Gate of God

Chapter 122: A Real Answer

Everybody’s gaze at this moment began to light up. Because, among them, many went through the trouble of rushing to the River of Trust Capital from capitals all around just for this prize.

But, they didn’t know the criteria for this prize.

“As long as one entered the first-class roll of this capital examination, they would receive the Divine Constabulary’s invitation to participate in a great constabulary feast organised by the Divine Constabulary three months later!” When Qin Yumei finished this sentence, he paused.

Delighted looks instantly appeared on the faces of the examinees below when they heard this. The constabulary feast was a grand event, and it wasn’t just the officials from the five capitals of the Northern Desert who would attend it.

The scholars discussed spiritedly, even the man from the imperial capital might appear.

“The opportunity to participate in the constabulary feast is rare, however, the even rarer opportunity will be that the top three in the capital examination would be able to enter the “Heavenly Treasure Hall”. As for other scholars, as long as their performance in the constabulary feast is outstanding, they would also have the same opportunity to do so!”

“What does the Heavenly Treasure Hall in the Divine Constabulary contain? I believe I don’t need to introduce it further to you all? I wish to comment impolitely that even I wish to have such an opportunity…”

Qin Yumei looked at the surrounding examinees, and a smile that contained a trace of admiration appeared on his face.

When the examinees heard this, they also truly became excited. To be able to interact with officials from all around, that was an opportunity for interaction and displaying one’s abilities. Naturally, it was something to be happy about.

However, the Heavenly Treasure Hall was a place that could really change a person’s destiny.

“Incredible! I initially thought that only the top three would have the opportunity to enter the Heavenly Treasure Hall, I never thought that even the first-class roll would have an opportunity!”

“Congratulations… With Young Master Li’s results, you would definitely make it onto the first-class roll!”

“Ha ha ha, Brother Wen, how are you not one among the first-class roll as well? Honestly, if I was able to enter the Heavenly Treasure Hall, I would be satisfied for my entire life!”

“That’s indeed true!”

The examinees who felt that they had an opportunity to enter the first-class roll all began to discuss spiritedly. Because, they all understood how valuable the opportunity of entering the Heavenly Treasure Hall was.

However, Fang Zhengzhi’s face was filled with bewilderment.

He had a strong urge to give Qin Yumei a beating. Why is he not introducing it? What is in the Heavenly Treasure Hall? I don’t know!

Furthermore…

Why must it be the prize set by the Divine Constabulary!

A tiny figure mysteriously flashed across Fang Zhengzhi’s mind. His impression of that figure was too deep. Heard that Chi Guyan had been secluding herself in the Heaven Dao Pavilion for a year, I believe she wouldn’t suddenly return back to the Divine Constabulary?

As he thought, he began to relax somewhat.

As long as he didn’t encounter Chi Guyan, he should be able to preserve his life!

…

Next, Qin Yumei began to announce the capital examination top three, and also the names of scholars who made it to the first-class roll. Every time he read out a name, an invigilator at the side would record it down

When the names of all those who had passed the capital examination had been announced, everybody received a small metallic token with their names and also the seal of the Imperial Academy etched onto it.

“As long as you have this, you will be recognised by the Great Xia Dynasty. Similarly, you will also have the responsibility of fighting the demon race, do you understand?” Qin Yumei looked at the examinees who had passed the capital examination below and asked.

“Understood!” The examinees instantly replied as one.

Fang Zhengzhi wasn’t very interested in such a formal ceremony. He was more interested in how much money this metallic token could get him each month, unfortunately, nobody explained that to him.

Looking at Yan Xiu, he realised that Yan Xiu also wasn’t too concerned.

Hence, Fang Zhengzhi expressed the curiosity in his heart.

“Will you go to the Heavenly Treasure Hall?”

“Of course, I will go.” Yan Xiu didn’t quite understand why Fang Zhengzhi would ask this.

“Are there treasures in the Heavenly Treasure Hall?” Fang Zhengzhi continued to ask.

“Treasures?” Yan Xiu looked at Fang Zhengzhi queerly, then, quickly understood. “You wish to ask me what the Heavenly Treasure Hall is… is that right?”

“Yes.” Fang Zhengzhi nodded.

“After the Law of Dao entered the world, by Heaven’s decree, it was split into three thousand volumes. These three thousand volumes represented three thousand parallel dimensions, each of these parallel dimensions containing millions of pocket dimensions. The human race accesses Dao through the pocket dimension and begins to practice, and gradually advances!”

When Yan Xiu said this, he paused slightly, and continued.

“As for the Heavenly Treasure Hall, it is one among the three thousand parallel dimensions! Most importantly, after countless years of operating by the Divine Constabulary, the Heavenly Treasure Hall has almost reached the peak of parallel dimensions.”

“Parallel dimension?” Fang Zhengzhi was somewhat confused. He had more or less understood the concept of pocket dimensions now.

It was nothing more than human beings opening up a parallel space and new world in their own bodies. As for how this world was constructed, and what method was used to construct it, this was determined by everybody’s individual practicing methods.

Then…

Parallel dimension, what was this?!

“Yes.” Yan Xiu nodded. He didn’t explain to Fang Zhengzhi what a parallel dimension was. Because, every parallel dimension was completely different, and there was simply no way to describe it.

Fang Zhengzhi didn’t ask further. He felt that no matter how much he asked, it wouldn’t compare to him personally experiencing it himself.

…

The River of Trust Capital examination finally ended under the shock of everybody.

Just as Han Changfeng had expected, once the River of Trust Capital examination had ended, news of Fang Zhengzhi attaining double roll champion spread like a wild gust of wind across the entire Great Xia Dynasty.

Nobody knew how this gust of wind would affect the Great Xia Dynasty.

But, at least when the county head of the Huai An County heard this news, he had rushed to the Northern Mountain Village overnight…

And at the same time, in the rear garden of the Heaven Dao Pavilion, Lady Yuer, with her face flushed slightly red and in an out-of-breath manner, was reporting this shocking news to a lady wearing a pink cotton skirt/

“Mi… Missus, Young Master Fang had attained the double roll champion again!”

Lady Yuer was shocked, but the expression of the lady wearing a pink cotton skirt didn’t change much. Instead, she carefully gazed at the garden in front of her.

