I proved immortality through the imperial examination.

Chapter 132 New Job
Xue Xiang assumed it was Xie Haiya who had come, since he had been back in Yunmeng for three days and hadn't seen Xie Haiya.

Xie Haiya seems to be actively working on his promotion.

The carriage curtain was lifted, but there was no one inside.

Just as Xue Xiang was about to ask the coachman a question, a faint fragrance wafted from the coachman, who was dressed in coarse linen. The coachman lifted his straw hat, revealing a charming and alluring face.

"boarding."

Xue Xiang said no more, waved to Liu Mei in the courtyard, and got into the car.

The coachman also noticed Liu Mei, and a look of surprise flashed in his eyes.

The carriage traveled for half an hour to reach the shore of the Slender Lake on the outskirts of the city.

The night was as dark as ink, the lake as smooth as a mirror, and the moonlight shone down, its silvery glow rippling across the water.

A cool breeze, carrying a hint of dampness, swept across the lake, and the branches of the weeping willows gently brushed against the surface, creating ripples.

The carriage stopped, and Xue Xiang lifted the curtain. The coachman sat comfortably on the driver's seat, revealing an exaggerated body curve. From behind, two graceful curves along the waist suddenly bulged at the hips.

The coachman tilted his straw hat to the side, revealing half of his head.

Her thick black hair was simply and loosely tied into a low bun, with a plain jade hairpin casually tucked to one side, giving her a light and graceful appearance. Her face glowed faintly in the moonlight.

"What brings you here so late at night, Master's wife?"

Xue Xiang felt strange; he didn't know when it had started, but a very odd feeling had developed between him and her.

Madam Wei lowered her head slightly and sighed softly, "Your Master Wei has made a decision to transfer your personnel file to the Second Hall of Canaan County."

Xue Xiang's brow twitched. He was no longer a novice in the workplace and knew all too well the tricks of the trade.

If Wei Yangruo doesn't move, his file will simply be transferred to Canglan Academy, where the academy will make arrangements.

Given his status as the master of the Bright Virtue Cave, it's as if he's arranging things for himself. He can choose a prestigious and important position, which will neither delay his accumulation of experience nor his cultivation. Wouldn't that be a win-win situation?

Wei Yang's actions were clearly tantamount to betraying him.

Xue Xiang still couldn't figure out Madam Wei's deeper meaning, and said in a deep voice, "My teacher must have his reasons. It doesn't matter where I go."

"My so-called predicament is nothing more than seeking profit and avoiding harm, and betraying trust and righteousness. Young Master Xue, I am ashamed."

Under the moonlight, her shadow was stretched long.

"The fact that my teacher's wife came to inform me in the dead of night shows her kindness and loyalty. I will not part ways with Master Wei because of this. I will never forget her kindness and loyalty."

I'll be careful.

Xue Xiang's figure was as deep and unfathomable as a lake.

He is no longer the same person he used to be; when he made his move to seize the top spot, he foresaw this day.

A true man should roam the world freely: the joy of fighting with others is endless.

Madam Wei remained silent for a moment, then leaned back against the door of the room, as if she were nestled against someone. "The waters of Canaan County run deep. Don't count on your Master Wei anymore."

The best course of action now is for you to put in some effort at Canglan Academy.

You are the top scorer in the county examination, and your name will be known at Canglan Academy.

"With the county exams just over and the buzz still going on, finding a place to stay there shouldn't be too difficult."

"Thank you, Madam. I've got it."

Xue Xiang said in a deep voice.

Seeking out Canglan Academy is of little use.

Now that Wei Yang has made his decision, his personnel records must have been transferred to the Second Hall.

I reckon the new appointment letter has already been drafted.

Then, by using his status as the leader to complain to Canglan Academy, he would not be looked down upon.

As for using the alias of the Lord of Mingde Dongxuan, that's a trivial matter and there's no need to tarnish the mystery.

However, the idea that Mrs. Wei provided was good.

You absolutely must latch onto someone powerful.

Moreover, Xue Xiang already has a target.

“Young Master Xue, if you need anything, remember to look for me.”

I will always remember your help to me at the Peony Festival.

Her voice was low and deep, like a gentle breeze on a lake at night, carrying a hint of ethereal emotion.

As she spoke, she stood up and made way for them.

Xue got out of the car, bowed to Madam Wei, felt a strange ripple in his heart, but said nothing, only nodded slightly.

