The reception banquet was held in an elegant pavilion within a side hall of the Night Guard Division.
Though it was a welcome feast, it was still official government ground. The dishes were not as extravagant or refined as those at the Drunken Immortal Pavilion, but they made up for it with generous portions and hearty ingredients, exuding the straightforward boldness of military men.
After three rounds of wine, Vice commander Liu set down his cup. His eyes seemed casual, but they swept over Gu Chengming with keen interest.
Earlier, outside the city, the distance and the spiritual glow of the flying boat had obscured his vision. Now that he saw him up close, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of doubt.
"First Realm, Ninth Level?"
Vice commander Liu was secretly surprised.
According to past custom, which inner sect disciple from the great sects coming down for worldly experience wasn't at least at the second realm?
After all, while Daqian was suppressed by Imperial Dragon Qi, that was meant to ward off great demons and devils. The capital was rife with supernatural cases and the treacherous depths of the human heart. Without a second realm cultivation to back one up, let alone gaining experience, one would struggle just to survive.
Yet the youth before him, though his aura was harmonious, was undeniably only at the first realm.
What puzzled him even more was that the Wenjian Sect had actually sent a third realm Elder to escort him. One had to remember that although Yu Wenqiu had spent her days idling in the Night Guard Division back then, she was still a genuine Elder of the Wenjian Sect.
For an Elder to condescend to act as a "Dao Protector" for a first realm disciple...
His background must be immense.
In an instant, countless thoughts flashed through Vice commander Liu's mind. Could he be the illegitimate... ahem, the direct descendant of Sect Master Shen?
Or perhaps the closed-door disciple of some Grand Supreme Elder?
At this thought, the smile on Vice commander Liu's face grew even more radiant. He leaned forward slightly and asked tentatively,
"Chengming, Daqian is different from the mountains; the waters here run very deep. If I may ask, did the sect give you any special... well, instructions for this descent?"
Gu Chengming was sharp; he saw through the man's thoughts immediately.
He set down his chopsticks and did not give a direct answer. Instead, he smiled ambiguously.
"Sect Master Uncle and my master did indeed give some instructions, but they were just the usual words about experiencing the red dust and broadening one's horizons. As for the rest, it all depends on serendipity."
That one phrase "Sect Master Uncle," combined with the hesitant mention of "serendipity," was practically a confirmation in Vice commander Liu's ears.
As expected, he had a massive backing!
Vice commander Liu wore an expression of "mutual understanding" and personally filled Gu Chengming's cup, his attitude becoming thirty percent more fervent than before.
Gu Chengming raised his cup, his gaze inadvertently drifting to the side.
Yu Wenqiu was sitting upright and still, chopsticks in hand, staring at a plate of braised beef in front of her, yet she didn't dare to take a bite.
In her tense state, where was the prestige of a sect Elder?
Gu Chengming found it somewhat amusing.
Along the way, from entering the city gates to the Night Guard Division and then into this pavilion, he had paid close attention. Whether it was which foot crossed the threshold first, the placement of teacups, or the seating order at the table—while there were indeed some formalities, they were nowhere near as terrifying as Elder Yu had described on the flying boat.
All that talk about "stepping with the wrong foot being a grave insult" or "saying the wrong word leading to being framed" was nowhere to be seen.
"It seems Elder Yu was mostly scaring herself back then, making up rules in her own head."
Gu Chengming came to a conclusion.
Seeing Yu Wenqiu's restless state, his heart stirred slightly.
Regardless, she was his own sect's Elder; he couldn't let her remain in such an awkward position forever.
Thus, Gu Chengming cleared his throat and naturally steered the conversation.
"commander Liu, to be honest, my descent this time is not just for experience. I also wish to follow in Elder Yu's footsteps."
"Oh?"
Vice commander Liu blinked, subconsciously looking at Yu Wenqiu, who was currently counting grains of rice.
"Follow... centurion Yu?"
"Precisely."
Gu Chengming looked solemn, his tone carrying a hint of reverence.
