Chapter 51
Conditional Substitution: Risk Everything!
East Temple.
The office of the centurion.
Gu Lin hesitated for a long time outside the government office before knocking on the door to request an audience.
"Come in."
Cao Baihu remained engrossed in processing official documents, his attitude toward Gu Linhou turning cold.
Anyone in his position would be angry with this new employee.
It's a complete waste of a spot to carefully select someone only to end up with a completely unmotivated newcomer!
Gu Lin bowed respectfully and said in a low voice:
"Lord Cao, the Pingzhun Bureau of Chuzhou deliberately framed my father and imprisoned him."
After listening, Commander Cao remained expressionless.
"If we frame you and detain you, the entire East Temple will be furious."
"As for your father, you can deal with him yourself."
After saying that, he waved his hand:
"From now on, you must not come to the Hundred-Household Office unless there is a specific reason."
This is the truth. Ordinary soldiers are not qualified to directly request an audience with a centurion; this is an unwritten rule of the Holy Land.
Gu Lin was a new member of Dongsi Temple, and he personally led the selection competition.
But now I've lost patience.
I've already reminded you; making another request shows a lack of manners!
Instead of leaving, Gu Lin carefully chose his words and asked:
"Is the Holy Land Tournament important to adults?"
Commander Cao stared at him, remaining silent.
Of course, as a mid-level member of the Holy Land, Baihu must be loyal to his superiors and strive to climb the ranks; he must also manage his subordinates, especially recruiting more exceptionally talented newcomers for the Holy Land to surpass the three competitors.
The quality of the new recruits under one's command is one of the performance evaluation criteria for a centurion.
But let's skip this one named Gu Lin.
He had no hope for it from the start; the champion of a small county could not possibly shine in the grand competition in the holy land. It would be enough if he could just make a splash.
He never expected that even the time to enter the Spirit Cleansing Pool could be delayed for a month, which was a complete waste of time and a sign of desperation. This disappointed him greatly!
Seeing the centurion remain silent, Gu Lin had his answer. He spoke slowly and deliberately:
"My lord, I have a good chance of making it into the top ten."
Almost instantly, Cao Baihu revealed a smile, an undisguised sneer.
Gu Lin no longer concealed his presence, unleashing all the internal energy within his dantian.
In an instant.
Cao Baihu suddenly stood up, his smile completely frozen, and his eyes revealed a look of horror.
Third level of Dongxuan Realm? !
How could the speed of cultivation be so terrifying?!
"Sit down!" He took a sip of tea to calm his shock and quickly asked:
"In the Chuwei County selection competition, you're only at the eighth level of the Qi Condensation Realm?"
Gu Lin reported calmly and unhurriedly:
"After the selection competition ended, I found an opportunity in a cave and successfully broke through to the Cave Profound Realm. This is also the reason why I delayed entering the pool."
"After entering the Cleansing Spirit Pool, my innate potential was suddenly unleashed, and my cultivation level soared in a short period of time, reaching the third level of the Cave Profound Realm. Therefore, I left the pool to do missions outside, so as to maintain a balance between work and rest, and then returned to the pool to cultivate in seclusion."
This explanation was flawless, because Commander Cao had mentioned that some newly recruited members had advanced two ranks in a short period of time at the Spirit Cleansing Pool.
"I see!" Commander Cao, having calmed his shock, said frankly:
"I have misunderstood you."
Gu Lin quickly clasped his hands in a fist and bow:
"Is it because I've caused the adults to misunderstand, or because I've failed in my duty?"
Commander Cao smiled, his attitude becoming much warmer, and said gently:
"The Equalization Administration dared to arrest your father, but you managed to get him released yourself by virtue of your status."
After nodding, Gu Lin spoke frankly:
"My lord, Sima Chongguang, the official in charge of the Pingzhun Bureau, has disregarded the law and deliberately framed the people. Your lord should issue an official document to severely punish Sima Chongguang."
That was his goal.
He had no right to deal with a sixth-rank official with real power.
But Toji Hyakunobu is perfectly capable!
Lord Cao narrowed his eyes and resolutely refused:
"Don't mention this again!"
