42 Chapter 42: The New Official Takes Office
In the Great Qi Dynasty, the process of a new official taking office was quite complex.
First, they needed to worship the immortals.
According to legend, it was the celestial beings from the higher realm who bestowed the cultivation methods upon the people of the Great Wilderness, giving them the power to fight against ghosts and protect their homeland.
Therefore, the people of the Great Wilderness worshipped them on the altar, expressing their gratitude and seeking their protection.
The supreme deity of the Great Wilderness people's faith was called the "Most High."
It was a two-faced immortal, with two incarnations:
One incarnation was known as the "Supreme Jade Emperor of the Highest Heavens," who ruled the daytime and commanded all living beings.
The other incarnation was known as the "Purple Microcosm Emperor of the Northern Pole of the Central Heaven," who ruled the nighttime and governed the stars.
They were commonly referred to as the "Jade Emperor" and the "Purple Microcosm."
And Gu Xu's "Supreme Northern Pole Demon-Slaying Ghost-Killing Talisman" was named after them.
At this moment, Gu Xu and Ma Qin stood in front of the altar, each holding three incense sticks, bowing respectfully to the statue of the "Most High."
Then, they recited the sacred edict, praising the grace and virtue of the Most High, and firmly inserted the incense sticks into the censer in front of the statue.
The room was immediately filled with a light, lingering smoke and the fragrance of incense.
...
The second step was to pay respects to the ancestors.
In the afternoon, Gu Xu and Ma Qin rode in a carriage to the cemetery in the outskirts of Yishui County.
The humans had been fighting against evil spirits for many years—during this process, some people had achieved great feats and gained glory, while others had sacrificed themselves and become nothing but dry bones in their graves.
Yishui County was no exception.
Eight years ago, many cultivators had unfortunately lost their lives in the "Disaster of the Nine Infants."
For example, the former Governor of the Exorcism Bureau, Zheng Yuzheng.
Zheng Yuzheng was originally a rare martial arts genius in Yishui County, known as a "Martial Fanatic" by others.
Everyone thought that with Zheng Yuzheng's talent for cultivation, he would surely rise to become a high-ranking official and nobleman under the command of the Great Qi Dynasty.
However, Zheng Yuzheng perished in the "Disaster of the Nine Infants" while saving a few ordinary children, and his body was devoured by the snake demon, leaving no trace behind.
Many people felt that Zheng Yuzheng's sacrifice was unworthy.
They believed that Zheng Yuzheng was destined to be a powerful guardian of the region—if he had survived, he would have been able to save more people in the future.
Why sacrifice his own life for a few unknown children?
But Chen Jisheng had privately told Gu Xu, "At the moment when Governor Zheng rushed out, he only wanted to save those few children from the mouth of the Nine Infant Snake Demon. He never considered whether it was 'worth it' or not."
Therefore, Gu Xu, full of admiration, respectfully placed the white bouquet he had brought with him on Zheng Yuzheng's tomb and then bowed deeply.
Gu Xu had always been a person who cherished his own life.
In his eyes, nothing was more important than his own life.
To survive, he would spare no effort and use any means necessary.
Therefore, he truly admired heroes like Zheng Yuzheng, who willingly sacrificed themselves for others.
...
As dusk approached, Gu Xu and Ma Qin returned to the Exorcism Bureau.
Now, they needed to complete the third step of the new official's induction—thanking the emperor for his grace.
Civilian officials needed to face towards the direction of the capital, Luojiang City, kneel and kowtow three times and nine times to express their gratitude to the emperor.
However, the status of cultivators in the Great Qi Dynasty was transcendent, so they only needed to bow and pay their respects.
Afterward, Chen Jisheng walked up to them and, in his superior position, lectured them.
First, he sternly said to Ma Qin, "Sir Ma, I know you originally came from Qingzhou Prefecture with ten years of experience—perhaps deep down in your heart, you look down upon a small county like Yishui."
"But since you have become an official of the Yishui Bureau, I hope you can set aside your pride, work diligently, be responsible to the people of Yishui, and live up to your salary."
Ma Qin nodded repeatedly, acknowledging his words.
At the same time, he thought to himself, How can I be proud when I work under that extraordinary fellow, Gu Xu? If I can withstand the blows and not doubt my life because of that brat, I'll consider myself content.
Then, Chen Jisheng turned to Gu Xu and said in a faint voice, "As for you, Jingli Gu, I don't have any other requirements. I just hope you remember the words you said—"
"Those who enjoy the benefits of the world must bear the world's troubles; those who revel in the pleasures of the world must share the world's worries."
"I understand," Gu Xu nodded slightly.
Upon hearing these words, Ma Qin glanced at the framed calligraphy on the wall and was shocked.
He had always thought that this quote originated from Chen Jisheng's mouth—after all, Chen Jisheng's serious and workaholic temperament perfectly matched the meaning of this quote.
Even so, Ma Qin never expected that it was actually said by Gu Xu!
How could that rascal, Gu Xu, who always appeared unserious, say such profound words?
Did I misjudge him?
...
Worshipping the immortals, paying respects to the ancestors, thanking the emperor.
After completing these three steps, Gu Xu and Ma Qin finally put on their black "Seven Luminaries Robes" and donned the black caps, officially becoming officials of the Exorcism Bureau.
At this moment, other officials of the Exorcism Bureau also gathered in the main hall to congratulate them.
Shi Xiaohan stood on the side of the hall, and the clear apricot eyes reflected Gu Xu's figure.
She was used to seeing Gu Xu in his previous green robe.
Now that Gu Xu had changed into black clothing, she found it quite refreshing.
If Gu Xu dressed in a green robe, he looked like a scholarly and elegant young master. But with the black robe, he exuded a more solemn and dignified grace.
In short, handsome people looked good no matter what they wore.
On the other hand, Ma Qin seemed somewhat displeased—because the black clothes made him look older.
"Congratulations, Jingli" Shi Xiaohan walked up to Gu Xu, smiling and cupping her hands in greeting.
"Inspectress, I hope you can offer me your guidance in the future!" Gu Xu immediately returned the gesture.
"I don't dare to claim guidance," Shi Xiaohan shook her head. "Jingli, you are a young hero. Within a year of entering the Bureau, you were promoted to an eighth-rank official through special means. You will surely have a bright future and limitless prospects. I am just an ordinary person. When you become successful in the future, please remember to extend your helping hand to me!"
"Inspectress, you are too kind!" Gu Xu smiled and said, "You entered the Bureau before me, so you are my senior. If we talk about extending a helping hand, it should be you extending a helping hand to me!"
"Jingli, you have achieved so much with your own abilities. You even persuaded the Bureau Chief to modify the official hierarchy directly, and you will go to the capital next year—this alone is something I could never accomplish in my entire life."
"Inspectress, you have killed countless demons and made remarkable contributions. I am far behind!" Gu Xu sincerely admired.
...
Two people who were familiar with each other and had spent a lot of time together suddenly started to speak formally and politely, as if they were in an official setting, which appeared quite comical.
"Xiaohan, are we taking this too seriously? There are still people watching us!" In the end, Gu Xu coughed twice and ended this endless mutual praise.
"Um... it seems so."
Just now, Shi Xiaohan had been completely focused on Gu Xu and momentarily forgot that others were present in the hall.
A faint blush appeared on her slightly chubby face.
But she quickly thought to herself, that as long as she, the heroine, wasn't embarrassed, it was others who would feel awkward.
So she restrained her smile and pretended to be aloof, raising her chin even higher.
