Chapter 432: The Importance of Character
Beneath the arena,
Qin Shutong stood motionless, her longsword clutched in her arms, her mind lost in thought. The girl beside her gently shook her arm and whispered, “Shutong, who was that who saved you earlier?”
Qin Shutong immediately tensed, her voice guarded as she retorted, “Why do you want to know?”
“Just asking! Come on, tell me,” the girl pleaded, her cheeks flushed as she tugged at Qin Shutong’s arm, her gaze drifting toward the high platform. Her intentions were practically written across her face.
“Hmph, I won’t tell you! And listen here, you little hussy—don’t even think about making a move on our Brother Liang! Or you’ll regret crossing me!”
“We promised to be best friends forever! And now you’re willing to turn on me over a man?” The girl feigned hurt, secretly noting that the man’s surname was Liang.
Qin Shutong’s voice left no room for argument. “Anything else, but not this.”
The girl murmured, “Actually, I wouldn’t mind being your sister…”
“Go die!”
As dusk deepened, the day’s matches concluded, marking the end of the first round. The second round would commence tomorrow.
The Prefectural Examination spanned three days. In the first round, each participant fought two matches. Those who lost both were eliminated, while those with one win and one loss received C or D-grade tokens. Those who won both matches earned A or B-grade tokens.
Tomorrow’s draw would pit A and B-grade token holders against C and D-grade token holders, a system designed to prevent the strongest contenders from clashing too early.
Qin Shutong secured one win and one loss, earning her a C-grade token numbered seven. Tang Huanhuan, however, achieved two consecutive victories, securing a B-grade token numbered five.
Xu Sanyan, having observed the matches all day, gained a rough understanding of the participants’ strengths. Qin Shutong’s skills were above average, but she lacked the potential to win the championship.
Tang Huanhuan, on the other hand, shone brilliantly. If she avoided an early clash with Jiang Longchang, securing a top-three finish seemed well within reach. Even if they did meet, she possessed the fighting spirit to challenge him.
Despite the one-realm difference in their cultivation levels, Tang Huanhuan’s aggressive and ferocious fighting style could potentially overwhelm Jiang Longchang if he hesitated to unleash his full power.
As they exited the prefectural office, the crowd’s attitude toward Xu Sanyan had undergone a complete transformation. Whether they recognized him or not, people eagerly greeted him, and he responded to each greeting with courtesy.
Qin Shutong approached and tugged at Xu Sanyan’s sleeve, whispering, “Brother Liang, if you’re free, why don’t you come home with me? We have a magic formation that needs someone to take a look at.”
Xu Sanyan hesitated briefly before nodding. “Alright.”
Shan Qiuyu had previously mentioned that Qin Manor wanted to hire someone to set up a formation, which was why they had summoned him from Zhangzhi City. Since the Prefectural Examination had been temporarily postponed, he might as well check it out today. It would also give him a chance to ask Associate Magistrate Qin some questions.
“Then let’s hurry!” Qin Shutong glanced warily at the girl beside them and pulled Xu Sanyan away at a brisk pace.
“Tch~”
The girl pouted and turned away.
Upon entering Qin Manor, Qin Shutong first led Xu Sanyan to the inner courtyard to inspect the Spirit Accumulation Formation. Though Xu Sanyan had never studied this particular formation before, his deep understanding of the Formation Dao allowed him to grasp its principles at a glance. He immediately identified the problem:
Due to its age and lack of maintenance, the formation patterns were severely worn, hindering the flow of spiritual energy and drastically reducing its effectiveness. Simply redrawing the patterns would restore its function.
Xu Sanyan came to Spirit Ink to redraw the formation patterns by hand, using his fingers as brushes. Qin Shutong stood obediently beside him, her eyes shining with admiration as she watched him work, her heart brimming with happiness and contentment.
If only things could stay like this forever, she thought.
Qin Shutong’s mind was filled with fantasies, eagerly anticipating the day they would marry and she could accompany him like this for the rest of their lives.
“Done,” Xu Sanyan announced, setting down his hand. He sensed the Spirit Accumulation Formation revitalizing, a wave of satisfaction washing over him.
As expected of myself—truly remarkable!
“As expected of Brother Liang, you’re amazing!” Qin Shutong exclaimed, her eyes brimming with adoration.
