National Division

Chapter 119 Shen Bin, the county magistrate of Guhe County, receives the imperial decree!
Qilin Pavilion, fourth floor

It must have been quite a while.

Shen Xiancai focused his divine sense on the words following the section on cultivation techniques, and his heart stirred.

The martial arts technique has been reduced to just five words: "Five Elements Profound Origin Technique" [Grandmaster-level technique, capable of fusion and deduction].

"No wonder the cultivation technique was shrouded in mystery. After all five elements were acquired at the Grandmaster level, the cultivation technique actually became the Five Elements Profound Origin Technique." Shen Xian suddenly realized.

And news of the millstone arrived just in time.

After that, his martial arts technique only had one name, but he still needed to find other Five Elements techniques to help derive a higher Grandmaster-level technique, "Five Elements Profound Origin Technique," and even a Martial God-level technique, a Shattered-level technique, and a Human Immortal-level technique.

Only in this way can we explore the realm beyond that of immortals in the future.

Of course, his understanding and insights into the techniques he had previously integrated will not disappear, and he can still guide those who practice a single-attribute technique before the integration.

Seeing the thoughtful look on Shen Xian's face, Xue Zhihua said, "Then I'll put these martial arts techniques there."

Shen Xian said gently, "Have the clerk in charge of this floor in the pavilion make a register. At the same time, I will find a few more Grandmaster-level cultivation techniques to prevent breakthroughs outside."

Xue Zhihua nodded.

As Shen Xian spoke, he planned to head to the fifth floor, to the area for the fourth realm [Grandmaster] techniques, where the entire floor was filled with fourth realm martial arts techniques.

Just then, a historian came to the pavilion and reported, "Scholar, Her Highness the Princess is outside."

Xue Zhihua frowned almost imperceptibly between her beautiful brows, but she didn't stop walking. Holding the martial arts manual in her hand, she went to register it.

Shen Xian said, "I'll go greet them."

As they spoke, they descended to the fourth floor of the Qilin Pavilion.

He didn't know what the princess was doing here.

Upon descending to the third level, the clerk reported that the Princess was waiting for him in her office in the pavilion.

The beautiful woman, dressed in a crimson gown and with her hair piled high in the clouds, sat down in a chair, leisurely sipping tea.

Sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating the woman's fair and delicate face, adding to her radiance and beauty.

Zheng Guanying, a scholar of the Qilin Pavilion, was bowing not far away, smiling broadly, and talking to him.

Or rather, it was an answer to the princess's question.

A moment later, Shen Xian stepped forward, cupped his hands in greeting, and said, "Your Highness."

The eldest princess turned to look at Shen Xian, her fair skin and jade-like face beaming with a bright smile: "Scholar Shen has arrived?"

Shen Xian said, "Your Highness, it is an honor to have you here. Please forgive me for not welcoming you properly."

"I am no outsider, there is no need for such formalities." The eldest princess smiled charmingly and said jokingly, "Scholar Shen, I have asked the Empress Dowager for leave and plan to go to Anzhou."

Shen Xian: "..."

No, why are you, a princess, running off instead of staying in the capital?
The princess waved for Zheng Guanying to leave, then picked up her teacup and took a sip. Her two lips, like peach blossoms, touched the porcelain cup as she softly said, "I have been stuck in the fifth realm of immortality for a long time, so I want to go out and travel around to see if I can break through to the sixth realm, the Void Realm."

Shen Xian pondered for a moment and said, "Your Highness, this time when I was inspecting the local area and investigating illegal activities, I may have been traveling incognito. Your Highness following me might attract the attention of those with ulterior motives."

In fact, with the Princess's secret protection, they would be better protected against assassination attempts by experts in the immortal path.

However, the princess's presence would also affect his investigation.

"I will not travel with you. I will stay in Guhe County and then travel to other places. That way, if anything happens, I can be there to help you at any time," the princess said softly.

Staying in the capital any longer would only lead to more harassment from Yang Youxing, so it's better to go out and clear your head.

Shen Xian thought for a moment and then said, "Since Her Highness the Princess has made her decision, then I have nothing more to say."

