Hidden Shadow – CH 204

Chapter Two-Hundred-Four: Gao Dazhuang

The Konghe Bureau was located within the Imperial City, not far from the Privy Council. A narrow alleyway led there, barely wide enough for two people to walk side-by-side.

Entering from there, after walking about ten zhang, the road forked into three paths. The guide explained, “All three paths lead to the Konghe Bureau, but sometimes they are passable, and sometimes they are not.”

He chose the right path without explaining why.

The path was surrounded by houses, creating a cramped and oppressive atmosphere. However, upon reaching an arched covered bridge, the view suddenly opened up.

The terrain here was peculiar; there were no mountains or valleys, but rather a gently sloping hill, barely noticeable unless viewed from a high vantage point.

This sloping area, in feng shui, was called the “fish spine,” also known as a “small dragon vein.”

The covered bridge seemed to be at the highest point of the fish spine. Looking out, in the vast darkness, the snow-covered rooftops soared, their carved eaves and brackets creating a densely packed, staggered landscape. Some of the soaring rooftops were adorned with white lanterns, others with red lanterns, and still others with bells, which tinkled in the wind, creating a unique melody.

“Please wait here; I will be right back,” the guide said, pulling out a letter of introduction and leaping down from the bridge.

The atmosphere immediately lightened. Sui Yuntong asked curiously, “Why are the things hanging on the rooftops different?”

This was not a secret; Sheng Changying had heard about it before. He explained, “When Shadow receives a mission, they light a red lantern and hang it on the rooftop. If they return successfully, they replace it with a white lantern. If Shadow dies in the line of duty, the lantern goes out, and they remove it and replace it with a bell.”

“Judging from the sound, there are hundreds, even thousands of bells!” Li Qingzhi exclaimed.

Just then, the guide returned, distributing tokens to everyone. “With these tokens, you can light the lanterns.”

Sheng Changying and Zhu Pianxian, however, did not.

The guide said, “Someone will come to fetch Lord Sheng later to exchange his official seal. You do not need to light a lamp.”

In other words, Sheng Changying did not need to take on any tasks.

“As for you,” the guide looked at Zhu Pianxian, “Lord Chu has let you in. As long as you can stay in the Octagonal Tower for a day, you can stay here and wait for Lord Chu’s return.”

“What if I cannot?” Zhu Pianxian had no intention of staying in a place like this. How much money could she possibly earn by risking her life?

“Can you not?” The guide said calmly. “You only have two paths before you: either pass through or die.”

Zhu Pianxian gritted her teeth and cursed Chu Dingjiang’s ancestors for eighteen generations. However, his surname was Hua, and it was pitiful that some ancestor of the Chu family had suffered collateral damage.

Entering the complex, everyone was astonished to find that it was a small town, complete with taverns, teahouses, restaurants, and even storytellers at roadside tea stalls!

“This is much more pleasant than the Konghe Academy!” Sun Dixian muttered.

The previously silent Earth Instructor let out a sarcastic snort.

The crowd secretly rejoiced. If it were not for this transfer, they would not even know Earth Instructor has such a powerful and imposing name—Gao Dazhuang!

Although he announced his name change to Gao Yuanxin after joining the Konghe Academy, everyone called him Earth Instructor. The name Gao Yuanxin had long been relegated to the sidelines. When the official transfer documents were issued, the three characters “Gao Dazhuang” were prominently displayed.

Fate. Sure enough, they would kick someone when they were down. The more dire the situation, the easier it was to dig up even more shameful past events…

Seeing the subtle atmosphere, Gao Yuanxin knew what everyone was thinking! He felt even more frustrated.

“This is the Konghe Ranking.” The guide stopped before a massive stone wall. “If one’s name is on the list, the minimum rank in the Konghe Army is sixth grade.”

An Jiu looked over; the wall was made of snow-white stone. The scroll was so shiny it reflected light, and was carved with auspicious clouds and cranes. At the very top was a long-bearded old man with blurred features, his palm outstretched with the Eight Trigrams. In the center, a row of raised characters outlined jade plaques bearing names. The first name on the list was unfamiliar, the second was also unknown, and Gu Jinghong was third.

The guide then said, “The first two on the list are already second-rank officials of the Konghe Academy; no need for further lighting. The third-ranked Lord Gu is actually the current top-ranked official on the Konghe List. Lord Gu’s rise to the top is a recent development; given time…”

An Jiu did not hear what he said next, her eyes searching the list, finally finding Chu Dingjiang’s name at position twenty-nine.

“Is Lord Chu not the Commander of the Divine Martial Arts? Why is he ranked thirty-ninth, yet his position is higher than Lord Gu’s?” Sun Dixian asked.

The guide said, “Lord Chu is one of the few Transcendent Realm experts in the world. If he were to carry out a mission, what would he fail to achieve? Just like this time, if it were not for Lord Chu, with just the few of you, you would probably have been devoured by Piaomiao Mountain Mansion, leaving not even bones! Such an expert naturally has more important matters to attend to.”

The facts were as the commander said. However, the rules of the Konghe Army were based on the number of missions completed. While this was the principle, Chu Dingjiang had not fulfilled his duties, inevitably making him seem like someone with martial prowess but insufficient experience.

The Konghe Ranking only had the top thirty-nine.

This perfectly illustrated the phrase “survival of the fittest.” Those with strength ascended to this ranking, attaining high office; those without strength perished, leaving only a string of bells in the corner of the room, and no one would even remember that such a person had ever existed.

After passing the Konghe List, the guide led the group to a cluster of houses. Bells hung from the eaves, creating a cacophony of clear, melodious chimes in the breeze, even without direct sunlight.

“Over here is a large courtyard with three entrances and many smaller, independent houses nearby,” the guide explained, standing with his hands behind his back opposite the group. He began to explain the rules of the area. “The building next to the Konghe List is the Lantern Lighting Tower. Take your tokens there to receive a task, and once you have a lantern, you can freely choose any available residence. A word of advice: you should all be in a group, so it is best to stay close together.”

He paused, then continued, “While internal fighting is not forbidden in the Konghe Army, life-or-death combat is strictly prohibited! Staying together will allow you to look out for each other. Also, besides the tasks assigned to you, you can go to the Lantern Lighting Tower individually to receive tasks. If you have not settled your tasks within twelve hours, someone will take you to a life-or-death trial.”

“We can freely choose our tasks?” Qiu Yuntong asked.

“Of course,” the guide said, “but it is a lottery.”

He called out, “I’ve given you all the instructions, farewell.”

Watching the guide’s figure disappear into the night with lightning speed, Sun Dixian could not help but complain, “What a hassle, having to work right after arriving!”

“Let’s go; otherwise, we will not have anywhere to stay,” Li Qingzhi said.

“Which one is Zhu Pianxian?” A figure in a black robe gracefully landed not far away.

Zhu Pianxian reluctantly stepped forward. Sheng Changying hesitated and struggled internally for a moment before finally offering a comforting word: “Madam Zhu’s skills are profound. Lord Chu anticipated that you could pass, which is why he brought you in. There’s no need to worry.”