Chapter 399: Everything Changes with Circumstances

Accidents always occur suddenly, stirring up ripples and completely overwhelming one's mind.

At this moment, Xu Qing was listening to the Prefect recount the history of the human race. It was the first time he had heard about humanity's past, and he was instinctively immersed in it. Without any warning, he heard the name he least wanted to hear.

According to the Prefect's words, it seemed this person had even made significant contributions to the human race.

Xu Qing was not that magnanimous; his intention was simple: find that crow and kill it.

As for what the other party had done, whether it was true as the Prefect claimed or merely a fabrication by later generations, Xu Qing felt he had no need to ponder it.

While the concepts of good and evil might exist in this world, human interactions are often not so straightforward; they are inherently complex.

True good and evil are rare because, fundamentally, everything often stems from differing perspectives.

Consider a person who, to survive, robbed another of their last life-saving pill, causing that individual to mutate and die. The robber then committed many similar acts and eventually survived.

In the eyes of all those he killed and the world, he is evil.

However, if he then went on to benefit many more people, saving them from death, then in *their* eyes, he is good.

So, is he evil or good?

Some matters are truly difficult to categorize because any judgment inherently involves different perspectives, making it hard to definitively say what is right or wrong.

The answers derived from each perspective will also differ.

Xu Qing witnessed too many real-life examples of this principle as a child, and it left him perplexed.

Though he has not yet achieved complete understanding, he knows his path forward.

Remain true to oneself.

That is enough.

If you try to kill me, I will kill you.

If you try to rob me, I will kill you.

If you try to harm me, I will kill you.

If you kill my parents, I will *definitely* kill you!

Xu Qing lifted his head from its lowered position, his gaze clear as he looked at the Prefect.

At that exact moment, the Prefect finished recounting the history of the human race and was looking at the generation's human prodigies gathered in the hall. His gaze swept over everyone and landed on Xu Qing.

Their eyes met.

The Prefect nodded.

"Next," the Prefect began, "I will explain how to use flora to save yourselves in dire situations. Of course, there’s a limitation: the environment you’re in must contain plants."

"This is quite common, as the amount of vegetation on Wanggu Continent far surpasses that of all races combined."

"If you could look down at the entire Wanggu Continent from a great height, you would find that erasing all races would make little difference to its appearance. However, if all vegetation were removed, the change would be extremely obvious."

The Prefect's voice was hoarse, and against the backdrop of his aged and weathered figure, it seemed to carry the weight of time, slowly seeping into everyone's minds.

"I will not teach you the specific methods; you will need to ponder these on your own after class. I will only teach you a framework, which is the direction of my research in recent years."

"That is... changing the properties of a plant. For instance, transforming a common weed into a medicinal herb, a spirit herb into a poisonous one, or even a poisonous plant into a spirit herb. This will provide you with an additional method of self-preservation in dangerous environments."

Xu Qing pondered this, realizing he had considered this approach previously.

According to Master Bai, one could use the art of Yin-Yang harmonization to transform harvested herbs by combining them with other herbs based on different pharmacological principles.

However, this method had its flaws, as some herbs could not be altered by Yin-Yang harmonization.

As Xu Qing pondered, so did the others.

Although the knowledge of botany among the people present was generally average, they all possessed some understanding, as elixirs were indispensable in this world.

The Prefect smiled at everyone, then waved his hand, producing a flowerpot with a small, reddish flower growing inside.

The flower had a green stem and three red petals, each composed of numerous small, fish-scale-like lobes, giving it an unsettling, even bewitching, appearance.

"A Red Scale Flower," Xu Qing recognized at a glance. It was a highly poisonous and rare bloom, one that could not be altered by Yin-Yang harmonization.

"Watch closely," the Prefect instructed.

The Prefect raised his hand, took out a small bottle, and poured its liquid into the soil. He then observed the Red Scale Flower's changes, subsequently adding various other medicinal solutions.

