The golden light in the check-in room gradually subsided, but the water vapor was still so thick that it made people breathe heavy.
Zhang Cheng looked at the remnant soul of Water Earl that was laughing like a child above the seal. For a long time, he let out a long sigh and withdrew the County Commandant Official Seal that exuded the majesty of the law in mid-air.
"That's it."
Zhang Cheng rubbed his brows tiredly, his voice a little hoarse, "We can't find anything out after a short inquiry. Although the real murderer was not caught on the spot in this case, our Anping County's burden has finally been lifted half."
He turned his head and looked at Chu Bai, who was standing aside with a calm expression.
"Chu Bai, you did a great job this time."
Zhang Cheng's tone contained a bit of fear, but also a bit of happiness, "If you hadn't fought so hard to seize the seal, so that Water Earl's status could be preserved, what would do today?" After Wei Chuan takes over forcefully, we will not only be accused of poor protection and missing evidence, but I am afraid that the truth about the fall of Water Earl will be fabricated and framed on us at will."
Chu Bai raised his hands and said, "My subordinates are just trying their best to preserve the scene. I don't dare to praise you so highly as the boss."
"Dare to forcibly withhold the seal under Foundation Establishment's order? I can't find many Qi Refining who can do this effort in Qingzhou."
Zhang Cheng waved his hand with a complicated look on his face, "As for Prefectural City Inspection Office...Wei Chuan suffered a secret loss and will definitely go to Lord Sima to file a complaint against me."
"However, now that the seal and ribbon are here, Water Earl's remnant soul also exists. I, Mr. Zhang, hold the great righteousness of preserving Divine Dao Seal in my hands. Even if this lawsuit is brought before Great Wall Prefecture Yin, I will not be afraid of him."
Having said this, he looked at Shi Guanchao.
"Master Shi, now that Water Earl has revived, although he has lost all his intelligence, his personality is still there after all. He is your Water Office after all, and the rest of the comfort and support will be left to you."
Shi Guanchao had calmed down from the shock and anger just now. He deeply bowed to Chu Bai as a colleague, and his tone was extremely sincere:
"Master Chu, this time you not only saved Water Earl, but also saved my life and fortune, Mr. Shi. I will never thank you enough for your kindness. From now on, in this Anping County, wherever Water Office is useful, you can just ask."
"Master Shi, you are very polite. It is natural for colleagues to help each other." Chu Bai responded politely.
"Okay."
Shi Guanchao took a deep breath and looked at Qi Pan, who was collapsed on the ground with an ashen face. A look of cruelty flashed in his eyes, "I will take this person back to the Water Office dungeon. Dare to betray Immortal Dynasty, colluded with Ye San to assassinate Orthodox God, I will let him know what it is like to be Bone-Dissolving Spirit Spring of Water Office. As for Water Earl..."
Shi Guanchao pinched out a Water-Guiding Art, and the soft power of Dao Foundation wrapped the foolish divine figure and the broken seal in it.
"I will temporarily place it in Water Office Spirit Realm, use incense and Spirit Spring to warm it day and night, and see if it can bring back some old memories. When the Prefectural City investigation team arrives, they will take over this hot potato."
Zhang Cheng nodded. "That's very good. This case involves the wild forces in the Foundation Establishment realm, which has exceeded our Anping County's permission to deal with it. The next game is between Great Wall Prefecture and Inspection Office. If we can protect the stability of this side and hold on to this divine seal, we have paid off."
Shi Guanchao no longer delayed, took Qi Pan and the weak remaining soul of Water Earl and left.
As Water Office everyone left, the originally damp and oppressive value room gradually became dry again.
Zhang Cheng looked at Chu Bai, was silent for a long time, and suddenly said, "You have been tired all day, go and have a rest. You have made enough noise this year. In the next few days, if there is nothing serious, I will go back to your Clearwind Courtyard retreat. There are not many days left for Heavenly Examination."
"Yes."
Chu Bai walked out of Demon-Suppression Office. It was already dark at this time, and the streets of Anping County looked quiet and profound in the dim light of Law Net.
He pressed his chest, which seemed to still contain the residual warmth from when the divine seal exploded.
In the following days, Anping County ushered in the busiest time since the year before.
Although in this undercurrent of First-Line Gorge, Orthodox God fell, supervised the game, and even the divine seal was almost broken, but under County Yamen's deliberate suppression and whitewashing, these truths that shocked Prefectural City were tightly locked in the dungeon of Demon-Suppression Office and the secret realm of Water Office.
