Chapter 48 A Play Within a Play, a Casual Detective: Xi Le stared blankly into her eyes…
Xi Le stared blankly at the person in front of her. He had seemed so frivolous when they first met, and even though he had changed into a more formal outfit today, he still couldn't hide the unrestrained arrogance in his eyes.
Why, when he said those words, did I catch a glimpse of that appreciation and trust that only comes from someone close to me?
She thought she was seeing things.
Xi Le frowned slightly, thinking to herself, "Is this the kind of trick ghosts use to bewitch people?"
Thinking of this, Xi Le took a few steps back, keeping her distance from Feng Yi, and said sternly, "Although you are close friends with the others behind you, if you do anything out of line, I will not let you off the hook. Besides, we don't seem to be that close yet, so you don't need to fawn over me."
Upon hearing this, Feng Yi raised his hands and took a few steps back, laughing, "General, you can rest assured. If I really do anything outrageous, not only you, but my friends will be the first to not let me off the hook!" Feng Yi paused for a moment, then said, word by word, "I sincerely hope you win. Also, my name is not Ghost King, but Feng Yi."
Xi Le raised an eyebrow and said, "In that case, Xi Le appreciates it." After saying that, she nodded to the four people behind her and left.
Feng Yi remained standing, watching her figure gradually disappear into the distance.
Little did they know that the four people behind them were watching the two with expressions of amusement, as if they had discovered some incredible secret, and they were extremely excited.
Feng Yi's Red Phoenix Star has moved!
The four exchanged knowing smiles, reaching the same conclusion in their hearts.
Ming Qi said, "When did this happen? Could it be that this kid fell in love with her at first sight after their last fight?!"
Yun Xiang said, "This Feng Yi is truly a man of few words until he speaks out! When he was a human, he was extremely unwilling to engage in matters of love, but who would have thought that he would suddenly become enlightened after becoming a ghost."
Mu Yi clicked her tongue and said, "Look at how he was down there. Now that there are so many people coming and going, he doesn't even try to hide himself. He's just like a peacock spreading its tail feathers, as if he's afraid people won't know."
Yao Qi said, "Although the relationship between gods and ghosts is still unclear, there is no rule that says gods and ghosts cannot love each other. Our Feng Yi is not bad, but compared with General Xi Le, he is far inferior. She may not even be interested in him." At this point, Yao Qi chuckled and added, "If Mi Zhen and Yu Zhi were here, they would definitely be very happy to see him like this, like an iron tree finally blooming."
Ming Qi said, "I've been thinking about the two of them for a while now. I just used a magic artifact to record Feng Yi's every word and action. Next time we meet, I'll leave them a telepathic message so they can see the latest news."
After listening, the three nodded in appreciation and couldn't help but give Ming Qi a thumbs up, saying, "You really are very thoughtful!"
It wasn't until Xi Le's figure completely disappeared into the crowd that Feng Yi belatedly remembered a few friends. He turned around and saw them whispering to each other. Judging from their expressive faces, they seemed to be plotting something behind his back.
Feng Yi crossed his arms and laughed, "What good news are you guys talking about? Let me hear it too?"
"......"
Upon hearing this, the four stopped joking and instead looked at Feng Yi with mischievous grins, saying, "Why don't you tell us what's going on between you and General Xi Le?"
Feng Yi spread his hands and said casually with a smile, "Isn't it obvious?"
Before the words were finished, the Fanqing Bell on the distant mountaintop rang out, the first bell tolling before the competition began.
Feng Yi looked around at the people who had changed into new clothes and found it intriguing. He asked, "What are they doing? Are they getting new clothes for the New Year?" Seeing that the other priests all had new clothes, but his own friends hadn't changed at all, he asked in confusion, "Why don't you have any?"
Mu Yi said, "This is a tradition of Tianjia Mountain. However, we felt it was too ostentatious and extravagant, so we didn't do it."
Feng Yi asked, "What's the significance of this?"
As Ming Qi walked, he said, "There will be three bells before the competition begins, with each bell an hour apart."
The first bell tolls, named "Descent of Red".
When the first bell tolls, the priests change into robes made for them by their followers. Because each priest has a different number of followers and varying abilities, the quality of the robes differs. These robes serve both as a symbol of good fortune and as a way for the priests to outdo each other in showing off their skills.
But there are always some people who don't like to join in the fun, either because of their own abilities or because they see no need for it.
The second bell chime is named "Chu Lü".
