In the practice room, Five-Element Spiritual Qi is lingering like colorful smoke.
Chu Bai sat cross-legged in the center of the formation, feeling the completely different Spell Power rhythm in his body, and a turbulent wave arose in his heart.
"Subtlety... actually really broke through the shackles of perfection."
He slowly opened his eyes, and the five-colored light in his pupils flashed away, replaced by an almost cold clarity.
With the growth of knowledge, Chu Bai is no longer the young boy from a humble family who was just starting out.
He knows very well that in the iron law of the Great Zhou Immortal Dynasty's practice, the limit of Qi Refining's exercises is [Perfection].
Only Higher Vehicle techniques above Foundation Establishment Realm, or those extremely powerful Earth Tier Spell Arts, can achieve a higher proficiency level.
Because the Divine Sense and physical strength of the Qi Refining monks are theoretically unable to carry mystical changes beyond the "Perfection" level.
But now, he has truly promoted this basic "Origin Return Formula" to the level of [Subtlety].
"It's the power of Fate Destiny..."
Chu Bai took a deep breath and said silently in his heart.
[Acquired Fate Pattern: Relentless Toil, Relentless Effort]
(Heavenly Dao rewards diligence. Whatever you learn Spell Arts every day, there will be repercussions. Ignore bottlenecks and things will fall into place.)
"I understand."
Chu Bai's eyes flickered, and his heart suddenly became enlightened, "The so-called 'ignoring the bottleneck' does not only refer to the hurdle when breaking through the great realm, but also refers to the ceiling of the original existence of all methods in this world.
As long as I practice hard every day and keep accumulating, Fate Destiny will turn every drop of sweat into brute force to break the shackles."
Even though the skill itself has an upper limit, under the overbearing logic of Fate Destiny and Heavenly Dao rewarding hard work, the limit must give way to hard work!
Realizing this, Chu Bai's heart beat wildly, and with a thought, he summoned the Fate Destiny panel that he had not looked at in a long time.
[Name: Chu Bai]
[Realm: Qi Refining Fifth Layer(39/100)]
[Exercise method: Origin Return Formula(Subtlety 1/??)]
[Skills/Spell Arts:]
[Spirit Water Needle(Successful 679/1000)]
[Origin Guard Shield(Successful 347/1000)]
[Formless Cloud Hand(Successful 215/1000)]
[Golden Eye Illusion-Breaker(Successful 108/1000)]
Sure enough!
Chu Bai's breathing suddenly froze.
All Spell Arts that had previously reached the perfect level showed clear progress bars at this moment.
This means that as long as he continues to practice, these Spell Arts, who have already reached the peak of the Qi Refining stage, will all have the opportunity to step into the legendary [Subtlety] level.
"Qi Refining monk, mastering Subtlety level Spell Arts proficiency..."
Chu Bai murmured to himself, his eyes shining with a captivating light.
He knew exactly what this meant.
In a battle of wits, a monk of the same level is already at his limit when it comes to Perfected Level Spell Arts. But if he can Subtlety, he can exert the most terrifying power with the least amount of Spell Power, and even be able to discern and exploit extremely small flaws in his opponent's Spell Arts at that critical moment.
This is simply a way to change one's fate against the will of heaven!
At this time, Five-Element Spirit-Gathering Array inside Clearwind Courtyard is operating to the extreme.
Chu Bai closed his eyes again. This time, he activated the [Subtlety]-level "Origin Return Formula", and saw that the Five-Element Spiritual Qi around him no longer poured in, but as if he were seeing a king, following the specific meridians and lines into his body in an extremely docile and orderly manner.
"Too fast..."
Chu Bai felt the growth rate of Spell Power, which was nearly 30% faster than just now.
With this speed of cultivation, coupled with the Subtlety Spell Arts system that may be comprehensive in the future, I am afraid that his actual combat power will expand to a level that will make the same level and even Qi Refining Late-Stage monks despair in a short period of time.