"commander, you may not know, but Elder Yu is famous within the sect for her low profile. She usually lives in seclusion, keeping her light hidden. However, whenever the sect faces a crisis or a disciple hits a bottleneck in their cultivation, Elder Yu always points the way with piercing insight."
"Especially in recent years, Elder Yu's cultivation has progressed by leaps and bounds; her attainments in the Dao of the Sword have reached a transcendent stage. During the recent Sect Grand Competition, although the Elder did not personally strike, her grace in guiding the juniors was enough to win over countless disciples."
"While at the sect, I often heard people say that when Elder Yu traveled through Daqian, she performed great deeds and then left without a word, hiding her merit and fame. Seeing the commander treat the Elder with such courtesy today, I know the rumors were true!"
Gu Chengming spoke these words without blushing or his heart skipping a beat.
While most of it was based on the facts that "Elder Yu is indeed an Elder" and "she indeed improved her cultivation," through his subtle narrative slanting, Yu Wenqiu was instantly transformed from a "slacker who only knew how to fish for leisure" into a "hidden expert of great wisdom who appeared foolish."
Vice commander Liu was stunned.
He re-evaluated Yu Wenqiu.
In his memory of those years, this centurion Yu indeed didn't like to speak much and never fought for credit, always hiding in the back during missions.
Now, with Gu Chengming's interpretation... could it be that she simply disdained competing for merit back then?
Furthermore, Yu Wenqiu was indeed a genuine third realm Elder now; that cultivation could not be faked.
"So that's how it is!"
Vice commander Liu came to a sudden realization. The slight trace of condescension in his eyes vanished instantly, replaced by a look of solemn respect.
"I didn't expect Elder Yu to be a person of such noble character and integrity!"
As he spoke, he actually took the initiative to raise his cup and toast Yu Wenqiu.
Yu Wenqiu was dazed, but hearing this praise, she felt like she was walking on air.
Am I really that grand in Little Gu's heart?
Am I really that prestigious in the sect?
"Ahem... It's nothing, really."
Yu Wenqiu hurriedly raised her cup. Though her heart was blooming with joy, she struggled to maintain the poise of a hidden expert. She waved her hand and let out a string of not-so-clever laughter.
"Hehe... It's all just empty fame, empty fame..."
With this interlude, the atmosphere at the table became much more harmonious.
By the end of the meal, both host and guests were satisfied.
Before the banquet dispersed, Vice commander Liu wiped his mouth, his expression turning slightly more serious as he began to discuss official business.
"Chengming, since you're here for experience, according to the agreement between Daqian and the major sects, the most suitable place for you is, naturally, the Night Guard Division."
"Although the Night Guard Division is called a government office, it reports directly to His Majesty. One could even say it stands outside the imperial court. We only care about slaying demons and exorcising ghosts; we don't involve ourselves in the power struggles of the court."
"Those princes, nobles, and ministers of the Six Boards—no matter how high their rank—have no right to interfere in the cases of the Night Guard Division. If you hold a post in the division, you can encounter all sorts of supernatural cases to temper your sword heart, and you'll be spared from unnecessary official socializing. It's as quiet as can be."
Gu Chengming nodded. This suited him perfectly. Moreover, with the token from the Enforcement Hall in his hand, this double layer of security meant he could walk through Daqian as if on level ground.
"Thank you for the guidance, commander. After I settle in, I will report to the division tomorrow morning."
"Good!"
Vice commander Liu laughed heartily and saw the two of them all the way to the main gate of the Night Guard Division.
By the time they left the Night Guard Division, dusk was approaching.
The streets of the capital were still bustling with carriages and people. Shops on both sides were hanging up lanterns, creating a scene of prosperity.
Yu Wenqiu walked beside Gu Chengming with a light step, clearly in an excellent mood.
Earlier at the banquet, Gu Chengming had not only helped her out of her awkwardness but had also praised her so highly that she had gained immense face in front of her old colleague.
"Um... Little Gu."
Yu Wenqiu walked with her hands behind her back, cleared her throat, and said somewhat sheepishly,
"Thanks for earlier."
"Why does the Elder say that?"
