Chapter 37: The Chief's Remarks

Outside the illusion, in the Main Hall of the Exorcism Bureau.

Chu Fengge stared intently at the images projected on the "Reminiscence Teapot", his emotions a whirlpool of complexity.

It happened too fast.

Just far too swiftly.

Despite preparing himself for Gu Xu's outrageous talent...

Gu Xu's ability to complete the Peach Blossom illusion with Ma Qin in less than an hour far exceeded his expectations.

Gu Xu's two Ghost-Killing Talismans, one that unexpectedly incinerated a room full of ghosts, and the other that instantly killed the Dream-Eating Mo, left a profound impression on Chu Fengge.

Others may marvel at Gu Xu's exaggerated mastery of talismanic arts.

But what alarmed Chu Fengge was Gu Xu's nimble mind and unorthodox fighting style -

All surrounding objects, including plates, wine, and even people, could be utilized by Gu Xu as his weapons.

And Gu Xu was never a stickler for traditions.

The generations-old "Supreme Northern Pole Demon-Slaying Ghost-Killing Talisman" had been thoroughly modified by him.

The solemn and serious "Invocation Spell" was casually reinterpreted by him.

He even whimsically carved the "Purification Talisman" into his own sea of consciousness.

In the path of cultivation, Gu Xu was a person with no scruples or rules.

Chu Fengge couldn't imagine what kind of formidable existence a person like Gu Xu would become on a real battlefield in the future.

Beyond this, there was one aspect of Gu Xu that made Chu Fengge deeply envious -

"How can this kid think of so many arrogant and vigorous lines during a fight?" Chu Fengge thought resentfully, "These lines should be said by me!"

For instance, "This homely tavern will cease to exist." and "The stage is set"... when Chu Fengge repeated these lines in Gu Xu's calm and indifferent tone, he felt incredibly cool.

Of course, Chu Fengge was a proud person - he wouldn't stoop to using second-hand lines, no matter how good they were.

He planned to have his subordinates think up some powerful lines for him to use in battle after this assessment.

A single catchphrase was clearly not enough.

Gu Xu would surely be his formidable adversary in the future, and he absolutely couldn't lose to him in terms of momentum.

........

Just then, his attendant Xu San cautiously approached Chu Fengge and said, "Sir Chu, now that Gu Xu and Ma Qin have passed the assessment, should we let them out of the 'The Reminiscence Teapot?"

Hearing this, Chu Fengge finally snapped out of his thoughts.

He realized that the consciousness of the two candidates was still trapped in the illusion within the pot.

So Chu Fengge immediately recited the incantation to end the assessment.

The image on the "The Reminiscence Teapot" gradually dimmed, then disappeared, reverting to its original pure and translucent state.

Gu Xu and Ma Qin, seated cross-legged in a corner of the hall, slowly opened their eyes, as if waking from a deep dream.

Due to the intense battle they just experienced within the "The Reminiscence Teapot" they both appeared somewhat weary.

"Congratulations on passing the Peach Blossom illusion," Chu Fengge said emotionlessly, "Wait outside the hall for the results."

"Yes, Sir," the two responded.

Despite the moment of judgment fast approaching, both candidates remained calm.

If Gu Xu's calm stemmed from his confidence...

Then Ma Qin's composure was derived from his choice to take things as they came.

Ma Qin secretly decided that after the assessment results were announced, he would quickly check out of the inn, then catch a carriage back to Qingzhou Prefecture under the radar, to resume his life as an ordinary minor official.

Although competition for positions in Qingzhou Prefecture was fierce, with little chance for advancement.

But he felt that if he stayed in Yishui County for too long, he would inevitably be driven to question his existence by the abnormality that was Gu Xu.

...

Exorcism Bureau Headquarters, the Star Observation Platform.

Once the assessment concluded, the images in the copper mirror vanished.

"Shangguan Jin, fetch the brush and inkstone," the Chief, Luo Chuan, commanded after a moment of silence.

"Yes, sir," replied Shangguan Jin. She rose swiftly, bringing the brush, ink, paper, and inkstone to Luo Chuan. Kneeling next to a low table, she began grinding the ink for him.

Thereafter, Luo Chuan lifted the brush, dipped it in the ink, and started to pen his evaluation of the two candidates, Gu Xu and Ma Qin.

As per the Bureau's long-standing tradition, when candidates participate in the promotion exam, the chief examiner or other senior officials would provide written feedback for future personnel arrangements.

Under normal circumstances, such a trivial matter would never demand Luo Chuan's personal involvement. However, when he was whimsically inclined to act, no one within the Exorcism Bureau could dissuade him.

First, he inscribed his commentary on Ma Qin on a sheet of pristine rice paper: "Overly prudent, lacking flexibility; diligently earnest, yet slightly less talented; capable as a bureaucrat, yet struggles to independently lead. Yet, his amiability, humility, frugality, and readiness to learn from others are commendable. With the right cultivation, he may well become a blessing to the populace."

Shangguan Jin silently observed as he composed the evaluation. While Luo Chuan acknowledged both Ma Qin's strengths and weaknesses, knowing Luo Chuan's character, she understood that he seldom lavished praise. In his handwriting, these words were nothing short of high commendation.

Endowed with a written endorsement from the Chief himself, Ma Qin was as if coated in gold, ensuring a smooth future career within the Exorcism Bureau and invoking the envy of many.

Of course, Shangguan Jin was aware that Luo Chuan only took notice of a relatively obscure individual like Ma Qin due to the presence of Gu Xu.

Subsequently, Luo Chuan fetched another sheet of rice paper, preparing to pen Gu Xu's evaluation. This time, he pondered for a long while, not rushing to put brush to paper.

Numerous words flitted through his mind, yet he deemed none fitting. After several minutes, he softly sighed and finally started writing, "Eager to learn, remarkably quick-witted, fearless in the face of danger, unconventional. If not cut down prematurely, will certainly become the backbone of this dynasty."

Upon seeing this commentary, Shangguan Jin could scarcely believe her eyes.

Such high praise... penned by the Chief himself? This was unlike his usual demeanor! Even prodigies like herself and Chu Fengge hadn't received such lofty praise back in the day but were instead criticized for their shortcomings under Luo Chuan's strict scrutiny.

What was it about Gu Xu that induced the Chief to diverge from his nature? Did he foresee a boundless future for Gu Xu using the Art of Divination?

Shangguan Jin was perplexed.

Just then, a guard rushed up to the Star Observation Platform along the staircase, depositing a stack of documents onto the table, and bowing to Luo Chuan, reported, "Chief, the ink scroll you sent to the palace has been read by Princess Zhao Ning. Here is her feedback."