The Censor-in-Chief

Appearing under the identity of Qingyue has some advantages, namely that there's nothing to pretend about. There's no need to hide one's strength coyly, no need to change moves with feints and real attacks, and no need to carefully hold back hand seals to conceal one's true strength. When killing someone, one can openly reveal one's most proficient moves, such as the Basic Sword Qi of Ink Bamboo Mountain and the Qiankun Flying Dragon Sword Storm.

However, there are some downsides to using this identity. He can no longer kill people openly as before. If he walks the righteous path, he must be reasonable, abide by the rules, and uphold the reputation of his sect. Even if he secretly plots, ambushes, or wipes out an entire family, he must have a legitimate reason for doing so.

Although it's hypocritical, this is the "rule of the path" in the Xuanmen (Daoist sect). In an era where people disregard the law and everyone speaks with their swords, the empty title of "reputable sect" is the only bridle that restrains these immortals who wield swords and have blood on their bodies.

Li Fan certainly wouldn't break this rule on his own initiative. So, although he was also anxious to finish this stupid side quest as soon as possible and return to Ink Bamboo Mountain to help, he still behaved himself and landed outside Beizhen City. He sent a visiting card with a letter from the head of the Discipline Institute to pay his respects to Wei Gao, the Imperial Censor.

Fortunately Wei Tiger didn't make excuses about being busy with official business and keep Li Fan waiting. This guy is indeed famous, but the name 'Qingyue' is no less famous in Li Country than him.

"True Qingyue, I have long admired your name. Wei Gao. Please forgive me for being unable to perform the proper greeting due to my armor."

Wei Gao was indeed wearing armor. He probably took a bath and changed his clothes after his Confucian robe was stained with blood, and he also put on his iron armor. With his full beard, dark skin, and eyes that gleamed like a beast, he rode a tall horse out of the city and certainly had the demeanor of a military commander.

"You're too kind, Minister Wei. I am Qingyue from Ink Bamboo Mountain Lou Guan Dao, here on orders from the Discipline Institute to apprehend our sect's traitor, Huang Hai."

While Li Fan was compiling the text, Wei Gao was also observing the young Daoist priest in front of him.

Yes, Qingyue no longer looks like a teenager. It seems that with each life-or-death ordeal he has experienced, his lifespan and appearance have been diminished. Qingyue now looks to be in his early twenties, seven feet tall, about the same height as Wei Gao. Although his beard is not as outrageous as Wei Gao's, his chin is still quite hairy. Moreover, probably because he spat out Qiongqi, Li Fan's pupils are now jet black, his divine light is restrained, and he is dressed in the standard black robe, wooden hairpin, and straw sandals of Lou Guan from Louguan. He looks like an ordinary Daoist priest that can be seen anywhere, far from the sharp and shrewd Daoist demeanor he once had.

But as Wei Gao looked at him, he suddenly couldn't control himself, and tears welled up in his tiger-like eyes!

Li Fan glared at the emotionally distraught middle-aged man with a look that seemed to say, "What are you doing?!" "... Minister Wei, what's wrong? Did some sand get in your eyes...?"

Wei Gao took a deep breath, wiped away his tears, and said, "Wei Gao has been rude. It's just that your appearance reminded me of the Crown Prince... the former Guangling Heir. I was momentarily overwhelmed with emotion."

Oh... right, back then, Wei Hu was not only the disciple of the Imperial Censor, but also a trusted confidant promoted by the Crown Prince of Li Country. Li Fan had really forgotten about that.

Oh right, who is the Guangling Heir to Li Yi again...? Oh damn! I think he's his father! Damn it...

Li Fan was speechless, fearing that the other party would rush over and kowtow to him, begging him to return and inherit the throne. He quickly said, "Uh, Qingyue is a recluse from the mountains and has already become a nun to cultivate immortality. She is no longer a member of the clan."

