissent. Do you have any ideas?”

The Empress had an expression that said “This matter is too deep, I can’t handle it, I’ll leave it to you.”

Regarding the Bureau, Huaiqing had quite a headache. Unlike the court officials who could be negotiated with, compromised with, or threatened, these术士s didn’t respond to any of that.

The emperor’s authority could only make them respect you, not obey you.

To be fair, she would choose her best friend Chu Caiwei, but from an emperor’s perspective, she thought choosing Sun Xuanji would be more beneficial for the overall situation.

But no matter who she chose, the others wouldn’t submit.

“I do have an idea we could try,” Xu Qi’an transmitted back.

Huaiqing’s eyes brightened slightly as she waited in silence.

Xu Qi’an looked around at everyone and said:

“As Elder Brother Song just said, the position of Supervisory Official should be held by someone of high virtue. What constitutes high virtue? In my humble opinion, someone nominated by everyone would truly have universal support and high virtue.”

Isn’t this just stating the obvious? If we could select someone, why would we need you… the术士s grumbled internally.

Huaiqing frowned slightly. Although Xu Qi’an had kicked the hot potato back to the Bureau, the problem hadn’t been solved.

“Don’t be hasty, everyone!”

Xu Qi’an said with a smile:

“Anyone who wants to succeed as Supervisory Official can step forward and try to convince their fellow disciples, gathering supporters. Whoever gets the most votes will be the next Supervisory Official. This way, there’s no need to argue anymore.”

The术士s’ expressions brightened when they heard this.

They understood Xu Qi’an’s meaning – to break the deadlock, they could win over others, converting them into supporters.

Then compete to see who had the highest popularity to become Supervisory Official.

But they soon felt this was somewhat childish, as it was too utilitarian. What if they regretted choosing someone for temporary benefits?

Then they’d just have another mess like today.

What the术士s could think of, Huaiqing naturally thought of too, but she didn’t express an opinion, quietly waiting for what came next.

Xu Qi’an continued:

“But we must set a time limit. The elected Supervisory Official can only serve for three years, with three years being one term. When the time is up, we’ll elect a new Supervisory Official.”

With that, the术士s’ final concerns were resolved.

Xu Qi’an’s proposal received unanimous approval.

Let’s have Elder Brother Sun set an example… Seeing no objections, Xu Qi’an immediately said:

“If I may be frank, Sun Xuanji, as the Supervisory Official’s second disciple and currently the Bureau’s only transcendent expert, is the best successor for the position of Supervisory Official, whether in terms of cultivation or status.

“Elder Brother Sun, come say a few words!”

After speaking, he received a transmission from Guardian Yuan:

“What should I do?”

Having no experience with such things, Elder Brother Sun didn’t know how to begin.

Xu Qi’an bypassed Guardian Yuan and transmitted directly to Sun Xuanji:

“Go ahead and make promises to your fellow disciples, move them, get them to support you.”

Like free healthcare, lower taxes, the Bureau covering children’s education… he joked to himself.

Sun Xuanji nodded and stepped forward with Guardian Yuan. The latter first stared at Elder Brother Sun for a moment, nodded, then looked around at everyone and said loudly:

“I promise that if everyone supports me to become Supervisory Official, I will lead them to glory and never disgrace the name of术士s or our teacher the Supervisory Official.”

With that, Guardian Yuan stepped back.

That’s it?! Xu Qi’an’s heart sank.

The white-robed ones remained silent, the atmosphere somewhat cold.

Xu Qi’an took a deep breath and, following seniority order, said:

“Next, please speak, Elder Brother Yang.”

A术士 behind Yang Qianhuan stepped forward, cupped his hands to Xu Qi’an and Huaiqing, and said coolly:

“In my opinion, the position of Supervisory Official must not only be held by someone of high virtue, but they must also have the Supervisory Official’s temperament and bearing. First…”

At this point, he turned around, facing away from everyone, and said coolly:

“One must learn to turn their back on the masses!

“Although Elder Brother Sun is a transcendent expert, his appearance, height, and bearing are too ordinary. I feel he doesn’t fit the image of Supervisory Official.”

So you’re saying Elder Brother Sun is ugly? Are you selecting a Supervisory Official or having a beauty pageant… Xu Qi’an looked around at the术士s and found they all wore expressions of agreement. Even the术士s behind Sun Xuanji looked ashamed.

As if saying: Elder Brother Sun looks so ordinary yet is so confident, we supporters deeply apologize!

Xu Qi’an looked at the expressionless Sun Xuanji, thinking this was when Guardian Yuan needed to show some skill.

Unfortunately, Guardian Yuan had learned from previous experience and strongly resisted looking at Sun Xuanji, so he wouldn’t lose control and read minds.

The white-robed one continued: “In contrast, our Elder Brother Yang truly inherits our teacher’s legacy. This bearing, this image, truly makes him the best candidate for Supervisory Official.”

Yang Qianhuan stood with hands behind his back, as steady as a mountain.

“Fellow disciples, you must choose Elder Brother Yang.”

Having finished, the white-robed术士 felt he had performed well and stepped back.

Don’t just focus on looking cool, where are your empty promises? Xu Qi’an’s mind was full of complaints.

