bookbashuk Chapter 30: Legal Rank, Legal Office, and Legal Class!
Chapter 30: Legal Rank, Legal Office, and Legal Class!
What?!
Liu Aijin was stunned for a moment, then overjoyed.
A talisman worth fifty silver dollars must be a good thing!
Fu Ze explained calmly.
"These three talismans are the [Powerful Spirit Exorcising and Protective Talisman], the [Seven-Day Fasting Talisman], and the [Hemostasis and Soul-Stabilizing Talisman]."
The Weiling Evil-Repelling Amulet, as its name suggests, can ward off evil spirits and protect the wearer.
The Seven-Day Fasting Talisman, when crushed and swallowed without food, allows one to go seven days and seven nights without eating or drinking and will not starve to death. Of course, after the seven days, one must immediately eat and rest properly for a month, otherwise, one will die suddenly.
Essentially, this talisman is consuming the most fundamental life force! But it also buys a chance to survive.
This hemostatic, soul-stabilizing, and body-saving talisman, when applied to a wound, can quickly stop bleeding, revive life, and give one a chance to survive.
Three talismans, three functions, all of which are of great importance to high-ranking officials and nobles.
Upon hearing this, Liu Aijin's eyes widened, and she stared intently at the three talismans in her hand, her breathing becoming rapid.
"Is that really true? Do these three talismans truly have such miraculous effects?"
Fu Ze snorted coldly.
"What, you don't believe me? Then give it back to me."
As he spoke, he made a show of assertiveness.
Liu Aijin quickly put it away, then bowed and scraped to Fu Ze.
"Master Fu, you're too kind. How could I dare to question you? I was just a little excited and lost my composure. Thank you so much!"
Fu Ze said calmly.
"No need for thanks. To be honest, I've got your life in my hands, so you must hate me. But my fist is bigger than yours, so you have to bow down."
"However, as long as you govern Fuling County well, the curse I cast on you will have no effect. I will also give you some benefits from time to time."
Give a stick, then give a sweet treat.
This is a very simple PUA technique.
Fu Ze would naturally do the same.
Someone like Liu Aijin would naturally know this as well.
However, the facts are undeniable, and there are indeed real benefits involved, so we have no choice but to accept it reluctantly.
Fu Ze patted Liu Aijin on the shoulder.
"Alright, this matter is settled. Arrange a room for me and the Taoist priest respectively. We both need to cultivate and recuperate. Do not disturb us without our permission."
He knew that Yu Mingzi was also greatly exhausted and needed to meditate immediately to check his physical condition.
Fu Ze himself was eager to see how many Heavenly Dao Points the [All Heavens Token] could extract after absorbing a powerful zombie.
Liu Aijin quickly made arrangements.
"Very well, Master Fu, the large courtyard behind my house is the best. It was originally prepared for my mother, but she has difficulty walking and has been staying in her hometown. You and the old Taoist priest can condescend to rest here for the time being."
……
Fu Ze entered the room and locked the door.
They immediately began to check the information in the [Decree of the Heavens].
[Holds a black zombie that is in a dormant state; dismantling it yields Heavenly Dao Points.]
[Should we decompose it immediately?]
Fu Ze did not hesitate and immediately selected "Yes".
"Decomposition successful. You have gained 15 Heavenly Dao Points."
"It can be used to complete or deduce techniques."
"Displays holder information, available for selection."
【Name】
Fu Ze.
【identity】
Zhu Tianxun, a rogue cultivator from Maoshan (not ordained), and a martial arts practitioner (mid-stage of internal strength).
【Tiandao Points】
15 points.
[Technique]
1. The fragment of "Shangqing Lingbao Dongshen Zhengfa" has a holding ratio of 5%, which can be replenished to 12.5% by consuming 15 Heavenly Dao Points.
