I proved immortality through the imperial examination.

Chapter 168 Raging Fury
The Canaan County Academy, with its vermilion walls and green tiles, its corridors and flying eaves, still rustles with the sound of copper bells tinkling in the breeze after the winter snow has melted.

Like other academies, it was usually deserted. Xue Xiang was only allowed to enter after showing his official document and credentials.

When he entered, the literary academy was deserted, and he didn't even see many of the sweeping boys.

The middle-aged scholar who received him had slightly graying temples and a gaunt face. He was initially indifferent, but after Xue introduced himself, he became more attentive.

The scholar's expression changed drastically, and he told Xue Xiang to run away. When Xue Xiang asked why, he grabbed Xue Xiang and hurried towards the backyard.

Bamboo shadows sway in the courtyard, stone paths meander, and a thin mist shrouds the towering stele, creating a solemn atmosphere.

The middle-aged scholar led Xue Xiang into a side room and closed the doors and windows tightly.

Seeing his seriousness, Xue Xiang simply took the Middle Realm Seal and formed a restriction to protect this space.

He cupped his hands and said, "I have yet to ask your esteemed name, senior."

The middle-aged scholar cupped his hands and said, "I am not worthy of being your senior. You are a county student, while I am only a city student."

He was able to take up his post here only through family connections.

My surname is Du, my given name is Ziping, and I am also from Yunmeng. Wei Wendao is my wife's cousin.

"So it's Brother Du, my apologies for not recognizing you."

Xue Xiang bowed again, his tone much more intimate, "Brother Du just now told me to run away, what does that mean?"

Du Ziping said solemnly, "A few days ago, news suddenly came from Canglan Academy that you had perished in the Demonic Land. When the news reached the county, it caused quite a stir."

The county's firecrackers were sold out, and they went off for three days and three nights straight.

At this point, Du Ziping coughed twice, "Of course, this wasn't set off by all the people in the county. You know perfectly well which families did it without me having to tell you."

At the time, I felt that this matter was not over.

Sure enough, not long after, the Third Division of the State sent people to the county to audit, focusing on the Ninth Hall.

The Third Hospital where you work discovered problems, and soon you were convicted of embezzling public funds.

Your house was raided the day before yesterday.

I heard it caused quite a commotion, and even involved a fight, but I don't know the specifics.

In an instant, Xue Xiang's face turned cold, exuding a murderous aura, and Du Ziping trembled all over.

"Xue, Xue..."

Du Ziping's voice began to tremble.

Xue Xiang forcibly suppressed his aura, "I'm sorry, Brother Du, please continue."

Du Ziping took a deep breath to calm himself down. "The information I know is all that has been spread. That's all I know."

By the way, didn't you perish? How did you get back?

The information from Canglan Academy is undoubtedly correct. There's only one reason why the talisman's binding can be severed: the wearer must perish.

Xue Xiang took out the document ring and handed it to Du Ziping.

Du Ziping held it in his hand and examined it repeatedly before asking Xue Xiang to wait a moment.

Half a cup of tea later, he rushed back, his face grave. "It's really strange, there's definitely something wrong with the document ring."

Logically speaking, the restrictions within the Wenlu Ring are powerful, unless it's a heavenly tribulation-like attack.

Otherwise, it wouldn't break.

That's really strange.

Xue Xiang didn't care how the document ring went wrong; he was already anxious. After bowing to Du Ziping, he went to the room and used a mysterious potion to change his makeup.

Du Ziping said with a worried look, "Brother Xue, I am a few years older than you, so I'll take the liberty of giving you a few words of advice."

Such things happen far too often in government offices.

When a wall falls, everyone pushes it down; when someone leaves, the tea grows cold.

You suppressed those aristocratic scions too harshly the other day.

They can't do anything to you, but once the news of your demise spreads, there will be plenty of people seeking revenge.

They have no sense of gentlemanly conduct.

Now that you have returned safely, I think it would be better to go far away and take things slowly.

Because the evidence they use to frame you for embezzlement is definitely very thorough.

Since the Third Division has made its decision, it has become a settled matter and is difficult to overturn.

What's weighing you down now isn't just malice from all sides, but also the wheels of the system.