"However, according to my current cultivation speed, I may have entered Qi Refining Late-Stage before all Spell Arts reach the next realm."
Chu Bai There was a deep arc at the corner of his mouth, his heart sank, and he was completely immersed in this crazy increasing pleasure.
More than two months passed in a flash, and Anping County city ushered in a heavy snowfall.
The New Year is approaching, and the entire county is immersed in a busy atmosphere of bidding farewell to the old and welcoming the new.
For Demon-Suppression Office officials, this is the most critical moment - the "Merit Assessment" at the end of the Great Zhou Immortal Dynasty begins.
County Commandant Zhang Cheng has already submitted this year's assessment documents.
Since this year Anping County has quelled the Three-Bath River floods, eradicated Lu Household cancers, and Demon-Slaying Squad has been astonishingly efficient after its reorganization, this achievement can be considered outstanding in the entire Great Wall Prefecture.
However, Great Zhou Law is strict, and Merit assessment is by no means just based on the report on paper.
Today, Merit Office's "Merit Envoy" officially settled in Anping Demon-Suppression Office.
Merit Office has great power, ranging from the feudal officials to Ninth Rank Immortal Clerk. Their promotions, grants and even the allocation of funds are all judged and decided by Merit at the end of this year.
The year-end ratings are divided into four levels: poor, average, good, and excellent.
For ordinary monks, if they can get the word "good", it means that they have a great chance to receive more resources and secrets of exercises in the coming year.
And if it can be rated as "excellent", it will have a promising future, and it may even get the sponsorship quota of "Heavenly Examination".
"Brother Chu, I'm afraid my brother will die this time..."
Outside the check-in room, Pang Song found Chu Bai with a look of sadness on his face. As Chu Bai's deputy this year, he had also made meritorious service in many liquidation operations. He originally expected to be awarded a "good" grade to stabilize his position.
Chu Bai Seeing his appearance, he couldn't help but be surprised and said, "Brother Pang, you have been diligent and diligent this year, and your files are clear. Logically speaking, it is not difficult to be a 'good' person. Why is this so?"
Pang Song sighed heavily and lowered his voice, "The envoy came to visit just now. I followed the old rules of previous years and prepared an 'opening gift' to send in private, thinking of being accommodating and making the Heart Inquiry process smoother.
But who would have thought that the master was a hard-nosed person! Not only did he rebuff my offer in person, but he also made a note of it with a cold face, probably because he disliked me, and this 'good' comment was probably going to be ruined."
Chu Bai Hearing this, he sighed in confusion.
It seems that this year's Merit Envoy is indeed different from the usual greedy people. He is a good-tempered and rule-abiding master.
However, for a person like him who rose to the top based on his solid military exploits, it is a great thing that Merit Envoy is not subject to property.
"Brother Pang, don't worry. As long as Heart Inquiry has no guilt, Merit Office will deal with it impartially."
Chu Bai said in relief, then patted his sleeves, straightened his official uniform, and walked towards Quiet Chamber who was conducting the audit.
Stepping into Quiet Chamber, a cool and solemn atmosphere hits your face.
Chu Bai looked up and saw a simple bronze mirror hanging high in the center of the room. The surface of the mirror was sparkling and runes could be faintly seen flowing - this was the famous Immortal Dynasty [Heart-Inquiring Mirror].
If the person under interrogation makes half-truths when stating his merits, the mirror will light up as a red warning. At that time, not only will his merits be lost, but he will also be reported to the police.
Under the mirror, two Merit Envoy dressed in black official robes were sitting.
Chu Bai took a step forward and was about to salute and announce his title. When his eyes fell on the face of the chief sergeant, he couldn't help but be slightly startled.
The young envoy, who had a stern face and was flipping through the files, also showed an expression of extreme surprise when he raised his head and saw the person coming.
"Senior Brother Lu?" Chu Bai said in surprise.
"Junior Brother Chu!"
