Late at night, Xu Qi’an pores over case files, reflecting on his journey since arriving in this world. Initially imprisoned and set to be exiled to Yunzhou, he avoided that fate by solving a case. Ironically, his eventual trip to Yunzhou ended with a mysterious figure forcing the divine entity Shen Shu into his body but sparing his life. Connecting the dots, Xu Qi’an finds it unbelievable—why would the Linghui Master of the Witch God Sect both seek his death and manipulate events to use him? It seems the Linghui Master fears something in Dafeng, possibly the formidable Superintendent of the Directorate of Celestial Surveillance.
Meanwhile, Xiao Rou observes Xu Qi’an deeply engrossed in his files. She remarks on how Wei Yuan has also been tirelessly investigating, even asking her to gather additional details about the case. Curious about Wei Yuan’s findings, Xu Qi’an discreetly visits him.
A Game of Questions
The two engage in a game of truth-or-dare, though the questions are anything but trivial. Xu Qi’an asks Wei Yuan about the events of the past—what exactly did Dafeng lose, and what is the empire’s national destiny? Wei Yuan explains that without its national destiny, Dafeng will suffer poor harvests, unstable weather, and worsening lives for its citizens, all while the government becomes increasingly chaotic.
When it’s Wei Yuan’s turn, he asks a single, pointed question that leaves Xu Qi’an speechless. Although Xu Qi’an has carefully hidden the matter of Shen Shu, Wei Yuan has already deduced the entity’s presence and knows exactly when it entered Xu Qi’an’s body.
Fearing that his growing power and prominence might make him a target, especially with the emperor now wary, Xu Qi’an expresses his anxiety. Wei Yuan advises him to stay focused on his cultivation and reach the upper echelons of martial arts. Once he achieves this, he will no longer be treated as a mere pawn.
An Imperial Decree
Shortly after, an imperial decree arrives: Emperor Jing grants Xu Qi’an the title of Viscount and appoints him as the chief investigator for the “Bloody Massacre of Three Thousand Miles” in Chuzhou. Though flattered, Xu Qi’an feels a chill run down his spine—investigating the powerful Northern King in Chuzhou seems like a mission with little chance of survival.
Following Wei Yuan’s advice, Xu Qi’an visits the Cloud Deer Academy, hoping the Superintendent will grant him a powerful artifact for his mission. Instead, he receives a book titled Records of the Great Wilderness. Frustrated, Xu Qi’an finds the book filled with unfamiliar characters and little apparent value. Xu Xinnian explains that it’s related to the Directorate of Celestial Surveillance, but he knows nothing more.
Later that evening, Xu Qi’an continues studying the book and suddenly has an epiphany. Lighting a talisman he carries, he uncovers the book’s hidden secrets. A massive surge of vital energy bursts forth, enveloping Xu Qi’an and significantly enhancing his martial abilities. He realizes the connection between the book’s power and Shen Shu’s presence within him, feeling that he can now integrate Shen Shu’s abilities into his own.
Parting Ways and Hidden Allies
Meanwhile, Princess Lin’an remains confined to the palace. When a spy reports that Xu Qi’an spent his free time at a theater, Lin’an is infuriated and demands answers from her maid, frustrated that she cannot intervene.
At the docks, Xu Qi’an loads his luggage onto a ship, bidding farewell to his family. Li Miaozhen, accompanied by Su Su, plans to secretly assist him, intrigued by the importance of his mission. Watching his family’s retreating figures from the deck, Xu Qi’an sighs, lamenting that Dafeng hardly feels worthy of his sacrifices.