The former is easier to reverse, the latter is too difficult to handle.

"Thank you for your advice, Brother Du. I won't trouble you any further. Please don't hand over my document ring, so as not to cause you any trouble. Farewell."

After saying this, Xue Xiang bowed and quickly left.

At this moment, he had already disguised himself as a dark-skinned middle-aged man.

Half an incense stick later, he arrived at his own door.

The street corner had long been blocked off with iron chains, and red seals were nailed to the vermilion gate, where the cold wind blew and rustled.

A dozen or so soldiers stood outside the gate, their swords and spears gleaming, their menacing presence chilling the air.

The black smoke had not yet dissipated above the courtyard wall, the bricks and stones were charred, and a corner of the eaves was broken and collapsed.

The mottled bloodstains on the ground extended to the entrance of the bluestone street, and were covered by rough gray sand, making them even more shocking.

Xue Xiang stood there for a moment, his knuckles trembling slightly.

Even though his mind was as calm as an ancient well, it felt as if it were being burned by raging flames, and his chest felt like it was about to explode.

He took a deep breath and turned into a teahouse on the side of the street.

The teahouse was bustling with noise as people discussed the bloody battle of the past few days.

Xue Xiang chose a corner to sit down and started the conversation: "I heard that someone ransacked a house on the street ahead, but what happened?"

The tea drinkers immediately became excited and started chattering away.

"Hey, what good can come of being an official? As the saying goes, 'In the mortal world,' you watch them build a tall building, watch them host lavish banquets, and watch their building collapse. I've met that Mr. Xue. He's fairly modest, but he's too audacious, far too audacious. He frequently makes things difficult for powerful families. He deserves this retribution..."

"Old Liu, I don't like what you're saying. Xue Guanren has a good reputation. Besides, what kind of shady things do these scions of noble families do? Why are you trying to revive them?"

"I think they're all birds of a feather. Xue might not be a good person either. Why don't you see him donating any of his salary to us poor folks?"

"Wow, that's quite a show of force, they surrounded the entire three halls and four courtyards."

"Don't underestimate them. The two men who came are incredibly powerful. They fought their way out of a group of hundreds of people and rescued the person."

"What a load of crap, they look like women by their build. Most of them are in disguise. They're daring to break prisoners, of course they're risking their lives. But to be fair, they're really skilled."

"No matter how powerful they are, they almost got caught. If it weren't for that official's wife's entourage suddenly appearing from the side, I don't think they would have been able to escape. That official's wife seems to have a very powerful background. She cursed the leading officer and soldiers as if they were stinky socks, and he didn't dare to talk back."

"That's not just extremely high, it's practically the limit! If the wife of Lord Wei, the Prefectural Governor, dares to talk back, she'll be finished in no time."

"It's a pity that there was a little girl who was about to be rescued, but was dragged back by a grappling hook. She was crying so hard."

"........."

With a snap, the teacup in Xue Xiang's hand instantly turned into dust.

The anger simmering in his chest was about to burst forth, but he bit his tongue hard, forcibly suppressing his overwhelming killing intent.

Xue Xiang tossed down ten strands of spiritual silk, flicked his sleeve, and left.

His steps appeared steady, but in reality, each step felt like treading on a blade of snow and wind.

……

After leaving the teahouse, Xue thought long and hard and decided to explore the Joyful Sect.

Looking for Meng De or Xie Haiya is too dangerous and would make them too conspicuous.

When he arrived at the Joyful Sect's headquarters, the sect was gathering its troops at its training ground.

The female disciples stood in rows, their clothes were crimson gauze, but each of them held a bow and a sword, exuding a chilling murderous aura.

From afar, those beautiful figures, intertwined with the wind and snow in the mountains, exuded a cold and sharp aura.

On the high platform, the woman in crimson robes was personally directing her troops.

Her skin was like jade, her eyes were bright and sparkling, and she held a soft whip in her hand. Her slender waist turned lightly, and her commands were clear and resolute.

That was Su Danqing, the number two figure in the Joyful Sect and Zhao Huanhuan's confidant.