Normally, a sixth-rank official wouldn't bother dealing with someone without a reason, let alone someone from the Sima clan.
Gu Lin remained silent for a moment. He knew that Lord Cao was not afraid of the Sima family. It was impossible for a centurion of a holy land to be afraid of a direct descendant of a sixth-rank aristocratic family. The key was that he did not want to cause trouble.
Then he said in a firm and powerful voice:
"Lord Cao, I will certainly strive to be among the top ten, or even the top five, to bring glory to Dongsi Temple, to make you proud, and to let the entire Luoxia Mountain know that you have the discerning eye to recognize talent!"
Cao Baihu felt a surge of emotion, then shook his head and chuckled.
If the newcomer he selected makes it into the top ten of the competition, he will have passed the assessment issued by the higher authorities perfectly!
But a top-ten finish? The chances are slim!
During the selection competition, the seven or eight most outstanding individuals in the entire Chu Prefecture had cultivation levels approaching the fifth level of the Cave Profound Realm. This was only what was exposed; there may have been those who did not exert their full strength. Most of them were of the same age who had already broken through to the sixth level of the Cave Profound Realm or even higher.
If one enters the Cleansing Pool, which can only be entered once in a lifetime, one's cultivation level will increase dramatically in a short period of time. What level of strength would one reach?
However, Gu Lin is an exceptionally powerful individual. He is at the seventh level of the Qi Condensation Realm and can suppress a second-level cultivator at the Profound Realm. Perhaps he can stumble his way into the top ten.
Moreover, there's still a month before the Cleansing Pool closes and two months before the Grand Competition, so Gu Lin will definitely continue to improve.
Commander Cao asked calmly:
What do you want?
He knew perfectly well what was going on, but he just wanted Gu Lin to speak up.
Gu Lin said in a deep voice:
"Please issue an official document, Your Excellency, authorizing me to investigate Sima Chongguang."
Commander Cao stared at him for a long time, then retorted:
"You said you could make it into the top ten, what if you fail?"
Gu Lin said, enunciating each word clearly:
"Lord Ren, please handle this matter!!"
Because he was well aware of the power of the Holy Land's centurion, he knew that the Centurion could not possibly fear the Sima family.
Cao Baihu lowered his head in thought.
Time passed slowly.
After a long silence, Commander Cao said sternly:
"If you fail to make it into the top ten, I will report you to the higher authorities for stealing my official seal, imitating my handwriting, and stamping official documents without authorization. According to the unwritten rules of the Holy Land, you will be expelled from the Holy Land. When your enemies retaliate, you will surely die without a burial place."
"Think carefully before you answer. There's no need to gamble your future for a moment of pleasure."
However, Gu Lin, almost without hesitation, said loudly:
"Your subordinate agrees!"
His goal is not just to be in the top ten!
He will not tolerate Sima Chongguang of the Pingzhun Bureau.
Giving in only leads to further demands, while compromise earns respect.
A vicious dog barks wildly; the only solution is to beat it severely!
We'll beat them until they're afraid!
Why should we be forced to act subserviently even after entering a sacred place?!
"Are you sure?" Commander Cao stared intently at him.
At his level, he wouldn't say things like "a gentleman's word is as good as his bond"; once an agreement is made, it's an agreement.
I'll issue an official document; you have to be in the top ten.
If you don't get it, you'll have to get out of the holy land as promised. I've received a verbal warning from above.
"I'm sure!" Gu Lin said firmly.
Commander Cao nodded slowly:
"I hope you make it into the top ten with glory, instead of becoming an ordinary person who can be bullied by others."
The newcomer I personally selected made it into the top ten, and I delivered a perfect performance in the assessment.
Cao Baihu took out a pen and brush and wrote a few lines of hasty, large characters in a flamboyant manner.
He turned to stare at Gu Lin and said coldly:
"You should know the rules of Dongsi Temple. You must have concrete evidence of a crime, otherwise you will not be able to pass through the Daoji Division. I will be watching you closely. If you dare to act rashly, you know the consequences."
Gu Lin nodded respectfully.
Cao Baihu picked up his own Baihu seal.
