The compilation of the new version of the *Qunxiong Bang* (Heroes Ranking List) actually inadvertently helped the illicit office affair of that couple.

This morning, the former chief editor, Sheng Yuan-yao, was invited by the new chief editor to the Zhenmo Si (Demon Suppression Division) to discuss a major revision. “General Sheng, we feel that the *Qunxiong Bang* has reached a dead end. In the issue you edited, General Sheng, sales of the *Qunxiong Bang* doubled. After that, when we tried to replicate it, sales dropped back down, even worse than before.”

Since it was work she had done that was being discussed, Sheng Yuan-yao didn’t bother using her divine power to eavesdrop on whether Pei Yaojing was taking advantage to flirt with the Langzhong (Court Physician). She mused, “I’ve seen the new version; it’s very well done. Apart from cursing me to remain single, there are no other problems.”

The chief editor was speechless.

Sheng Yuan-yao continued, “Logically, since my previous version was a bestseller, your version shouldn’t be struggling… Have you conducted any surveys? Asked for feedback?”

“We have. The feedback generally says it’s getting better and better, but there are two issues.”

“Oh?”

“First, people improve their cultivation very slowly. Previously, even with a biannual publication, there often wasn’t much change. Although with the emergence of new talents like Shen Tang, Dugu Qing-li, Lu Xing-zhou, Pei Chu-yun… and of course, our General Sheng, each issue sees changes, which provides more points of interest than before. But compared to the vast majority, these are just a handful of people. Especially the older generation, who show almost no change. People naturally aren’t willing to spend extra money to see something that’s basically unchanged.”

“There’s nothing we can do about that; we can only put more effort into the content.”

“Yes, that’s why General Sheng’s previous model stimulated a wave of sales… but it was just a temporary novelty, difficult to sustain. The more critical issue is the second one: people’s horizons are broadening day by day, and more and more people are realizing that our *Qunxiong Bang* is incomplete. Since many powerful individuals are not included, the appeal of the list has greatly diminished, and it can even be misleading.”

Sheng Yuan-yao nodded. This was the key issue.

If your list is incomplete, that’s one thing, but if it misses too many people, who would want to read it?

Perhaps the list itself had credibility, and the evaluations and rankings of the characters on it were relatively objective, but if too many were missing, it became useless.

The chief editor was complaining, “This is partly due to our incomplete information gathering, but not entirely. General, think about it, His Majesty originally created this list for honor and encouragement. Everyone was proud to be on the list, to gain renown across the land. So, they wouldn’t hide their achievements; they’d want the whole world to know their battle records, and we could naturally get the information to include them. Some would even get upset if we didn’t include them.”

“And now?”

“But times have changed. For some unknown reason, people are increasingly ‘lying low’ now, preferring to secretly accumulate wealth rather than be on the list… Even those already on the list, if they make new breakthroughs, they don’t want us to know… If people want to hide their true abilities, how can our information gathering be complete? You might think someone is a third-rank low-tier, but in a real fight, you find they’re already second-rank. What value does our outdated list have then?”

Sheng Yuan-yao stroked her chin. This was a trade-off between the honor of being on the list and personal privacy. The benefits of being on the list needed to outweigh the benefits of ‘lying low’ to make people want to be included.

For example, Shen Tang and Lu Xing-zhou initially both wanted to be on the list. One, a third-rank sect leader, the other, a sub-list alchemist. Both civil and martial arts masters on the list could make the declining Tianxing Jianzong (Heavenly Sword Sect) famous again, which was beneficial for establishing the sect.

But now that Shen Tang is second-rank, she is no longer willing to publicize it. The Tianxing Jianzong is well-established and no longer needs this kind of publicity. Instead, they need to keep a low profile, not easily allowing enemies to gauge her current level. As the saying goes, “Different times, different measures.”

But this situation has always been the same, so why is it particularly severe now?

Because morality is declining, conflicts are more frequent than before, and the imperial court is increasingly losing control of the situation.

The more prosperous and stable a society, the less people fear being famous on a list. Being on the *Qunxiong Bang* was a good way to raise one’s status, whether for establishing a sect like Shen Tang, or for coming to the attention of the imperial court, or for being recruited by a major sect—it was a golden reputation. But the more chaotic and murderous a society, the less people like to be targeted, to have all their characteristics thoroughly studied, which doubles the danger.