After this, he raised his hands and waved, instantly unleashing profound cultivation power that empowered the flowerpot. This accelerated the Red Scale Flower's absorption of the medicinal liquid in the soil.

Gradually, a miraculous sight unfolded.

The Red Scale Flower’s color slowly changed to white, and a clear fragrance emanated from it, spreading in all directions.

Everyone in the hall was astonished, and Xu Qing was especially shaken.

This scene appeared simple, but the more one understood it, the more profound its impact.

Xu Qing knew well that the Yin-Yang harmonization method couldn't alter the Red Scale Flower, yet the Prefect’s technique had achieved precisely that, causing a powerful glint to appear in Xu Qing’s eyes.

"Do you understand?" the Prefect asked.

"To change an herb's properties," the Prefect explained, "there's no need for drastic measures or external Yin-Yang harmonization after harvesting. In my view, what's required is a subtle, imperceptible influence."

"Imperceptibly, you alter its environment and the nutrients it requires, allowing it to slowly absorb them without realizing, thereby influencing it from within."

"To be precise, I didn't change its state; its own power changed its state. All I did was create an environment and provide nutrients that guided its transformation."

The Prefect spoke with a smile, his eyes filled with encouragement as he observed everyone in the hall lost in thought.

"This is the framework I'm teaching you," he continued. "If you use this as a foundation to approach the way of flora, you will achieve twice the results with half the effort."

"Over the next seven days, I will explain various aspects of this knowledge to you daily. If you haven't mastered it by then, you may use your military merits to come to my Prefect's residence for further instruction."

With that, the Prefect stood up and walked out.

Everyone in the hall became solemn and bowed to the Prefect.

Xu Qing did the same, finding this lesson profoundly inspiring.

With the Prefect's departure, the day's lesson concluded, and everyone exited the hall.

Outside, dusk had passed, and the bright moon had risen.

The moonlight was beautiful that night, the sky cloudless, and the clear moonlight resembled a scattered galaxy.

As Xu Qing and his captain were leaving to return to their branch sect, just as they exited the hall, Kong Xianglong's hearty voice called out from behind them.

"Xu Qing!"

"We’re all comrades from now on, and I'd like to invite you for a drink. I won't beat around the bush; I want to be friends with you."

"My childhood friends are also curious about you. Since you've just arrived in the Prefectural City, you might not be very familiar with the Sword-Holding Palace, so I can explain it to you later."

"What do you say?"

Hearing this, Xu Qing paused and looked back at Kong Xianglong approaching, whose face radiated sincerity, as did his smile. Shanhezi and others followed behind him.

Xu Qing hesitated. The invitation was so sincere, and he genuinely wanted to learn more about Sword Holders. However, it seemed Kong Xianglong wasn't particularly fond of his captain.

"Fellow Daoist Chen, if you don't have time..." Kong Xianglong seemed boorish, but that was merely his nature; he was simply too lazy to overthink things, not foolish. At this moment, he naturally discerned the reason for Xu Qing's hesitation.

"I have time!" the Captain interjected with a cough, quite pleased with Xu Qing's consideration.

Xu Qing nodded.

Kong Xianglong didn't mind the extra person. He chuckled at Xu Qing, and just as the group was about to depart, Ye Ling grabbed Qing Qiu, who had been about to leave.

Qing Qiu, having no choice, joined them.

Thus, the seven of them, forming a small group, flew out of the Sword-Holding Palace.

Behind them, Zhang Siyun exited the Hall of Knowledge. He watched the scene, snorted coldly, and then left alone.

Kong Xianglong and his companions had grown up in the Prefectural City and were naturally familiar with drinking establishments. However, they chose an ordinary tavern rather than a luxurious one.

There weren't many patrons inside. The elderly couple who owned the place were clearly familiar with Kong Xianglong and his group, and they immediately smiled when they saw them arrive, carrying dishes out.

"Little Kong is here! And with new friends this time!"

