Where's My Magic Garment? Where's My Bamboo Horse?

Upon hearing that it was an official from Gucheng, Chen Shijie and Xue Wenzhong no longer sit still.

The other officials followed suit.

However, the result greatly disappointed Chen Shijie and Xue Wenzhong.

It wasn't Zhao Xing who came out, but Shen Zhui from the Martial Office.

After Shen Zhui left the mountain, he first came to pay his respects to County Magistrate Li Wenzheng and Martial Office Commander Shangguan Wang Long.

"Greetings, County Magistrate; greetings, Lord Wang."

"Good, good, good. I didn't expect you to have already Ranked Realm Martial Office." Li Wenzheng was very happy.

The county inspector and many officials were watching from the sidelines. It was certainly something to be happy about that a genius had emerged from Gucheng, which was under his jurisdiction.

East Lake Spirit Mountain is located within the territory of Gucheng. As the county magistrate, he is essentially the host. Climbing Spirit Mountain to gather spiritual essence is like taking a major exam. If his subordinates don't perform as well as those from other counties, he would lose face.

Now that Shen Zhui Ranked Realm, he feels proud.

"Greetings, Lord Chen." Shen Zhui and greeted Chen Shijie as he approached.

"Not bad." Chen Shijie just gave a perfunctory reply. He was already in a bad mood because he hadn't even seen Zhao Xing yet.

Upon seeing this, Xue Wenzhong was also somewhat lost in thought. Could it be that something unexpected had really happened?

"Old Xue, let's wait a little longer." Chen Shijie patted Xue Wenzhong's hand. "He'll definitely be alright."

The officials involved will forget everything that happened on Spirit Mountain over the past three days, and the officials outside are also unaware of the situation inside; they can only wait for further notice.

So there's no use in being anxious now.

Just as Chen Shijie and Xue Wenzhong were about to return to the viewing area to wait.

Sudden--

"Da da da~"

A crisp sound of horses' hooves came from the clouds.

At the Forget Sorrow Stele, Zhao Xing rode Bamboo Horse, carried a bamboo box on his back, and held a kitten in his arms, flying out into the air.

"Zhao Xing? It's Zhao Xing!"

"It's Zhao Xing from Gucheng! Why is he riding a horse?!"

"You're so ignorant! That's Artisan Family Mechanical Beast, Bamboo Horse!"

"Wow, judging by the looks of it, this is quite a haul!"

The onlookers were talking about it.

Chen Shijie smiled and laughed heartily.

Xue Wenzhong was finally relieved.

The Agricultural Official's "Five Elements Observation" can quickly determine whether a person is injured and roughly what level of cultivation they are.

When they looked at him, they saw that Zhao Xing was not only unharmed.

And it's already Ranked Realm!

"Zhao Xing, he actually Ranked Realm?!" Tang Wanchun exclaimed in surprise. "He was only at the Gathering Yuan Fourth Level before he entered the mountain, wasn't he?!"

"I can't believe my eyes, can I?" Pang Yuan was also dumbfounded. "He reaped such a huge harvest?"

In Heavenly Timing, he jumped several steps, which absolutely astonished them!

Gao Linong was originally pleased with the progress of Li Chengfeng and Zong Shichang, thinking that his two students had really made a name for themselves.

But unexpectedly, Zhao Xing appeared out of nowhere!

Gathering Yuan Fourth Level, reaching the Ranked Realm?!

The gains were far greater than those of Zong Shichang and Li Chengfeng!

Gao Linong was extremely upset.

He had just finished showing off, and he was already embarrassed so quickly!

"What kind of incredible luck did Zhao Sanjia have to the Ranked Realm so quickly?" Zong Shichang was very curious because he vaguely felt that he and Zhao Xing had some connection in the mountains.

But he couldn't remember exactly what it was.

"He actually... Ranked Realm a high-ranking official?" Li Chengfeng looked at Zhao Xing, who was being fawned over by everyone, and felt a pang of jealousy.

He had received similar treatment just fifteen minutes ago, but now, compared to that, he was immediately outshone.

