Chapter 42: The Magistrate’s Invitation

On the journey, Xu Xuan traveled alone toward Willow County.

Of course, he was not truly alone—a charming female ghost accompanied him.

Although Zhao Jinqian was a ghost, she was first and foremost a woman, and women are always sentimental. The love between Jade Maiden and Ancestor Black Cloud had left her unsettled for a long time. What woman does not yearn for a man who cares for and cherishes her so deeply? She too wished for a man willing to lay down his life for her, and, naturally, she hoped that man would be Xu Xuan.

"Young master, how much longer until we reach home?"

Zhao Jinqian drifted lightly through the air, unafraid of sunlight even in the day. Having been officially appointed as an envoy by the City God, she was no longer a mere spirit and could walk under the sun.

"Almost there—less than twenty li," Xu Xuan replied, strolling leisurely toward Willow County. He was in no hurry, taking his time along the way.

"Cloud County is crisscrossed with rivers. We could have taken a boat to Willow County," Zhao Jinqian remarked, gazing at a nearby river, seemingly fond of boating.

As the ancients have said, women love water, for they love to be carefree.

Xu Xuan silently agreed; the wisdom of the ancients never deceived.

"I prefer walking to boating."

"You truly like to travel by land?"

"..."

Xu Xuan was speechless. What was this girl thinking? He had yet to break through in cultivation, so whether by river or road, both were beyond his means.

He sighed helplessly, ignoring Zhao Jinqian as he continued on his way.

Seeing Xu Xuan disregard her, Zhao Jinqian cast him a wounded look full of longing.

Xu Xuan felt a wave of embarrassment, as if he were some heartless scoundrel who abandoned her. In the end, he surrendered.

"All right, as long as you speak properly, I'll pay attention to you."

"Heehee, thank you, young master!"

The gloom vanished from Zhao Jinqian's face, replaced by bright smiles blooming like flowers.

Women truly are fickle, Xu Xuan mused, shaking his head.

"Was what you said yesterday true?" Zhao Jinqian floated onto a branch, her gaze drifting toward the nearby maple forest, yet her expression betrayed a hint of nervousness.

"I said many things yesterday. Which do you mean?" Xu Xuan asked, confused by her sudden change in mood.

"Yesterday, Ancestor Black Cloud was willing to die for Jade Maiden. At that moment, you said if I were ever in danger, you'd risk your life to save me."

---

Zhao Jinqian pouted, clearly annoyed that Xu Xuan had so quickly forgotten his oath of everlasting devotion.

"Did I say that? I must have forgotten," Xu Xuan teased.

"How could you forget?" Zhao Jinqian fumed.

"My mind is full of things—it just slipped."

"Hmph! I won't speak to you anymore, you villain!"

Zhao Jinqian stamped her foot in anger, randomly plucked a flower, and began mercilessly crushing it, venting all her dissatisfaction with Xu Xuan onto its delicate petals.

"Hahaha..."

Seeing Zhao Jinqian defeated, Xu Xuan burst out laughing, his mood instantly lifted.

To dare accuse the young master of preferring land routes—this is your punishment.

As Xu Xuan laughed, Zhao Jinqian fell silent for a moment before speaking softly:

"If one day I truly face danger, I... I don't want you to risk yourself for me. Truly!"

To lend weight to her words, Zhao Jinqian uttered the last two syllables with heartfelt certainty.

Xu Xuan met her gaze, recognizing the sincerity behind her words.

He shed his playful demeanor and replied solemnly, "If you ever find yourself in danger, I would brave mountains of blades and seas of fire without hesitation!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Jinqian's nose tingled, and tears sprang to her eyes.

Seeing her cry, Xu Xuan grew anxious; nothing unsettled him more than a woman's tears.

"Why are you crying now?"

"I'm not—it's just sand in my eyes."

"..."

A female ghost troubled by sand? Who would believe such a tale!

Twenty li was no great distance for Xu Xuan. Before long, he arrived at the gates of Willow County.

Gazing at the imposing city walls, Xu Xuan finally felt he was home.

The journey had indeed been eventful, and his gains plentiful. His expedition to West Mountain had seen him drive away and slay several monsters, earning a measure of merit.

He had acquired a tortoise shell, a golden-scale treasure coat, a hundred taels of gold, a summoning talisman, a golden brick seal, a token from the Sword Immortal of Wine, and a Buddhist treasure.

He had won favors from many spirits and creatures, his reputation soared, and his appetite had been well satisfied.

He had feasted on fish banquets and bear paw, and his strength had grown considerably—breakthrough was within reach.

As Xu Xuan approached the city gates, a group of bailiffs hurried out to meet him.

The leader recognized Xu Xuan and exclaimed with delight, "Young master Xu, we've been waiting for you!"

---

"Waiting for me? What for?" Xu Xuan asked. His brother-in-law, Lin Luo, was head constable of Willow County, and Xu Xuan was well acquainted with these bailiffs.

"The county magistrate requests your presence," the leader replied.

Xu Xuan was puzzled. Why would Magistrate Li seek him out?

"Recently, the magistrate has encountered troubling matters—you're the only one who can help," the bailiff said mysteriously.

"Very well, I'll come with you to the county office," Xu Xuan agreed.

He followed the bailiffs toward the county office, but before they had gone far, they saw a procession approaching from ahead.

As the procession drew near, the crowd realized it was the county magistrate himself, accompanied by ceremonial guards—no wonder the spectacle was so grand.

Within the ranks, Xu Xuan immediately spotted Lin Luo, whose companion was Magistrate Li.

Such a grand display by the county magistrate naturally drew a crowd, and when the onlookers learned it was to welcome Xu Xuan, the scene became even more lively.

Lately, Xu Xuan's fame had spread throughout Willow County; everyone knew his name.

Seeing Magistrate Li himself come to greet him, Xu Xuan respectfully bowed. "Student Xu Xuan pays respects to Lord Li."

"Ah, please rise! Xu Xuan, you have driven away many monsters—your deeds have greatly honored Willow County!" Magistrate Li hurried to help him up. He had come to beg a favor, but even without that, Xu Xuan's connection to Scholar Zhou made him wary of offending him.

As a protégé of Scholar Zhou, Xu Xuan would soar if he succeeded at the imperial exams, his future far outstripping that of a mere county magistrate.

"I owe it all to my sister and brother-in-law's guidance," Xu Xuan said with a slight smile, seizing the chance to give credit to Lin Luo.

At this, Lin Luo felt immensely proud, his posture growing noticeably straighter.

This brother-in-law truly hadn't been spoiled in vain; he remembered Lin Luo even in times like this.

"Lin Luo has taught well—he will be rewarded in due course," Magistrate Li declared, laughing heartily and showing his amiable nature.

"May I ask what matter brought you to call for me, Lord Magistrate?"

"Well..." Magistrate Li hesitated, then whispered in Xu Xuan's ear, "The matter is most strange. To avoid alarming the public, let us discuss it at the county office."

Xu Xuan nodded. With so many people around, this was hardly the place for business.

Accompanied by Magistrate Li, the group proceeded grandly toward the county office.