Plans for the City God

"To become an official?"

Guo Jing was taken aback by Yin Yunze's abrupt question.

Immediately, Guo Jing subconsciously glanced at her current body.

Not to mention her current appearance, Guo Jing is no longer human.

The idea of becoming an official was too far-fetched for Guo Jing.

However, Guo Jing didn't feel that Yin Yunze was making fun of him. He simply said with a slight sigh, "Your Majesty, how many of us scholars don't want to serve as officials and benefit the people? But given my current situation, what can the court do—"

"So, you actually wanted to, huh?" Ignoring Guo Jing's sigh, Yin Yunze said softly, "You obviously can't be an official for the living. But what do you think about being an official for the dead? The City God is at least an official position, isn't he? Guo Jing, are you interested in taking over the position of Qingling County City God?"

After much thought, Yin Yunze felt that although the position of City God seemed good, it involved too many mundane affairs and was not really suitable for her.

In comparison, it would be more appropriate to give the title to Guo Jing, a former top scholar in the imperial examinations.

And to be honest, after eliminating the old City God, Yin Yunze didn't have any suitable tasks to hand over to Guo Jing for the time being.

Previously, the little fox spirit needed Guo Jing's protection, but now that she has been officially recognized and given power by Yin Yunze.

Aside from the County City God, even other Orthodox God had to give the little fox girl some respect.

Moreover, Yin Yunze could tell that Guo Jing didn't actually like things involving fighting and killing.

But if they just leave it like that, as an outlier, Yin Yunze is worried that Guo Jing will overthink things.

Therefore, after much deliberation, Yin Yunze realized that giving the position of City God to Guo Jing was actually the best choice.

This gave Guo Jing enough tasks to keep him busy, while also allowing Yin Yunze to retain control of the City God position in another way.

After all, Guo Jing is absolutely incapable of betraying her, at least in terms of loyalty.

Moreover, having such a position for Guo Jing to develop will not bury her talents.

Hearing Yin Yunze say that, Guo Jing was slightly taken aback again.

Guo Jing never imagined that he would be involved with the position of City God.

Subconsciously, Guo Jing thought of declining.

After all, even Guo Jing was unaware of the specific value of the City God's position.

But thinking about it, it's obvious that it's a deity guarding an entire city.

Accepting the position of City God is equivalent to simultaneously gaining the authority of the City God and the potential followers of the entire city's inhabitants.

This is a gift that even most Orthodox God wouldn't dare to dream of.

"Your Majesty—this position of City God is far too precious."

Looking at Yin Yunze, Guo Jing said earnestly, "Among your four Subordinate Deity, I was the last to submit. Moreover, I am only a few years older than Sister Yufei. With Xuan'er and Sister Qin present, Your Majesty should choose one of them for the position of City God!"

Seeing that Guo Jing declined, Yin Yunze didn't argue. Instead, he looked at Sun Qin and asked, "Sun Qin, what do you think of Guo Jing's statement? Do you want to be the City God?"

"Lord Yi Yun! Don't listen to Guo Jing's nonsense!" Upon hearing this, Sun Qin waved her hands and shook her head repeatedly, saying, "I'm a living person, it's fine for me to meddle in the affairs of the living! I have no interest in dealing with the dead!"

"I'm a coward, I've always been terrified of ghosts and monsters since I was little! If you really made me the City God, I'd be scared to death—I'd be sitting there every day getting startled by little ghosts, that would be a disgrace to Lord Yi Yun!"

Upon hearing Sun Qin's words, Guo Jing's face immediately showed a hint of embarrassment; she hadn't considered that point.

Although Sun Qin and Zhang Yufei are Yin Yunze's Subordinate Deity, they are essentially still living people. The City God, an official of the dead, is somewhat unsettling.

Sun Qin's words were actually quite tactful; to put it bluntly, Guo Jing was practically Sun Qin to die!

After all, the City God is a deity who governs the dead. Even if a living person could become the City God, they would probably die young in the long run.

Raising an eyebrow slightly, Yin Yunze turned to the little fox girl and asked, "So, Xuan'er, what do you think of the position of City God?"

"I don't want to!" Looking at Yin Yunze, the little fox girl shook her head repeatedly and said pitifully, "Your Majesty, I've said it before, I want to stay by your side forever! No matter how good the position of City God is, it's not as good as being with Your Majesty!"

Besides, with my brains, I'm not cut out for it! If I were really made the City God, I'm afraid I wouldn't know what kind of mess I'd make of things! Getting punished for my mistakes would be secondary; I'd be more afraid people would misunderstand and think Your Majesty has poor judgment in choosing people—then I'd be utterly deserving of death!