As for Wen Nanxing, Xiao Ze, and the others, they were simply envious and had no desire to compete with each other.

Because the gap was so big, we used to be able to compete with each other in our hearts.

But when the gap is big enough, then that thought completely disappears.

All that's left is envy.

"Whoa~"

Zhao Xing subconsciously pulled on the reins to slow down, and when he arrived in front of Chen Shijie and other Gucheng officials, he was still frowning.

"Zhao..."

"Don't interrupt him, let him sort out his thoughts." Li Wenzheng's words seemed to have a magical power, and the people around him immediately fell silent, unable to utter a single sound.

This Ninth Grade Upper Rank Ritual Cultivator immediately activated a complete silence!

At this moment, within a radius of fifty meters, besides Chen Shijie, Xue Wenzhong, and a few other "administrators," only Zhao Xing could speak.

"Why am I riding a horse?" Zhao Xing asked, somewhat confused, as he sat on the horse's back.

He remembered that the Old Sima Nong and the Old Chen gave him Wen Bamboo Box, but he didn't think there was Bamboo Horse.

His memories were hazy, but Zhao Xing knew he had definitely been affected by the Forget Sorrow Stele. He tried hard to recall, but could only vaguely remember that the Bamboo Horse had been stolen.

As for whose it was stolen? I forgot.

"Little Mountain Cat." Zhao Xing looked down at the Mountain Cat in his arms and pulled it out.

I don't remember the scenes of rampaging through the land with the Mountain Cat, but I vaguely remember the scene of recognizing him as my master. This relationship has not been affected.

Tang Wanchun and Gao Linong stared at the Mountain Cat, their eyes widening in surprise!

A beast of the Ranked Realm! This is damn stronger than them! It looks like Zhao Xing tamed it?!

Li Wenzheng and Chen Shijie exchanged a glance, both somewhat surprised.

Other officials could only see that the Mountain Cat Ranked Realm, but they couldn't figure out its actual strength.

The two of them, however, were able to see it accurately.

One used the phrase "Discern Minute Details," while the other used the phrase "Five Elements Observation."

Both of them reached the same conclusion: Ninth Grade Perfection! Comparable to a human's Ninth Grade Upper Rank, in terms of combat power, this beast could probably crush the vast majority of human cultivators.

Zhao Xing continued to reach into his pocket.

He then pulled out another handful of silver notes.

"A thousand taels of silver notes? The bank is from the Nanyang Merchant Guild. This should belong to Young Master Zong, right?" Zhao Xing recalled a scene where a hand handed him money.

This hand looks very young. As for whether it's Zong Shichang?

I can't remember that either.

However, the probability is quite high. Apart from Young Master Zong, who would bring so many silver notes up the mountain?

"This money could very well be mine!" Zong Shichang, who was watching, was quite surprised after seeing this. "But why would I give him so much money?"

Zong Yonglong's eyes were also shining brightly. Could it be that this person and his son had some kind of relationship on the mountain? Or perhaps they had a grudge?

The other onlookers watched with envy.

That's what you call going up a mountain! Others spend a lot of money on equipment and treasures.

By the time we came down the mountain, we had used up all our energy.

He still makes money?

This is infuriating!

"Huh, the Peacock Feather Magic Garment? How come there's another one of these in the Wen Bamboo Box? It looks like something a woman would wear. Did I steal a Dancer Master?"

"Ahem, Zhao Xing, that's about enough." Li Wenzheng couldn't help but interrupt Zhao Xing's immersive inventory.

The Peacock Feather Magic Garment was clearly a woman's undergarment, and he was afraid that Zhao Xing would pull something out in public again.

Even though it's someone else's skill, it's still not very elegant!

Zhao Xing also came to his senses and stuffed the half-taken robe back into the Wen Bamboo Box.

He felt there was still a lot inside, because the box was much heavier than when he came up the mountain.

However, it's not easy to take inventory at this time.