Gu Chengming smiled, his tone natural. "I was only telling the truth. I merely spoke what was factual."
Yu Wenqiu was so coaxed by this "telling the truth" that she didn't know which way was up. She could no longer maintain her Elder's facade.
She glanced at the surrounding streets, and her eyes suddenly lit up. She volunteered,
"Alright, let's not wander aimlessly. It's getting late; we need to find a place to stay first."
"I'm familiar with this capital!"
Yu Wenqiu patted her chest with confidence.
"Back in the day, I stayed in the best inns and drank the most expensive wine in this city. Leave finding an inn to me! I guarantee you'll stay in total comfort!"
Hearing this, Gu Chengming had no objections. "Then I shall trouble the Elder to lead the way."
"Follow me!"
With a grand wave of her hand, Yu Wenqiu led Gu Chengming across the bustling main street, turned into a slightly quieter alley, and then twisted and turned, going deeper and deeper into remote areas.
They walked for about fifteen minutes.
The two stopped in front of a wooden building that looked rather... historical.
The building was three stories high with upturned eaves, showing hints of its former glory.
However...
The once vermilion gates were now peeling, revealing the grayish-white wood underneath. Of the two lanterns hanging at the entrance, one had a hole in it, and the other was completely extinguished, swaying precariously in the wind.
Even the plaque that read "Listening to Rain Pavilion" was crooked, looking as if it might fall and hit someone at any moment.
At the main entrance, a few people who looked like beggars were curled up in a sheltered spot. Seeing someone arrive, they only lazily lifted their eyelids, lacking even the energy to beg for money.
Gu Chengming stood at the entrance, looking at this desolate and dilapidated scene. The corner of his mouth twitched slightly.
He turned his head to look at the equally stunned Yu Wenqiu and asked with a hint of hesitation,
"Elder, is this the 'best inn in the capital' you mentioned?"
Yu Wenqiu blinked once, then twice.
She looked up, confirming the characters on the plaque.
It was correct: Listening to Rain Pavilion.
In her memory, this was the favorite gathering place for the capital's literati and poets. It was supposed to be elegant, quiet, and packed with guests.
Back then, she had saved her salary for a long time before she could afford to stay here for a night, and she had even left a poem on the wall!
How had it turned into this ghostly state?
"This... well..."
Yu Wenqiu's gaze drifted. She shrank back guiltily, her voice losing its confidence.
"I think so?"
"Maybe... perhaps in these few decades, the shopkeeper changed? The style... evolved?"
She gave a dry laugh, trying to save face.
"Or... is this called 'returning to simplicity'? Hiding in plain sight? Why don't we go in and look? Maybe it's a hidden gem inside?"
Gu Chengming sighed, feeling helpless.
"Fine, let's go in and see."
Although the exterior of the Listening to Rain Pavilion looked like a condemned building that hadn't been repaired in decades, the interior wasn't as bad as imagined.
The floorboards were old but polished to a shine, showing the original grain of the wood. The guest rooms were simply furnished.
A wooden bed, a set of table and chairs—while it lacked the luxury of a Spirit Gathering Array, the bedding was brand new and smelled of fresh sunlight.
It was clear that to save her "face" from earlier, Elder Yu had put quite a bit of thought into the lodging.
"Little Gu, this place is quiet, perfect for self-cultivation."
Yu Wenqiu stood at the door of the guest room, her eyes darting unnaturally around the room.
"How is it? It's... alright, right?"
Gu Chengming set down his luggage, looked around, and smiled.
"Quiet amidst the bustle, simple and elegant. Just as the Elder said, it is a good place."
Only then did Yu Wenqiu's heart finally return to her chest.
When the attendant brought hot water and tea, Yu Wenqiu didn't rush back to her own room. Instead, she followed Gu Chengming inside, intending to put on the air of an "experienced veteran" to impart more wisdom.
"When you report to the Night Guard Division tomorrow, there is one thing you must keep in mind."
"Please speak, Elder." Gu Chengming stopped organizing his luggage.
"That 'Zhou Rites Heavenly Rectifying Art' of yours..."
