Returning by Moonlight

The second floor of the Drunken Immortal Pavilion, at a private table.

This was the liveliest restaurant in Anping County. Cups clinked and drinking games rang out without pause.

Chu Bai and Gu Qinghe chose a seat by the window and watched the lights of countless homes flicker on outside.

Several hearty dishes sat on the table, along with a jug of fine Top Scholar Red.

"Come, Brother Chu. This cup is to you!"

Gu Qinghe raised his cup and drained it. The liquor burned down his throat, but he felt not the slightest hint of drunkenness. A Qi Refining cultivator's body far surpassed an ordinary person's; once the wine reached his stomach, spiritual energy dissolved it in an instant.

But they were drinking for the feeling of it.

After a few cups, Gu Qinghe began to talk, his emotions gradually rising.

"Brother Chu, I know where I stand."

Gu Qinghe set down his cup with a bitter smile. "I have no chance in this Dao Academy Selection. In the first trial, Qi Gathering, I only got a Lower Second Grade. In the second, Spirit Control, I was just average. And as for the Heart Inquiry Trial..."

He shook his head, helplessness filling his eyes. "I nearly couldn't find my way out of the Illusion Realm. In the end, my foundations were too weak, and my resolve wasn't strong enough. I rushed things."

Chu Bai said nothing. He knew Gu Qinghe was telling the truth.

"The worst part is my Bone Age."

Gu Qinghe sighed heavily. "If I don't pass this year, I'll be too old next year. The Dao Academy's doors will be closed to me for good."

"Fall one step behind, and you fall behind at every step."

Those words laid bare the hardship of cultivators from humble families.

"If I want an official post, I'll have no choice but to squeeze across the single-plank bridge of the Heavenly Examination. I'd have to compete with cultivators of every age, with old hands who've spent who knows how many years honing their skills... Hard. Far too hard!"

Gu Qinghe grabbed the jug and poured himself another cup.

Chu Bai looked at his former classmate without offering comfort. Any consolation now would ring hollow.

Yet Gu Qinghe did not sink into despair. He drank another cup. Though his eyes were a little red, what showed in them most was relief.

"But I've made peace with it."

He set down his cup, a faint smile on his face. "At least I'm a Qi Refining cultivator now. With this cultivation, I could work as an escort at an Escort Agency in Anping County, or as a Household Guard for a wealthy family. Either way, I can earn enough to live on—maybe even live a hundred times better than before."

"At least I'll have money to treat my mother's illness and pay off the debts we owe."

"An official post would be nice, but if it isn't in my fate, I'll be a Rogue Cultivator. Even if I climb slowly, it's better than rotting in the mud. As long as I'm alive, there's hope."

Hearing this, Chu Bai admired him.

To face a cruel reality and still love life, still refuse to give up—wasn't that resilience a powerful Dao Heart in its own right?

"You have a generous spirit, Brother Gu." Chu Bai raised his cup. "Even without an official post, I'm sure you'll make something of yourself. This cup is to you."

They exchanged smiles and drained their cups.

After eating and drinking their fill, the two parted at the restaurant entrance.

"Waiter!"

Before leaving, Chu Bai called to the waiter who was about to clear the table. "That roast chicken we barely touched, and the plate of beef in sauce—wrap them in oiled paper for me."

"Right away, sir!"

Chu Bai took the warm parcels and tucked them close to his chest. They were for his parents and younger siblings; they should still be warm when he got home.

Only then did he turn toward the Zhang Residence in the east of the city.

The night was deep, but a lamp still burned in the Zhang Residence's study.

"Disciple pays his respects to Master."

Not at all drunk, Chu Bai bowed respectfully.

"You're back?" Daoist Zhang set down the Daoist Scripture in his hands and smiled at his calm-looking disciple. "How did today go?"

"Well enough. I had a few drinks with Gu Qinghe."

Chu Bai then gave a full account of his performance in the examinations over the past few days.

Of course, he did not dare repeat that astonishing assessment in full. He merely said the examiner had praised him too highly.

When Chu Bai finished, Daoist Zhang stroked his beard and nodded, the approval in his eyes plain to see.

"Good. You haven't embarrassed your master."

"As for whether you'll pass, the results haven't been posted yet, but I'd say it's almost certain."

Daoist Zhang then teased him. "Once you get into the Dao Academy, I'm afraid you won't want to listen to this old geezer ramble anymore. The Instructors there are far more capable than I am."

"Master, you're joking," Chu Bai hurriedly said. "A teacher for a day is a father for life. Everything I know, you taught me."

"That much is true." Daoist Zhang did not feign modesty. Then his expression turned serious. "But the Dao Academy truly is extraordinary. They say a genuine Foundation-Building Cultivator presides there year-round and lectures on the Way. There are also more advanced cultivation arts to inherit. If you can enter, that will be a true carp's leap over the dragon gate."

A Foundation-Building Cultivator!

Chu Bai's heart jolted.

He had a vague sense that his master was in the late stage of Qi Refining, already one of the most powerful figures in the county.

Ordinary academy Instructors, such as Tutor Liu, were generally in the middle stage of Qi Refining. Daoist Zhang held a higher position; otherwise, why would the academy have established an inner hall for him?

The Celestial Court kept strict control. Though a cultivator's realm was not directly tied to official rank, the pattern was more or less set.

The means of control was simple: resources.

Methods of breakthrough, prime places to cultivate, and most crucially, spiritual energy...

Which of those lay beyond the Law Net?

For ordinary Rogue Cultivators, the limit was often the early stage of Qi Refining. Apart from the few who happened upon a fortunate opportunity, it was hard to advance any further.

But those in the Foundation Establishment Realm could truly fly on swords and live for two hundred years. They were immortals!

No wonder everyone flocked to the Dao Academy.

"Stay here and wait for the results over the next few days," Daoist Zhang said gently. "I also have some insights into cultivation that I can pass on to you while we have the chance."

Chu Bai was touched. After a moment's hesitation, however, he cupped his hands and said:

"I'll always remember your kindness, Master. It's just..."

He felt the roast chicken, still warm inside its wrapping, tucked against his chest. His gaze softened. "I've been away from home for days, and for such an important examination. My parents must have been worried day and night, unable to eat or sleep in peace. Now that the examination is over, whatever the result, I'd like to go home and let them know I'm safe."

"I'll return first thing tomorrow morning to hear your guidance."

Daoist Zhang looked at the young man before him, grateful and steadfast in his affections, and his admiration deepened.

"Of all virtues, filial piety comes first. We cultivate the Way, not a heart without feeling."

Daoist Zhang waved a hand. "Go. Don't keep your parents waiting. You needn't come back until the day the results are posted."

"Thank you, Master!"

Chu Bai bowed again, then turned and strode away.

Outside the city gates, moonlight spilled like water across the country road.

At his current speed, he could cover the dozen-odd li in no time if he hurried. This time, though, Chu Bai was in no rush to get back.

He had been running about for days. His body had grown much stronger, so he could hardly call himself tired, but the strain had weighed on his mind. Now he could finally relax and take in the scenery along the road.

At an unhurried pace, he returned beneath the moon.