Xuan Tian said, "Even the king doesn't want it, you must be out of your mind..."

Damn! I just don't want to be criticized by you!

Wei Gao regained his composure, clasped his hands in greeting, and said, "I never expected that Qingyue would come in person. I lost my composure for a moment, and I apologize for making a fool of myself. You have come a long way, and it is already late. I have already instructed my servants to prepare a banquet, so please do not refuse, True Lord."

"Minister Wei, there's no need for such formalities. You are busy with military affairs, and I also have orders from my master. There's no need for a meal. Why don't you just tell me where Huang Hai is now? I'll take advantage of the night to make a trip to Nangong and bring him out."

Seeing that the other person seemed to be heading towards a flashback, Li Fan quickly fast-forwarded and asked to skip the scene.

Wei Gao explained, "To be honest, it was only by chance that I had an informant planted in Nangong, which allowed me to find out that Huang Hai had defected to Nangong, but I don't know where he is currently encamped..."

"According to Vice Minister Wei, are you suggesting I stay in Beizhen to guard the area until your spies locate the person before making the arrest? Is Huang Hai really in the army? Or has your inside man mistaken him for someone else?"

Li Fan frowned. The key issue was that he hadn't seen Huang Hai in person before, so he didn't know what Huang Hai looked like or what his Divine Sense was like, and he couldn't use his Gu Guan Method to find him. In addition, he had witnessed Wei Gao's cunning before. It was too much of a coincidence that, during this time of preparing for war, Wei Gao sent a letter to the Discipline Institute, gaining a high-level combatant from Ink Bamboo Mountain for free. Therefore, he was somewhat suspicious of what methods Wei Gao was using.

Wei Gao didn't mind Li Fan's suspicions and asked in return, "I heard that it was Qingyue Zhenren who accused Duhu Huang Hai of Xiping, of disregarding human life, harming the people, and ruining the reputation of Ink Bamboo Mountain in front of everyone."

Now that you have reached the True Person realm, you have personally come to apprehend this fiend and are so persistent in pursuing him. I wonder why? Has the Huang family offended you, True Person?"

Li Fan stared at Wei Gao for a while, then said, "No, I don't know this man at all. I just happened to witness him letting his soldiers plunder and harm the people. I was outraged and took action to punish him. Now that I know where he is, I'll go there myself and settle this score."

Wei Gao asked with a smile, "Righteous indignation, I see. It's because Huang Hai accidentally harmed the people and you, True Man, witnessed it, and out of righteous indignation, you felt compelled to eliminate him, is that right?"

Li Fan chuckled coldly, "You're wrong, Your Excellency. It wasn't that I stumbled upon him 'accidentally' harming the people. It's that this kind of beast is blatantly unruly and has become so commonplace that even the big shots are used to it. No one from top to bottom has stopped him, which is why he fell into the hands of a busybody like me who just happened to be passing by."

Wei Gao smiled and pressed on, "Even so, these noble families first established the nation and built its empire, and only then could their legacy protect their descendants. To criticize their children and grandchildren for minor mistakes is disheartening."

Moreover, the Huang family has guarded Xiping Prefecture for Ink Bamboo Mountain for decades. Even if they haven't made any great contributions, they have certainly worked hard. Nowadays, there are countless powerful families like the Huang family in the Li Country, all of whom have pledged allegiance to your sect. How can you expect Huang Hai to be loyal if you force him like this?"

Li Fan narrowed his eyes, finding it hard to bear the guy's affectionate, childlike expression and the irritating questions he asked. He patiently answered,

"Your Excellency is wrong again. Under the guise of being a disciple of Ink Bamboo Mountain and bearing the title of Protector-General of Li Country, instead of protecting the borders and ensuring the safety of the people, you have engaged in scheming and opportunism, allowing your troops to commit atrocities and evil deeds. How can you not punish them? If you can be considered to be oppressing the people and exploiting them, what about the common folk who bear the burden of exorbitant taxes and levies?"

