Chapter 314: Things

Hearing Tuoba Danqing's words, Li Huowang's spirits immediately lifted. He had put in so much effort to join the Directorate of Celestial Investigations precisely to gain their trust and acquire information about Beifeng.

With such an opportunity presenting itself, there was no reason to hesitate. "Oh? Brother Tuoba, where did the trouble occur this time?"

A note was handed to Li Huowang, detailing events that had occurred in a county town within the Great Liang Kingdom.

As he read about the various bizarre actions detailed on the note, Li Huowang's brows gradually furrowed. "Such things... could it be the Sitting Forgetfulness Dao?"

As he thought this, Hong Zhong, who was beside him, immediately became agitated. He said with a look of disdain, "Hey, hey, hey, why always the Sitting Forgetfulness Dao? Which part of this note even suggests them?"

"So, whenever something goes wrong, it's the Sitting Forgetfulness Dao's fault, is that it? You might as well claim that the natural disasters that occur once every few decades are also their doing!"

Li Huowang ignored him. After a quick glance, he put the note away and immediately turned to Tuoba Danqing. "Brother Tuoba, rest assured, I will handle this matter! Since I've joined the Directorate of Celestial Investigations and the Directorate needs me, I naturally won't shirk my responsibility!"

Seeing Li Huowang answer so readily, a hint of surprise appeared in Tuoba Danqing's eyes. "Brother Er, you're so quick to agree? You don't even ask about the reward? Hehehe, aren't you afraid I might shorten your lifespan?"

"Of course not. I trust Brother Tuoba, and for the sake of our Directorate of Celestial Investigations, what does a small reward matter?"

Hearing Li Huowang's righteous words, Tuoba Danqing held his wine cup, looking at Li Huowang with a half-smile.

"Clink," he set his wine cup down on the table. "To be frank, we don't care what that old emperor is called or what his surname is. Everyone joins the Directorate of Celestial Investigations just to make a living and have a patron."

"Brother Er, I truly consider you like a brother, but I'm afraid your reason for joining the Directorate of Celestial Investigations might be different from ours, isn't it?"

At this point, the previously somewhat relaxed atmosphere instantly grew tense.

"Go easy on your words, you agreed... too quickly. This guy is starting to suspect you," Hong Zhong added, just in time.

The seemingly drunken Li Huowang quickly sobered up. He knew he had to answer correctly at this moment; one wrong step could sever his connection with the Directorate of Celestial Investigations!

Various images flashed through Li Huowang's mind, suddenly pausing on a book: "The Deception Scripture!"

"Why did I join the Directorate of Celestial Investigations?" As he spoke, Li Huowang's breathing gradually quickened, his eyes filled with hatred and murderous intent. "To deal with the Sitting Forgetfulness Dao!"

"They deceived me! They deceived everyone in a cross temple of our Aojing Sect! In the end, everyone died except me."

"I hate them! I heard the Directorate of Celestial Investigations deals with the Sitting Forgetfulness Dao, which is why I joined! As long as the Sitting Forgetfulness Dao exists, my heart will never be at peace!"

As he spoke, the ceramic wine cup in Li Huowang's hand was suddenly crushed.

Although the reason was false, the hatred was undeniably real.

Hearing Li Huowang's fierce reaction, Tuoba Danqing sighed and put down his wine cup. "So that's how it is. I heard about what happened in Sizhen. I didn't realize it was connected to Brother Er Jiu."

"Ah, I made you recall unpleasant memories, Brother Er. I was wrong, and I'll punish myself with three cups." With that, Tuoba Danqing raised his wine cup and drained it in one gulp.

After three cups, the seemingly drunken Tuoba Danqing returned. "Brother Er, don't worry. Since you're at odds with the Sitting Forgetfulness Dao, I'll look out for you. In the future, any matters concerning the Sitting Forgetfulness Dao will be prioritized for you. May you exact your revenge soon!"

Li Huowang's performance, of course, wasn't merely to pass this test; he had other objectives.

He leaned forward slightly, asking with a hint of excitement, "Brother Tuoba, I heard there are some secrets about the Sitting Forgetfulness Dao within the Directorate that outsiders don't know about. Since I'm now a member, could I have a look?"

This was Li Huowang's goal. If he could strike while the iron was hot and obtain this information today, that would be ideal.

Hearing this, Tuoba Danqing's face showed a hint of difficulty. "Oh, Brother Er... I know you have a blood feud with the Sitting Forgetfulness Dao, but those are 'Heaven-rank' secrets. You're just a 'Gui Soldier.' Even if I wanted to do you a favor, you'd at least need to be a 'Geng Banner' member."

"So, does that mean as long as my position in the Directorate reaches 'Geng Banner,' I can review all the secrets concerning the Sitting Forgetfulness Dao?"

"Of course. The Ministry of Rites holds records of the Directorate's engagements with the Sitting Forgetfulness Dao over thousands of years. They're guarded so strictly because we fear those madmen might come and alter or burn them."

Li Huowang's eyes showed determination as he nodded. At this moment, he had found his goal: to quickly become a 'Geng Banner' member within the Directorate of Celestial Investigations and gain access to all information about the Sitting Forgetfulness Dao.

After reviewing this information in his mind, Li Huowang asked again, "May I ask, Brother Tuoba, how are promotions within the Directorate determined?"

Tuoba Danqing picked up a tender piece of chicken, popped it into his mouth, and chuckled. "I knew you'd ask that, Brother Er. I know you want revenge, but you must eat your meals one bite at a time; don't rush."

"Changes in positions within the Directorate of Celestial Investigations are all individually approved by the Grand Astrologer, who is Master Ji Xiang's teacher."

"Generally, how many tasks you've taken on and how much work you've done are all meticulously recorded within the Directorate. When they believe you've done enough, you'll naturally be promoted."

"Oh, and don't assume that promotion is related to one's power level. Unless you've risked your life for the Directorate, no matter how powerful you are, you'll only remain a small 'Gui Soldier'."

"Initially, promotions are quick, but they slow down later. You did well on the last matter. If you continue like this, you'll be promoted to 'Ren Wu' in six months at most."

"Ah, don't underestimate these gradual promotions! A different waist token means a different status, and the benefits you can receive from the Directorate also differ. Many people join the Directorate not just for the reward."

"Six months?" Li Huowang couldn't wait six months. To reach 'Ren Wu' in six months, who knew how long it would take to reach 'Geng Banner'?

"Brother Tuoba, six months is too long. Is there another way to get promoted faster? Even if the reward is less, I won't be at peace until the Sitting Forgetfulness Dao is eliminated!"

"Mmm..." Tuoba Danqing, holding his wine cup, pondered.

"Alright, I'll make an exception this once. There's a tricky matter here, which was originally assigned to me. If you can resolve it, I'll put in a good word for you with Master Ji Xiang, and that should get you promoted to 'Ren Wu'."

As he spoke, a subtle smile appeared on Tuoba Danqing's face. "Once you get back, I'll show you the benefits of your elevated status!"

Seeing his objective achieved, Li Huowang smiled, lowered his wine cup slightly, and clinked it against Tuoba Danqing's. "Thank you, Brother Tuoba, for your help. I'll drink to you!"

With their conversation concluded, the wine was quickly finished. After roughly two incense sticks' burning time, Tuoba Danqing shakily stood up and walked outside.

"Alright, remember to go early. I've given you the address, don't miss the time. Also, that Blind Chen is currently waiting at the City God Temple in Yinling City. If you want to return that mirror to him, go find him yourself."