The Immortal Seeker: Legend of Bronze Mirror
Chapter 37 - 33 Holy Virtue

Chapter 37: Chapter 33 Holy Virtue

"Holy Virtue."

Xu Qing focused his attention on the newly appeared content.

At the same time, he saw a delightful scene. Around the words "Holy Virtue," there was a strand of sacred white light entwining.

Just like the fortune in "Good Fortune."

This strand of white light was the Holy Energy of Holy Virtue.

In an instant, the effects of "Holy Energy" were revealed in his heart.

"Holy Energy, endowed with wisdom and divine power, primarily enlightens and educates, and has the effect of restraining the fate of decline."

"Restrain the fate of decline?"

The fate of decline refers to a destiny heading towards decay.

Xu Qing couldn’t help but be moved in his heart.

He tried to use his Divine Soul to grasp this strand of Holy Energy and move it to the lifespan category.

What happened next was incredibly joyful for him.

After the Holy Energy merged into the lifespan category.

His lifespan actually extended by more than a year, reaching four years.

"It seems the true reason for my short lifespan is due to heading towards the fate of decline, and this strand of Holy Energy has helped me dissolve some of that fate, allowing my lifespan to be extended."

"It’s a pity it’s only little over a year."

But a weight in Xu Qing’s heart was slightly lifted.

As long as there was a direction, one could exert effort towards the correct path.

Xu Qing showed an inkling of cheerful content.

To others, it naturally appeared as joy from shaking the Holy Image with his article at the examination desk.

Seeing the Holy Image tremble, Magistrate He was surprised but also showed a smile.

The current Emperor favors the Dao and auspicious omens.

Among the candidates of the Magistrate’s examination, having someone who could shock the Holy Image was without a doubt considered an auspicious sign. Moreover, the level of Xu Qing’s article was beyond reproach.

Despite Xu Qing’s article holding a stance leaning towards the traditionalists, in essence, the whole article bore the path of uprightness and propriety.

It has been said, "Before the saints and sages establish their words, they capture the heavenly signs."

As part of the traditionalists, he was not against reforms but felt that it was not yet the time for them.

Reforms would only make the world worse.

Without the "heavenly signs" for reform, the Reform Faction is merely trying to please the Grand Secretary, catering to the Emperor’s fondness of great achievements, not the conduct of upright officials.

What’s more detestable is that Feng Xifeng, who originates from the same school as Xu Qing, is betraying the established principles. Behind the scenes, he has already made clear his position to participate in the upcoming provincial examination, which is nothing but pandering to the Reform Faction.

Therefore, after the third lady returned and conveyed Xu Qing’s concerns, Magistrate He already had his strategizing.

No matter what, he had to establish Xu Qing as the leading example of the Magistrate’s examination for the traditionalists, to irk Feng Xifeng.

His stance, as the nephew of the Archivist, was something Xu Qing was surely aware of, thus he naturally knew what to do once the examination topic was given.

Xu Qing’s article contained the essence of the scholarly school of East State, further pleasing him.

As for the rumors and gossip outside, Magistrate He did not care in the least.

The Court has its standards in selecting officials; it cannot lose talented individuals due to public opinion.

This is not the way of a servant to the state!

"This young man has truly given me a great surprise," thought Magistrate He, whose Qi Cultivation Skill was substantial. Joy filled his heart, although it did not show on his face. He merely ordered the session to be dismissed.

Xu Qing mingled among the remaining candidates, bidding farewell to Magistrate He.

As for the thanksgiving banquet, it would naturally be held after the results of the Magistrate’s examination were released.

Xu Qing had already received substantial benefits, there was no need to meet with Magistrate He privately at this time.

So everyone returned to their respective homes.

...

...

Obtaining the top rank in the case is merely an affirmation of Xu Qing’s efforts during this period. It is the increase in lifespan that is the real cause for celebration.

His steps on the way home were much lighter.

Surrounded by fellow villagers and fellow examination candidates from the county, he arrived at the Li Mansion.

