Full-Time Magister: I Had No Intention of Reaching the Dimensional Throne

Chapter 359 Jade Futon, Rabbit's Den

"You're a dead man, all you know is that. The city lord asked you to investigate those people, so you should take care of your business first."

"What's the point of investigating? They're either from the Magic Association, the Inquisition, or just some greenhorn. Who are we protecting? We're the ones who call the shots at Tianmen."

The priest, kneading the jade prayer mat, stared at her with lustful eyes and said with a beaming smile,

"Last year, someone who seemed to be from the trial committee came. He felt that what Mingwang Temple was doing was wrong, but he had no evidence."

He scoffed, "Well, this is just like Zhou Yu beating Huang Gai—one is willing to hit, and the other is willing to be hit."

"That little thing has been at Tianmen for over a year, working tirelessly day and night, yet it still hasn't achieved anything. At Tianmen, we are the heavens!"

His confident words infuriated the listener.

This conversation also reveals that the local magic organization of Tianmen was involved in the matter of collecting the Mingwang Tax from the Yuwen family.

Whether they were forced into becoming someone else's puppets or surrendered willingly, it seems highly likely that they used special means to coerce the people of Tianmen and extort money by 'begging for divine protection'.

The old man even uttered phrases like "I am the god," revealing his arrogance. Therefore, Bai Mo stopped secretly inquiring and proceeded step by step to collect evidence.

He decided to use extraordinary means, so he revealed himself directly and asked calmly,

"Really? Who gave you the guts?"

The sudden appearance of a voice immediately made the two people, who were about to make love, start nagging.

"You! Who are you! This is forbidden territory of the Yuwen family, how dare a mere brat like you trespass!"

The priest roared angrily, and at the same time, a high-level mage's aura surged forth, as if flames were about to burst forth from his body.

"snort!"

Bai Mo glanced at him, instantly locking onto him with powerful mental energy, and without using magic, directly pinned him to the ground.

"Bai Bai Mo!!"

When Madam Xu saw him appear, her eyes widened suddenly, and her previously rosy cheeks turned pale instantly.

"No, you can't! You can't kill me! They did all those things, it has nothing to do with me, it has nothing to do with me!"

She muttered in a trance-like manner, then collapsed to the ground, retreating backward.

She kept many male lovers and knew about all kinds of famous handsome men in the country, so she also knew about Bai Mo.

Because of this, I specifically looked into the information about the Spark Trial and learned that they have the power to act first and ask questions later against evil elements.

Therefore, when he saw Bai Mo here, he was immediately terrified.

Bai Mo used telepathy to explain the situation to Ding Yumin and the other two, and asked them to investigate evidence that the Yuwen family of the Proving Temple had used methods to force the people of Tianmen to pay "divine taxes".

He believed that since someone harbored resentment towards the Ming King, they must have been persecuted by the Yuwen family and knew the truth.

At the same time, it also helped them find the judge who had been persisting here for a year.

As for Bai Mo, this is the job of interrogation.

The two people in front of them were the city lord's wife and a core member of the Yuwen family; they must know something.

"Wind Spirit!"

Bai Mo summoned the Wind Spirit, "Use your mental abilities to control these two guys in front of you."

"No!"

Feng Ling let out a soft cry, shaking off specks of crystalline light that landed on the two people, who immediately froze in shock.

"Well done!"

Seeing this, Bai Mo nodded slightly, praised Feng Ling, and then began to ask about the good deeds that the Yuwen family had done under the guise of the Ming King.

The situation was roughly as he and Lingling had deduced.

At first, Yuwen Jia was indeed just an ordinary believer in the Ming King, but he was not doing well.

Later, in a place in Tianmen Mountain, they found a strange lock.

Through research, they discovered that the lock has the effect of constricting sunlight while simultaneously imbuing it with a scorching power.

So, about fifty years ago, a strange change began in the Tianmen area, first with an unusually bright light, and then with a continuous bright light.

The intense sunlight affected crops and brought with it intense heat, igniting farmland and dealing a devastating blow to Tianmen's economy.