Before Xue Xiang could regain his footing, he was detected by the early warning array. Su Danqing shouted coldly, "Who!"

With a cold shout from Su Danqing, the entire training ground instantly filled with murderous intent.

Dozens of female disciples shouted in unison, their red sleeves waving, swords flashing, and arrows piercing the air.

Someone activated the talisman, and the flames bloomed like lotus flowers;

Someone swung their sword, unleashing a cold glint, as if frost and snow had been sharpened;
Several others stood side by side in formation, their longbows drawn, the strings resonating like an impending downpour.

In that instant, even the sound of the wind in the valley seemed to be swallowed up, leaving only the roar of magic.

Xue Xiang's gaze was cold and stern, his robes fluttering as he thought slightly, and his literary aura surged forth: "Wall."

In an instant, it seemed as if an iron wall rose out of thin air, reaching a height of three zhang.

A thick curtain of light spread out in the void, like a city wall forged from words.

When the fire collided with it, the flames were extinguished as if by a flood, turning into fragments of light that scattered and fell.

The frost blade cleaved through the wall with a series of crisp sounds, yet it only left a faint mark on the surface.
The arrows rained down through the clouds, but were all deflected by the light barrier and fell like shooting stars.

Clearly, after Xue Xiang obtained the Literary Qi Tree, the manifestation of literary qi and the power of his writing skills have made a leap forward.

Everyone was stunned and wanted to unleash another killing move, but Su Danqing stopped them.

She was relied upon by Zhao Huanhuan as her strategist. She was exceptionally intelligent, and her heart skipped a beat as she guessed what was going on.

"it's me."

Xue Xiang said in a low voice.

The sound of thunder in Sudan Qing's ears filled him with ecstasy, and he called out to the crowd before rushing forward.

A moment later, the two moved to the pavilion behind the training ground.

As the mountain breeze subsided, red silk ribbons hung from the pavilion pillars, billowing in the wind and making her features appear even more beautiful.

Xue Xiang's gaze was cold and deep, and he went straight to the point: "Miss Su, do you know the inside story?"

Su Danqing nodded. "The news was initially sent by Canglan Academy. After it reached Yong'an City, the major families were practically celebrating."

They bought up all the firecrackers in the city, creating quite a spectacle.

Later, someone from higher up came to the Ninth Hall to investigate the case; after all, the aristocratic family had a deep-rooted foundation.

The news of your demise comes from Canglan Academy, and its credibility is extremely high.

In such a situation, no one will stand up for you; on the contrary, many people will be happy to help the powerful families retaliate against you.

Therefore, the charges against you for alleged embezzlement will be substantiated very quickly.

There were dissenting voices in the state, but they were very weak.

I heard that Chief Song of the Bureau of Observation and the Prefect slammed their fists on the table, but the Prefect only said that the evidence was conclusive and that he was powerless to do anything about it.

On the very day your embezzlement was confirmed, the first court ruling was issued. After finding you guilty, your home was searched, and your family was required to pay back the embezzled funds and pay the fines.

If payments are not made in full, the offender will be held accountable.

On the day of the arrest, a major battle took place in front of your house.

The county and prefecture were furious and issued orders to conduct a thorough investigation.

On that day, all your family members were rescued, except for your younger sister who was arrested.

Because she was still young, she was confined to the training hall.

Our sect leader has been working tirelessly, using his connections to rescue your younger sister.

Zhao Feihu of the Flying Tiger Sect has always been at odds with our Joyful Sect. Relying on the Ning family, he has always wanted to monopolize the spiritual sand on the south bank.

In every conflict, we came out on top.

I never expected that he had planted a traitor in our Joyful Sect. After a secret investigation, we found out that our Joyful Sect has a connection with you.

This time, our sect leader secretly asked someone to help your sister, but he caught him red-handed.

Now, the sect leader is trapped in the Flying Tiger Sect.

Tonight, Zhao Feihu is hosting a grand banquet at his private manor in the city, and he is sure to publicly humiliate our sect leader.

We sisters owe a great debt of gratitude to our sect leader. Today, we've gathered together, intending to wage a bloody battle against the Flying Tiger Sect.