Bang!
The stamp fell heavily.
The office of the centurion.
Gu Lin hesitated for a long time outside the government office before knocking on the door to request an audience.
"Come in."
Cao Baihu remained engrossed in processing official documents, his attitude toward Gu Linhou turning cold.
Anyone in his position would be angry with this new employee.
It's a complete waste of a spot to carefully select someone only to end up with a completely unmotivated newcomer!
Gu Lin bowed respectfully and said in a low voice:
"Lord Cao, the Pingzhun Bureau of Chuzhou deliberately framed my father and imprisoned him."
After listening, Commander Cao remained expressionless.
"If we frame you and detain you, the entire East Temple will be furious."
"As for your father, you can deal with him yourself."
After saying that, he waved his hand:
"From now on, you must not come to the Hundred-Household Office unless there is a specific reason."
This is the truth. Ordinary soldiers are not qualified to directly request an audience with a centurion; this is an unwritten rule of the Holy Land.
Gu Lin was a new member of Dongsi Temple, and he personally led the selection competition.
But now I've lost patience.
I've already reminded you; making another request shows a lack of manners!
Instead of leaving, Gu Lin carefully chose his words and asked:
"Is the Holy Land Tournament important to adults?"
Commander Cao stared at him, remaining silent.
Of course, as a mid-level member of the Holy Land, Baihu must be loyal to his superiors and strive to climb the ranks; he must also manage his subordinates, especially recruiting more exceptionally talented newcomers for the Holy Land to surpass the three competitors.
The quality of the new recruits under one's command is one of the performance evaluation criteria for a centurion.
But let's skip this one named Gu Lin.
He had no hope for it from the start; the champion of a small county could not possibly shine in the grand competition in the holy land. It would be enough if he could just make a splash.
He never expected that even the time to enter the Spirit Cleansing Pool could be delayed for a month, which was a complete waste of time and a sign of desperation. This disappointed him greatly!
Seeing the centurion remain silent, Gu Lin had his answer. He spoke slowly and deliberately:
"My lord, I have a good chance of making it into the top ten."
Almost instantly, Cao Baihu revealed a smile, an undisguised sneer.
Gu Lin no longer concealed his presence, unleashing all the internal energy within his dantian.
In an instant.
Cao Baihu suddenly stood up, his smile completely frozen, and his eyes revealed a look of horror.
Third level of Dongxuan Realm? !
How could the speed of cultivation be so terrifying?!
"Sit down!" He took a sip of tea to calm his shock and quickly asked:
"In the Chuwei County selection competition, you're only at the eighth level of the Qi Condensation Realm?"
Gu Lin reported calmly and unhurriedly:
"After the selection competition ended, I found an opportunity in a cave and successfully broke through to the Cave Profound Realm. This is also the reason why I delayed entering the pool."
"After entering the Cleansing Spirit Pool, my innate potential was suddenly unleashed, and my cultivation level soared in a short period of time, reaching the third level of the Cave Profound Realm. Therefore, I left the pool to do missions outside, so as to maintain a balance between work and rest, and then returned to the pool to cultivate in seclusion."
This explanation was flawless, because Commander Cao had mentioned that some newly recruited members had advanced two ranks in a short period of time at the Spirit Cleansing Pool.
"I see!" Commander Cao, having calmed his shock, said frankly:
"I have misunderstood you."
Gu Lin quickly clasped his hands in a fist and bow:
"Is it because I've caused the adults to misunderstand, or because I've failed in my duty?"
Commander Cao smiled, his attitude becoming much warmer, and said gently:
"The Equalization Administration dared to arrest your father, but you managed to get him released yourself by virtue of your status."
After nodding, Gu Lin spoke frankly:
"My lord, Sima Chongguang, the official in charge of the Pingzhun Bureau, has disregarded the law and deliberately framed the people. Your lord should issue an official document to severely punish Sima Chongguang."
That was his goal.
He had no right to deal with a sixth-rank official with real power.
But Toji Hyakunobu is perfectly capable!
Lord Cao narrowed his eyes and resolutely refused:
"Don't mention this again!"
