"How come? If that's the case, once Junior Sister calms the fire of karma and reaches the first rank, it will be just around the corner."

Taoist Master Jin Lian chuckled, "Shouldn't this be a huge cause for celebration?"

In that case, my eradication of demons will also be just around the corner... Taoist Master Jin Lian added in his heart.

Luo Yuheng said calmly, "Even if Xu Qi'an has the blessing of fortune, is he stronger than Emperor Yuan Jing? Stronger than the future heir? Will the Supervisor agree to my dual cultivation with him?"

Her question struck at the heart of the matter, leaving Taoist Master Jin Lian unable to refute.

Taoist Master Jin Lian nodded, "Junior Sister's Dao heart is clear and pure, indeed more suitable than your father to become a first-rank member of the Daoist sect, a terrestrial immortal."

Luo Yuheng remained noncommittal.

After some thought, Taoist Master Jin Lian continued, "Junior Sister, do you mind having a Dao companion?"

Seeing the female national master glaring at him, he smiled and said, "With the blessing of fortune and the cultivation of martial arts, Xu Qi'an's future achievements will be extremely high. If you want to cultivate with him, it will not be a matter of a day or two. You can cultivate first, then develop your relationship."

"Once the lineage of the Daoist sect is passed down to you, no matter what, you will have to bear offspring in the future. With your personality, after cultivating with someone, can you still form a Daoist couple with someone else?"

Luo Yuheng snorted coldly, "Terrestrial immortals have endless longevity, so why would I need offspring?"

Taoist Master Jin Lian smiled and remained silent.

Although terrestrial immortals are carefree and have the same lifespan as the heavens, accidents are inevitable, so they need offspring to carry on the lineage.

However, although the female national master is a Daoist leader, she is ultimately a woman. Her cultivation is not the same as the transcendent path of the celestial sect, and she occasionally shows a bit of a temper.

"Leave early, and perhaps history books will write better things about you." Taoist Master Jin Lian spoke with a smiling tone.

Luo Yuheng sneered, "Throughout history, the history books only speak of beautiful women as calamities, bringing disaster to the country and the people, without realizing that the problem lies with men. Those spineless writers dare not anger the king, so they place all the blame on women, which is truly ridiculous.

"Emperor Yuan Jing cultivates for longevity, wanting to be an eternal emperor in the mortal world. Even without the Daoist sect, he would still cultivate. What does it have to do with me?

Search bit.ly/3iBfjkV for the original.

"As for Wei Yuan, that despicable person, accusing me of bewitching the emperor. I have been telling Emperor Yuan Jing for years that the efficacy of the elixirs is diminishing, but he still ignores my advice and continues to take large elixirs every season and small elixirs every ten days. Bewitching the emperor? Where does that come from?"

"The junior sister is right," Taoist Master Jin Lian first agreed with Luo Yuheng's words, then gave a fair assessment:

"Your Daoist sect wants to borrow the emperor's blessing to cultivate and suppress the karma of your past lives. Although it is a last resort, it does indeed provide assistance to Emperor Yuan Jing's cultivation, inevitably drawing his anger."

"You want to reconcile with me?" Luo Yuheng looked at him steadily for a few seconds, then got up to bid farewell. As she reached the threshold, she turned back and said, "At the end of the 36th year of Emperor Yuan's reign, the remnant soul of the terrestrial immortal fell to the capital, not thinking about cultivation, and spent all day possessing a cat, enjoying life... I will add this to the 'Chronicles of the Era' of the Daoist sect."

With that, she turned into a wisp of light and disappeared.

Junior Sister, let's discuss this! Taoist Master Jin Lian rushed out of the room, reaching out to the sky, as if trying to stop her...

"What a petty and vengeful woman," Taoist Master Jin Lian muttered.

.............

The Xu Family.

Xu Qi'an left the room and, as he passed through the inner hall, saw Xu Lingyin running happily in the hall, with Chu Caiwei chasing after her.

As she ran, Xu Lingyin made a dragging sound like a tractor.

Auntie was tending to her potted plants on the side, while Xu Lingyue sat quietly in a chair, drinking tea and watching her sister and the girl in a yellow dress playing.

This woman has come to my house again, clearly thinking about my big brother... Xu Lingyue silently labeled Chu Caiwei, but she didn't show it. Occasionally, when Chu Caiwei looked over, she responded with a gentle smile.

Xu Qi'an first greeted the academy director Zhao Shou, then entered the hall and asked, "Miss Caiwei, why are you here? Were you attracted by the sight of me, the handsome and talented one?"