When alarming a high-level mage and a mage corps proved ineffective, the method devised by the Yuwen family's ancestors finally worked.

These are divine leaves obtained from the gods. Possessing a divine leaf and placing it in the fields will protect the crops.

Thus, a belief in the Ming King arose in Tianmen.

At the same time, under the influence of the Ming King, Tianmen began to recover and develop rapidly.

Some people came to investigate during that time, but unfortunately, that era was too long ago, and much of it was buried.

In addition, the Yuwen family gradually became involved with local magic organizations.

Three years ago, an even more important figure came to Qingzhou, and the Yuwen family was fortunate enough to be seated at that important figure's table.

Upon hearing this, Bai Mo's heart stirred. Wasn't the Spark Trial just missing an opportunity to make a powerful impact?

Now, isn't this opportunity here?

However, before that, we need to clarify his original goal.

"Where's the lock you got?"

"The place where we found the Treasure Lock is a secret family sanctuary, where the Treasure Lock can only regain its power."

"Who is that important person? Tell us."

"I don't know, only the city lord knows." After Madam Xu finished speaking, the priest on the other side also said, "Only the head of the family knows."

"Then I'll take you to find someone who knows."

As Bai Mo spoke calmly, the silver diamond light enveloped the three of them, and in an instant they appeared in the city lord's study.

A man stared in astonishment at the newcomers. His gaze immediately locked onto Bai Mo, and he said in a deep voice,

"If you leave now, I can pretend I know nothing. Tomorrow, I will resign to take responsibility!"

Bai Mo has been making headlines lately. Some individual hunters may not know him, but some organization members, especially the management, have more or less remembered his face.

"I won't leave. Who are you working for? Confess and you'll be treated leniently," Bai Mo said.

"Even if you don't tell me, I have ways to make you talk."

The city lord glanced at his disheveled wife and his equally disheveled business partner beside her.

Upon noticing that neither of them had any injuries, especially no signs of torture, his expression immediately changed.

"He is the president of the Daming Lake Dharma Masters Council, a true master who has reached the pinnacle! Bai Mo, don't make a mistake. There are some people you cannot and should not touch!"

Upon hearing this, Bai Mo's eyes flickered. The president of the Daming Lake Dharma Masters Council could be considered to be at the highest level in Qingzhou.

If someone's strength is at the pinnacle, then things will be difficult.

He needs help, and besides, he can't just listen to the city lord alone.

Bai Mo pointed, and a spatial barrier descended around him, trapping him in place.

"I'll find out if you're lying."

After speaking, he gestured to Feng Ling, who immediately took control of the city lord and then explained the information about the person behind the scenes.

Unable to find a solution, Bai Mo teleported again, taking the priest to the Yuwen family.

The Yuwen family was not located within Tianmen City, but rather on the foothills of Tianmen Mountain.

This is a large mountain villa. The central hall at the highest point inside the villa is where the head of the family usually stays.

It is also located above the place where the family's most treasured possessions are located.

Bai Mo brought the priest directly here, and also picked up Ding Yumin and the other two.

Having subdued the head of the Yuwen family without alerting anyone else, Bai Mo didn't ask who was behind it all, but instead inquired about the treasure lock.

"Take us to where the treasure lock is kept."

"Yes!" Yuwen Ling responded blankly, then turned and led the group into the hall.

Then he came to a statue, turned the statue's head, and immediately a downward-facing hole opened up nearby.

Yuwen Ling stepped inside first, and Bai Mo and the other three followed.

After walking a few meters, they could feel that the ground around them was not a mountain, but simply a foundation.

At that moment, Yuwen Ling stopped. In front of them was an unremarkable mountain.

"We've arrived. To enter, we need a key, which was taken by the adults two years ago. We need to contact the adults to open this place."

Upon hearing this, the faces of the group darkened. They wanted to take something from a peak-level expert.

They didn't react much to the explanation that a key was needed to get in. On the contrary, it would be strange if they just wandered around and found a treasure, since legends always have vague details.

