Cultivation: From Poor Peasant to Celestial Lord

Chapter 173: Chapter 112: Official Career Development (Part 2)

"Oh?" Daoist Zhang’s eyebrow twitched.

"Back during the County Examination, if Lord Zhang hadn’t gone against the consensus and applied to the Daoist School for a Dao Heart judgment on my behalf, I might not have received that Class A evaluation, let alone caught the eye of the Daoist School’s upper echelons.

I have not forgotten this debt of gratitude for his recognition. Now that Lord Zhang is seeking talented individuals, and given that he is upright and not like the typical Bureaucrats, I am willing to lend him a hand."

Upon hearing this, Daoist Zhang pondered for a moment before nodding heavily. His gaze toward Chu Bai was filled with even more gratification and praise.

"What a pure and sincere heart."

Daoist Zhang sighed. "The path of Cultivation is long. So many people become cold-blooded, ruthless, and opportunistic along the way.

The fact that you haven’t forgotten a debt of gratitude shows a disposition rarer than any talent."

"As for choosing the Evil Suppression Department..."

Daoist Zhang set down his teacup, his expression turning more serious as he began to analyze the situation for his student, who was just entering the world of officialdom:

"This move of yours isn’t bad, but you’ve certainly pushed yourself into the eye of the storm. You should know that the political waters of Anping County run deep."

Chu Bai listened with rapt attention.

"This seemingly peaceful little County Yamen is, in reality, divided into three factions."

Daoist Zhang held up three fingers. "One faction is County Magistrate Qian Shen. He’s a transient Official assigned from above. Although he holds the highest rank and is nominally the head of the County, his foundation here is shallow, and he often lacks control over his subordinates."

"The second faction is the local Noble Race, led by the Deputy County Magistrate. Their influence is deep and tangled; they control the county’s grain supply, shops, and even some of the constables. They are the true Local Bullies, and even the County Magistrate has to give them some leeway."

At this, Daoist Zhang sneered. "As for Zhang Cheng, he is the third faction.

He’s a straightforward man who wants to get things done, and he can’t stand the scheming between the other two sides. That’s why he has always refused to pick a side, and his own clique is the weakest."

"You owe your promotion to Zhang Cheng and were appointed directly to the Evil Suppression Department. That label is now stuck to you for good. You’ve naturally been categorized as part of Zhang Cheng’s faction."

Chu Bai nodded slightly, already mentally prepared for this.

Daoist Zhang continued, "You think the merger of these two departments was just to fill the ranks? Hmph. In essence, Zhang Cheng’s hand was forced.

He doesn’t want to get involved in the struggle, but the responsibilities of the old Law Enforcement and Demon Slaying departments were unclear. They were constantly hampered by the other two factions, leading to situations where they couldn’t manage what they were supposed to manage or investigate what they wanted to investigate."

"This time, he rode the tailwinds of the higher-ups’ reorganization to forcibly merge the two departments and establish the Evil Suppression Department. He wants to seize complete authority over this area so he can finally make some bold changes and get things done.

But this will inevitably step on many people’s toes, and the resistance he’ll face won’t be small."

After hearing this analysis, Chu Bai felt a sense of sudden enlightenment. So, behind that seemingly simple merger lay such a deep political game.

But he showed no fear. Instead, he said calmly, "I understand. However, I have no desire to get involved in factional struggles. I will just mind my own business, Slaying Demons and exorcising evil, and prioritize my Cultivation above all else."

"Precisely!"

Daoist Zhang said approvingly, "That is the greatest advantage of your status as an ’Immortal Official.’ You bear the White Talisman, a status granted by the Celestial Court, not bestowed by any mortal.

Even in this position, you don’t have to answer to anyone. If the Evil Suppression Department truly becomes a corrupt mess, you can just pack up and leave to take a post elsewhere. Who could possibly stop you?"

"So, don’t let mundane affairs cloud your judgment."

Daoist Zhang advised earnestly, "The potential for an Immortal Official is extremely high, but a clean record is paramount.

Staying out of the struggles is a good thing; it keeps you from being tainted. You just need to remember that here, only your Cultivation and your merits are the foundation upon which you can stand."

"I will remember." Chu Bai cupped his hands in a solemn salute.

With his teacher’s guidance, the path ahead became much clearer to him.

After their long talk, Daoist Zhang looked at the young yet composed student before him, feeling increasingly satisfied, but also increasingly worried.

He picked up the now-lukewarm tea, his voice tinged with the weathered gravity of an experienced elder as he began to speak slowly:

"Chu Bai, since you’ve decided to become an official, there are some things I, as your teacher, must warn you about."