"Big brother, you're awake?" Xu Lingyue exclaimed in delight.

Auntie also looked up from her beloved potted plant to observe her unlucky nephew.

Xu Qi'an had been unconscious for most of the day, and they had already settled down their excited and anxious emotions, unlike before.

"Oh, I'm here to pass on a message from the teacher," Chu Caiwei stopped chasing and looked around, beckoning, "Come here."

Xu Qi'an went over as instructed and was pulled by the girl in the yellow dress to a corner, where she whispered, "The teacher said you can ask the emperor for a piece of iron voucher."

Iron voucher? It took him a few seconds to realize what an iron voucher was.

Officially known as the "Dan Book Iron Voucher," commonly known as the "Golden Token of Immunity from Death."

What do I need that thing for? I can exchange it for thousands of taels of gold, then get a promotion and a title, isn't that better... Xu Qi'an thought to himself.

"I understand," he nodded.

Seeing the intimate posture of the two of them talking with their heads close together, Xu Lingyue pouted and waved for Xu Lingyin to come over. "Lingyin, go play with Sister Caiwei."

Xu Lingyin, the vanguard of the Xu family, rushed towards Chu Caiwei with her short legs and bumped into her backside. "Sister Caiwei, let's continue playing..."

Seeing this, Xu Qi'an could only leave and go to the front hall with Zhao Shou.

"Director, the Supervisor asked me to request an iron voucher from the emperor," Xu Qi'an told Zhao Shou about the matter, then observed his reaction.

Only a wise man can deal with another wise man.

Zhao Shou nodded slowly, "Right, the Dan Book Iron Voucher, except for treason, all death penalties are exempted. However, after the exemption, the titles and salaries are revoked, and they are not allowed to retain their original titles, but only to save their lives."

Not allowed to retain their original titles, but only to save their lives... What does that mean? Xu Qi'an's face froze for a moment, then returned to normal as he nodded and said, "I see, so the Dan Book Iron Voucher means this.""Even if I have to exchange for another life-saving token... The supervisor specifically sent Chu Caiwei to come and instruct me, there must be a reason... Well, I am the second generation eunuch, with many political enemies, so it's a kind of insurance.

Xu Qi'an is not actually afraid of Emperor Yuan Jing. With his cultivation level increasing, his confidence is also growing. If he encounters any trouble, he can always leave and wander the world.

The only thing he can't bear to leave behind is his family.

During their conversation, the two of them arrived at the main hall, where a middle-aged eunuch in a python robe was sitting in the main seat.

Xu's second uncle and Xu's second brother accompanied him, engaging in casual conversation with the middle-aged eunuch.

"Is Ning Yan awake?" Xu's second uncle's ears twitched as he looked behind the screen.

Xu Qi'an and Zhao Shou came out side by side.

"Dean!" Xu's second brother quickly got up and saluted.

Facing Xu's second brother and Xu's second uncle, the eunuch, who was quite arrogant, immediately put on a smile upon seeing Xu Qi'an come out:

"Lord Viscount is awake, how is your health? If you need to recuperate, just let us know, we will bring it to you from the palace."

"Ning Yan, this is the Minister of the Imperial Household."

Xu's second uncle unconsciously straightened his back and spoke with a more assertive tone.

"Thank you for your concern, Minister. I am fine." Xu Qi'an nodded.

"That's good, that's good." The Minister of the Imperial Household smiled warmly, giving up his main seat to Xu Qi'an and the dean Zhao Shou.

"We are here on behalf of His Majesty to visit Lord Xu. Lord Xu has made great contributions to the court, and His Majesty will definitely reward him generously."

"In fact, it is His Majesty's appreciation that has given me the opportunity. It is the court's cultivation that has allowed me to make contributions today." Xu Qi'an said sincerely, "So, please convey to His Majesty that I do not seek to take credit, and I request His Majesty to grant me a token of recognition."

Upon hearing this, Xu's second brother and Xu's second uncle had completely different thoughts. Xu's second brother thought, "Big brother is quite self-aware. The use of a token of recognition is definitely more significant than gold and silver. Gold and silver can only make big brother more extravagant in the brothel, while silk and satin will only make mother and sister have more beautiful clothes."

It's all just a waste.

Xu's second uncle, on the other hand, was full of thoughts about "honor." Since ancient times, only meritorious officials were granted tokens of recognition.

