I proved immortality through the imperial examination.

Chapter 218 A Person Awaiting Guilt
Immediately, all the lords of the Wenxu spoke up.

Some offered spiritual items, others ancient techniques; even those not immediately suitable were quickly pledged in advance.

At this moment, in their eyes, the Lord of Mingde Dongxuan was no longer just a benevolent elder and Confucian and Taoist giant whom they needed to curry favor with, but also their hope for "escaping their predicament".

Xue Xiang feigned a few words of refusal, but then accepted everyone's kindness.

He then bowed respectfully and left the Wenxu Battle Platform.

As soon as everyone saw Xue Xiang off, they all turned to the Lord of the Profound Mystery of the Ritual.

"Fellow Daoist Chongxuan—do you still feel that sensation of your consciousness being invaded?"

"Has your literary talent tree weakened?"

"Is your mind stable?"

"........."

Amidst the clamor of voices, the Lord of the Profound Realm of Propriety slowly raised his head, his eyes gleaming. "Everyone," he said, "the Dao is indeed true. I feel as if I have been reborn."

As he spoke, he closed his eyes and flicked his fingertips slightly.

Everyone immediately saw his brow light up, and a tree of literary energy, formed from light and shadow, slowly emerged from behind him.

The tree trunk was as clear as a mirror, its branches and leaves stretched out, and the traces of the tangled black threads were completely gone. Even its aura had become clearer than ever before.

That sense of peace, of "rebirth," was directly transmitted to everyone through spiritual awareness.

The Lord of Moral Purity murmured, "It really... has such a miraculous effect?"

Many people fell silent, feeling as if their breathing had slowed down.

The wind rustled across the battle platform, causing clothes to flutter slightly and a corner of the mist to be blown away.

Someone whispered, "It is said that the Lord of Mingde Dongxuan possessed the qualities of a sage, and now it seems that the rumors are true."

"This old man's cultivation is so profound that it may have already surpassed the Nascent Soul stage."

"Not necessarily? But he should be at the late stage of the Nascent Soul realm."

Discussions began to rise, filled with awe and apprehension.

………………

The early winter sun shines softly on the water, creating a shimmering effect.

A beautifully carved pleasure boat glides slowly across the river, pale blue flags fluttering on its mast. The aroma of roasting meat wafts on the breeze. The charcoal crackles, and white smoke rises as the fat drips, mingling with the river wind to create an atmosphere more comforting than any grand feast.

Two long tables were set up on the deck, one piled with lamb skewers, silver fish, and lotus root segments, and the other with fresh seasonal vegetables.

Mother Xue was busy turning the food over, holding a fan in one hand and a hook in the other, with a smile on her face.

When Xue's father was buried in the clan mausoleum, her name was recorded in the family genealogy.

With the two things that had been on her mind the most successfully resolved, Xue's mother seemed to have become ten years younger, full of energy.

"Xiao Shi, don't just pick the tender ones to eat, put some on your sister's plate too."

"They didn't steal any food."

Xue Shi made a face, carrying a freshly baked fish, and slipped to the stern of the boat. She quietly shook her sleeve, and a chubby little dragon, about the size of a palm, popped out from it.

It was Xue Xiang's adorable little pet, Xiao Naimeng. The day before yesterday, it woke up in Wenxu Blessed Land and clung to Xue Xiang, refusing to let go.

Xue Xiang brought it back to the Xue family. At first, the whole family was quite worried about this strange creature.

Upon seeing the adorable, timid, and fearful appearance of this little creature, everyone's awe of this strange being vanished instantly.

Xiao Shi and Xiao Naimeng get along the best; they're inseparable. Whenever she makes something delicious, she always makes sure to share some with Xiao Naimeng.

Sure enough, the grilled fish that Xiao Shi stole was divided in two between the two of them, and the little one ate more than the little girl.

Xue Xiang leaned against the railing, holding a cup of warm wine, quietly watching this scene.

The water and sky blended into one, and the river mist was light; his heart, like the river surface, was calm and gentle.