The Huang family isn't guarding Xiping Prefecture on behalf of Ink Bamboo Mountain, nor should Xiping Prefecture be their private property. I have no interest in the loyalty of these useless people.

Those who don't want to be officials can choose not to, and those who want to die can go ahead and do it. I, Qingyue, especially enjoy helping others. The Huang family does this, and the Wang Family, the Li family, the Nangong family, and the Beigong family should all do the same if they encounter each other."

Wei Gao, however, was not afraid of the hidden murderous intent in Li Fan's words. Instead, he smiled and shook his head repeatedly.

"There will always be instances of the strong bullying the weak in this world. When dukes, marquises, and prime ministers govern the people on behalf of the emperor, there is a clear hierarchy and order. This is certainly better than a chaotic world filled with indiscriminate killing and tyranny, isn't it?"

Didn't the Master say he wanted to live in seclusion in the mountains, seeking peace and tranquility, and detached himself from worldly affairs? Why has he become entangled in these human conflicts?

"You rely on righteous indignation to fight evil and uphold justice. You might help someone if you encounter such a situation, but what if you don't? How many people can you save? And how long can you keep doing this?"

Li Fan was getting impatient. "I've already said, Qingyue is just a helpful bystander. So many people in Xiping Prefecture want Huang Hai dead, and I've already accepted his gifts. How can I let him go? What, does the Grand Secretary really want to save Huang Hai's life? Fine, then go and ask each of the people in Xiping Prefecture one by one, and see if they agree."

Wei Gao shook his head again, stroking his beard and laughing, "I didn't say I would let him go, but killing him like this would actually be useless to the overall situation."

I've heard a bit about this case. Huang Hai is a private mercenary, and his lax discipline led to many casualties. He can easily deny that it was his intention.

According to the rules of Ink Bamboo Mountain, this can only be considered a disgrace to the sect, resulting in expulsion from the sect. Even if the Ministry of Justice were to judge, it would only be an incompetence in managing subordinates, and could be loosely supplemented with accusations of colluding with the demonic sect and plotting treason.

But powerful clans would only see it as him having chosen the wrong side, or having offended someone important. Whether he was killed or tortured, it wouldn't serve any purpose of admonishment, instruction, or discipline.

Li Fan raised an eyebrow at the other person, knowing what he meant.

"Then please instruct me, Your Excellency?"

Wei Gao laughed,

"I am but a humble scholar, with nothing to teach a true master. I only wish to ask you one more question: do you know why there are people like Huang Hai in this world?"

Li Fan rolled his eyes in annoyance, "Born of a mother but raised by no father?"

Wei Gao shook his head and said solemnly, "When chaos strikes, people's hearts are unsettled because the country is in turmoil, yin and yang are out of balance, and order is lost between superiors and inferiors."

This is all because there is no wise ruler governing Liqiu Palace and no virtuous ministers to bring peace to the country in the Taiji Palace, so ambitious people like Huang Hai saw an opportunity to rise to prominence.

Once a person develops desires, wanting something that can never be theirs, they will stop at nothing, even risking their life to try and obtain it. How can someone who doesn't care about their own life possibly care about the countless ordinary people around them?

Therefore, in times of crisis, the first thing to do is to have a wise ruler set an example, rectify the country and its people, appoint virtuous and capable officials, promote talented individuals from both the court and the countryside who are willing to serve the country, and punish those who break the law and disrupt the country, thus restoring order to the country.

"As long as the ruler and his ministers work together, and the people are of one mind, and the distinctions between ruler and minister, father and son, and between the noble and the lowly are clear, and everyone fulfills their responsibilities and resources are used to their fullest potential, then the court and the country will be peaceful and the people will be honest and loyal, and the world will be for the common good. Then the days of peace and stability will not be far away."

