Forge a path to success

"...The affairs of the world are endless and the will of Heaven is inescapable."

The dream of a tripartite balance of power is now just a distant memory; future generations can only offer empty lamentations.

Chu Hengkong slammed his phone down like a gavel, took a sip of water to moisten his throat, and said, "The story of Romance of the Three Kingdoms ends here. The book is finished."

He was a little worried about Qingxia's mood; after all, he had rarely seen a child finish reading the Romance of the Three Kingdoms without feeling melancholy. Qingxia blinked, then lowered her head somewhat dejectedly.

"So General Lü didn't come back to life after all..."

"The first thing they said after hearing that was?! How long has it been since the White Gate Tower incident?! They're still thinking about Lü Bu?!"

Qingxia was indignant: "And Lü Bu wasn't even mentioned in the final closing poem! Li Jue and Guo Si were clearly mentioned!"

“Well, after all…” Chu Hengkong paused, “Alright, I also think we should mention Lü Bu; after all, he’s an important figure.”

"Right! That's not fair~ That's not fair~"

Qingxia slammed onto the sofa and sighed softly, "I never expected it to end like this."

"It's surprising that Shu didn't win, isn't it?"

"It's not that bad. Liu Bei's power was never as great as Cao Cao's. When I heard the story, I thought Cao Cao would unify the country... but all the heroes died, and Sima Yi was the one who had the last laugh. On one hand, it seems excessive, but on the other hand, it seems very realistic," Qingxia said. "Is that how history really went?"

Chu Hengkong shrugged: "The general direction is the same: the three families were united under the Jin Dynasty, and the Sima family gained control of the country. However, the Jin Dynasty only lasted for more than 150 years before it came to an end, followed by a new era of chaos."

"That's it..."

Qingxia stopped talking, swinging her legs back and forth, and looked out the window. A small bird was perched on a treetop, preening its feathers before taking flight. Her gaze followed the bird, drifting high into the sky.

"I have a strange feeling."

"how?"

“I used to really, really love this story,” Qingxia said. “I loved every character in the book, and just imagining their interactions and battles made me very happy. But after hearing the real ending, I realized that I… don’t love this story as much anymore.”

Qingxia held the crumpled storybook, lost in thought: "But this is what the story is really like. So, what I like isn't actually 'Romance of the Three Kingdoms' and the characters in the book, but my own imagination?"

"You can use a simple method to distinguish them," Chu Hengkong said. "If I were to tell you the story of the Three Kingdoms again now, would you still listen?"

"I want to hear it!" Qingxia immediately raised her hand. "I want to hear about shooting the halberd at the gate, the three heroes fighting Lü Bu, Zhao Zilong rescuing his lord single-handedly, and Zhuge Liang burning the Red Cliffs!"

“You even lit it, huh?” Chu Hengkong flicked her forehead. “Then it seems you still love this story, because you still have passion for it.”

"But I don't like this ending."

“I don’t like it either. I think that among readers of popular literature, few people truly like the ending of the Three Kingdoms being unified under the Jin Dynasty,” Chu Hengkong said. “However, liking a story doesn’t mean you have to like every single paragraph. You can love one part and make some judgments about another you don’t like. That’s the attitude of a reader.”

Qingxia pondered for a moment: "But can this kind of attitude, which contains 'impurities,' really be considered liking?"

"Unreserved affection and indiscriminate hatred are both terrible emotions." Chu Hengkong rubbed her head. "People's views are always different. Even things we create ourselves are bound to have flaws, let alone the creations of others from thousands of years ago."

If someone says they love everything about another, then that person is deliberately ignoring the factors that displease them; they are deceiving others, and also deceiving themselves. I think you're familiar with this kind of behavior.

Qingxia realized: "Just like a high-level lustful demon."

Forced obedience, ingrained adoration, and an unshakeable class society built upon this foundation—this monotonous fanaticism can be seen as a symbol of the Hedonistic Demon's heretical nature.

“It’s not uncommon to find people who are intellectually inclined towards heterodox paths,” Chu Hengkong said. “So, the first story is over. What would you like to hear next? Don’t rush to answer. I’ll give you two choices.”