"Sect Leader Zhao is imprisoned because of my affairs, and I will not stand idly by. Miss Su, your people don't need to go. I will bring Sect Leader Zhao back." The murderous intent in Xue Xiang's eyes was no longer being suppressed.

Su Danqing narrowed his eyes. "My lord, if I may be so bold, it is truly inappropriate for you to show yourself in your current capacity."

Your case of embezzlement and bribery has been made into an ironclad case.

This is the situation where everyone pushes a wall when it's falling.

Now that you have been resurrected, the case is irrefutable.

To overthrow it would require ten times the effort.

At that time, your official robes will be gone, and the awe and respect that powerful families have for you will also be gone.

"If you show your face, they will stop at nothing to kill you."

Sultan Qing, the second most important figure in the Joyful Sect, is known for his intelligence.

His analysis was incredibly insightful.

Xue Xiang nodded and said, "Miss Su is absolutely right. Unfortunately, I am not one to be easily manipulated."

I won't act rashly; going against the system is suicide.

Su Danqing said, "You are a person who understands the ways of the world. There is a very good saying in the book 'The Mortal World': Power is only responsible for the source of power."

In today's situation, relying on analysis and investigation of the case is no longer of much use.

The only way to break this deadlock is through greater power.

Xue Xiang's eyes lit up, and he immediately thought of someone. He asked in a deep voice, "When is the Flying Tiger Gate's banquet held?"

Su Danqing said, "It's 1:15 PM tonight."

Xue Xiang glanced at the sky. "There are still four hours left. Help me find someone. I need news about him, and I need it quickly."

"That's easy. Our Joyful Sect may be slightly weaker in martial arts, but we are the most well-informed. Who is the master looking for?"

Sudan Qing admired Xue Xiang's composure.

"Han Feng, a native of Shenjing, is a student from Jingjun who has transferred to Canglan Prefecture for the imperial examination."

Xue Xiang said in a deep voice.

The current situation has completely collapsed.

Relying on Song Tingfang or Canglan Academy is not appropriate.

Song Tingfang had already taken a huge risk by changing his appearance and helping Liu Mei rescue his mother.

This also proves that even she lacks the ability to turn the situation around.

Although Canglan Academy values ​​him, it values ​​Xue Xiang as the top scholar in the county examination, not Xue Xiang, the corrupt official.

He could certainly use his identity as the Master of Mingde Dongxuan to operate, allowing Ni Quanwen and Wei Fan to get involved.

However, the academy was essentially only in charge of the imperial examinations. It would be too difficult for it to get involved in major cases, especially solid ones, given the administrative level of the academy.

Aside from Song Tingfang and Canglan Academy, the only person Xue Xiang could think of was Han Feng, the son of a Hanlin scholar with whom he had a close relationship.

"I know this person. A few days ago, he went to Canglan to indulge in pleasure and wandered around the Ten-Mile Spring Lake with the famous courtesan Xiao Fangfang, causing quite a stir."

He shouldn't have left Canglan Prefecture yet; I'll go ask him.

After replying, Sudan Qing left quickly.

She was extremely efficient and returned half an hour later with news of Han Feng: "Young Master Han is still at Spring Lake. He's building a house there, and it seems he's planning to live with Xiao Fangfang for a long time."

Han Feng had a wide circle of friends and was a well-known figure in the capital.

If he's willing to intervene, there might still be a chance for things to turn around.

"There's no time to lose. I'll head to Spring Lake immediately. Your men don't need to be moved. Regardless of whether Han Feng succeeds or not, I guarantee I'll bring your sect leader back."

Having said that, Xue Xiang leaped into the air, boarded the magic carpet, and headed straight for Spring Lake.

…………

Spring Lake is located thirty miles west of Canglan City. Its waters are vast and its surface is shrouded in mist.

It was nearly dusk, and the sunset reflected on the lake, making the water shimmer and sparkle, as if it were plated with a layer of flowing gold.

Shili Chunhu Lake is famous for its beautiful scenery. Every night, as darkness falls, the lake is filled with painted boats and the sounds of music.

Along the eastern shore of the lake, there is a small white-walled building surrounded by a red railing. Even in early spring, the courtyard is still full of flowers, resembling a miniature garden.

