Chapter 313: Matters

Chapter 313: The Matter

Upon hearing Tuoba Danqing’s words, Li Huo Wang’s spirit instantly lifted. What had he labored so hard for in joining the Supervisory Bureau of Heaven? Was it not to gain trust within its ranks and acquire intelligence on Bei Feng?

Since the pillow had been placed right at his bedside, how could he not take advantage of it? “Oh? Brother Tuoba, what exactly is this matter about?”

A piece of paper was handed to Li Huo Wang, recording an incident that had occurred in a county town within the state of Da Liang.

As he read through the absurd events listed, Li Huo Wang’s brow gradually furrowed. “Such things... Could it be the Sect of Forgetfulness?”

At that thought, Hong Zhong, standing nearby, couldn’t sit still anymore. He looked disdainfully at him and said, “Hey hey hey, what makes you think it's the Sect of Forgetfulness? Which line on this paper even remotely connects with them?”

“So now you’re saying every incident is caused by the Sect of Forgetfulness? You might as well say these once-in-a-decade celestial disasters are also their doing!”

Li Huo Wang chose to ignore him, quickly scanning the paper before stowing it away. Turning toward Tuoba Danqing, he said, “Brother Tuoba, rest assured—leave this matter to me! Since I’ve joined the Supervisory Bureau of Heaven, if the Bureau needs me, then I shall shoulder my duty without hesitation!”

Seeing Li Huo Wang respond so readily, Tuoba Danqing’s eyes flickered with something unusual. “Elder Brother Er, so eager to accept? Don’t even ask about the reward? Hahahaha, don’t you fear I’ll shorten your lifespan?”

“Of course not. I trust Brother Tuoba completely. And for the sake of our Supervisory Bureau of Heaven, what reward could possibly be too much?”

Hearing Li Huo Wang speak such righteous words, Tuoba Danqing held his wine cup, smiling ambiguously at him.

“Click,” he set the cup down on the table. “To put it plainly, we don’t care what name that emperor goes by—he’s just a puppet. We all joined the Supervisory Bureau of Heaven for a meal and a place to lean on.”

“Elder Brother Er, I truly regard you as a brother, but I suspect your reason for joining differs from ours.”

At this point, the atmosphere, which had relaxed slightly, turned cold again instantly.

“Be careful with what you say. You accepted too quickly—this guy already suspects you,” Hong Zhong interjected appropriately.

The tipsy Li Huo Wang quickly calmed down. He knew that now, he had to answer correctly. If he made one wrong move, the connection with the Supervisory Bureau of Heaven might snap!

Various scenes flashed through Li Huo Wang’s mind, until one image froze—“The Book of Deception!”

“Why did you join the Supervisory Bureau of Heaven?” As he spoke, Li Huo Wang’s breathing grew more rapid. His eyes filled with hatred and murderous intent. “To fight the Sect of Forgetfulness!”

“They deceived me! They deceived everyone in our Aojing Sect’s Cross Temple! In the end, they killed everyone except me!”

“I hate them! I heard that the Supervisory Bureau of Heaven fights the Sect of Forgetfulness, so I joined! As long as the Sect of Forgetfulness lives, my heart will never find peace!”

At that moment, the ceramic wine cup in Li Huo Wang’s hand cracked violently under his grip.

Though his reason was false, the hatred was absolutely real.

Hearing Li Huo Wang’s intense reaction, Tuoba Danqing sighed and set down his wine cup. “So that’s what it is. I’ve heard about the incident in Siqi. Didn’t expect it to involve Elder Brother Ejiu.”

“Alas, elder brother has caused you to recall painful memories. Brother was wrong. Brother shall punish himself with three cups.” Saying that, Tuoba Danqing raised his cup high and drank it all in one go.

After three drinks, the tipsy Tuoba Danqing returned to his usual self. “Elder Brother, rest assured. Since you oppose the Sect of Forgetfulness, elder brother will look after you. From now on, matters concerning the Sect of Forgetfulness will be given priority to you. May you soon avenge your grievances!”

Li Huo Wang’s performance wasn’t merely to pass the test—it had deeper intentions.

He leaned forward slightly, his expression excited as he asked, “Brother Tuoba, I’ve heard there are some secrets within the Bureau that outsiders can’t access. Since I’m now part of the Supervisory Bureau of Heaven, may I be allowed to see them?”

That was his goal. If he could seize this opportunity today, it would be ideal.

Hearing this, Tuoba Danqing showed a trace of reluctance. “Ah, Elder Brother Er, I know you have a blood feud with the Sect of Forgetfulness, but those are top-secret files. You're only a Gui Zu now—even if I give you face, you still need to reach the Geng Qi level yourself.”

“So you mean, once I rise to the Geng Qi rank in the Supervisory Bureau of Heaven, I’ll be able to access all the secrets of the Sect of Forgetfulness?”

“Of course. The Ministry of Rites keeps records of centuries of battles between the Bureau and the Sect of Forgetfulness. They guard it so tightly, fearing those lunatics might tamper with or burn it all.”

Li Huo Wang nodded firmly. At that moment, he found his target. He must rise quickly to the Geng Qi rank in the Supervisory Bureau of Heaven to gain access to everything about the Sect of Forgetfulness.

After reviewing the information in his mind, Li Huo Wang asked again, “May I ask, Brother Tuoba, how does one advance in rank within the Bureau?”

Tuoba Danqing picked up a tender piece of chicken and stuffed it into his mouth, smiling. “I knew you’d ask. Elder Brother Er, I know you want revenge, but you must eat your rice one bite at a time. Don’t rush.”

“The promotions in the Supervisory Bureau of Heaven are all approved by the Grand Minister, who is the disciple of the Imperial Astronomical Bureau.”

“In general, the Bureau keeps track of how many tasks you complete. If they feel you’ve earned it, they’ll promote you.”

“Oh, and don’t think that promotions depend on strength alone. Unless you’ve sacrificed your life for the Bureau, no matter how powerful you are, you’ll remain a lowly Gui Zu.”

“At first, you rise fast. Later, it slows down. That job you handled earlier went well. If you keep going like this, in no more than half a year, you’ll be promoted to Ren Wu.”

“Ah, don’t underestimate each step! The tokens differ, and so do the statuses. Benefits you receive from the Bureau also vary. Many people join the Supervisory Bureau not just for rewards.”

“Half a year?” Li Huo Wang couldn’t wait half a year. Who knows how long it would take to reach Geng Qi?

“Brother Tuoba, half a year is too long. Is there another way to rise faster? Even if the reward is less, I cannot rest until the Sect of Forgetfulness is gone!”

“Hmm…” Tuoba Danqing, holding his wine cup, pondered.

“Fine, I’ll make an exception. There’s a tricky matter here. Originally, I was meant to handle it. If you can solve it, I’ll speak well of you to the Grand Minister. He should promote you to Ren Wu.”

At that, Tuoba Danqing gave a subtle smile. “When you return, I’ll show you what comes with higher status!”

Seeing his goal achieved, Li Huo Wang smiled, lowering his wine cup slightly and clinking it against the other’s. “Thank you, Brother Tuoba. I drink to your health!”

Once the toast was done, the wine was soon finished. After two incense sticks had burned, Tuoba Danqing staggered to his feet and walked outside.

“Alright, remember to come early. I’ve given you the address. Don’t miss the time. Oh, and that blind man Chen is waiting in the City God Temple of Yinling City. If you want to return that mirror to him, go find him yourself.”

(End of Chapter)