"Father, Mother, it’s getting late. I’ll have someone escort you back to Qingfeng Courtyard to rest," Chu Bai said softly.
Chu Xianglin rubbed his sleepy eyes, looked at his son, and gave a simple, honest smile. "Alright, alright. Eldest, don’t you stay up drinking too late. Business comes first."
Chu Bai summoned two of his trusted Demon-slaying Guards and quietly instructed them to ensure his parents were escorted back safely. He didn’t look away until his family’s carriage had disappeared at the end of the long street, only then returning to his seat inside the private room.
Now, only Zhang Cheng remained in the private room.
The Regular Seventh Grade County Captain, a Foundation Establishment Great Cultivator, was holding a half-empty cup of wine, his eyes clear as he sized up Chu Bai. Seeing Chu Bai take his seat, a gratified smile touched the corners of Zhang Cheng’s mouth.
"Late-stage Qi Cultivation, Five Elements Convergence, and to have such a profound foundation at your age... Chu Bai, you’ve truly given me a great surprise."
Zhang Cheng set down his wine cup, no longer concealing his admiration. "This sharp blade of yours has been honed well enough. I’m afraid a small place like Anping County will soon be unable to contain your edge."
Chu Bai cupped his hands. "It is all thanks to the Director’s guidance."
Zhang Cheng waved his hand dismissively, his expression suddenly growing more serious. He asked in a somewhat probing tone, "Your cultivation has reached this level, you’ve accumulated enough seniority, and you have the merit of slaying demons and purging officials. Chu Bai, are you interested... in taking the next step?"
The next step!
Those three words landed with resounding weight in the silent private room.
According to the official system of the Great Zhou Immortal Dynasty, Chu Bai was currently a Regular Ninth Grade Demon Slaying Officer.
If he were to be promoted one rank, he would become a Junior Eighth-Grade Evil Suppression Captain.
This was no empty title. Within the department, an Evil Suppression Captain possessed the authority to supervise, inspect, and influence the promotions of lower-ranking officials. Their power was several times greater than that of a Demon Slaying Officer who merely led a team.
Anyone else, upon hearing such a proposal, would probably be so excited they would kowtow in gratitude on the spot.
Zhang Cheng hadn’t issued an official decree directly, instead choosing to ask privately first.
The reason was simple: based on Chu Bai’s current performance, anyone could see that this young man’s future would not end here.
He was weighing whether Chu Bai was willing to have his focus divided at this level.
Contrary to Zhang Cheng’s expectations, Chu Bai was silent for only a moment before shaking his head slightly.
"Thank you for your immense favor, Director. However, I have been in the department for less than three years; my seniority is ultimately lacking. My promotion from Junior Ninth Grade to Regular Ninth Grade was already an exception. If I were to be promoted again to Junior Eighth Grade, I fear I would not be able to command the respect of my peers."
Chu Bai’s tone was steady, his refusal flawless.
"Seniority?"
Zhang Cheng laughed and shook his head. "Battle merits and strength are the greatest forms of seniority. Besides, you come from the ranks of Immortal Officials. As long as I give the nod, who would dare to object?"
Chu Bai lowered his head. "A promotion comes with many trivial duties. The position of Captain requires one to be distracted by supervision and weighing pros and cons. I would rather wield my blade and patrol the frontiers for the Director. As for the promotion, I ask the Director to please reconsider."
Zhang Cheng could naturally tell that these words were just an excuse.
In terms of reputation, Chu Bai already had the full support of everyone in the Anping Evil Suppression Department.
However, once promoted to Junior Eighth-Grade Captain, he would inevitably infringe upon the interests of the old, deeply entrenched factions.
Although Zhang Cheng had the strength to help Chu Bai establish his footing, Chu Bai himself understood that seizing control of authority and dealing with the treacherous, deceitful struggles of officialdom would consume a great deal of his cultivation time.
He now possessed a Microscopic-level Cultivation Technique, supplemented by a Spirit Gathering Array and an Earth Treasure. Every moment of cultivation was exceedingly precious.
No matter how much authority Anping County held, in Chu Bai’s eyes, it was nothing more than passing smoke.
Zhang Cheng stared at Chu Bai for a long time. Suddenly, he let out a long breath, a flash of realization in his eyes, and began to laugh heartily.
"So that’s how it is. It seems I’ve underestimated you."
Zhang Cheng leaned forward, his sharp eyes locked onto Chu Bai’s, and asked, enunciating each word:
"You want to participate in... the upcoming Qingzhou Celestial Examination?"
This single sentence completely exposed the ambition hidden in Chu Bai’s heart.
The Qingzhou Celestial Examination, held once every five years, was the only path for a Qi Cultivation Cultivator to be promoted to Cyan Talisman and attain Foundation Establishment.
Chu Bai raised his head, his eyes meeting the County Captain’s.
In the private room, even the aroma of the Spirit Wine seemed to freeze in that instant.
Chu Bai no longer tried to hide it, simply giving a solemn nod:
"Since the opportunity is there, I must certainly give it a try."

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