The Minister of the Imperial Household was taken aback and said, "We will convey Lord Xu's words. His Majesty is curious about a few things and has asked me to inquire."

Here it comes... Xu Qi'an smiled without changing his expression and said, "Minister, please ask."

"Lord Xu made two powerful strikes during the competition, which shook the capital. However, those two strikes clearly exceeded your limits. His Majesty is very curious about how you did it."

The Minister of the Imperial Household still had a smile on his face, but his eyes were fixed on Xu Qi'an without blinking.

"Embarrassingly, it was the supervisor who gave me the strength." Xu Qi'an explained succinctly.

He didn't go into specifics because it was more in line with the supervisor's character. If he explained too clearly, it would be suspicious. Besides, he wasn't afraid of Emperor Yuan Jing seeking confirmation from the supervisor.

There should still be some tacit understanding between them.

The Minister of the Imperial Household nodded slowly, as if he was not surprised, and then asked, "What about the Confucian carving knife..."

Xu Qi'an hesitated for a moment and was about to speak when Zhao Shou said lightly, "The Yunlu Academy was able to defeat the Buddhists four hundred years ago, and today it can do the same."

Xu Qi'an immediately said, "Thank you for your help, Dean."

The Minister of the Imperial Household looked at the dean Zhao Shou and smiled, "So it was the academy's help."

In fact, this was considered cheating in the competition. However, the Buddhists were not honorable either. When the Golden Arhat Formation was broken, Monk Jingchen warned Monk Jingsi. In the third round, the Arhat Du'e personally came forward to discuss Buddhism with Xu Qi'an.

So, the Buddhists admitted defeat very straightforwardly and did not cling to the matter of the carving knife.

"We understand. We won't disturb Lord Xu's rest any longer."

The Minister of the Imperial Household got up and left.

..................

The Imperial Palace.

Emperor Yuan Jing, who was taking medicine and meditating, heard the faint sound of footsteps. He did not open his eyes and asked calmly, "What is it?"

The old eunuch whispered, "The servant who went to the Hanlin Academy to deliver a message reported that those bookworms refused to revise the text and even beat him up."

"These scoundrels." Emperor Yuan Jing opened his eyes and frowned.

In terms of political tactics, Emperor Yuan Jing was a master, but when dealing with those stubborn scholars, "violence" was the best and only means of suppression.

If you want to play political tactics with them, they will just cover their ears and say, "I'm not listening, I'm not listening, the turtle is reciting scriptures."

"Never mind, let them grind slowly." Emperor Yuan Jing said.

After all, he just wanted to take advantage of them a little, not to make a big fuss. That would have too much of an impact on his reputation.

After speaking, he looked at the old eunuch who was still there and asked, "Is there anything else?"

The old eunuch nodded, "Xu Yinluo has awakened, and the Minister of the Court of Rites, Chen, brought back a message..."

He immediately relayed Xu Qi'an's response.

"A token of recognition?" Emperor Yuan Jing's expression was slightly surprised, and then he chuckled:

"He doesn't want to be promoted, doesn't want gold, silver, or jade, but wants a token of recognition?"

Although he said that, Emperor Yuan Jing weighed it in his mind for a long time, neither agreeing nor refusing.

The old eunuch chuckled softly, "Lord Xu is quite insightful, knowing that this is His Majesty's way of recognizing and using talents, acknowledging the court's cultivation of merit, and not being arrogant. If he were to ask for a higher title... it would be troublesome for His Majesty."

This kid's insight is much stronger than those bookworms in the Hanlin Academy... Emperor Yuan Jing immediately stopped hesitating and said in a deep voice, "Approved."

What the old eunuch said was right, indeed. In the short term, there was a precedent for consecutive ennoblements, only in times of war. It's easy to be promoted, but difficult to be ennobled."The appearance of the carving knife was due to the assistance of Dean Zhao Shou? Emperor Yuan Jing pondered for a moment, and, acting on an intuition, he ended his meditation and ordered, "Prepare the carriage to Lingbao Temple."

Lingbao Temple.

"National Teacher, our resounding victory in the magical duel has bolstered the prestige of The Great Feng. I believe it won't be long before the barbarians of the Southern Border, the Northern tribes, and the followers of the God of Witchcraft will all hear of this.

"A Silver Gong facing off in a magical duel will make all parties suspicious, doubtful, and wary of The Great Feng's national strength. The effect is far superior to Yang Qianhuan taking the stage. National Teacher, National Teacher?"