When the second bell tolls, the priests proceed to the Three Wutong Pond to purify themselves. This is a sacred mountain pond surrounded by three wutong trees, inhabited by three koi carp, brimming with spiritual energy. The birds and beasts of the mountains, living year-round around the wutong trees and nourished by the inner spiritual energy, gradually develop sentience. Each ascended priest must, on this day, find a spirit beast here that resonates with their soul, but they must not forcibly subdue it. For all things possess spirits, and without genuine sincerity, not only will the spirit beast rage against them, but the Three Wutong Pond will also close its gates.
Those who violate this rule will be barred from entering the country for fifty years at best, and demoted or exiled at worst.
Every year during the Miran Festival, the mortals celebrate without fail, but the Tianjia Mountain festival is held only once every ten years. Only those who gain the trust of the spirit beasts can enter the Three Wu Ponds. However, not every priest can gain the favor of the spirit beasts; everything depends on fate, and some people never obtain this fate until the day they perish.
So how did they obtain water to cleanse themselves?
Those with spirit beasts need no introduction, but those without mostly rely on spiritual energy to carry and disperse moisture in the surrounding area to create an illusion, preparing for the next search for spirit beasts.
This is clearly more significant than Caiyi.
The third bell chime is called "Dianbai".
When the third bell tolls, the competition begins. The Emperor sets the questions, first in literature, then in martial arts, while others watch. The winner can choose one of three prizes: elixirs, magical artifacts, or books from the imperial library. Since this activity is intended to foster camaraderie among the officials, the rewards are not particularly high.
Whether one wins or loses depends on how one thinks about it.
With their thoughts returning to their original state, the five of them arrived at the Guangyi Hall where Yanxiao was.
This palace has weathered the test of time, yet it shows only the marks of time, not age. This is the temple of emperors throughout history. Yan Xiao dislikes ostentation, so apart from the three powerful characters "Guangyi Hall" on the top, everything here remains the same as before.
Feng Yi looked up and said, "The gilded palace and the white jade palace are truly magnificent."
The five people stepped into the hall, but the hall was empty. They had all gone to prepare for today's competition. On the throne at the far end of the hall sat a scholar dressed in white.
The deity of literature had a handsome and benevolent face. He remained silent with his eyes closed, exuding a solemn aura that made him seem approachable. Behind him shone a bright divine light, faintly radiating a chilling aura, as if one were standing atop a snow-capped mountain, inspiring awe yet also a sense of distance. After the five entered the hall, they seemed to sense their arrival and opened their eyes.
Those eyes were grey and clear, like a spring or a bottomless pool, unfathomable. Opening them, the God of Literature smiled slightly and said, "You've come."
The five people nodded slightly and said, "Your Majesty."
Yan Xiao nodded slightly and said, "I have long heard of the name of the 'Four Lords of Tianji'. You have handled many cases in the mortal world, which have eliminated hidden dangers for Tianjia Mountain. At that time, I knew that the four of you would have a bright future." Yan Xiao stepped down from the throne and walked slowly to the group. He added, "I have always wanted to find an opportunity to thank you in person. Today is indeed a good opportunity, but unfortunately, one person is still missing."
The five people fell silent upon hearing this.
After a moment, Yao Qi said, "Your Majesty flatters us. Although what we have done is for the benefit of all living beings, we were still young and impetuous. Now that we have entered the ranks of immortals, we should restrain our minds and seek the well-being of all living beings. Your Majesty cares for all living beings and is a role model for all gods. We are far behind you."
Mu Yi said, "Although Mi Zhen cannot come here, we will definitely convey the Emperor's will to him."
Yan Xiao's lips curled slightly, and he said with a hint of regret, "I originally thought that you all would ascend together, but fate had other plans. But this result is not bad." After a moment of silence, Yan Xiao put a hand on Feng Yi's shoulder and said, "I have offended you a lot last time. I wanted to see if the new Ghost King could manage the Ghost Realm well. Now that I know it is you, I am quite relieved."
Feng Yi remained outwardly calm, but a different thought was brewing in his mind. He said, "Your Majesty flatters me. Your Majesty has ruled the Ghost Realm for many years, and I, a mere junior just starting out, naturally cannot compare to you. Now that I have become the Ghost King, I must naturally prioritize the beings of the Ghost Realm. Your Majesty has always hoped that Tianjia Mountain and the Ghost Realm could live in harmony, and I, Feng Yi, will follow suit. I will neither allow them to cause trouble at will nor allow them to suffer humiliation for no reason."
Yan Xiao smiled and said, "That would be perfect." He then looked at the other four people and said, "Tianjia Mountain has four celestial officials assisting us, the Ghost Realm has your strong support, and the human world has the King of Yunhuai Kingdom."