Yu Wenqiu's eyes flickered, her tone becoming subtle.
"When you're at the division, if you see the Director—that is, the Great commander of the Night Guard—you can intentionally or unintentionally reveal it a bit."
"The commander?"
Gu Chengming was somewhat puzzled.
He remembered Vice commander Liu mentioning that the Director of the Night Guard was an extremely mysterious figure, often in closed-door cultivation or meeting the Emperor, rarely appearing in public.
"Why?" Gu Chengming asked. "Does this commander have some connection to this mental cultivation art?"
"Ahem... you could say that."
Yu Wenqiu was vague, seemingly unwilling to mention that person's name. She only said earnestly,
"In any case, you won't go wrong listening to me. That commander... well, she has a bit of a strange temper, but if she knows you practice this art, she might look at you differently and take a liking to you. This will be of great benefit to your standing in the Night Guard Division."
Seeing Elder Yu's secretive manner, Gu Chengming was confused, but he knew he wouldn't get any more answers.
"I will keep it in mind."
"Alright, then get some rest early. You have official business tomorrow morning."
Yu Wenqiu waved her hand and walked out of the room with a yawn.
Without waiting for Gu Chengming to follow up, she yawned again and went to her own room next door. Leaving only a "Don't sleep in tomorrow morning," she closed the door.
Gu Chengming looked at the closed door and shook his head.
As night deepened, the sound of the capital's night watches echoed outside.
Gu Chengming closed the doors and windows but didn't rush to rest. He sat cross-legged on the bed, adjusted his breathing, and began to circulate the All Wonders Same Source Method.
Although this was the Daqian capital, tens of thousands of miles from the Wenjian Sect, and suppressed by Imperial Dragon Qi, logically, the "Myriad Wonders Gathering" based on soul resonance shouldn't be able to connect.
But he tried it out of habit anyway.
As his divine sense sank into his sea of consciousness, the familiar gray mist space was not as dead as expected.
On the contrary, as the technique circulated, a tiny but resilient speck of starlight actually pierced through layers of space and the obstruction of the Dragon Qi, stubbornly lighting up in his sea of consciousness.
Following that, the familiar interface actually emerged.
【Myriad Wonders Gathering】
Gu Chengming was greatly shocked.
One had to know that Daqian's Imperial Dragon Qi was famously domineering; it was a barrier that could block all external divine sense probes. Even the sound transmission talismans of fourth realm cultivators would be useless scrap paper at this distance.
Just as he was surprised and confused, a line of faint text appeared on the interface—an explanation from the technique itself.
【The All Wonders Same Source Method is feeling a bit smug】
【It explains: This is actually the effect of 'All Streams Returning to the Source.' Not just anyone can connect here; only you can, because you are the Master of the Myriad Wonders Gathering. Thus, no matter how far or what barriers exist, you can maintain this tiny connection.】
Gu Chengming understood.
He scrolled through the posts. Most were things like "Buying Rank 2 spirit herbs, price negotiable..." or "Has anyone noticed several Elders have gone into closed-door cultivation at the same time?"
Seeing these familiar words, the sense of estrangement from being in a foreign land dissipated significantly. Gu Chengming's heart settled. He exited the gathering, lay down fully clothed, and fell into a deep sleep.
The next day.
As the sky grew pale, the morning bell of the capital rang.
Gu Chengming woke from his dream feeling his head was heavy and groggy, as if he had been forced to drink a jar of low-quality spirits the night before. His temples throbbed.
"What's going on..."
He pressed his forehead and sat up.
With his current cultivation at the peak of the First Realm, Ninth Level, plus a constitution of nine points, he should have been immune to common illnesses. Why would he suddenly have symptoms similar to catching a cold?
Could it be that he wasn't acclimated? Or was the Dragon Qi suppression in the capital too strong, causing his soul some discomfort?
Before he could think further, a knock came from the door.
Thump, thump, thump.
The sound was muffled, not as crisp as usual.
"Little Gu, are you up? It's time to go."
Yu Wenqiu's voice came from outside.
