Jinxiu Continent, a supernatural land, mysterious and magical.
The magic of Jinxiu began 1,500 years ago, which to humans is a very long time—enough for a family to record dozens of generations in their genealogy. However, from the perspective of the universe's history, this was just the beginning.
Jinxiu Continent consists of dozens of nations, Anhe Country being just one of them. In the continent's history, countries with double-character names are generally small or medium-sized, while the real powerhouses are those with single-character names, such as Zheng Country, Lang Country, Li Country, etc.
Each country has its own supernatural beliefs; in Anhe Country, it is the Daoist Sect; and the Daoist Sect is not only in Anhe Country but is the most widespread sect across the Jinxiu Continent.
The Daoist Sect does not completely control the mortal nations but rather stands behind them, embodied by the existence of the Emperor. Of course, in such a continental layout, there are no surprises in seeing cultivator families ruling the imperial courts, and there are quite a few of them.
Although they do not have complete control, the Daoist Sect only lets go of civilian affairs. In this dangerous land, there are many supernatural threats that mortals cannot handle on their own, necessitating the intervention of the Daoist Sect. Hence, even though they are aloof, they are far from being detached from worldly matters.
1,500 years ago, the spiritual pulse of Jinxiu Continent revived, leading to the path of cultivation. Humans now had the chance to ascend in personal ability. However, when it comes to receiving the nourishment of the spiritual pulse, animals are clearly more adapted than humans, resulting in countless demon beasts and various bizarre creatures.
It is precisely because of these mysterious dangers that numerous Daoists are shepherding regions—receiving their mandate from heaven to patrol on its behalf is the responsibility of human cultivators.
Hou Niao, one of the so-called pursuers, is actually one of the lowest existences among cultivators. He catches mysteries in minor places and occasionally gets involved in major cases, his occupation blurring the lines between mortals and Daoists.
No wonder, his power is too weak, and without potential, he can only engage in such tasks. Making a living is real, becoming supernatural is nothing but a dream forever out of reach.
Hou Niao was born to a family of executioners, his father Hou Xuan, was an old penal officer in Fufeng City, who knew the laws of Anhe like the back of his hand and could recite them from memory. However, despite his knowledge of the law, he was not clean himself, frequented in embezzlement, settling scores for others, framing and setting traps—this was the atmosphere in Anhe's government, without which one could hardly survive, let alone thrive, in this harsh world.
Hou Xuan was an old subordinate official but was always strict with his only son. Perhaps he was trying to achieve through his son the dreams he himself couldn't fulfill? Or was he planning to teach him these dirty tricks once he was fully mature?
Yet, he did not anticipate his own fate. He taught his son the righteous aspect of law but died suddenly before he could teach him the dark side, resulting in a son who was as harsh in his dealings with people as the law itself!
After Hou Xuan's death, Hou Niao took over his father's position, a common practice within the system of Anhe Country—sons inheriting their fathers' professions.
He was not foolish, knowing initially that his temperament was unlikely to suit the real bureaucratic society and, without his father's guidance, managed to keep a low profile. However, an unexpected opportunity led him into the ranks of cultivators, giving him a newfound confidence from within.
Although he has been at the lowest level of cultivation since he started years ago, being educated in legal governance enabled him to finally reveal his nature as a stern officer. With the backing of the Daoist Sect, he became increasingly uncontrollable.
Over the years of cultivation, he understood that he was not cut out for it. His entry into the Dao was just a coincidence, and that was all there would be in his life. Like most Daoists who entered cultivation, he struggled at the bottom his whole life, wearing the Daoist robe, possessing only slightly more strength and quicker reactions than mortal martial artists—hardly a match for those strong ones.
He was broad-minded and no longer fixated on cultivation. Instead, he returned to his old profession and became a Daoist pursuer in Fufeng City. With his Daoist robe, he was finally able to fulfill his ambitions.
Then, inevitably, he offended the entire elite class of Fufeng City; put simply, how could one survive in the field of law enforcement without observing words and expressions, handling matters with discretion, and mastering the art of tactful ignorance?
If it were not for the protection of his Daoist robe, he would not know how many times he would have been killed!
...A separate courtyard where internal matters of the Daoist Sect cannot possibly be settled in public, as it is a matter of face.
Aside from the still silently standing Hou Niao, there were only Chong Ling Daoist and his two companions. This was an internal trial of the Daoist Sect, where Chong Ling would decide his fate.
Chong Ling Daoist picked up a teacup, sipped from it, and said, "It seems that you already know your fate?"
Hou Niao showed no fear, for he had known from the moment this Daoist had called out his name.
"Yes, from the moment you recited 'When Daoist pears are thin, poplars are even more pitiable,' I knew."
Chong Ling Daoist laughed, "Oh? So you blame me now? But do you know that killing or not killing that prince makes a big difference in your punishment?"
Hou Niao smiled lightly, "What difference does it make? Without the protection of the Daoist Sect, without this bit of Dao Power, everything I did before would summon King Yan for me!"
Some things do not need much explanation, such as Meng QiaoLian being ruthlessly devastated outdoors, old Meng suffering silently and plotting revenge later. As the officer responsible for maintaining order in Huangguo town, he had also reported to the government lord, asking for a thorough investigation, among other similar obligations, all buried under bureaucratic shirking and layered protection, rendering him so powerless.
Chong Ling Daoist's poem showed that he was very aware of the truth within; yet, he chose to stand with the Fufeng Government. How much helplessness, how many deals, how much undisclosed information was involved? He didn't want to know. He was only a law enforcer, doing only what he had to.
He and old Meng were not exactly conspirators, yet they indeed were; they never had any collusion, but in terms of punishing those found guilty, they were strikingly consistent.
If he didn't kill the prince, his cultivation would be erased by the Daoist Sect, and he would be expelled from the system by the government. If he didn't want to become an exile, staying in Fufeng City would sooner or later get him killed by those elites he had offended!
For a six-investigator, this was intolerable!
Therefore, he chose the most radical form of resistance, bringing the last who escaped the net to justice.
This was his final perseverance, and only in this moment did he truly understand the essence of the law; in this world, the extent of your capability determines the extent to which you can uphold the law.
Unfortunately, he was nothing! He had only his conviction...
As death approached! Today, I, an old man, inspect my body. Long years as an enemy, throat like a burnt cauldron; now liberated, my energy like thunder. You say contentment, those who reached this in times past, why not be buried after dying drunk.