Next, Song Qing stepped forward. This time management master, dark circles dominator, slowly swept his gaze across the术士s and said loudly:

“Song promises, fellow disciples, if you choose me as Supervisory Official, Song will ensure you have endless, inexhaustible silver for alchemy experiments. Everyone will never worry about silver again, all the Bureau’s income will support alchemy experiments.”

After speaking, Song Qing confidently looked at the white-robed术士s.

Such generous conditions, such tempting rewards, who could resist such temptation?

Any术士 should know who to choose as Supervisory Official.

Clap clap clap… The alchemists applauded excitedly, feeling Elder Brother Song was electricity, was light, was the only legend.

Elder Brother Song returned to his seat, satisfied with his success.

Xu Qi’an then looked at Zhong Li.

Zhong Li, with disheveled hair, and bright eyes peeking through the messy strands, secretly looked at Xu Qi’an and said softly:

“I abstain…”

Abstaining is good. If you became a Supervisory Official, the Bureau might be removed from the Great Zhou’s records the next day, due to a meteorite strike with no survivors among the Bureau术士s… Xu Qi’an shook his head.

Then he looked at Chu Caiwei and her underage supporters.

The little ones hadn’t experienced such a situation before and were somewhat timid and afraid.

“Sister Caiwei, what would you like to say to everyone?” Xu Qi’an asked.

Chu Caiwei’s almond eyes turned as she put her hands on her hips and said loudly:

“If everyone chooses me as Supervisory Official, I’ll take the silver from the Bureau’s treasury and treat everyone to feasts every day, eating all the delicacies of the Central Plains.”

Song Qing and Yang Qianhuan sneered.

Sun Xuanji and Zhong Li shook their heads slightly.

The术士s burst into laughter.

The child soldiers behind Chu Caiwei blushed, lowering their heads in shame.

“Alright, now we begin the election. Everyone write your choice for Supervisory Official on paper, and Her Majesty and I will count the votes!”

Xu Qi’an just wanted to get this mess over with.

…

In the deep sea, a massive monster “glided” silently. It was like a corpse, not needing to swim as the currents pushed it forward.

“The Shaman God?”

The Supervisory Official smiled and said:

“According to history, He rose to prominence after the Dao Lord disappeared. Why do you ask about this?”

Huang floated silently, his voice transmitting directly into the horns:

“He reminds me of someone, an interesting little fellow, a human slave raised by ‘Hexagram.’ ‘Hexagram’ destroyed his tribe, killed his father, violated his mother and sisters, yet uniquely didn’t kill him, torturing and humiliating him daily for amusement.

“This ‘Hexagram’ fellow was considered eccentric even among gods and demons. Nothing he did would surprise me. Perhaps the endless years were simply too boring.

“But later I learned that ‘Hexagram’ passed on his divination arts to that fellow. Well, the existence of the Gatekeeper was divined by ‘Hexagram.'”

The Supervisory Official said:

“You suspect the Shaman God is that human slave?”

Huang said indifferently:

“Otherwise, how could the shamanic system’s divination be so powerful? But the Shaman God might also be that human slave’s descendant. Who knows? Back then he was just a nobody, I wouldn’t pay attention to an ant.”

The Supervisory Official teased:

“But after endless years, that grew to become your greatest rival. Looking at it this way, the Shaman God predates the Dao Lord, just without the Dao Lord’s extraordinary talent.”

Transcendent beings had long lifespans; it wasn’t surprising for the Shaman God to be a transcendent expert from the Dao Lord’s era.

After a long silence, neither the person nor the god-demon spoke.

The Supervisory Official suddenly drew in a sharp breath.

“What is it?” Huang asked.

“I was just thinking, if we had to find someone relatively reliable among the disciples to take the position of Supervisory Official, it would be her…” The Supervisory Official’s tone was complex.

…

Capital City.

At the Bureau of Astronomy, on the Eight Trigrams Platform, Xu Qi’an opened the last paper slip and said:

“Yang Qianhuan accumulated forty votes; Song Qing accumulated fifty-five votes; Sun Xuanji accumulated forty-eight votes; Zhong Li accumulated thirty votes; Chu Caiwei accumulated one hundred and twenty-three votes.

“The third generation Supervisory Official will be Chu Caiwei, everyone applauds!”

On the Eight Trigrams Platform, dead silence.

Song Qing sat motionless, eyes glazed.

Zhong Li looked up in shock, gazing toward Chu Caiwei on the other side.

Sun Xuanji remained silent, expressionless.

Yang Qianhuan stood like a statue, completely still.

Huaiqing was also quite surprised, not expecting the weakest of the Supervisory Official’s disciples, Chu Caiwei, to become Supervisory Official.

Chu Caiwei looked bewildered, thinking to herself that she didn’t know she was so respected and popular in the Bureau.

Of course, it’s her… Xu Qi’an sighed. He had guessed it.

Huaiqing seemed lost in thought. Seeing his expression, she transmitted:

“You guessed it?”

Xu Qi’an transmitted back irritably:

“These idiots, except for Caiwei, none of them listened to what I said.”

Running for president, no, leader, the most important thing is making promises.