Nodding slightly, Yin Yunze turned his gaze back to Guo Jing, who had become somewhat silent after hearing Sun Qin and the little fox girl's words.

With his smile fading, Yin Yunze Guo Jing said seriously, "Jing'er, do you think this position of City God is a reward? Wrong, this position of City God is a responsibility! Sun Qin and Xuan'er, neither of them can bear this responsibility! Under my command, you are the only one who can do it now!"

But, I—

Hearing Yin Yunze say this, Guo Jing's thoughts also changed.

If it's a reward, then Guo Jing feels that Sun Qin and the little fox spirit are more deserving of it.

But now that Yin Yunze has described the City God as a responsibility, Guo Jing realizes that being the City God is indeed difficult, and not just anyone can take on the role.

However, after Sun Qin and the little fox spirit declined, Guo Jing couldn't help but worry. "Your Majesty, although I have read some classics, it's all just empty talk. I'm afraid I'll disappoint Your Majesty's expectations—"

"You didn't do anything, so how can you talk about letting me down?"

Seeing Guo Jing's reaction, Yin Yunze smiled and comforted her, "The fact that you have this kind of worry means that you won't do too badly! Many times, putting your heart into it is more important than having the ability! Besides, even if you're not the best, can you be worse than that City God from before?!"

"Of course not!"

Upon hearing Yin Yunze mention the former City God, Guo Jing immediately blurted out, "If I were like the former City God, I'd be utterly terrified!"

Therefore, don't underestimate yourself.

With a smile, Yin Yunze flicked his tail again and said casually, "Compared to disappointing me with your poor performance, what disappoints me even more is your denial of your own abilities without even trying! I had high hopes for you, and you say you can't do it. Aren't you criticizing my judgment—"

"How dare I Jing'er!"

Yin Yunze was just joking to ease the tension, but he didn't expect Guo Jing to suddenly kneel down.

"It was Jing'er's fault! She shouldn't have ruined Her Majesty's life because of her own selfish thoughts—"

"Alright, alright!" Seeing Guo Jing's behavior, Yin Yunze quickly interrupted, "If you're willing to take it on, just do it well in the future! I don't like hearing you say these things—don't do this again! Get up—"

"Yes!"

Hearing Yin Yunze say that, Guo Jing finally stood up from the ground.

Looking at Guo Jing, Yin Yunze said softly, "Of course, I still need to make this clear to you. We've said that you'll be taking over the position of City God, but the official appointment may have to wait another two months."

You'll have to wait until Prefect Lord Liu brings the official appointment from the capital. However, in the meantime, you can temporarily assume the duties of the City God. Two months should be enough time for you to become familiar with the responsibilities of the City God."

It's called a temporary position, but in reality, it's just doing work without a formal job title.

However, there was nothing that could be done about it. Yin Yunze couldn't just leave the position of City God vacant just because there was no imperial edict!

Guo Jing, however, didn't seem to have any particular feeling about this. Instead, he nodded seriously and said, "Your Majesty, this is actually better. If I were to take office directly, I might be unfamiliar with the duties and end up in a flustered state. Temporarily assuming the position of City God gives me more time to familiarize myself with the duties—"

"Hmm." Seeing that the matter was basically settled, Yin Yunze thought for a moment and then said, "Since you're willing to accept, I'll allocate some more manpower to you. There's Peng Shulan, whom you already know, and Zhang Liuyun, Peng Shulan's master, who's currently staying in the village—"

These two are people you can trust. I will inform them on your behalf and have them obey your commands. You can also observe them and, if they are suitable, you may take them Subordinate Deity.

"Furthermore," Yin Yunze said, glancing at the little fox girl, "Xuan'er, select a group of clever and obedient little foxes from your clan and entrust them to Jing'er to expand our manpower. If there are any trustworthy little demons, they can also be transferred to Jing'er's command."

Since they were going to make Guo Jing the City God, they naturally couldn't let him be a commander without any troops.

Fortunately, although there are few people who can stand alone, there is no shortage of people who can help out.

Thank you, Your Majesty!

Hearing Yin Yunze say this, the little fox girl was overjoyed.

"Xuan'er will definitely not let Your Majesty down! She will find a good helper for Jing-mei!"

Although Yin Yunze said he was being transferred to assist Guo Jing, this was from Yin Yunze's perspective as the Primordial Lady of the Azure Heavens.

In reality, for these little foxes, this is practically a stepping stone to becoming officials in the City God's faction.