For the hundreds of thousands of people in Anping County, they only saw a long-prepared and unprecedented "Welcoming God Ceremony".
The sky is bright.
Three-Bath River Both sides of the river are paved with red carpet, and flags and rabbits are waving on both sides of the dozens of miles of river. The crisp sound of gongs and drums is accompanied by firecrackers all over the sky, causing the cold river water to create layers of fine ripples.
County Magistrate Qian Shen personally led officials from various departments to burn incense and worship at the newly renovated south pier of the city.
Surrounded by dozens of River-Patrolling Strongmans, a "Water Earl golden body" carved from sandalwood and draped in gold silk divine robes was slowly invited onto the palanquin.
Since the real Brook Water Earl's spirituality was damaged and Divine Soul was demented, so he could not manifest the saint in person, Shi Guanchao used Water Office's secret method to place the broken divine seal inside the golden body.
Under the faint but still pure golden light of Shinto, the golden body looked majestic, and there was a faint majesty between the brows that looked down on all living beings.
"Look! The gods have appeared!"
"Water Earl, please bless me, Three-Bath River, the coming year will be smooth and there will be no more floods!"
The people on the shore knelt on the ground in darkness, and pious prayers could be heard one after another.
The Incense and Fire Prayer Power formed by the convergence of thousands of lights turned into streaks of light golden smoke that were invisible to the naked eye, flowing into the golden body along the river wind, and finally gathered in the cracked seal.
This is Great Zhou Immortal Dynasty's law of survival: the people need a visible patron saint who can bring them psychological comfort; and Immortal Dynasty needs this kind of superficial peace to stabilize Law Net's credibility.
Chu Bai is not standing in the queue to greet God.
He was standing on the top floor of a teahouse far away on the river bank, his dark blue official uniform rustling in the wind.
In the two-hundred-foot-long Divine Sense perception, he could clearly detect that every time a wisp of incense entered the seal, the originally stupid Water Earl remnant soul would make an extremely weak, yet confused sound of joy.
These incense are repairing His remaining soul, but they are also repainting His white paper-like Divine Soul.
"Shinto is ultimately the product of the thoughts of all sentient beings."
"I wonder if it can be restored to a certain extent."
Chu Bai took back Divine Sense, his palms unconsciously rubbed Jade-Nurturing Gourd on his waist, and he sighed in his heart.
After today, there is indeed one more Water Earl in the name of the Three-Bath River.
But only a few people, including him and Zhang Cheng, knew that the person sitting on Divine Seat was just a "spiritual empty shell" with no past, no memory, and even extremely vague self-awareness.
Such a god may perform his duties more diligently than before, because he has nothing but the prayers of his people.
"Mr. Chu, the boss, please go back to the company to hand over." A Demon-Slaying Guard walked up to the balcony softly and reported in a low voice.
Chu Bai nodded and took one last look at the golden shrine slowly entering the city amid cheers.
"Whether it's a farce or a prosperous time, as long as this Anping County can stabilize this year, it will be enough."
He turned around and walked down the stairs firmly.
With the successful conclusion of the welcoming ceremony, the second wave of investigation teams sent by Great Wall Prefecture also officially took over the case.
Since Zhang Cheng informed us in advance and kept the seal, Prefectural City's attitude became extremely polite, and Wei Chuan and others' difficulties finally turned into a formality.
Demon-Suppression Office Inside the room, Sandalwood Incense curled up, dispersing the cold water vapor from the past few days.
Zhang Cheng was sitting on the main seat, the official document in his hand had been properly sealed, and a rare relaxed smile appeared between his brows.
Seeing Chu Bai enter, he waved and motioned for him to sit down.
"This matter has been put aside for the time being."
There was a sense of relief in Zhang Cheng's voice, "Prefectural City's attitude has been made clear. After the Three-Bath River assassination case was taken over by Great Wall Prefecture, it was temporarily impossible to identify the real culprit because the clues were lost in the black mist."
"But because you protected Divine Dao Seal, we Demon-Suppression Office have done a good job in protecting the treasure, and all suspicion and punishment have nothing to do with us."
Chu Bai nodded slightly, the case was shocking, and it was expected that the real culprit would not be found.
As long as we can escape unscathed from this officialdom storm, that will be the best outcome.
"However, there is something related to your previous game on the shore."