The lady’s eyes were very bright, just like stars in the night sky. She looked, from the fence of the garden, to the pavilion, to each individual tree and each individual blade of grass…

She looked very carefully and seriously, just as if she was having a heart-to-heart talk with her loved ones.

“Yuer, pack up.” After the lady finished looking, she spoke again. Her voice was as clear as a mountain spring.

“Alright… is Missus going to the ‘Heaven Academic Altar’ again?” Yuer nodded, and prepared to enter the room to retrieve her coat and shawl.

“No, I want to go down the mountain.” The lady gently shook her head.

“Roger! Yuer will now go and prep… huh?! Missus… you… you want to go down the mountain?!” Right after Yuer had received the order, she suddenly became stunned.

“Yes.” The lady nodded.

“Missus, didn’t you say that you are going to stay in the Heaven Dao Pavilion for three years? Now, we have only stayed for a year, why are you going down the mountain?” Yuer was somewhat confused. She remembered the words that the lady spoke as they were about to go up to the Heaven Dao Pavilion.

Secluding herself from the world for three years…

Then, go down the mountain!

“Because, he had given me a real answer!” The lady looked in the direction of the Northern Desert, and with a deep feeling of homesickness in her expression.

“Missus, what answer is that?” Yuer instinctively asked.

“The Double Dragon Roll Champion would shock the world, and bring peace to the world!” The lady looked at Yuer, and didn’t blame her.

“What, what kind of answer is that? Isn’t the Double Dragon Roll Champion Missus yourself?” Yuer completely couldn’t understand.

“Ha ha…” The lady laughed gently, just as if the most beautiful flower in spring had bloomed, causing the hundreds of flowers in the garden to lower their heads shamefully.

Without replying Yuer’s question further, the lady looked into the sky.

In the sky, the white clouds continuously changed their shapes. Occasionally, it took the form of a gigantic, soaring bird, and occasionally, it took the form of a sharp sword out of its sheath.

“Nangong Hao!” The lady’s mouth uttered a name, then, gradually went into deep thought.

Yuer, witnessing this scene, instantly held her breath and didn’t dare to cause any disturbance. Because, she knew that her missus was reminiscing the scene of the battle a year ago.

After nobody knew how long, the lady shook her head, and her expression seemed somewhat desolate.

“That sword… I really couldn’t avoid it!”

…

Chapter 123: Tempest

One pavilion, four sages, thirteen constabularies, all along, these were the focus of the imperial officials and powers in the Great Xia Dynasty.

The Heaven Dao Pavilion was a place where powers gathered, and even containing scholars from the thirteen constabularies, hence news of Chi Guyan going down the mountain were simply unconcealable, even if one tried to conceal it.

Moreover, Chi Guyan didn’t intend to conceal it at all.

Based on the tradition of the Heaven Dao Pavilion, Chi Guyan first knelt before the Heaven Dao Tablet, then, knelt before the Heaven Dao Pavilion Head, “Mu Qingfeng”, then kowtowed to the various places, the Heaven Academic Altar, the Divine Rain Pond… and so on.

Then finally did Chi Guyan officially leave the mountain gate of the Heaven Dao Pavilion.

…

Nobody thought that Chi Guyan would actually leave the Heaven Dao Pavilion at this time, because, there were still two years to the time of the divine message.

Going down the mountain?

To other scholars from the Heaven Dao Pavilion, it was just going down the mountain. However, to Chi Guyan, it wasn’t so simple…

Because, going down the mountain contained an unstable tempest!

Going into a tempest early?

No matter how one looked at this, it wasn’t a wise move.

Because, due to Chi Guyan’s status, she simply didn’t have to do such a thing. She only had to seclude herself in the Heaven Dao Pavilion for two years, then, no matter how the situations had changed, she was going to be a person of huge power and status, and enjoy the respect of the Great Xia Dynasty.

If this person wasn’t Chi Guyan, everybody would definitely feel that this person was the dumbest person in the world, stupid, idiotic…

But, these words could never be linked to Chi Guyan.

Because…

Chi Guyan was the Double Dragon Roll Champion, the real pride of the Heavens, and, the only powerful fourteen-year-old in the Great Xia Dynasty who had achieved Heavenly Reflection!

Then, why would Chi Guyan go down the mountain ahead of time? What was her purpose?

…

In the imperial city of the Great Xia Dynasty, in the Yan Capital.

Faint marks of battles and wars could be seen on the gigantic city wall, still as vivid as ever, but within the city walls, there was always a dryness that permeated the air.

The imperial city that had peace for an entire year seemed as if great trouble was brewing.

This could be inferred by the occasional sounds of cups breaking within the various palaces.

“What?! Chi Guyan went down the mountain, she went out of the Heaven Dao Pavilion!”

“What does she want to do…”

Two similar voices seem to have sounded out in the imperial capital at the same time. However, what was different was their expression. There was happiness, worry, doubt, and horror…

…

In the imperial capital training grounds of the patrol guards, within a huge military tent, a youth around the age of twenty-three to twenty-four was sitting at the main seat. The picture of a beast sewn in golden thread on his white brocade robe revealed his status.

The emperor’s family in the Great Xia Dynasty had the surname of “Lin”.

He, was the sixth prince of the emperor, the imperial prince, King Duan, Lin Xinjue.

Such a powerful identity should be enjoying life in the palace, however, King Duan Lin Xinjue had long shifted his recreational area into the military tent, being among the military men.

But, at this moment. King Duan Lin Xinjue was frowning deeply, as if thinking about something.

On the military table, a delectable aroma was being emitted an exquisite furnace, and at the table sat two people, on its left and on its right. The one on the left was an elder wearing a black and white Dao robe, on the right was a middle-aged man dressed like a scholar.

Other than them, there was no other person.

“Don’t tell me even Elder Wen isn’t able to guess the intention of Chi Guyan?” Lin Xinjue’s expression seemed somewhat troubled.

“Replying King Duan, Chi Guyan’s move was too sudden, I indeed cannot guess it! However, I believe that Chi Guyan’s move might be related to the River of Trust Capital examination…” Elder Wen, wearing a black and white Dao robe, shook his head lightly.

“It is only a small capital examination, Elder Wen had also said that Chi Guyan’s criminal demand order was only to test the waters, why is there a conflict in intentions now?” The middle-aged scholar sitting on the right spoke.

