Chapter 22

Li Jinglong suddenly thought of something. He quickly walked to the front hall and looked up at the Wisdom Sword in Acala's hand. Acala's solemn image seemed to be watching over the world. The shape of the sword in his hand was exactly the same as the black rusted sword in Li Jinglong's hand.

"This is the Great Wisdom Sword that can subdue demons." Qiu Yongsi explained, "It's rumored that it can destroy all demonic energy in the world."

Hongjun frowned deeply. He looked up at Acala and then looked at the sword in Li Jinglong's hand. At this moment, he only had one doubt in his heart — why could the Wisdom Sword break the Five-colored Divine Light? Chong Ming said that the Five-colored Divine Light was known as the strongest shield in the world. It could even block Mount Tai.

"So as long as you can use this magic weapon properly." Qiu Yongsi comforted, "Elder, it's not a dream for you to be an exorcist without an innate spiritual pulse. There are more uses for this sword that we can slowly discover. "

Li Jinglong nodded and replied that he understood. He put away the Wisdom Sword in his hand. Everyone exchanged glances. They all felt that Li Jinglong seemed to have encountered some kind of setback last night. He didn't say anything, so no one asked. Li Jinglong had already regained some kind of confidence after observing the situation.

"Continue investigating today." Li Jinglong explained, "No matter what rumors are outside, remember that we do our own things. It has nothing to do with others."

Everyone responded. Li Jinglong let Qiu Yongsi and Hongjun form a group. Atay and Mo Rigen form another group. He acted alone. Qiu Yongsi and Hongjun went to investigate where the Chang 'an candidates stayed. Atay and Mo Rigen went to Pingkang to inquire about the candidates who went to the brothel recently.

"Is it necessary?" Atay said, "Elder, why don't we think of a way first …"

"Let's not care about Daming Palace for now." Li Jinglong said, "Let's investigate this case to the end first. I don't believe it."

Everyone looked at Li Jinglong. Li Jinglong turned around and said, "I'm not trying to be brave, but don't you think that the sudden appearance of a nameless, unclaimed corpse is very suspicious?"

"Alright." Qiu Yongsi finally said, "I'll listen to you. Investigate."

"What about you?" Hongjun asked. "Come with us."

"I have something to do." Li Jinglong's brows were still furrowed as he answered absent-mindedly.

"Let's go together." Hongjun reached out to pull Li Jinglong's sleeve again. Li Jinglong hurriedly said, "Don't pull and pull, this is the government! What kind of scandal is this? "After saying that, he went out of the door and ran away quickly.

At noon, Hongjun was still confused. He only followed Qiu Yongsi when he went out to investigate the case. This was the first time he worked alone with a partner other than Li Jinglong. But why was he and Qiu Yongsi in the same group?

Qiu Yongsi was tall and big. He also held a folding fan in his hand and walked with the wind. He walked and stopped, and sometimes he even stood and waited for Hongjun.

"We're going to the Imperial College. Let's go." Qiu Yongsi asked, "Are you hungry? Do you want to eat some snacks and rest? "

Hongjun waved his hand, "I'm not a Taotie. How can I be hungry so quickly?"

Qiu Yongsi smiled and said to himself, "Since Elder put us together, we can't slack off when we work."

Hong Jun replied in all seriousness, "When will you be able to see the Chief Scribe a little more?"

Qiu Yongsi laughed loudly and said, "Elder Censor is a good person. It's just that he's different from what we thought at first. It's our fault, that's all. But … "Qiu Yongsi changed his mind and closed his folding fan. He glanced at Hongjun and asked," But you, Hongjun, what made you believe him from the start? "

Hongjun thought for a moment and said, "Maybe it's because the Mind's Lantern is on him."

"Mind's Lantern?" Qiu Yongsi was stunned.

Since they were all here to capture the Demon King, Hongjun didn't hide it and told Qiu Yongsi about the Mind's Lantern accidentally entering Li Jinglong's body. Qiu Yongsi pondered for a moment and said, "So that's how it is … I was wondering, you've been following Li Jinglong every day since we entered the Exorcism Department. What's wrong with us?"

Hongjun hurriedly said that there was no such thing. Qiu Yongsi muttered to himself, "If the Mind's Lantern is on him, then this guy might really be able to fulfill his wish."