Normally, a sixth-rank official wouldn't bother dealing with someone without a reason, let alone someone from the Sima clan.
Gu Lin remained silent for a moment. He knew that Lord Cao was not afraid of the Sima family. It was impossible for a centurion of a holy land to be afraid of a direct descendant of a sixth-rank aristocratic family. The key was that he did not want to cause trouble.
Then he said in a firm and powerful voice:
"Lord Cao, I will certainly strive to be among the top ten, or even the top five, to bring glory to Dongsi Temple, to make you proud, and to let the entire Luoxia Mountain know that you have the discerning eye to recognize talent!"
Cao Baihu felt a surge of emotion, then shook his head and chuckled.
If the newcomer he selected makes it into the top ten of the competition, he will have passed the assessment issued by the higher authorities perfectly!
But a top-ten finish? The chances are slim!
During the selection competition, the seven or eight most outstanding individuals in the entire Chu Prefecture had cultivation levels approaching the fifth level of the Cave Profound Realm. This was only what was exposed; there may have been those who did not exert their full strength. Most of them were of the same age who had already broken through to the sixth level of the Cave Profound Realm or even higher.
If one enters the Cleansing Pool, which can only be entered once in a lifetime, one's cultivation level will increase dramatically in a short period of time. What level of strength would one reach?
However, Gu Lin is an exceptionally powerful individual. He is at the seventh level of the Qi Condensation Realm and can suppress a second-level cultivator at the Profound Realm. Perhaps he can stumble his way into the top ten.
Moreover, there's still a month before the Cleansing Pool closes and two months before the Grand Competition, so Gu Lin will definitely continue to improve.
Commander Cao asked calmly:
What do you want?
He knew perfectly well what was going on, but he just wanted Gu Lin to speak up.
Gu Lin said in a deep voice:
"Please issue an official document, Your Excellency, authorizing me to investigate Sima Chongguang."
Commander Cao stared at him for a long time, then retorted:
"You said you could make it into the top ten, what if you fail?"
Gu Lin said, enunciating each word clearly:
"Lord Ren, please handle this matter!!"
Because he was well aware of the power of the Holy Land's centurion, he knew that the Centurion could not possibly fear the Sima family.
Cao Baihu lowered his head in thought.
Time passed slowly.
After a long silence, Commander Cao said sternly:
"If you fail to make it into the top ten, I will report you to the higher authorities for stealing my official seal, imitating my handwriting, and stamping official documents without authorization. According to the unwritten rules of the Holy Land, you will be expelled from the Holy Land. When your enemies retaliate, you will surely die without a burial place."
"Think carefully before you answer. There's no need to gamble your future for a moment of pleasure."
However, Gu Lin, almost without hesitation, said loudly:
"Your subordinate agrees!"
His goal is not just to be in the top ten!
He will not tolerate Sima Chongguang of the Pingzhun Bureau.
Giving in only leads to further demands, while compromise earns respect.
A vicious dog barks wildly; the only solution is to beat it severely!
We'll beat them until they're afraid!
Why should we be forced to act subserviently even after entering a sacred place?!
"Are you sure?" Commander Cao stared intently at him.
At his level, he wouldn't say things like "a gentleman's word is as good as his bond"; once an agreement is made, it's an agreement.
I'll issue an official document; you have to be in the top ten.
If you don't get it, you'll have to get out of the holy land as promised. I've received a verbal warning from above.
"I'm sure!" Gu Lin said firmly.
Commander Cao nodded slowly:
"I hope you make it into the top ten with glory, instead of becoming an ordinary person who can be bullied by others."
The newcomer I personally selected made it into the top ten, and I delivered a perfect performance in the assessment.
Cao Baihu took out a pen and brush and wrote a few lines of hasty, large characters in a flamboyant manner.
He turned to stare at Gu Lin and said coldly:
"You should know the rules of Dongsi Temple. You must have concrete evidence of a crime, otherwise you will not be able to pass through the Daoji Division. I will be watching you closely. If you dare to act rashly, you know the consequences."
Gu Lin nodded respectfully.
Cao Baihu picked up his own Baihu seal.
Bang!
The stamp fell heavily.