Gu Chengming endured the dizziness, got out of bed, and opened the door.
Outside, Yu Wenqiu had changed into a very formal black official uniform today, wearing a black gauze cap and a jade belt. She looked exceptionally... solemn?
"Get ready and follow me to the Department Office to report."
Gu Chengming's brow furrowed slightly as a strange feeling rose in his heart.
"The Department Office?"
He remembered Vice commander Liu clearly saying they were going to the "Night Guard Division" yesterday. Why had it become the "Department Office" in Elder Yu's mouth today?
What kind of department was this? Did Daqian even have such an institution?
"Elder, aren't we going to the Night Guard Division?" Gu Chengming asked tentatively.
Yu Wenqiu didn't answer. She simply turned and walked downstairs, her voice drifting back,
"You'll know when we get to the Department Office. Hurry, do not miss the hour; that is a grave crime."
Gu Chengming watched her back, the sense of dissonance growing stronger.
He wanted to ask more, but the grogginess in his mind suddenly intensified, making it impossible to focus on the question.
"Hiss..."
Gu Chengming gasped, shaking his head. The piercing pain forced him to temporarily set aside his doubts.
Perhaps... it was just a different name used here?
He suppressed his discomfort, simply straightened his clothes, and followed.
Leaving the Listening to Rain Pavilion, the streets outside were shrouded in a thick white mist.
Even though it was morning, there were no pedestrians on the street. Only an occasional carriage passed by, its wheels making a muffled sound against the bluestone pavement.
The two of them, one behind the other, walked through the mist.
After an unknown amount of time, a grand but exceptionally eerie government office appeared at the end of their vision.
The gates of the office were as black as ink. There were no stone lions on either side; instead, two statues of ghosts and gods stood there, their faces hideous, holding intimidation staves.
Above the gate hung a plaque with two twisted characters—【The Department】.
This place... didn't look like a proper government office at all; it looked more like the Hall of Yama in the underworld.
"We're here."
Yu Wenqiu stopped and turned around. "Once inside, remember to follow the rules. The rules of this Department are greater than the heavens."
Without waiting for Gu Chengming's reaction, she took the lead and walked toward the gate.
Just as Gu Chengming was about to follow, he saw Yu Wenqiu stop before the threshold.
She took a deep breath, then very solemnly lifted her left foot, held it in the air for three full breaths, and then carefully stepped over, landing without a sound.
Next was the right foot.
Gu Chengming was completely baffled. As he was about to step across, he was blocked by two bailiffs in gray clothes with pale faces, using their intimidation staves.
"Audacious!"
one of the bailiffs shouted, his voice sharp and piercing.
"A newcomer? Don't you know the rules!"
"Today is an even-numbered day; you must step with your right foot first! If you step with your left, it is a sign of disrespect to the Director, punishable by thirty strokes of the cane!"
Gu Chengming was stunned.
He looked at Yu Wenqiu, who had already entered, and pointed at her back. "But Elder Yu just stepped with her left foot..."
"The official is an official, and you are you!"
The bailiff's eyes bulged, showing more white than black, exuding a deathly aura.
"The official has a fourth-rank status; she has her own way of walking. You, a commoner, dare to compare yourself to her? Right foot first! And your toes must point outward by three inches; you must not face the Door Gods directly!"
Gu Chengming felt a surge of stifled frustration.
What kind of bullshit rule was this?
He endured the discomfort and awkwardly stepped in with his right foot as the bailiff demanded.
As soon as he entered, before he could stand firm, two clerks holding a copper basin and a ruler surrounded him.
"Stop!"
The clerk used the ruler to measure Gu Chengming up and down, his brow furrowed in disgust.
"Your clothes are wrong! This is simply treasonous!"
"The folds in this collar—why are there only two? According to the Department's statutes, when a newcomer joins, the collar must have three folds, symbolizing 'reflecting on oneself three times a day.' You are missing one, which means your heart is not sincere! You must be punished!"
"And this belt—it's tied too high! It looks frivolous! Lower it by two inches!"
"The sleeves are too wide, suggesting you're hiding filth; they must be bound!"