"Uncle Zhou, Aunt Zhou!" Kong Xianglong exclaimed upon arrival, quickly running to take the dishes and help carry them to the next table. The diners there, seeing the group of Sword Holders, showed no fear and laughed playfully.

"Little Kong, helping out again?"

"That's right, doing chores while drinking!" Kong Xianglong chuckled. After setting down the dishes, he fetched some wine and headed towards Xu Qing.

"Why are you all standing? Sit down! This wine is my own brew, not watered down at all!" Kong Xianglong pulled everyone to a table, sat down, and set the wine in place, acting very much like the tavern owner.

This scene struck Qing Qiu as very peculiar, and Xu Qing also cast a few more glances at Kong Xianglong. The Captain, however, looked as if he had known this all along.

Just as Kong Xianglong was about to speak, diners at another table called for the bill. He promptly stood up and ran over, his movements practiced and swift. He seemed like a completely different person from the one who had walked with imposing strides in the Sword-Holding Palace earlier that day.

"Brother Kong was poor from a young age," Ye Ling explained, glancing at Xu Qing and the others. "As a child, he worked as a handyman in the Sword-Holding Palace, and at that time, he also took on several odd jobs outside to earn spirit coins."

"He worked as a waiter in this tavern for three years," she continued. "He only quit after his cultivation advanced and he had more missions outside. But every time we gather, we choose this place because Uncle Zhou and Aunt Zhou were very kind to him."

"Brother Kong is a nostalgic person," Shanhezi said coldly, his expression instinctively remaining gloomy.

Xu Qing looked up at the busy Kong Xianglong. He had never encountered someone like him throughout his life.

Soon, Kong Xianglong ran back, sat down, picked up the wine pot, and chuckled heartily at everyone.

"I'm happy today to have met new friends!" he declared. "Come on, brothers, let's drink!"

Shanhezi and the others raised their wine pots. Xu Qing, the Captain, and Qing Qiu also picked up theirs. After glancing at each other, they all drank together.

Being young, they drank quickly. Although alcohol had little effect on cultivators, it still managed to liven the atmosphere, especially with Kong Xianglong's hearty laughter and warmth.

Driven by his enthusiasm, the atmosphere gradually became less subdued.

Kong Xianglong's boisterous nature was also evident in his drinking; he was clearly a lover of wine, consuming pot after pot.

Gradually, Xu Qing and Qing Qiu also relaxed, though they still found each other disagreeable and ignored each other.

The Captain, however, was a natural at making himself at home, continuously drinking with Shanhezi and the others.

"Xiao He, Ye Ling, and Wang Chen," Kong Xianglong addressed them, "I know the three of you are not convinced by the claim that Xu Qing was personally chosen by the Emperor. But I tell you, among our human prodigies, jealousy is the most taboo thing. You heard the history of our human race today; we are not as strong as we once were. If we continue to fight among ourselves, our future is bleak."

"Regardless of your feelings, I am convinced of Xu Qing's abilities; his accomplishments are undeniable."

Kong Xianglong sighed. At his words, Shanhezi and the other two relaxed their expressions somewhat and attempted to interact with Xu Qing and the others. However, their caution towards the Captain remained deeply ingrained and wouldn't dissipate quickly.

As the drinks flowed and the dishes were served, Kong Xianglong smiled at Xu Qing.

"Xu Qing, you and Little Ye Ling haven't yet comprehended the Emperor's Sword, have you?" Kong Xianglong asked. "I succeeded in comprehending it last year, so I can share some of my experiences with you."

Xu Qing was somewhat moved by this. Such insights into comprehension were extremely valuable, and very few people would share them. Even the Captain was surprised, and Qing Qiu lifted her head in interest.

"What are those expressions for? It's just Emperor Sword comprehension experience!" Kong Xianglong laughed heartily.

Wang Chen, who had remained quiet throughout, now spoke softly.

"Brother Kong is just like this," Wang Chen said. "He gave me my life lamp."