This year was full of ups and downs, busy and anxious, and I went through three rounds of bloodshed and fire.

Seeing my family having a good time now, I suddenly felt a long-lost sense of peace.

There's almost nothing else to worry about right now; all that's left is for Han Feng to help me get a position in the north.

According to Han Feng's letter, everything was arranged, but he won first place when viewing the monument and was promoted one rank.

The original assigned position is no longer suitable, so it has to be reassigned.

Aside from that, Liu Zhiwei was the only other person he was worried about.

Fortunately, I received a letter from Liu Zhiwei the day before yesterday. She has other opportunities and will not be coming back for the time being.

Xue Xiang was lost in thought.

Fan Youyi walked onto the deck, wearing a gray woolen short fur coat and holding a wine cup in his hand. He smiled and said, "Brother, your mother-in-law wants you to go down for some charcoal-grilled fish."

Xue Xiang turned around and smiled: "I'll go in a bit, I'll get some fresh air first."

The two stood side by side at the bow of the boat.

The river wind whistled, lifting the corners of their clothes. In the distance, the shadows of mountains stretched endlessly, and several egrets skimmed across the water.

"Have you been very busy lately?"

Xue asked.

Fan Youyi nodded with a smile, a hint of pride in his expression: "It's alright. The United Trading Company matter is progressing much faster than expected."

His tone gradually became excited, "Since signing that supply contract with the Joyful Sect, the trade route has been opened up all the way, and now it has officially expanded to the entire Canaan County."

The Joyful Sect is responsible for incense, secret wood, and cinnabar, while we set up shops in towns, ensuring wide distribution.

Xue Xiang nodded: "You did a great job."

Fan Youyi scratched his head and smiled youthfully: "Actually, this is all thanks to my elder brother. If it weren't for his prestigious reputation, how could the United Trading Company have been so successful?"

"correct."

Fan Youyi smiled and lowered his eyes, "I passed this year's city examination, although I was only at the bottom of the list, at least I have a degree."

Xue Xiang's eyes lit up. "That's great! We should celebrate! Go and invite Lao Cheng and Xun Sizhou down to eat too."

Fan Youyi agreed and headed north again.

There, Xun Sizhou was consulting Cheng Bei about matters of cultivation.

In the past, those who sought the Four Continents and those who had reached the Core Formation stage were destined to never have a chance to meet.

But now, he has become Xue Xiang's retainer and can be considered his most trusted confidant.

Cheng Bei, strictly speaking, was merely Xue Xiang's prisoner. Although Xue Xiang treated him with respect, he was well aware of his own position and dared not be presumptuous in front of Xue Xiang.

After all, even though he had been in Yunmeng for a long time, he knew how famous Xue Xiang had become recently.

Once Xue's four lines were uttered, the scholars of Yunmeng admired them day and night.

Xue Xiang was undoubtedly a super idol among young scholars.

Since servants are valued because of their masters, Cheng Bei did not dare to underestimate Xun Sizhou and patiently taught him.

When Xue Xiang arrived at the grill, Xue Wan was grilling fish for Xue Shi. The fish skin was crispy, and Xue Shi couldn't help but reach out to break it off, but she was burned and grimaced. The little girl was blowing on her to cool her down.

Seeing Xue Xiang coming over, the little girl was afraid of being captured, so she quickly burrowed into Xue Shi's arms.

The sunlight slanted down on them, warm and bright.

The wind gently stirred up the waves on the river.

The aroma of charcoal fire wafted through the air, blending with laughter and the watery hues of early winter.

At this moment, there is no turmoil, no scheming.

A boatload of people, a river breeze, a fireplace—it's like the most fleeting peace in the world.

The group went on a pleasure trip, full of enthusiasm, and returned when their enjoyment was over.

With Fan Youyi and Xue Wan's help, Xue's mother went back to the house first. Xue Shi, holding the soft little baby, was still rambling on about how "fish skin is best when it's burnt."

The little cutie seemed to understand, nodding vigorously.