Luo Yuheng suddenly came back to her senses, her beautiful eyes regaining their vitality as she frowned and said, "What did Your Majesty say?"

Emperor Yuan Jing scrutinized the enchanting National Teacher with suspicion, "National Teacher seems distracted, is there something troubling you? Feel free to speak, I will surely help the National Teacher resolve it."

As the head of the Daoist sect and a second-rank Daoist, Emperor Yuan Jing had almost never seen Luo Yuheng so preoccupied, not ever.

Is it the struggle between the heavens and humans that's pressuring her? Why won't this woman consent to dual cultivation with me? My plans for eternal life hinge on this...

As these thoughts flickered through his mind, he saw Luo Yuheng shake her head, "Thank you for Your Majesty's concern, it's nothing."

Emperor Yuan Jing nodded, not pressing further, and revealed the purpose of his visit to Lingbao Temple, "Does the National Teacher know, during the magical duel, the carving knife from Yunlu Academy appeared.

"I know it's a relic of the Sage and a treasure of the academy. Its appearance in this world, could there be more to it?"

"Why would Your Majesty have such doubts?" Luo Yuheng countered.

"The Sage's carving knife is not something ordinary people can use, and that Zhao Shou is a third-rank official, he might not be able to wield it."

Emperor Yuan Jing had his insights, especially since Yunlu Academy once held sway over the imperial court, and the court here was not lacking in Confucian materials, including some related secrets.

Luo Yuheng pondered briefly, then smiled indifferently, "Although Zhao Shou is third-rank, there are still three fourth-rank gentlemen in the academy who can jointly wield the carving knife, it's not difficult.

"Moreover, the Confucians have always had grievances with the Buddhists, and it was the academy that led the destruction of Buddhism back then. It's unexpected but reasonable that Yunlu Academy would take action."

"I still have great faith in the National Teacher," Emperor Yuan Jing said, no longer doubtful.

After sending Emperor Yuan Jing away, Luo Yuheng stepped out of the meditation room and sat in the pavilion, staring blankly into space.

Xu Qi'an went to the Nightwatcher's office to report on his condition. Entering the Haoqi Building, he felt a bit like stretching his neck out for one cut and shrinking it back for another.

He had prepared his story well, making his lies more polished.

Unexpectedly, Wei Yuan did not inquire further. Upon learning that his physical condition was good, he nodded in relief, invited him to drink a cup of tea, and talked about some trivial matters.

Leaving the Haoqi Building, Xu Qi'an breathed a sigh of relief.

After all, Wei Yuan is an ordinary person, not practicing martial arts. His theoretical knowledge is solid, but he can't see the intricacies... Plus, he's a smart man, thinking he has seen through everything, that my outburst was secretly aided by the Supervisor... The matter of the carving knife was due to Yunlu Academy.

Thinking about it, Xu Qi'an's mouth curled up, feeling like he had psychologically defeated Wei Yuan once.

Apart from the Supervisor, everyone else is on the second level, while I'm on the fifth level looking down at them.

At dusk, feeling quite relaxed, he returned home. Passing through the outer courtyard, he smelled a rich fragrance.

His aunt had the kitchen prepare a table full of delicious dishes, even including delicacies bought from outside restaurants. Naturally, this was to reward Xu Qi'an.

During the meal, his aunt complained, "I have to manage such a big family all by myself, bustling about, it's killing me."

Her casual complaint was seized upon by Xu Lingyue, who said, "Then let me manage the accounts."

These accounts included the family's "treasury," silk and satin, as well as fields and shops outside. They were all currently "managed" by the aunt, who was illiterate, with Xu Lingyue acting as an assistant.

She did a lot of work, but the real power was still in the aunt's hands. If the aunt decided to add clothes to the family today, then clothes would be added. If the aunt disagreed, then no one would have clothes to wear.

"What are you managing? Even if it's to be managed, it will be handed over to your elder or second brother's wife in the future, it's not your place," the aunt suppressed her daughter's "rebellious" thoughts.

Even if it's my elder or second brother's wife, they shouldn't dream of taking my power... the aunt added in her heart.

After dinner, Xu Erlang put down his chopsticks and suddenly said, "Big brother, come with me to the study, I have something to tell you."

Xu Qi'an glanced at his younger brother, who looked serious and slightly furrowed his brows.

"What's happened now?" Xu Qi'an wondered, following Xu Erlang to the study.

PS: This afternoon, I discussed the image issue of "Monday-morning quarterbacking" with the operations officer. You guys really picked the most troublesome thing.