"Greetings, County Magistrate, Lord Chen, Teacher, and all other esteemed officials." Zhao Xing bowed respectfully.

"Haha, no need for formalities. Please follow me and let everyone see the young talents of my Gucheng."

Li Wenzheng amiably pulled Zhao Xing aside and eagerly took him to show off to the officials in the prefectural city and his colleagues in neighboring counties.

Zhao Xing left the Forget Sorrow Stele not long ago.

Several more people emerged from the thick fog.

Holding a lance and looking melancholy, he was none other than Yang Junxiong.

However, after passing the Forget Sorrow Stele, a smile appeared on his face.

"This time, I have already Ranked Realm the ninth grade, and even reached the Ninth Grade Upper Rank. Before entering the mountain, I was only at the Gathering Yuan Ninth Level, so this trip has not been in vain."

But his smile immediately froze.

"Wait, where's my Bamboo Horse?!"

Yang Junxiong looked around, a deep question lingering in his mind, "Where's my horse? Where did it go?!"

Then his gaze fell on a familiar figure in front of him.

It was Zhao Xing riding Bamboo Horse.

"That... that's my Bamboo Horse? Hmm? I can't sense his battle spirit anymore. Could it be his?"

"No, that's definitely my Bamboo Horse! Why did he drop to the lower third rank?"

"Could it be that he stole it?"

Yang Junxiong was filled with many questions, but since he had already descended the mountain, he could only put them aside no matter what.

Going up the mountain is inherently risky; losing your Bamboo Horse or even your life is quite possible.

"I always felt that this person was closely connected to me, and I felt a vague sense of reluctance and loss. Unfortunately, I don't know what happened."

Yang Junxiong sighed, took a deep look in Zhao Xing's direction, and strode away.

After he left.

Three slender figures emerged from the thick fog.

It was Du Jiaojiao, Lu Qian, Liu Muqing.

"Hmm? Qian'er, Qing'er, are you alright?" Du Jiaojiao looked at her two close friends.

"I'm fine," Liu Muqing said with some joy. "I've already reached the Gathering Yuan Ninth Level, and my music technique has even improved!"

"I'm fine too." Lu Qian smiled as well. "I've reached the Gathering Yuan Ninth Level, and my two spells have each improved by Third-Turn. Sister Jiao, how about you?"

Du Jiaojiao smiled and said, "Primary Ninth Grade Lower Rank, my spear technique hasn't improved much. It's a pity that I wanted to master the 'Dragon Emerging from the Sea' move..."

"Ah!" Lu Qian suddenly exclaimed, frantically checking her clothes. She was shocked to find that something was missing.

"Hmm? Qian'er, what's wrong?!"

"Where is my robe? My Peacock Feather Magic Garment is gone!" Lu Qian exclaimed in a panic.

"What?" Du Jiaojiao and Liu Muqing's expressions also changed.

They all knew about the existence of the Peacock Feather Magic Garment, and they also knew that Lu Qian wore the Peacock Feather Magic Garment close to her body.

Now that she's lost, doesn't that mean Lu Qian has been... taken away by someone?

Suddenly, Lu Qian looked up sharply. She sensed the presence of the magic robe, a magical bond that had formed between her and the treasure after prolonged use.

Just like Yang Junxiong could sense the presence of his Bamboo Horse.

Her gaze fell on the boy riding Bamboo Horse in front of her.

"My robes are in that person's hands, could it be..." Lu Qian bit her lip, tears welling in her eyes.

"Achoo~"

Zhao Xing suddenly sneezed.

For some reason, he always felt that someone was thinking about him.

"An enemy? It can't be that bad. They wouldn't even remember what happened on the mountain."

Zhao Xing muttered to himself.

He has now followed them to the viewing platform set up around Earth Altar Plaza.

Climbing the Spirit Mountain and gathering its spiritual essence not only gives officials a chance to defy fate but also counts towards their performance evaluation for promotion.

Moreover, this will definitely be a huge plus, just like winning an award in a key competition.

As for how to judge it?

Of course, it is the temple Priest who announce it.

