Chapter 42
Generous Rewards, Blade Pointed at Enemies!
The triennial Chuwei County selection competition has concluded, and nearly 100,000 spectators have gradually left.
Gu Lin's name was recorded in the county annals. His astonishing combat prowess on the martial arts stage stands as a monument, inspiring countless talented young martial artists.
"When will we head to Chuzhou?" On the high platform, Commander Cao stood in front of Gu Lin.
Gu Lin replied respectfully:
"This subordinate will return to Shiyang County to handle the matter."
Commander Cao frowned:
"It will take about ten days to travel there and back before we can set off, and it will take a month to reach the prefectural capital!"
Gu Lin could only remain silent.
Some people deserve to be killed!
His status has changed, but his mindset hasn't. He lacks the magnanimity of a saint; only by killing can he find peace of mind.
Moreover, the existence of the "Book of Merit" can also enhance one's strength!
Commander Cao stared at him and said in a deep voice:
"Upon joining the Holy Land, one will undergo a three-month Spirit Cleansing Pool. The Spirit Cleansing Pool is one of the most precious cultivation treasures of the Feathered Divine Dynasty, and it is unique to the Holy Land. The Spirit Cleansing Pool can completely unleash cultivation potential, allowing one to break through realms in a short period of time. Each cultivator can only undergo this cleansing once in their lifetime."
"These three months are crucial. According to you, you should have ten fewer days of purification than others!"
Upon hearing this, Gu Lin clasped his hands in apology.
No matter how precious the Cleansing Pool is, it's not even a fraction as valuable as the Book of Merit. He still planned to return to Shiyang County first.
Commander Cao nodded helplessly and said slowly:
"After the three-month cleansing pool, there will be two months to stabilize your cultivation level. Five months later, the Holy Land Grand Competition will be held, where all newly recruited Holy Land members will compete for the brilliant crown."
Gu Lin listened quietly.
Cao Baihu continued:
"The winner will automatically advance three levels, the top three will advance two levels, and the top ten will advance one level. This is an excellent opportunity for promotion. If you miss this opportunity, you may not be able to get promoted even after five years of hard work."
"The top-ranked player will be rewarded by the central government of the Divine Dynasty with a mid-grade Earth-rank magic weapon and a low-grade Heaven-rank cultivation technique, and their respective holy land will also receive generous rewards."
"The top three and top ten will receive corresponding rewards."
When he spoke, Cao Baihu's face remained calm, showing no emotional fluctuations. He was simply giving a normal reminder according to the onboarding process.
Gu Lin has absolutely no chance of making it into the top ten.
Chuzhou has 26 prefectures and cities. The prefecture capital, Chucheng, has 68 places for sacred sites. The other eight large prefectures have 24 places each, and the five medium prefectures have 12 places each. Chuwei Prefecture is one of the smaller prefectures.
In the grand competitions of all dynasties, it was considered a remarkable achievement for the champion of a small county to even make it into the top ten!
Moreover, there are seven or eight young prodigies in the prefecture who are already close to the fifth level of the Cave Profound Realm. These are the most dazzling newcomers in the Holy Land.
Toji can definitely secure two spots; these two will be the seed players to bring glory to the Toji Holy Land!
Gu Lin's expression remained unchanged, but he was deep in thought.
The so-called cultivation method requires one to wait until breaking through to the Knowing Destiny Realm, where internal energy is transformed into true essence. Whether one is a martial artist or a Confucian or Taoist, one must cultivate the cultivation method. The level of the cultivation method determines the upper limit of one's future.
The cultivation techniques are divided into four levels: Heaven, Earth, Black, and Yellow.
The ten major sects of Chuwei County only have high-grade Yellow Rank cultivation techniques as their trump card, while the reward for the Holy Land Grand Competition is Heaven Rank!
This is the terrifying aspect of the Holy Land!
Of course, Gu Lin didn't care.
He believed that the Book of Merit would surely reward better practices.