Madam Wei sat back in her seat, put on her bamboo hat, and said, "The moonlight is like water; Young Master Xue may return under the moonlight."

Xue Xiang smiled slightly and watched her figure disappear into the distant moonlight.

The lake water still shimmered, and the weeping willows swayed in the wind, as if all the troubles had faded away at this moment.

........................

Xue Xiang returned home under the moonlight, but instead of going to his own house, he lightly leaped over the high wall and flew into Liu Mei's courtyard.

The moonlight, like water, gently spilled down.

The heartstrings stirred by Madam Wei still tremble at this moment, unable to be soothed.

Xue Xiang looked up at the bright moon, a meaningful smile playing on his lips.

He walked quietly to Liu Mei's window, and just as he was about to knock, Liu Mei's voice came out, "My lord, return quickly, the mistress is waiting."

Before Xue Xiang, this uninvited guest, could even begin his performance, he was told to leave.

"Sister Mei, I'm here to pick up something?"

"What do you want?"

Liu Mei's voice came through the window, carrying a hint of confusion and doubt.

“Of course, I’m here to retrieve the books. I left two books with you, and it’s time to return them.”

"..."

The room was quiet for a moment. Liu Mei's face turned as red as a cloth. "What book is there? You're talking nonsense, sir. I've never seen it."

"Haven't you looked through it, or haven't you seen it before? Should I remind you of the time and place when the book was given away?"

"I haven't read them. There were two books, but I lost them."

Liu Mei felt panicked; she had indeed lost one of her books and had been agonizing over it for quite some time.

"It was lost without even being viewed?"

"I advise you, my lord, to read less of those vulgar and obscene words."

"I don't need to look, I am the original author."

"sky."

Liu Mei simply couldn't believe how he could be so skilled.

"Sister Mei, you really haven't seen it?"

"He turned the page and closed it. What woman would read this? Young master, don't embarrass me."

"Let it go."

Xue Xiang gently knocked on the window frame. "The moonlight tonight is gentle and warm, a perfect night. Would you like to watch me practice my sword?"

"Alright."

As long as Xue Xiang doesn't continue to provoke her, she's happy to be alone with him.

She pushed open the door and stepped out of the room. Moonlight shone on her, its radiance like scattered silver sand, outlining her slender figure.

Xue Xiang stared in astonishment, then smiled and said, "Snow covers the mountains where a hermit lies, and the moon shines on the forest where a beauty comes."

The ancients were right.

With a smile and a hint of shyness at the corners of her mouth, she said, "You're just trying to sweet-talk me. Didn't you want to practice your sword, my lord?"

"I was just about to ask for your guidance, sister."

Xue Xiang chuckled lightly, sending out his thoughts, and the sword courage in his palm transformed into a long sword, as if autumn waters stretched across the sky.

He moved his sword freely, his steps following his body's movements. He wielded a set of nameless sword techniques with remarkable skill, his movements shimmering and dazzling in the sky.

After a dozen or so breaths, he stopped his swordplay and looked at Liu Mei with a smile.

Liu Mei shook her head, "It looks good, but it's not very effective. It's far inferior to the Breath of Wind Sword Technique."

If I were to use the Breath of Wind Sword Technique against him, my lord would not be able to unleash a second move of the sword technique he just used.

Xue Xiang frowned. "Is it really that bad?"

"If you don't believe me, we can try it."

Liu Mei was clearly a master of swordsmanship.

"Give it a try."

Xue Xiang cupped his hands and said, "The first two moves of my sword technique just now have names."

"First, I'll summon the old tree; second, I'll summon Guanyin. Sister, are you ready?"

"An old tree? Guanyin? How strange!"

Liu Mei seemed to be deep in thought, when suddenly she thought of two names from that book.

Instantly, her face flushed red and her heart burned. She glared at Xue Xiang resentfully, covered her face with her hands, and ran back to her room like a frightened rabbit.

She was so embarrassed. She clearly said she hadn't seen it, so how did she know about the old tree and Guanyin? She couldn't possibly be human!

Xue Xiang couldn't help but smile, deeply feeling that what the one who understood the flowers said made sense: the greatest pleasure in the boudoir is to say one thing and mean another.

…………

The appointment letter arrived the following morning.