"As the top candidate of the Immortal Officials, you are deigning to work in the humble Evil Suppression Department of this small Anping County. Once news of your appointment spreads, it will inevitably draw attention from all sides. When that time comes, there will be no shortage of people coming to your door to befriend you."

Chu Bai’s expression turned stern as he listened intently.

"These people might be prominent families from the city or colleagues from the Government Office. They will host banquets, give gifts, and promise all sorts of benefits."

Daoist Zhang’s gaze was like a torch, fixed on Chu Bai. "When that happens, you can feign civility and play along with them, but there is one ironclad rule you must remember with your life—never accept any gifts of wealth or favor."

"If you were an ordinary Petty Official, accepting some ’charcoal money’ or ’ice money’—so long as it’s not excessive—would be considered an unwritten rule of officialdom, something everyone tacitly understands."

"But you are different!"

Daoist Zhang’s voice suddenly grew heavier. "What is your status? An Immortal Official! An eagle destined to soar high! An ordinary Petty Official accepts gifts for immediate wealth. But when those people give you gifts, they’re betting on your future!"

"Today, they give you a small gift that seems like nothing. But once you accept it, you owe a debt of favor.

When you hold a high position in the future, they will come knocking, citing that old connection, and ask you to do something against your conscience. Will you do it or not?"

"A debt of favor is the hardest to repay!"

These words struck Chu Bai like a sharp blow to the head, instantly jolting him to his senses.

He had only thought about not getting dragged into their corruption, but he had never considered that there were such far-reaching schemes involved.

Seeing that Chu Bai had taken his words to heart, Daoist Zhang lowered his voice and mentioned a few names:

"The Wang Family in the east of the city controls half the grain business in the County; the Liu Clan in the south has family members working as constables under the Deputy County Magistrate; and there’s also..."

Daoist Zhang rattled off the names of four or five prominent families with deep roots in Anping County, briefly analyzing the stakes and relationships involved with each.

Chu Bai listened with focused attention, engraving these names and their connections firmly in his mind.

Having said all that needed to be said, Daoist Zhang felt his throat was a bit dry.

He waved his hand, his expression softening. "Enough. No matter how much I say, it’s no substitute for experiencing it yourself. You’re a smart kid. I’ve said what’s needed, and I trust you’ll know how to handle things."

The two then reminisced for a while, chatting about some interesting stories from the Daoist School.

Seeing that it was getting late, Chu Bai rose to take his leave.

"Teacher, I will first return to my village. I will trouble you again in three days."

"Go on, spend more time with your family."

Chu Bai performed a respectful bow before turning to leave.

Walking out of the Zhang Mansion gates, he was greeted by bright sunshine.

Chu Bai took a deep breath. His heart felt heavy, but the path forward had also become much clearer.

The surrounding clamor faded into the distance.

Instead of walking as usual, Chu Bai found a deserted bend in the official road.

With a thought, a crimson glow suddenly flared to life on his wrist.

It was the Upper Grade Dharma Artifact—the [Fire Element Ring].

Although it wasn’t empowered by Evil Qi at the moment and couldn’t display its full might, it was more than enough for travel.

"Rise!"

Chu Bai gave a low shout and infused it with Spiritual Power. The crimson ring hummed and vibrated, instantly transforming into a flowing stream of fire that wrapped around his legs, followed by a light yet powerful thrust.

Fire Step Ascension combined with the [Fire Element Ring]—full Body Technique activated!

SWOOSH!

In the next instant, Chu Bai’s figure had already become an afterimage, streaking across the official road.

The trees on both sides flew backward, and the wind howled in his ears. This speed was several times faster than even a so-called thousand-li horse.

After just a few leaps, the familiar silhouette of the green mountains was already visible in the distance.

’It really is fast.’

’Definitely very practical.’

Chu Bai assessed the consumption of Spiritual Power within his body. It was still within a controllable range, and he was very satisfied.

Although this Dharma Artifact was primarily for combat and explosive power, its everyday mobility was also exceptional.

As he traveled, Chu Bai mentally calculated his schedule for the next few days.

’There’s still a three-day grace period before my official appointment. Besides spending time with my family, I can use these few days to calm my mind and properly study the Guardian Scripture.’

The feeling of his nascent Divine Thought was simply too profound, as if a door to a new world had been opened.

If he could condense that Divine Thought, which could only extend one zhang, and refine it further in the next few days—even if he only extended it by an extra chi—it would be a huge help in future combat and exploration.

Just as he was thinking this, a crisscrossing network of paths and fields appeared ahead, with smoke from kitchen chimneys curling into the air.

A warm smile unconsciously touched Chu Bai’s lips. His pace quickened, and he transformed into a streak of crimson light, heading straight for the village.

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