Heaven's Endorsement

Regardless of the character of these county magistrates, they were at least cultured and could naturally understand the threatening tone in Yin Yunze's words.

"Qingnü, you say we don't respect you? I haven't even had a chance to speak with you, so how can you say we don't respect you?"

Upon hearing this, County Magistrate Li sneered and said, "On the contrary, it's your temple keeper, a commoner with nothing. Who gave her the right to refuse to kneel before an official?! It's the rule that commoners kneel before officials! Who told her to break the rule? You? Since when have you little gods who live off incense offerings been allowed to interfere in human affairs?!"

"Furthermore, if I haven't misheard, you're threatening me? You village god, threatening a court official who passed the imperial examination!"

In response to Yin Yunze's threat, County Magistrate Li countered, "Qingnü, you're nothing but a mere village god! How dare you—"

Upon hearing County Magistrate Li's words of crying "stop thief!", Yin Yunze narrowed his eyes slightly.

As expected, officials have two mouths!

"Lord Li! Let's talk this out! Qingnü definitely didn't mean what you think!"

Seeing that things were about to escalate, County Magistrate Zhou hurriedly stepped forward and tugged at County Magistrate Li's sleeve, then looked at Yin Yunze and said, "Qingnü, Lord Li is just taking it a little too seriously—and what he said isn't wrong either. Your temple keeper isn't just watching these two's performance blankly." Yin Yunze was too lazy to reply and turned to look at the remaining five people besides Xu Hanxian.

His smile faded, and Yin Yunze looked at the officials, asking, "So, gentlemen, is that also your opinion?"

"Enough! That's enough! Shouldn't the most important thing right now be discussing the transportation of grain for disaster relief?"

The one who spoke was a young official of similar age to Xu Hanxian.

Yin Yunze remembered that in the information Xu Hanxian her, the surname seemed to be Liu.

According to the information Xu Hanxian, this county magistrate surnamed Liu was an upright and incorruptible official.

His gaze swept over Li, Zhou, and Yin Yunze. County Magistrate Liu first addressed County Magistrate Li, saying, "Lord Li, are the lives of tens of thousands of people under your rule less important than whether a village woman kneels before you? Is empty courtesy more valuable than human lives?!"

Upon hearing County Magistrate Liu's words, County Magistrate Li was speechless for a moment but could not refute them.

"And you, Lord Zhou!" After berating County Magistrate Li, County Magistrate Liu didn't let County Magistrate Zhou off the hook either. "Did you come here to seek pleasure? Or to show off your glib tongue? Or perhaps, to beg for grain? If you want to seek pleasure, go back to your territory! If you're here to beg for grain, then stop stirring up trouble here!"

"My lords, you may not care about the people under your rule, but I, Liu, care very much! If you still want grain, then stop with the nonsense. If not, then please go back to where you came from and don't delay us!"

"Well said!"

Hearing County Magistrate Liu defend him against others, Yin Yunze applauded in agreement.

"And you, Qingnü!" Unexpectedly, Yin Yunze's actions aroused the hatred of County Magistrate Liu, who also spoke without any restraint, "It's one thing for Lord Li and Lord Zhou to have been negligent towards you! Have I and the other officials ever been disrespectful to you? Why do you humiliate us like this?"

County Magistrate Liu could tell that Yin Yunze was using this as an excuse to give them a hard time. However, since they were the weaker party who had come to ask for grain, County Magistrate Liu did not expose this fact.

Looking at Yin Yunze, County Magistrate Liu chose another point. "We are officials, you are a god. Although there is no subordinate relationship between us, and it's not a matter of who is greater than whom, or who bows to whom—"

But since you mind our lack of respect for you, shouldn't you at least show us some respect? We are guests, and you, as the host, made us guests sit on the ground, while you sit here acting like a vixen! Qingnü, is this appropriate?"

"Brother Liu, Brother Liu, please say less!"

Seeing County Magistrate Liu criticize Yin Yunze, Xu Hanxian tried to smooth things over, saying to Yin Yunze, "Your Lady Qingnü, this is indeed inappropriate. Your relationship with these officials is one of mutual assistance and benefit; there's no need for such tension!"

Hearing Xu Hanxian say that, Yin Yunze decided to give him face for now.

After all that effort to finally put together this plan, instead of developing a concrete strategy, just arguing like this is really not going to work.

After all, the other four county magistrates had been observing the situation the whole time.

Judging from their expressions, they were clearly somewhat dissatisfied with Yin Yunze's behavior.

It's still the same mindset as Xu Hanxian's at the beginning.

In their eyes, Yin Yunze was nothing more than a village god and a Demon Race, so they naturally held Innate in contempt.

Even after receiving the gift of 10,000 catties of Fox Rice, how could they be sure that what Xu Hanxian letter—that there would be an unlimited supply of Fox Rice afterward—was true, and not just bait used by Yin Yunze to lure them here?

They only came because of the ten thousand catties of Fox Rice, so they had absolutely no trust in Yin Yunze.

Now they've been given another hard time; even if they don't say it, they're definitely all resentful.