After learning that the person behind this was a top-tier individual, they all understood that without real power, having evidence was not enough to deter such a person.

"If I do my best, I can hold off a top-tier mage for a while," Ding Yumin said.

"It's not safe. If he runs away, we can't stop him. I'll go and call Hollow Willow."

Bai Mo shook his head and said, "Besides, we can't go to him; he needs to come to us."

At this moment, Jiang Shaoxu asked Yuwen Ling, "What is the name of this peak-level mage?"

"Zhuang Yue".

Upon hearing this, Bai Mo immediately frowned, while Ding Yumin also furrowed her brows.

Zhuang Yue—he naturally remembered this name. A few years ago, he was a member of the Mingzhu Congress and the Deputy Minister of Coast Guard.

Because he remembered what this guy had done to Ding Yumin in the original story, he helped him out a little. Afterwards, this guy was apparently removed from his position in the Coast Guard.

But how come Mingzhu Councilor is no longer here, and has become the speaker of Daming Lake?

"This Zhuang Yue was originally a councilor at the Mingzhu Mage Tower. After you exposed Dean Li's affairs, you also found him. He sacrificed the pawn to save the king, thus retaining his councilor status."

"However, we also offended him. He didn't know it was you who did it, but he kept investigating. When Uncle Bai found out about this, he joined forces with other family councilors to drive him out of Shanghai."

"I heard this from the dean."

Ding Yumin said slowly, "After that, I don't know if he investigated you anymore."

Upon hearing this, Bai Mo raised an eyebrow slightly; he knew nothing about these things.

"Did he investigate you?"

Bai Mo asked, still feeling that he had done something wrong back then.

That's too trivial. As for Dean Li's matter, we should first gather evidence and cover it up, and then wait until he has the power now.

Just slap him to death!

Most importantly, it's unclear whether that old man knew about Ding Yumin's matter, or whether Zhuang Yue knew about it from Dean Li.

At the time, he mainly wanted to nip the danger in the bud, and he couldn't say which method was better.

Ding Yumin naturally understood what Bai Mo was asking, and she simply shook her head gently.

"He couldn't find anything out, and he didn't know anything about me."

"I heard my grandfather say that Zhuang Yue is a top-level cultivator who specializes in the wind element."

Lingling suddenly spoke up. She didn't object to the group discussing how to kill a peak-level expert; instead, she offered a suggestion.

"Our first step is to lure him out. This matter can probably be handled by the Yuwen family. Zhuang Yue might have his eye on the treasure lock; using it to lure him might work."

Upon hearing this, the group exchanged glances and nodded. The only excuse was that the Yuwen family needed to use the magic lock, which required a key to open the door. However, this was merely requesting the key; Zhuang Yue might not come in person.

"Since he's taken a liking to the treasure lock, it must contain light energy. We can have Yuwen Ling say that the secret realm is radiating golden light, which might indicate some unusual activity. He'll definitely come if he hears about it," Jiang Shaoxu said.

Bai Mo shook his head and expressed his opinion.

"That's not safe. Since Tianmen City has a Mingwang Festival every month, they must change the light of the magic lock every month to show its divine power. Even if they don't, Yuwen Ling can use that as an excuse to get the key."

"We'll use the key to thoroughly investigate Fang Ritu's remains, seize the lock and key, and then Zhuang Yue won't have to worry about not coming."

Upon hearing this, everyone nodded in agreement, and Ding Yumin immediately controlled Yuwen Ling to send a message to Zhuang Yue.

Lingling and Jiang Shaoxu, on the other hand, set about collecting evidence from the Yuwen family and the official organizations of Tianmen City.

They can't be of much help in the battle, but they can help in terms of having a legitimate reason for fighting.

Taking advantage of this time, Bai Mo had Jingwei carry him back to Shanghai, bringing the hollow willow with him.

Upon seeing Old Man Bao at the hunting lodge, he took the opportunity to inquire about Zhuang Yue's whereabouts.

"Why are you asking about him?"

"I heard he's investigating me?"

