The Dao Sovereign of Shennong

"What? Old Shennong fell ill? Where did you hear that, Ziyu?"

"Last night, someone from the Xue family came to the Shennong Division to request leave for him. Lord Chen then informed everyone in Huailiu Courtyard."

Zhao Xing frowned. "Is it serious? Do you know any specifics?"

Beside him, Qian Dong shook his head. "They only mentioned that he's unwell and needs some time to recover. They didn't say for how long. For now, Lord Chen will temporarily oversee the daily affairs of Huailiu Courtyard."

Zhao Xing pondered for a moment. "I'm thinking of visiting Xue Manor to check on him. Would you two like to join me?"

Chen Ziyu shook his head. "I'm afraid that's not possible. Lord Chen specifically instructed that no one is to visit, so as not to disturb Old Shennong. Those who went early to visit were turned away by the Xue family, who are refusing guests."

Zhao Xing furrowed his brow even more deeply. Something seemed off.

First, there's no clear recovery timeline. If it were just a minor illness, why all this?

Then, the refusal of visitors—this was even more suspicious.

"Old Xue Wenzhong is ninety-eight. The court has even granted him extended life, so he shouldn't be passing away just yet."

"But even with the court's life-extending blessings, it doesn't guarantee complete immunity from illness. It's normal for an elder to fall sick. However, forbidding visitors and needing an extended recovery… what's really going on? If this drags on for months, and he can't resume his post… sigh, Old Shennong, you must hang in there."

Meanwhile, at Xue Manor, in the side room where the bedridden Xue Wenzhong lay, a gray-haired elder watched over him with a worried expression.

"Uncle, you must hold on. Baier will be fine," the elder said.

The speaker was Xue Quan, Xue Wenzhong's nephew.

The court's life-extending blessings typically did not extend to family members of ninth-rank officials. Xue Wenzhong was expected to live to one hundred and five, but his wife had passed at eighty-three, and his son and daughter-in-law had died in their seventies.

Now, the only close family member left to take care of Xue Wenzhong was his nephew, Xue Quan, who was himself already in his sixties.

Staring out the window, Xue Wenzhong muttered, "A sin, a sin."

His lips were pale, and although his symptoms were those of illness, the real issue wasn't physical.

The reason he was lying in bed was pure anger.

Yesterday, a family servant had informed him that his grandson, Xue Bai, had gotten into serious trouble in the county capital and was arrested.

The incident had begun with Xue Bai seeking out entertainment, and after getting drunk, he quarreled with someone and severely injured them. Causing a public disturbance, he was swiftly arrested and was now locked up in the county jail, awaiting trial.

Paying a fine or serving time was one thing, but for Xue Wenzhong, a man known for his integrity and good reputation, this was an unimaginable disgrace.

In his rage, Xue Wenzhong couldn't control the turbulent energy within him and had fainted.

"Baier knows he's made a mistake," Xue Quan tried to comfort him.

"Mistake? Mistake?" Xue Wenzhong looked at his nephew with sorrowful eyes. "How many times has he made this mistake?"

Xue Quan fell silent, reminded of his nephew's history of trouble.

As a Shennong Division official, Xue Wenzhong had an exemplary reputation. His son had done well in business and amassed some wealth, showing his own capabilities.

But by the third generation, perhaps because Xue Bai was the family's only child, he had been spoiled and had grown up to be a troublemaker.

Now, he was no longer a troublesome child but a troublesome young man.

Has he truly learned his lesson? Even Xue Quan wasn't sure.

Still, he felt obliged to speak up. "Uncle, Xue Bai is your only blood relative. If you don't save him, will you just watch him rot in prison?"

Xue Wenzhong shook his head. "Before, he was just idling around, wasting money. But now he's injured someone and broken the law. What will it be next time? A capital crime? Let things take their course. Don't go meddling in this."

"But he's not even married yet. If something happens to him in prison, let me at least send my son Ping'er to represent you and try to help…"

"His father's indulgence brought us to this point. Shielding him from the consequences now won't protect him for life. I'll make sure he receives a fair judgment, but if others can't discipline him, let the law do it."

"But Uncle…"

"I'm tired. Please, leave me to rest," Xue Wenzhong interrupted, his tone firm.

Left with no choice, Xue Quan bowed and excused himself, sensing that this wasn't the right moment to push further.

As he left, the room was filled with sighs. Xue Wenzhong, gazing out the window, was burdened with heavy thoughts. He could pull strings to save his grandson, but had Xue Bai truly learned his lesson? Once he was gone, who would be there to guide and protect him, to safeguard the Xue family's legacy?

"Zhao Xing, Lord Chen has summoned you to the Hundred Flowers Courtyard."

Just as Zhao Xing was about to leave Huailiu Courtyard, he was summoned.

Why would the head of the division personally call for him?

Could it be that his talents had been recognized by a higher-up?

Upon arriving at Hundred Flowers Courtyard, Zhao Xing realized he had overthought things.

It wasn't just him—every top-ranked official on the Jia List was present.

Not just those from the recent Lesser Heat exam, but anyone who had ranked on the Jia List throughout the year. In total, fewer than fifty people.

Entering the courtyard, Zhao Xing noticed that something was different from usual.

"What's going on? Why are there county officials here?"

"Isn't that Wang Long, the head of the martial law office?"

"And at least seven warriors who've attained ranked positions—what's happening? Did someone from the Shennong Division break the law?"

"Not sure. Stay quiet, Lord Chen is here."

Zhao Xing quietly listened.

Soon, Chen Shijie arrived and called for silence. He nodded to Wang Long, who stepped forward and addressed the gathered officials. "We've gathered you here today at Lord Chen's request because of the strange incidents happening across Nanyang County recently. A group of mysterious cultists has been targeting officials from the Shennong Division, the Heavenly Works Department, and other related positions, abducting them."

"By order of the county government, all local offices are to strengthen their defenses and apprehend these criminals. While you're in the city, there's no need for concern. But when traveling outside, it's best to move in groups during daylight. If you notice anyone following you or acting suspiciously, report them immediately."

"The Donghu Army and the various city departments have already been mobilized. Rest assured, these criminals will be caught soon. There's no need for undue alarm."

A ripple of whispers spread through the room. In these peaceful times, who would dare to kidnap officials? It was madness.

Zhao Xing, too, was surprised. Could the Xuantian Sect really be causing such havoc already? It was enough to prompt the authorities to mobilize in such force.

After Wang Long finished speaking, Chen Shijie took over.

"Those of you on the Jia List are all considered promising Shennong officials in training. Should these criminals reach Gucheng, you would be their prime targets."

"As a precaution, I've applied to the Transport Division for a batch of protective treasures."

"I won't elaborate on their functions. They are typically only given to fully ranked Shennong officials, so consider this a temporary loan for self-defense."

"There's no need to worry too much. These may not even come into use. They're just a safeguard."

After his speech, officials moved among the gathered officials, distributing the treasures one by one.

As for why only the Jia List officials were receiving these, it had been explained—they were the ones most likely to be targeted. Lesser officials didn't need to worry.

When Zhao Xing received his allotted treasure, he was surprised.

He was familiar with the equipment allocated to Shennong officials, but even so, he hadn't expected these specific items: "Hmm? These two? And they're actually of quite decent quality?"