Hongjun didn't know the origins of the Mind's Lantern, but Qiu Yongsi seemed to know a lot about magic treasures. Perhaps he had a way to retrieve the Mind's Lantern … Just as he was about to ask again, the two had already arrived in front of the Imperial College. Qiu Yongsi gestured to Hongjun, indicating that he should deal with them.

There were people coming and going at the entrance of the Imperial College. The fifth day of the next month was the day of the examination. Students from all over the country would gather here, and there were a total of six thousand people. As the date of the examination approached, in order to prevent the questions from being leaked, those who entered and left the Imperial College would be searched. They were not allowed to bring in any books from outside, and they also needed to have a pass from the Imperial College.

Qiu Yongsi and Hongjun stood outside the street. Qiu Yongsi waited with bated breath as he saw people coming and going. When there were more people, Qiu Yongsi pulled Hongjun aside.

"Hey! Brother Wang! Brother Wang, wait for me! "Qiu Yongsi saw someone pass by and pulled Hongjun aside." Quick, quick, I forgot to bring my pass … "

There were many students at the entrance. Qiu Yongsi was hurriedly searched. The guard asked, "Where's your pass?"

Qiu Yongsi said, "I forgot to bring it! I'll go back and get it! "

The people behind him were urging him to hurry up. The guard was impatient. Since they couldn't find anything, he could only let them in. Hongjun was also searched. He didn't have anything. Just as he was about to go over, the guard asked, "Where's your pass?"

"Wait, neither of them have a pass? The one in front, stop! Which courtyard are you two from? "

Hongjun's heart skipped a beat. He didn't know what to do. Qiu Yongsi came over and said to the two guards, "He's a Hu! I don't understand. The pass is in my room. Hey! Pass! "

Hongjun came back to his senses and immediately laughed. "Hey, monkey! My dear friend from the Tang Dynasty! "

Hongjun wanted to go forward and hug him. The students behind them were about to explode from waiting. The two guards at the entrance of the Imperial College were already annoyed, so the guards had no choice but to let the two in.

Qiu Yongsi led Hongjun through the side corridor. He looked back from time to time and said, "Fortunately, we're in. Let's go find the Dean."

Hongjun asked, "Why didn't we climb over the wall?"

In Hongjun's eyes, entering the Imperial Palace, Daming Palace, or the Imperial College was as easy as walking on flat ground. The only difference was the color of the wall in front of them. Qiu Yongsi was also stunned by this question. Why didn't they climb over the wall?

"Don't always solve problems with violence," Qiu Yongsi replied.

When the two of them arrived at the supervisor's room, Qiu Yongsi said that he was looking for three fellow townsmen, and hinted Hongjun to write. Hongjun picked up the brush and wrote down the names of the three people. The Dean told them that they were in Building D of the Plum Courtyard. The two walked through the long corridor and through the side hall into the Plum Courtyard.

The side hall was extremely spacious. It was where the students drank tea and chatted. Hongjun and Qiu Yongsi hurriedly passed by the side hall. Suddenly, Hongjun stopped and involuntarily glanced into the side hall.

Qiu Yongsi asked, "What's wrong?"

"Nothing," Hongjun replied.

"Trust your intuition," Qiu Yongsi said, "We're investigating a case."

Hongjun said, "There's a strange feeling of familiarity."

"Can you describe it?" Qiu Yongsi glanced sideways at Hongjun.

It was just like being at home. How did it feel? There were nearly forty people gathered in the side hall. They were all whispering and laughing in each other's ears. There were both young and old students.

At this moment, a youth lowered his head and accidentally bumped into Hongjun. Hongjun staggered. The youth hurriedly bowed and apologized. He looked up at Hongjun.

The youth was thin and small. He seemed to be younger than Hongjun. There was uneasiness in his eyes. Hongjun smiled and waved his hand to indicate that it was fine. The youth stepped into the side hall again. He smiled from the side and was obviously very pleased with himself.

With this action, Hongjun suddenly recalled the feeling in the Dazzling Gold Palace. The youths in the Dazzling Gold Palace were all transformed from birds. The entire Dazzling Gold Palace was filled with a demonic aura. Because the Chong Ming had a noble nature and did not come into contact with filth, after the demonic aura was purified, it was more like an otherworldly immortal aura.

"Demons," Hongjun said.

Qiu Yongsi did not say anything else. He turned around and led Hongjun in.

Hongjun whispered, "You felt it too?"

Qiu Yongsi said, "The demons are already crashing into us. How can you not feel it?"

