Scripture of Days Past

As Layman Evergreen's reputation began to spread, everyone quickly became aware that another Dao Comprehension-state cultivator had emerged from the Immortal Dao. The authority of the Great Han Empire suffered a massive blow in the wake of the attack on Jade Face Mountain, sowing the seeds for even greater turmoil and instability.

Over the next few months, the Demon Vanquishing Department launched an empire-wide campaign to capture cult followers, and countless people were apprehended and killed in the process. The emperor was furious over Yi Shuang's betrayal, and he ordered the Demon Vanquishing Department to conduct a thorough internal investigation.

At the same time, an unsubstantiated rumor claiming that Yang Ling was one of the Eight Han Resurgence Generals began to spread in the wake of the attack. Most people were initially skeptical of the claim. However, as time passed and the imperial court continued to refrain from confirming or denying the rumor, more and more people became convinced that Yang Ling really was a hidden Han Resurgence General.

***

Sixteenth year of the Yong'an Era, August 5th.

In the direct aftermath of the attack, a team of eunuchs was sent to Jade Face Mountain to question everyone as part of the Demon Vanquishing Department's internal investigation. Of course, Chu Qiguang and Yang Ling were among those questioned about the roles they had played in defending the archive building, while even Lin Lan and the gatekeeper were questioned.

Chu Qiguang had prepared an elaborate cover story, but he had barely begun speaking when the eunuch questioning him cut him off.

"Stop! I didn't ask for your life story! Just answer my questions and leave it at that. Got it?"

Chu Qiguang felt that the eunuchs weren't taking the investigation very seriously, as if it were only a formality in their eyes.

At the end of the questioning, Chu Qiguang slipped the eunuch a hundred taels of silver, and a wide smile instantly appeared on the latter's face.

"Quite a clever boy, aren't you? If only your fellow trainees were as clever as you."

"I am fully devoted to serving the empire," Chu Qiguang said with a smile. "If you could put in a good word for me with your superiors, that would be much appreciated."

"I can tell," the eunuch replied with a smile and a nod. "Your name is Chu Qiguang, right? I'll remember you."

Chu Qiguang didn't actually expect the eunuch to do him any favors. He would be satisfied as long as the eunuch didn't try to screw him over.

After parting ways with the eunuch, Chu Qiguang sought out Yang Ling and asked why none of the eunuchs seemed to be taking the questioning seriously.

"Of course they're treating it as a formality," Yang Ling replied. "If the internal investigation is taken seriously, then they're bound to dig up some dirt, and that won't be good for anyone."

Chu Qiguang immediately understood. There was so much embezzlement even in the procurement assignments that he went on, so there was bound to be massive corruption elsewhere on Jade Face Mountain.

This was how the feudal system always played out. Ultimately, it became a game of everyone covering for one another while fattening up their own coffers as much as possible.

That night, Zhong Shan'e was in his study, reading a report compiled by his subordinates. The report detailed the casualties and property damage sustained on the mountain, and it was far from a welcome sight.

"These bastards from the Immortal Dao are becoming more and more brazen!" Zhong Shan'e spat through gritted teeth. "To think that they're even bold enough to target Jade Face Mountain now."

He then looked at Yang Ling, who was standing before him, and praised him with a warm smile, "You did very well this time, Yang Ling."

Yang Ling hurriedly lowered his head before replying modestly, "I was only doing what was expected of me, Head Instructor. As an instructor of the Demon Vanquishing Department, it is my duty to defend the mountain with my life."

Zhong Shan'e was very pleased with Yang Ling's humble response.

Over the past few days, Yang Ling had been meeting with Zhong Shan'e on a daily basis. In light of their valiant efforts in defending the archive building, he and Chu Qiguang had become celebrated heroes on Jade Face Mountain.

Zhong Shan'e had already reported their contributions to the emperor, and even though he had yet to receive a response, he knew there was a very good chance that Yang Ling would be promoted in the near future.

Yang Ling could also clearly sense the shift in Zhong Shan'e's attitude, and he could tell that the latter was trying to appease him.

"You'll most likely be returning to the capital soon, Yang Ling," Zhong Shan'e said.

Yang Ling was ecstatic to hear this, and he had to fight to maintain his composure as he replied, "I have your guidance to thank for that, Head Instructor."

The two of them talked for a while longer before Zhong Shan'e asked, "What do you think of Chu Qiguang?"

"Chu Qiguang is an extremely talented individual with a bright future ahead," Yang Ling replied. "What's even more commendable is that despite his exceptional aptitude, he remains very humble and approachable, so he gets along well with most of the other trainees.

"He displayed immense courage by standing alongside me to protect the archive building from Yi Shuang and the living corpse. In order to save the books on the second floor, he willingly put himself at risk, memorizing the most dangerous scriptures to ensure they won't be lost even if they're destroyed. I have no doubts about his loyalty to the imperial court, and his ability to resist demonic tainting is the most impressive I've ever seen..."

After hearing Yang Ling eagerly shower Chu Qiguang with glowing praise, Zhong Shan'e instructed, "Ask Chu Qiguang on my behalf if he's interested in joining the Fiend Assassin Faction, but don't tell him I'm the one making the offer. If he's interested, have him sign up for the Fiend Assassin Faction during the half-yearly examination."

Zhong Shan'e was one of the leading figures of the Fiend Assassin Faction, and he couldn't even remember the last time he had been tempted to take on a disciple. However, Chu Qiguang was far too promising a prospect to ignore.

During the internal investigation, it was discovered that several chefs on the mountain were moles for the Immortal Dao, and they were detained and taken to the capital. Once the internal investigation was complete, the trainees gradually returned to their normal routines, and the half-yearly examination continued.

However, the courtyard where all the test papers were stored had been burned down, so everyone had to retake the written tests, much to Jiang Longyu's dismay.

Yi Shuang had given him the test papers in advance, but new test papers were prepared for the repeat written tests. He was deprived of his unfair advantage and placed on an even playing field with everyone else.

Several days later, the results were announced, and Chu Qiguang secured the top spot in the fiend, cult, and ghost written tests, as well as the martial arts examination. Having passed the half-yearly examination with flying colors, he was able to secure a spot in the Fiend Assassin Faction.

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