In the real world, this is equivalent to passing the civil service exam!

Furthermore, the prestige of the City God Subordinate Deity is something that even some less successful Orthodox God would probably envy.

The little fox girl was overjoyed to be given such great power by Yin Yunze, feeling trusted by him.

"Just do your best."

After replying to the little fox girl, Yin Yunze turned his gaze back to Guo Jing: "Jing'er, although Xuan'er selected these little demons, you'll still have to decide for yourself whether they're suitable when it comes to actually using them. If they're not suitable, send them back for Xuan'er to choose again—"

"Don't say you'll turn a blind eye out of consideration for Xuan'er —many times, a thousand-mile dike is destroyed by such insignificant ant holes! You don't want your subordinates to bully men and women and act tyrannically, do you?! I'm not prejudiced, but most little demons are wild and untamed—"

"----They would naturally not dare to act presumptuously before you and me. But what about before mortals who are weaker than them? Therefore, you should pay attention to this point----If all else fails, then you will have to work harder. In the future, you can slowly fill the void by selecting virtuous people from among the dead of humanity----"

Hearing Yin Yunze say this, Guo Jing, who hadn't originally planned to be too harsh, suddenly felt a chill run down her spine.

After all, Guo Jing had also been a victim of the City God, so he naturally understood the hidden dangers involved.

"Jing'er understands!" Guo Jing nodded earnestly upon hearing this, then cupped her hands in a respectful gesture to the little fox spirit and said, "Sister Xuan'er, please forgive me if Guo Jing offend anyone in the future!"

"No, no!" Seeing Guo Jing say this, the little fox spirit waved her hands repeatedly. "How could this be offensive! I have no right to do this! Sister Jing, if you really let some bad foxes in because of me----"

That would truly embarrass me in front of Her Majesty! Those little foxes are well-behaved in front of me, but I don't really know if they're truly well-behaved! So, I'll have to ask Sister Jing to help me select them carefully later!

"Alright, you can discuss the specifics of this matter after you go downstairs."

Looking at Guo Jing, Yin Yunze reiterated one last thing. "Jing'er, I entrust the position of City God to you. Don't let me down."

"Jing, I obey!" Standing up straight, Guo Jing bowed respectfully to Yin Yunze and said solemnly, "I will not fail in my mission!"

"Jing'er, Xuan'er, there's one more thing. You two, remember to spread the word about the change of the City God in the next few days."

Yin Yunze naturally understood the importance of the public opinion war. Having just smeared the reputation of a City God, there would inevitably be some public opinion turmoil. Naturally, he had to clarify the relationship between Guo Jing and the old City God before he could let Guo Jing take office.

"If necessary, you may use my name. Make sure everyone understands the difference between that old City God and you, Provincial Graduate Guo!"

"Yes!"

"Clear!"

Guo Jing and the little fox spirit bowed and accepted the order.

"Um."

Nodding, Yin Yunze looked at Sun Qin again. "Sun Qin, after the official ceremony tomorrow, find some people to rebuild the City God for Guo Jing. Remember, make sure it's rebuilt with care!"

"Yes!"

Upon hearing Yin Yunze's instructions, Sun Qin quickly nodded in agreement.

After thinking for a moment and realizing there seemed to be nothing else to do, Yin Yunze waved his hand and said, "It's getting late, you can all go now. Oh, and remember to think of your divine titles and tell me tomorrow so I can inform the prefect."

After seeing the three off, he also remotely informed Zhang Yufei of Feng Zheng's news, asking her to come back the next day.

After thinking for a moment, Yin Yunze prepared to end this long day.

With five times the speed of time, the real world is clearly more suitable for killing time.

With that thought in mind, Yin Yunze opened the Gate of Incense and returned to the real world.

Then, Yin Yunze saw the mortal body lying dead on the bed.

Looking at the mortal body with its eyes closed and still bearing the marks of a fight, Yin Yunze finally remembered what she had forgotten.

Although the Golden Core Lightning Tribulation was temporarily interrupted by returning to the real world, the Golden Core Lightning Tribulation will return once the mortal body returns to that world.

What Yin Yunze forgot was that his mortal body had not yet passed this first trial.

After realizing this, Yin Yunze was speechless with himself.

Yin Yunze had completely forgotten about matters of life and death that ordinary cultivators should be on high alert for.

After reflecting silently, Yin Yunze decisively turned around and returned to the Qingnü Temple.

This time, sitting once again on the chair made of ice and snow, Yin Yunze took out the Six Divisions Infinite Scripture - Animal Realm Cultivation Method that Li Miaoyan had given her.