As the family entered the courtyard, lights were on at the alleyway to the right of the courtyard.

Several horse-drawn carriages were parked there, and a few workers were unloading wooden crates and packages, making a clanging and banging noise.

Cheng Bei raised an eyebrow and lowered his voice, saying, "Young Master, moving at this hour is unusual. Should I go and investigate?"

Xue Xiang glanced at the patterns on the carriage, smiled faintly, and waved his hand: "No need."

His tone was calm, yet tinged with leniency, “You’ve been following me day and night for so long, you deserve a rest. And Brother Xun, you should go home and visit him too.”

You're all given a two-day break.

Cheng Bei and Xun Sizhou were overjoyed. After exchanging greetings, they took their leave.

At 7:45 PM, the Xue family members, exhausted from a long day, went to bed early. The entire house fell silent, with only the sound of the wind rustling through the bamboo grove and the chirping of insects.

Xue Xiang was feeling itchy when he heard the sound of rushing water coming from the moving house next door.

Xue Xiang gently climbed over the courtyard wall and gazed at his new neighbors on the other side.

But then they saw a wooden tub set up in the neighboring courtyard, hot water steaming and a thin mist rising from it under the moonlight.

A woman with a slender waist was bending over to test the water, splashing water with her fingertips and tossing her dark hair.

With her back to Xue Xiang, her full, round breasts were so prominent they almost made Xue Xiang's nose bleed.

"This devilish vixen is so seductive."

Xue Xiang could no longer hold on and leaped down.

The woman exclaimed, "Oh dear! What are you doing? What are you doing? If you keep doing this, people will scream..."

Immediately afterwards, a cat's purring, like that of a kitten in heat, rang out.

Half an incense stick later, the clouds dispersed and the rain stopped, and the candlelight was half extinguished.

The wind outside the window seemed tired, only gently brushing past the bamboo shadows and carrying the calls of a few distant water birds.

The room was quiet, with only the faint scent of sandalwood lingering in the air.

Zhao Huanhuan leaned against the brocade quilt, her long hair cascading down, her eyes revealing a hint of languor and cunning. She turned her head to look at Xue Xiang, a smile flashing in her eyes, a smile that seemed both reproachful and resentful.

She gently shook the hill behind her, and in the damp canyon, the withered trees began to grow strong again.

"Still dare to cause trouble? Take this beating."

Xue Xiang was about to regain his former glory when Zhao Huanhuan quickly hooked her arm around his neck, subtly admitting defeat.

"You heartless wretch! You don't even go to people unless they come to you. You only want to enjoy things when they come to you?"

Zhao Huanhuan was as gentle and charming as a pool of spring water.

As the dignified sect leader of the Joyful Sect, she excelled in everything—family background, appearance, and cultivation.

He was highly praised in Canaan County and even throughout Canglan Prefecture.

If Sect Leader Zhao really wanted a man, it would be as simple as beckoning him.

Offering something to someone and then showering them with flattery—a year ago, if anyone had said that Sect Leader Zhao would do such a thing, Sect Leader Zhao would have laughed himself to death.

However, facing Xue Xiang, the dignified Sect Master Zhao felt increasingly threatened.

If Xue Xiang only knew some poems like "Spring River Flower Moon Night" to seduce the hearts of half the city's daughters, that would be one thing.

Unfortunately, this person was proficient in both morality and literature. After Xue's four sentences were published, Master Zhao degraded himself to the lowest level in terms of personality.

Fearing that this handsome young man might be lured away by someone, she found out Xue Xiang's whereabouts and pretended to come to Suiyang Ferry on official business. Taking advantage of the situation, she moved next door to Xue Xiang and began to seduce him.

After the two had been tenderly entwined for a long time, Sect Master Zhao turned to the main topic again, "You can't be careless. According to the intelligence I received, the Kuang brothers of the White Bone Secret Land remember this deep hatred. They claim that you are the enemy of the entire White Bone Secret Land."

Whoever becomes your friend is an enemy of the entire Bone Secret Realm.