The two of them babbled while pulling and tugging at Gu Chengming's clothes, giving him goosebumps.
"Are these... the rules of Daqian?"
The sense of absurdity in Gu Chengming's heart grew stronger.
He remembered Yu Wenqiu's complaints on the flying boat—"which foot to step with first," "how to wear clothes," "how to speak."
At the time, he thought she was exaggerating. Now it seemed she hadn't exaggerated at all; if anything, the reality was even worse.
"Aren't these rules... a bit too tedious?"
Gu Chengming couldn't help but argue back.
"Tedious?"
The clerk acted as if he had heard the world's biggest joke. He stopped his movements, his pale face leaning close to Gu Chengming's, his mouth splitting into an exaggerated arc.
"Rules are rules! Without rules, how can there be order? Since you've come to the Department, you are a dog of the Department. You do as you're told! Why all the nonsense!"
"Lower your head! Who gave you permission to look directly at a superior? Look down! You may only look at the third bluestone on the floor!"
Gu Chengming's fists clenched.
However, just as he was about to erupt, the familiar semi-transparent dialogue box popped up at the bottom of his vision.
It was the reaction of the Zhou Rites Heavenly Rectifying Art.
Gu Chengming had thought that as an orthodox Confucian art that emphasized "rites" and "rules" most, the Zhou Rites Heavenly Rectifying Art would be in its element here, perhaps even praising the scene.
After all, wasn't this exactly the "following rules" and "order of status" it promoted?
But to his surprise, the text in the dialogue box now carried an unprecedented fury.
【The Zhou Rites Heavenly Rectifying Art is frowning deeply. Looking at these petty clerks who treat trivialities as imperial commands, a strong sense of disgust rises in its heart.】
【It says: Rites are based on Reason. They are the order of heaven and earth, the foundation that brings peace to the heart and clarity to the world.】
【But what is this?】
【Which foot to step with first? How many folds in a collar? What kind of 'rite' is this? This is clearly just tormenting people!】
【Such bloated and cumbersome red tape is the greatest insult to the word 'Rite'!】
【Most importantly...】
【It thinks: It would be one thing if these rules were used on others.】
【But how dare these narrow-minded, inflexible fools use these 'rules' on you?!】
【This is simply outrageous!】
Gu Chengming was a bit surprised by these words.
Although he had long known that the Zhou Rites art claimed to be about etiquette but was actually quite biased, such a protective reaction was truly unexpected.
—You were saying these were good rules just yesterday.
However, with the "support" of the Zhou Rites, the frustration in Gu Chengming's heart dissipated significantly.
He took a deep breath, ignored the babbling of the two clerks, and coldly flicked his sleeve, shaking off their hands as he strode toward the inner hall.
"Hey! You—"
The clerk wanted to stop him but was intimidated by the sudden burst of aura from Gu Chengming. He opened his mouth but didn't dare step forward.
Passing through long corridors and crossing one checkpoint after another.
Along the way, Gu Chengming witnessed all sorts of bizarre rules.
Someone was forced to kneel on the stone floor and slap their own face because their step was half an inch too long. Someone's mouth was sewn shut with needle and thread because their voice was slightly too loud. And someone had their legs broken simply because they didn't kneel in time when that "Official" passed by.
The entire Department was deathly still.
Finally, Gu Chengming reached the inner hall.
It was even eerier here, the light dim. The grand chairs on both sides were filled with people in various official uniforms, their heads bowed so low their faces couldn't be seen.
And on the high platform at the front sat a bloated Director in an extremely lavish official robe.
He was sunk into a wide chair, his face covered by a thin layer of black mist. Only a pair of eyes glowing with green light stared fixedly at the entering Gu Chengming.
Yu Wenqiu was currently standing below the platform, her head bowed, silent, as if she had become a soul-less decoration.
"So, you are the newcomer?"
The Director spoke. His voice sounded like two rusted iron plates rubbing together, grating and unpleasant.
Gu Chengming endured the increasingly sharp dizziness in his mind. He did not kneel, only cupping his hands slightly.