Even if this princess doesn't say anything and secretly travels around, can he really control her? He might as well just go with the flow.

"Where is Zhihua?" The eldest princess didn't elaborate on the matter, clearly having only come to inform her, and asked with surprise, "Why haven't I seen her?"

Shen Xian said, "We're on the fourth floor of the pavilion right now."

The eldest princess put down her teacup and stood up: "I'll go up and take a look."

Shen Xian said, "Your Highness, please do as you please."

He planned to first review the "Five Elements Profound Origin Technique" and at the same time, refine the two Earth Element Profound Rank martial arts techniques to perfection.

The eldest princess nodded and went straight to find Xue Zhihua.

After sensing the true essence circulation path of the Five Elements Profound Origin Technique, Shen Xian did not linger below. He went up to the fifth floor of the Qilin Pavilion and began searching for five grandmaster-level techniques, but did not choose any martial arts skills.

He hasn't finished mastering all the martial arts techniques he has yet, so he's not in a hurry.

The eldest princess sat at a small table with Xue Zhihua, enjoying tea and conversation.

"Wait a moment, go to the Vermilion Bird Blessed Land and prepare more elixirs so that we can recruit outstanding individuals in Hebei Province," the eldest princess reminded her.

Xue Zhihua nodded and asked, "Your Highness, where is Lord Si Di?"

"She's been cultivating lately, preparing for the competition with the Jade Purity Sect." The Princess sighed softly and said, "Last time I sent you on your travels, and your cultivation improved. I also want to go to Guhe County for a while and talk to Tianxia."

Xue Zhihua paused for a moment, then said in a clear voice, "Guhe County is a place of outstanding people and abundant resources, and it is also a major transportation route for people coming from the south and north. Your Highness should be able to gain some insights there."

"Yesterday I ran into my senior brother from Beast Taming Peak. He said you caught a golden toad and had him put a beast-taming restriction on it, planning to send it to the Ministry of Works to help with gold and treasure hunting?" The princess smiled gently, her eyes as bright as stars and the moon. "Could it be that you brought it from Guhe County?"

Xue Zhihua nodded and said, "Since it possesses such extraordinary abilities, it's better to use them for good."

"It seems that Scholar Shen is right. All the demons in the world, with their innate abilities, can be used by the court and driven by humanity," the Princess sighed.

Xue Zhihua said, "But that kind of prosperous era, where all demons are used by the court, will have to wait until the Holy Emperor reigns."

In ancient times, demons willingly served the holy emperor.

Half an hour later, Shen Xian stared blankly at the thick stack of Grandmaster-level cultivation manuals in his hand.

He thought to himself, if it weren't for the backing of the Qilin Pavilion, he would have faced unimaginable difficulties in collecting these cultivation techniques.

But now Qilin Pavilion has it directly.

However, this accumulation of martial arts skills only extends to the seventh level of martial arts. To go beyond that, he will have to create his own martial arts skills.

After Shen Xian selected the Five Elements Grandmaster-level cultivation techniques, he thought for a moment and then came to the Daoist cultivation area for the first and second realms.

"Now that I have joined the Shangqing Sect, I can begin to cultivate the Hunyuan Yiqi Gong and at the same time comprehend the Shangqing Sect's techniques, so as to gain both the strength of martial arts and the wonder of immortality."

Thinking of this, Shen Xian went to the cabinet containing the Taoist magic books. On it were displayed the "Fire Element Taoist Magic," the "Complete Collection of Basic Talismans," the "Five Elements Great Escape," the "Minor Cloud and Rain Technique," the "Ice Sword Technique," and so on...

Shen Xian took a book on talismans, lowered his gaze, and flipped through the table of contents.

Yes, what is clearly written on it is the cultivation of cultivators at the second stage of the Immortal Path, the [Heavenly Gate Realm], and it consists of some basic talisman diagrams.

For example, there are purification talismans, warding off evil spirits talismans, Tai Sui talismans, suppressing zombies talismans, blazing fire talismans, and even peace talismans, healing talismans, misfortune-resolving talismans, and spirit-summoning talismans...

