A prison…or a place of exile.

For thousands of years, Tianyao Holy Land had been pursuing the ancient realm, or rather, the path to “ascension,” but this was the first time such a crucial clue had emerged. After all, direct contact with people from the ancient realm had been rare in the past, and never before had they managed to conduct soul-searching like this, and on multiple individuals.

In this matter, Yuan Muyu would not argue with Ye Tinglan. Their shared master had died failing to ascend, and even their parents’ passing might be related to such events. This was an extremely serious matter for both sisters. While they might have many disagreements in other areas, there would be none on this issue, at most differing on the means.

Moreover, it directly concerned both of them.

Theoretically, “ascension” cannot be suppressed. Once a certain level is reached—for instance, Ye Tinglan is now half a step into Qianyuan—the moment that half-step is taken, there should theoretically be a “guiding heavenly light.” This world would also exhibit “natural repulsion,” signifying that one no longer belongs to the human realm but should move to a higher-dimensional world. This would naturally trigger realm-breaking ascension.

Many years ago, people sought this. But gradually, it was discovered that ascension seemed non-existent. Instead, upon reaching this threshold, failing to overcome the “heavenly tribulation” and dying was the norm. People initially thought this was normal; it was a heavenly tribulation, after all. Even the relatively simple small heavenly tribulation for Tengyun cultivation saw many fail and perish, let alone the grand heavenly tribulation of ascension. It seemed perfectly reasonable for accidents to happen when one couldn’t overcome it, and grieving relatives wouldn’t think too much of it.

However, after so many years, there hadn’t been a single successful case. Successful ascensions only existed in ancient texts; no one had ever witnessed an actual instance. This was certainly not right. Was peeking into the vastness of Qianyuan actually a death knell? The paradox was that the pursuit of the Dao lay there. Despite knowing that breakthrough often led to death, people still pursued it.

Ye Tinglan’s master was like this, and so was she herself. Long Qinghuang and Yuan Muyu were also the same. Every cultivator was like this. Perhaps some would not pursue it, trying to avoid this fate and remain in this world through various methods? But those with such thoughts were likely destined to be estranged from the Great Dao.

Ye Tinglan once thought that the “immortal realm” was most likely the ancient realm. However, judging by the constant “smuggling” of people from the ancient realm, this feeling wasn’t quite right. Now, Yuan Muyu’s clues directly suggested that the ancient realm was merely a prison. So, where was the immortal realm? The two sisters, far from deciphering the mystery with these significant clues, found themselves even more confused.

“What clues did you get from that remnant soul of Fang Qihou?” Yuan Muyu asked.

Ye Tinglan recounted her findings. Yuan Muyu frowned, “Nothing useful.”

“Indeed,” Ye Tinglan replied. “Does this so-called prison or place of exile have a more precise description?”

“No, it just said that this was merely what the remnant soul itself believed. So, whether it’s actually true is still uncertain.”

“But judging by their constant attempts to smuggle themselves out, it might be close to the truth.”

“So, what can we glean from this clue?”

Ye Tinglan fell silent. Yuan Muyu also fell silent. After a long pause, Ye Tinglan finally said, “I will find someone to discuss this with. You should also discuss it with people you trust.”

By “finding someone,” she originally meant the elders of Tianyao Holy Land, many of whom were reclusive experts with vast knowledge. Yuan Muyu’s various Ghost Emperors were not to be underestimated either; gathering their insights might yield something. Yuan Muyu paused for a moment, then slowly said, “I know you have a strategist now. You don’t need to provoke me.” After speaking, she directly ended the communication.

Ye Tinglan, whose call was cut off, looked at the jade talisman in her hand, her expression rather peculiar. *Even I didn’t immediately think of the young man, as matters of cultivation and ascension are far beyond his current level. What are you…*

In essence, Yuan Muyu’s reliance on Lu Xingzhou seemed to be even heavier—much heavier—than Ye Tinglan’s. Whenever there was something that required analytical thought, her first reaction was Lu Xingzhou. After all, how long had Ye Tinglan known Lu Xingzhou? Yuan Muyu, however, had relied on him for ten years. For the Path of Severing Emotions, cutting off such dependence and weakness truly seemed to be a necessary step. It was truly commendable that she could make such a decisive break… but was it worth it?

