“M-Master, the tomb blood has disappeared.” The reporting constable was so frightened his teeth were chattering.

The magistrate of Hong County couldn’t believe his ears: “What disappeared?”

“The tomb blood, the tomb blood inside the mountain has vanished.”

The magistrate was skeptical. The cultists were stubborn; those caught alive had all poisoned themselves to death. Yet many bandits had been caught.

According to their confessions, over the years, the bandits colluded with the clerk Bai, running a trade in severed limbs and carnage.

Unfortunately, Lingchuan County was a poor place with few merchant caravans. The bandits’ loot was limited.

That was until half a year ago, when the cultists appeared.

The cultists wanted to dig up tombs deep in the mountains to find some treasure, requiring a large workforce.

The bandits couldn’t fight them and had to yield their territory, instead turning to robbing able-bodied men to sell to the cultists for a profit.

The cultists were generous with their silver and never delayed payment. Over time, the bandits became their henchmen, and both sides lived peacefully.

But now, the subordinates reported that after half a year of digging, the ancient tomb suddenly disappeared?

The magistrate personally entered the cave and received an answer that left him speechless.

The tomb blood inside this mountain had truly vanished, along with that strange sacrificial altar — completely gone.

The cave was empty.

“Just now, my men were tidying up, and in the blink of an eye, the altar vanished into thin air.”

“Master, could it really be a ghost?”

“The awakened youths all say that the Left Protector has magic powers. Could he have returned?”

The magistrate’s expression darkened: “Silence! Don’t spout nonsense.”

“It’s just some trickery and illusion. You’re all government officials—how can you believe in such fake tricks?”

His voice was stern, but deep down the magistrate felt uneasy.

“Master, a group of people have arrived outside, all wearing silver fish pouches, saying they want to take over here.”

The magistrate’s expression changed slightly.

He hurried outside and vaguely saw the leader, a man dressed in a black robe embroidered with dark red.

Gu Qingyan was now treated like a noble lord.

Mother Liu made all sorts of delicious food, eager to fatten him up.

The two younger sisters clung to him like personal maids. Wherever he went, they followed, afraid that if they blinked, Gu Qingyan might run off again.

At first, Gu Qingyan enjoyed this, but after two days, he couldn’t stand it.

“Second sister, third sister, I already said I won’t run off. You can’t possibly stand guard outside every time I go to the bathroom, right?”

Gu Wangqing blushed.

Gu Shuyan retorted confidently, “Brother lies. You’ve lost all credibility with us.”

Hearing this, Gu Wangqing swallowed her shyness and insisted, “The doctor said you lost too much blood and need to rest properly, or you might faint.”

“Yes, brother, what if you fall into the toilet?”

“Pfft.” Liu Yanchi snickered nearby.

Gu Qingyan had no way to argue and took out his books instead.

Knock knock.

Gu Wangqing went to open the door, revealing a familiar face: “Brother Dashan, why are you here?”

“I came to see Lingchuan County’s great hero.”

Gu Dashan was still wearing his constable uniform and joked as he entered, “Cousin, this time you really made a great achievement. If you ask ten townsfolk, eleven would know your name.”

“Why eleven?” Gu Shuyan asked curiously.

“One is still in the belly, listening to mom and dad all day. How could it not know?” Gu Dashan laughed.

Gu Qingyan sighed, “Brother, even you are teasing me.”

Gu Dashan quickly clarified, “I’m not teasing. I really admire you.”

“Who would have thought that a respectable county clerk would collude with bandits to commit robbery and murder? Over the past decade, countless villagers have died at their hands.”

“To be honest, two of our uncles in Meiling Village died in the great mountains, and we never even found their bodies.”

Gu Dashan became serious and bowed deeply: “Qingyan, on behalf of the people of Lingchuan and the entire Gu family, I thank you. If not for you, they would have continued harming people.”

Gu Qingyan helped him up: “Brother, since I came back, you and Uncle have taken great care of me. We’re family—there’s no need for such formalities.”

Mother Liu added from behind, “Yes, we’re all family, so don’t be so polite.”

Gu Dashan laughed heartily and patted his forehead: “Look at me. The magistrate knows I’m from the Gu family and specially sent me to invite you.”

“Has Magistrate Hong returned?”

Gu Qingyan happened to have a head full of questions waiting to ask Magistrate Hong.

The residence was close to the county government office, and in no time, Gu Qingyan arrived at the yamen.

Before entering, he already noticed that the county office had changed a lot.

Gu Dashan explained, “Bai Yu’s henchmen have all been arrested. Anyone with ties to the bandits is already in prison.”