Even after reaching the Knowing Destiny Realm, martial arts techniques are divided into four levels: Heaven, Earth, Profound, and Yellow. He also believes in the Book of Merit!
After all, the martial arts he has mastered are definitely among the top-tier ones below the Knowing Destiny Realm!
Gu Lin definitely wanted the magical artifact.
He hasn't yet mastered the art of magic. Even if he were to embark on the path of magic cultivation, it would be impossible for him to refine a level-earth magic weapon in a short period of time. If he had a mid-grade level-earth magic weapon by his side, his combat power would increase significantly!
What appealed to him most about what Lord Cao said was that the top ten would be promoted. Promotion meant higher power, and power could handle matters of greater evil, which perfectly matched the Book of Merit!
Gu Lin made a decisive decision.
Our immediate goal is the Holy Land Grand Competition in five months!
For the sake of my future and for the reward, I must do my utmost!
Commander Cao gazed at Gu Lin and said gently:
"Now that the selection competition is over, and you're preparing to return to Shiyang County, we'll head back to Chuzhou. I'll leave behind thirty assistants to serve you."
Gu Lin respectfully clasped his hands in a fist and palm salute:
"Thank you, Lord Cao! I swear to serve you to the death!"
Cao Baihu nodded in satisfaction and, without any hesitation, immediately led the members of the East Temple away.
Gu Lin was extremely respectful:
"Respectfully seeing off Lord Cao, and respectfully seeing off all my colleagues."
On the other side, the other three holy sites were also preparing to leave when one person strode in with a powerful and imposing presence.
The newcomer stared coldly at Gu Lin, all traces of dignity and composure gone, replaced only by a furious rage that seemed to tear at the heartstrings.
"Very well, don't fall into my trap, or I'll make you wish you were dead!"
Gu Lin looked at him calmly and nodded gently:
"I'll play along."
Zhao Can grinned menacingly and said in a cold voice:
"Having entered Chuzhou, who do you think you are? This day won't last long. Remember how Yao'er died, Ye Ye!"
After saying that, he left in anger.
Gu Lin remained silent; he never engaged in verbal battles.
Everything depends on strength.
After the holy sites departed, thirty sword-wielding men from the East Temple, dressed in official robes adorned with deer, arrived in unison, their voices booming like thunder:
"Greetings, Lord Gu!"
Gu Lin bowed slightly and said with a smile:
"Please, everyone, no need for formalities."
Immediately afterwards, Yan Shouxu, Wei Xuan, and Lin Yan'er, also dressed in official robes with deer motifs and bronze deer tokens hanging from their waists, walked into the procession with high spirits.
However, when they met Lord Gu's gaze, they felt genuinely grateful.
Gu Lin nodded slightly, indicating that there was no need to say anything more.
A moment later, all the officials, big and small, from Chuwei County came to offer their congratulations, but Gu Lin casually brushed them off.
"Approaching..."
Zhou Man's excited voice was forcibly interrupted by her husband.
"Depending on your status, you must address me as 'Sir' in public to show respect," Gu Changchuan reminded his wife in a low voice, pulling her arm.
"Lord Gu!"
The couple's voices were loud and clear, and they were so excited that they could hardly contain themselves.
"Lord Gu!" Little Fatty Wang Mu shouted loudly.
"Father and Mother, please don't stand on ceremony." Gu Lin quickly came forward, and looking at his father's red eyes, he couldn't help but feel proud.
Calming himself, he pulled the two to the edge and whispered:
"Father, Mother, you should set off for Chuzhou now. I will have a few sword-wielding men accompany you."
Zhou Man wiped away her tears and asked, puzzled:
"Lin'er, Mother still needs to go back to Shiyang County to pack her bags..."
Most importantly, returning home in glory is like wearing fine clothes in the dark; she has to show off to the neighbors with fanfare and enjoy the feeling of being superior to others.
"We'll listen to Jingming!" Gu Changchuan snapped, his excitement masking his concern for the official position promised by Dongsi.
