’Does this mean that many Land Gods and Mountain Gods have also changed hands multiple times?’
’The Spirituality of the Divine Dao may be undying, but it’s not truly eternal.’
"Although this action violates regulations, it exists in a gray area of the Great Zhou Laws. If they aren’t caught in the act, it’s impossible to investigate afterward, let alone convict them."
Zhang Cheng gave a self-deprecating laugh, his voice filled with a sigh. "A Foundation Establishment Cultivator can live for three hundred years, but even with every life-extending method, someone in the Qi Cultivation Stage can barely live past one hundred. For the relatives of the rich and powerful whose lifespans are ending, or those who lack the talent for Foundation Establishment, this ’Divine Dao Status’ is their only path to a long life."
"There are quite a few in Qingzhou who use their power for personal gain, deceiving the heavens to extend their lives in this way."
Chu Bai took a deep breath, committing this to memory.
"That’s why I insisted that you save that Divine Seal back then."
Zhang Cheng stepped forward and clapped Chu Bai heavily on the shoulder. "If you hadn’t, you might have had to take the blame. Although the matter is over, that Lord Commander has likely developed a deep-seated grudge against us."
"However, you don’t need to worry."
A sharp glint flashed in Zhang Cheng’s eyes. "As long as you can advance further and earn a Cyan Talisman, that Commander can only watch helplessly from the Prefecture City."
"Go on. Cultivate well. Our business here is concluded."
"Thank you, Master."
Chu Bai bowed and exited the office.
Another year drew to a close. A heavy blanket of snow fell, dressing Anping County in a coat of silver and white.
This was the third New Year that Chu Bai had spent since being appointed to the Evil Suppression Department.
Looking back over the past three-plus years, the somewhat green White Talisman youth who had just left the Daoist School was now an influential figure with a budding reputation in Anping County and even Dayuan Prefecture.
For the past several months, Anping County had enjoyed a rare period of true peace.
Although he had thoroughly offended the Lord Commander of the Prefecture Inspection Department during the battle at Threadline Gorge, it was just as Zhang Cheng had said: the Great Zhou Bureaucracy had its own set of rules.
While that Commander’s rank was half a grade higher than Zhang Cheng’s and he had the backing of the Prefecture City, his reach wasn’t long enough to challenge the Anping Evil Suppression Department, which had a Foundation Establishment Great Cultivator presiding over it.
Besides, the god-assassination case had wide-reaching implications. The investigative team from the Prefecture City had its eyes fixed on the Inspection Department, so the Lord Commander was likely too preoccupied to cause trouble. He had to be careful just to protect himself and certainly wouldn’t dare make any overt transgressions.
As for the Water Uncle, who had benefitted from a disaster, he had firmly settled into his Status on the Sanmu River after that grand god-welcoming ceremony.
Although his Spirituality was damaged and he had no memories, becoming a "foolish True God" who only knew his duties and nothing of human sentiment, the Sanmu River had indeed become calmer and more peaceful for the people of Anping.
The assassination was still being investigated in secret, but it remained shrouded in mystery with no conclusions yet.
During this quiet, undisturbed time, Chu Bai poured nearly all his energy into his Cultivation.
Qi Cultivation Eighth Layer.
Inside the Cultivation Room, Chu Bai slowly concluded his practice. The tangible, five-colored Spiritual Mist surrounding him was completely absorbed into his acupoints.
He let out a long breath, sensing the Magical Power in his meridians that was as heavy as mercury yet as swift as lightning.
In the short span of three and a half years since his appointment, his Cultivation had actually soared from the Qi Cultivation Third Layer all the way to the Qi Cultivation Eighth Layer!
He had advanced five entire Realms in three and a half years.
If word of this speed got out, it would probably leave even the direct descendants of Qingzhou’s top Noble Races speechless.
Only Chu Bai himself knew that this miracle was built upon the combination of his [Microscopic]-level Cultivation Technique, the Earth Treasure [Mountain-Suppressing Platinum], the Five Elements Gathering Spirit Array, and his [Non-stop Rushing] Fate Chart.
At this moment, he was not far from reaching Qi Cultivation Perfection.
「A few days later, in the Merit Examination quiet room of the Evil Suppression Department.」
Chu Bai once again saw the middle-aged Merit Envoy whom he had met once before.
This time, however, upon seeing Chu Bai, the man not only lacked his previous sternness but actually stood up proactively, his smile revealing an unconcealable politeness.
"Lord Chu, we meet again," the middle-aged Merit Envoy said, clasping his hands in a salute.
After returning the salute, Chu Bai’s gaze swept across the room. Not seeing a familiar figure, he couldn’t help but ask, "Why hasn’t Senior Brother Lü come this year?"
Hearing this, a flash of envy crossed the middle-aged Merit Envoy’s eyes. He stroked his beard and smiled. "A few days ago, Lord Lü was promoted to Junior Eighth Grade Steward of the Merit Department due to his diligence in evaluations, along with a recommendation from the Daoist School. He’s stationed in the Prefecture City now, responsible for compiling the Merit Examinations from all the counties. He won’t have to trouble himself with these field evaluation trips, braving the wind and rain, anymore."
Lü Qing had been promoted.
’It makes sense,’ Chu Bai thought. ’Senior Brother Lü comes from a proper Immortal Official background. His future was already boundless, so this isn’t surprising.’
"Since Senior Brother Lü has been promoted, I’ll have to trouble you to pass on my congratulations, Envoy," Chu Bai said with a slight nod.
"Of course, of course."
Next, the Heart-Inquiry Mirror was hung high, and the procedure continued as usual.
But this time, the middle-aged Merit Envoy’s questioning was merely a formality.
The Water Uncle’s assassination, Chu Bai’s defiance of authority, and his forceful rescue of the Divine Dao Seal and Ribbon in the face of a Foundation Establishment Decree from the Prefecture Inspection Department—while this incident caused a stir among the Prefecture City’s upper echelons, in the records of the Merit Department, it was a truly monumental contribution.
There was no need for any further verification.
A moment later, the Merit Examination was concluded.
"Demon Slaying Officer Chu Bai: meritorious in protecting the Seal, solidifying the foundation of the state’s fortune. During his three-year term, the region under his jurisdiction has been peaceful and clear."
The middle-aged Merit Envoy solemnly wrote his vermilion-ink endorsement on the scroll, then looked up at Chu Bai, his eyes full of admiration.
"Lord Chu, congratulations. This year’s evaluation... is once again ’Excellent’!"

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