Chu Hengkong held up two fingers: "First, the story of Sun Wukong leading Tang Sanzang on their journey to the West. There are many joyful moments along the way, as well as subtle allusions to the chaos of the time. In the end, the journey is successful and everyone is happy. It's your favorite happy ending."

"Secondly, there are the lovesick men and women in the Grand View Garden, who engage in chess, music, calligraphy, painting, and love, and whose witty remarks and famous works are endless, but whose final endings may not be to your liking."

Which one do you want to choose?

"Mmmmmmm..."

Qingxia hugged her arms tightly, deep in thought, when suddenly a single hair that had been standing tall on her head drooped down.

"I want to hear about Sun Wukong's havoc in the Heavenly Palace, but I'm also very interested in Jia Baoyu's ending. But if I only listen to stories I like, won't I become a monotonous person? So, should I go listen to the story of the Grand View Garden?"

Chu Hengkong smiled without saying a word. Qingxia thought for a while, then raised her hands in protest: "Chu Hengkong, you're so mean! I don't want to choose anymore! Can't I have both?"

“Of course,” Chu Hengkong said. “That’s the correct answer.”

"?"

“Reading is different from life; it’s not a one-time choice. What you read first and what you read later, what you want to read and what you don’t want to read, is entirely your own freedom. Being forced by a sense of responsibility to read things you’re not interested in won’t bring you joy, but actively engaging with stories you’re unfamiliar with might bring you surprises.” Chu Hengkong put away his phone. “Stay away from ‘should’ and ‘must’ and don’t become a boring adult.”

Qingxia nodded repeatedly: "Chu Hengkong is like a teacher..."

"You're too much like a child."

How do you choose your stories now?

“I’ve started actively choosing stories I like to read, and it’s gradually becoming boring.” Chu Hengkong shrugged. “My old man used to just pick a few books to read over and over, and he wasn’t interested in anything else. That’s what makes him a boring old man.”

"In that case, we should read as many books as possible while we can still read."

Qingxia muttered to herself, then suddenly stood up: "I'm going out!"

"Where to go?"

"Go check if the children are studying properly." Qingxia turned around. "I can give you a ride, come along~".

As she turned, her lower body stretched like putty, sprouting two demonic hooves. White fur grew rapidly, hardening into bone armor. Qingxia's head touched the ceiling, and in the blink of an eye, she transformed into a centaur, smiling down at Chu Hengkong.

"After only a few days, I'm already not used to your appearance anymore."

"I actually feel more natural now~" Qingxia said, skipping around. "When you're going to walk a long way, you have to use all four legs."

With four hooves clattering, leaving two trails of footprints on the cobblestone path, Qingxia walked beside Chu Hengkong with small steps. Twice as tall as her companion, she looked like a small, orange-red tree. The citizens of Huilong City cast admiring glances, whispering amongst themselves from a distance.

Most people believe that this remarkable centaur is the mount that the chief detective has tamed, a few firmly believe that she is the chief detective's new girlfriend, and some even swear that Chief Detective Chu had an affair with a horse while on an adventure, and this female centaur is the fruit of their love.

Chu Hengkong silently activated a chain of misfortunes, casting a small curse on the one who spoke carelessly—a curse that would make him step in dog poop. He patted Qingxia's horse: "Becoming a 4th mass point is really convenient."

"This is my talent; ordinary Skywing transformations aren't this simple," Qingxia said smugly.

Chapter 267 Where to Go From Here (Part 2)

After reaching Particle 4, the Ascended on the Path of Unity gain the ability to freely control their own bodies.

The degree of freedom in this ability varies from person to person. Most Skywing users can freely retract their manifested wings and make minor changes to their limbs and facial features. A small number of gifted individuals or special races can freely adjust their height, alter their limbs, and even "disguise" themselves from the inside out.

Qingxia is a rare type among the Cheng Kong Wings. Thanks to the inherent talent of the Xiangyu Demon Clan, she can freely switch between the forms of point 1 to 3. Her unique mutated virus also gives her the creativity to drastically change her body according to her own imagination, transcending the inherent framework of the heretical path.

In theory, Qingxia could transform into a complete horse or other animal form, but she herself did not want to do so.

"I've heard my grandfather say that if the physical changes are too drastic, there's a possibility of losing oneself. That's why the more powerful an Ascendant is, the more cautious they are about their transformation abilities."