In any case, Ye Tinglan did not immediately discuss these matters with the young man; instead, she went to consult the sect elders.

Lu Xingzhou also passed a rather significant symbolic threshold: for the first time since his childhood home was destroyed, he had a home of his own again, and spent his first night there. The land deed for Danxia Mountain was his, but the signs read either “Danxia Gang” or “Tianxing Sword Sect,” which had little to do with him.

This time, however, he was in his own Viscount’s manor, with a prominently displayed “Lu Residence” sign. In this ancient world, it was the highest-status type of residence, “bestowed by the emperor.” Inside, apart from A’nuo, everyone called him “master,” and the sense of being the head of the household was stronger than ever before.

That night, Pei Xiaoyaonü didn’t shamelessly sneak in, nor was Sheng Yuanyao likely to. He slept soundly through the night. The first thing he did after waking up was go to the Ministry of Personnel to collect his letter of appointment and official uniform. Then, someone from the Ministry of Personnel accompanied him to the Ministry of Rites, specifically the Guest Relations Department, to take up his new post.

Normally, the appointment process might not have been so quick. His “personnel file” and even his official uniform would have been difficult to prepare within a few days, and the handover work from the former Director of Guest Relations wouldn’t have been fast either. However, Pei Qingyan had exerted influence here. With the Prime Minister personally overseeing the matter, it was all settled in a single day.

This left Lu Xingzhou a little puzzled, wondering what Pei Qingyan was thinking by being so helpful… But it suited his intentions perfectly. He certainly didn’t want to idle away half a month in the capital. The former Director of Guest Relations was also quick with the handover and introductions, even showing a bit of obsequiousness, clearly treating Lu Xingzhou as someone with the Prime Minister’s backing. Moreover, Lu Xingzhou was a Viscount, which indeed gave him a slightly higher status than ordinary officials…

“Our Guest Relations Department is a small department, with very few affairs. For instance, most large departments have two directors, left and right, but our Guest Relations Department only has one. Of course, a County Viscount with actual territory is also a left director, and even if there were a right director, the County Viscount would still have the final say…” The former director explained with a ingratiating smile, “As for the other personnel, we have two assistant directors, left and right, three section chiefs for various departments, and the rest are clerks. We don’t even have a deputy section chief, so our staff is quite sparse.”

If the Director was the head of the department, the Assistant Directors were deputy heads, and the various sections would be bureaus, corresponding to reception of foreign countries, formulation of etiquette, and exchange of gifts, with three section chiefs. The entire department had a total of six officials; the rest were clerks. From this situation, it seemed that even the number of clerks was very small. After all, diplomacy in this world truly had little to do, unlike conventional understanding.

Lu Xingzhou flipped through the functions of the various sections and suddenly asked, “With the newly opened border markets and the exchange of artisan technology with the demon realm, who is responsible for that now?”

The former director chuckled, “I am personally in charge of that.”

“The Director should oversee the general situation. What kind of matter is it for you to be personally responsible?”

“After all, it’s a matter of utmost importance.”

Lu Xingzhou said, “If I were to establish a new section responsible for foreign trade with the demon realm, what procedures would be required? Should I go to the Ministry of Personnel?”

“You would indeed need to communicate with the Ministry of Personnel, and establishing a new section is different from simply recruiting people; such matters still require the Prime Minister’s approval. If it’s particularly important, it might even require an imperial decree.” The former director thought for a moment, “However, the County Viscount’s consideration is reasonable. A new section responsible for foreign trade and exchange is indeed needed. As long as the Ministry of Personnel doesn’t make things difficult, it will likely be easily approved.”

“Why?” Lu Xingzhou asked with a half-smile. “Would anyone make things difficult for such a reasonable matter?”

The former director whispered, “Since the imperial court doesn’t have a dedicated department for border markets, there are naturally people who can profit from it. Once the court has a specialized body to manage it, it will naturally infringe upon the interests of some people.”

