Chapter 1 The Imperial Decree

Under the Emperor’s decree, Zhou Jing became a Registrar of the Directorate of Celestial Observation, but he had not yet officially taken office. Returning to the capital would mark the formal commencement of his duties; for now, he remained at leisure.

The Emperor's autumn inspection tour to the south only included a few close courtiers. The capital city was the hub of power, where court officials congregated and undercurrents surged. Therefore, Zhou Jing was not yet embroiled in the real court disputes.

In the following days, Zhou Jing frequented the palace, presenting Longevity Pills and making himself known to the Emperor.

The Emperor praised the efficacy of the Longevity Pill, bestowing generous rewards. He even took Zhou Jing along to inspect the Emperor’s Pavilion, which was under construction. Everyone in Ning Tian Prefecture knew that the Imperial Wind Adept was in high favor.

Yin Nan, who was accompanying them, seemed to have become a tour guide, forced to introduce Zhou Jing to all the ins and outs of the Emperor’s Pavilion, much to his dismay.

However, they were not in the capital, and he was in no position to contend with Zhou Jing on his own. So, Yin Nan retreated, avoiding the brunt of the attack for the time being.

In addition to improving his relationship with the Emperor, Zhou Jing also got to know many of the Emperor's close courtiers.

However, many of the powerful officials who truly controlled the court remained in the capital to govern and assist the Crown Prince in supervising the country. They did not come south.

The only one Zhou Jing met was the Left Prime Minister, Lü Wenzong, who accompanied the Emperor and managed the affairs of the inspection tour.

He had heard from people in the Green Forest that there were seven treacherous officials in the current dynasty, who formed cliques for private gain, accepted bribes, perverted the law, and wreaked havoc on the government, causing chaos throughout the land. They were known as the "Seven Thieves," and Lü Wenzong was one of them.

Lü Wenzong also had a residence in Ning Tian Prefecture, which was equally bustling with activity. The dignitaries who came to curry favor with him were even more numerous than those who visited Zhou Jing.

Although Zhou Jing was in high favor with the Emperor, in the eyes of the dignitaries, his weight in the officialdom naturally could not compare with that of such a powerful official.

Many dignitaries curried favor with Zhou Jing in anticipation of a promising future. They were just building relationships in advance and had no intention of joining him at the moment, because they felt that Zhou Jing had no strong backing and could not bring much help to their careers.

Lü Wenzong, as the head of a faction, was completely different. Countless people wanted to become his disciples.

Zhou Jing did not visit Lü Wenzong. On the contrary, Lü Wenzong took the initiative to send an invitation, inviting him to a banquet.

There were no incidents during the banquet. Lü Wenzong simply got to know Zhou Jing. Although this man was a widely rumored treacherous official, he did not show it on the surface and was very kind to him.

Zhou Jing could not figure out the other party's true intentions, so he did not take any other actions, only responding politely.

He had just climbed onto the imperial power and did not want to further contact troublesome officials like Lü Wenzong for the time being, intending to keep out of each other’s business.

Having done all this, and initially stepping into the vortex of power, there were not many days left for this crossing, most of which were spent waiting for the Emperor.

At the Ye residence, Zhou Jing finished meeting the dignitaries who had visited today, returned to the courtyard, and opened the panel to sort out his current abilities.

"Bill's magical aptitude is deep green, and his natural affinity is light blue. The current upper limit of his cultivation should be around the seventh or eighth level of the witchcraft system…"

Zhou Jing stroked his chin and pondered.

Apostle No. 3, Bill, last had his aptitude improved through the settlement after clearing a world. This was a unique thing. If he wanted to continue improving his aptitude in the future, he would either have to increase the Star Realm Transcension energy level to expand the upper limit of stat points, or obtain achievement rewards related to aptitude improvement.

In his inventory, the rewards for improving physical fitness and resistance aptitude were the most accumulated, and most of them had not been used yet.

As for magic and natural affinity, there was only one aptitude improvement (small) for each, which was not enough to improve the aptitude level.

"Bill is currently the only magic-based Star Realm Apostle I have, but his template rarity is not high, and he has innate deficiencies. It will be troublesome to improve his aptitude later… Well, if I encounter a new magic system with potential in the future, I can try to get a magic-based apostle with higher initial potential."