“I have said that I can’t guess it. The reason I feel that it is related to the River of Trust Capital examination is only because that both their timings are too coincidental…” Elder Wen looked at the middle-aged scholar with a calm expression.

The middle-aged scholar didn’t speak further, and Lin Xinjue, on the main seat, started to ponder once again.

“Why not we follow Elder Wen’s previous suggestion and recruit this Fang Zhengzhi into the army early?” After a slight moment of deep thought, Lin Xinjue spoke again.

“If we could recruit him, naturally that would be good. However, this person had unexpectedly defeated Yan Xiu from the Yan family, and also attained the double roll champion of the River of Trust Capital examination. Furthermore, I heard that his abilities had already reached Star Conglomerate. It is a time when he is glowing the brightest, I feel that the respective powers would all have their own ideas, if your highness King Duan enters into this…” Elder Wen seemed somewhat worried.

“I understand, the army ranks people based on their military achievements. If we promised too much, it might waver the heart of the army. But if we offer too little and force the recruitment, he might rebel in the future!” Lin Xinjue heard this and instantly understood.

“Your highness King Duan is wise!”

“Your highness King Duan, based on the current circumstances, if we just stay dormant in the army, others might be able to take advantage and make the first move. I have an idea, I wonder if your highness is willing to try it!” The middle-aged scholar spoke again.

“Huh? Mister Hua, please speak!” When Lin Xinjue heard this, he looked at the middle-aged scholar, Mister Hua.

“Chi Guyan had gone down the mountain, and would definitely return to the Divine Constabulary. I’ve heard that three months later, the Divine Constabulary had set a constabulary feast inviting the imperial officials from the Northern Desert, and also inviting the first-class roll scholars from the River of Trust Capital examination to participate in it. If King Duan is able to personally attend it, there are three benefits!” When Mister Hua said this, he paused for a while, waiting for Lin Xinjue’s reply.

“Mister Hua, please teach!” Lin Xinjue’s tone instantly became as respectful as a student.

Mister Hua saw this, and a satisfied expression also appeared on his face. Then, standing up slowly, he walked to the middle of the military tent and bowed towards King Duan Lin Xinjue and Elder Wen.

“The first benefit: Even though Chi Hou pays allegiance to your highness, but he is far away in the Northern Desert. If your highness doesn’t go for this feast which gathers the imperial officials, the imperial officials would definitely see Chi Hou as the leader. But, if your highness attends this feast, they would definitely see your highness as the leader! It is to win their hearts!”

“Yes, not bad!”

“The second benefit: When Chi Guyan returns to the Divine Constabulary, if your highness is able to personally visit the Northern Desert to show your sincerity, even if you cannot win her heart, in the future when you achieve great things, it would also be of help! It is for building your career!”

“Good point, Mister Hua!”

“The third benefit: Even though the River of Trust Capital examination is a small one, but, it gathered scholars from the five capitals of the Northern Desert. Even though they aren’t very useful now, but in the future, it would only be something beneficial and without any harm! Furthermore, your highness would also be seen as someone who values talents! It is for the emperor’s intent!”

“Well said! Winning hearts, building career and emperor’s intent!” When Lin Xinjue heard Mister Hua’s words, he instantly stood up and respectfully returned a bow to Mister Hua.

“For your highness King Duan to be able to receive the help of Mister Hua, you would definitely achieve success! But, the three benefits Mister Hua said are indeed correct, but other than the three benefits… there is one harm. This time, I advise your highness King Duan to give up a benefit to avoid a harm!”

“Give up a benefit to avoid a harm?” Lin Xinjue felt somewhat confused.

“Yes, your highness, think carefully, what is the reason for Chi Hou’s feast? Naturally, it is to establish himself among the imperial officials! If your highness visits personally, there would be the intent of being the host, then, it would barge in the way of Chi Hou’s intentions…”

“He is just Chi Hou, even if he is one among the thirteen constabularies, how can he compete against your highness King Duan for honour?! Don’t tell me he even wants to be the king of the Northern Desert?” When Mister Hua heard this, he seemed slightly infuriated.

“No! Elder Wen’s reminder is timely. This harm, I must avoid! I understand Elder Wen’s meaning, and would definitely act carefully to ensure I don’t get in the way of Chi Hou’s intentions!” Lin Xinjue waved his hands, thought for a while, then bowed towards Elder Wen.

“Your highness King Duan is far-sighted!” Elder Win instantly returned the gesture.

…

In the Yan capital city of the imperial capital, the place where the tempest gathered, King Duan was discussing in the military tent, and the other palaces were also discussing spiritedly. Within the city, countless grand horse carriages continuously moved about.

There were those who went out of the palace, and some who had just returned.

Among those, the place with the most horse carriages was no doubt the Crown Prince Palace where the words “Eastern Palace” hung.

…

Of course, no matter how the situations changed, they weren’t important to Fang Zhengzhi at all. Because, he knew nothing about the news of Chi Guyan going down the mountain.

The River of Trust Capital which was far away in the Northern Desert naturally wouldn’t be as well-informed as the imperial capital.

Now, the thing that the scholars in the River of Trust Capital cared more about was, why would Yun Qingwu suddenly send an invitation to Fang Zhengzhi? That was the lecher who tore down her veil!

Could it be just because he is the double roll champion of this capital examination?

They weren’t satisfied!

Hence, at this moment, at the riverside of the River of Trust, countless scholars gathered. They all wished to see whether this number one lecher in the world would have to face to accept Yun Qingwu’s invitation.

The wind was somewhat cooling, and the willow branches continued to sway lightly.

But, the scholars all felt very hurt…

However, Fang Zhengzhi evidently didn’t care much about this. Those in the light never did dark things, even though he had very directly unveiled Yun Qingwu’s veil.

Hence…

Fang Zhengzhi appeared at the riverside of the River of Trust.

Yan Xiu wasn’t beside him. There was only him, alone. But, when he appeared, the attention of all the scholars surrounding the riverside were all drawn to him.

He was still wearing a blue robe, lightly swaying in the wind following Fang Zhengzhi’s leisurely footsteps.

“He really came?! Thick-skinned…”

“This lecher really revealed his true nature. I am indeed interested what presents would he have to give Yun Qingwu!”