2. "The Great Manifestation of Powerful Magic Techniques from the Southern Transmission of Maoshan Altar" (Incomplete Version), with a holding ratio of 90%, can be fully completed by consuming 10 Heavenly Dao Points.
3. "Open Door Bajiquan" (Complete Version), 100% ownership, consumes 15 Heavenly Dao Points, can be further developed and derived to higher levels of martial arts.
Fu Ze was pleasantly surprised.
"His martial arts skills have reached the mid-stage of internal strength. His speed is much faster than I expected! It's probably because he has been accumulating strength for a long time, plus the effect of actual combat."
But he also had some doubts.
"Huh, that's strange, why are there only fifteen Heavenly Dao Points? That doesn't make sense!"
Perhaps the [Decree of the Heavens] had already been activated and recognized its master, and sensing his doubts, it manifested several lines of purple smoke text.
"When the person in charge eliminates a zombie, the zombie is in a dormant state. Their harmfulness and combat power are not at their normal levels, therefore no actual Heavenly Dao Points will be awarded. Points will be reduced accordingly based on the actual situation. Two heretical cultivator disciples died from ordinary firearms, not killed by the person in charge personally; therefore, no points will be awarded."
Sure enough!
Fu Ze nodded slightly.
"Just as I suspected, the Heavenly Decree calculates rewards based on the difficulty of my victory and my opponent's real-time combat strength."
"During the day, the zombie doesn't move at all, it's no different from chopping a rock, so you can't get many points."
"As for those two heretical disciples, they died under the volley of fire from the foreign gunners, which actually has nothing to do with me."
Fu Ze couldn't help but smile bitterly.
This is truly a case of not getting any benefit at all!
However, his resolution of the evil cultivator and the zombie incident wasn't solely for the reward. He also wanted to help the ordinary people of this world after genuinely experiencing their hardships.
Otherwise, deliberately dragging things out and then figuring out a way to fight the evil cultivators and zombies would yield the greatest benefit.
But with that kind of mindset, perhaps it's impossible to activate the Heavenly Decree?
"Fine, then it's 3 PM. Little by little, it adds up."
Fu Ze remained calm and didn't dwell on it.
After assessing his situation, he decisively chose to spend 10 Heavenly Dao Points to completely complete his family's "Maoshan Altar Southern Transmission of Great Manifestation of Powerful Magic Techniques"!
"In this way, my possession of the 'Maoshan Altar Southern Transmission of Greatly Powerful Magic Techniques' will be 100%! If Grandpa and Great-Grandpa knew about this in heaven, they would probably be very happy, wouldn't they?"
After all, the martial arts technique that the great-grandfather obtained was incomplete!
It could even be said that in Fu Ze's world, this technique was originally missing some parts in its transmission.
Now, Fu Ze has everything he needs.
Although it's not some extraordinary or powerful technique, it is, after all, a family heirloom, making it exceptionally significant!
"It seems there's nothing particularly necessary to use these remaining 5 Heavenly Dao Points. Let's save them for now and use them to deduce spells or martial arts techniques when the opportunity arises."
Fu Ze jumped off the bed and started practicing boxing.
While fighting, he used his nasal cavity to exhale through his chest cavity using the secret technique of "humming and hawing breaths," causing his muscles and bones to hum softly. His internal organs and bone marrow were also continuously strengthened.
He could clearly feel that the internal energy within his body was becoming more and more refined. The energy that was originally somewhat weak was now gradually becoming more and more harmonious in every movement.
"Hidden strength has indeed advanced another step; the [Heavenly Decree]'s display is indeed correct."
Fu Ze was secretly delighted.
After about half an hour, Fu Ze finished performing a complete set of Bajiquan. He stopped and used his mind to examine his meridians. He immediately discovered an even bigger surprise!
His meridians, which were originally narrow and fragile with many minor damages, were mostly repaired under the nourishment of the massive spiritual energy day and night during this period!
The meridians have become much stronger, and the flow of spiritual energy no longer feels sluggish or painful as before.