Furthermore, in a more chaotic social environment, a list could even intensify conflicts, adding to the chaos and turning into a “Chaos Era List,” which would run contrary to the imperial court’s original intention of encouragement.

Sheng Yuan-yao was momentarily lost in thought.

“A single leaf falling signals autumn’s arrival.”

A mere *Qunxiong Bang* could reveal the changing landscape of the entire Da Gan (Great Gan) Dynasty.

She pondered for a moment, then suddenly chuckled, “It doesn’t matter. You’re on the imperial payroll; doing well won’t get you much extra silver, and doing poorly won’t get you fired. If you really have nowhere else to go, I’ll introduce you to the Zhuke Si (Ministry of Rites’ Guest Affairs Department) to compete with others for writing jobs.”

The chief editor gave Sheng Yuan-yao a strange look. Although this general had a bit of a mischievous streak, she used to be very responsible. Why was she so nonchalant now?

He was just talking to a fellow “old veteran” in the field. Since even the senior had no suggestions, he could only sigh. “Then so be it. If this continues, the list might not last for many more issues.”

Sheng Yuan-yao smiled. “Let’s see this issue’s list, shall we? Hmm, as for myself, I’ll set an example, no hiding, no concealing. I’m third-rank, and already mid-tier. You can rank me accordingly.”

The chief editor laughed, “We knew that the day General beat up Qi Tui-zhi… Hmm, General’s ranking on the *Qunxiong Bang* is one thing, but as for the number one newcomer…”

Sheng Yuan-yao said matter-of-factly, “Of course, it’s Qi Tui-zhi! Do you really think a half-step third-rank at his age is worthless?”

“But he’s been beaten by both of you; public acceptance…”

“You’re about to stop publishing, and you’re still worried about public acceptance? Besides, whoever isn’t convinced can go challenge him. Let’s see who can beat Qi Tui-zhi.” Sheng Yuan-yao suddenly laughed. “Maybe this ‘Challenge Qi Tui-zhi’ event can even boost *Qunxiong Bang* sales for a while.”

The chief editor was torn between laughter and tears.

A knock came from the door. “Chief Editor, Miss Pei has arrived.”

Sheng Yuan-yao’s smile vanished instantly. She looked at the door with a grim expression as Pei Chu-yun gracefully entered, carrying a fragrant aura. “Oh, General Sheng is here?”

Sheng Yuan-yao raised an eyebrow.

She was all too familiar with the aura of someone who had just circulated the *Dahuanxi Jile Jing* (Great Joy and Extreme Bliss Sutra). She had learned this cultivation method with Lu Xing-zhou; it was a unique technique!

“Pei Chu-yun! Have you no shame! How long have I been gone, and you’re already with someone else?”

“Oh my, don’t talk as if I’m your person. What do you mean ‘with someone else’?” Pei Chu-yun didn’t know how Sheng Yuan-yao figured it out, but her face didn’t even redden. “If I did, what are you going to do about it? There are a thousand days to be a thief, but no thousand days to guard against one. General Sheng, from the Zhenmo Si, doesn’t even understand such a simple principle. How disappointing.”

She sighed softly, patting Sheng Yuan-yao’s shoulder. “If you’re so capable, you go ahead and ‘steal’ someone too.”

Sheng Yuan-yao’s hair stood on end. “Don’t touch me, it’s disgusting.”

“Isn’t this giving you a little sense of involvement?” Pei Chu-yun sighed, stroking Sheng Yuan-yao’s hair. “Look, it’s all green.”

Sheng Yuan-yao: “?”

They started fighting.

The chief editor quietly moved outside.

Strange, for a battle between two formidable third-rank experts, why are they pulling each other’s hair…?

Fortunately, this was the Zhenmo Si. They couldn’t truly fight. As soon as hair was grabbed, Sheng Qing-feng’s cold snort came from outside.

The two women awkwardly lowered their hands, both turning their heads away from each other.

Sheng Qing-feng strode in with his hands behind his back, expressionless. “You’re both so idle. It seems I’ll have to discuss with Chancellor Pei about sending both of you to some remote posting, so you stop making so much noise.”