The scholars who saw Fang Zhengzhi were very angry, and very jealous. However, nobody came up to stop him. Because, they were all very curious. Why would Yun Qingwu invite Fang Zhengzhi?

Could it be that Fang Zhengzhi had something that they all didn’t?

The pleasure boat anchored at the riverside, and a lady wearing a jade-green dress waited quietly. When she saw Fang Zhengzhi, she stepped out gracefully and welcomed him.

Chapter 124: Please Unveil

Since there was somebody who specially waited in the wind to welcome him, Fang Zhengzhi naturally stopped, and looked at this girl in the green dress who wasn’t considered exceptionally beautiful, but was still rather pretty.

He felt that he should display his elegance and refined personality.

For example, praise the lady’s personality, or, describe the lady’s polite manner.

As he thought.

Fang Zhengzhi instinctively blurted out a dialect that circled the Northern Mountain Village for many years.

“This lady looks devilish handsome!”

The sentence left his mouth…

The wind in the entire riverside seemed to have silenced. Every scholar stared at Fang Zhengzhi with an expression of shock. They were really unable to believe that this was the double roll champion who defeated all the scholars in the River of Trust Capital.

The lady in green dress was also taken aback.

Having followed Yun Qingwu for so many years journeying through the country, she could indeed be considered experienced and knowledgeable. Else, she wouldn’t be tasked to wait at the riverside. However, she still hadn’t understood the meaning behind Fang Zhengzhi’s words.

Was he flirting with her?

Or…

He liked people who were like her?

Fang Zhengzhi gazed at the green skirt lady who was stunned, rooted to the ground, and sighed inwardly. He initially wanted to liven up the atmosphere, but, it looks like not every situation allowed him to make jokes?

“What I meant was, a lady dressed in green skirt waiting at the riverside of the River of Trust beside the willow tree, in the cool breeze, this style is indeed comparable to the winter-sweet in the snow!” Fang Zhengzhi helplessly rephrased his words.

“Thank you for Young Master Fang’s praise, the wind at the riverside is strong, Young Master Fang, please board the boat!” Her tone changed. The lady in green dress evidently managed to react.

Fang Zhengzhi didn’t move. All along, he understood one rule. It was easy to board the ship, but hard to leave the ship.

Just like the previous time he brought Yan Xiu to the Moonview Restaurant. After eating and drinking, it was extremely tough to settle the bill. If he hadn’t encountered Su Jiu, he would definitely be held in the restaurant for that meal.

If he didn’t guess wrongly, Yun Qingwu’s status was more or less the same as the restaurant owner in his previous world.

Even though Yun Qingwu was definitely the best among the restaurant owners, she was someone that the average person wouldn’t pay attention to, and if one wanted to meet her, it was as hard as climbing into Heaven.

But, she also lived through hardships and uncertainties, even if she personally invited him, silver and treasures were definitely unavoidable.

The lady in the green dress saw that Fang Zhengzhi didn’t intend to board the boat, and was somewhat confused.

“There is something that I must make clear first, I am only here to listen to music and eat. I don’t have any money to give, nor did I bring any presents.” Fang Zhengzhi thought for a while, and finally decided to speak his mind.

Even though when Yan Xiu heard that Yun Qingwu had invited him, he gave him a pearl that was as big as an egg. However, he didn’t accept it.

Taking a friend’s treasure to drink in the company of women?

He really couldn’t bring himself to do such things.

“He actually didn’t bring any present!”

“This person is indeed thick-skinned. If he claimed to be number two, nobody would ever dare to claim they were number one! He is really too shameless!”

“He actually didn’t bring any presents when meeting Yun Qingwu, quick, chase him away!”

When the stunned scholars suddenly heard Fang Zhengzhi’s words, they instantly expressed the anger in their hearts. Which person meeting Yun Qingwu wouldn’t bring along a treasure?

“Young Master Fang, don’t worry. This time, lady had personally sent out the invitation, a present is naturally unnecessary!” The lady in green dress covered her mouth and laughed gently, then once again, waved lightly to Fang Zhengzhi.

“A present is naturally unnecessary?!”

When the surrounding scholars heard this, they all felt like they were struck by lightning, and stood completely stunned on the spot.

To be able to be invited by Yun Qingwu is already a blessing from Heaven, he actually still didn’t bring any presents? Even in the entire Great Xia Dynasty, nobody would be able to accept such a thing?

“Then, let me board the boat and listen to a piece!” Fang Zhengzhi very reluctantly nodded his head.

…

As the scholars stared at Fang Zhengzhi’s figure from the back and gritted their teeth, Fang Zhengzhi was leisurely admiring the layout of the pleasure boat and the beautiful ink paintings…

Yun Qingwu’s pleasure boat was indeed uniquely poetic.

Not even mentioning the various beautiful jewelleries, each of them positioned perfectly to match the boat, just the various kinds of paintings and poems that adorned the body of the pleasure boat itself were amazing.

It seemed like the jewelleries were grown on the body of the boat, as if they were naturally.

“This boat looks like a work of art, but…”

Fang Zhengzhi didn’t say it, because, based on the positions of the jewelleries, he deduced very quickly that Yun Qingwu was not only proficient in poetry, singing, chess and paintings, she was also well-versed in the formations of The Art of Becoming Invisible.

Yun Qingwu…

Is probably not as simple as she seems on the surface?

“Please sit, Young Master Fang. Lady will arrive soon!” The lady in green dress led Fang Zhengzhi into an elegant room on the boat.

Fang Zhengzhi felt that these words seemed to cause people to fantasize.

He sat, and waited quietly.

Then, a few ladies in green dresses began to send in plates of exquisite snacks, and placed them on the table in front of Fang Zhengzhi, then slowly withdrew.

When the refreshments had all been served, an elegant figure appeared from behind the pearl curtains.

Wearing a simple yet elegant white dress, with a simple ink lotus embroidered onto it, her hair fell like a waterfall to her waist. She didn’t wear any jewellery on her head, and she radiated the air of purity.

But, as usual, her face was covered by a black veil. The snow-white shoes on her feet moved, and she bowed lightly towards Fang Zhengzhi, then, quietly sat in front of the piano table opposite Fang Zhengzhi.

Yun Qingwu, a lady that caused the scholars in the entire Great Xia Dynasty to go crazy over her.