This is the "Secluded Abode" that Han Feng built for Xiao Fangfang. From a distance, it truly resembles a love nest.

Xue Xiangteng stood on the lake, his robes billowing in the wind. As soon as he approached Bichen Residence, two strong servants appeared and blocked his way.

The two men had broad shoulders and backs, exuded a powerful aura, and had sinister eyes.

One of them said coldly, "This is Young Master Han's elegant residence; outsiders are not allowed to enter without permission."

Xue Xiang was not angry. He simply spoke loudly, his voice booming like a bell, echoing across the lake: "An old friend has come to visit. Please grant me an audience with Brother Han."

The sound carried far and wide, startling the tourists on the lake.

Before long, a small boat slowly approached from the center of the lake.

On the boat, the canopy was like a cloud, and the brocade curtains hung low.

A man stood holding an oar, handsome and dashing, with sword-like eyebrows and an imposing presence; it was Han Feng.

The woman sitting beside him was even more beautiful.

Her hair was as black as ink, her eyes were full of affection, and her clothes fluttered in the breeze, making her look like a fairy on the water.

She held a round fan lightly, half-concealing her beautiful face, her eyes exuding charm.

It was none other than the renowned courtesan, Josephine Siao.

A light boat glides through the waves, gradually approaching the shore.

Han Feng saw Xue Xiang from afar, but Xue Xiang had changed her appearance and he did not recognize her.

Suddenly, he realized that Xue Xiang's voice sounded very familiar. After a few quick thoughts, he guessed who it was and was overjoyed. "It's you, my good brother! How is it? Is what I asked for there?"

At that time, Xue Xiang and Han Feng were both in the Trial Realm.

During the final trial, because of the little girl's cuteness, all three purple-level monsters flew towards Xue Xiang.

Left with no other choice, Xue Xiang used the Yu Hui Yu Long technique, recited verses, and slew the three purple-level demons.

In the end, Xue Xiang passed the final trial alone.

Han Feng was quite carefree. Just as Xue Xiang was about to be teleported, he told him the secret of the blessed land and instructed him on how to retrieve the treasure.

"I was just about to thank Brother Han."

Xue Xiang bowed with his hands clasped in greeting.

As the two exchanged pleasantries, Xiao Fangfang frowned slightly, tugged at Han Feng's sleeve, and said in a coquettish voice, "Why do you have to see this stranger all of a sudden? You've disturbed our leisurely stroll on the lake."

Han Feng gently stroked Xiao Fangfang's cloud-like hair. "Fangfang, do you know who's opposite you?"

"I don't care who it is, she only has eyes for her beloved."

Xiao Fangfang glanced at Xue Xiang and snorted, "This man is plain-looking and old. Why should you bother with someone like him, sir?"

"Fangfang, last night, you and I discussed the great poets of today, and you praised one person highly."

Now that the person is right in front of you, how can you not recognize them?

Han Feng smiled.

"Ah, he's a melancholy autumn soul!"

Xiao Fangfang was stunned for a moment, then shook her head like a rattle drum, "Impossible, absolutely impossible, the famous Bei Qiu Ke is said to be a handsome young man."

Han Feng laughed and said, "Poetry comes from the heart, not from the face."

My dear brother has come looking for me; there must be something on his mind. Don't make a fuss, don't make a fuss..."

"no."

Xiao Fangfang persisted, still clinging to Han Feng, lightly tapping his chest with her finger, and said in a sweet voice, "Since you are a melancholy autumn traveler, your talent must be astonishing."

Since you want me to let you reminisce with him, then ask him to compose a poem so I can see if he's truly talented.

Or perhaps the young man was simply lying, unwilling to spend time with her, and randomly labeling her as a melancholy person.

Han Feng, feeling tenderness for the beauty and being deeply in love, could only shrug at Xue Xiang, saying, "I can only trouble you, my virtuous brother, to display your talents."

Xue Xiang felt a surge of anger, but needing someone's help, he forced himself to calm down, looked around, and recited aloud.
"Ten miles of spring lake, frost fills the sky, every inch of black hair is filled with sorrow for the passing years."