Lu Xingzhou chuckled, “The border markets were my suggestion, and reconciliation with the demon realm was something I risked my life for. Now, others are benefiting and taking credit, and they’d resent me for wanting to manage it?”

The former director smiled without speaking. Why make such things so explicit? He said these things because he was Pei Qingyan’s man; otherwise, he wouldn’t have told Lu Xingzhou so much.

Lu Xingzhou asked, “So, whose family benefits?”

“Naturally, the Huo family,” the former director smiled. “The Huo family has operated in the northern frontier for ten years. Even though their prestige suffered greatly this time, their previous arrangements are still in place.”

Lu Xingzhou suddenly understood why Pei Qingyan had been so helpful this time. With the border markets newly established, various families stood to profit, and the Pei family naturally wouldn’t miss out. But the Huo family took the biggest share, and other families naturally had opinions. Don’t be fooled by Pei Qingyan’s seemingly excellent performance in his official duties as Prime Minister – Lu Xingzhou had even praised him to Long Qinghuang – in reality, when it came to aristocratic family interests, he was a typical representative. His conflict with the Huo family was not just a clash between a “righteous official and an opportunist sycophant,” but also involved a conflict between new and old aristocratic families, and a conflict of family interests. Unable to compete with the Huo family for interests in the northern frontier, he was eager for Lu Xingzhou to stir things up.

“Where is the Prime Minister now?”

“Uh, at this time, he’s naturally attending court.”

“Does he attend court every day? I recall it’s not necessary.”

“It’s not a grand court assembly, but a small court discussion. Mainly because yesterday evening, something else happened: General Sheng publicly assaulted Assistant Minister Huo. His Majesty was furious and summoned several high-ranking officials to discuss the matter…”

Lu Xingzhou: “…”

“If there are no other topics, I reckon the time is almost up. If the County Viscount goes to find the Prime Minister now, he should be back soon.”

“Alright, I’ll go take a look then.”

Lu Xingzhou headed straight for Pei Qingyan’s “office,” where a line of people were already waiting to report various matters to the Prime Minister. It seemed Pei Qingyan was usually terribly busy, and he probably had a belly full of complaints about being called to discussions over such trivialities.

Fortunately, Pei Qingyan returned shortly. Seeing Lu Xingzhou also standing there waiting, he was momentarily stunned: “You’re a new official, shouldn’t you be getting to know the department staff instead of coming to me?” Despite saying that, he immediately led Lu Xingzhou into his office, leaving the waiting officials outside with shocked expressions.

*No way, I heard this Lu Xingzhou was pursuing Miss Pei, and Prime Minister Pei is still treating him so uniquely. Could he really be thinking of marrying his daughter to him? But Lu Xingzhou refuses to acknowledge the Huo family. Given his own background, could he marry a Pei family daughter?*

“You actually stood outside obediently, which is different from what I expected,” Pei Qingyan was more amiable inside than others might imagine. He called for a minor official to serve tea and smiled, “Sit.”

Lu Xingzhou sat down without ceremony. “I am now a proper official. When calling on the Prime Minister, how else should I behave but wait outside obediently?”

“Heh, where did your defiance go from in front of my family shrine?”

“That’s ancient history now. They say a prime minister’s stomach can hold a boat, but I don’t see Prime Minister Pei’s stomach being that big.”

“Tsk.” Pei Qingyan sipped his tea. “I personally went out of my way to expedite your official position. Is this how you see me?”

“I was quite touched at first, but then I realized Prime Minister Pei wanted to use me as a pawn again, so the touching feeling suddenly vanished.”

“How can you call it being a pawn?” Pei Qingyan said leisurely, “That’s something you were going to do anyway. Isn’t this a win-win?”

“Then what if the thing I was going to do meant that not even the Pei family could benefit in the northern frontier?”

Pei Qingyan was not surprised. He put down his teacup, looked at him for a while, and then suddenly chuckled, “What, Princess Chaohuang isn’t even enthroned yet, and you’re already trying to manage affairs for Daqian?”

It was Lu Xingzhou who was utterly surprised by his attitude. Was this how a Prime Minister spoke to a young official?

Never mind, I’ll make up for it today.