"I didn't give you your life lamp," Kong Xianglong interjected, slapping Wang Chen's shoulder, his hand passing straight through. "We stole it together!"

"Brother Kong," Wang Chen said, "my main body is at a critical stage of cultivation..."

Kong Xianglong chuckled, not taking offense, and began to share his Emperor Sword insights with Xu Qing and the others.

Time slowly passed as the group drank more and more. Especially when the Captain produced some spirit wine brewed by Seven Blood Eyes, a concoction so potent it would be fatal to mortals.

For cultivators, however, it was a true delicacy.

This improved Kong Xianglong's impression of the Captain somewhat.

By the end, even as cultivators, they were all slightly tipsy.

This was because no one bothered to circulate their cultivation to dispel the alcohol's effects.

Conversations naturally grew livelier. Shanhezi, no longer gloomy, began to vehemently curse the Yao family, expressing extreme dissatisfaction with their closeness to foreign races.

They also spoke of the Prefectural Governor and the Prefect. For the former, they expressed sighs of understanding and admiration; for the latter, they universally acknowledged his vast knowledge, extraordinary talent, and the great benefits he brought to the Prefectural City.

Finally, the Captain and Kong Xianglong even engaged in a drinking contest, pushing the lively atmosphere to its peak.

It wasn't until midnight that everyone left the tavern and went their separate ways.

Although this gathering didn't immediately forge friendships, it did allow everyone to become somewhat more familiar with one another.

It planted the seeds of camaraderie.

Zhang Siyun, of course, remained an exception.

On the way back to the branch sect, the Captain put his arm around Xu Qing's neck, looking as if he commanded the world, full of lofty disdain.

"Let me tell you, little A-Qing," the Captain declared, "these people can't hold their liquor. Your Senior Brother here only used a tenth of his true ability! That Kong Xianglong is even worse; he can't outdrink me!"

Xu Qing smiled and nodded in agreement.

The night passed uneventfully.

For the next six days, lessons continued at the Hall of Knowledge. This batch of new Sword Holders learned more secret techniques and acquired a greater breadth of knowledge.

In between, the Sword-Holding Palace also organized group collaborative courses.

Under the arrangements of the Sword-Holding Palace, the courses, while held within various palace halls, could transform into myriad environments, each forming its own distinct space.

Through these continuous groupings, everyone gradually became familiar with each other, moving from strangers to acquaintances.

On one occasion, Xu Qing and Qing Qiu were assigned to the same group. They completed an ambush test together, and despite their cold expressions, their unspoken coordination was remarkably seamless. This secretly annoyed Qing Qiu for quite some time.

Another time, Kong Xianglong and the Captain were paired for a collaborative search mission.

However, they failed.

Their failure was due to the Captain irresistibly taking a bite out of the item they were supposed to find.

After that incident, Kong Xianglong secretly warned Shanhezi and the others to be cautious of Chen Erniu.

"That guy has a nose like a dog's; he searches for things purely by instinct, his eyes even glow, and he loves to take a bite out of things! If you go on missions with him in the future, you absolutely must keep an eye on the mission items!"

Just like that, seven days flew by, and the special training concluded.

It must be said that the Sword-Holding Palace's seven-day special training proved highly effective. Seven days prior, most participants were strangers to each other, but by the end, they had not only grown familiar but also formed nascent friendships. Though not deep, these were the seeds of future bonds.

The seeds of camaraderie.

Zhang Siyun, of course, remained an exception.

Meanwhile, Xu Qing received an appointment order, being informed that no assessment was required and he was to report directly to the Palace Lord for duty.

The Palace Lord was not at the Sword-Holding Palace.

He was in the Tribunal Division.

This was the responsibility of successive Palace Lords of the Sword-Holding Palace in Fenghai County: to guard the Tribunal Division.

So, Xu Qing left the Hall of Knowledge, holding his appointment order, and headed towards the First Prison of Fenghai County, located on the ground.