Zhang Cheng put down the tea cup, with a hint of playfulness in his tone, "Prefectural City Inspection Office has been formally held accountable by Merit Office due to 'improper procedures', 'illegal use of Foundation Establishment orders' and violent interference in the performance of local government duties during the investigation process."
"That high-ranking Lord Sima was framed a lot because of this. Wei Chuan was directly demoted and put on standby. Prefectural City thought about it later."
Chu Bai's complexion remains as usual, without any ripples.
It doesn't matter to him whether Inspection Office's people are punished or not.
"Is it just... that the programming is wrong?"
Chu Bai keenly captured the key point in Zhang Cheng's words, raised his head and asked.
"Based on the results, it's true."
Zhang Cheng sneered and explained patiently, "In Prefectural City's plea, Wei Chuan defended himself on the grounds that he was 'eager to perform meritorious service and feared that the divine seal would be damaged'."
"On Principles of the Dao, there is indeed evidence that he went to take over the scene with the Foundation Establishment warrant, but the appearance was too ugly. In the absence of irrefutable evidence to prove that he colluded with the assassins, Merit Office can only rely on the 'program', and it is difficult to truly convict him."
Chu Bai was silent for a moment, and once again threw away the question that had troubled him for a long time, "Then what was their real purpose in seizing the seal so crazily that day? Mentor, what do you think?"
Zhang Cheng heard this and let out a long sigh. He stood up and walked to the window, looking in the direction of the Three-Bath River in the distance. He was silent for a long time before speaking quietly.
"The assassination of Water Earl indeed has nothing to do with Inspection Office's Sima. Give him the courage, he would not dare to challenge Immortal Dynasty Law Net at this juncture. But what he did is actually a common operation among high-level officials."
"I guess he wanted to change the owner of the seal and ribbon in the name of taking over the scene."
"The seal changes owner?"
Chu Bai was shocked and his eyes narrowed.
"Not bad."
Zhang Cheng turned his head, with an absurd sense of seeing through the world in his eyes, "Brook Water Earl is dead, and the seal and ribbon are damaged."
"At that moment, the sealing ribbon was a 'divine vacancy' that had lost its owner. If Wei Chuan had successfully taken away the sealing ribbon, and under the cover of master Prefectural City, had forcibly sealed a prepared monk Divine Soul into the sealing ribbon, and used secret methods to replace the original incomplete spirituality..."
Zhang Cheng paused, and his tone became extremely low. "Then, when the truth comes out, this seal ribbon is still Principal Eighth Rank's Brook Water Earl Seal, but the 'god' inside has been replaced by the crony that Lord Sima wants to promote, or his blood heir."
Chu Bai suddenly understood, and a thin layer of chill ran down his spine.
I didn't know there was such a method before.
What precious resources are Great Zhou Immortal Dynasty and Divine Seat? How many people ask for them but cannot get them.
As a result, many lands, Mountain God, have changed hands many times?
The spirituality of Shinto is immortal, but it cannot last forever.
"Although this move is illegal, it is on the edge of Great Zhou Law. If the crime is not caught on the spot, there will be no way to verify it later, let alone convict."
Zhang Cheng laughed at himself, his voice full of sighs. "Foundation Establishment monks can live for three hundred years, but no matter how much they extend their lives in the Qi Refining period, they can only live to a hundred years. For those powerful family members who are nearing the end of their lifespan or whose talents are not enough Foundation Establishment, if they want to live forever, this 'Shinto status' is their only way to survive."
"There are not a few people in Qingzhou who use their power for personal gain and use this method to steal the sky."
Chu Bai Take a deep breath and remember it.
"So, Zhang must ask you to keep that divine seal that day."
Zhang Cheng stepped forward and patted Chu Bai heavily on the shoulder, "If this were not the case, I would have to bear the responsibility. Although this matter has passed, I am afraid that Lord Sima will completely bear his grudge against us."
"But, you don't need to worry."
A stern look flashed in Zhang Cheng's eyes, "As long as you can go one step further and pass Azure Ordination, then Sima can only watch you in Prefectural City."
"Go, have a good time practicing, and everything will be over here."
"Thank you Mentor."
Chu Bai bowed and bowed and exited the room.
It's the end of another year, and the snow is like a blanket, making Anping County city covered in silver.
This is the third year Chu Bai has spent in Demon-Suppression Office's appointment.
Looking back on more than three years, the slightly young White Ordination boy who just came out of the Dao Academy has now become a real and powerful person who is not only famous in Anping County but also Great Wall Prefecture.