“No, Old Sheng!” Sheng Yuan-yao plastered on a smile. “I’m still racking my brains for the *Qunxiong Bang*…”

“Racking your brains for what, nonsense!” Sheng Qing-feng sneered. “Inciting others to be lazy, you call that racking your brains?”

Sheng Yuan-yao looked at the sky. “This list was already doomed; it’s beyond human ability to save it.”

Sheng Qing-feng said, “Go ask Lu Xing-zhou if he has any ideas for a revival. You have a strategist, yet you don’t use him? What can your brain come up with? You’re both serving in the Ministry of Rites; is that for you to play around?”

Sheng Yuan-yao brightened. “Then I’ll go find him now.”

“Now?” Sheng Qing-feng smiled. “He’s busy now, at the Huo family… It’s a pity we don’t have spies to eavesdrop, otherwise, some things happening there might be quite interesting.”

Sheng Yuan-yao was overjoyed and secretly found a place to hide.

You can’t listen, but I can! Doesn’t that prove the value of this divine ability? You thought I could only listen to *Ri* (days/sun)?!

At the Huo family at this moment.

Jiang Du-xu, with Jiang Yuan, was discussing matters in the main hall of the Huo residence.

Normally, for pre-marriage rituals like *na cai* (betrothal gifts), the woman would not appear, but Jiang Yuan insisted on coming this time. Jiang Du-xu allowed her, as immortal sects indeed did not adhere strictly to these rules.

Only by coming did she realize that they had already reached the stage of exchanging *Bazi* (Eight Characters for horoscope matching), which essentially meant the engagement was set.

Jiang Yuan’s scalp tingled as she watched the two sides converse and exchange formal letters, her eyes darting towards the Huo family’s entrance.

If that scoundrel could really come and ruin things, then she would accept what happened yesterday with the pig. Otherwise, it wasn’t over.

Jiang Du-xu was chatting idly with Huo Xing-yuan. “It seems Lord Marquis is somewhat distracted today, perhaps troubled?”

“Oh.” Huo Xing-yuan smiled. “Just a small matter, disturbing your clarity.”

Jiang Du-xu said, “Is there anything Jiang can help with?”

Huo Xing-yuan said, “Did Mister Jiang meet Lu Xing-zhou yesterday? To discuss maritime trade?”

“Yes.”

“What does Mister think of Lu Xing-zhou?”

“He is a talent, not comparable to those bureaucrats who just muddle through. Jiang believes he truly wants to achieve results in foreign trade, and he has the capability.”

Huo Xing-yuan’s smile became even more forced, and he started coughing again.

Jiang Du-xu knew what was happening. This morning, the Zhuke Si had issued a ban, listing a large number of prohibited export items. The Huo family’s northern trade was likely to suffer a heavy blow. Of course, the Huo family could completely ignore it, politically exerting pressure on Lu Xing-zhou’s superiors, and in the north, they could ignore any related inspections.

But doing so would inevitably create animosity with Lu Xing-zhou… Jiang Du-xu now understood the private matters between the Huo family and Lu Xing-zhou, and chuckled inwardly at the karmic retribution. If they had treated him well before, he would be a powerful ally now, so why let it come to this?

Moreover, Lu Xing-zhou was not easily manipulated. You say political pressure? He has the Imperial Preceptor, the Chancellor, and the Head of the Zhenmo Si behind him. You say the North can ignore inspections… many soldiers in the North owe Lu Xing-zhou favors, and the relationship between the commander of the demon market and him is still unclear.

If things really escalated, the Huo family might not necessarily be able to handle this mere Langzhong.

How ridiculous.

The marriage alliance was originally intended for Gu Zhan-ting. Pushing it to the Huo family had already made Jiang Du-xu furious, but considering that the Huo family had two first-rank experts and wielded great power in the court, it was barely acceptable.

But now, it seemed, you were truly inferior to your son.

Just as he was thinking this, the housekeeper rushed in to announce, “Master, Lu Xing-zhou is here to visit.”

Jiang Yuan’s eyes instantly lit up. He actually came… at least that scoundrel had good credit!