“That makes sense. The spirit-body is easily affected by the material-physical body. For example, physical disabilities can greatly affect a person’s mental state.” Chu Hengkong nodded. “We should be especially careful about changes in facial features, as they are the clearest definition of oneself.”

“Yeah, so no matter what I become, I’ll keep my face.” Qingxia poked her cheek. “I heard that during the war years, some Ascendants became ‘Faceless’ specifically for infiltration operations. I feel like their ghosts would turn into a lump of dough without a face.”

“You’re wrong. Those kinds of people have the strongest sense of self,” Chu Hengkong said.

"?Why?"

"Their spirits can remain stable without the reference of a physical body, which is why they don't need their own faces," Chu Hengkong said calmly. "You must be vigilant when you encounter such people; they are the most terrifying type in the world."

"I've learned a lot." Qingxia took out her notebook and carefully wrote it down, "Be careful of Wuxiang..."

"Don't use that kind of misleading writing style." Chu Heng wanted to pat her head, but couldn't reach it. "We're here. Be serious and don't let the kids laugh at us."

"Cough cough!"

Qingxia put away her notebook, striking a pose of a proud warrior captain. They walked past the beautiful wooden wall covered in ivy and arrived at the bronze gate. Two plump dragon statues stood on either side of the gate, next to which was a prominent jade plaque bearing the city lord's decree:

"Be civilized, polite, and set a good example for the marshland."

This is the landmark building newly constructed in the swamp this year, the first experimental school of the Bize District, built by the city lord's mansion at great expense.

As the saying goes, no matter how hard life is, we must not let our children suffer; no matter how poor we are, we must not neglect education. Since the reconstruction of Dahui Longcheng, Youyou has learned a painful lesson from the chaos of the past swamp and is determined to improve basic compulsory education, popularize healthy and positive beliefs, and fundamentally isolate itself from cult beliefs and heretical influences. Thus, the First Experimental School came into being.

Our school gathers the most determined, hardworking, and highest-paid elite teaching staff in the city, handling all aspects of primary, secondary, and tertiary education. During the day, it is responsible for the basic quality education of minors, and in the evening, it serves as an adult night school open to local residents. Students with outstanding performance and excellent academic conduct can also participate in the official twice-yearly qualification examination for upgraders, referred to as the "Upgrade Examination."

The school was very popular with the public after it opened, and many residents of Zhongting rented wooden houses in the swamp specifically to send their children to the school for the entrance exam.

The children of the settlement, settled in the marshland and all promising talents honed by the wilderness, were all granted places at the school. Chu Hengkong greeted the school security guard and then led Qingxia into the campus. Soon after, a female teacher rushed over, her smile somewhat awkward.

"Our Highness, ... no, Inspector, your visit to the school is a great honor for us..."

"This is Miss Qingxia who has come to inspect. I will accompany her." Chu Hengkong waved his hand. "No need for a big fuss. Please show us the new students."

The female teacher's smile became even more awkward: "How about I give you two a tour of the campus first...?"

Qingxia tilted her head: "Are they having classes outside the teaching building?"

The female teacher turned her head resignedly, her voice tinged with sorrow: "Please come with me..."

Chu Hengkong and Qingxia exchanged a glance, both feeling bewildered. They followed the female teacher to a classroom on the third floor, where the elderly teacher was holding a book called "Candlelight Poetry Collection" and lecturing with great enthusiasm. Inside the classroom, a group of children were listening attentively, and the teaching atmosphere was excellent.

However, there is still a small problem in the classroom.

"...Why are half the seats empty?" Qingxia peeked out. "Only 30% of the children from the settlement are here."

The female teacher's forehead began to sweat: "This...this..."

Chu Hengkong didn't want to make things difficult for her, and just then he saw an acquaintance in the classroom, so he waved. The little girl sitting by the window responded and ran out the door with the safe on her back, followed by a little dog wagging its head.

"Hello, Detective Chu!" Tina said cheerfully, and the little black dog Hawu barked twice in response.

This little girl was the ghost girl from the haunted house years ago. Now that order has improved in the city, she can finally go to school with her peers. Chu Hengkong squatted down and smiled at the little girl: "You've come all this way to school in the swamp, it must be so hard?"