"However, Jingming, we bet 1,000 taels of silver before the competition, and now we have a return of 59,000 taels!"
Fifty-nine times! Jingming really did it!
Gu Lin nodded:
"We definitely need to get this!"
In the blink of an eye, he became a millionaire; it truly is a leap across social classes.
Although once you enter the holy land, you'll likely be using spirit stones from now on, money is money, and a huge sum of money is just as good anywhere.
After exchanging a few words with his parents, Gu Lin returned to the high platform, looked at the thirty-three sword-wielders, and said with a smile:
"Only twenty-three people need to accompany you. The remaining ten will follow Lord Cao back to Chuzhou, and please take my parents with you as well. Thank you."
The ghostwriters all said in unison:
"I will obey Lord Gu's orders!"
Ten people escorted Gu Changchuan and Zhou Man to various gambling dens to collect silver.
Gu Lin drafted the official document on the spot.
He called over the chubby boy, Wang Mu.
Wang Mu stared at Gu Jingming, feeling as if he had been transported to another world. Just a few months ago, he was just drifting through life at the Huangzi School, and now he held a high position. He asked cautiously:
"Lord Gu, I...Is it permissible for me to travel to Chu Prefecture?"
Gu Lin smiled and nodded:
"Of course, I'll find you a job then."
Wang Mu was overjoyed and could hardly contain his smile.
Gu Lin continued writing, then suddenly frowned and said:
"What was that thing that barked at me like that in the academy? It said it wanted to challenge me and told me to wait."
After much deliberation, Wang Mu firmly stated:
"Zhuang Wei!"
Gu Lin nodded and added Zhuang Wei's name to the official document.
He is neither magnanimous nor forgiving. As for arguing with ants as undignified, so what? Since they have offended him, adding their name to the Book of Life and Death is just a matter of a stroke of the pen.
Wang Mu was shocked.
Did he know that Gu Jingming now wields power, and that his official document represents the legitimate and reasonable handling of the matter by the central government of the Divine Dynasty?
......
......
Gu Lin's name was recorded in the county annals. His astonishing combat prowess on the martial arts stage stands as a monument, inspiring countless talented young martial artists.
"When will we head to Chuzhou?" On the high platform, Commander Cao stood in front of Gu Lin.
Gu Lin replied respectfully:
"This subordinate will return to Shiyang County to handle the matter."
Commander Cao frowned:
"It will take about ten days to travel there and back before we can set off, and it will take a month to reach the prefectural capital!"
Gu Lin could only remain silent.
Some people deserve to be killed!
His status has changed, but his mindset hasn't. He lacks the magnanimity of a saint; only by killing can he find peace of mind.
Moreover, the existence of the "Book of Merit" can also enhance one's strength!
Commander Cao stared at him and said in a deep voice:
"Upon joining the Holy Land, one will undergo a three-month Spirit Cleansing Pool. The Spirit Cleansing Pool is one of the most precious cultivation treasures of the Feathered Divine Dynasty, and it is unique to the Holy Land. The Spirit Cleansing Pool can completely unleash cultivation potential, allowing one to break through realms in a short period of time. Each cultivator can only undergo this cleansing once in their lifetime."
"These three months are crucial. According to you, you should have ten fewer days of purification than others!"
Upon hearing this, Gu Lin clasped his hands in apology.
No matter how precious the Cleansing Pool is, it's not even a fraction as valuable as the Book of Merit. He still planned to return to Shiyang County first.
Commander Cao nodded helplessly and said slowly:
"After the three-month cleansing pool, there will be two months to stabilize your cultivation level. Five months later, the Holy Land Grand Competition will be held, where all newly recruited Holy Land members will compete for the brilliant crown."
Gu Lin listened quietly.
Cao Baihu continued:
"The winner will automatically advance three levels, the top three will advance two levels, and the top ten will advance one level. This is an excellent opportunity for promotion. If you miss this opportunity, you may not be able to get promoted even after five years of hard work."