“Young Master Fang, thank you for waiting!” Yun Qingwu spoke, her voice as clear as the chirp of birds.

This was indeed a one-to-one date. Who knew how many scholars could only dream for such an opportunity. However, Fang Zhengzhi wasn’t too excited.

The reason he was here to see Yun Qingwu was because he was somewhat curious.

He was curious about why Yun Qingwu would confidently bet that he would attain the theory examination roll champion, and was also similarly curious about Yun Qingwu’s real purpose in coming to the River of Trust Capital.

But, this curiosity didn’t require any rushing.

Hence, Fang Zhengzhi smiled gently, and bowed towards Yun Qingwu.

“Thank you Lady Qingwu for your invitation!”

“What would Young Master Fang like to listen to?” Yun Qingwu pointed at the guqin in front of her.

“How about the Ancient Tune of Guangling?” Fang Zhengzhi thought that since Yun Qingwu had asked, why not he choose something that was harder. He wished to see whether Yun Qingwu knew this ancient piece that was rumoured to be lost in history.

“Ha ha…” Yun Qingwu laughed gently.

Unfortunately, the black veil concealed her beautiful smile, and nobody was able to see the style of her smile.

“Looks like Young Master Fang is someone who cherishes the world. However, this Ancient Tune of Guangling is divided into the parts Jingli, Quhan, Wangshen, Hanzhi, Liefu, Chenming, Toujian, Junji, Weixing, I wonder which part would Young Master Fang like to hear first?” Yun Qingwu smiled, then asked back.

Fang Zhengzhi felt that he had played a little too big. He never thought that Yun Qingwu would actually know how this. If he couldn’t deduce whether the tune Yun Qingwu played was authentic, wouldn’t that be a little embarrassing?

“It is still early, let’s start from Jingli.” Fang Zhengzhi pretended as if there wasn’t a problem.

“Alright!” Yun Qingwu nodded.

…

At the riverside of the River of Trust, very quickly, countless scholars heard the melodious and classical Ancient Tune of Guangling. The melodious sound of the guqin floated in the air, as if whispering the stories of home.

Instantly, the scholars were overwhelmed.

In reality…

That was the greatest reason why they gathered at the riverside of the River of Trust.

After the Jingli ended, the second part, the sound of Quhan very quickly sounded out…

Fang Zhengzhi listened to the music within the pleasure boat, and helped himself to the exquisite snacks. On the other hand, the scholars stood in the cool breeze, and revelled in this beautiful guqin music.

…

The song ended, and the guqin was kept.

Yun Qingwu sat quietly on the chair, and her jet-black eyes looked towards Fang Zhengzhi.

Fang Zhengzhi, on the other hand, also looking at Yun Qingwu. However, a layer of black veil lay in between them.

Then, Yun Qingwu spoke.

“Young Master Fang, can you guess why I would invite you here?”

“Before I guess, can you remove your veil?” Fang Zhengzhi didn’t reply Yun Qingwu’s question immediately, and instead asked her back.

“Ha ha… looks like Young Master Fang already has a plan. Since Young Master Fang wants to see, why not you act the same way as you did last time?” Yun Qingwu similarly asked back.

The edges of Fang Zhengzhi’s mouth gradually curved into a light smile, then, he stood up from the chair and walked towards Yun Qingwu.

“Young Master Fang really dares to unveil my veil again?” Yun Qingwu looked at Fang Zhengzhi’s movements, but didn’t seem to bother dodging. Instead, she enquired softly.

“Why wouldn’t I dare?”

“The previous time, during the Hundred Flower Gathering, after Young Master Fang unveiled my veil, you managed to escape… this time, in this pleasure boat, I believe you wouldn’t be able to leave so easily.” Yun Qingwu looked around, and reminded him softly.

“If I really wouldn’t be able to leave today, what difference does it make if I unveil you?” Fang Zhengzhi understood very well the meaning behind Yun Qingwu’s words. Once he boarded the ship, he had already known that it wouldn’t be so easy to leave.

“Young Master Fang is right, then, come and unveil!” Yun Qingwu lightly nodded her head, then, stood up and signalled that Fang Zhengzhi could begin unveiling.

Looking at Yun Qingwu’s easy-going expression, Fang Zhengzhi laughed again, then, lightly waved his hand and walked, step by step, towards Yun Qingwu.

On the other hand, Yun Qingwu didn’t attempt to move back, and instead stood quietly on the spot.

The room wasn’t big.

Even though Fang Zhengzhi didn’t walk quickly, but, he still managed to arrive very quickly in front of Yun Qingwu.

The distance between the two of them was less than an inch. Fang Zhengzhi could even smell the faint fragrance that emanated from Yun Qingwu’s body.

“I am going to unveil!”

“Since young master wishes to do so, then please go ahead!”

Fang Zhengzhi lightly nodded his head, then, he moved. His right hand grabbed towards the black veil on Yun Qingwu’s face, with a speed as fast as lightning. It was very fast, and didn’t carry any sound of breaking through the air.

And right at this moment, or, it could be said that once Fang Zhengzhi’s right hand moved, Yun Qingwu also moved. Her curved and elegant figure at this moment revealed an extreme flexibility.

One feet tapped the ground lightly, and the other rose off the ground. However, she didn’t lean back, and instead, with her one feet anchored to the ground, she quickly turned towards the left, and at the instant she turned…

Her snow-white dress flew up, just like a white lotus flower that had suddenly bloomed.

Chapter 125: Both hands must be strong

Even though the beauty of the lotus cannot compare to that of the rose, nor is it as noble as the peony, but, it is the most sacred of them all.

Just like Yun Qingwu at this moment.

Even though she was only wearing a plain dress, she had an air that inspired reverence.

Furthermore, Yun Qingwu’s speed was very fast, at least faster than the movement of Fang Zhengzhi’s right hand, and, no matter whether one discussed about the timing of the dodge, or the movement of the dodge, she seemed to have mastered them well.

Evidently…

She had planned it well long ago, furthermore, she seemed to have even practised it specially for this occasion.

The posture of her body turning was beautiful, combined with the floating of her snow-white dress, it was enchanting.

But, very unfortunately, the second she turned her body, a hand appeared in front of her eyes. That was a hand that seemed to have been waiting in front of her face all along.

A hand?!

Where did this hand come from?