Magistrate Hong had planned thoroughly and would not let a single one slip away.

So it turned out that over half of the Lingchuan County yamen was cleared out.

Gu Qingyan made his way to the back residence before finally seeing Magistrate Hong.

“Your humble servant pays respects, sir.”

Hong had him bow, then waved him to sit down and dismissed the attendants.

“Gu Qingyan, the other day you fought with that Left Protector inside the cave. Did you notice anything?”

Gu Qingyan was puzzled. “His skills were formidable, definitely not ordinary, but beyond that, please forgive me, I am unable to say.”

Hong was not surprised, nodded, and asked again, “Did you see him use any sorcery?”

That made Gu Qingyan even more confused.

Because before this, Magistrate Hong was a true atheist, born in Confucianism and did not believe in ghosts or spirits.

“No, I did not.”

Gu Qingyan thought carefully but shook his head. “However, many people inside the cave were poisoned at the same time. According to Liu Yanchi, their symptoms were similar — bleeding from seven orifices, dying in great pain.”

“Not only those abducted were poisoned, but some of the cult members as well.”

Magistrate Hong fell silent for a moment.

Gu Qingyan tentatively asked, “Sir, has there been any result from interrogating the cult members?”

Hong shook his head.

Seeing Gu Qingyan misunderstand, he explained, “Officials from above have sealed the cave off; I am not allowed to intervene.”

“The cult matter is too strange. If it escalates, it might cause chaos. So this case will be closed as Bai Yu colluding with bandits to harm the people.”

Gu Qingyan frowned. “But those cultists were ruthless, killing so many.”

He had seen the corpses of those young boys and girls — so young, their deaths so tragic.

Magistrate Hong reassured him, “I have no authority over that, but others will handle it. They will continue to investigate until all cultists are caught.”

“The survivors will be treated with care. You just need to rest assured.”

Gu Qingyan found it odd.

Even though it was a cult, Magistrate Hong was the local magistrate and leader of this operation; why was he completely barred from involvement?

“Sir, who exactly are these cultists?”

Hong looked troubled.

After a long pause, he sighed slightly. “Since you are a scholar, you should know about the Battle of Hongxing.”

Gu Qingyan showed an embarrassed expression.

Not his fault — he had just completed his elementary education, was still a child, and had barely memorized the Four Books and Five Classics. How could he know other history?

Hong didn’t blame him and continued, “At the end of the previous dynasty, due to witchcraft chaos, the realm fractured, and the people suffered greatly.”

“The people rose up, and warlords divided the land, lasting nearly a hundred years.”

“The reason the founding emperor could establish the Great Zhou was because of the Battle of Hongxing. Legend has it, during that battle, the emperor cooperated with the Taiping Sect to win against overwhelming odds, annihilating 500,000 enemy troops and securing the realm in one stroke.”

“The Taiping Sect was said to practice immortal arts — they could ‘turn beans into soldiers’ and command gods and ghosts. They were followers of immortals.”

Gu Qingyan was startled. “The Taiping Sect? How come I’ve never heard of them?”

If they had been such a great force, he’d never seen any incense burning for them now.

Hong whispered, “In the early Great Zhou period, the Taiping Sect was the state religion, and their leader was honored as a national teacher. They were prominent then but should not have meddled in the crown prince’s succession dispute.”

“Emperor Taizong deeply despised the Taiping Sect, believing they spread heresy and tried to control the government. He launched a massive crackdown, burning their books and hunting their followers to erase them completely.”

“Only no one expected that a hundred years later, the Taiping Sect would return.”

Gu Qingyan nodded repeatedly to show he understood.

This was basically the otherworldly version of the White Lotus Sect — supported the founding emperor’s rise with tricks but thought they could hold state religion status, only for the Great Zhou emperor to turn against them.

Religion cannot override the realm, and the emperor could not allow it, so the sword was turned against them.

The once mighty Taiping Sect was now silenced.

Gu Qingyan realized something: “So these cultists are all Taiping Sect followers? Are they trying to rebel?”

Hong warned, “Whatever they want to do is not your concern.”

“The Taiping Sect does not practice sorcery, and I do not know about ‘turning beans into soldiers.’ That sounds exaggerated. But since they once were the state religion, they must have been formidable.”

If it had been earlier, Hong would have sneered reading this and not believed it.

But witnessing the tomb disappearance firsthand shook his skepticism about supernatural forces.

He dared not investigate further and feared Gu Qingyan’s youthful impulsiveness might rush him into danger.