If this weren't a bizarre and fantastical world of immortals, he would have thought he'd stumbled into a secondhand bookstore in the future, looking at those books of talisman illustrations that cost twenty yuan each.

"These talismans are the foundation for cultivating higher levels of talismanic arts," Shen Xian pondered for a moment, calculating in his mind.

In that case, it would be better to study higher-level techniques at Yuanfu Peak of the Shangqing Sect.

However, it's good to have two books to refer to on the way, to solidify your foundation.

He took a few books of first and second level immortal techniques and went back to the fourth level to find Xue Zhihua and the princess.

Upon seeing Shen Xian, Xue Zhihua said softly, "Let's go to the Vermilion Bird Blessed Land to retrieve the elixir."

The princess smiled gently and said softly, "Take more, so that we won't run out when we're cultivating."

Upon hearing the beauty's words, Shen Xian thought to himself, "As expected of a member of the royal family."

As the three were talking, they entered the Vermilion Bird Blessed Land.

The eldest princess chuckled and said, "Zhihua, go and pack the pills. I have a few words to say to Scholar Shen."

Xue Zhihua responded with an "Mmm" and walked towards a side hall.

They adopted a sweeping approach, collecting first-, second-, and third-level pills into their Sumeru bags. Clearly, these pills were indispensable for establishing the Demon-Slaying and Spirit-Pacifying Divisions.

Shen Xian looked at the beautiful woman with a puzzled expression and said, "Your Highness, please give your orders."

The eldest princess said, "After what happened before, the Cui and Lu clans consider it a great humiliation and may send immortals to harm you."

"Your Highness, where did you get this information from?" Shen Xian asked.

The eldest princess said, "I have many acquaintances in the Jade Purity Sect. The Cui family of Qinghe is also very dissatisfied with your actions against the Cui and Lu families. However, you are currently at the height of your power, and they will not be able to find an opportunity for the time being."

Shen Xian's act of defeating the young members of the Cui and Lu clans and hanging their bodies on a flagpole with a banner written on it can be described as extremely insidious and ruthless.

"So that's why Your Highness accompanied and protected you." Shen Xian looked at the beautiful woman and asked. The princess smiled gently and said, "I only protected you until Anzhou. I also want to see what methods they have afterward."

Shen Xian: "..."

So, you went to see a play?

However, he possesses three jade slips of Taoist magic given to him by the Imperial Preceptor Murong Yue, which would come in handy if the Cui and Lu clans were to send assassins.

"Don't worry, your mother will never let you be harmed by evil people," the eldest princess comforted her.

Shen Xian said gently, "Thank you for your concern, Your Highness."

The princess's smile grew even brighter as she said softly, "Didn't you also join the Shangqing Sect before? You should practice the immortal path whenever you have free time, so you can have more ways to protect yourself."

Shen Xian said, "I have already obtained the Qi Refining Method, so I will go back to cultivate now."

"Alright, I'm going to find Zhihua and also pick out some things to give as gifts. I won't say any more to you."

The beautiful woman chuckled as she spoke, then gracefully departed.

……

……

Anzhou, Guhe County, County Government Office

Shen Bin sat down behind the table and began to peruse the case files in his hands.

Since he took over the administration of the county, Registrar Pei of the county has been fully assisting in the sweeping down of the Golden Scale Gang, and today is a summary meeting.

"Eight brothels and twelve gambling dens were shut down. Nearly a hundred women forced into prostitution were rescued. More than three hundred leaders and members of the Golden Scale Gang were arrested." A minor official under Pei Zhubu read out the results of the operation.

Shen Bin said in a deep voice: "We must relentlessly investigate cases of usury, forcing women into prostitution, setting up gambling dens to cheat the people, and disregarding human life. We must never let any evil go unpunished."

Registrar Pei and the other county officials agreed.

Just then, a yamen runner came in looking flustered and reported, "Young Master, Young Master."

"What's the matter that you're in such a panic?" Shen Bin frowned and asked sharply.

The yamen runner said, "When the Prefectural Governor arrived outside the county government office, the clerk said he was inspecting Guhe County and asked the Governor to go and greet him."

Upon hearing this, Shen Bin paused slightly, looked at Registrar Pei beside him, and said, "Let's go out and greet them."