Yun Qingwu didn’t quite understand. Because, she had very clearly seen that she had dodged the hand that Fang Zhengzhi reached towards her veil.

But, why was there another hand?

Most importantly, after she turned her body, she just happened to hit the arm of this hand…

Then, the feeling on her face became lighter, and the black veil ended up in this hand.

“You…” Yun Qingwu looked at the black veil in Fang Zhengzhi’s hand, and her expression was somewhat stunned.

A beautiful face was revealed once again. Her features were picturesque, her skin was white as snow, and her tender lips that carried the stunning colour of a reddish purple was slightly open, revealing a row of glistening white teeth.

Everything was exactly the same as the first time her veil was unveiled by Fang Zhengzhi, her beautiful features indeed seemed to contain the feeling of a sacred lotus being violated.

There were times when worldly things just don’t go according to plan.

No matter how accurate one’s calculations are, what was to come, would definitely come!

Fang Zhengzhi lightly waved the black veil in his left hand, and faintly smiled at Yun Qingwu, who had knocked into Fang Zhengzhi’s chest on her own accord.

Just as Yun Qingwu expected, she had dodged it. But, what she dodged was Fang Zhengzhi’s right hand. But, the black veil now ended up in Fang Zhengzhi’s left hand.

The most important point was, the actions of the two people seemed somewhat out of place.

From Fang Zhengzhi extending his hands, one following another, to Yun Qingwu turning to the left, then to the moment the black veil ended up in Fang Zhengzhi’s left hand, no matter how one looked at it, it still seemed as if Yun Qingwu’s shy turn of the body had caused her to end up in Fang Zhengzhi’s chest.

If this scene was witnessed by any scholar or man…

He probably would raise his and attempt to kill immediately. Violation, this was the violation of the most beautiful lotus in the world, and it was the type that was absolutely unforgivable.

“As a man, I cannot only depend on one hand. I have to use both at once, both hands must be strong!” Fang Zhengzhi announced his conclusion about this beautiful accident.

The shock on Yun Qingwu’s face gradually vanished, and was slowly replaced by calm.

Silently looking at this youth standing so close to her, she didn’t scream and jump back like the average women, instead, very calmly, she extracted herself from Fang Zhengzhi’s chest and returned back onto the chair.

“Can I leave now?” Fang Zhengzhi didn’t seem to intend to return back to his seat.

“Do you think you can leave?”

“Your veil had already been taken off, naturally, I would be able to leave.”

“Looks like you indeed know the reason why I invited you.” A trace of shock flashed across Yun Qingwu’s eyes.

“The reason Yun Qingwu came to the River of Trust Capital would definitely not be as simple as playing a piece of music for me, I think… if I hadn’t attained the theory examination roll champion, I should be in some trouble now. You didn’t bet that I would attain the combat examination, naturally, that was due to Yan Xiu’s presence. Now that I am the double roll champion, I won’t have any other problems outside, and will only be left with the problem of you.”

“You are afraid that you won’t be able to unveil me?” Yun Qingwu remained calm as per usual after hearing Fang Zhengzhi’s words.

“If I can do it once, I can do it twice. What do I have to fear?”

“This time, there would definitely be a storm brewing in this Divine Constabulary feast, does Young Master Fang intend to go?”

“When the storm comes, at most I’ll just run.”

“Ha ha…” A faint smile finally appeared on Yun Qingwu’s face. “What other people talk about is facing the storm, and facing it calmly. However, Young Master Fang’s first thought is to run, that is really shallow.”

“Then, are you counted as a part of the storm?” Fang Zhengzhi looked at Yun Qingwu seriously.

The smile of Yun Qingwu’s face vanished, and for the first time, her expression seemed somewhat hesitant. She didn’t look at Fang Zhengzhi, and instead gazed at the swaying willows at the riverside.

“My surname is Yun [1].”

“Understood.”

…

Coming out from the pleasure boat, the wind at the riverside seemed to have turned colder. The scholars looked at Fang Zhengzhi, Fang Zhengzhi also looked at them. Looking at one another, Fang Zhengzhi spoke.

“Aren’t you all… cold?”

“Cold?” The scholars glanced at one another, unable to understand the meaning behind Fang Zhengzhi’s words.

Just as they prepared to speak, Fang Zhengzhi had already turned around and left…

…

The second day, at the city gate of the River of Trust Capital.

Su Jiu, dressed in a boy servant attire, stood at the city gate. When he saw Fang Zhengzhi, who was holding his Silver Scale Horse not too far away with a leisurely expression, he quickly went up to him.

“Young Master Fang, are you leaving?”

“Your information is really powerful.” When Fang Zhengzhi saw Su Jiu appear, he knew that Su Jiu should have been waiting there long ago.

“Thank you, Young Master Fang, for your praise, my master knows that Young Master Fang is leaving. But, she doesn’t understand one thing, and sent me to ask something.” Su Jiu respectfully helped Fang Zhengzhi to hold the Silver Scale Horse, then, led Fang Zhengzhi past the city gate.

“Please ask.”

“Master wishes to ask why Young Master Fang has the time to meet with people inside the pleasure boat in such a romantic setting, but forgot his previous promise in the Moonview Restaurant?”

“Ha ha, because your master is too black!” Fang Zhengzhi smiled lightly.

Going to the Moonview Restaurant again? Getting slaughtered like a sheep?

“Too black?” Su Jiu was filled with confusion, but, still continued to send Fang Zhengzhi off very respectfully. Of course, since he was here to send Fang Zhengzhi off, Su Jiu indeed didn’t forget about the money and gifts.

…

As Fang Zhengzhi was leaving the River of Trust Capital, riding the Silver Scale Horse and stirred up clouds of dust, within the Moonview Restaurant, Wu Yuer was looking at the mirror in front of her over and over again.

“Black? That’s not possible… it is clearly very white, somebody come!”

“What orders do master have!” A maid in a red dress instantly entered, bowing her body.

“What do you think of my skin?”

“Master’s skin is white as snow, and is unique and rare. It is comparable to the moon in the sky!”

“Alright, you can leave!” Wu Yuer nodded, then turned around and looked at the mirror. “Is this lecher blind?”

…

Fifteen days later, in the capital city of the five capitals of the Northern Desert, The Northern Capital, Golden Scale City.

