The Unruly Immortals

Hearing Tuoba Danqing say this, Li Huowang immediately felt invigorated. He had gone to great lengths to join the Astrological Bureau for what purpose, if not to gain their trust and obtain information about Bei Feng?

Since the pillow was delivered right to him, there was no reason not to lean on it. "Oh? Brother Tuoba, what's the issue this time?"

A slip of paper was passed to Li Huowang, recording an incident that occurred within a county town inside Da Liang Kingdom's territories.

Looking over the absurd actions listed on the paper, Li Huowang's brows gradually furrowed. "Could this be the work of Oblivion Path?"

As he thought this, Hong Zhong, who was beside him, suddenly became restless, saying with a look of disgust, "Hey, hey, hey, why is it Oblivion Path again? Which part of what's written on this paper has anything to do with Oblivion Path?"

"So everything that goes wrong is caused by Oblivion Path, is that it? You might as well say the natural disasters that cycle every few decades are also caused by Oblivion Path!"

Li Huowang couldn't be bothered with him, and after quickly reviewing the paper, he took it and turned to Tuoba Danqing immediately, "Brother Tuoba, rest assured, I'll take care of this matter! Since I've joined the Astrological Bureau, if the bureau needs me, then it is naturally my responsibility!"

Seeing Li Huowang answer so readily, a strange look flashed in Tuoba Danqing's eyes, "Little Brother Er, so eager? Didn't even ask how much the reward is? Hahaha, aren't you afraid I'm shortening your lifespan?"

"Of course not, I trust Brother Tuoba, and besides, for our Astrological Bureau, what does this bit of reward matter?"

Hearing Li Huowang speak such righteous words, Tuoba Danqing, holding a wine cup, looked at him with a smile that was not quite a smile.

With a "thud," he placed the wine cup on the table. "To be frank, whatever surname that old Emperor has, we couldn't care less. We joined the Astrological Bureau just to make a living and incidentally have someone to rely on."

"Little Brother Er, I really think of you as a brother of my own, but the reason you joined the Astrological Bureau might differ from ours, right?"

At this point, the atmosphere that had been somewhat relaxed suddenly grew chilly.

"Take it easy when you talk, you agreed too quickly, this guy is starting to suspect you," Hong Zhong interjected appropriately from the side.

The drunken Li Huowang quickly sobers up, aware that he needs to answer correctly at this moment. One wrong step could sever his connection with the Astrological Bureau!

Various images flashed through Li Huowang's mind, suddenly freezing on the image of a book, "Swindling Scripture!"

"Why join the Astrological Bureau?" As he spoke, Li Huowang's breathing grew rapidly more labored, his eyes filled with hatred and murderous intent, "To deal with Oblivion Path!"

"They deceived me! Deceived everyone at the Ao Jing Sect's cross-shaped temple! In the end, everyone but me died."

"I hate them! I heard that the Astrological Bureau was against Oblivion Path, so I joined them! As long as Oblivion Path exists, my heart will not be at peace for a day!"

With that, the ceramic wine cup in Li Huowang's hand was crushed by his fierce grip.

Although the reason was fabricated, the hatred was absolutely real.

Hearing such an intense reaction from Li Huowang, Tuoba Danqing let out a sigh, setting down his wine cup, "So that's what happened. I've heard about that incident in Siqi; I didn't expect it to involve you, Brother Er Jiu,"

"Ah, brother made you remember unpleasant memories, my fault. I'll punish myself with three cups." With that, Tuoba Danqing picked up his wine cup, raised it, and gulped it down.

After three cups, the slightly drunk Tuoba Danqing returned. "My good brother, rest assured, now that you are at odds with the Oblivion Path, I will take care of you. Anything to do with the Oblivion Path will prioritize your interests. I wish you vengeance and resolution of hatred soon!"

Li Huowang was playing this act, and of course, it was not just for the sake of getting through—it had other purposes.

He leaned forward slightly, his expression somewhat excited as he asked, "Tuoba Brother, I've heard that within the Bureau there are secrets about the Oblivion Path that outsiders cannot know. Now that I am part of the Astrological Bureau, could you allow me a look?"

That was Li Huowang's goal. If he could strike while the iron was hot and get hold of that information today, it would naturally be the best scenario.

Upon hearing this, Tuoba Danqing's face showed a bit of difficulty. "Ah, dear Er Jiu, I understand that you have a vendetta against the Oblivion Path, but this is a highly confidential matter. You are merely a rank-and-file member now—even if I wanted to show you some favor, you would at least need to be of the Geng Banner rank."

"Does that mean, once I reach the rank of Geng Banner within the Heavenly Observatory, I can access all the secrets of the Oblivion Path?"

"Of course, the Ministry of Rites houses the records of the Bureau's confrontations with the Oblivion Path over the past thousand years. It's guarded so tightly for fear that those madmen might come and alter the records or burn them all."

Li Huowang's eyes firmed with determination as he nodded. In that moment, he had found his goal—to quickly become a member of the Geng Banner within the Astrological Bureau and obtain all information about the Oblivion Path.

After going over this information in his mind, Li Huowang asked again, "May I ask, Brother Tuoba, how is one's rank advanced within the Bureau?"

Tuoba Danqing picked up a tender piece of chicken and stuffed it into his mouth, chuckling. "I knew you were going to ask that. Er Jiu, I know you're eager for revenge, but take it one step at a time—don't rush."

"Position changes within the Astrological Bureau are all approved by the Record of Appearance Master's mentor, the esteemed Heavenly Observatory Master.

"Generally speaking, the more tasks and work you take on, the more records are kept of your accomplishments within the Bureau. When they think you've done enough, then naturally they'll consider promoting you."

"Oh, and don't think that rank advancement is tied to your level of power. Unless you've really put your life on the line for the Bureau, no matter how powerful you are, you'll only be a lowly recruit."

"Initially, promotions may come quickly, but later on, they will slow down. You did well last time; just keep it up, and in no more than half a year, you could be promoted to Ren Wu rank."

"Oh, don't underestimate each of these ranks! With a different badge comes different status, and the benefits you can get from the Bureau change accordingly. Many people join the Astrological Bureau for more than just compensation."

"Half a year?" Li Huowang couldn't wait that long. If it took half a year just to advance to Ren Wu, who knows how long it would take to reach the rank of Geng Banner.

"Brother Tuoba, half a year is too long. Is there another way to advance faster? Even if the reward is less, as long as the Oblivion Path exists, my heart will not be at ease!"

"Hmm..." Tuoba Danqing, holding his wine cup, seemed to be pondering something.

"Alright, I'll make an exception this once. There's a tricky matter that was meant for me to handle. If you can solve it, I'll put in a good word for you with the Record of Appearance Master. That should be enough to get you promoted to Ren Wu."

At this point, Tuoba Danqing's face revealed a subtle smile, "Once you return, lad, I'll show you the benefits that come with a higher rank!"

Seeing his goal achieved, Li Huowang smiled, slightly lowering his wine cup to tap against the other's. "Thank you, Brother Tuoba, for your help. I toast to you!"

As the words were spoken, the wine was naturally quickly drunk. Two incense sticks of time passed, and Tuoba Danqing, swaying, stood up and walked outside.

"Okay then—remember to go early. I've given you the address. Don't miss the appointed time. Oh, and that blind Chen is now squatting in the City God Temple in Yinling City, waiting for someone. If you want to return that mirror to him, you'll have to find him yourself."