"The people are fortunate and happy to have you all!"
The five looked at each other and said in unison, "Your Majesty is too kind."
Yan Xiao was universally acknowledged for his love of talent, and his objectivity and impartiality were trusted by all the gods. Although he was born a god of literature, he was unlike some other gods of literature who loved to flaunt their literary talents and pretend to be aloof. Even as emperor, he was never biased, treating all gods of literature and martial arts equally. He appointed virtuous and capable people, and his rewards and punishments were clear. Even the most critical and nitpicky people could not find a single fault with him.
Whenever they heard of a conflict between a civil or military deity, it would be resolved within the time it takes for an incense stick to burn. This was because they always sought out Yan Xiao immediately, and no matter how small the matter, Yan Xiao would always listen patiently and carefully and resolve their conflicts. Over time, the officials became somewhat embarrassed and dared not bother them anymore, resolving matters privately and rarely bringing them up in public.
Therefore, Yanxiao became a revered emperor among the gods, and the officials below him thus established an extremely delicate balance. Anything not discussed in front of Yanxiao was considered insignificant.
While investigating cases in the mortal realm, the group, though in human form, uncovered some of the intricacies of the divine hierarchy. The world is bustling, all driven by profit; the world is in turmoil, all driven by self-interest. Even though they genuinely admired Yan Xiao, the others were no different. Therefore, what once allowed them to act without restraint now required them to proceed with caution due to their new identities.
Whether something is pure or impure depends on a single thought, and is also subject to the judgment of others.
It's said that being a god not only grants long lifespans but also a carefree and joyful existence. However, in their eyes, it's nothing short of a grueling job, far less enjoyable and comfortable than being human.
The group chatted in the hall for a long time. The second bell had already rung, and the third bell was about to ring.
Yan Xiao said with a hint of apology, "I am delighted to see you all today, and before I knew it, we had been chatting for so long. It is really quite inappropriate. The four of you are new to Tianjia, but you missed the Three Wutong Pond. It is my fault."
Yun Xiang said, "Your Majesty need not worry. Some destinies cannot be rushed."
Yan Xiao smiled slightly and said, "Indeed. Then please come with me to the competition arena."
According to the order of the competition, the first round was a written test, which was held at Qizhu Peak.
However, due to the ascension of Yaoqi and the other three this year, Yanxiao decided to hold the civil and military competitions in one place, as a way of welcoming the injection of fresh blood.
The officials had been waiting there for a long time. When Yan Xiao appeared, they bowed and said, "Your Majesty."
Yan Xiao's face was kind and gentle, and he smiled slightly. He raised his hand slightly and said, "Today is a festival, so all the immortals may be at ease and need not be so formal."
Upon hearing this, everyone looked up, and their expressions varied when they saw the five people following behind Yan Xiao.
"These newcomers are really something else. I heard that the new Ghost King is also in cahoots with them. No wonder the Emperor values them so highly."
"These people are truly impressive. It's incredibly difficult for even one person to ascend to immortality, yet four of them have ascended at once. It's truly enviable."
"These guys have kept a low profile ever since they came up the mountain, it's really not easy to get to know them."
"......"
The crowd whispered among themselves, getting more and more excited as they talked. Yan Xiao said, "Alright."
As soon as he spoke, the discussion stopped abruptly.
Just as Yan Xiao was about to announce the competition details for this year, a voice rang out from not far away: "Your Majesty, I have a suggestion, but I don't know if I should say it?"
Hearing the commotion, the crowd searched for the person and saw a junior priest emerge from the group. He was carrying a flask of wine, his eyes were glazed, his cheeks were flushed, his hair was disheveled, and he walked unsteadily, clearly having drunk quite a bit. However, judging from his appearance, they had never seen him before in the Guangyi Palace; he must be a junior priest who did odd jobs and had not yet ascended to immortality.
Yan Xiao said, "Speak freely."
The junior priest chuckled twice and said, "Whoever wins the contest today will become the emperor. What do you say?"
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Author's Note: Finally updated!!! Sorry for the long wait, everyone!!!
After a few chaotic days, I was diagnosed with tenosynovitis, I'm so sorry! But I ate some delicious dried apricots and it seems like I gained some energy again, which is something to be grateful for!
I'm still writing very slowly. My goal for this month is 200,000 words, which is really slow. So I'll try to have the next story fully written, or at least three-quarters complete! Keep going!
As usual, I hope you enjoy watching! And have a happy day!
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