As an important military city which the Great Xia Dynasty established to fend against barbarians of the North, the prosperity and bustling nature of the Golden Scale City was obvious. Traffic was heavy and endless, and countless business people wore fabric hats around the city.

However, no matter how big a business was, they would still deliberately avoid a huge constabulary area. Because, that was the Northern Desert Divine Constabulary among the one pavilion, four sages, thirteen constabularies.

Two rows of soldiers wearing shiny armours stood guard at the gate of the Divine Constabulary. On the chest of each soldier’s armour was a blood-red coloured triangular seal.

The Divine Constabulary, Red Pinion Squad!

They were the true elites among soldiers, and was the symbol of power of the Northern Desert Divine Constabulary.

A sense of killing naturally emanated from the bodies of each member of the Red Pinion Squad. That was an air that could only come from experiencing the blood and fire of the battlefield.

Nobody was willing to go near them.

But, at this moment, a lady wearing a green dress, wearing a silver hairpin in her hair, walked casually towards them. Her expression was fearless, and even contained a little bit of arrogance.

The lady walked in front of the huge gate of the Divine Constabulary, raised her head and looked at the golden tablet inscribed with the two words “Divine Constabulary”, her eyes filled with a deep sense of longing.

“One year… I’ve finally returned!”

And right at this moment, a slightly plump middle-aged man who was wearing an airy robe also ran quickly from within the Divine Constabulary to welcome her. Behind him, a few soldiers from the Red Pinion Squad followed as well.

Once he saw the lady.

The middle-aged man’s eyes instantly lit up.

“Ah, Yuer is back, where is Missus?” The middle-aged man greeted the lady very politely, but his eyes constantly searched behind the lady.

“How can I tell you the whereabouts of Missus?” Lady Yuer replied with an arrogant expression.

“Oh… Yuer, aren’t you causing trouble for me? Lord knows that Missus had left the Heaven Dao Pavilion, and had been expecting Missus’s return day and night!” The middle-aged man’s face instantly fell.

Unfortunately, he didn’t dare to trouble his lady in front of him.

Even though she was only a maid in the Divine Constabulary, but, the person she accompanied was Chi Guyan, whose status in the Divine Constabulary was even more important than the lord.

As the maid of Chi Guyan, she indeed had the right to be proud.

Furthermore, nobody could argue against that.

“I can only tell you that Missus didn’t travel with me.” Yuer raised her head slightly, then walked past the middle-aged man and strode towards the Divine Constabulary.

“Didn’t travel with you? How can Missus not travel with you? You served Missus for a year in the Heaven Dao Pavilion, and even went down the mountain together? Missus…” The middle-aged man was confused and shocked. When he thought of Missus being outside alone, he prepared to ask questions such as whether it would be dangerous, but, thinking again, he realised that with Missus’s abilities, such things were definitely impossible.

“You are really wordy. How can I know Missus’s thoughts?” Yuer was somewhat impatient.

“Then…”

“Missus had said that before the date of the feast, she would definitely return!” Yuer waved her hands, and walked towards a small, quiet garden within the constabulary.

“I have to help Missus pack, people like you… are too clumsy!”

The middle-aged man didn’t pursue further, and instead, he stared confusedly at Yuer’s disappearing figure.

“There are still more than two months to the feast? What is Missus doing?” The middle-aged man pondered as he walked, then, suddenly filled with shock. “Now, news of Missus returning to the Divine Constabulary is spreading across the entire Great Xia Dynasty, but, Missus didn’t return? What should we do? No, I have to report to Lord immediately!”

[1] Yun in Chinese means cloud, and Feng Yun was translated as storm. Hence, giving rise to the link between Yun Qingwu’s surname and the aforementioned “storm”.

Chapter 126: A Fish Rising into the Sky

…

Along the way, all the places he passed by were bursting with happiness.

The capital examination was being held at the same time within the five capitals of the Northern Desert, and at this time, was the time that the congratulatory team was travelling to the various counties and villages to announce the good news.

In any big county, there would always be a scholar who had passed the capital examination.

Hence, at every city gate of the county cities, there would always be a team waiting for the return of a few scholars, furthermore, even were even other scheming people who took advantage of his time to organise a few special activities.

For example, the most popular folk game, lantern riddles, or some women who were not conceding to men set up an arena in the county city in a contest for marriage, both in the arts and in combat.

The entire way, Fang Zhengzhi walked and stopped, stopped and walked, and played very happily. Naturally, he guessed many lantern riddles, and under various kinds of envious gazes, breaking up affectionate couples.

Was guessing lantern riddles and breaking up affectionate couples related?

Naturally, it was. Because, Fang Zhengzhi’s favourite riddle to guess was the kind when a guy and a girl were browsing the lanterns, and the girl screaming, “I want, I want…”

Then, when the guy completely racked his brains but still wasn’t able to answer the lantern riddle which the girl wanted.

It was the time when Fang Zhengzhi would always appear on the scene.

After completing his grand deed, he would walk away, concealing his abilities and his name.

…

Within the morning mountain and forests, there was a faint mist, and the clear sound of birds singing rang out. Just like a girl who had just came out from a bathe, the sound of water from her body dripping onto the ground contained a hazy and natural beauty.

A row of officials with red silk hanging off them were walking along a mountain road.

They banged their gongs, shocking the small birds foraging for food on the trees, then leisurely passing by the village entrance of the Southern Mountain Village and journeyed towards the Northern Mountain Village.

The previous Southern Mountain Village chief stood quietly at the village entrance and looked at the congratulatory team. The melancholy in his heart could be imagined, even though this was already the second time he saw such a team.

The pain in his heart didn’t decrease a single bit, and instead, grew stronger and stronger.

“Village chief, we have to go!” Wearing a teacher attire, with a face as big as a bowl, Wang Anhua appeared behind Meng Bai at this moment.

And behind Wang Anhua followed another middle-aged man dressed in a teacher attire, and two horse carriages filled with books of all kinds.

“Must you go?” Meng Bai’s trembling hands picked up his cigar, and inhaled deeply.

“The order has already arrived. The Hall of Dao will be moved to the Northern Mountain Village. It is only separated by a mountain, if village chief has any requests in the future, you can still get somebody to pass the message to me.” Wang Anhua bowed lightly towards Meng Bai.

