“What’s the matter? If that’s the case, Junior Sister, quelling your karmic fire and stepping into the First Rank is just around the corner,” Daoist Jinlian said with a smile. “Shouldn’t that be a cause for great celebration?”
This way, my demon slaying is also just around the corner… the Daoist added silently to himself.
Luo Yuheng said coolly: “Even if Xu Qi An has destiny bestowed upon him, is he stronger than Emperor Yuanjing? Stronger than the future crown prince? Would the Supervisor agree to me dual cultivating with him?”
Her questions hit the nail on the head, leaving Daoist Jinlian unable to refute.
Daoist Jinlian nodded: “Junior Sister, your Dao’s heart is clear. You are indeed more suitable than your father to become a First Rank Daoist immortal.”
Luo Yuheng neither agreed nor disagreed.
Daoist Jinlian thought for a moment, then said: “Junior Sister, would you mind having a Dao partner?”
Seeing the female National Preceptor glare at him, he chuckled: “With destiny bestowed upon him, and cultivating the martial path, Xu Qi An’s future achievements will be extremely high. If you want to dual cultivate with him, it’s not something that can be done overnight. You can dual cultivate first, then nurture feelings later.”
“The Human Sect has been passed down to your branch. No matter what, you’ll have to bear offspring in the future. Given your personality, after dual cultivating with someone, could you still form a Dao partnership with others?”
Luo Yuheng snorted coldly: “Terrestrial immortals have endless lifespans. What need is there for offspring?”
Daoist Jinlian smiled without speaking.
Although terrestrial immortals roam freely between heaven and earth with lifespans as long as the universe, accidents can still happen. Therefore, offspring are needed to inherit the mantle.
However, although the Junior Sister of the Human Sect was the sect leader, she was still a woman. She didn’t cultivate the Supreme Emotionless path of the Celestial Sect, so she occasionally had her little tempers.
“If you withdraw early, perhaps history books will write about you more favorably,” Daoist Jinlian said with a smile.
Luo Yuheng sneered: “Since ancient times, history books have only said that beautiful women bring disaster and ruin the country, not knowing that the root of the problem lies with men. Those spineless scribblers don’t dare to offend the emperor, so they attribute all blame to women. It’s truly laughable.”
“Emperor Yuanjing practices Daoism for longevity; he wants to be a long-reigning mortal emperor. Even without the Human Sect, he would still practice Daoism. What does it have to do with me?”
“That dog Wei Yuan said I bewitched the emperor. In recent years, I’ve often told Emperor Yuanjing that elixirs are no longer very effective, but he still takes a major elixir every season and a minor one every ten days, ignoring my advice completely. Bewitching the emperor? Where does that even come from?”
“Junior Sister speaks reasonably,” Daoist Jinlian first agreed with Luo Yuheng’s words, then gave an impartial evaluation: “Your Human Sect needs to borrow the emperor’s destiny for cultivation and suppress karmic fire. Although it’s unavoidable, it indeed provides support for Emperor Yuanjing’s Daoist practice, so it’s inevitable to be blamed.”
Are you trying to smooth things over? Luo Yuheng stared at him for a few seconds, then stood up to take her leave. As she reached the threshold, she looked back and said:
“At the end of the 36th year of Yuanjing’s reign, the remnant soul of the Earth Sect leader drifted into the capital, not thinking of cultivation, spending all day possessing cats and keeping company with a group of cats, thoroughly enjoying himself… I’ll add this to the Human Sect’s ‘Annals.'”
With that, she transformed into a ghostly light and vanished.
Junior Sister, we can talk this over! Daoist Jinlian rushed out of the room, reaching toward the sky in a gesture of retention…
“What a petty and grudge-holding woman,” Daoist Jinlian muttered.
…
Xu Residence.
Xu Qi An left the room and, passing through the inner hall, saw Xu Lingyin happily running around, with Chu Caiwei chasing after her.
Xu Lingyin was running while making tractor-like laughter.
Aunt was tending to her potted plants nearby, while Xu Lingyue sat quietly in a chair drinking tea, watching her sister play with the yellow-dressed girl.
This woman has come to our house again, clearly thinking about Big Brother… Xu Lingyue silently labeled Chu Caiwei, but she didn’t show it. Occasionally, when Chu Caiwei looked over, she would return a gentle smile.
Xu Qi An first bowed to Chancellor Zhao Shou, then stepped into the hall and asked: “Miss Caiwei, why are you here? Were you attracted by my dashing appearance?”
“Big Brother, you’re awake?” Xu Lingyue was overjoyed.
The aunt also looked up from her beloved potted plants to observe her unlucky nephew.