Li Fan understood and shook his head, saying, "I don't believe in your nonsense. This world cannot be saved by one or two sage rulers. Besides, there can only be one sun in the sky, and one ruler in a country. One sage ruler in the Liqiu Palace who only stamps his seal is enough. As long as you truly do what you say and focus your efforts on the people, protecting the people of this region is not difficult. After all, a peaceful world cannot be created by mere words and writing. More actions than words."

Wei Gao was not angry, and asked, "Then, according to Ink Bamboo Mountain's views, how should the world be governed and brought peace?"

Li Fan thought for a moment, "Regardless of Ink Bamboo Mountain's perspective, in my own opinion, the world has reached this point because everyone is greedy, wanting to climb the social ladder, wanting more, and wanting a better life. Whether it's a powerful family or a commoner, no one will share what they've already eaten; they'll just watch others starve. Therefore..."

The world will only be truly peaceful if most people are well-fed, or if most people starve to death, and in short, if the remaining living people all desire peace.

As long as there is peace, either path is acceptable.

Wei Gao paused, staring at Li Fan for a long while, "... Is the Guan Nei Hou really unwilling to step forward and restore order?"

Li Fan shook his head. "Right now, all I want to do is drag Huang Hai out and beat him up, but I have to be careful not to kill him."

Wei Gao sighed deeply, "What a pity... Alright... Let's go then."

Go? Where to?

Wei Gao pointed his riding whip northward, towards the faintly visible Peach Blossom Mountain. "I heard the Nangong Family wants my head, so I invited them for drinks. I originally wanted to ask you to rest in the city while I went to bring Huang Hai back. Since you can't wait, how about we go together? Of course, you'll have to conceal your face to avoid any complications."

Li Fan had no objection and immediately followed Wei Gao straight to the Nangong camp.

The Nangong Family was clearly caught off guard. After all, who would have thought that a mere Golden Core cultivator, newly appointed Imperial Censor, would dare to attend the meeting alone with only a Nascent Soul Realm bodyguard? Naturally, they hadn't prepared any banquet at all...

Regardless, in order not to be called a bunch of uncultured bumpkins, the Nangong Family still had to put on a show of grandeur.

Fortunately, the Nangong Family's song and dance troupe was professional, and it didn't take long before a Star Gazing Platform was set up on the mountain. Fairy maidens sang and danced to their hearts' content, and after a while, delicacies were served. A dozen or so Nascent Soul Stage Nangongs and dozens of Golden Core Nangongs followed one after another, Star Gazing Platform was soon packed with Nangongs, like a clone party...

Wei Gao remained calm and composed, chatting and laughing with a few civil officials from the Nangong Family, and reciting a few lines of poetry.

Li Fan sat calmly to the side, his face covered with Unknown Face mask. However, everyone could tell from his attire that he was from Ink Bamboo Mountain Lou Guan Dao. As a result, all the military officers stared at him warily, fearing that he might suddenly attack and kill a group of Nangong.

"Oh dear! The Crown Prince is nowhere to be found, and to my surprise, the Imperial Censor has come to surrender in person! Hahaha! What a terrible coincidence, what a terrible coincidence!"

This last one to appear, smelling like he had just sobered up, plopped down in the main seat, and laughed incessantly as if he didn't even know what was going on. This muscular, enhanced version of Nangong was introduced by the civil officials and advisors beside him as Nangong Wutian, the 117th son of the Immortal King Nangong.

With the Crown Prince of the Nangong Family, Wushuang, absent, this man was left as the deputy commander to lead the army and manage the noisy Nangong family. Naturally, this was because his cultivation was the highest and he could keep the situation under control.

This person not only had the highest cultivation level, but his physique was also the tallest and largest in the entire arena. He was as muscular as four Nangongs combined. Li Fan couldn't help but glance at him. This person was clearly trained using ancient Immortal Palace combat techniques, and his physical strength was probably not far from that of Martial God. He wondered what kind of monstrous physique Nangong Wushuang, the Divine Transformation cultivator, possessed...

