In an era where everyone is cultivating immortality, the system wants me to become a demon?

Chapter 369 Taking Office! Dragon City!
Based solely on this "996" theory, the examiners were confident that Su Yuan had more than one or two powerful figures behind him.

His master, even if he wasn't a high-ranking official of the third rank or above in the celestial official system, must have been the master of a top-tier sect.

Otherwise, how could such a concise and enlightening management philosophy have been summarized?
"Such a precious dragon-slaying technique, second only to the ancient royal family's secret dragon-slaying technique that can bring prosperity to the dynasty, that mysterious big shot gave this method to Su Youlin, truly regarding this kid as a true successor."

The middle-aged official in scarlet robes thought to himself:

"Moreover, according to Su Youlin, 996 is just a minor path, while 007 is the true path... This kid has a powerful background, and his future is limitless!"

Not only him, but the other examiners in scarlet robes shared the same thought.

However, there's still some time before the three-minute interview deadline ends, so I can't just sit there doing nothing for the rest of the time.

The examiners prepared to conduct another test.

Perhaps Su Youlin will bring them an even greater surprise.

Thinking of this, an examiner sitting on the same side as Huai Lingwei, with a serious expression who had remained silent until now, said in a deep voice:
"Su Youlin, your so-called 996 management method is indeed ingenious, but you must know that bad people come from poor and remote areas."

“The local bullies in some remote cities may not follow your orders.”

"Many officials who only talk big and have mediocre practical skills wanted to implement good policies after taking office, but due to the interference of local bullies, their good policies turned into bad policies. In the end, they failed to pass the review of the higher authorities and were dismissed in less than a year."

"How do you deal with local bullies and seasoned veterans who openly or covertly oppose you?"

Su Yuan raised his hand and casually molded a seal out of his flesh and blood, placing it on the table.

"Excuse me, examiner, can this really make the 996 work schedule work?"

The lowest-ranking examiner replied:
"Yes, but you have to know how to compromise and cooperate with the local bullies."

Su Yuan smiled slightly, drew a scarlet sword from his dantian—a sword with black spots resembling blood droplets on its blade—and slammed it onto the table.
"Then may I ask the examiner, can this really make the 996 work schedule work?"

Upon seeing the Crimson Yuan Sword, the examiners' pupils suddenly contracted.

Even though the Crimson Origin Sword was concealed by the Immortal Skin Mask, preventing anyone from discovering its advanced weapon-forging technology, the celestial officials could still sense that it was a Nascent Soul level demonic weapon.

The fact that a mere Foundation Establishment cultivator could wield a Nascent Soul level demonic weapon speaks volumes about the terrifying nature of his background.

The most surprised person on the examiners' panel was Huai Lingwei.

Having already witnessed the power of the Moon-Catching Pearl, the Crimson Origin Sword was the second Nascent Soul-level magic weapon she had seen on Su Yuan.

The sight of two powerful Nascent Soul level magical treasures in succession made even the niece of this high-ranking official feel somewhat inferior.

She doesn't even have a single treasure at the Nascent Soul level.

Furthermore, the two great magic treasures, the Moon-Catching Pearl and the Crimson Origin Sword, are more or less related to the Blood Path and the Demonic Path, and are clearly from the same source as the Black Mud and the Flesh Tentacles, which makes Huai Lingwei even more convinced of Su Yuan's identity.

The male examiner was now stammering slightly, staring enviously at the Crimson Sword, and said:

"Yes... but if we go too far, we'll be seen as bandits and traitors."

Su Yuan placed the Blood and Flesh Official Seal and the Crimson Yuan Sword together and said with a faint smile:
"With this and this, can I govern a region?"

All the examiners fell silent.

After a long while, the high-ranking official in purple robes slowly spoke, delivering the final verdict:
“Young friend Su Youlin is indeed a man of great talent. I believe you should be given the highest official rank.”

"But we five need to discuss which city you will be assigned to. Please wait outside for a moment, young friend Su."

Su Yuan nodded slightly, put away his flesh and blood official seal and the Crimson Yuan Sword, and got up to leave.

Inside the room, the examiners in crimson robes repeatedly flipped through Su Youlin's file.

One of them couldn't help but say:
"Su Youlin's information is too deceptive. He was born into an ordinary family and became a rising star in the demonic path of the Cold Plum World through his own efforts and ruthlessness. There is nothing special about him."

"Is this fake information, or is it something that the powerful figure behind him is deliberately concealing?"

Another examiner in a scarlet robe said:
"It's all possible, but I think the most likely scenario is that the unknown entity wants to seize the Cold Plum World."

"This is a vast world rich in resources, with more than one Nascent Soul power that has the right to manage the Cold Plum World. This is a great help to both the public and the private sectors."

"Moreover, I heard that a considerable force has emerged in the Cold Plum World in recent years, and its leader is named Yan He."

"This person's origins are unknown, and he seems to be harboring some secrets. This is also one of the hidden benefits of controlling the Cold Plum World."