Xu Qi An had been unconscious for most of the day, and they had already settled their excited emotions, unlike before when they were worried and scared.
“Oh, I’m here to pass on a message from my teacher,” Chu Caiwei stopped chasing and looked around, then beckoned: “Come here.”
Xu Qi An complied, and the yellow-dressed girl pulled him to a corner. She whispered in his ear: “Teacher said you can ask His Majesty for an iron pardon tablet.”
Iron pardon tablet? It took him a few seconds to remember what an iron pardon tablet was.
The formal name was “Cinnabar Book Iron Pardon,” colloquially known as a get-out-of-jail-free card.
What do I need that for? Wouldn’t it be better to exchange it for a few thousand taels of gold and a promotion? Xu Qi’an thought to himself.
“I understand,” he nodded.
Seeing the intimate posture of the two talking with their heads close together, Xu Lingyue puffed her cheeks and beckoned to Xu Lingyin, “Lingyin, go play with Sister Caiwei.”
Xu “Vanguard” Lingyin toddled towards Chu Caiwei, headbutting her pert bottom: “Sister Caiwei, let’s continue playing…”
Seeing this, Xu Qi An had no choice but to leave, going to the front hall with Zhao Shou.
“Chancellor, the Supervisor told me to ask His Majesty for an iron pardon tablet,” Xu Qi An informed Zhao Shou, then observed his reaction.
Only the wise can deal with the wise.
Zhao Shou slowly nodded: “Indeed, the Cinnabar Book Iron Pardon exempts one from all death sentences except treason. However, after exemption, one’s rank and salary are revoked, and one is not allowed to retain the original title, but only lent one’s life.”
Not allowed to retain the original title, but only lent one’s life… What does this sentence mean? Xu Qi An’s face froze for a moment, then returned to normal. He nodded and said:
“I see, so that’s what the Cinnabar Book Iron Pardon means.”
Exchanging it for a get-out-of-jail-free card is fine too… The Supervisor specifically sent Chu Caiwei to instruct me, there must be a reason… Well, I’m a second-generation eunuch, with many political enemies, so it’s an extra guarantee.
Xu Qi An wasn’t afraid of Emperor Yuanjing. As his cultivation grew higher, his confidence grew stronger. If he encountered another incident like the Silver Gong beheading, he could always flee to the jianghu in the worst case.
The only thing he would be reluctant to leave behind was his family.
As they talked, the two arrived at the outer hall. Sitting in the main seat was a eunuch in python robes, a middle-aged man with a pale face and no beard.
Second Uncle Xu and Xu Er Lang were sitting in the lower seats, making small talk with the python-robed eunuch.
“Is Ning Yan awake?” Second Uncle Xu’s ears twitched as he looked towards the shadow wall.
Xu Qi An and Zhao Shou emerged side by side.
“Chancellor!” Xu Er Lang hurriedly stood up and bowed.
The eunuch, who had been quite arrogant when facing Xu Er Lang and Second Uncle Xu, immediately plastered a smile on his face when he saw Xu Qi An emerge:
“Viscount, you’re awake. How is your physical condition? If you need any tonics, just let me know. I’ll fetch them for you from the palace when I return.”
“Ning Yan, this is Eunuch Chen from the Directorate of Ceremonies,” Second Uncle Xu unconsciously straightened his back, his tone becoming more assertive.
“Thank you for your concern, Eunuch Chen. I’m fine,” Xu Qi An nodded.
“That’s good, that’s good,” Eunuch Chen smiled warmly, giving up his main seat to Xu Qi An and Chancellor Zhao Shou.
“I’m here on behalf of His Majesty to visit Lord Xu. Lord Xu has rendered great service to the court, and His Majesty will surely reward you handsomely.”
“It’s all due to His Majesty’s recognition, giving this humble official an opportunity. As the saying goes, ‘Soldiers are trained for a thousand days to be used in a single moment.’ It’s precisely because of the court’s nurturing that this humble official could render service to the court today,” Xu Qi An said sincerely.
“Therefore, please convey to His Majesty that this humble official does not claim high merit, but requests His Majesty to bestow a Cinnabar Book Iron Pardon.”
Hearing these words, Xu Er Lang and Second Uncle Xu had completely different inner reactions. Xu Er Lang thought Big Brother was quite self-aware; the usefulness of a Cinnabar Book Iron Pardon is greater than gold, silver, or fine fabrics. Gold and silver would only allow Big Brother to spend more lavishly in the brothels, while silk and satin would only add to Mother and Sister’s collection of gorgeous dresses.
They’re all chicken ribs (of little value).
