Taking Over as Cuiyun Circuit Inspector
Luo Zheng's expression clearly showed disdain when this name was mentioned.
"Xuandu Abbey is located in the capital city, on the Tianshu Circuit, while Lotus Flower Temple is only somewhat famous in Cloud Province, on the Cuiyun Circuit."
"Even if you exaggerate it, it's not a big deal."
"Understood."
That means we can target them effectively. A glint of light flashed in Yang Xiao's eyes.
"Alright, we're done looking around." Luo Zheng shrugged, glancing left and right, then thought for a moment and said, "Come with me to collect the Inspector's belongings."
"From now on, when you go out on official business, your attire will be very important. You can't just rely on your words to claim you're Inspector."
Luo Zheng came out of the main hall and beckoned Yang Xiao to follow.
The two walked through the main hall's corridor.
The corridor is narrow, with green tiles on the roof and the paint on the pillars showing signs of age; even the sound of footsteps is steady as you walk on it.
Compared to the ruins and broken walls of the Qingzhou Demon Suppression Division that were still under construction after the war, this place was quiet and almost deserted.
The government office was not large, and there were only a few staff members along the way. As soon as they saw Luo Zheng, they would stop what they were doing and bow with their hands at their sides.
Luo Zheng simply nodded casually, continuing on his way.
His strides were long, and Yang Xiao always followed half a step behind at a leisurely pace.
He noticed something else at the same time.
There weren't many guards in the main office, and along the way, there wasn't even a decent sentry post.
However, the important file rooms and Armory along the way were all guarded by special personnel, and everyone entering and leaving had to be checked.
The mansion gate was not large, and there were not many guards, but nothing important was neglected.
This headquarters may appear loosely organized, but it is actually quite tightly controlled, and there may be a lot of oversight behind the scenes.
Arrived at the entrance to the inner warehouse.
The door to the inner vault was small, covered with iron and thick wood, and locked with two locks, one on the inside and one on the outside.
Upon seeing Luo Zheng, the guards at the Yamen Runner immediately bowed and greeted him.
"Go to the treasury and retrieve a Silver Xiezhi Tally, and also bring out an Inspector's robe."
Luo Zheng instructed the steward to fetch the items.
The steward in charge of the items dared not delay and quickly entered the Armory. A short while later, he came out carrying a wooden tray in both hands.
On the plate was a silver talisman, rectangular in shape, only half the size of a palm, with its edges polished extremely smooth.
On the front is engraved the pattern of a map of the title of Haizhi. In the center of the pattern is the word "Xun".
Haechi is a mythical beast that is rumored to be able to tell right from wrong and not avoid evil. With it holding a map in its mouth and adding the word "Xun", the meaning of patrol and supervision is very clear.
Yang Xiao accepted the talisman.
The moment his fingertips touched the silver plaque, his Spiritual Qi was subtly stirred. The plaque was slightly warm, as if responding, and seemed to be able to stimulate his Spiritual Qi.
Luo Zheng stood aside with his arms crossed, letting him examine him, and then reminded him:
"Whether you wear the clothes or not is up to you, Silver Xiezhi Tally with you; it's very important."
"It's not just an identity credential; it also has internal storage space."
Storage space!?
Yang Xiao immediately activated his Spiritual Power to communicate with the Silver Xiezhi Tally, and discovered that there was a space inside that was ten zhang in diameter, large enough to fit a small courtyard.
His face lit up with joy, and he carefully put away the talisman.
This is a great feature.
As you travel through the states, with this talisman in hand, you can put your personal baggage, weapons, and any other items you might encounter along the way.
Before long, the Yamen Runner presented another set of Inspector's robes.
The robe is dark blue with copper-gold patterns that extend along the cuffs, hem, and shoulder line, subtly woven with xiezhi (mythical beast) patterns.
The patterns on the hem of the garment are not intricate, but only faintly reveal the contours of mountains and rivers when walking, signifying "traveling through mountains and seas".
He wore a xiezhi crown with bluish-gray tassels, a copper belt at his waist, and a pair of black leather boots.
