The Daoist Official’s soft palanquin stopped outside the gate of the Inheritance Hall, Master Xuanji lifted the curtain, halting the naming actions of his subordinates.
He had just expended spiritual energy, performing a calculation to inquire with the Prefecture City, only then learning of Bai Qilang’s deeds.
It was actually a sword that cut off a wisp of divine intent from a Divine Power Giant.
At Bai Qilang’s age, with this level of cultivation.
He certainly deserves the grand title of "Great Talent of the Ages"!
However, the more detailed content, the Government Office in the Prefecture City remained deeply discreet about it, not mentioning much.
"Sword cut... indeed, Chunyu Cultivator early on favored this promising young talent."
Master Xuanji, well-versed in discerning the implications beneath words, shrewdly captured the key points.
Behind every prominent, suddenly emerged genius, there is often an undisclosed influential backer placing their bets!
Undoubtedly, Bai Qilang rose to fame beyond the County City, suddenly gaining fame at Simurgh Platform, causing a sensation in the Divine Capital.
It was Meridian Sword Sect that was pushing the tide!
"Such great talent emerging in Celestial Water Prefecture, yet the Government Office in the Prefecture City is concealing, not even creating momentum to claim credit, leaving me and Chongxu Zi in the dark, blissfully unaware!
There’s certainly something fishy about this!"
Master Xuanji had just stepped onto the stairs, and his form abruptly halted.
His face tightened, pondering for a moment, then quickly turned back into the palanquin.
"Master... weren’t you planning to celebrate and congratulate Bai Qilang?"
The accompanying Warrior bent over and asked.
"Return to the temple."
Master Xuanji said coldly.
He counted carefully on his fingers in his mind, all the Divine Power Giants in Celestial Water Prefecture certainly do not exceed the number of one hand.
Meridian Sword Sect openly occupies two figures, the rest mostly fall under the Dragon Court.
"Bai Qilang received the backing of Meridian Sword Sect, the divine power giant he cut with his sword is most likely someone from the Court, but to be personally commended by the Emperor indicates it’s not from the Daoist Official’s Office.
The Duke hiding in Grotto Heaven enjoys abundant spiritual energy, after much thought, only Grand General Zhao remains..."
Master Xuanji, quick-witted, calculated the probable cause and effect, promptly halting his steps.
He has always paid attention to the movements in the court, knowing that the North and South Studies in the Divine Capital Central Hub have been fiercely fighting.
The young Emperor finds it hard to sit back and watch tigers fight, comfortably sitting on the fishing platform.
Since he ascended the throne not long ago and his foundation is not yet solid, moreover there is a genuine Supreme Emperor above him.
Privately, there’s even mocking rumor, calling His Highness Prince Sui who inherited the great treasure, like a husband taking the brunt between his mother and wife, pleasing neither side, stuck between a rock and a hard place.
Conversely, Prince Yong, previously deposed to the cold palace, liberated from the cage of Divine Capital, seems to be quietly conserving strength, exuding the image of a hidden dragon in the abyss.
"If Bai Qilang truly cut down Grand General Zhao, and is close with Meridian Sword Sect.
Then, it would be blatantly opposing the Duke, and will inevitably lead to trouble in the future.
Yet, the Emperor issues a decree to commend him, what intriguing meaning lies within.
Could His Majesty intend to suppress the excessive local power of the old Duke, who is almost bordering on claiming a kingly title?"
Master Xuanji’s heart instantly tensed, beads of sweat dotted his forehead.
On the surface, this is a rewarding commendation of talented individuals, but upon careful scrutiny, it reveals the rivalry of several factions.
The Emperor, North, and South Studies.
The Duke, Meridian Sword Sect.
It’s clearly like a strategic chess game between two armies.
"A murky pool, best not disturbed. If I seek promotion, naturally I should follow the Duke’s lead, but the positions in the Prefecture City’s Daoist Official’s Office are firmly occupied, leaving little opportunity for change.
The best shortcut to advancement would be being transferred to the Divine Capital Central Hub, entering one of the three departments, one division, or one bureau, which requires relying on influential backers, earning favor from nobles, only then it might be possible to leap to eminent positions.
Alas, poor background, every step is difficult."
Master Xuanji sighed, for someone like him, not born into noble or powerful families.
Entering the Daoist School, receiving talismans of official rank, has already reached the limit.
To break through to Ghost Immortal, to be granted an additional talisman, and don the purple robe, is akin to ascending to heaven.
"Can’t afford to offend anyone, then offend no one."
Master Xuanji waved his hand, instructing the accompanying Warrior outside the palanquin:
"Fetch a five-hundred-year-old ’Star-Hiding Flower’ from the Government Office and send it as a congratulatory gift to Bai Qilang, also inform him to make sure to visit the Dragon Tooth Battleship to see the Upper Envoy tomorrow morning."
The Star-Hiding Flower is a precious medicine that refines Qi blood, enhances Yang soul.
Over a hundred years old, its price equals the same weight in Yuanbao Red Gold.
"For a rising star like Bai Qilang, it’s a pity Master won’t go to congratulate."
The accompanying Warrior’s feet moved swiftly, closely following beside the soft palanquin.
"Didn’t you notice even Chongxu Zi, that old fox, didn’t come? Ginger becomes spicier as it ages! Clash of several factions, us minor Cyan Register Daoist Officials, too close to anyone could be crushed!"
Master Xuanji shook his head, originally intending to capture remnants of the White Sun Sect, making a great achievement.
The result instead entangled the Lu Family, Fenghui Trading Company, and the Female Wealth Deity from Celestial Water Prefecture behind it.
Very likely colluding together, conspiring with the Four Reversals Demon Sect, secretly refining forbidden Blood Pills.
The case reached this point, fundamentally incapable of further investigation.
Had to give it up.
"Human relations are like a net, wanting to do things is fraught with difficulty, but not doing things leaves no room for improvement."
Master Xuanji’s brow furrows tightly, deeply feeling the step from County City to Prefecture City.
Like being separated by a heavenly chasm, unachievable without the effort of several generations.
...
...
"Eh, why is it that there’s drumming and noise at the door, but suddenly there’s no movement?"
Bai Qi, having changed into a spirited elegant robe, sat waiting with confidence for the joyous announcements to come, ready to parade his newfound prominence.
But after waiting for over half an hour, there wasn’t the unprecedented spectacle of guests trampling the threshold as anticipated.
"What’s the matter, Brother Zirong? Go find out."
Bai Qi sipped the top-grade Spirit Tea gifted by the Master, the sun already at its zenith.
By all accounts, both the Daoist Official’s Office and throughout the thirteen trading firms should come to offer congratulations and gifts.