Second Uncle Xu’s mind was filled with the word “honor.” Since ancient times, only meritorious officials were granted Cinnabar Book Iron Pardons.
Eunuch Chen was taken aback and said: “We will convey Lord Xu’s words. Hmm, His Majesty is quite curious about a few matters and has instructed me to inquire about them.”
Here it comes… Xu Qi An smiled without changing his expression and said: “Please ask, Eunuch Chen.”
“Lord Xu struck twice during the battle of wits, shocking the capital. However, those two strikes were indeed beyond your limit. His Majesty is very curious about how you accomplished this.”
Eunuch Chen’s face still wore a smile, but his eyes stared unblinkingly at him.
“I’m ashamed to say, it was the Supervisor who bestowed power upon me,” Xu Qi An explained succinctly.
He didn’t elaborate, as this better fit the Supervisor’s persona. Being too specific would seem odd. Besides, he wasn’t afraid of Emperor Yuanjing seeking confirmation from the Supervisor.
That old silver coin should have this much tacit understanding.
Eunuch Chen nodded slowly, seemingly unsurprised, then asked: “The Confucian engraving knife…”
Xu Qi An was considering his words when Chancellor Zhao Shou calmly interjected: “Yunlu Academy could suppress Buddhism four hundred years ago, and can do so again today.”
Xu Qi An immediately said: “Thank you for your assistance, Chancellor.”
Eunuch Chen glanced at Chancellor Zhao Shou and smiled: “So it was the academy’s help.”
This was cheating in the battle of wits, but the Buddhist sect wasn’t honorable either. During the breaking of the Vajra Array, Monk Jingchen had verbally alerted Jingsi. In the third round, Arhat Du’e personally entered the fray to debate Buddhist doctrines with Xu Qi An.
So, the Buddhist sect conceded quite readily, without fixating on the matter of the engraving knife.
“I understand. Then I won’t disturb Lord Xu’s rest any further,” Eunuch Chen stood up to leave.
…
In the Imperial Palace.
Emperor Yuanjing, who was meditating after taking an elixir, heard faint footsteps. Without opening his eyes, he said coolly: “What is it?”
The old eunuch reported in a low voice: “The servant who went to deliver the message to the Hanlin Academy has returned, saying those bookworms refuse to change the text and even beat him up.”
“Those dogs,” Emperor Yuanjing opened his eyes, frowning.
In terms of power play, Emperor Yuanjing was a master, but when dealing with those incorruptible elites, “violent” suppression was the best and only method.
If you try to play power games or verbal sparring with them, they’ll just cover their ears and say: We’re not listening, it’s all nonsense.
“Forget it, we’ll wear them down slowly,” Emperor Yuanjing said.
After all, he just wanted to bask in some reflected glory, not enough to make a big fuss. That would impact his reputation too much.
After speaking, he looked at the old eunuch who hadn’t left and asked: “Anything else?”
The old eunuch nodded: “Silver Gong Xu has woken up. Eunuch Chen from the Directorate of Ceremonies brought back a message…”
He then relayed Xu Qi An’s answer.
“A Cinnabar Book Iron Pardon?” Emperor Yuanjing’s expression was slightly surprised, then he sneered:
“He doesn’t want a promotion or noble title, doesn’t want gold, silver, or jade, but asks for a Cinnabar Book Iron Pardon?”
Despite saying this, the old emperor weighed the matter in his mind for a long time, neither agreeing nor refusing.
The old eunuch chuckled softly: “Lord Xu is quite clear-headed, knowing this is due to Your Majesty’s good judgment and the court’s nurturing. He hasn’t become arrogant with his success. If he had asked to raise his rank… Your Majesty would have had a headache.”
This young man’s awareness is much stronger than those bookworms in the Hanlin Academy… Emperor Yuanjing immediately stopped hesitating and said solemnly: “Granted.”
The Head Eunuch’s words were correct. Indeed, repeated conferring of titles in a short period only had precedents in times of war. Promotions were easy, but raising nobility ranks was difficult.
The appearance of the engraving knife was due to Chancellor Zhao Shou’s assistance. Emperor Yuanjing pondered for a moment. Out of intuition, he ended his meditation and ordered: “Prepare the carriage for Lingbao Temple.”
…
At Lingbao Temple.
“National Preceptor, this battle of wits was a great victory, boosting our Great Feng’s national prestige. I believe that soon, the southern and northern barbarians, as well as the Witch-God Cult, will hear of this matter.”
“A mere Silver Gong facing the battle of wits will make various parties suspicious and wary, fearing our Great Feng’s national power. The effect far surpasses Yang Qianhuan’s involvement. National Preceptor? National Preceptor?”