"It seems like there is such a thing, but it's not that simple, is it?"

Bai Mo briefly explained the situation, not intending to hide anything. Old Man Bao pondered for a long time after hearing this, then said...

"He is indeed guilty, but not to the point of death."

"I can have Yu Mian turn him into an undead and let him die on the battlefield. That's better than him living a life of petty scheming."

Old Bao paused, unsure what to say, before finally speaking.

"This is the first time I've seen you harbor such strong malice towards someone."

"Dean Li was originally one of his people, and I'm worried that he might know about Yu Mian's affairs."

Bai Mo knew what Old Man Bao was worried about, and said it again.

"You should know what kind of person I am. What you're worried about won't happen. You also know what kind of person Zhuang Yue is and how many real things he has accomplished since becoming a top-level individual."

"Even disregarding all that, the fact that he secretly provides protection for the Yuwen family of Tianmen City is enough. Demons won't allow him to unleash magic, but a shaky throne will."

Old Man Bao nodded slightly, but reminded him, "I hope you remember your true self and don't become like Zhuang Yue."

"Alright, alright, we've finished our heart-to-heart talk. Now, tell me about Zhuang Yue's information, right?"

Bai Mo waved his hand to interrupt.

Upon hearing this, Old Man Bao stroked his beard, not knowing whether to laugh or cry.

"Zhuang Yue specializes in wind, secondary water, and light, with four plant-based elements. But for a peak-level cultivator, the so-called primary and secondary specializations are no longer very important."

"Therefore, you must be extremely careful when you take action."

Upon hearing this, Bai Mo nodded seriously. Knowing that he was a magic user would make it much easier to deal with him.

Although a single peak-level being can contend with a supreme monarch, even with two of them, he still can't defeat you?

Bai Mo didn't stay with Old Man Bao for long before setting off again and returning to Tianmen Mountain.

He acted quickly enough that the keys Zhuang Yue sent had not yet arrived even after Yuwen Ling's request was approved.

The four of them were not in a hurry. Together, they sorted out the whole situation at Tianmen.

Incidentally, Bai Mo also met the judge, who turned out to be a senior alumnus of Mingzhu Academy.

He had also dealt with Yun Hua, the former chief student of the Wind Element Academy.

He joined the Spark Trial Network and accepted the mission to investigate the Mingwang faith in Tianmen City.

Therefore, he stayed here for more than a year, and with his help, Bai Mo and others were able to organize their work more smoothly.

"Senior Yun, I'd like you to announce the whole story of the Tianmen City incident. What do you think?"

"Hmm? I haven't been of much use; in fact, I've wasted a year here," Yunhua said.

"No, I just want to make a name for the Spark Trials and send a warning to others."

Bai Mo frankly stated, "Using my name wouldn't easily highlight this matter; instead, people would focus more on me personally."

He does have some self-awareness.

Yunhua knew that the Spark Trial Network was now under Bai Mo's control. After thinking it over, he finally nodded and asked no questions.

After Bai Mo and the others had sorted out the matter and completed the recruitment of personnel, Yuwen Ling sent a message that the key had arrived.

The key was a thin, white-gold chain, like a necklace.

After obtaining the key, Bai Mo immediately led Ding Yumin and the other two to that secret place.

As the key in front of him began to vibrate, it gradually stirred up layers of spatial ripples, summoning a circle of spatial portals.

Bai Mo stepped in first, without any discomfort. In the blink of an eye, he arrived at a space where all sides were bathed in a faint golden light.

Ding Yumin and the other two also entered one after another, looking around.

Finding the remains of Fang Ri Tu to obtain source power and improve cultivation is one aspect; another aspect is to find clues about other constellations.

Lingling has never stopped searching for the Star Token in this regard.

Unfortunately, these are all they have for now.

There were no special patterns on any of the four sides; the entire space resembled a natural cave, simply bathed in a faint golden light.

In the center of the cave, a pale golden lock-shaped object, resembling a Luban lock, was quietly placed in a dish that was entirely solidified from golden light.

