Chapter 41: Codename: Vermilion Bird

"Master Chu, what will my responsibilities be during this year of probation?" Gu Xu raised his head, questioning.

Having decided to join the Shenji Camp, he knew he needed to gather information, formulate a plan, and then give his all.

"Firstly, you need to stay in Yishui County and fulfill your duty as the Jingli," Hearing Gu Xu's words, Chu Fengge answered, "While carrying out your regular tasks, the headquarters of the Exorcism Bureau in the capital will also assign you some special missions. Your performance during these tasks will determine whether you can formally become a member of the Shenji Camp.

With these words, Chu Fengge waved his sleeve lightly, tossing a metal token into Gu Xu's hands.

He continued, "This token serves as a messenger. The Exorcism Bureau's headquarters will deliver your tasks through it."

Gu Xu caught the token.

The metal token was an antique copper color with some rust, cool to the touch.

In the center, two austere characters were inscribed in small seal script:

"Shenji Camp"

Could this old copper token truly transmit messages and receive tasks over long distances?

What kind of runes or formations made this possible?

Gu Xu felt a sense of novelty, a sudden urge to dissect and understand the mechanism behind it.

"Moreover, Jingli Gu," Chu Fengge paused for a moment, then continued, "when you're working for the Shenji Camp, they won't be stingy with benefits."

"Benefits?"

On hearing these words, Gu Xu's spirits lifted instantly.

Given the grandeur of the Shenji Camp, its perks must be remarkable, right?

He listened as Chu Fengge elaborated:

"Firstly, as a reserve member of the Shenji Camp, you are entitled to claim a unique mid-level martial art or magic skill from the treasury of the Exorcism Bureau's headquarters. I will provide you with a catalog later for you to choose the one best suited to you."

Gu Xu nodded, looking forward to this prospect.

Though he was a formidable practitioner among the first-level apprentices, he always felt overly reliant on talismanic arts in battle.

The talismanic arts indeed provided a powerful offense.

But their drawbacks were equally clear—Gu Xu had to spend significant time preparing talismans before each battle.

Should he encounter an unexpected situation with insufficient talismans on hand, his fate would likely be dire.

Therefore, expanding his combat skills had become an urgent priority.

This perk from the Shenji Camp was like timely rain for him.

"Secondly, to hone the practical skills of the Shenji Camp reserve members, the chief of the Bureau, the Imperial Tutor of Great Qi, and the Duke of Yan—all three saint-level powers—have jointly created the 'Dao Discussion Realm' over the past few months," Chu Fengge continued, "The 'Dao Discussion Realm' is a special illusionary realm. It randomly pairs two practitioners of the same level for a contest of skills.

"With the Shenji Camp's token in your hand, you can enter the 'Dao Discussion Realm' in the form of divine consciousness from anywhere within Great Qi's borders.

"Each quarter, the Exorcism Bureau will rank practitioners who enter the 'Dao Discussion Realm' based on their wins and losses. Those who rank high will receive additional rewards.

"However, since there are not many who currently hold the Shenji Camp's token, the 'Dao Discussion Realm' is only open on the first and fifteenth of each month."

Gu Xu looked at the Shenji Camp token in his hand and couldn't help but snicker: Isn't this just a 1v1 matchmaking duel from my past life's video games?

At the same time, the terrifying capability of a "Saint" to create a massive illusionary realm spanning the entire country left Gu Xu awestruck.

In this world, a "Saint" is referred to as a seventh-level practitioner.

Upon reaching the seventh level, one could shed the mortal body, reshape oneself, establish personal doctrine, and hence transcend to become a "Saint".

This was the ultimate goal Gu Xu had set for his life.

Of course, this goal still seemed quite distant.

For now, he planned to defeat as many competitors as possible in the "Dao Discussion Realm", climb the ranks, and strive to gain as many cultivation resources as possible from the Exorcism Bureau's headquarters.

Additionally, he considered using the same-level opponents as lab rats to test new talismans and spells.

After a few minutes pause, Chu Fengge continued his introduction:

"The third benefit is related to the famous Laoshan relic in Jiaodong Province.

"You may have heard that twenty-three years ago, in the first year of Tianxing, a man named Kong Xuan ascended to immortality on Mount Laoshan.

"His dwelling, a cave where he practiced his cultivation, was also located on Mount Laoshan—it is said to contain his legacy.

"In three months, Kong Xuan's cave will open.

"When the time comes, all the Shenji Camp reserve members within the Jiaodong Province will be eligible to explore it.

"As for what kind of opportunities you get and whether you can obtain the legacy of the ascended immortal depends entirely on you."

The legacy of the ascended immortal...

Hearing Chu Fengge's words, Gu Xu's expression did not change, but his heart was churning.

In the wilderness, there are nine realms of cultivation.

The seventh realm is sanctification, and the ninth is immortality.

A cultivator of the ninth realm, as long as they successfully pass through the thunder tribulation, can break free from the endless suffering of the world, ascend to the legendary immortal realm, and remain forever young.

This is a realm that Gu Xu only dares to look up to, but does not dare to aspire to.

And Kong Xuan of Lao Mountain was a mythical figure in his eyes.

Governor Chen Jisheng has always pessimistically believed that even if Gu Xu tried his best, it would be difficult for him to reach the seventh realm before the age of thirty and prolong his short life.

However, the term "immortal" is undoubtedly synonymous with "miracle".

If Gu Xu could obtain the opportunity left by the immortal, he might have a chance to change his fate and achieve this seemingly impossible goal.

At this moment, Gu Xu couldn't help but sigh deeply, joining this Shenji Camp was really worth it!

.......

"That's all the benefits you're entitled to for now, Jingli Gu" Chu Fengge abruptly interjected, severing the threads of Gu Xu's scattered thoughts. "From here on, strive with all your might! Don't let down the Chief's expectations of you!"

"Rest assured, this subordinate won't disappoint the Chief!" Gu Xu stood up, his voice calm but unwavering.

Almost imperceptibly, his form of self-reference had morphed from "this lowly one" to "this subordinate."

It signified his transition from a "clerk" to an "official."

At that moment, Chu Fengge produced a cylindrical tube seemingly from nowhere. He lightly shook it before Gu Xu's eyes, creating a soothing rustle.

Then he began, "Members of the Shenji Camp are named after ancient mythical beasts, symbolizing their commitment to uphold justice and safeguard peace.

"Jingli Gu, since you have decided to become a reserve member in the Shenji Camp, come and draw your own alias!"

Upon hearing this, Gu Xu stepped forward and casually drew a lot from the tube.

Neatly inscribed on the bamboo slip were two characters: "Vermilion Bird"

Moments later, the slip burst into red flames, soon reduced to ashes.

On the back of Gu Xu's Shenji Camp's token,' a new embossed image of a Vermilion Bird emerged.