Chapter 11: Promotion Opportunity

"Jishi" was a ninth-ranked official position responsible for apprehending and capturing individuals.

It was somewhat akin to a sheriff.

The only difference was that their targets were not human criminals but ghosts and monsters.

At first glance, it seemed not much different from Gu Xu's current job.

However, there was a world of difference between being an imperial official and a lowly underling.

Not only did their social status differ greatly, but having an official position meant having access to tasks with higher rewards, classified literature and resources, a wider network, and richer cultivation resources.

For Gu Xu's future cultivation path, this held extraordinary significance.

In fact, with Gu Xu's complete cultivation at the First Stage and his prominent position on the Merit List, his qualifications far exceeded the minimum requirements for serving as a Jishi of the Exorcism Bureau.

Unfortunately, Yishui County was a remote and insignificant place, with limited official positions and many applicants.

For Gu Xu to become an imperial official, he had to wait for others to vacate their positions—either through retirement, promotion, or dismissal.

Sometimes he also had to consider seniority and give opportunities to more experienced predecessors.

Shi Xiaohan was a special case.

Who asked her to have a powerful father?

Because opportunities were scarce, when Gu Xu heard that he had a chance to become an imperial official, an expectant smile unconsciously appeared on his face.

"But," at that moment, Chen Jisheng suddenly changed the topic, pouring cold water on Gu Xu. "Although I listed many of your strengths in the recommendation letter, praising you like a flower, the higher authorities still question your abilities."

"They think you're too young, lack experience, and cannot handle such a heavy responsibility. They believe there are better candidates than you."

Gu Xu's smile froze.

What a bunch of stubborn old men. Haven't they heard of "Do not underestimate the younger generation just because they lack wealth"?

He silently complained in his heart.

Nevertheless, he maintained a calm expression and politely asked, "Governor Chen, do you think I still have a chance?"

With Chen Jisheng's character, if he was willing to bring up this matter, it meant that there was still a slight possibility of success.

"Of course, there is hope," Chen Jisheng said in a plain tone. "Afterward, I wrote several letters to the Exorcism Bureau's headquarters in the capital, engaging in conversations about your astonishing cultivation speed and your excellent performance in previous missions—they were finally convinced by my eloquent words and agreed to give you a chance."

"If everything goes as expected, the headquarters will send someone to Yishui County next month to arrange an assessment for you."

"As long as you pass the assessment and outperform your competitors, you will be able to wear the black hat and become the new Jishi of the Exorcism Bureau in Yishui County."

"Gu Xu, do you have confidence in yourself?"

Although Chen Jisheng's words sounded casual and effortless, Gu Xu could sense that his superior had gone to great lengths behind the scenes to secure this assessment opportunity for him.

This touched him somewhat.

"Governor Chen, you should know that I have always been confident in myself." Gu Xu raised the corners of his mouth, revealing a faint smile.

This smile was like the first ray of sunlight in the morning, bright but not dazzling, adding a touch of warmth to the whole room.

Next to him, Shi Xiaohan was stunned for a moment.

She hadn't expected Gu Xu to look so good when he smiled.

"Do you know who your competitor is?" Chen Jisheng stared into Gu Xu's eyes and asked.

Gu Xu shook his head. "Please enlighten me, Governor Chen."

"It's Ma Qin, a county official from Qingzhou Prefecture, a Second Stage cultivator with ten years of experience in slaying demons and exorcising ghosts," Chen Jisheng replied.

Upon hearing this, Gu Xu felt somewhat surprised.

Has the Great Qi Dynasty degenerated to such a degree?

A Second Stage cultivator from a big city like Qingzhou Prefecture was actually coming to this remote and insignificant county to compete for a grassroots official position?

"Are you afraid?" Chen Jisheng seemed to sense Gu Xu's doubt and joked, "If you're afraid, it's not too late to give up, so you don't end up losing to others and crying in front of me."

"Governor Chen, rest assured! I will make you proud!" Gu Xu replied with a smile.

"Heh, with your mediocre skills, I'll be satisfied as long as you don't embarrass me," Chen Jisheng said nonchalantly.

Gu Xu smiled.

He knew that Chen Jisheng was someone who said one thing but meant another.

Although he said that Gu Xu's abilities were inadequate, deep down, he hoped that Gu Xu would excel and give those arrogant bastards from the higher authorities a good slap in the face.

"Governor Chen, do you know what will be assessed? I would like to prepare in advance." Gu Xu continued to ask.

Jokes aside, he had to take this crucial assessment seriously and be fully prepared.

"There are three parts," Chen Jisheng extended three fingers. "Qualifications, theory, and practical combat."

"It sounds quite strict."

"The Exorcism Bureau has always had high requirements for the comprehensive qualities of its officials," Chen Jisheng continued. "I'm not worried about the first two parts. It's the practical combat part where you might be rubbed against the ground repeatedly by that experienced Ma Qin."

This time, Gu Xu didn't argue.

In the business of ghost-hunting, there were high risks and many variables.

Reading ten thousand books is not as good as traveling ten thousand miles.

An opponent with ten years of experience was indeed a formidable rival for him.

"I will do my best," he said calmly.

Chen Jisheng nodded and said lightly, "Take care of yourself, and don't push yourself too hard."

......

Next came the time for exchanging merits.

Previously, Gu Xu had fifteen merits remaining.

After completing the Wang family mansion mission, he gained an additional one hundred and twenty merits.

Now he had one hundred and thirty-five merits.

After some contemplation, he spent one hundred merits to exchange for a Spirit Gathering Pill.

The Spirit Gathering Pill was used to refine True Qi and strengthen the spirit. It could increase the success rate of a First Stage cultivator breaking through to the Second Stage by at least fifty percent.

As a First Stage cultivator at the pinnacle, Gu Xu's breakthrough opportunity could arrive at any time.

He had to be prepared in advance.

If he accidentally had sudden enlightenment but didn't have the pill with him, a large amount of Yin Qi could rush into his meridians, leading to instant death.

Shi Xiaohan stood by, crossing her arms and not exchanging anything.

She had already accumulated over eight hundred merits.

Since exchanging for the 'Kunwu Sword' and the 'Overlord Sword Technique' in Qingzhou Prefecture, she no longer cared for the 'cheap goods' in Yishui County's storeroom.

As the young miss of a noble family, she could directly ask her family for essential cultivation items like pills.

The merits she earned from missions were better off saved to exchange for "luxury items" in Qingzhou Prefecture.

Gu Xu couldn't help but think to himself: If the income and expenditure of merits could be measured by Engel's coefficient, then Shi Xiaohan must be among the wealthiest of those people!

"Gu Xu, when you earn enough merits, let's go to Qingzhou Prefecture's storeroom together! I'll help you pick a few good things!" Shi Xiaohan said excitedly.

"Sure!" Gu Xu smiled and nodded.

At the same time, he couldn't help but silently calculate in his mind how many more ghosts and monsters he had to kill to accumulate enough merits to exchange for items like the 'Kunwu Sword' and the 'Overlord Sword Technique.'

Conclusion: The road to obtaining "luxury items" was long and arduous.