“Not at all,” Xu Sanyan replied modestly, waving his hand. “This formation is quite simple; it hardly deserves praise.”
“Heh, Virtuous Nephew, you’re being too modest,” Associate Magistrate Qin’s voice came from behind them. “This formation was laid by Master Danzhen himself. Ordinary people couldn’t even comprehend it, let alone repair it.”
Xu Sanyan turned and bowed respectfully. “Greetings, Associate Prefect.”
“Father,” Qin Shutong greeted.
Associate Magistrate Qin smiled warmly at his daughter. “We have a guest, and you haven’t even offered tea?”
“I’ll get it right away!” Qin Shutong hurried off.
Watching her retreating figure, Associate Magistrate Qin smiled wryly. “My daughter has always been rather undisciplined. I hope you’ll forgive her, Virtuous Nephew.”
Xu Sanyan shook his head. “Shutong is refreshingly innocent and spirited. I find her quite charming.”
Associate Magistrate Qin didn’t pursue the topic. Instead, he changed the subject. “There’s a pavilion by the lake with a particularly scenic view. If you have no pressing matters, Virtuous Nephew, would you care to take a stroll with this old man?”
“Certainly, Master. Please lead the way.”
Inside the pavilion, the two men sat facing each other, gazing at the rippling, jade-clear waters of Azure Clarity Lake. Each seemed lost in his own thoughts.
After a long silence, Associate Magistrate Qin pointed to the bundle behind Xu Sanyan. “I’ve noticed you’ve been carrying that with you. Is there a story behind it?”
Xu Sanyan explained, “This was a gift from my master. He instructed me never to open it, saying the time would come when I would understand its purpose. So, I have no idea what’s inside.”
Associate Magistrate Qin chuckled. It was merely a casual inquiry. He quickly shifted the conversation again.
“I’ve heard you’re quite skilled in formations. Today’s demonstration certainly lives up to your reputation.”
“Master, you flatter me. The Formation Dao is vast and profound. I’ve only just begun to scratch the surface. My meager accomplishments are hardly worth mentioning.”
Associate Magistrate Qin nodded slightly, then suddenly asked, “Virtuous Nephew, have you ever considered retiring from official life? With your talents, even securing a position in the capital wouldn’t be beyond your reach.”
Officials in the capital served close to the emperor. Though serving a ruler was like keeping company with a tiger—dangerous yet potentially rewarding—opportunities were undoubtedly greater in the capital.
Xu Sanyan lowered his head in contemplation, as if genuinely considering the question. After a long pause, he shook his head. “I’ve grown accustomed to a leisurely life and have no desire to be bound by others. Moreover, we who seek immortality aspire to benefit the world through good deeds. If I were to enter officialdom, I fear I would lose control of my own actions…”
Xu Sanyan’s words carried a deeper meaning, which Associate Magistrate Qin readily understood and inwardly agreed with.
Once one becomes an official, one ceases to be one’s own person. Some believe that as long as they uphold their principles, they can remain good officials. But how easily can one truly maintain those principles?
“Benefiting the world…” Associate Magistrate Qin suddenly chuckled, though a hint of bitterness lurked in his smile.
He considered himself neither a particularly good nor a particularly evil official. While he lacked the ambition to concern himself with the welfare of the entire realm, he genuinely admired heroic figures like Xu Sanyan.
“I’ve heard, Virtuous Nephew, that you deployed a formation in Zhangzhi City to harmonize the earth veins and Feng Shui, acting selflessly without seeking reward. Your actions are truly admirable.”
Xu Sanyan smiled modestly. “Master, you flatter me. I merely did what I could. It’s hardly worthy of praise. Once matters here are settled, I plan to travel the world, continuing to do what I can to live up to my sect’s teachings.”
Xu Sanyan had established his persona in advance, ensuring that his formation work in other cities wouldn’t seem out of character.
“However, my cultivation level in the Formation Dao remains shallow. If only I could personally deploy a Great Formation…”
As he spoke, Xu Sanyan gazed into the distance, then shook his head in disappointment. “Alas, such opportunities are rare.”
Associate Magistrate Qin understood his meaning. Smiling, he asked, “Could it be that Virtuous Nephew wishes to leave a formation for Qianzhou City?”
Xu Sanyan’s eyes lit up with excitement. He rose abruptly and bowed, his voice full of anticipation. “Uncle, do you have a way?”
(End of the Chapter)