These barbarians are one thing, but the real problem is that former emperor's son, Wang Baxian, whose family wields immense power in the capital.

This time, he failed to visualize it, and the entire Wang family was extremely furious.

There's no way around it; you're just too outstanding, destined to offend countless people.

I know you're not afraid of them, but you can't be careless.

Zhao Huanhuan's Joyful Sect takes in beautiful girls, most of whom marry into wealthy families as concubines. After marriage, they often maintain secret contact with the Joyful Sect.

Therefore, Zhao Huanhuan's intelligence network is extremely extensive.

"I understand, I'll be careful."

As Xue Xiang spoke, he dribbled the ball, and the withered tree in the stream gradually gained the momentum to reach the sky and stand tall.

Master Zhao understood, blew out the candle, and crawled straight into the quilt, where he took something in his mouth.

…………

Morning mist shrouded the sky above Canglan City, and the Canglan Prefecture government office remained as still as a mountain.

Two old locust trees stand side by side in front of the hall, their leaves swaying in the breeze, and the bells ring softly as a gentle wind blows.

The old plaque hangs directly above, bearing the two characters "持平" (meaning "maintaining balance"), the ink strokes deep and steady, conveying a solemn and imposing aura.

Xue Xiang stood below the hall, his clothes neat and his expression calm.

He received the official document from the prefectural government yesterday, saying that there was a document for him to receive. He knew that it must be a matter of promotion that was about to be decided, and he was secretly delighted.

He couldn't help but secretly admire Han Feng's efficiency. If he was going to be promoted, why make such a big deal out of it, going to the state office to hand over the official documents? He was keeping everyone in suspense for too long.

Standing in front of the state government hall, he couldn't help but wonder what the new official position would actually be.

An eighth-rank celestial official is no longer young.

There's no room left in town.

In the city, that would be the position of the head of the temple.

If he were placed in a prefecture or county, he would at least be a deputy prefect.

If he were to settle in the north, he might very well become a high-ranking official in charge of a region.

From then on, I had a world to roam freely in; how wonderful!

He was dreaming of a promotion.
A person emerged from behind the curtain in front of the hall, shattering his good mood.

The man was dressed in a dark blue official robe, with a jade belt and a sword at his side. He was young and handsome, and it was none other than Wang Baxian.

Wang Baxian stared at Xue Xiang with a smile, the curve of his lips impossible to suppress.

Immediately afterwards, three more people stepped out, dressed identically, and went straight into the hall, standing on the left and right, surrounding Xue Xiang in the middle.

Xue Xiang had a bad feeling. He thought about it over and over, wondering what had gotten into him.

A dozen or so breaths later, a man dressed in a light black official robe slowly entered through the side door. His chest was embroidered with star, moon, and cloud patterns. He held a scroll in his hand, stood before the steps, and spoke in a voice as cold as iron.

"Imperial edict from the Imperial Observatory: Xue Xiang, an official awaiting review, whose affiliation is Canglan, has recently been causing disturbances in the Heavenly Balance, confusing the literary trend, and creating discord between Heaven and Man."

First, privately erecting monuments to perform rituals is a desecration of astronomy; second, advocating for public opinion and inciting unrest; third, the places where the rituals are performed are inverted; fourth, the mind is abnormal, and evil spirits may possess the body.

"By order of His Majesty, Xue Xiang is hereby invited to the Imperial Observatory to conduct a grand examination to determine the cause and measure the course of the astronomical process. If the result is clear, he will be released; if it is impure, he will be punished. Local officials are to escort him as ordered and are not to detain him privately."

After reciting, there was silence in the hall.

Xue Xiang was stunned.

He never dreamed this would happen.

What kind of place is the Imperial Observatory? It's the headquarters for observing celestial phenomena and dealing with all sorts of supernatural and mystical things. What connection do I have with them?

Is the obscuring of the stele a consequence of the viewing of the stele?

But wait, the cracks on the Wendao Stele have been repaired.

In the eyes of Ni Quanwen and other officials of the academy, this was a great achievement.

