CHAPTER 95: CHAPTER 95: THE DIVINE COUNTY MAGISTRATE

Having captured the three demons, Qi Xiu was satisfied as he shook the Gathering Yuan Treasure Bag in his hand.

He then took out a clean, close-fitting robe and put it on.

During his tribulation, his clothes had been battered beyond recognition by the Heavenly Gang Qi.

Afterward, he hadn’t had the chance to change while busy capturing the three demons.

Now that the dust had settled, he naturally couldn’t maintain the appearance of a disciple of the Beggar Sect.

"I’ve been chasing them without a chance to consider anything else. I don’t even know where I’ve ended up?"

Now a Cultivator of Dao, Qi Xiu grew a little bolder and looked around with curiosity.

The vast expanse of mountains stretched as far as the eye could see.

Besides the towering peaks that seemed endless in every direction, there were hardly any landmark buildings visible.

Helplessly rubbing his temples, Qi Xiu was about to ride his Escape Light in search of a populated area when a huge booming noise suddenly erupted from the distant horizon.

A foul-smelling, pitch-black blood cloud rose from the ground, swarming with flies and carrion birds. It coalesced into a grotesque, sticky mass of flesh that slammed heavily onto the earth, vaguely forming an ugly phantom with a human head and an animal’s body.

In the next instant, numerous sword lights soared to the sky.

Over a dozen ancient bronze flying swords, each as large as a door panel, resonated with a metallic roar. Their fierce Sword Intent blazed like a magnificent sun—no, like ten suns filling the sky—as they frantically shredded and annihilated the nauseating mass of flesh.

Such a commotion... This must be a battle at the Dao-Entering Realm level, or perhaps even higher, Qi Xiu nodded thoughtfully.

With a decisive thought, Qi Xiu immediately activated his Escape Light and shot off in the opposite direction!

Now is not the time to get involved in the commotion.

Although he had successfully stepped into the Dao-Entering Realm, due to the Hunyuan Dragon Tiger Scripture Mystery, all his martial arts and spells had been completely fused and integrated.

He possessed an exceptionally dense Gang Qi, far surpassing that of even veteran Cultivators of Dao.

It was like a top-level character in a game who had undergone reincarnation and refinement: his attributes had strengthened, but his level and skills were gone.

This period was an awkward window for his actual combat strength.

The techniques he could currently employ were quite limited. He needed time to re-master various abilities.

Therefore, until then, he had to adhere to his core creed: lie low and build strength. This was to avoid overextending himself and suffering an unexpected, ignominious defeat.

Riding the Escape Light, Qi Xiu continued on his way.

Flying with the Escape Light was an entirely different experience from Qinggong.

This feeling of complete detachment from the ground, of soaring freely, was so exhilarating it could make one want to remain airborne indefinitely, never wishing to walk again.

No wonder Yuan Baiyi would use his Escape Light even for a mere hundred-meter journey. The sensation truly is wonderful.

About half an hour later, after leaping over a wide and clear river, outlines of buildings began to appear on the horizon before him.

It was a county seat.

It was a county seat that, even from a distance, exuded an aura of profound history and significance.

Realizing this county seat was out of the ordinary, Qi Xiu deactivated his Escape Light and landed beside an official road.

There stood a boundary stone tablet by the road.

On it, three large characters were inscribed with powerful, vigorous strokes: Qingliu County!

"Qingliu County? Why does that name sound so familiar?"

As he stared at the words on the boundary stone, Qi Xiu felt like he had heard of this place before. Looking at the stone again and then back at the turbulent river behind him, Qi Xiu slapped his forehead.

He remembered! Qingliu County! The domain of Li Jiufang, that legendary County Magistrate! The one who, besieged by the Golden Flower Maternal Sect Rebel Army, single-handedly diverted the waters of the Nu River to drown tens of thousands of rebels. The county he governed was Qingliu County, wasn’t it? And Yuan Baiyi had also been ordered to march his troops here, it seemed.

Looking at the boundary stone before him, Qi Xiu hesitated and took a half step back.

Clearly, Qingliu County, capable of attracting so many young talents and home to a legendary County Magistrate, must be an incredibly prominent place.

And prominence meant being under intense scrutiny. Such a place was not ideal for him to stay.

It would be easy to get caught up in unforeseen troubles, which wasn’t conducive to his steady development.

But just as Qi Xiu was about to leave, he paused, reconsidering.

I’ve now reached the Dao-Entering Realm.

I need to acquire techniques suitable for the Dao-Entering Realm. Qingliu County may be dangerous, but with so many people gathered here, there are also more opportunities and connections.

A small county like Baoho County, while remote and peaceful, offers almost no chance of finding Dharma Gates of the Dao-Entering Realm.

The Ghost Market there didn’t even sell True Cultivation Powers, let alone Dao-Entering Dharma Gates.

I still have over ten Gui Ying Wu Shuang Talismans. If a critical situation arises, I can use them with my Escape Light to retreat safely. Besides, my luck can’t be *that* bad, can it? Qingliu County managed to withstand tens of thousands of rebels. Surely it won’t fall the moment I arrive.

Nodding thoughtfully, Qi Xiu turned, flicked his sleeves, and activated his Escape Light, heading along the official road towards the gates of Qingliu County.

「Qingliu County, Yamen - Rear Hall.」

This was a study strictly off-limits to outsiders. Its interior was simply yet exquisitely decorated, creating an atmosphere of tranquility and comfort.

There was an antique redwood desk placed in the study, with several ancient books on it. Next to the desk was a chair made of red sandalwood, emitting a faint, pleasing fragrance.

The desktop was neatly arranged with paper, the Four Treasures of the Study, and a bronze-glazed porcelain pen holder. The walls were covered with calligraphy, paintings, and manuscripts, some of which had yellowed with age.