His new position is Vice Abbot of the Third Court of the Ninth Church in Canaan County, concurrently serving as the Director of the Spiritual Property Cleaning Office.

According to Xue Xiang's work experience, any office, courtyard, or hall with a specific name is a supplementary government office, that is, a government office that is temporarily established.

Just by hearing the name, Xue Xiang knew why he had been given this position.

The so-called "spiritual property clearing room" is clearly the same position as the director of the demolition office and the head of the urban management team.

In his original world, no position was more reviled than this one.

This is hardly an official position; it's more like a red-hot sickle. You can imagine the miserable state you'll be in before you even sit down.

The appointment letter clearly states that the candidate must report for duty within seven days.

Along with the letter of appointment came a blue celestial talisman.

The talisman is a hazy, flowing light that can take shape at will.

As far as Xue Xiang knew, the vast majority of them took the form of rings or bracelets.

Xue Xiang was a Taoist who disliked revealing his trump cards first, so he naturally chose to transform the talisman into a bracelet and hide it in his sleeve.

My mind invaded the talisman, which contained a space about three feet square. It wasn't very large, but it was enough for storage for the time being.

With a thought, his sword spirit, teleportation talisman, recovery pill, spirit stones, and various commonly used books and classics were all stored in the immortal talisman.

Having accepted the talisman, Xue Xiang was still in a daze. "It seems that it's better to curry favor with someone powerful sooner rather than later."

However, before that, it's still necessary to solidify one's core base.

That morning, Xue Xiang went to Wenxu Fudi.

When he appeared, Feng Nuancheng, who was on duty, almost cried out in surprise.

It turns out that almost five months have passed since Xue Xiang last met with everyone.

During this period, Xue Xiang was busy studying, traveling on foot, cultivating his mind, and participating in scientific expeditions. He really had no time to maintain his client base outside of Wenxu Blessed Land.

Even Fengnuan City, who was on duty here, was worried that the Lord of Mingde Cave Mystery might have died.

This is the last thing Fengnuan City wants to see.

Now, he guards this blessed land of literature and serves as its guardian, which is arguably the most glorious position of his life.

In the past, he was just a Foundation Establishment junior who was ignored by everyone when he was in a crowd.

But right now, everyone he associates with is a Core Formation cultivator, and all he meets are powerful figures.

As a result, his overall demeanor has improved considerably.

If the Lord of Mingde Dongxuan dies, his current advantageous position will certainly no longer exist.

Therefore, if he were to put a time limit on the Lord of Mingde Dongxuan's remaining days, he would hope it would be ten thousand years.

Following the notification from Fengnuan City, more than two-thirds of the people arrived in just half a day.

Xue Xiang rarely gives lectures, and he said he would wait another half day, starting at 1:15 AM tomorrow.

After all, Murong Yu, the Lord of Fusheng Xuanhuang, had not yet arrived.

I'm about to start a live stream, what's going on if my top donor doesn't show up?

Xue Xiang spent the entire night in Wenxu Blessed Land reading the notes and insights submitted by the various Core Formation experts, gaining a great deal from them.

This look lasted until the next morning.

After a quick wash, he went to the edge of the spirit pool, where the little carp he had released had grown quite a bit.

Seeing him approach, it wagged its tail and swam over, circling around him.

Xue Xiang had no time to interact with the little carp. He went to the stone table and stuffed all the various elixirs and precious medicines piled up under the table into the talisman.

Among them, the commonly used Rejuvenation Pill (to replenish vital energy) and Phoenix Five Pill (to treat injuries) were unpacked and placed directly in the open.

Mainly for easy access.

After tidying up the supplies and seeing that it was almost time, Xue Xiangwen covered his face in anger and went outside the cave.

Upon seeing the Lord of Mingde Dongxuan appear, everyone bowed and paid their respects.

Xue Xiang calmly waved his hand, "Gentlemen, please rise. Young friend Murong, please come forward."

Murong Yu, dressed in a white robe, was as radiant as a sunset. Upon hearing Xue Xiang's summons, she hurried forward.

Xue Xiang bowed to him and said, "Thank you for your gift, young friend. Since I consumed the ten-thousand-year-old spiritual milk, I have been carefully refining it these days."

Only now are we seeing the effects.

His frail body was faintly regaining a sliver of vitality, allowing him to live a few more years.

Young friend, your kindness is beyond my means to repay. Please accept my bow.