Hong poured a cup of tea for Gu Qingyan. “I heard you plan to study and take the imperial exams to become an official?”

“Exactly,” Gu Qingyan nodded. “My father’s dying wish was for me to pass the exams and bring honor to the family.”

Although those words were originally meant for Li Jingtin.

Hong nodded, “Lingchuan County’s literary scene is weak, and the local private academies are mediocre. If you like, you can enter the county school.”

County school?

That was a place for students who passed the initial exam, with professors sent by the court, definitely better than private schools.

Gu Qingyan was naturally willing. “Sir, I am not even a student yet. Will that be troublesome?”

Hong smiled at his thoughtfulness. “Not at all. If your family is prominent, you can get in through connections. You are the hero of this case; who in Lingchuan County would say no to you?”

Gu Qingyan was overjoyed. “Thank you, sir.”

Entering the county school, this time there was no need to worry about the issue of enrollment quotas.

Although this adventure had some risks, with such a good reputation, there was no worry about lacking a guarantor.

Gu Qingyan was feeling very pleased.

Seeing his energetic demeanor, Magistrate Hong smiled and said, “I won’t keep you long. Just focus on studying well when you get back. Don’t worry about anything else.”

Only then did Gu Qingyan leave.

He realized that Magistrate Hong was subtly reminding him that the Taiping Sect was likely involved in imperial power struggles—something a mere scholar like him should not meddle in.

Wait!

Taiping Sect?

Why does that sound so familiar?

Gu Qingyan’s mind raced, trying to recall where he had seen those three characters before.

Suddenly, Gu Qingyan froze completely.

[“Young Master Zhen’s Continuous Success in the Imperial Examinations”]

He had seen that name in the original version of this cliché novel.

Gu Qingyan quickly opened the dark and ominous book in the system.

[“News arrived from the capital: The legitimate eldest son of the Wang family has died; Madam Xu and Li Jingting wept together—they had finally been waiting for this opportunity.”]

[“Along with the funeral notice came a personal letter from Minister Li, instructing Li Jingting to hurry to the capital.”]

[“Li Jingting knew that with the death of the Li family’s eldest son, he would become Minister Li’s only son and inherit everything.”]

[“Madam Xu hurriedly packed, planning to leave for the capital as soon as possible…”]

Gu Qingyan frowned.

No, it wasn’t the rewritten version he was reading now.

It was from the world without his presence—the records in [“Young Master Zhen’s Continuous Success in the Imperial Examinations”].

At that time, Gu Qingyan had only read it once and racked his brains, finally recalling some memories.

In the original plot, Li Jingting returned to the capital and, due to his photographic memory, caught Minister Li’s attention and was strongly cultivated as a concubine-born son.

Li Jingting’s life started smoothly, taking in seven or eight women in his rear palace, while the court affairs were only briefly mentioned.

Even so, the book clearly stated: [“When the new emperor ascended the throne, he reinstated the Taiping Sect as the state religion, bringing peace to the realm.”]

Gu Qingyan’s heart skipped a beat.

The future emperor reinstating the Taiping Sect as the state religion? How could that be? The heretical sect their ancestors had struggled to suppress was raised again?

He had already seriously offended the Taiping Sect—wouldn’t he become a target for revenge in the future?

Gu Qingyan instinctively touched his neck; the bloodstain was still there.

Poor him, he hadn’t even enjoyed a few peaceful days before so many people wanted his life.

“Brother, you’re back.”

Gu Shuyan was waiting at the door and ran out upon seeing him. “What’s wrong? You look unwell.”

Gu Qingyan thought to himself: there’s no use thinking about it now. Even if he had known the heretical sect would become the future state religion, he couldn’t collude with them.

Not wanting to worry his sister, Gu Qingyan put away his expression: “Nothing.”

“Brother Liu’s parents have arrived and are at home,” Gu Shuyan said.

Only then did Gu Qingyan notice two horse-drawn carriages outside the door. Judging by their luxury, they were no ordinary household.

Once inside, sure enough, he saw Liu Yanchi and a middle-aged couple embracing and crying.

“Father, mother, this is Brother Gu. He went deep into the tiger’s den alone, found the bandit nest, and only then could Magistrate Hong lead people to rescue us,” Liu Yanchi praised him grandly in front of his parents.

The couple quickly wiped their tears.

“So this is Young Master Gu. Young Master Gu, please accept my bow,” said the father.

Gu Qingyan hurriedly stopped him. “Uncle, you don’t have to. Yanchi has already thanked me many times. Uncle, Auntie, please don’t do this.”