The calligraphy and paintings displayed fluid strokes and concise lines, appearing even more vivid in the light. The manuscripts were densely covered with text.

"Young Master, a letter has arrived from home. They urge you to proceed to Qingzhou Prefecture as planned. You’ve been delayed in Qingliu County for a very long time." An elderly man with white hair and a benevolent face, holding a cup of tea, approached Li Jiufang, placed the cup down, and reminded him softly.

Li Jiufang slowly lifted his head and rubbed the bridge of his nose wearily. This widely renowned and esteemed legendary County Magistrate appeared to be in his thirties, his long hair tucked behind his ears, his features broad and kind.

Dressed in a wide-sleeved robe, he had the air of a learned Confucian scholar.

"I understand, Uncle Shou," Li Jiufang replied, "but with the frequent incursions by Demons from beyond the county borders, and the lingering presence of those rebels from the Golden Flower Maternal Sect, I fear that if I leave now, Qingliu County will face grave peril."

Taking a sip of tea, Li Jiufang’s gaze returned to a map on his desk, which was covered in dense markings. It was a map detailing the area within a five-hundred-li radius of Qingliu County.

These dense markings indicated the movement patterns of Demonic Evil Cultivators and the rebel armies of the heretical sect. The chaotic tangle of lines completely encircled Qingliu County.

It was as if a pair of colossal hands were poised to uproot the entire county seat!

"Young Master Wuji broke through to the Blood-Stained Realm yesterday. Third Master instructed me to tell you that if you don’t depart soon, he will come here personally." The old man’s brow furrowed slightly as he spoke.

Li Jiufang waved his hand. "I understand. Please reply to my father that I will set out to take up my post as soon as possible. Tell him to rest assured."

"Understood, Young Master."

The white-haired elder nodded gently, bowed, and departed, leaving Li Jiufang alone in the study.

After a long silence, a drawn-out sigh slowly rose.

"Alas... are the lives of the common folk, our fellow Human Race, truly to be regarded as no more than weeds?"

「Qingliu County.」

Entering this long-famed county seat for the first time, Qi Xiu felt somewhat dazed. The streets teemed with traffic—carriages and horses—and a throng of people, whether riding, driving carriages, or on foot, hurried along.

The clamor of carriages, footsteps, and shouts intertwined, creating a busy and lively atmosphere. Shopfronts were adorned with all kinds of signboards, and proprietors bustled about, arranging goods and soliciting customers.

Qi Xiu hadn’t witnessed such a lively scene in a long time. What was even more striking was that, besides the ordinary townsfolk, soldiers in various types of armor and military uniforms were visible everywhere.

In addition, there were groups of people clad in Taoist Robes, monastic robes, or practical short attire—clearly martial artists and cultivators. Occasionally, an Escape Light would streak across the sky.

Such a prosperous and bustling spectacle was truly eye-opening for Qi Xiu.

Compared to this Qingliu County, Baoho County really is just a remote backwater.

"Interesting. Coming to Qingliu County was indeed the right decision," Qi Xiu murmured, his interest piqued as a group of Sword Cultivators passed by, each leading a Jiao-scale Dragon Horse.

He felt an inexplicable sense of exhilaration, as if he had stepped into his element.

First, I need to find a place to stay.

He strolled through the city with casual ease.

Perhaps due to his long period of solitary cultivation, now that he was in this bustling city, Qi Xiu was like a curious child, eager to see everything.

After a short while, having passed through two streets, Qi Xiu stopped before a rather large restaurant.

"Sir, are you here for a meal, or looking for lodging?" a waiter with a white towel draped over his shoulder greeted him with a smile.

"I’ll eat first. Bring four of your signature dishes," Qi Xiu replied, choosing a seat by the window. He picked up a pair of chopsticks and casually surveyed the restaurant.

The restaurant had three stories, with dining areas on the first and second floors. At least half of the twenty-odd tables were occupied. Looking at the dishes on the tables, there was an abundance of fish, meat, and wine; it was quite lavish.

With so much chaos outside, it’s surprising that restaurants in Qingliu County can still operate normally. Are merchant caravans still able to make deliveries at a time like this?

A flicker of doubt in his mind, Qi Xiu didn’t have to wait long. The waiter soon approached with the dishes, and Qi Xiu took the opportunity to ask, "Waiter, if I may ask, I’ve heard things are very chaotic outside. How does your restaurant manage to get supplies like vegetables, meat, fish, and shrimp?"

Hearing Qi Xiu’s question, the waiter smiled and replied, "You must be from out of town, sir. You might not know, but our Qingliu County isn’t like other county seats. We don’t need to rely on outside deliveries for our vegetables, meat, fish, and shrimp at all."

"Oh? How so?"

"When you’ve finished your meal, sir, just head out the door and go straight east. After you pass Ziwu Avenue, you’ll see a large cluster of wooden buildings. Once you get there, you’ll understand," the waiter said, leaving Qi Xiu with a little riddle before excusing himself and walking away.

No need for outside deliveries? Could it be that the entire city is self-sufficient in food? But even if they started planting now, it wouldn’t be in time.

His curiosity piqued, Qi Xiu quickly finished his meal and set off, following the route the waiter had described. Leaving the restaurant, he headed north, and after crossing Ziwu Avenue.

Amidst the teeming, bustling crowd, he found the cluster of wooden buildings the waiter had mentioned.

He looked up at a magnificent archway, soaring over a hundred feet high. It was adorned with carved beams and painted rafters, depicting rosy clouds and the rising sun.

Qi Xiu’s gaze fell upon a line of large, gold-lacquered characters in the center.

Shen’s Myriad Goods Pavilion!