Luo Yuheng snapped back to reality, her beautiful eyes regaining their spirit from their unfocused state. She frowned and said: “What did Your Majesty say?”
Emperor Yuanjing scrutinized the alluring National Preceptor suspiciously and said: “The National Preceptor seems distracted. Is there something on your mind? Feel free to speak; I will certainly help the National Preceptor resolve it.”
As the leader of the Human Sect and a Second-rank Daoist, Emperor Yuanjing had hardly ever seen Luo Yuheng so preoccupied. Never before.
Is she feeling pressure from the struggle between heaven and humanity? This woman, why won’t she agree to dual cultivate with me? My great plan for longevity is stuck here…
As these thoughts flashed through his mind, he saw Luo Yuheng shake her head: “Thank you for Your Majesty’s concern. It’s nothing.”
Emperor Yuanjing nodded, not pressing further, and stated the purpose of his visit to Lingbao Temple: “Does the National Preceptor know that during the battle of wits, Yunlu Academy’s engraving knife appeared?”
“I know it’s a relic of the Sage, the academy’s supreme treasure. Is there any inside story to its appearance in the world this time?”
“Why does Your Majesty have such doubts?” Luo Yuheng asked in return.
“The Sage’s engraving knife cannot be used by ordinary people. That Zhao Shou is a Third-rank Established Fate realm, he might not be able to use it.”
Emperor Yuanjing was quite knowledgeable, especially since Yunlu Academy had once controlled the court. The imperial court didn’t lack information about the Confucian school and even had some related secrets.
Luo Yuheng pondered briefly, then smiled casually: “Although Zhao Shou is Third-rank, the academy has three Fourth-rank Gentleman realm cultivators. Working together to activate the engraving knife wouldn’t be difficult.”
“Moreover, the Confucian school and Buddhist sect have long-standing grudges. The suppression of Buddhism back then was mainly led by the academy. Yunlu Academy’s involvement was unexpected but not unreasonable.”
“I still trust the National Preceptor very much,” Emperor Yuanjing had no more doubts.
After sending Emperor Yuanjing away, Luo Yuheng left the quiet room and sat in the cool pavilion, staring blankly into space.
…
Xu Qi An went to the Night Watchmen’s office to report his condition to Wei Yuan. When entering the Righteous Qi Tower, he felt a bit like stretching his neck for one chop and shrinking it for another.
He had prepared his lies well in his mind, making them even more plausible.
To his surprise, Wei Yuan didn’t inquire further. Upon learning that his physical condition was good, he nodded with relief, invited him for a cup of tea, and discussed some trivial matters.
Leaving the Righteous Qi Tower, Xu Qi An breathed a sigh of relief.
Lord Wei is, after all, an ordinary person who doesn’t cultivate martial arts. His theoretical knowledge is solid, but he can’t see through the intricacies… Plus, he’s a smart person who thinks he’s already seen through everything. He believes my outburst was the Supervisor’s secret assistance… and the engraving knife matter was due to Yunlu Academy.
As he thought about this, Xu Qi An’s lips curled into a smile, feeling he had psychologically defeated Wei Yuan once.
Except for the Supervisor, everyone else is on the second level, while I’m on the fifth level watching them.
…
At dusk, he returned home in quite a good mood. Passing through the outer courtyard, he smelled a rich, savory aroma.
Aunt had the kitchen prepare a table full of delicious dishes and even bought some grand dishes from outside restaurants. These were naturally to reward Xu Qi An.
During the meal, Aunt complained: “Managing such a big family all by myself, busy inside and out, it’s exhausting.”
This casual complaint was unexpectedly seized upon by Xu Lingyue. The sister said: “Then Mother, let me manage the accounts.”
These “accounts” included the family’s “treasury,” silks and satins, as well as outside fields and shops. Currently, Aunt was “managing” them, but since Aunt couldn’t read, Xu Lingyue acted as an assistant.
She had done plenty of work, but the real power was still in Aunt’s hands. If Aunt said today they would add clothes for family members, then they would. If Aunt disagreed, no one would have new clothes to wear.
“What do you mean to manage? Even if it were to be managed, it would be handed over to the wives of the eldest or second son in the future. There’s no place for you,” Aunt suppressed her daughter’s “rebellious” thoughts.
Even the wives of the eldest and second sons won’t be able to take my power… Aunt added silently in her heart.
After finishing dinner, Xu Er Lang put down his chopsticks and suddenly said: “Big Brother, come with me to the study. I have something to tell you.”
Xu Qi An looked at his little brother, whose face was serious, brows slightly furrowed.
“What’s happened now?” Xu Qi An muttered inwardly as he followed Xu Er Lang to the study.