The young envoy stood up abruptly, and his cold expression that was originally repulsive to people thousands of miles away melted instantly.
This person is Lü Qing, who graduated from school together with Chu Bai.
After being apart for more than half a year, meeting each other in this capacity at this time and place was a surprise to both of them.
Lü Qing looked at Chu Bai, who was wearing a dark blue official robe and had a deep demeanor, and felt quite a stir in his heart.
When he was awarded the same quota of Immortal Clerk, he Lü Qing was selected into Merit Office based on his talent of Divine Soul. Now as Subordinate Ninth Rank [Merit Envoy], he travels in various counties to judge merits and demerits. He holds a certain power of life and death in his hands. In the eyes of others, he has risen to great heights and has unlimited glory.
But what about Chu Bai?
Principal Ninth Rank[Demon-Slaying Token]!
Not only was he one level above him in rank, but he was also a powerful captain who held military power and commanded a team. He was far from comparable to him, an auditor who traveled around the world.
Lü Qing had just read through the files in the newspaper and was surprised at the speed of this classmate's promotion.
Seeing it with his own eyes at this moment, he felt that the aura around Chu Bai was condensed and even more exaggerated. This monster-like growth made him smile bitterly to himself - the ruthless man he was at the Dao Academy was indeed still a fierce dragon crossing the river when he got there.
However, this was a business occasion, and the two of them looked at each other, nodded slightly, and did not reminisce about the past at this moment.
"Demon-Slaying Token Chu Bai, the file reports that you have eliminated Three-Bath River evil spirits, liquidated Lu Household moths, and reorganized the County Yamen team during your term of office. Your administration has been stable, people's livelihood has recovered, and your achievements are classified as 'excellent'."
The middle-aged Deputy Commissioner sitting next to Lü Qing spoke.
This man is about forty years old, with a stern face. He is not from a Immortal Clerk background like Lü Qing. He is just an ordinary official who has been awarded White Ordination qualifications after many years of experience. His future potential is limited.
Due to the old relationship between Lü Qing and Chu Bai, in order to avoid suspicion, the formal inquiry at this time was mainly led by him.
The middle-aged man's gaze was like a falcon, staring closely at Chu Bai and Heart-Inquiring Mirror hanging above, and said in a deep voice, "Is this true?"
Chu Bai looked indifferent, and said with neither humility nor arrogance, "It's a matter of duty, just a little merit."
"Bang!"
The middle-aged Deputy Commissioner slapped the case suddenly, his tone suddenly became sharp, and his official authority poured out. "A little bit of meager skill? The file records that when you killed the False God'Three-Bath Lady' subordinate Water Monkey, your cultivation level was no more than Qi Refining Fourth Layer.
Even with the help of people from Water Office, being able to kill an old demon with Qi Refining Late-Stage cultivation in a mortal body is simply absurd in Principles of the Dao's logic!"
He leaned forward and asked word by word, "Mr. Chu, there are no lies on this Heart-Inquiring Mirror. Tell the truth, have you ever made any false claims about your achievements in this case?"
These questions were like thunder falling to the ground, and the air in Quiet Chamber instantly became extremely tight.
Lü Qing was sitting aside. Although he knew that this was Merit Office's routine "sharp Heart Inquiry" method, using verbal pressure to induce the subject to reveal his flaws, he couldn't help but frown when he heard the other party questioning Chu Bai's combat power.
Qi Refining Fourth Layer kills Qi Refining Late-Stage?
Although he did not defeat it alone, the final killing effect was definitely extraordinary.
If he hadn't been a classmate of Chu Bai and knew that this person's combat prowess could not be measured by common sense, he would probably have thought that this dossier was full of nonsense.
"If it were anyone else, I wouldn't be able to believe it, but if it were Junior Brother Chu..."
However, under such pressure, Chu Bai's expression did not fluctuate at all.
He stood quietly under the light of Heart-Inquiring Mirror, looked calmly into the eyes of middle-aged Deputy Commissioner, and said in a calm tone as before, "This is true.