“Sigh…” Meng Bai sighed heavily, then turned around and walked back towards the centre of the village. His figure contained an unspeakable sense of loneliness.

…

Compared to the loneliness of the Southern Mountain Village, the Northern Mountain Village was undoubtedly bustling with happiness and activity.

The Huai An County head wore a black official robe and personally led Village Chief Zhang Yangping as well as Fang Houde and stood under a huge tree at the village entrance, waiting for the arrival of the congratulatory team.

Zhang Yangping and the crowd of villagers at this moment were still somewhat in disbelief.

“Fang Zhengzhi passed the capital examination?!”

“And, he is the double roll champion?”

“The Hall of Dao from the Southern Mountain Village is going to be moved to the Northern Mountain Village!”

“The county head personally rushed to the Northern Mountain Village overnight to send his gratulations, and even order people to bring along all the necessary materials for building the Hall of Dao!”

Every single incident seemed to hammer onto the fragile hearts of the villagers.

To a remote and ordinary small mountain village, nobody would ever think that such things would happen, or, it could be said that every single thing aforementioned was something they had absolutely never thought of before.

“County head, are… you sure that you didn’t get it wrong?” Zhang Yangping felt that such a thing was even more shocking than gold falling from the sky.

“Ha ha, Village Chief Zhang, what are you saying? This time’s River of Trust Capital examination is one that everybody in the world paid attention to, and gathered the scholars and talents from the five capitals of the Northern Desert. The incident of Young Master Fang attaining the River of Trust Capital examination double roll champion is known to everybody, how can I be wrong?”

The county head didn’t appear impatient at all, and instead smiled gently and explained.

The Northern Mountain Village belonged to the jurisdiction of the Huai An County. Within a county, a roll champion in the capital examination was always a happy occasion. Furthermore, this was a double roll champion.

Most importantly, everybody understood that this River of Trust Capital examination wasn’t just any ordinary one.

Else, with his status, even he wouldn’t rush overnight to the Northern Mountain Village.

Fang Houde’s expression at this moment seemed both emotionally moved and worried. Even though the previous time, when Fang Zhengzhi had attained the county examination double roll champion, he had already been moved.

But this was different…

The capital examination!

An examination that truly allowed one to enter the books of history!

“Boom!” The sound of a gong rang faintly from a distance away.

Then, within the mist, a row of officials with red silk hanging off them gradually revealed themselves.

“They are here, they are here!”

“The congratulatory officials are really here!”

“Why do I keep feeling as if I’m dreaming?”

The villagers all began to grow excited. But, to them, such news was really too hard to imagine. Even if they had really seen the congratulatory officials, not everybody would be able to accept this immediately.

But, reality was reality.

Especially when the congratulatory officials neared them, then passed a huge red banner respectively into the hands of the county head, followed by the county head passing it into Fang Houde’s hands.

Only then, all of the villagers finally understood…

Fang Zhengzhi had really passed the capital examination, furthermore, he was the double roll champion!

Zhang Yangping was so moved that he knelt onto the ground and kowtowed to the skies, shouting, “Heaven has eyes!”

On the other hand, tears filled the eyes of the villagers. The Northern Mountain Village had produced a scholar, furthermore, a strong scholar that had attained the capital examination double roll champion…

Eight years ago, when Fang Zhengzhi and his family were invited by Zhang Yangping into the Northern Mountain Village.

Who would have thought that there would be such a day?

Within the mountain valley, a real dragon that shot into the clouds had appeared. How could people not be excited, how could they not tear.

Fang Houde’s hand were trembling. He was a man over forty years of age, yet, the tears in his eyes fell like raindrops. His face, that had experienced the attack of the mountain wind, contained an unparalleled satisfaction.

Having a son like that, what else could he ask for?

“His mother is still waiting, I… I will go inform her!” Fang Houde gazed at the two huge golden words on the red banner, and his voice was somewhat choked.

“The previous time, after the county examination, Zhengzhi had returned for a while. I wonder will he return again after the capital examination?” Another villager looked at the mountain path and asked somewhat excitedly.

“Ha ha… young Master Fang had attained double roll champion, but he has to participate in the feast of the Divine Constabulary. Furthermore, he has the opportunity to entire the Heavenly Treasure Hall! I believe that he is currently on the way to the Golden Scale City!” The county head heard the villager’s words and replied, once again with a smile on his face.

“Participating in the feast of the Divine Constabulary?!”

“Isn’t that too amazing? The Divine Constabulary…”

“Then what is this Heavenly Treasure Hall?”

“If you don’t know, don’t ask. That is definitely somewhere with many treasures. How could there be anything inferior in the Divine Constabulary?”

“Then when can this child Zhengzhi return to the village again?”

“What would he come back for? Our village is small, and this child Zhengzhi has potential. He would definitely be achieving great things outside!”

When the villagers heard the county head’s words, then began to discuss spiritedly once again. Even though they all wished that Fang Zhengzhi could return to the village for a while, but when they thought of Fang Zhengzhi soaring like a dragon after passing the capital examination, they were all able to understand.

“Yes, I believe it would be hard for him to return in this short span of time. After participating in the feast of the Divine Constabulary, the imperial examination would begin quickly after that. When that time comes, he would still have to rush to the imperial Yan capital!” The county head revealed all that he knew.

“Wow… entering the imperial capital!” A villager stared with his eyes wide open.

“I wonder whether Fang Zhengzhi has enough money on him to spend?” Zhang Yangping thought of Fang Zhengzhi leaving without much money, and had initially thought that he would return after the capital examination.

However, he had never thought that he actually passed, and was about to rush to the Golden Scale City, then to the Imperial Yan Capital. Along the way, the amount of money he needed would definitely not be little…

As he thought, he began to feel rather guilty.

Just as they spoke, another wave of the sound of hooves sounded out from the small mountain path.

“Looks like the teachers from the Southern Mountain Village Hall of Dao had arrived, I never thought that they would be so fast!” A villager heard the sound and instantly laughed.

The Hall of Dao from the Southern Mountain Village had moved to the Northern Mountain Village.

This was definitely something that caused every villager in the Northern Mountain Village to be delighted about.

Initially, when the Southern Mountain Village had established the Hall of Dao, the Northern Mountain Village people were filled with envy. But now, the tides had turned, and this year, it was their turn.