"Wenjian Sect disciple Gu Chengming, reporting for duty."
"Presumptuous!"
The Director slammed his gavel.
Crack!
The loud sound seemed to strike Gu Chengming's heart directly, making his blood surge in his chest.
"Why do you not kneel before this official?!"
The Director shouted harshly, "So what if you're from the Wenjian Sect? In this Department, even a dragon must coil and a tiger must crouch!"
"According to the Department's statutes, a newcomer entering the hall must perform the three prostrations and nine kowtows, report their family background, and detail three generations of their lineage. If a single word is wrong, it is the crime of deceiving the Emperor!"
"Furthermore, your hair—why have you not shaved it? Keeping such long hair is a sign of disrespect!"
"And your sword—why is it still on your person? Do you intend to assassinate this official? Men! Strip him of that sword!"
With the Director's roar, the officials on both sides seemed to suddenly come to life.
They looked up in unison, revealing pale, stiff faces without a trace of expression.
Those were not the faces of the living; they were... painted faces.
They stared fixedly at Gu Chengming, their mouths opening and closing, emitting a series of low, dream-like murmurs.
"Kneel..."
"Kneel..."
"Kneel..."
The voices grew louder and denser, finally converging into a suffocating wave of sound that echoed throughout the hall.
"Kneel! Kneel! Kneel!"
Gu Chengming felt like his head was about to explode.
"Is this... the Daqian officialdom?"
Just as he was about to reach his limit and draw his sword to strike,
【The Zhou Rites Heavenly Rectifying Art is absolutely furious!】
【It looks at this group of monsters and demons, at this foul so-called court, and at that bloated monster trying to make you kneel. Its anger erupts like a volcano!】
【Outrageous! Simply outrageous!】
【It is the foundation of the Sages' teachings, the Noble Spirit of heaven and earth! The 'Rite' it promotes is to make people know shame and understand righteousness; it is the principle of standing tall as a human being!】
【Yet this group of malevolent spirits dares to wear official skins and use the name of 'rules' to perform such filthy deeds!】
【Who are you? You are a gentleman with Noble Spirit in your breast and the mountains and rivers in your heart! To make a gentleman kneel to a group of narrow-minded, petty creatures?】
【Chengming! Smash this place! We will not take this!】
【A gentleman does what he must and refrains from what he must not! Facing such a filthy place, only by razing it can one show their true Noble Spirit!】
【Zhou Rites Heavenly Rectifying Art Trait Activated: Noble Spirit! Illusion Breaking!】
Boom—!
As these words appeared, an extremely pure and domineering Noble Spirit rose from Gu Chengming's dantian, instantly dispersing the grogginess and mist in his mind.
He snapped his head up, his eyes becoming crystal clear in that moment—it was the "Wisdom Eye" buffed by the Zhou Rites.
And the world in his eyes underwent a world-shaking change.
Where was the Department Office? Where were the officials?
This was clearly a dilapidated, abandoned temple!
The "officials" who had been forcing him to kneel earlier now revealed their true forms under the light of the Noble Spirit.
They were paper effigies made of paper, with crudely painted facial features!
Their bodies were shriveled, their joints twisted. They were currently opening their painted, black-hole-like mouths, letting out "hissing" shrieks.
"So that's it..."
Gu Chengming looked at this absurd and terrifying scene.
He slowly drew the Tinglan Sword from his waist. On the blade, a ghostly blue light intertwined with that Noble Spirit, emitting a heart-shaking hum.
"Make me kneel?"
Gu Chengming took a step forward. This step was no longer bound by any rules of left or right foot.
"Are you even worthy?!"
Tinglan left its sheath like a sudden thunderclap, exploding within this gloomy hall.
Clang!
A clear dragon's cry, a crane's call in the clouds. With just this one sword hum, the shrill, sinister "Kneel" voices of the hall full of demons were crushed to pieces.
Gu Chengming stepped forward, the rotten bluestone beneath his feet cracking inch by inch. A surging, unstoppable Noble Spirit rose from his spine, piercing straight toward the stars.