Why would the Imperial Heavenly Palace arrest me? They even said they wanted to verify whether I was "possessed by an evil spirit." It's utterly absurd.

"and many more."

Xue Xiang suddenly realized something: "Consciousness invasion."

Xue Xiang felt a chill run down his spine. "The holy will and evil thoughts have evolved into countless forms. As long as one of them awakens, it will harbor absolute malice towards me. Could it be that the consciousness of the Palace Master of Qintian Palace has been invaded, and the holy will and evil thoughts are taking the opportunity to retaliate against me?"

Xue Xiang was lost in thought when he heard a sharp shout, "How dare you, Xue Xiang, not obey my command!"

The official in charge of issuing orders in the hall shouted sternly.

"Xue Xiang accepts the order."

Xue Xiang pinched his nose and agreed.

No matter how right he is, he wouldn't be foolish enough to go against the power of the system.

Wang Baxian smiled slightly, stepped forward, and revealed an iron lock. The lock's joints were shiny black, with subtle patterns that resembled flowing stars.

"What is this? Do you think I'm a criminal?"

Xue Xiang said coldly.

Wang Baxian followed, already anticipating trouble, but he never expected this bastard to be waiting here.

Wang Baxian said, "This is an order from above. Do you dare to disobey it?"

Xue cursed inwardly, but had no choice but to reach out.

With a snap, the iron chain tightened around his wrist, and a chill ran straight to his bones.

Xue Xiang was surprised to find that he could no longer mobilize his spiritual power. Wang Baxian whispered, "This is the Nebula Chain. Once worn, it will lock your spiritual power and seal your literary palace."

It's easy to break through; brute force will do. Even a Nascent Soul Ancestor could do that.

Hahaha……"

He was so pleased with himself that he couldn't help but burst into laughter.

The messenger in front of the hall did not stop them, which clearly showed that the two sides had a very good relationship.

“Lord Liu, I think it’s still early. Since you’re new to Canglan, why don’t you walk and enjoy the scenery?”

Wang Baxian cupped his hands and said.

The messenger paused for a moment, then immediately understood: this was to parade Xue Xiang through the streets, deliberately humiliating him.

It was a trivial matter, so he nodded slightly and granted Wang Baxian's wish.

…………

The morning light was intense, and the streets were bustling with voices.

Wang Baxian and his entourage left the prefectural government office, escorting Xue Xiang, and proceeded along the central avenue.

The street stones were slightly white from the sunlight, the Drum Tower bells were still ringing, and the curtains of the teahouses at the alley entrance were all lifted.

A flag bearer led the way, followed by yamen runners.

Xue Xiang's clothes remained neat, his expression was normal, and his steps were steady.

At first, nothing seemed amiss, until a sign was raised high by an attendant.

The sign read: "Official Xue Xiang, awaiting punishment, is being escorted to the capital by order."

The moment this sign was erected, it was as if a ladle of cold water had been poured into a pot of hot oil.

In particular, after it was confirmed that this Xue Xiang was the well-known Xue Xiang, the news spread like wildfire throughout the streets and alleys. Merchants put down their scales, tea drinkers rushed out of their shops, and shop assistants also peered out from under the eaves.

"Is that Young Master Xue?"

"What a pity that someone like that can be punished."

"Absurd! The Imperial Observatory arrests people without asking any questions, based solely on rumors."

The voices surged like waves, growing ever larger. Courtesans peeked out, their fair faces reflected behind the gauze curtains, their hairpins swaying wildly; the academy disciples watched from afar, softly reciting the four lines of Xue's poem he had written: "To establish a heart for Heaven and Earth, to establish a destiny for the people..."

The tavern owner on the street corner clicked his tongue and said to his waiter, "When Xue Langjun's 'Spring River Flower Moon Night' came out, my wine sold out. If we were to really take him to the Imperial Palace today, even Heaven would be ashamed."

At first, Wang Baxian was extremely satisfied with the storm he had stirred up.

He suddenly realized that the style of the painting was gradually getting wrong.

(End of this chapter)