"This looks like a rabbit hutch?" Lingling glanced at it but didn't bang on it.

Bai Mo stepped forward and placed his hand on the rabbit hutch formed by condensed light elements. The barely perceptible silver protection on his hand did not waver at all.

At the same time, upon getting closer, he sensed a powerful light-based energy.

So he turned and waved to Jiang Shaoxu, who was standing some distance away, "This is a very condensed ball of light energy. See if you can absorb it?"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Shaoxu stopped and looked around. She took a few steps forward, and her eyes immediately lit up.

"A very pure crystal of light element, are you sure you want to give it to me?"

"If you don't want it, it's useless to us. If you absorb it now, can you break through to the Light Element Super Rank?" Bai Mo asked.

"Absorb it. We're out treasure hunting, and we'll get a share if we find something, but maybe next time you come along, there won't be anything for you," Ding Yumin said.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Shaoxu nodded. "I'm still a bit short of reaching the perfection of the high-level light system. Let's take it first."

She took out a jade box, and a semi-transparent space unfolded, revealing the glittering rabbit hutch inside.

When the rabbit burrow, which was more than three feet long, disappeared, only a hole the size of a basketball appeared below it.

Bai Mo glanced inside and saw a golden radiance, as if endless light elements were flowing within it.

Besides that, there was nothing else to see.

With a wave of his hand, a constellation descended, silver dust fell, and white ink teleported away.

Then they saw a space about the same size as before, still resembling a cave, with nothing on the four walls.

Except that it wasn't a dazzling expanse of gold like outside, there weren't even any rabbit burrows, and the ground was completely flat.

Bai Mo glanced around briefly and then opened a spatial portal at the spot where he had just teleported.

They brought Ding Yumin and the other two over, and together they searched, but found no clues.

"There's nothing here, so what's the purpose of this space?" Lingling asked curiously.

Jiang Shaoxu speculated, "Could it have been taken by the Yuwen family?"

"No, I reviewed Yuwen Ling's memories. They thought the rabbit hutch was for powering the lock and hadn't touched it," Ding Yumin said.

"So, we're the first ones here." Lingling pondered for a moment, then her eyes lit up. She looked at the lock and chain in Bai Mo's hand, and then at Jiang Shaoxu.

"Token! Try activating the token!"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Shaoxu understood and immediately produced the room token.

As magical energy was inputted, the room lit up with light. It did not display any solidification magic, but instead produced golden photons, like marbles.

It flashed out and disappeared into the surrounding walls, leaving only a recessed token shape on the wall.

Without a word, Jiang Shaoxu took a step forward, raised his hand, and pressed the token on, fitting it perfectly.

Then, shimmering ripples spread out again, and a spatial portal opened.

The group entered and came to a slightly smaller cave.

The cave was dark, but Jiang Shaoxu lit up the cave with a glowing light in his hand.

He then picked up the token from the ground and looked around.

What first caught their attention was a giant statue lying in the center of the cave.

This is a rabbit lying down, its whole body is white and gold, and it has a dignified appearance.

It was about the size of an off-road vehicle, and under the light, its surface shimmered with a faint glow.

There was absolutely no sign of life!

Faint totem patterns can be seen on its body.

"This must be Fang Ritu's, right?"

"It's recorded on the wall!" Lingling pointed to the surrounding walls.

Bai Mo shifted his gaze to the wall, where murals were displayed.

He could already read this type of mural record fluently.

The above roughly records the story of Fang Ri Tu transforming into the Heavenly Gate Pass to suppress local demons.

It was also mentioned that after a long battle, the Fangri Rabbit was exhausted and went into a deep sleep to counteract the bloodlust brought on by the killing. If it is to be reborn, the guardian needs to find it while it is sleeping.

Then, the Void Sun Lock is opened. The Void Sun Lock contains a trace of Fang Ri Tu's essence, which can awaken him from his slumber.

"This is a living totem!" Lingling exclaimed in surprise. "The Void Sun Lock must be the one you're holding, Bai Mo! How do we open it?"

(End of this chapter)