“Yes, you’re elders; such a grand gesture makes Brother Yan feel uncomfortable,” Mrs. Liu also persuaded.

Mrs. Liu wiped her tears. “This boy is always willful. This time he almost lost his life; thanks to Young Master Gu’s rescue. I just hope he learns from this lesson and behaves better.”

“Mother, I won’t dare to be reckless again,” Liu Yanchi said, still scared.

He never expected that watching a temple fair would lead to being captured and used as a human sacrifice by a cult.

Mr. Liu was gentle and refined; Mrs. Liu dignified and graceful—both clearly not ordinary people. But now, for their son, they humbled themselves.

Gu Qingyan smiled lightly. “He’ll definitely have learned his lesson. Since Uncle and Auntie came to pick you up, hurry home. Didn’t you say your grandmother is there? The sooner she sees you, the sooner she’ll be relieved.”

Liu Yanchi sniffled. “Yeah, Grandmother must be worried sick.”

Mother Liu gave him a sharp look: “We wouldn’t dare let your grandmother know you went missing. When you go back, don’t let it slip.”

Father Liu wore an apologetic expression: “Young master, we should be thanking you properly, but your grandmother has asked repeatedly, and if we don’t return soon, she won’t be fooled any longer. We have to leave first.”

“No need for thanks, uncle. It was all thanks to County Magistrate Hong’s efforts. I didn’t do much,” Gu Qingyan replied politely.

It was also a matter of luck for Liu Yanchi—otherwise, with such severe poisoning, like the others, there would have been no saving him.

After exchanging a few polite words, the Liu family left the gifts they brought behind.

Before leaving, Father Liu spoke: “I heard from Yanchi that the young master intends to study. Have you been admitted to any academy yet?”

Gu Qingyan paused, “Not yet.”

Father Liu took out a letter he had prepared earlier: “I am acquainted with the dean of Hongshan Academy. If you are interested, you could study there.”

“Thank you very much, uncle. I will give it serious thought.”

Gu Qingyan was surprised to hear Hongshan Academy’s name.

Hongshan Academy was a famous institution throughout the Great Zhou, located in Qingzhou Prefecture, with extremely strict admission requirements. The annual entrance exam was comparable to the imperial exams.

Back when he was still the young master of the Li family, he had heard the family mention it.

Even with a high-ranking official as a father, not all the Li family could enter Hongshan Academy, which shows how formidable it was.

However, Hongshan Academy was very far from Lingchuan County, and since Gu Qingyan was not even a student-level scholar yet, he didn’t plan to leave home to study immediately. For now, he wasn’t considering going there.

He respectfully accepted the recommendation letter and sincerely thanked them.

He wouldn’t go now, but once he passed the lower-level exams and became a licentiate, it would be the right time to attend.

The Liu couple didn’t stay long and quickly got into their carriage, preparing to leave.

Liu Yanchi was reluctant to part, resting his head against the window and looking back: “Brother Gu, you must go, alright? Then we can be classmates. I’ll wait for you at Hongshan Academy.”

Gu Qingyan just waved at him.

Only after the Liu carriage disappeared from sight did Liu Yanchi reluctantly return inside.

Without others around, Mother Liu grabbed his hand and spoke without restraint: “My son suffered so much and lost so much weight. When you return, you must take good care of yourself.”

Liu Yanchi sniffled and was about to cry, but then saw his father’s sharp look.

“You brought this on yourself. What care are you talking about? Once you return, I’m sending you to the academy. No more coming home without a reason, so you don’t wander around and risk your life.”

Though Mother Liu felt heartbroken, thinking of the danger this time, she supported the father’s words: “Yanchi, your father is doing this for your own good. You need to listen carefully.”

Liu Yanchi hung his head: “I know.”

Seeing his obedience, Father Liu softened his tone—after all, a father’s concern is most deeply felt by his own son.

“When you return, have the imperial physician examine you thoroughly. Don’t let this poisoning leave any lasting damage.”

Liu Yanchi nodded repeatedly. Talking about the poisoning, he added, “Father, can you ask the imperial physician to check on Brother Gu too? He fainted, and his breathing was so faint.”

“The doctors here in Lingchuan County are terrible. They even said we were fine—I don’t trust them.”

Father Liu nodded in agreement and then asked: “You said the young master Gu fought the Left Protector to a draw?”

“Yes, I saw it with my own eyes. But Brother Gu later said that was a sudden burst of strength at a critical moment. He won’t have that ability again.”

Father Liu pondered.