Historian Li had taken special leave, waiting in anticipation with Mrs. Zhou.

As they neared, a swift-footed Government Official came before the couple to announce the good news.

The couple could not contain their joy, and despite the small amount of silver left at home, they generously scattered copper coins.

This is called wedding money.

Normally, no money would be given out for just passing the provincial examination.

But Xu Qing had secured the top rank not only once, but twice in a row.

Should he secure the top rank once more in the palace examination, he would become a true prodigy of the trifecta, and at merely fourteen years old.

South Zhili has not produced such a figure for many years.

With such literary talent and youth, he is sure to pass the imperial examination in the future.

While Historian Li rejoices, he also feels somewhat inferior.

In the future, Xu Qing is destined to be among those "who engage with the great scholars and associate not with the uneducated." His uncle, born of a lowly status and serving as an Archivist, feels somewhat embarrassed by the comparison.

Fortunately, he is at least an Archivist.

Had he still been a Government Official, it would have been extremely embarrassing.

Seeing his uncle and aunt scattering money, Xu Qing knew they were elated and did not utter any words that might dampen the mood. After the hubbub subsided and the excitement had waned, Xu Qing returned to the quietude of the eastern courtyard, finally alone.

By this time, the sun had already set, and the courtyard was in deep shadows, bathed in bright moonlight.

The dappled shadows of the parasol trees danced upon the ancient well, with moonlight streaming through the gaps in the branches and leaves like gathered water.

Xu Qing suddenly felt an indescribable sense of solitude.

He didn’t even know what he was feeling "lonely" about.

Suddenly, Xu Qing heard a noise and looked towards the courtyard wall, where he saw a graceful figure blended with the bright moonlight.

"Hey, good disciple, what are you thinking about?"

The graceful figure lightly leapt down from the wall, landing with a nimble and effective dispersal of force.

Xu Qing had long known the girl was extraordinary, but he hadn’t realized that her martial arts were so impressive. She could very well be a female vigilante... Yu Jiaolong herself.

"How is my kung fu?" the girl asked with a smile.

Xu Qing: "Your kung fu is very beautiful."

The girl huffed lightly: "You secured the top rank and didn’t inform me; I had to come myself."

Xu Qing: "I was planning to visit you tomorrow."

The girl: "Tomorrow the joyous feelings would have passed, what’s the point then?"

Xu Qing cleared his throat slightly: "Actually, the joyous feelings had already passed earlier."

The girl chuckled and then curiously asked, "Aren’t you curious where I learned such martial arts skills?"

Xu Qing: "If you wish to tell me, I will listen."

The girl spoke leisurely: "Do you know why I refuse to marry?"

Xu Qing: "Because you don’t want to be restricted?"

The girl: "Exactly. If I were just an ordinary woman, then being a wife and mother would be fine. But, having learned these martial arts and the knowledge of men, I won’t settle for that. In fact, I’ve been watching you for some time, ever since your uncle helped County Magistrate Wu solve the case of the treasury silver theft, I’ve paid attention to you."

Xu Qing was slightly taken aback, wanting to say something, but eventually said nothing.

He wasn’t a fool. After seeing the girl’s wall-scaling skills and hearing her mention the treasury silver theft case, he had some guesses.

The girl continued: "When the treasury silver was stolen, the first victims were the treasury officials. They cannot claim innocence. As the massive rats of the Government Office, these officials have stolen far more treasury silver than what was reported missing. And if the case remained unsolved, the blame would ultimately fall on Zhao Xiong and others anyway. After all, as an arrest officer, they cannot escape responsibility. As for County Magistrate Wu, he would definitely face consequences, too. Since he, as a parent official, cannot deliver justice to others."

"You shouldn’t be telling me this; I didn’t hear anything just now," Xu Qing spoke softly.

The girl gazed at Xu Qing earnestly, then seriously said, "Xu Qing, you are meant to have an extraordinary life, have you ever considered that?"

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