Zhou Jing steadied his mind and browsed Bill's current ability file:

[Star Realm Apostle No. 003 – Bill]

[Attributes: Physique 27, Resistance 25, Perception 40 (+2) (Tier 1 ax), Spirit 55, Energy 58]

[Aptitudes: Knowledge (Deep Blue), Alchemy (Deep Blue), Natural Affinity (Light Blue), Magic (Deep Green), Eloquence (Deep Green), Crafting (Green)… ]

[Talents: (Thirst for Knowledge) (Accelerated learning efficiency), (Apothecary) (Increased success rate and quality of potion making)]

[Skills: (Alchemy) lv9-Master, (Herbal Knowledge) lv9-Master, (Xeno-Blood Potion Technique) lv7-Expert, (Beast Taming) lv3-Outstanding, (Basic Meditation) lv5-Instinct, Medical Skill (Ancient) lv4-Proficient]

[Extraordinary System: (Elemental Wizard) · Gale Spirit · Fifth Level]

[Levels One, Two, and Three (Fully Unlocked)]

[Level Four Ability Development (Fully Unlocked): (Wind Power Enhancement 3) lv3, (Spirit Enhancement 2) lv3, (Perception Enhancement 2) lv3]

[Level Five Ability Development: (Mind Merge 3) lv3, (Cutting Enhancement 2) lv1, (Wind Power Manipulation 2) lv1]

[(Elemental Wizard) Accumulated Total Bonus: Physique +5, Resistance +11, Perception +32, Spirit +52, Energy +58]

"He’s growing pretty fast after a few months of cultivation."

Zhou Jing was quite satisfied.

Among the skills, (Alchemy) leveled up, and (Basic Meditation) leveled up twice.

There was also an additional (Medical Skill (Ancient)), which was the medical knowledge of this world, learned from Zhang Jinduan. Bill was very good at learning this kind of thing… but medical skills cannot be learned only from books. They also require a lot of clinical experience, and he hardly ever saw patients, so the cultivation speed was mediocre.

Unlike Chen Feng, Bill was an Eternal Apostle and could spend Star Realm Points to transfer cultivation results to the main body.

However, the main body was buried in studies at the Superpower Academy, and life was uneventful. There was no need to transfer for the time being. He preferred to accumulate Star Realm Points to upgrade the Star Realm Transcension energy level, open up cultivation acceleration for the apostle, or prepare for unforeseen circumstances.

"I'm just a 'Daoist Master' now. When my strength continues to improve, I might really become an 'Immortal'."

Zhou Jing shook his head with a smile.

He glanced at it a few more times before closing the panel and thinking about a problem.

The Emperor would not stay in Ning Tian Prefecture forever, and since he had climbed onto the imperial power, he would eventually go to the capital. However, he had no foundation in the capital and no trusted aides to use.

Moreover, the environment in the capital was even more complex, and it would not be easy to find another sucker like the Ye family.

Zhou Jing pondered:

"Perhaps I should take in some disciples as personal attendants and cultivate some confidants to stay by my side for use. That way, I won't have to do everything myself…"

This wave of accepting disciples was not to truly pass down the mantle, but to cultivate usable people. Although Master Miaoxuzi had indicated that Qingliang Mountain was willing to provide assistance, Zhou Jing felt that it was better to have some of his own people.

To get involved in court struggles, one always needed some of his own people to form a system.

"Witchcraft is not suitable for passing on to others, and in terms of spells, I currently only have the two secret books left by Mei Zhanqing, which follow the path of dual cultivation and ghost summoning, and contain many evil arts, which are not good to teach publicly. In addition, although I have joined Qingliang Mountain, I cannot casually pass on their spells to others… In this case, if I want to accept disciples, the most suitable things to teach are herbalism and medical skills."

"However, even if I don't teach anything, with the golden signboard of 'True Lord Shenxiao Wind Spirit' and the Emperor's favor, there will still be a lot of commoners willing to become my disciples."

Zhou Jing made a decision in his heart.

He did not hesitate and directly summoned the steward, instructing:

"I, this Daoist, sensed the timing of the heavens, and a whim arose in my heart, suddenly having the idea of widely accepting disciples. You spread the word, and young talents who are interested in seeking the Dao should come to me. I will choose disciples from among them."

