A few days ago,
"Line up properly."
"Next person!"
The soldiers were bustling around the gate, diligently checking the identity of those entering the city, along with their goods. Registration of names and purpose was mandatory.
"You're good to go," a soldier nodded, signaling a person to proceed with their carriage. "Please proceed."
Some soldiers stood at a distance from the gate, observing the situation.
"Our workload has increased considerably with this new system. Why do we have to handle all of it?"
"Don't say that. We have to do this! The official has established a new, more reliable system."
"But we would be too tired just handling this."
While they conversed, a sudden flash occurred within the wall, startling both soldiers.
"Eh? That's…" One of them raised his eyes, asking, "My eyes aren't deceiving me, right?"
"I don't think so," the other nodded, confirming the suspicion. He glanced at the person who had just entered before returning to the gate.
They then approached the soldiers at the gate and inquired, "Who was the woman who entered just now?"
"Huh?" The gate soldier was quite puzzled and checked the register. "Her name is Xiao Xue. Her stated purpose is sightseeing."
"Sightseeing?" the observer pondered, muttering his assumption. "That woman is a cultivator, concealing her power. From the glint earlier, it appears she is at the 7-Star Qi Gathering Stage. Her face was a bit pale, so her purpose might not be sightseeing. But we don't have any famous doctors…"
The other observer suggested, "Could she be running away from something?"
"We need to inform the government office. An unidentified cultivator has entered the city. Considering her current condition, there is a possibility that another cultivator is pursuing her. Notify the Secret Guardian to monitor her."
"Understood," one of the soldiers promptly carried out the order.
Meanwhile, the two observers exchanged glances.
The calmer one remarked, "See? This procedure is necessary."
"Well, I can understand. They've installed the measuring crystal around the gate, detecting the fluctuation of Spiritual Qi from that person to measure their strength. This way, the cultivator won't realize they've been identified. Knowing whether there's a threat inside the city is crucial."
"On top of that, their purpose and condition can provide valuable information about their true intentions. While this method may be a bit cumbersome, it doesn't change the fact that we can covertly identify cultivators. Thanks to Sir Hao Yu, we can be prepared for any potential trouble."
"One of the four methods of measuring a cultivator's strength," the observer agreed. "The measuring crystal, huh."
Hao Yu might not be flashy, but he had a few achievements that weren't overshadowed by Gao Ke. This was one of his accomplishments. He had implemented a new system. By placing the measuring crystal within the castle wall, they could detect hidden cultivators. While many cultivators often chose to reveal themselves to avoid trouble, some had reasons to enter covertly.
Since the introduction of this new system, the city had identified over fifty cultivators entering without their prior knowledge. While it had made the city busier, it had also helped prevent hidden threats.
If a cultivator ended up at a brothel, the government office would secretly inform the establishment to avoid offending them. This way, incidents like Hao Yu's mother's experience could be avoided.
While the soldiers admired the new system, the soldier who had gone to notify the government office finally reached his destination.
"Ha... Ha..." He panted as he dismounted his horse.
He spotted an official strolling down the street and said, "Sir…"
Whether it was fortunate or unfortunate, that official happened to be none other than Hao Yu.
"What's wrong?" Hao Yu inquired.
"We've identified a cultivator at the West Gate. According to the observers, she has a pale face, possibly injured, but claims her purpose is sightseeing. Her cultivator strength is 7-Star."
"!!!" Hao Yu was taken aback. On one hand, the procedure was to inform all the Administrators about the cultivator. On the other hand, he was the one who introduced this new system. Hao Yu replied, "Alright. You may return. I will handle the matter."
"Thank you, Sir," the soldier respectfully cupped his hands and returned to his horse.
Meanwhile, Hao Yu was deep in thought. "It's been almost six months... An injured cultivator, hiding... it seems I have to consult the Secret Guardian personally."
…
Inside a dim alley within the West District, the aforementioned cultivator sat helplessly on the ground, leaning against the wall. She looked up with exhaustion evident on her face.
"When did everything go wrong? I just wanted to cultivate peacefully, but why do they all bother me? Why do they want to possess me? People should mind their own business."
Her body trembled as she recalled the recent nightmare.
"Even if I return to the sect, they won't treat me kindly, especially with an Outer Elder supporting that person. Do I have to become a fugitive for a long time? Or should I seek refuge in another sect? No, they would simply send me back to the Iron Mountain Sect."
The more she thought about it, the more desperate she became. She clenched her fists.
"I need time. I have to regain my strength first and somehow establish contact with another outer elder. That's the only way I can return to the sect. Even though I'm not as talented as other geniuses, I still have potential. There should be a few outer elders who can help me. So, I have to buy time to recover from my injuries and clear my name, to set things right."
With newfound determination, a voice suddenly echoed within the alley.
"If that's the case, I can give you the time."
"Who?!" She hastily drew her sword, ready to defend herself. To her surprise, the figure before her wasn't a fellow cultivator but a government official. This marked the first meeting between Li Xue and Hao Yu.
"Pleased to meet you, esteemed cultivator. I am Hao Yu," he introduced himself with the warmest smile he could muster.
"Help me? Heh. Do you think I don't know that the government rarely aids cultivators unless they're requested or have committed a significant offense?"
Rather than denying it, Hao Yu admitted, "You're absolutely correct. The government typically has no inclination to assist you."
"See?" Li Xue sneered, but she was taken aback by Hao Yu's next words. "But I want to help you."
"Huh?" Li Xue was bewildered. She often felt the lustful gazes of fellow cultivators, but surprisingly, she sensed none of that from Hao Yu. It seemed that his intention to help her was genuine. "Why do you want to help me? That doesn't make sense."
Hao Yu raised a finger. "While I was training to become an official, I once fell off a cliff, and the soldiers who were with me couldn't pull me up. At that critical moment, a powerful cultivator descended and rescued me. To him, it was a minor matter, but for me, it meant life and death. When I wanted to express my gratitude, he told me to repay it to the next person in need. So, whenever I have the chance, I've always wanted to assist troubled cultivators. Of course, for just causes."
Li Xue hadn't expected such a story. She didn't doubt it, as his pure gaze and innocent countenance convinced her.
Hao Yu continued, "So, will you share your story with me? I'll see what assistance I can offer."
"I..." Li Xue lowered her sword, a sign of trust. She began recounting the story of her recent ordeals. "I was an ordinary cultivator in the sect. Although I consider myself a genius, I can't compare to those peerless talents. But the issue is that I'm female."
"Is there anything wrong with being female? I believe cultivators hold no gender prejudice," Hao Yu inquired.
"They don't. But... one of them is interested in me. What's more, he has the backing of an Outer Elder. It's like an ordinary person with government support— he does as he pleases."
"So, he wants you to become his?"
"Yes. That's not what I want. All I desired was peaceful cultivation. However, that person sent someone to forcefully take me, which led to a battle in which I ultimately had to kill him. These injuries are the result of that encounter. I can't exert my power beyond 4-Star, and I believe he'll send more people soon."
"I understand the essence of the problem. So, what kind of assistance do you require?"
"I need time to recover. If you can help me with that, once I clear my name and seek justice, I will undoubtedly repay you," Li Xue stated with a determined expression.
"If you don't mind the arrangement, I can buy you time. Furthermore, if you seek revenge, I can assist with that as well. I happen to dislike those who abuse their power to oppress the weak."
"My revenge... what kind of power do you possess to aid me in seeking vengeance? You don't even cultivate. A single gesture from them could easily end your life."
In response to those words, Hao Yu actually smirked and asked, "Would you like to hear my plan?"