“Father, you must have someone quickly catch those cultists. They went too far, treating people like pigs and dogs.”

Hearing his son, Father Liu spoke in a deep voice: “Enough. Don’t bring this up again when you return. Focus on your studies. The authorities will handle the rest.”

Liu Yanchi stuck out his tongue and didn’t say more.

After sending off Liu Yanchi, the house suddenly felt much quieter.

Gu Qingyan told the three people, “Sort out the things. Use what can be used, and give away what can’t.”

He unfolded a bolt of cloth. The Liu family must have done their homework before coming—they had brought four bolts of very good fabric, and the colors suited the family of four perfectly.

“Mother, let’s each make a new set of clothes. The colors are just right.”

Mother Liu touched the cloth and agreed, “This must be fabric from Jiangnan. I’ll make them for you. As for myself, I’ll pass—I haven’t even worn out the new clothes I made earlier.”

“Make them all. If we just keep the cloth lying around, it will lose its brightness over time,” Gu Qingyan insisted.

“If you’re too busy, Mother, we can hire someone to sew,” Gu Wangqing quickly offered.

“No need to hire anyone, I know how to sew,” Mother Liu smiled.

“Brother, I can sew too!” Gu Shuyan said enthusiastically.

Mother Liu’s eyes sparkled with a smile: “Good, then let’s make them all.”

There were so many things delivered that the courtyard was almost full to overflowing. Gu Qingyan simply unpacked all the boxes, putting all the food into the kitchen to improve their meals.

Then he picked out the things he couldn’t use himself: “I’ll send some over to my eldest uncle’s place later. They have a big family, so they’ll definitely make use of it.”

The two sisters nodded repeatedly.

Finding it amusing, Gu Qingyan pulled out a box of delicate pastries and stuffed a piece into their mouths.

Suddenly having a piece of pastry shoved into their mouths, the two little girls froze in surprise.

Gu Qingyan tried one himself, then smiled: “Pretty tasty, huh? Eat up.”

He also gave one to Mrs. Liu.

Gu Wangqing swallowed the pastry—sweet and melting instantly—it was the best pastry she had ever eaten.

Ever since her brother came back, she had tried quite a few good pastries.

Brother also liked to buy meat for the house, making sure they ate well at every meal.

Because they were eating well, in just a short time, the two sisters had started growing taller and even gained some weight.

It’s really good to have a brother, the sisters thought in unison.

Taking advantage of the moment, Gu Qingyan suggested, “Mom, two little sisters, now that my health is better, how about we find a time to go back to Meiling Village?”

At these words, the two sisters looked towards Mrs. Liu.

They had never left Meiling Village since they were little. Although the house in the county seat belonged to their brother, the sisters didn’t feel quite at ease living there.

They also missed the chickens and ducks back home and worried that if they stayed away too long, the house would get dirty without anyone to clean it.

But compared to their brother’s safety, none of that mattered.

Mrs. Liu sighed helplessly, “Alright, alright, pack up and we’ll go home together tomorrow.”

Gu Qingyan smiled with satisfaction.

Just then, the front door was knocked again.

“Who could it be now?” Gu Qingyan went to open the door.

To his surprise, it was a stranger—alone and radiating a fierce aura.

Instinctively, Gu Qingyan gripped his dagger, fearing it might be a runaway mountain bandit coming after them.

The next moment, the strong young man smiled, looking unusually goofy.

“You must be Gu Qingyan, young master Gu, right? I’m Xia Liu, here to deliver a gift.”

Xia Liu chuckled, “Not ‘low’—I’m Xia Liu, the willow tree in summer that can survive anywhere.”

“Young master Gu, I finally found you.”

Gu Qingyan grew even more puzzled: “Do I know you?”

Could he be like the Liu family members, relatives of the youths saved this time?

But judging by his muscular build, he looked like a trained fighter.

Suddenly, Xia Liu slapped his forehead, “Look at me, almost forgot—I’m here on Lord Pei Xuan’s orders, bringing gifts.”

Hearing this, Gu Qingyan immediately grinned.

He really liked this big brother—he moved checkpoints, was highly skilled in martial arts, and could even invite spirits to possess him, definitely a powerful ally.

Gu Qingyan showed a very warm expression: “So you’re from Lord Pei’s group. Please come in quickly. Second sister, serve some tea.”

Xia Liu grinned like a big teddy bear, thinking the young master really had a good relationship with the lord if he was sending such a big brother.

He didn’t enter yet: “Young master, wait, there are still some things.”

Gu Qingyan looked in the direction he pointed—and was stunned. This was “some things”?