Registrar Pei's expression turned grave. "I'm afraid the visitors are up to no good."

He guessed that it was probably Guhe County that tipped off the central government, and officials from the central government came to support Magistrate Lu and his associates.

At this moment, the imperial edict appointing Shen Bin as the magistrate of Guhe County and sending Magistrate Lu and other criminals to the capital in prison were still on their way, so Anzhou was unaware of the situation.

"When soldiers come, we'll block them; when water comes, we'll dam it." Shen Bin said calmly, stepping away from his desk. "Let's go take a look together."

I wonder how Xian'er is doing in Shenjing, and whether she has taken up a post in the Thousand Bull Guard.

At this moment, Shen Bin was unaware that Shen Xian had become a close advisor to the Empress, a peerless strategist regarded as an honored guest, and had even secured him the position of magistrate of Guhe County.

Shen Xian will also return to Anzhou on official business as the Hebei Circuit Intendant.

At this moment, on the street outside the county government office, dozens of soldiers dressed in uniforms embroidered with the words "Anzhou Prefecture Government Office" were escorting a carriage and waiting outside.

Inside the carriage, Qiu Ying, the Prefect of Anzhou, had a gloomy face, while Zhang Xun, the Judicial Advisor, was by his side, chatting with him.

"This Shen Bin is truly outrageous. Just because of a local gang and his personal grudges, he colluded with the Vermilion Bird Bureau to implicate a seventh-rank county magistrate from the imperial court. It's absolutely outrageous!" Qiu Ying said coldly.

He received letters from Magistrate Lu and Assistant Magistrate Liu of Guhe County requesting assistance. He originally wanted to discuss it with the Prefect, but the Prefect was away, so he had no choice but to come here urgently to handle the matter.

Zhang Xun said, "Chief Secretary Qiu, I believe that since the Vermilion Bird Division has taken this action, they must have obtained evidence. We should not act rashly, but rather observe the situation first."

"Evidence? What evidence could they possibly have?" Qiu Ying was so agitated that his beard almost flew up. He said in a deep voice, "Xing Gang, the Vermilion Bird Envoy, is himself reckless and unruly. He has done countless things that have disturbed the local area. If it weren't for Your Excellency's magnanimity, he would have committed countless grave mistakes. It is clear that the Vermilion Bird Bureau has always acted so recklessly!"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Xun could no longer argue.

"Sir, the people from Guhe County have come out," a minor official reported.

As they were talking, they saw Shen Bin, the county magistrate of Guhe County, leading the six assistant clerks, with Pei, the chief clerk, half a step behind, leading the procession out of the county government office in a grand procession.

Qiu Ying's face was contorted with rage as he said, "You and I will go down and punish this audacious County Magistrate of Guhe!"

He lifted the carriage curtain and stepped down.

"Where is the County Magistrate of Guhe?" Qiu Ying asked abruptly as soon as he came down, his expression unfriendly.

Shen Bin cupped his hands in greeting and said, "This humble official greets the Chief Secretary."

Qiu Ying asked, "Who gave you the audacity to imprison the magistrate of Guhe County in your residence?"

Shen Bin's expression was unpleasant. He said, "Lord Qiu, what makes you say that? When have I ever imprisoned Lord Lu? Lord Lu is currently reflecting on his mistakes behind closed doors. He is currently in the Lu family manor, and no one is restricting his freedom."

"Still dare to argue!" Qiu Ying said sternly, "The letter from Magistrate Lu requesting assistance has already been delivered to the Prefect's desk!"

Shen Bin's face was ashen, and he remained silent for a moment.

He said that Lu Fang had been unusually well-behaved lately because he had written a letter to the state requesting assistance.

Anzhou is a central prefecture, and its governor is a fourth-rank official. It would be normal for the governor to use his position to counter the control of the Vermilion Bird Bureau.

Zhang Xun, the judicial officer, said, "County Lieutenant Shen, you are a well-known criminal officer in Anzhou. When the people from the Vermilion Bird Division came to the area and caused trouble, you joined in the commotion?"