Although there was no Dharma treasure like the Demon Revealing Mirror, Hongjun could still feel the demonic aura when they were very close. The two sat down in the side hall.

"Don't look around." Qiu Yongsi was gentle and elegant. He smiled at Hongjun and said, "Little Langjun, there's fried rice here. Would you like a cup of tea?"

"Sure, sure, sure!" Hongjun liked to drink the tea made by Qiu Yongsi the most. It was fragrant and salty, and the tea leaves were fresh. He added some sesame seeds and sprinkled a handful of fried rice on top. It was sweet and mellow in the mouth, leaving a fragrance on the tongue. It was simply a delicious snack.

"Pretend to be your usual harmless self." Qiu Yongsi smiled and said, "Look around. Whoever is looking at us is a demon. Tell me if you see them."

Hongjun was speechless.

Hongjun poked his head out and looked around. His eyes were full of curiosity as if he was a foreigner entering Chang 'an. At that moment, the side hall was lined up neatly. There were pots and stoves under the tables. Autumn was long and broad outside. Large white clouds floated in from time to time. The sunlight shone in. It was a comfortable and lazy place to rest.

The students were talking to each other. Occasionally, someone would look at them from behind the tables, but it was just a glance.

"Someone is looking at us." Hongjun smiled at Qiu Yongsi. "Based on what you said, aren't there a lot of demons?"

"Of course. We've entered a demon's nest." Qiu Yongsi said with a fake smile, "We can't do anything now. Otherwise, we'll destroy the Directorate again. The senior official will cry."

Hong Jun found that behind a table, there were three young people talking and laughing wittily. Another young man was boiling water for them. As they talked, no one paid any attention to the young man. He looked very bored. He turned his head and stared at the courtyard outside the hall. Soon, he turned his gaze and coincidentally met Hongjun's eyes. He smiled.

That smile contained a hint of feminine charm. Hongjun's heart suddenly started beating wildly. His handsome face turned red all the way to his ears.

Hongjun smiled awkwardly. Qiu Yongsi asked, "What demon?"

"It could be a fox." Hongjun turned his head and said to Qiu Yongsi.

Just now, in that smile, Hong Jun felt a very obvious Charm Technique.

The young man stood up and walked towards the two of them. He sat in front of the table and said with a smile, "This tea smells so good."

Hongjun, "!!!"

Qiu Yongsi didn't seem at all distant. He said, "It'll be a while before it's ready. There's no hurry. Little brother, what's your name?"

"Du Hanqing." The young man had curved willowy eyebrows. His eyes seemed to be shrouded in water. His body was frail. He leaned in front of the table and only glanced at Hongjun's face and chest. He leaned closer and asked, "What about you?"

Uh … don't get too close, Hongjun thought. Qiu Yongsi introduced, "Qiu Yongsi, from Hangzhou. This is my younger cousin, Little Hongjun. Hongjun, you two should be about the same age. Get closer. "

"Just arrived in the capital?" Du Hanqing's eyes didn't leave Hongjun's. He said, "The exam will start on the fifth of next month."

Hong Jun felt very uncomfortable under his gaze. He knew that this was a fox spirit, but before he could think about it, Qiu Yongsi's foot reached out from under the table and kicked him without batting an eyelid.

Hongjun didn't know what to do. He looked into Du Hanqing's eyes and laughed.

Du Hanqing also couldn't help but laugh. He asked, "How old are you?"

The two talked about their ages. Hongjun was two months older than Du Hanqing. Du Hanqing changed the way he addressed him and called him "older brother." He then asked where they lived. Qiu Yongsi only said that he was staying at a relative's house in the city. He had come to the Imperial College today to look around and get to know the teachers.

"You're so young and you're already taking the exam?" Hongjun said, "It's really not easy."

Du Hanqing smiled and said, "My family was poor since I was young. They all hoped that I would pass the exam." As he spoke, he reached out to play with the jasper peacock plume on Hongjun's waist. Hongjun was afraid that he would be sent flying by the five-colored divine light, so he hurriedly pressed it down. Qiu Yongsi said, "It's been consecrated."

Du Hanqing nodded. Not far away, someone called out, "Han Qing." When the water was ready, Du Hanqing went over to make tea for them.

