Wishes Come True

"You're going to the Kong Family's secret realm to cultivate?"

"I thought this time, at the very least, you'd inherit Warden Fang's post," Li Qing said, pursing his lips in indignation. Li Shun sighed. "The post of pacification commissioner for Former Tomb Commandery is no ordinary county magistracy. I only served as acting magistrate for a while. What qualifies me to take over?"

"Besides, Former Tomb Commandery has suffered upheaval after upheaval. The court is treating this place with the utmost caution. Just look at the list of newly appointed officials, and you'll see."

"East Mountain's pacification commissioner, Gu Chensi. He was formerly governor of Western Liao Commandery, a high-ranking frontier official."

"Governor of Former Tomb Commandery, Cen Jiugao. Former vice director of the Court of Justice, a central official who oversaw criminal law."

"And on paper, I'm still a commoner. If I defied convention and inherited Master's post, officials across the realm would denounce me at once." Li Qing disagreed. "I think you're far more qualified than any governor or vice director. Isn't an official's first duty to govern the territory under him and keep its people safe? They've only just arrived. Could they know this place as well as you?"

Li Shun waved a hand and let the subject drop.

Li Qing lowered his voice again. "Brother, could this Kong Family Grotto-Heaven be dangerous?"

"Set your mind at ease ten thousand times over," Li Shun said calmly. "Whatever happens, I can't possibly come to harm on Kong Family territory. They're famous for holding the scales level. They've spent centuries building their reputation. Why would they throw it away?"

"This time, you don't need to come with me. Stay in East Mountain and look after my master's shrine."

Li Qing froze.

He scratched his head, puzzled. "Hasn't the shrine