On the day of the Three-Bath River, Demon-Slaying Guard brothers, Water Office patrol, and local surviving people were all present to witness.
If the envoy has any doubts, he can ask them one by one.
If you feel that the file is doubtful, you might as well go to the Three-Bath River Beach to take a look at the monster's bone mound."
As he spoke, the Heart-Inquiring Mirror hanging in mid-air was as calm as a lake, without any red light shining.
Middle-aged Deputy Commissioner stared at Chu Bai for a long time, and then looked at the motionless mirror. The sharpness in his eyes gradually dissipated, replaced by a deep awe.
He has been in charge of Merit Assessment all year round, and has seen countless officials who looked flustered and spoke in a flash at this level, but he has never seen a young man with such rock-like determination.
The evaluation of merits and demerits is related to the future promotion path, and naturally there are also people who have committed fraud.
The middle-aged Deputy Commissioner breathed a long sigh of relief, and his originally tense posture collapsed. He actually stood up and held his hands in front of Chu Bai: "Heart Inquiry is worthy of it, Merit is self-sufficient. Lord Chu is a young prodigy with amazing fighting prowess. It is really my Great Zhou's good fortune."
A trace of apology appeared on his face, and he said with a wry smile, "I was rude just now. I will judge you strictly according to the rules. I also hope that Mr. Chu will come in large numbers and don't take offense."
Chu Bai returned the greeting and said, "Your Majesty is doing official business, I understand."
The inquiry came to an end, and the solemn atmosphere inside Quiet Chamber finally melted away like ice and snow.
Lü Qing put down the ink pen in his hand and looked at Chu Bai with undisguised relief in his eyes.
He stood up, walked to Chu Bai's side, and said softly, "Junior Brother Chu, although the judging grade is ultimately determined by the deacons above Merit Office, our record in this section is the most critical.
Now that 'Heart-Inquiring Mirror' has illuminated the reality, no one can erase your numerous and solid achievements."
He paused, and said with a firm voice, "In my opinion, your excellent evaluation this year is a sure thing. Here, Lu will congratulate you in advance!"
Chu Bai returned the gift and said with a calm smile, "Senior Brother Lu's blessing."
"It's not a good word, but it's well deserved."
Lü Qing lowered his voice and revealed some internal information, "Great Zhou has clear rewards and punishments, especially for top talents like us Immortal Clerk.
When the official review is issued after the new year, in addition to regular rewards, there should be esoteric methods and spiritual objects as incentives.
With this contribution, Junior Brother Chu will have a dazzling career in the future. In this Anping County, and even in the entire Great Wall Prefecture, he can truly be called a meteoric riser!"
The two took this moment of leisure to briefly talk about the Dao Academy's situation after they said goodbye.
Lü Qing lamented the complexity of Merit Directorate's internal affairs, while Chu Bai briefly mentioned the hardships of local Demon-Slaying.
In this intersection of public and private, the friendship between classmates is a little closer than it was at the Dao Academy.
After a while, Chu Bai said goodbye and exited Quiet Chamber.
As the door closed gently, silence returned to Quiet Chamber.
The middle-aged Deputy Commissioner, who had been silent all this time, slowly stood up from behind the desk. He looked at the direction Chu Bai was leaving, and the sharpness in his eyes had already turned into deep amazement.
"Master Lu, in this Dao Academy, it is really a crouching tiger, hidden dragon."
The middle-aged Deputy Commissioner stroked his beard and sighed in a complicated tone, "Junior Brother Chu of yours... is no ordinary person!
Over the years that I have been working at Merit Office, I have seen young geniuses ranging from 100 to 80, but it is rare for someone like him to be as stable as a rock despite his lofty ambitions, and to be able to achieve such a clear political performance in the midst of killing."
When Lü Qing heard this, he also looked at the snowy sky outside the door and whispered to himself, "That's natural. After all, at the Dao Academy, he was the monster that everyone could only hold back..."