"So it turns out that guiding the spiritual energy from the major acupoints and repeatedly circulating it through the meridians can really reshape them!"
Fu Ze was excited.
"At this rate, it won't be long before I can completely overcome my innate weaknesses and make full progress in both magic and martial arts."
He regained his spirit and immediately guided the spiritual energy to circulate in his meridians.
This process repeated itself for two hours...
Bang, bang, bang.
There was a knock on the door, along with Yu Mingzi's voice.
"Young friend Fu, are you perhaps practicing or resting?"
Fu Ze smiled and stepped forward to open the door.
"I didn't conceal my aura. The Taoist priest should have sensed that I wasn't cultivating or sleeping before he knocked on the door."
Haha!
Yu Mingzi stroked his beard.
"That's just proper etiquette."
Perhaps because the zombies and evil cultivators were no longer a major threat, the old Taoist priest was in a very good mood and was even more humorous than usual.
Fu Ze smiled.
"I didn't exert much effort today; I mainly relied on guns and cannons to kill the enemy. But you, Daoist, chased after the evil cultivators and even took a hit from a self-destruction. Instead of resting, what brings you here to see me?"
"Actually, it's alright. It's just that my protective magic artifact was damaged, which made me look a bit disheveled, but the injuries are minor and nothing to worry about. I came to find you because I wanted to go out for a walk and have a chat."
That would be great!
Fu Ze clapped his hands.
"Dare you disobey?"
The two left the county government office together.
With the zombie scourge eliminated, the peaceful atmosphere of daily life finally returned to Fuling County at dusk.
Fu Ze and Yu Mingzi walked side by side on the long street outside the county government building. The evening breeze gently blew away the fear and depression of the past half month.
Yu Mingzi lightly flicked his whisk, his expression less solemn and more relaxed, as if returning to the mountains.
"Young friend Fu, we owe our trip to Fuling to your swift and decisive action; otherwise, it would have been a disaster."
The old Taoist priest sighed.
"I will be returning to Mount Luofu tomorrow to report back to my master. We have met and become acquainted, which can be considered as a kindred spirit."
Upon hearing this, Fu Ze's heart stirred, and he spoke up accordingly.
"Master Daoist, I have a request. I am a wandering cultivator from the common people, and my family's lineage is incomplete. I am completely ignorant of cultivation realms and Daoist rules. This time, in exorcising demons, I have become even more aware of my shallow foundation. I wonder if I could accompany you to Mount Luofu to learn a thing or two?"
He spoke frankly, making no attempt to hide his desire to "shamelessly seek guidance"—he was from no particular school or sect, relying entirely on trial and error, and naturally couldn't miss the opportunity to latch onto the powerful Luofu Mountain.
Yu Mingzi was taken aback at first, then stroked his beard and laughed.
"Haha, young friend Fu, you're too kind! You're skilled in both magic and martial arts, with astonishing talent, and you've also accumulated merit by eliminating demons and bringing peace to the people. Let alone seeking your guidance, even if you were to stay on the mountain for a few days, your elders would certainly welcome you. Alright, I'll take you with me!"
Fu Ze was overjoyed and bowed respectfully.
"Thank you for your help, Daoist Master!"
"We will set off south early tomorrow morning, heading straight for Mount Luofu."
After agreeing on their plans, the two shared some interesting anecdotes about spiritual practice, and then returned together to their room in the backyard of the county government to rest.
The next morning, when it was broad daylight.
After packing up, Fu Ze and Yu Mingzi prepared to leave Fu Nan County and head south to Luofu Mountain.
Liu Aijin looked extremely reluctant to part with them, holding their hands with tears in her eyes.
"Master Fu, venerable Taoist priest, it is uncertain when we will meet again after this farewell. I will certainly miss you dearly."
Fu Ze laughed heartily.
"Magistrate Liu, I think you're just longing for the talisman to break the curse you've been cursed with, aren't you?"