After speaking, he bowed to Murong Yu.

Murong Yu was startled and quickly bowed in return, "Absolutely not, if it weren't for your guidance, my cultivation would not be what it is today."

To be honest, ever since I returned from listening to the lectures of my senior, I have benefited greatly from his profound and insightful words.

Though the millennia-old spiritual milk is precious, how can it compare to the kindness of a senior's guidance?

Xue Xiang waved his hand and said, "In that case, I won't say any more."

Gentlemen, do you have any insights to share with me? I will read your comments and understand where your difficulties lie, and then choose a topic to discuss.

Upon hearing this, jade pendants scattered like rain, all lifted by spiritual energy and sent to the cave entrance.

Xue Xiang picked up each jade pendant one by one and quickly flipped through them. He had a photographic memory, and in less than half an incense stick's time, he had scanned all the contents of the jade pendants.

“Young friend Wei Fan, in your notes you mentioned that Xue Xiang has already topped the Canaan County examination, which is truly delightful and unexpected news.”

Xue Xiang took the initiative to praise Xue Xiang.

Its purpose, of course, is to promote Xue Xiang's fame from a few people at Canglan Academy to all the big shots.

Wei Fan was also taken aback. He mentioned Xue Xiang in his notes only to subtly test how much the Lord of Mingde Dongxuan valued Xue Xiang.

Unexpectedly, the Lord of Mingde Cave directly pointed out Xue Xiang.

Instantly, a buzz of activity filled the room as everyone inquired about Xue Xiang's identity.

Even in the heyday of Douyin, the spread of fame still has blind spots, let alone in this cultivation world where information is not readily available.

Surprisingly, the vast majority of people in the room had never heard of Xue Xiang.

It was only through the popular science education provided by people from Canglan Academy that I learned that another outstanding young talent had emerged in Canglan Prefecture.

Young talents of Xue Xiang's caliber are as numerous as carp crossing a river, so the general public doesn't take them seriously.

However, since this child was mentioned and remembered by the Lord of Mingde Dongxuan, he naturally deserves special attention.

Taking advantage of the situation, the Lord of Mingde Dongxuan asked Wei Fan if Xue Xiang had any new works.

Wei Fan immediately recited "Ascending the Heights," eliciting a chorus of exclamations from the entire audience.

Xue Xiang's image, which was originally just a stereotypical image of a handsome young man, suddenly became vivid.

The Master of Mingde Dongxuan praised him twice, and seeing that the time was almost right, he changed the subject and started to discuss "self-discipline and restoration of propriety" mentioned in someone's insights.

All his arguments are based on famous works, interspersed with his own personal opinions.

It sounded like a profound and impressive argument, captivating the crowd.

After the lecture, Xue Xiang suddenly said, "As the saying goes, every inch has its shortcomings and every foot has its strengths. Teaching and learning complement each other, which is just right."

If an old man sits and discusses the Dao for too long, it will inevitably become too abstruse and esoteric.

Why don't we all pool our wisdom and talents? From this day forward, I will begin to call roll.

Those whose names are called will sit in the old man's seat and may talk about their cultivation experiences, life insights, or even past experiences.

Only in this way can we make our gathering worthwhile.

Everyone praised it.

Everyone knows that if the design of the Lord of Mingde Dongxuan is followed, everyone will benefit.

This is clearly an excellent opportunity to learn from the strengths of many.

Normally, even if someone wanted to organize it, they couldn't, because they simply didn't have the prestige.

The prestige that the Lord of Mingde Dongxuan had accumulated over the past year made it easy for him to take on the role of the leader.

"Young friend Murong, you will be the one to discuss the Dao at the next gathering."

Xue Xiang called out Murong Yu's name first.

Since we aim to learn from the strengths of others, we must make a strong start.

Others may not know the extent of Murong Yu's abilities, but he does.

The dignified ruler of Fusheng Xuanhuang, with the foundation laid by generations of ancestors, surely possesses genuine substance.

Murong Yu was both surprised and delighted. As the master of Fusheng Xuanhuang, he was actually firmly controlled by his mother.

He had always been a listener and instructor, and he never expected that the Lord of Mingde Cave would give him such face, allowing him to show off his skills in front of so many Core Formation experts.

He readily accepted the order, his clenched fists and resolute face making him appear as if he were about to take an oath to join the Party.

(End of this chapter)