This was the fire of rage transformed from the Zhou Rites Heavenly Rectifying Art, and the unyielding spirit within a scholar's breast.
Rites and music had collapsed; evil had seized power.
Gu Chengming's wrist turned. On the sword's edge, the ghostly blue cold light surged by three feet. No complex sword moves—just a simple, grand, and sweeping vertical cleave.
This strike was named "Rectifying the Name."
It was to rectify this inverted heaven and earth, and to clear this filthy vision.
The sword light was like a streak of silk, crossing the void, as brilliant as the midday sun.
On the high platform, the "Director" made of countless resentments and rotten flesh seemed to feel the heavenly might contained in this sword. Its giant mouth snapped open, saliva dripping, as it let out a non-human shriek. In an instant, countless black tentacles erupted from beneath the wide official robe, trying to block this killing blow.
However, evil cannot triumph over the righteous; the filthy cannot withstand the pure.
Before the sword intent wrapped in Noble Spirit, the sky full of tentacles was like snow meeting boiling water. Before even touching the edge, they dissolved one after another, turning into clouds of black smoke.
Puchi!
No resistance, no suspense.
The Tinglan Sword cut through as if slicing through rotten bamboo, carving a beautiful arc from top to bottom.
That massive, hideous head, along with the black gauze cap symbolizing false authority, instantly flew into the air.
Black blood sprayed out like spilled ink.
"AHHHH—!!!"
Accompanied by a piercingly shrill scream, the Director's massive body collapsed.
Following that was a series of crisp sounds like glass shattering.
Crack, crack...
The originally eerie hall began to show countless fine cracks. The hideous paper bailiffs, the black rotten pillars, and even the suffocating, stagnant air—all peeled away inch by inch under the residual power of the sword, turning into dust.
Light broke through.
Gu Chengming felt his vision blur. The bizarre scenes around him receded like a tide.
The nauseating roars in his ears vanished, replaced by the crisp chirping of birds and the slightly noisy cries of street vendors outside the window.
"Whew—"
He snapped his eyes open.
What he saw was no stern Department hall.
He was still sitting cross-legged in that slightly old but clean guest room of the "Listening to Rain Pavilion."
Morning light filtered through the half-open window, spilling onto the mottled floorboards as dust motes danced in the light.
And less than three feet in front of him...
An oil lamp that should have been extinguished long ago had a wick glowing with an eerie, sickly green light, emitting a final wisp of green smoke. And beside that oil lamp lay a small paper effigy that had already been cut in two?
The doll wore a ridiculous official uniform, its head rolling to the side. The cut was as smooth as a mirror, clearly severed by sword qi.
【The Zhou Rites Heavenly Rectifying Art sees that you are unharmed and breathes a long sigh of relief.】
【After deep thought, it finds a justification for you: Those who seize high halls are called officials but are actually thieves; the statutes they speak are called laws but are actually harm.】
【Chengming's action was not breaking the law, but rather setting things right!】
【Zhou Rites Heavenly Rectifying Art favorability increased!】
【Favorability +10】
【Favorability Status Change: Promoted from 【Stranger】 to 【Friendly】】
【Current Favorability: 38 / Friendly】
【Obtained Fixed Attribute Point: Spirit +3】
Damn, you really managed to find such an explanation for me.
At the same time.
Bang—!
The inn's already unstable wooden door was crudely kicked open from the outside, letting out a groan of being overwhelmed.
Looking up, Yu Wenqiu's face was full of panic, her spiritual power surging. Her fingers were even gripping a sword talisman ready to fire, clearly prepared to fight at a moment's notice.
"Little Gu! Are you—"
Her voice cut off abruptly.
The room did not look like it was possessed by evil as she had expected.
Gu Chengming stood by the window. Although his long sword was back in its sheath, that biting Noble Sword Intent had not yet fully dissipated.
And by his feet, the eerie oil lamp had gone out, and the decapitated paper doll lay quietly in the morning light, emitting a foul stench of burnt paper.
"Phew..."
Seeing this, Yu Wenqiu's heart, which had been in her throat, finally settled back into her chest.
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