Chapter Forty-Five: A Solution

Anihua Yuan listened to the resolute tone in Chen Jiu’s voice, his sword-like brows furrowing slightly before he pressed his lips together. The two fell silent. The atmosphere became somewhat tense. After a few breaths, it was Anihua Yuan who broke the silence first. His expression shifted, and he smiled, saying, “Since your heart is not set on this, I won’t force the matter.” Chen Jiu felt a slight relief upon hearing this. He rose and respectfully saluted in Daoist fashion.

“Recently, I have benefited from your guidance. I will forever remember this kindness.” Anihua Yuan smiled benevolently and waved his hand. “Do you have any plans for what comes next? If it’s convenient, why not share them with me? If I can be of assistance, I’d be glad to help.” Chen Jiu was taken aback, then replied, “I simply plan to capture some minor demons in Jingyang County and accumulate merit.” This was indeed his next task, and there was nothing to hide.

Anhua Yuan’s eyes brightened at these words. He stroked his stubbled chin and asked, “You’re still carrying the ‘Daoist Warrant,’ aren’t you?” Chen Jiu nodded helplessly. Suddenly, Anihua Yuan remembered something and asked urgently, “By the way, what did the Anmin Bureau of Xinyang County stipulate? How much merit do you need before you can return to your Daoist temple?” Chen Jiu answered, “One thousand.” Anihua Yuan was surprised, “One thousand? Good heavens, our Jingyang County only requires seven hundred.” Chen Jiu was moved and asked, “So, the required merit differs from place to place?” Anihua Yuan nodded, “Correct. Each locality’s Anmin Bureau has different rules for the ‘Daoist Warrant.’ For example, if a place is a Daoist sanctuary with many temples and Daoists, the merit required would be greatly reduced.”

Chen Jiu was astounded. If that was the case, settling in a place where less merit was required would spare him much trouble. Anihua Yuan caught the subtle expression on Chen Jiu’s face and said meaningfully, “Since you can no longer stay in Xinyang County, why not find another place to settle?” Although Chen Jiu’s temple was in Xinyang, his household registration could be changed. The Anmin Bureau allowed cultivators to alter their registration without going through the Ministry of Households.

Chen Jiu was tempted and asked, “May I ask, besides Jingyang County, where else requires less merit?” Anihua Yuan fiddled with the cover of his teacup and replied in a low voice, “Qingcheng County to the east only requires five hundred merit.” “However…” At first, Chen Jiu’s heart leapt at the thought of only needing five hundred merit, but as Anihua Yuan changed his tone, his heart sank.

“What’s the catch?” Anihua Yuan chuckled, “Nothing major. It’s just that Qingcheng County is the most prosperous in Lao Prefecture and the largest county, with a population of a million. Settling there is extremely difficult.” The larger the population, the harder it was for outsiders—especially Daoists like Chen Jiu—to gain residency.

Yet the lure of only five hundred merit was strong. He’d already accumulated two hundred fifty; with luck, a few more minor demons might bring him to five hundred. Then he wouldn’t need to risk himself hunting demons everywhere. This place was certainly tempting.

“It’s unfortunate that recently, a flood of refugees has caused population issues here in Jingyang County, so I can’t help you settle here at this critical juncture.” But then, Anihua Yuan’s eyes gleamed with a smile. “However, I do know a high-ranking officer in Qingcheng County’s Anmin Bureau. It wouldn’t be impossible to write a letter of recommendation for you.” Chen Jiu’s heart stirred, and he saluted, “Thank you, Deputy Envoy.”

Anihua Yuan replied, “It’s nothing. Writing the letter is easy, but you must demonstrate your abilities, so they know that revising your registration is worthwhile. After all, Xinyang County’s Anmin Bureau won’t let you go so easily.” Chen Jiu understood all this. He certainly couldn’t stay in Xinyang County any longer—not only had he offended the master of Ascendant Tower, but the ‘Suspended Eyes’ sent after him would never let him off. He wondered how his temple was faring—whether it had been implicated because of him.

Anihua Yuan then wrote a letter of recommendation for Chen Jiu, prepared a pale blue Daoist robe, fifty taels of silver, and a map for him. Chen Jiu looked at the supplies on the table, his heart filled with gratitude. He said sincerely, “Thank you, Deputy Envoy An. I will never forget your kindness.” Anihua Yuan shook his head, “You are not an ordinary man. When you succeed in cultivation, remember that Jingyang County once had an Anihua Yuan.” Chen Jiu saluted once more, then swept his wide sleeves across the table.

In a flash of azure light, all the robes and supplies vanished from sight! Anihua Yuan was stunned; he had only seen such magic used by the chief envoy and a few highly cultivated masters. His expectations for Chen Jiu rose even higher.

Having stored everything away, Chen Jiu mused that this “Universe Within the Sleeve” was indeed useful—items could be stored or retrieved with a mere flick of his sleeve, and he needn’t worry about thieves. After all, to break this spell, one would have to kill him. Chen Jiu then solemnly bid farewell to Anihua Yuan and left the Anmin Bureau.

…

Chen Jiu had been away from the Jingyang County Anmin Bureau for half a day now. He had rented a swift horse, intending to ride to Qingcheng County. Though he possessed the Lotus Platform, which could fly through the air, it was extremely taxing for one who had not yet entered the first tier of immortality. He feared that, should the ‘Suspended Eyes’ ambush him en route, he might run out of spiritual power and fall into mortal peril.

Riding a horse was slower, but it conserved his strength. At this point, he was likely completely exposed to the ‘Suspended Eyes.’ The battle that day had stirred the energies and created a great commotion; the ‘Suspended Eyes’ could not be unaware. The only question was when they would strike again.

On the courier road, Chen Jiu’s mount galloped, raising clouds of dust. At his waist hung not only a sword pouch but also a wine gourd, specially prepared for the ‘Suspended Eyes.’ As long as he could break the garment that concealed their forms, he would not be caught off guard.

Chen Jiu’s boldness in riding openly was not born of overconfidence but necessity. If he stayed longer in Jingyang County, the ‘Suspended Eyes’ would be a problem, and who knew if that old monster Deadwood might seek him out as well. After all, he had sided with Yan Chixia that day, used the Heavenly Eye to reveal Deadwood’s true form, and cost him the chance to seize the bamboo slip.

Having provoked yet another cultivator of the Jade Elixir realm, Chen Jiu could only laugh bitterly. But none of that mattered now. Having already offended one, a few more hardly made a difference.

When he reached Qingcheng County, he would lie low and first get the measure of the local Anmin Bureau before making any decisions. Ever since he entered the world of cultivation, he had been like a stray dog, driven from place to place. Chen Jiu no longer wished to live such a life—he wanted to settle down and cultivate in peace.

And Qingcheng County, without a doubt, was an excellent choice…