“It’s not hard work. My dad is very fit now, and he carries the safe to take me to school every day,” Tina smiled.

"So his workouts are quite effective..." Chu Hengkong's lips twitched. "Do you know where the new students have gone?"

Tina blinked: "Promise me you won't blame the teacher, okay?"

"Don't be afraid, we're not here to cause trouble." Chu Hengkong gestured to the female teacher not to be nervous. "Right, Qingxia?"

"Of course~" Qingxia said softly.

Tina nodded and said to Qingxia, "Miss Centaur, all the children you brought have skipped school."

Qingxia revealed a terrifying, devilish expression.

·

Foreman Lao Fan, carrying a rafting axe, shouted, "Ten-minute break, then line up for inspection!"

The lumberjacks lined up lazily, while Lao Fan, with his hands behind his back, inspected each log, paying particular attention to the direction in which it had fallen.

Falling tree trunks are the riskiest accident in the industry. Before cutting down a tree, you must carefully calculate the direction. Some tough woods have the risk of rebounding, and cutting down hollow wood that is prone to collapse is even more nerve-wracking. There are many strange and unusual trees in the swamp, and even after you have cut them down, you cannot let your guard down. Who knows what kind of monster might be hiding in the stump?

Old Fan, sharp-eyed and meticulous, spotted a thin thread of insect thread masquerading as a piece of wood. With a swift stroke of his axe, he smashed the hidden poisonous insect into a pulp. "Who the hell did that? Don't they value their lives?" A young worker in the group shrank back, knowing it was a notorious exploding insect that would explode if exposed to air for too long.

Old Fan crushed three more different insects, getting angrier and angrier. He turned around and started cursing: "Fuck your mothers! I told you to memorize the safety regulations, but you didn't. You didn't memorize the required actions. With your idiots, you think you can work on your own? You'll be dead in a week! You'll be lying in the park with missing arms and legs, collecting welfare. I'll make your mother carry you!"

The workers were scolded and looked disheveled. Old Fan walked to the last row and stopped. There was a nest of poisonous insects hidden in the wooden stake, all of which had been killed beforehand. The direction in which the log fell was even more precise than he had calculated, avoiding the small, easily scattered pieces of wood around it.

Whose is this?

The new female worker raised her hand, wearing a wooden helmet as a protective cap: "Engineer Fan, this is mine."

"You did a great job! You won't fall and die from this anymore!" Old Fan looked at the other logs and was very satisfied. "Damn it, a bunch of old squids can't even chop as well as these young guys. Time for a break and lunch. The newbies will all get an extra chicken leg for lunch!"

The workers listlessly responded and ran off to collect their boxed lunches. The female workers and the other young people ate together, while Old Fan squatted down with his own portion, asking, "What's her name again? Vita, right?"

"Yes, Engineer Fan."

“You’d better do your job carefully, you know your life is at stake,” Old Fan said. “I’ve been assigned a spot for a night class at the school, you can go.”

Vita shrank back: "No need, no need..."

Old Fan was dissatisfied: "Fuck your mother, you don't even go to school? There's air conditioning here."

“Evenings are so precious, why not practice boxing? Learning a skill is worse than studying,” another Black man said lazily.

Old Fan patted his arm, which was as thick as a tree trunk: "Boxing? Want to be a cop?"

"Being a cop allows you to engage in illegal activities and earn a lot of money."

“Even cops need to study, you bastards.” Old Fan sighed. “If none of you go to study, what will happen to the spots?”

“You go work as a carpenter, Mr. Fan. I’d rather be a carpenter.”

"Me, a roughneck all my life, going to school? That's laughable." Old Fan spat. "Damn, if you really want to, I can introduce you to a carpenter. You're young, you have plenty of opportunities. Making quick money is fine, but don't always have to do manual labor... What's going on?"

A deafening roar erupted all around, like a thousand horses galloping towards them, causing Old Fan's chopsticks to tremble. He put down his lunchbox and turned around, only to see a blood-red centaur charging straight at him, its expression so ferocious it seemed it wanted to devour him alive.

Old Fan was utterly terrified: "Help! Detective, help me!"

The centaur grabbed him by the collar and pulled him up. Old Fan, who was 1.6 meters tall, looked like a chick: "I'm going to report you!"