The Yin Spirit of the Spirit Mountain Temple are under the jurisdiction of the prefecture-level temples of Nanyang County, and the temples of Gucheng have no right to know about them.

The Yin Spirit on the mountain would inform the Priest the Nanyang County Temple of the officials' performance, knowing exactly who had gained how much spiritual merit and what their rank was, and thus determining their ranking.

Between counties and between different government agencies, each has its own system of evaluation. In other words, as long as Zhao Xing is considered outstanding among the officials of the Agricultural Supervisorate in Gucheng, he can obtain Grade A rating.

Now we're just waiting for the results to be released.

As soon as Zhao Xing entered the viewing platform to wait, he noticed someone watching him.

One of them was a young man holding a long spear. He had a prominent Adam's apple and a very strong neck and chest.

Zhao Xing could tell at a glance that this person was a soldier and must have practiced sonic martial arts.

I just don't know why she's staring at me with such a melancholy look.

The other side is even worse.

They seemed to be officials from the county town, one carrying a zither, the other leaning on a spear, and in the middle was a beautiful young girl in colorful clothes, looking at them with a complicated gaze.

Her expression held expectation, tenderness, resentment, and doubt.

That's strange, so very strange!

What exactly happened on the mountain?

Lu Qian looked at Zhao Xing, her mindset now completely different.

This is what she thought, "When Sister Jiao went up the mountain, she was already at the Gathering Yuan Ninth Level, and her spear technique was a true inheritance from her father."

"Qin'er and I, one playing music and the other dancing, can perform 'Six Songs' together, which will also make Sister Jiao's fighting power even stronger."

"She reached the Rank 9 on the mountain, and Qin'er and I also Gathering Yuan Ninth Level. The three of us together are rarely matched."

"Who could possibly steal my personal Peacock Feather Magic Garment under these circumstances?"

"Even if I was separated from them, since they stole my robes, how could they not have the nerve to attack me? But I haven't been defiled..."

Lu Qian looked at Zhao Xing, and her mindset gradually changed.

"Since it wasn't robbery, then it must be... that I fell in love with him on the mountain and gave him this Peacock Feather Magic Garment myself."

"Hmm, I heard from Zong Shiba that he was only at the Gathering Yuan Fourth Level before he entered the mountain, but now he has actually Ranked Realm."

"Such a genius, and quite handsome as well, Zong Shiba even said he was an interesting person. Perhaps I really am..."

As she thought about it, Lu Qian's gaze towards Zhao Xing became somewhat strange.

Zhao Xing couldn't stand it anymore; who was this woman?

I'm staring at myself so hard my eyes are practically sticking out!

"That's right, she's Dancer Master, her allure is natural, she just exudes it unconsciously. Hey? That Peacock Feather Magic Garment in my trunk, could it be something I stole from her?"

Zhao Xing suddenly realized this.

As for why he didn't think about other things, such as a token of love... Zhao Xing was certain that he had absolutely no such thought.

He vowed never to marry or have children, to prevent the blessings bestowed upon his wife and children when his fortune entered his body from being diverted away, thus preventing him from reaching his goal of surviving until the era of revival.

How could I possibly be distracted by something like this?

"It was definitely stolen." Zhao Xing had a clear understanding of himself. "This thing also meets my criteria for robbery: Upper Third Tier magic robe with a fourth-tier feather on it. It's very valuable."

"I wonder who this woman is. She probably hasn't noticed."

"It doesn't matter. If they dare to seek revenge later, we'll just rob them again."

Zhao Xing turned around and stopped looking at Lu Qian.

"You've already Ranked Realm the ranks, and your promotion to Grade A is a done deal. But that's just the procedure. All the important figures in the county are here, so showing your face won't do you any harm." Seeing Zhao Xing looking around, Xue Wenzhong couldn't help but remind him, "Be sure to sit still and don't lose your composure."

"Okay, teacher." Zhao Xing nodded, then stopped looking around. He wanted to know just how much he had learned this time. So he focused his mind and checked the panel and records.