"What, the True Lord is actually going to accept disciples?!"

The steward was shocked.

Zhou Jing nodded: "That's right, but I only accept those with extraordinary wisdom."

The steward heard this, and a wrinkled old face suddenly twisted, stammering:

"True Lord, what do you think of my wisdom?"

"…Not so good. Go spread the word."

The corner of Zhou Jing's eye twitched.

You are already in your fifties, so don't join in the fun.

…

The news that the Imperial Wind True Lord planned to accept disciples swept through Ning Tian and directly ignited the enthusiasm of the entire city.

Now, in the eyes of the people of Ning Tian Prefecture, the Imperial Wind True Lord was no different from an immortal. This kind of opportunity was like a heavenly blessing, and everyone who heard about it was狂热狂热.

Moreover, the True Lord had recently been rewarded by the Emperor, and was very likely to have a meteoric rise in the future. If they could become his disciples, it would almost be a one-step ascent to heaven for the common people, a翻身翻身!

For a time, countless people flocked to the door, creating a human sea that almost submerged the Ye residence, making it like a talent show.

The dignitaries of Ning Tian Prefecture were also quite interested. They did not have to line up like the common people. They directly visited with their younger generations, expressing their hope that the True Lord would accept their children as disciples.

The Ye family, being close to the water, was the first to benefit, letting all the younger generation in the clan try, hoping that Zhou Jing could pick out a suitable disciple from among them.

Even the Emperor was quite interested and followed the matter.

Just as the entire city of Ning Tian Prefecture was in an uproar, a man was silently walking in the market, familiarizing himself with the terrain as usual.

This man was about thirty years old, with a handsome appearance, wearing a tight-fitting ink-green patterned suit, wearing a crown and tying up his hair, looking heroic and extraordinary, a martial artist.

This person walked through the streets and alleys and came to the vicinity of the temporary imperial palace in the center of the city, looking from a distance at the towering palace walls and the guards standing guard.

"Dog Emperor… in this world of continuous disasters, the Emperor is昏庸昏庸, and there is a great famine in Yanbei, where people eat each other. The court's disaster relief is still subject to layers of exploitation. My Duan family village has six hundred and eighty-three debts of blood from starvation, live burial, and falsely claiming credit for killing civilians. If I don't kill you, how can this hatred be quenched?!"

A cold light flashed in his eyes.

This person's name was Duan Yunfeng, from Yanbei. More than a month ago, he came to Ning Tian Prefecture alone, planning to take advantage of the Emperor's autumn inspection tour to assassinate the Emperor.

During this period, he quietly lurked in the city, surveying the city, memorizing the terrain, and planning many assassination plans and escape routes, striving for a single hit. Tonight was the time to act.

"Dog Emperor, tonight I will take your life!"

Duan Yunfeng took a deep breath, suppressed his emotions, took a deep look at the palace wall, and turned to disappear into the crowd.

…

That night.

Zhou Jing returned to his room, rubbed his temples, and felt tired.

"Sigh, what kind of people are these…"

He had people spread the news of accepting disciples, and in the past few days, countless people had come to his door. Many dignitaries wanted to use connections to stuff their younger generations into his hands as disciples.

Zhou Jing wanted to cultivate some of his own people, of course, he could not casually use young people from prominent families, and most of them were politely declined.

However, it was okay for merchant families like the Ye family. He agreed to Ye Taigong's request and selected a junior from the Ye family to accept as a disciple.

Over the past few days, Zhou Jing had selected a total of seventeen disciples. He had been selecting all day today, and his eyes were blurry.

"This wave of accepting thirty or forty people is about enough to act as personal attendants… Speaking of which, this path is very similar to those 'masters' who装神弄鬼装神弄鬼, surrounded by their disciples, bragging and故弄玄虚故弄玄虚 together…"

Zhou Jing muttered to himself.

He shook his head, temporarily dismissing the matter, turned to go to bed, and sat in meditation.

This was a daily practice that had almost replaced sleep.

Putting aside distracting thoughts, his mind fell into a mysterious realm.

He did not know how long it had passed when suddenly a shrill cry entered his ears, startling him from his meditation.

"Someone is assassinating the Emperor!"

"Catch the assassin, don't let the thief escape!"

Whoosh whoosh whoosh–

A burst of messy footsteps came from outside the residence.