The clothing is not about extravagance or ostentation, but rather about clean lines and a restrained, understated elegance.
Wearing it, it neither exudes a murderous aura like heavy armor, nor does it make one appear like an ordinary civil official.
Yang Xiao did not try on the clothes in public; instead, he hung the Silver Xiezhi Tally on his waist, making it his most conspicuous identifier.
"With this Silver Xiezhi Tally, one can enter and exit the main treasury."
Luo Zheng continued, "However, most of the treasures in the Imperial Treasury require Merit to exchange for. Since you've just taken office, you have limited Merit available, so you can't exchange for too many things for now."
Yang Xiao nodded.
He was familiar with this rule.
In the past, in the Qingzhou Demon Suppression Division, both cultivation techniques and treasures had to be obtained by accumulating Merit.
All officials in the country generally follow the same rules.
As for how the Merit of those from Qingzhou would be calculated at the General Headquarters, he hadn't had a chance to ask yet.
"However, you've just broken through to the Dao-Infant Realm, so there's nothing Qingzhou can do to help you."
Luo Zheng glanced at him, perhaps fearing that Yang Xiao might run away while working on the project, and directly bestowed upon him a great treasure.
"I'll grant you permission to enter the inner treasury and choose a martial arts technique as a welcoming gift for the new Inspector."
"Just pick one!?"
Yang Xiao was somewhat surprised.
In the past, at the Qingzhou Demon Suppression Division, cultivation techniques had to be obtained by accumulating Merit points.
Being able to select a Dao-Infant Realm cultivation technique from the inner treasury right after taking office is a real boost for him.
He said solemnly, "Thank you, Lord Luo."
Luo Zheng waved his hand and shook his head with a smile.
"No need to thank me. I've collected quite a few cultivation techniques, but I'm short of people."
"Instead of letting it gather dust in the warehouse, it's better to give it to someone who can use it."
Now that I've accepted you, I'll naturally trust you.
Yang Xiao didn't offer any further thanks, but simply remembered this kindness.
Next, you need to carefully choose a cultivation method suitable for the Dao-Infant Realm.
After receiving the token, Luo Zheng took Yang Xiao to find Li Hanguang.
Only after asking the Yamen Runner in the courtyard did they learn that Li Hanguang had already finished investigating the clues to the Treasure Ground and had gone to the quiet room where Qin Lie was.
The quiet room was in a small courtyard on the other side of the main government office, not very close.
Luo Zheng didn't say anything more along the way, and Yang Xiao was happy to have some peace and quiet. He also took the opportunity to think about how to quickly obtain Spiritual Root, even if it was the lowest grade.
The two walked to the quiet room where Qin Lie was temporarily staying, and a faint medicinal fragrance wafted from the crack in the door.
Just then, Li Hanguang opened the door and came out. Upon seeing Luo Zheng and Yang Xiao appear together, he quickly stood up and bowed.
"Greetings, Lord Luo."
Luo Zheng slightly raised his head to indicate that there was no need for formalities, then pointed at Yang Xiao and smirked:
"Another superior has arrived, aren't you going to bow?"
Li Hanguang was taken aback at first.
Then, his gaze fell on Yang Xiao's waist, and he immediately saw the Silver Xiezhi Tally, which was quietly hanging there.
In that instant, his face showed an expression of both expectation and disbelief that things had happened too quickly.
As expected.
After that private conversation in the main hall, he realized that the Pacification Commissioner's interest in Yang Xiao had long since gone beyond just battle reports.
But it was still too fast.
Yang Xiao had only been at the General Headquarters for a short time, yet he had actually gained Luo Zheng's approval and taken over the position of Inspector.
The Inspector is above the Governor-General.
From now on, this Fourteenth Demon Suppression General of Qingzhou will nominally be the superior of all the officials and generals of Qingzhou.
Li Hanguang quickly composed himself, straightened his clothes, and respectfully clasped his hands in a fist salute to Yang Xiao.
"Your humble servant, Li Hanguang of Qingzhou, greets Your Excellency the Inspector."