As the examiners in their crimson robes discussed the matter, they subtly observed their superiors out of the corner of their eyes.

The high-ranking official in purple robes said calmly:
"Lingwei, keep an eye on Su Youlin. If there's anything I can do to help you, just let me know."

Huai Lingwei felt a chill run down her spine and quickly nodded in agreement.

The other officials in scarlet robes suddenly realized what their superiors were planning.

Nine times out of ten, they plan to keep a close eye on Su Youlin, analyze his performance to understand the needs of the forces behind him, and then, at crucial moments, provide maximum assistance with minimal resources to gain their favor. This is standard procedure for their superiors.

And they, naturally, had to follow suit immediately.

With the tacit understanding among the five examiners, Su Yuan's official position and the location of his administration were quickly finalized.

In the examination room, the candidates anxiously awaited the final results.

Half an hour later, the temporary room that had been erected over the examiners' seats was removed, and the five examiners reappeared in front of the candidates.

The lowest-ranking male examiner read out the final assignments of the 103 candidates for celestial official positions.

"Zhang Jielian, official rank of 9th grade, official position of mayor of Qingnong Town, Jinjun County, shall take office within three days."

"Liu Jiulong, official rank of ninth grade, official position..."

Su Yuan listened silently to the assignment of official positions.

Unlike the ancient dynasties of his previous life where imperial power did not extend to the countryside, in the world of Heavenly Law, town mayors and township heads are also subject to the system of celestial officials.

The ninth rank is roughly equivalent to a section-level cadre in the modern world or the Blue Star Federation.

The lowest rank, from the ninth grade, is the deputy section chief level. This rank allows one to hold a deputy position in certain departments within the county or become a powerful figure in certain departments within the township.

Below the ninth rank, one becomes a minor official.

Most minor officials are cultivators in the early or mid-stages of Qi Refining, or even some ordinary martial artists, but they cannot be compared to clerks, because minor officials cannot become officials.

To advance, one must wait until reaching the Foundation Establishment stage and then attempt to take the Celestial Official Examination to be promoted from a clerk to a Celestial Official.

Of the 103 candidates for the position of Immortal Official, more than half can only circulate between the rank of Ninth Grade and the rank of Ninth Grade, or serve as a township or town head, or as a deputy in a county.

The key is to go deep into the grassroots.

Only a very small number of people were directly promoted to the rank of eighth-grade celestial official.

To Su Yuan's surprise, Qi Junxiang, a fellow villager who had hardly spent any money, actually obtained an eighth-rank position and was assigned to a county called Longcheng as a county lieutenant.

Su Yuan guessed that Qi Junxiang's appointment as county magistrate was probably partly due to his connections.

However, the eighth rank is already the limit for candidates without substantial background.

Only those second-generation immortals who are willing to spend money, come from prestigious families, and rank extremely high in the first two exams can obtain an official position starting from the eighth rank.

Of the 103 candidates, only four were granted official positions of the eighth rank.

This included the chubby Ying Ding, who also served as the county magistrate in Longcheng County.

At this point, only Su Yuan's official position and rank remained to be revealed.

However, Su Yuan had already anticipated this to some extent.

His only two acquaintances were both assigned to Longcheng County, so he's most likely...

Sure enough, the male examiner said in a solemn tone:
"Su Youlin, official rank of seventh grade, official position of Longcheng County Magistrate, to take office within three days."

"All those mentioned above can come to the Jinling City government office one day later to receive their official robes and seals, and then take up their posts as soon as possible via the teleportation array."

After saying that, the male examiner looked at Su Yuan with a mixture of complex emotions and envy.

Despite his diligent efforts, he only holds the rank of sixth grade, just half a grade higher than this young man with extraordinary connections. He said it was impossible not to envy him.

However, in the end, he did not show his envy and subtle jealousy, but simply smiled and said:

“Fellow Daoist Su Youlin, from now on I shall address you as Lord Su.”

Su Yuan responded politely:

"I don't dare, my subordinates."

The male examiner chuckled, and the atmosphere in the room became very harmonious.

The newly promoted celestial officials looked at Su Yuan with either envy or surprise, their minds filled with speculation.

Others only reach the eighth rank at most, but you skipped directly to the seventh rank?
This is the kind of treatment that only a Nascent Soul True Monarch's own son or daughter should receive!
This kid's background is simply unfathomable!
Ying Ding and Qi Junxiang, who were also assigned to Longcheng, were both delighted and in awe.

What they were happy about was being able to continue following in Su Yuan's footsteps, but what they feared was Su Yuan's unfathomable and terrifying background.

At the very least, Ying would absolutely not dare to speculate about what had happened between his boss and Huai Xianzi last night.

A day passed in the blink of an eye. After receiving his official robes, Su Yuan, accompanied by two subordinates, waved his hand dismissively:
"Let's go! To take up our post in Dragon City!"

(End of this chapter)