Yu Mingzi said solemnly.
"Lord Liu, you must treat the people well and govern this area well. Otherwise, you know what kind of methods young friend Fu is capable of."
Liu Aijin nodded and agreed.
For no other reason than the excruciating pain that felt like my soul was being torn apart, I never want to experience it again.
"No need to see us off, we're leaving!"
Fu Ze declined Liu Aijin's suggestion of a "farewell party for the people" and also refused the fine horse he offered as a ride—he had nothing else to do anyway and wanted to slowly experience this world.
Riding a horse is too fast; walking is just right.
Fu Ze and Yu Mingzi traveled along the road, passing verdant mountains and winding official roads.
As they walked and talked, Yu Mingzi patiently explained to Fu Ze the cultivation realms and ranks of Daoist practitioners in this world, as well as the origins and differences between the Southern Mao and Shangqing lineages...
Originally, Taoist cultivation required three things: [Dharma Rank], [Dharma Position], and [Dharma Grade].
Dharma position refers to your cultivation level, roughly equivalent to your true strength.
Your legal profession, commonly known as a religious profession, is your job, equivalent to a job given to you by the upper realm.
The Dharma Rank, also known as the Register Rank, is your credentials, similar to a professional title certificate, and must be obtained through the ordination ceremony of the sect.
For example, Yu Mingzi's current Dharma position is "Zhengyi Chuzhen" and his Dharma post is "Dugong Fashi". He has been granted the "Sanwu Dugong Zhenlu".
Fu Ze wasn't very interested in [legal titles] or [legal ranks], but he was very interested in [legal positions].
After discussing it with Yu Mingzi, I realized that I haven't even entered the mainstream yet, and haven't even reached the point of having a "Dharma Rank"...
Because the most basic "Dharma position" is "Zhengyi Chuzhen", and its core manifestation is the ability to externalize one's own spiritual energy and condense it into a tangible form that can be seen by the naked eye of ordinary people.
Fu Ze cannot do that yet.
Of course, Yu Mingzi also told him that [Dharma Rank] is not 100% equal to [Combat Power]. A high realm does not necessarily mean that one is a strong fighter.
For example, if it really came down to a life-or-death battle, most of the [Zhengyi Chuzhen] mages would be no match for him!
In short, Fu Ze listened with great interest to all sorts of important matters and secrets, and benefited immensely from the information.
Before we knew it, it was already evening.
Suddenly, dark clouds surged overhead, and a fierce wind arose. The trees in the surrounding mountains and forests seemed to dance wildly, bending and twisting.
The weather changes so quickly!
Large raindrops pelted down, quickly turning into a torrential downpour.
"This rain came quite suddenly."
Yu Mingzi looked up at the sky, and his Taoist robe was instantly soaked with a corner.
"Young friend Fu, let's find a place to shelter from the rain and spend the night."
Even the most accomplished people want to be in a more comfortable place.
But this place is in the middle of nowhere...
Fu Ze looked up and around. He saw a winding path leading to a dilapidated mountain god temple, its eaves faintly visible amidst the wind and rain on the mountainside ahead.
"Taoist priest, I see a dilapidated temple over there. We can stay there for the night."
"Haha, what a coincidence!"
Yu Mingzi laughed.
"We first met at that abandoned mountain god temple outside Sanshui Town. Now, we're traveling together back to Luofu Mountain, and we're taking shelter from the rain in that dilapidated temple again. It seems we're truly destined to meet this mountain god temple."
Fu Ze smiled too.
"Hopefully, this time we won't run into any more thugs, rat demons, or zombies."
After exchanging a few words of laughter, the two quickly rushed into the dilapidated temple.
To everyone's surprise, the moment Fu Ze stepped into the temple, his smile vanished, his spiritual energy condensed, and his muscles tensed.
"Someone's there!"
It turned out that there were already people inside this dilapidated mountain god temple.