Since he was looking for someone to cooperate with and discuss matters, even if Yin Yunze truly wanted to start with courtesy before resorting to force, he still needed to first establish proper etiquette that would be acceptable to most people.

Having figured this out, Yin Yunze stood up from his chair and concealed his fox ears and nine tails.

Yin Yunze gave a slight curtsy and said apologetically in a low voice, "I apologize, Qingnü, for your momentary lapse in composure. Please forgive my rudeness, sirs."

Seeing that Yin Yunze had taken a step back first, the remaining four county magistrates, who felt they could save face, also looked much better.

The eldest of the four magistrates, County Magistrate Feng, waved his hand and said, "Alright, we didn't come here to waste time! Since we're here to talk business, let's finish it as soon as possible! I have a lot of things to do in my office!"

"Yes!"

"Lord Feng is right!"

Let's get down to business!

Upon hearing County Magistrate Feng's words, the other three magistrates, surnamed Wang, Yang, and Shen, immediately echoed his sentiments.

Upon hearing this, Yin Yunze waved his hand, and a round table large enough to seat more than twenty people appeared before everyone's eyes.

"Then, esteemed gentlemen, please take your seats!"

To save face for these so-called adults, Yin Yunze stood and waited for them to sit down.

Seeing that Yin Yunze had shown them proper courtesy, the county magistrates said nothing more and took their seats.

However, whether intentionally or unintentionally, they all chose locations far away from Yin Yunze.

Yin Yunze was not surprised by this.

After everyone was seated, Yin Yunze, too lazy to brew tea for them, sat down and said, "I believe you all know why I invited you here. I plan to provide you with unlimited supply of Fox Rice to help the people get through this famine."

In return, I need you all to spread the word that all this Fox Rice was collected by me, Qingnü, to help you relieve the disaster victims! Furthermore, you all need to erect a temple for me in a populous area within your jurisdiction and officially recognize its status!

Although among those of the same rank, the first time is usually the most effective.

This is similar to Seeking Bestowal Transformation; once you've become human, Seeking Bestowal again won't have much effect.

But this time, Yin Yunze wasn't there to increase his power; he was there to expand his territory by increasing his footholds.

Yin Yunze's current divine office God of Frost and Snow is only officially recognized by Xu Hanxian. This means that he can maintain the freedom to exercise his divine office within Qingling County.

However, once outside Qingling County, the Authority over Frost and Snow diminishes.

After all, even Xu Hanxian cannot enforce the law outside his jurisdiction.

Therefore, in order to maintain the full exercise of the Authority over Frost and Snow in these counties, it was necessary to have these county magistrates establish temples and bestow official titles upon them.

Furthermore, after the temples are established and officially recognized, these new temples can also become new anchors for Yin Yunze to maintain his divine authority and expand his territory.

Unless the City God of all these counties join forces and use their authority as high-ranking gods to banish Yin Yunze's divine status.

Otherwise, as long as one temple exists, Yin Yunze can maintain the Authority over Frost and Snow.

Originally, this was a level that only Incense God, even higher than the County City God, could achieve. Only after becoming that higher-ranking Incense God could one establish temples in other places, making them new anchor points.

But Yin Yunze is now planning to use these county magistrates to repeatedly bestow titles and honors, making each temple an anchor point for Yin Yunze. In this way, he can reverse cause and effect and obtain the divine powers that only high-ranking Incense God can possess in advance.

If things proceed as Yin Yunze envisions, then, although the temple in Clear Creek Village will still be Yin Yunze's main temple...

But when all else fails, Yin Yunze can also flee to other temples.

Unlike last time, I won't be cornered and arrested at my doorstep.

That's why Yin Yunze needed to be so polite to these county magistrates.

After all, if one wanted a quick and easy way to kill them all, it would be simple; Peng Shulan could do it overnight.

But if these county magistrates are killed, then no one will be able to appoint Yin Yunze as a new official.

"Establishing a temple and bestowing official titles is no small matter; we also need to—"

After hearing Yin Yunze's request, County Magistrate Li was the first to disagree.

"Lord Li, you are mistaken!" However, this time, County Magistrate Liu immediately retorted, "Compared to tens of thousands of people, what is the point of building a temple for the Qingnü? With grain in hand, we can easily carry out work relief! Let alone one Qingnü Temple! We could build ten!"

Hey kid, I love hearing that, say it more!

Hearing County Magistrate Liu's words, Yin Yunze's eyes lit up.

Temples are something that you can never have too many of.

Regardless of whether Yin Yunze lives here or not, the more temples there are, the happier Yin Yunze will be!

Not only are there more anchor points, but the speed of collecting faith can also be increased.

After all, a county is neither too big nor too small, and with only one temple, there are always some people with mobility issues who find it inconvenient to come.

Instead of making them travel all the way here, it's better to just build a temple there.

Thinking of this, Yin Yunze couldn't help but glance at Xu Hanxian!

Look at his initiative! You're my godbrother-in-law! Why don't you just suggest building me a few more temples!

