The establishment of the Celestial Dynasty began with the bestowal of the title upon the River God.

Li Yi had studied a small portion of the "Thousand Character Classic" with Qin Shi, and recently, under Zhang Junyi's guidance, he had mastered about half of it. Ordinary reading and writing were no longer a problem for him.

However, judging from the teacher's opening remarks, he seemed quite knowledgeable. To put it more broadly, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to call him a fellow traveler. So I listened attentively and diligently, and sure enough, I gained something from the lecture.

After more than half an hour, the teacher left the school. Horse-faced man immediately rushed over, grabbed Zhong Ming, and sighed in a low voice:

"Why is Master Xu personally giving the lecture? Does he enjoy teaching and occasionally make guest appearances at the school?"

Xu Gong?!

The person who just now?

Li Yi was shocked. Just yesterday, Junyi mentioned that he was the only confirmed Golden Core cultivator in Qifeng County, and he met him the very next day.

Li Erhu is truly blessed; he actually had a conversation with Master Xu.

"Don't make wild guesses. As the nephew of the Assistant Magistrate, if you are caught by Lord Xu, you will only be beaten more severely."

Zhong Ming ignored him and instead smiled at Li Yi:

"I have something to discuss with Brother Li. Would it be possible for us to have a drink together at the Imperial Cuisine Restaurant after my shift?"

Li Yi didn't understand, but he still nodded.

A quarter of an hour passed quietly, and once the surveying instructors arrived, the classroom finally returned to silence.

……

Meanwhile, after Xu Xiaofeng left the school, she was stopped by Gongsun Boyan near the school's waterside pavilion.

"how?"

Xu Xiaofeng shook her head slightly. "I went to Sanyi Manor a while ago. That kid is quite diligent in his cultivation, but it's not enough. Today, when he preached, no luck descended upon him. It seems he hasn't achieved enlightenment. Even though he has a good physique, he's still a stubborn rock."

Gongsun Boyan couldn't help but laugh.

"How many people can achieve enlightenment after hearing just one sermon? It's rare to find someone who can suddenly awaken after enduring immense suffering. I think Master Xu's demands are too high."

Xu Xiaofeng spoke calmly:

"If they cannot surpass me, what use are they?"

Gongsun Boyan gave a low hum, complaining with a mixture of envy and resentment:

"A Golden Core cultivator speaks with such authority."

……

When the scouts finished their shift, it wasn't too late; even though it gets dark earlier in winter, there was still an hour or so left.

Horse Face shamelessly followed along to Yu Huan Xian for a free meal, while Li Yi dismissed Er Hu, Xiao Guan, and Liu Zhi, and rode his horse all the way to the restaurant.

After the three had eaten and drunk their fill, Zhong Ming finally spoke:

"To be honest, I have a favor to ask of you."

"There are currently only four soldiers on duty at Sanyi Manor. There should still be vacancies for military households. I have been entrusted by my elders to look after a cousin and help him find a military position."

Upon hearing this, Li Yi frowned slightly.

Because of Feng Jun's case, Li Yi was somewhat sensitive about this.

Zhong Ming saw through it, but still said:

"My cousin is a mid-stage Qi Refining cultivator with Yang Fire Qi, so he cannot obtain military merits or titles, and naturally cannot hold an official position. If he wants to join the army, he needs some connections."

Brother Li, rest assured, my cousin is easygoing and easy to get along with. Moreover, he comes from a wealthy family and will not take up military rations. He will provide for all his own needs. You see…”

Li Yi did not respond immediately, but thought for a moment before saying:

"I need to meet with someone first."

Zhong Ming's expression softened, and he raised his cup, saying, "Thank you for gracing me with your presence, Brother Li. Since my cousin wants to work under you, I will ask him to visit Sanyi Manor tomorrow morning. Whether it works out or not, it will not affect our camaraderie."

Horse Face was surprised to hear this, and now he finally had a chance to join the conversation.

"You also have a cousin who's at the mid-stage of Qi Refining? That's quite a family tradition!"