Wei Gao said loudly, "General, you misunderstand. I am not here to surrender. I have heard that a group of wicked officials in my Li Country have committed crimes, embezzled and corrupt, oppressed the people, and done all sorts of evil deeds. Taking advantage of the changes in the court in recent years, they have defected to your army and sought the protection of the Immortal King. I wonder if this is true? I would like to ask the General to do me a favor and hand these people over so that I can take them back to the court and punish them according to the law."

The entire hall fell silent for a moment. Even the sounds of singing, dancing, and string music had faded. A group of Nangong members turned their faces and stared at Wei Gao.

Upon hearing this, Nangong Wutian snorted and crushed the wine cup in his hand, smashing it against the table. His massive, bear-like body stood up, his shadow completely obscuring Wei Gao.

"How dare you! What the hell! Are you trying to make fun of me?!"

Li Fan narrowed his eyes, just about to get up to fight, when to his utter surprise, Wei Gao beside him also suddenly stood up, his words booming like thunder.

"Wei is trusted by the state and entrusted with important responsibilities by the court. He is appointed as the Vice Censor-in-Chief, assisting the Grand Master in overseeing prisons, and commanding all censors and assistant censors. He is responsible for impeaching high-ranking officials and investigating all officials to uphold the order of the court!"

The Nangong Family by the Immortal Emperor, guarding the borders and territories, yet they have no thought of repaying the country! Now they are harboring a wanted criminal! What are their true intentions? Are you colluding with the Demonic Sect? Are you planning a rebellion?!

Li Fan and Nangong were completely dumbfounded. What the hell? What's going on? Why is he yelling so loudly? They were utterly bewildered...

Nangong Wutian was completely taken aback by the other party's outburst, and, enraged, he flexed his muscles to threaten, "You, are you looking for death?!"

Who knew that Wei Gao would also erupt in fury, his eyes wide and beard bristling, his voice like a tiger's roar, "How could anyone in the Censorate be afraid of death! Punishing the wicked and eliminating the treacherous is my duty. What is there to fear if I die for my country! These criminals, you will hand them over whether you like it or not!"

Li Fan was speechless.

No, why are you even more stubborn than me? Real Person Wei ordered that we not start a war!

"I... I'll blast you to pieces!" Nangong Wutian's pupils were blood red, and fueled by alcohol, he raised his fist to strike.

Li Fan quickly dodged out and exchanged a punch with Nangong Wutian.

With a loud thud, Nangong Wutian was jolted to the ground, while a group of civil and military officials seized the opportunity to pounce on him, pinning Nangong Wutian down and pulling him back. At the same time, they drew their swords and surrounded Li Fan and Wei Gao.

Several civil officials, possessing some common sense, shouted, "General, calm down! Crown Prince Wushuang has ordered that we not act rashly!" "Wei Gao! Are you trying to incite conflict between our two families?!" "What gives you the audacity to shout like that! Are you trying to provoke my army into attacking the city?!"

Wei Gao laughed loudly, "Hahaha! I have no way to repay the court's trust! The fate of the nation is heavier than Kunlun! I have already built a shrine and a blood tomb for myself in Beizhen. I was a censor in life, and I will be a ghost of the city god in death! You want my head? Then take it! But don't even think about stepping over Beizhen! Come on! Take it!"

"What! He's established his own Blood Tomb!" "How... how are we supposed to fight him?!" "A madman! A madman!"

Now the Nangongs realized what was happening, and a chorus of frogs filled the air, startling everyone.

What?! What's going on here?

"Xuantian, it's Ancient Immortal Palace's divine magic. It's about killing for righteousness, sacrificing blood to defend the land, fighting for every inch of ground, with no chance of survival. Even if someone dies, they'll become a vengeful ghost guarding the city. Either their body and soul are completely destroyed, or they're reduced to ashes... Ha, another Zhang Xun."