Hongjun observed Du Hanqing. He wondered if he had killed anyone and how many people he had killed. He had heard from Qing Xiong in the Dazzling Gold Palace that fox demons were the best at playing with emotions and bewitching people. As a demon, fox demons' emotions were the most similar to humans. At the same time, their emotions were also the most bitter. This was because they experienced the various emotions of being human, yet they couldn't escape their demon bodies.

"He'll come back later." Qiu Yongsi handed Hongjun a jade Buddha statue made of white marble and said, "Give this to him."

"He won't come," Hongjun said.

"He will." Qiu Yongsi said, "This kid has taken a liking to you. It's quite obvious. Fortunately, Elder Li isn't here."

Hongjun, "?"

Sure enough, Du Hanqing came back after making tea. It seemed that his friends only ordered him around and didn't want to pay attention to him.

Hongjun stared at Du Hanqing. Du Hanqing blushed and laughed, saying, "Why do you keep looking at me?"

"You're quite good-looking." Hongjun said. He truly felt that Du Hanqing's frail appearance did indeed have an indescribable charm.

"Do you read poetry?" Du Hanqing asked Hongjun.

Hongjun immediately said, "I do!"

"Who do you like?" Du Hanqing asked again.

"Li Bai." Hongjun said, "I like him the most."

Du Hanqing said, "I like Wang Changling."

Thus, Hongjun excitedly began to talk about poetry. It had to be said that although Du Hanqing was a demon, his attainments in poetry were quite good. Hongjun became more and more enthusiastic as he talked. He had already forgotten that this guy in front of him was a fox demon. He only tried his best to make him accept Li Bai's poems. In the end, Du Hanqing was panting with anger.

The sun was setting in the west. Qiu Yongsi smiled and said, "We have to go, right?"

Du Hanqing said, "I'm going to ignore you."

Hongjun, however, laughed and said, "Do you like it?"

Hongjun placed the jade Buddha statue on the table and pushed his finger towards Du Hanqing. Du Hanqing cried out in surprise. Hongjun said, "You like jade, right? Just now, I saw that you liked this pendant of mine, but it was given to me by my father. I can't give it to you. Here, take this. "

Hongjun always had an ignorant look on his face before he got to know someone. Once he started chatting, he was in high spirits and couldn't help but pat Du Hanqing. Du Hanqing took the jade Buddha statue and was instantly moved. He looked at Hongjun.

"I'll come find you tomorrow." Du Hanqing said.

"Ah?" Hongjun was dumbfounded. He thought to himself, "Don't do that. If you enter the Exorcism Department, it will be very dangerous."

Qiu Yongsi said, "There are many relatives at home. You two should arrange a place to meet?"

Hongjun nodded. He and Du Hanqing agreed to meet at noon tomorrow under the Lishui Bridge. See you there.

At dusk, Li Jinglong came out of the Feng residence.

Feng Changqing leaned on his crutch and stood at the door. He slowly said, "You've finally made some progress. In the past, you would never ask me this."

Li Jinglong was silent. Feng Changqing continued, "I also understand your ambitions. It's just that being an official in the imperial court isn't like what you think. Being an official is just 'deceiving the superiors and concealing the subordinates'. When you can't hide it anymore, that's when you'll have a chance. "

Li Jinglong said, "When you can't hide it anymore, I'm afraid it'll be too late."

"For them," Feng Changqing said, "it's never too late. Go, let's discuss this properly."

Li Jinglong's deeply furrowed brows didn't loosen. After listening to Feng Changqing's words, he became even more anxious.

When they came out of the Imperial College, it was already dusk. Only then did Hongjun remember that he didn't investigate those three people.

"They're in the hall." Qiu Yongsi said, "They've all turned into fox demons."

Hongjun's jaw dropped to the ground.

Just now, when Hongjun and Du Hanqing were chatting, Qiu Yongsi had been carefully listening to the chaotic conversation in the hall. When the names of those people entered his ears, Qiu Yongsi observed them for a while.

"'Turned' into fox demons?"

"Otherwise? What kind of fox do you think would study hard for ten years just to go to the capital to take the exam? " Qiu Yongsi said, "It must be that after the scholars entered the Chang 'an, they were all replaced by foxes. Now, all of them have pointed chins and peach blossom eyes, so it's not hard to recognize them. It's just that I didn't think of this before."

Hongjun: "Then what about the original people?"

Qiu Yongsi glanced at Hongjun. Both of them thought of the dried corpse hidden on Jin Yun's bed and couldn't help but feel the hair on their backs stand on end.