Upon receiving Yin Yunze's gaze, Xu Hanxian touched his nose and quickly agreed, "I think Lord Liu is right!"

If the Lady Qingnü is truly willing to supply me with an unlimited amount of grain, I am willing to build a temple for Lady Qingnü in every village!

However, the others reacted relatively coldly to Xu Hanxian's words.

After all, everyone present tacitly agreed that Xu Hanxian and Yin Yunze had a close relationship. Xu Hanxian's statement meant nothing to them.

Even County Magistrate Liu glanced at Xu Hanxian speechlessly, then looked at Yin Yunze and said, "Building a temple and bestowing titles are minor matters. If it can truly save the people and bring merit to the lives of thousands, then building a temple and bestowing titles is what you, Qingnü, deserve—but, Qingnü, do you really have that much grain?"

County Magistrate Liu's questioning was also the point of greatest concern for the other magistrates. To them, having rice to distribute as disaster relief meant building a few fox temples was no big deal.

Today, the increasingly depraved situation leaves them with no room for maneuver Xu Hanxian then.

County Magistrate Li looked at Yin Yunze with a half-smile, as if he were preparing to watch a good show.

Faced with County Magistrate Liu's questioning and the scrutinizing gazes of the other magistrates, Yin Yunze raised his hand and swore. "I, Qingnü, swear to Heaven on my duty as a frost-snow maiden! If, after you gentlemen establish a temple and bestow official titles upon Qingnü fails to provide you with food to relieve the drought victims, may I be struck down by Heaven and Earth, and never be reincarnated!"

Yin Yunze was well-prepared for this.

After all, the biggest challenge in this matter lies in how Yin Yunze gains the trust of these adults.

The area is only so big; it's impossible for Yin Yunze to move enough grain to feed eight counties for a year all at once!

Moreover, even if Yin Yunze moves in, some people will probably still have something to say.

Therefore, Yin Yunze simply took God's endorsement.

If an ordinary person makes an oath, God might not care, but if someone makes an oath through Incense God rites, they will definitely be struck down, and by a much larger amount.

If one swears an oath to Heaven in the name of the Incense God and breaks it, then no one can bring them back.

This is a real deal; if Yin Yunze can't do it, he'll have to pay with his head.

Upon hearing Yin Yunze's words, even County Magistrate Li, who was eager to provoke a fight, choked on his own saliva and coughed incessantly.

"Qingnü, Your Majesty—" Even County Magistrate Liu felt that Yin Yunze had gone a bit too far, and his tone became much more polite. "Your good deed benefits the country and its people, even if it's slightly lacking—really, there's no need for this—"

County Magistrate Feng looked at Yin Yunze with a hint of respect. "I heard Lord Xu say before that Lady Qingnü was a benevolent goddess, but I didn't believe it. Now it seems I was biased! Lady Qingnü, this Nine-Tailed Immortal Fox, is not comparable to an ordinary fox demon—"

The remaining three, Wang, Yang, and Shen, also expressed their admiration.

Li and Zhou exchanged a glance and then said a few perfunctory polite words.

After all, Yin Yunze was ruthless enough to put his head in a noose and risk being kicked off the chair if he failed.

It's not a question of whether you can get rid of the flaws; it's that if you dare to point out these flaws, then there's something wrong with you as a person!

With so many colleagues present, Li and Zhou should at least have some self-respect.

"Now that the first matter has been settled, let's talk about the second one."

His gaze swept over the officials, Yin Yunze asked softly, "Do any of you know about the Heavenly Wheel Sect?"

However, upon hearing Yin Yunze's words, the officials all showed some unusual expressions.

County Magistrate Li's face was cold, and a sneer appeared at the corner of his mouth.

County Magistrate Zhou maintained his smiling demeanor, seemingly unconcerned.

However, the expressions of the five men, including County Magistrate Liu, became somewhat unusual.

In fact, among the seven, some would collude with the Heavenly Wheel Sect, which was something Yin Yunze had anticipated.

After all, everyone has a different personality. Since the Heavenly Wheel Sect was able to become a major sect in the South, it naturally couldn't just be all about fighting and killing.

Different people will naturally require different approaches.

Furthermore, it is unrealistic to expect everyone to be resistant to cooperating with the Heavenly Wheel Sect.

In fact, people like Xu Hanxian, who are difficult to cooperate with, are actually in the minority.

People like Li Zhou and Yin Yunze have already been corrupted by the Heavenly Wheel Sect, so their reaction is not surprising.

However, the strange reaction of County Magistrate Liu and his four companions seemed rather odd.

"Qingnü— " Finally, County Magistrate Liu spoke first, "These past few days, I've sent people to search for a long time, but I haven't found any trace of the Heavenly Wheel Sect members you mentioned. Moreover, none of my relatives or friends have suddenly fallen seriously ill and are beyond medical help!"

Upon hearing this, County Magistrate Feng nodded and said, "I agree."

Wang, Shen, and Yang nodded in agreement, saying, "Yes, yes—"

A slight chill ran through Yin Yunze as he realized why these people had suddenly avoided Xu Hanxian and were acting in groups.