Alone under the moon, I yearn for companionship; I envy not the immortals, but the mandarin ducks.

As soon as the poem was recited, the lake breeze seemed to stand still.

Frosty hair, black hair, mandarin ducks, and the bright moon—the imagery intertwines to strike a chord deep within the heart.

Xiao Fangfang was startled, her fan slipped from her hand, and her eyes instantly filled with tears.

She murmured softly, "I envy not the immortals, but only the mandarin ducks... Are you laughing at my infatuation, or pitying my fate? My love, pity me for being a courtesan, unworthy to spend my youth with you. In this life, I can only envy the mandarin ducks..."

Xiao Fangfang, heartbroken over her own life, wept uncontrollably, leaped ashore, and ran away.

Han Feng sighed repeatedly, "Brother, you really have unparalleled poetic talent. With just a few words, you've made Fangfang look like this. It's so hard on me. I don't know how long I'll have to coax her."

By the way, my dear brother, there must be a reason why you came to see me. Tell me about it.

"If I can help, I will do so without hesitation."

Xue Xiang then recounted his ordeal.

Before he could finish listening, Han Feng stood up, straightened his clothes, and bowed to Xue Xiang to apologize, "It's my fault, it's my fault. My brother's family has suffered a great change, and I let Fangfang run wild. I'm guilty, I'm guilty."

Don't worry, my dear brother. Now that I know about this, I will certainly not let you suffer injustice for no reason.

There will definitely be news within half a month.

Upon hearing Han Feng's words, Xue Xiang immediately felt reassured.

"Thank you, Brother Han, but half a month is too long. Things might change if it goes on too long."

Xue Xiangdao said, "Their so-called evidence is all fake. It has no signature or handwriting on it and there is no real evidence."

I expect to have results within the next day or two. Brother Han, can you manage that?

Han Feng frowned. "Even for me, it would take time to coordinate with all parties."

Moreover, clearing some joints can be quite laborious.

Xue Xiang took out a jade box, saying, "This is exactly what Brother Han entrusted me to retrieve from this blessed land. I am now giving it to Brother Han."

Han Feng's expression changed drastically, and he pushed the jade box back, saying, "Brother, who do you take me for? I consider you my brother, so why do you humiliate me like this?"

Xue Xiang said, "Brother Han has misunderstood. There are always expenses involved in doing things. Although Brother Han is not short of money or goods, he is lacking in rare treasures."

If this item were available as a catalyst, it might be possible to expedite the process.

Han Feng then calmed down. "There's no need for this. Let me think... Elder Zhang, Elder Zhao, Elder Wang... Yes, let's find Elder Wang. His younger brother, Wang Zhongcheng, is in charge of the Third Hall. But to win over Elder Wang, we need to start with treasures that prolong life."

Even if we wanted to buy them now, it would probably be too late.

Is this feasible?

Xue Xiang took out a jade bottle, opened the stopper, and immediately a wonderful fragrance wafted out. Before long, old fish leaped on the lake surface, creating a white wave.

"Ten-thousand-year-old spiritual milk?"

Han Feng's eyes widened. "If we have this, the matter will be settled."

Your troubles will be resolved in two days at most.

In the next day or two, my dear brother, you can wait patiently for news.

These scions of powerful families are simply outrageous. They abandon their families as soon as they leave, and now they're even dragging their relatives into it.

"My dear brother, please act decisively. As long as you don't kill the Prefect, I'll take responsibility for whatever matter is at stake."

Han Feng was a man of strong emotions, and he always remembered that in the Trial Realm, he faced a purple-level demon alone, was at a disadvantage, and was almost forced to crush his talisman ring.

At the critical moment, it was Xue Xiang who disregarded the danger and attracted the attention of the purple-level demon, thus helping him escape from peril.

"In that case, I won't say thank you. Farewell."

Xue Xiangteng stood up.

"take it back."

Han Feng tossed the jade box containing the jade scrolls to Xue Xiang. Xue Xiang waved his hand, and the jade scrolls flew back. "Brother Han, you can take it and play with it. I've been looking at it for days, but I still don't understand it."

Having said that, he boarded the magic carpet and soared into the air.

(End of this chapter)