Qiu Ying demanded, "Where is that commander of the Vermilion Bird Division?"

"I am not here at the moment; I have already returned to the capital to report back," Shen Bin said.

Qiu Ying snorted coldly and said, "Since that's the case, why don't you go and invite Magistrate Lu here?"

As he spoke, he cast a pair of cold, sharp eyes at Registrar Pei, and said, “Registrar Pei, you must immediately send someone to invite Magistrate Lu to the county office to take charge of the overall situation. At the same time, you must re-examine the case of the Golden Scale Gang colluding with evil spirits to harm an official of the imperial court. I suspect that there are cases of torture and forced confessions. This time, we will jointly try this case with Military Advisor Zhang from the prefecture.”

Pei Renjing remained indifferent, cupping his hands and saying, "Please forgive me for being unable to comply!"

Now that things have come to this, we cannot back down even a step.

What is a mere Prefect of Zhongzhou? The Shen family, father and son, are backed by founding ministers and the Xue family, descendants of the Duke of Xue!
"Huh?" Qiu Ying was taken aback upon hearing this, then her expression turned even colder, and she shouted sharply, "Registrar Pei, do you know what you're saying?"

Zhang Xun frowned and said, "Registrar Pei, don't make a mistake!"

Shen Bin said in a deep voice: "Before entering the capital, the magistrate of the Vermilion Bird Division said that Magistrate Lu was involved in the case and that he would impeach him to the court. Before receiving the imperial edict, Magistrate Lu will remain in his residence awaiting the impeachment."

Qiu Ying was furious and said in a deep voice, "A mere sixth-rank commander of the Vermilion Bird Division, although he has the power of supervision, dares to interfere in local personnel matters?"

He then ordered, "Men, seize Shen Bin! Send someone to fetch the magistrate of Guhe County."

However, none of the yamen runners from the Guhe County government responded.

Just as the constables accompanying Qiu Ying made their move, Zhao Lang drew his sword with a "whoosh," his face fierce, and said, "Let's see who dares!"

Li Yan and the other constables from Guhe County also drew their swords and looked coldly at the constables from Anzhou.

Qiu Ying said coldly, "To confront one's superior with weapons is truly rebellion!"

As the chief administrator of a prefecture, holding the rank of sixth grade, his words carried no weight when dealing with a county lieutenant of the ninth grade.
Zhang Xun's expression also changed drastically, and he shouted, "Shen Bin, what are you doing? Tell your men to put away their knives!"

Shen Bin said in a deep voice, "Military Advisor Zhang, you and I are old acquaintances. Chief Clerk Qiu does not have the authority to dismiss me."

The county magistrate, though only a ninth-rank official, held a high position and wielded great power due to his responsibility for maintaining order. Only the governor could dismiss him with a single word.

Because the governor, as the chief official, is a powerful regional official, even a county magistrate can be replaced, but the change must be reported to the imperial court.

Chief Secretary Qiu's face darkened; he was somewhat embarrassed.

He left in a hurry and did not ask Cui Xu, the prefect of Anzhou, for a handwritten letter with an official seal.

Just as the two sides were locked in a stalemate, the sound of hooves came from afar, and several Imperial Guards escorted an eunuch as they rode in.

After more than ten days, the imperial edict and official document, which had been delayed by the Ministry of Personnel for a long time, were issued by the Secretariat and the Chancellery and then carried out by the palace eunuchs in Guhe County.

"What is this?" Zhang Xun looked in the direction of the voice.

"Xilulu!"

With the neighing of horses, the young eunuch at the head of the group reined in his horse and looked at the group of officials in their uniforms with surprise, asking, "Where are Lu Fang, the magistrate of Guhe County, and Shen Bin, the county lieutenant?"

Upon hearing this, Shen Bin quickly took a few steps and said, "This humble official, Shen Bin, the county magistrate of Guhe, greets this imperial envoy."

Qiu Ying and Zhang Xun exchanged a glance, both seeing the confusion on each other's faces.

The eunuch's gaze softened, and he announced loudly, "Shen Bin, the county magistrate of Guhe, receive the imperial decree!"

Upon hearing this, everyone present was stunned.

(End of this chapter)