In the past few months, Anping County has rarely experienced real peace.
Although First-Line Gorge completely offended Lord Sima Prefectural City Inspection Office in the battle, but as Zhang Cheng said, Great Zhou officialdom has its own rules.
Although that Sima was slightly higher in rank than Zhang Cheng and had Prefectural City as his back, no matter how long he stretched his hand, it would be difficult to shake Anping Demon-Suppression Office with Foundation-Building Cultivator in charge.
Moreover, the case of assassinating the gods is very involved, and the Prefectural City investigation team has been keeping its eyes on Inspection Office. That Lord Sima is probably too busy now, and he is careful to protect himself, and he will never dare to do any overt acts of arrogance.
As for Water Earl, who was a blessing in disguise, after that grand welcoming ceremony, he had already firmly sat down in the position of the Three-Bath River.
Although He was spiritually damaged, had no memory, and became a "stupid Orthodox God" who only knew his duties and was inhumane, but for the Anping people, Three-Bath River was indeed less troubled and more peaceful.
Although the assassination was investigated secretly, it has always been shrouded in mystery and there is no conclusion yet.
During this quiet time without any interruption, Chu Bai devoted almost all his energy to practice.
Qi Refining Eighth Layer.
In the practice room, Chu Bai slowly finished his exercise, and the substance-like layer of colorful spiritual mist around his body was sucked into his acupoints.
Feeling the Spell Power in his meridians, which was as heavy as mercury slurry and as fast as thunder, he let out a long sigh of relief.
Since his appointment, in just three and a half years, his cultivation level has risen from Qi Refining Third Layer to Qi Refining Eighth Layer!
In three and a half years, he has reached the fifth level.
If word of this speed spread, even the direct descendants of Qingzhou, the top wealthy families, would be stunned.
Only Chu Bai himself knows that this is a miracle created by the [Subtlety] level technique, Earthly Treasure [Mountain-Pacifying Platinum], Five-Element Spirit-Gathering Array and [Relentless Toil] Fate Destiny.
At this time, he was not far away from Qi Refining Perfection.
A few days later, Demon-Suppression Office Merit Assessment Quiet Chamber.
Chu Bai once again met the middle-aged Merit Envoy who had a close relationship.
Only this time, when the other party saw Chu Bai, not only did he lose his usual seriousness, but he stood up on his own initiative, with a hint of unconcealable politeness in his smile.
"Master Chu, we meet again." Middle-aged Merit Envoy cupped his hand.
Chu Bai After returning the gift, his eyes swept around the room, but he didn't see that familiar figure. He couldn't help but ask, "Why didn't Senior Brother Lu come this year?"
When the middle-aged Merit Envoy heard this, a flash of envy flashed in his eyes, he stroked his beard and said with a smile, "Mr. Lu has been promoted to Merit Office because of his diligence in evaluating merits and the recommendation of the Dao Academy a few days ago. Deacon Subordinate Eighth Rank. Now he is in charge of Prefectural City and is responsible for summarizing Merit Assessment from all counties. This kind of thing of going to the countryside to evaluate merits that come and go, Mr. Lu will not have to worry about it in the future."
Lü Qing was promoted.
Chu Bai knew clearly in his heart that Senior Brother Lu was from an orthodox Immortal Clerk background and had a promising future, so it was not surprising.
"Since Senior Brother Lu has been promoted, I will entrust the envoy to take care of him." Chu Bai nodded slightly.
"Definitely, definitely."
Next, Heart-Inquiring Mirror is suspended, and the process remains the same.
But this time, middle-aged Merit Envoy's inquiry was almost just a formality.
Water Earl was assassinated, Chu Bai was not afraid of power, under the Foundation Establishment order of Prefectural City Inspection Office Although Divine Dao Seal was forcibly rescued, this incident caused waves among Prefectural City's senior management, but according to Merit Office's files, it was a real great achievement.
There is no need to ask too much for confirmation.
After a while, Merit Assessment came to a conclusion.
"Demon-Slaying Token Chu Bai, he has made great achievements in protecting the seal and laid the foundation for the country's destiny. Within three years of his term, he will be under the jurisdiction of Haiyan and Heqing."
Middle-aged Merit Envoy solemnly put down the Zhubu on the file, raised his head and looked at Chu Bai, his eyes full of admiration:
"Master Chu, congratulations. This year's evaluation... is still 'excellent'!"