Zhou Jing suddenly opened his eyes, his face changed slightly, and he pushed open the door and went out.

The Ye family up and down were also alarmed, and they all came out of the courtyard, surprised and uncertain.

Zhou Jing frowned, directly flew up, and landed in the main courtyard of the Ye residence.

At this time, Ye Taigong, Ye Shunzhong, and others were gathered here. Seeing Zhou Jing descending from the sky, they quickly came forward to salute and anxiously said:

"True Lord, something happened! It seems that a thief has entered the palace to assassinate the Emperor, and the Imperial Guards are searching for him throughout the city."

"Someone is assassinating? Did the thief succeed?"

Zhou Jing was surprised.

Where did this hero come from, stealing my job?

"It's not clear yet." Ye Taigong shook his head, his face full of worry.

"I'll go take a look."

Zhou Jing did not say anything, directly floated up and took off, looking down at the city.

Under the night, streams of fire snakes traveled through the streets and alleys. It was the Imperial Guards holding torches and moving out in force, searching for the assassin everywhere.

Zhou Jing narrowed his eyes and directly turned his head to fly towards the temporary imperial palace. After a short while, he arrived and directly landed in front of the palace gate.

At this moment, the palace was surrounded by the Imperial Guards. The Commander suddenly saw a person falling from the sky, almost falling off his horse in fright, just short of directly shouting to release arrows.

"Don't panic, it's me, this Daoist."

Zhou Jing landed gracefully, took a few steps forward, and let the firelight illuminate his face.

"Is it Imperial Wind True Lord in person?"

The Commander saw Zhou Jing's appearance clearly and quickly steadied his mind.

Zhou Jing had frequented the palace in the past few days, and the Imperial Guards had also remembered his appearance.

"That's right, I, this Daoist, was sitting in meditation and heard that someone was assassinating the Emperor, so I came to the rescue. How is the Emperor now?"

Zhou Jing did not stand on ceremony and directly asked.

The Commander hesitated for a moment, then cupped his hands and replied quickly:

"True Lord, just now a masked assassin sneaked into the palace, trying to assassinate the Emperor. Fortunately, the patrolling soldiers discovered him.

But after this person's plot was exposed, he brazenly assassinated, killing two or three teams of Imperial Guards and three Imperial Bodyguards, almost breaking into the imperial bedroom. Finally, a large number of Imperial Guards and Imperial Bodyguards arrived and drove him away. This person escaped over the palace wall and his current whereabouts are unknown. The Emperor is safe and sound, but he was slightly frightened."

Zhou Jing's eyes moved.

This assassin sneaked into the palace and even managed to kill a bunch of guards. His martial arts seem to be very powerful.

The assassin failed and did not kill the Emperor… That's good, my investment has not gone to waste. He does not want to kill the Emperor yet.

His mind turned slightly, and he put on a solemn expression: "The Emperor is frightened and needs conditioning. I, this Daoist, want to enter the palace to meet the Emperor. Please report it."

"True Lord, please leave. No one is allowed to enter the palace at this time."

The Commander replied decisively.

Zhou Jing saw that the other party was not giving way. He estimated that such a thing had happened, and there was indeed no chance of entering the palace.

He did not want to directly fly in and stimulate the sensitive situation, so his heart moved, and he took out a bottle of pills from his arms and said:

"Then please send this medicine to the Emperor's hands. This is a Heart-Stabilizing Pill, which can calm palpitations and help the Emperor feel at ease. By the way, ask for me, does the Emperor need me, this Daoist, to do anything?"

The Commander thought for a moment and did not refuse. He asked someone to hand the pill to a eunuch, who in turn sent it to the Emperor.

Before long, the eunuch who had gone to deliver the medicine and convey the message hurriedly returned, bringing the Emperor's words:

"The Emperor's oral decree, the True Lord came to the rescue, and I am very gratified. The True Lord has great powers, so please take action to capture the assassin and do not let this extremely sinful person escape."

"I, this Daoist, understand."

Zhou Jing nodded in agreement on the surface, but in reality, he had a plan and intended to act according to circumstances.

Whoosh!

He directly stirred up a gale, and his entire person rose into the sky.

In front of the palace gate, many Imperial Guards looked up, watching in amazement as Zhou Jing disappeared into the night sky.