"The top-ranked player will be rewarded by the central government of the Divine Dynasty with a mid-grade Earth-rank magic weapon and a low-grade Heaven-rank cultivation technique, and their respective holy land will also receive generous rewards."
"The top three and top ten will receive corresponding rewards."
When he spoke, Cao Baihu's face remained calm, showing no emotional fluctuations. He was simply giving a normal reminder according to the onboarding process.
Gu Lin has absolutely no chance of making it into the top ten.
Chuzhou has 26 prefectures and cities. The prefecture capital, Chucheng, has 68 places for sacred sites. The other eight large prefectures have 24 places each, and the five medium prefectures have 12 places each. Chuwei Prefecture is one of the smaller prefectures.
In the grand competitions of all dynasties, it was considered a remarkable achievement for the champion of a small county to even make it into the top ten!
Moreover, there are seven or eight young prodigies in the prefecture who are already close to the fifth level of the Cave Profound Realm. These are the most dazzling newcomers in the Holy Land.
Toji can definitely secure two spots; these two will be the seed players to bring glory to the Toji Holy Land!
Gu Lin's expression remained unchanged, but he was deep in thought.
The so-called cultivation method requires one to wait until breaking through to the Knowing Destiny Realm, where internal energy is transformed into true essence. Whether one is a martial artist or a Confucian or Taoist, one must cultivate the cultivation method. The level of the cultivation method determines the upper limit of one's future.
The cultivation techniques are divided into four levels: Heaven, Earth, Black, and Yellow.
The ten major sects of Chuwei County only have high-grade Yellow Rank cultivation techniques as their trump card, while the reward for the Holy Land Grand Competition is Heaven Rank!
This is the terrifying aspect of the Holy Land!
Of course, Gu Lin didn't care.
He believed that the Book of Merit would surely reward better practices.
Even after reaching the Knowing Destiny Realm, martial arts techniques are divided into four levels: Heaven, Earth, Profound, and Yellow. He also believes in the Book of Merit!
After all, the martial arts he has mastered are definitely among the top-tier ones below the Knowing Destiny Realm!
Gu Lin definitely wanted the magical artifact.
He hasn't yet mastered the art of magic. Even if he were to embark on the path of magic cultivation, it would be impossible for him to refine a level-earth magic weapon in a short period of time. If he had a mid-grade level-earth magic weapon by his side, his combat power would increase significantly!
What appealed to him most about what Lord Cao said was that the top ten would be promoted. Promotion meant higher power, and power could handle matters of greater evil, which perfectly matched the Book of Merit!
Gu Lin made a decisive decision.
Our immediate goal is the Holy Land Grand Competition in five months!
For the sake of my future and for the reward, I must do my utmost!
Commander Cao gazed at Gu Lin and said gently:
"Now that the selection competition is over, and you're preparing to return to Shiyang County, we'll head back to Chuzhou. I'll leave behind thirty assistants to serve you."
Gu Lin respectfully clasped his hands in a fist and palm salute:
"Thank you, Lord Cao! I swear to serve you to the death!"
Cao Baihu nodded in satisfaction and, without any hesitation, immediately led the members of the East Temple away.
Gu Lin was extremely respectful:
"Respectfully seeing off Lord Cao, and respectfully seeing off all my colleagues."
On the other side, the other three holy sites were also preparing to leave when one person strode in with a powerful and imposing presence.
The newcomer stared coldly at Gu Lin, all traces of dignity and composure gone, replaced only by a furious rage that seemed to tear at the heartstrings.
"Very well, don't fall into my trap, or I'll make you wish you were dead!"
Gu Lin looked at him calmly and nodded gently:
"I'll play along."
Zhao Can grinned menacingly and said in a cold voice:
"Having entered Chuzhou, who do you think you are? This day won't last long. Remember how Yao'er died, Ye Ye!"
After saying that, he left in anger.