Li Yi nodded in agreement. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to call two young talents from the same family "immortals".

Zhong Ming chuckled and waved his hand, "The clan is very strict and doesn't allow the younger generation to speak out of turn, so please spare me."

The banquet was a success, and Li Yi bid farewell to the two men before riding off to the Zhang residence.

Zhang Ling, the military advisor, had just finished his shift and was reading a travelogue in his study.

"Uncle Zhang," Li Yi called out softly as he entered the room.

"It's Yi-ge'er." Zhang Ling closed the travelogue. "I heard that the garrison and barracks are all very busy. Yi-ge'er must have something to do?"

Li Yi chuckled awkwardly, "I've come to check on Uncle Zhang for Junyi."

Zhang Ling sighed dejectedly, "We both know the truth, so there's no need to make excuses for me. Speak frankly. I see that Junyi has made up her mind about you, so I'll swallow my pride and treat you as her son-in-law. Just say it directly."

Li Yi sat down on the stool.

"Uncle Zhang must have taken note of my military achievements; I wonder if they are sufficient for a promotion?"

Zhang Ling nodded slightly, a smile appearing on his face.

"Yi-ge'er has recently earned eighty points of third-rank military merit. Considering that there should be more income soon, the Six Ministries have decided to hold onto it for now, and settle the accounts all at once after the army goes on the expedition."

Li Yi responded, wondering what kind of title he could be granted.

Zhang Ling pondered for a moment: "The third-level 'Zan Niao' is already a certainty, enough to serve as a squad leader or platoon leader; if we can gather a hundred, we can be promoted to the fourth-level 'Bu Geng'."

The rank of "team leader" is a military rank within the barracks, but it is relatively rare in border regions.

Compared to the title of "Zan Niao," the title of "Bu Geng" did not significantly enhance military authority, but it represented the highest rank of "Shi" (a type of scholar).

Upon being promoted again, he entered the ranks of the high-ranking officials.

A fifth-rank "Daifu" was qualified to serve as a centurion, holding a proper official position in the court.

Once one reaches the rank of Daifu (大夫), the possibility of becoming a mere clerk is completely eliminated, and one is guaranteed to start as an official.

After resolving his confusion, Li Yi visited Zhang's mother before returning to the estate.

He first handed the "Detailed Rules for Stomach Earth to Absorb Qi" to Li Erhu, and then returned to his official residence to tell Junyi about what he had seen and heard that day.

"...I just came back from the Zhang residence. Actually...not only Aunt, but Uncle Zhang also misses you."

Seeing the girl fall silent, Li Yi stopped there and moved on to another matter:

"Around the time before or after the army sets off, I estimate that I will be promoted again. At that time, could you please go to the Great Cold Mountain and manage some fields for me? In addition, the River God of the Azure Dragon River is a kidney water cultivator like you. The water qi on both sides of the river must be rich, which is beneficial to cultivation."

Zhang Junyi did not hesitate and nodded:

"My daughter has some connection with the River God, and he will offer incense daily. I'm sure he won't drive her away, but..."

She changed the subject, her face showing worry.

"Brother Yi is usually shrewd and approachable, but I know he also has a stubborn side. He won't be with me on the expedition, so please think things through carefully and avoid getting angry, lest you hurt yourself and others."

"Okay."

Li Yi couldn't resist pinching the girl's delicate nose and shaking it a couple of times, which made her furious and roll her eyes at him.

……

On the second day of school, Li Yi got up early and prepared to cultivate his Qi after breakfast. Suddenly, he heard Zhong Ming shouting outside the official residence.

Old Wang had received the instructions yesterday, so he quickly opened the courtyard gate and invited the person into the main hall.

Li Yi went out to greet them and immediately spotted the person beside Zhong Ming.

The man was dressed in a simple cotton-padded coat, which was nothing special, but his face was hard to ignore; he truly deserved the title of handsome.

Li Yi sized him up, and he sized Li Yi up as well. Perhaps because he had a decent impression of him, he greeted him with a smile.

"My name is Zhong Ziqi. I greet you, sir."