Gu Lin remained silent; he never engaged in verbal battles.
Everything depends on strength.
After the holy sites departed, thirty sword-wielding men from the East Temple, dressed in official robes adorned with deer, arrived in unison, their voices booming like thunder:
"Greetings, Lord Gu!"
Gu Lin bowed slightly and said with a smile:
"Please, everyone, no need for formalities."
Immediately afterwards, Yan Shouxu, Wei Xuan, and Lin Yan'er, also dressed in official robes with deer motifs and bronze deer tokens hanging from their waists, walked into the procession with high spirits.
However, when they met Lord Gu's gaze, they felt genuinely grateful.
Gu Lin nodded slightly, indicating that there was no need to say anything more.
A moment later, all the officials, big and small, from Chuwei County came to offer their congratulations, but Gu Lin casually brushed them off.
"Approaching..."
Zhou Man's excited voice was forcibly interrupted by her husband.
"Depending on your status, you must address me as 'Sir' in public to show respect," Gu Changchuan reminded his wife in a low voice, pulling her arm.
"Lord Gu!"
The couple's voices were loud and clear, and they were so excited that they could hardly contain themselves.
"Lord Gu!" Little Fatty Wang Mu shouted loudly.
"Father and Mother, please don't stand on ceremony." Gu Lin quickly came forward, and looking at his father's red eyes, he couldn't help but feel proud.
Calming himself, he pulled the two to the edge and whispered:
"Father, Mother, you should set off for Chuzhou now. I will have a few sword-wielding men accompany you."
Zhou Man wiped away her tears and asked, puzzled:
"Lin'er, Mother still needs to go back to Shiyang County to pack her bags..."
Most importantly, returning home in glory is like wearing fine clothes in the dark; she has to show off to the neighbors with fanfare and enjoy the feeling of being superior to others.
"We'll listen to Jingming!" Gu Changchuan snapped, his excitement masking his concern for the official position promised by Dongsi.
"However, Jingming, we bet 1,000 taels of silver before the competition, and now we have a return of 59,000 taels!"
Fifty-nine times! Jingming really did it!
Gu Lin nodded:
"We definitely need to get this!"
In the blink of an eye, he became a millionaire; it truly is a leap across social classes.
Although once you enter the holy land, you'll likely be using spirit stones from now on, money is money, and a huge sum of money is just as good anywhere.
After exchanging a few words with his parents, Gu Lin returned to the high platform, looked at the thirty-three sword-wielders, and said with a smile:
"Only twenty-three people need to accompany you. The remaining ten will follow Lord Cao back to Chuzhou, and please take my parents with you as well. Thank you."
The ghostwriters all said in unison:
"I will obey Lord Gu's orders!"
Ten people escorted Gu Changchuan and Zhou Man to various gambling dens to collect silver.
Gu Lin drafted the official document on the spot.
He called over the chubby boy, Wang Mu.
Wang Mu stared at Gu Jingming, feeling as if he had been transported to another world. Just a few months ago, he was just drifting through life at the Huangzi School, and now he held a high position. He asked cautiously:
"Lord Gu, I...Is it permissible for me to travel to Chu Prefecture?"
Gu Lin smiled and nodded:
"Of course, I'll find you a job then."
Wang Mu was overjoyed and could hardly contain his smile.
Gu Lin continued writing, then suddenly frowned and said:
"What was that thing that barked at me like that in the academy? It said it wanted to challenge me and told me to wait."
After much deliberation, Wang Mu firmly stated:
"Zhuang Wei!"
Gu Lin nodded and added Zhuang Wei's name to the official document.
He is neither magnanimous nor forgiving. As for arguing with ants as undignified, so what? Since they have offended him, adding their name to the Book of Life and Death is just a matter of a stroke of the pen.
Wang Mu was shocked.
Did he know that Gu Jingming now wields power, and that his official document represents the legitimate and reasonable handling of the matter by the central government of the Divine Dynasty?
......
......