I Cultivate in a Government Office

Yang Wenqing sat down in his seat to a meal of plain congee and side dishes. As he ate, he unconsciously took out the short sword he had just successfully refined, savoring the connection between its blade and his Divine Sense.

His younger brother, Yang Wenjian, sat across from him, his eyes filled with adoration as he watched his brother's display of restrained brilliance.

As if noticing his brother's gaze, Yang Wenqing raised his eyes to meet his and asked, "I told you to pack. We're going to Master's place together this afternoon. How are your preparations coming along?"

He was to formally become a disciple on the eighth. Today, he was going to his master's manor in the city. He was bringing his brother along because Wenjian was on the verge of succeeding in his Qi Cultivation, and having him nearby would allow him to guard him at any moment.

His parents were originally supposed to go too, but Yang Jianmu refused no matter what. He just wrote a letter of consent and had it passed on to Qin Huaiming.

Yang Wenjian nodded upon hearing this. "I'm ready."

Yang Wenqing encouraged him, "Relax. Don't worry too much about Qi Cultivation. Your foundation is very solid; the breakthrough is just a matter of course."

After breakfast, Yang Wenqing boarded a Flying Shuttle to the district bureau, carrying Lan Ying, who was getting sleepy after eating and drinking her fill.

As soon as the little one entered the bureau chief's office, she fluttered her wings familiarly and landed in the small nest that Yang Wenqing had specially ordered to be built by the window. She buried her head and soon let out faint, even breaths.

Yang Wenqing, for his part, sat down behind the large desk and began to deal with the pile of documents.

The various affairs of the Lingshan New District had already gotten on track. Most of what required his personal decision were directional issues or important personnel and financial approvals. He worked through them quickly.

Approaching ten in the morning, Liu Qin knocked gently on the door and came in. "Bureau Chief, it's time for the meeting," she reminded him.

"Mm."

Yang Wenqing put down his pen, straightened his uniform, and rose to walk to the conference room. He was holding the regular monthly meeting early today because he would be going to the city for the next few days to prepare for his discipleship ceremony.

In the small conference room of the district bureau, all the department heads had already arrived. Yang Wenqing took his seat at the head of the table. His calm gaze swept across the room, and the previously whispering conference room immediately fell silent.

"Let's begin."

He was concise. "First, regarding the selection of the annual police commissioner, the candidates from the Lingshan New District will still be sent to Qianjiao County this year. Just keep an eye on this matter and make sure there are no major mistakes."

Yang Wenqing looked around and continued, "Second, during my leave, Vice Bureau Chief Wang Hai will be in full charge of the district bureau's daily affairs."

His gaze fell on Wang Hai. Wang Hai immediately stood up and said solemnly, "You can rest assured, Bureau Chief."

"Mm." Yang Wenqing gestured for him to sit down, then his gaze turned to Section Chief Liu Min of the General Affairs Department, who was sitting to the side and rear. "Section Chief Liu."

"Bureau Chief!" Liu Min immediately stood up.

"During my leave, you will assist Bureau Chief Wang with daily documents and coordination. At the same time…"

Yang Wenqing's voice rose slightly. "The internal supervision team led by the General Affairs Department will operate as usual. When I return, I want to see a detailed assessment report on the recent work status of all departments and public security offices."

He leaned forward slightly, his gaze like a torch as it swept over the face of every person in charge present. "I will personally review this report. Good work will naturally be rewarded. If I find that anyone has grown complacent because of my temporary absence, or even caused trouble, I won't mind having a personal 'talk' with them."

This last sentence was not spoken harshly, but it made the air in the conference room instantly freeze.

"Is that understood?" Yang Wenqing asked.

"Understood!" The uniform response was even louder than before.

"Meeting adjourned." Yang Wenqing was the first to rise, striding out of the conference room. Only then did the people behind him let out a collective sigh of relief, exchanging glances with one another.

Back in his office, Yang Wenqing briefly instructed Liu Qin on the work hand-off and other matters for his leave. Then, he changed into casual clothes. Lan Ying seemed to sense his intention to leave, sleepily flying out of her little nest and landing precisely on his shoulder, where she continued to doze.

When he reached the backyard, Yang Zhong already had Yang Wenqing's private Flying Shuttle ready. He boarded the shuttle discreetly and headed straight back to the Yang family compound.

In the main hall of the inner residence, several respected clan elders had been waiting for a long time. They all rose with smiles when they saw Yang Wenqing return. On the mahogany table in the hall, several brocade boxes and gift cases were neatly arranged.

"Wenqing, you're back."

Yang Debai smiled. "These are the discipleship gifts the clan has prepared for you. A pair of Jade Ruyi, to wish you success in all your endeavors; two hundred-year-old deep-sea pearls, to symbolize a stable foundation; and also some high-grade fine tea, as well as an embroidered scroll depicting a roc's boundless journey, symbolizing a brilliant future."

Nearby, Yang Desong said with a smile, "The items aren't extravagantly expensive, but the etiquette must be complete. They also represent our Yang family's good wishes."

Yang Wenqing cupped his fists in thanks. "Thank you for your trouble, Grand-uncles. I am deeply grateful."

After chatting idly with the clan elders for a while and having a simple lunch together, Yang Wenqing delayed no longer. His younger brother, Yang Wenjian, was already packed and ready, his expression a mixture of nervousness and anticipation.

Lan Ying was also wide awake now, standing on Yang Wenqing's shoulder and looking around curiously.

Yang Wenqing called for Yang Zhong and instructed, "Move all these gifts onto the Flying Shuttle. We're preparing to go to my master's manor. I've sent you the coordinates, right?"

"Yes, Patriarch."

Then, Yang Wenqing gave his brother a few more instructions before boarding the Flying Shuttle with him and Lan Ying.

The Flying Shuttle glided smoothly across the sky, passing through the bustle and noise of Coral City's outskirts, and gradually headed towards a spiritually beautiful land in the northeast suburbs.

About fifteen minutes later, a mountain range shrouded in thin clouds and mist came into view. The Flying Shuttle followed the preset coordinates, slowly descending and passing through a transparent, almost imperceptible barrier.

The scene within the barrier opened up spectacularly. It was a vast platform halfway up a mountain, backed by a lush green main peak and overlooking a churning sea of clouds. Atop the platform was a complex of buildings constructed in harmony with the mountain's terrain.

The main structure was a three-courtyard residence with white walls and black tiles, its upturned eaves like wings. The courtyard walls cleverly used Spiritual Bamboo, ancient pines, and unique rocks as barriers, blending seamlessly with the surrounding garden landscape.

A mountain spring was diverted into the courtyard as running water, meandering into a creek that flowed into a small, jade-green pond. The pond water was so clear one could see the bottom, where seven-colored spiritual carp swam leisurely. A small, nine-bend wooden bridge stretched across the water's surface, leading to an octagonal pavilion built by the water's edge.

Surrounding the courtyard were large, meticulously tended yet natural-looking medicinal gardens and flower fields. Various Spiritual Medicines and Immortal Herbs thrived under the nourishment of a Gathering Spirit Array, emitting a refreshing and unique fragrance.

Farther away, several ancient, obviously specially cultivated spiritual trees stood tall, their branches and leaves dotted with points of Spiritual Light. Gorgeously plumed Spiritual Birds rested upon them, occasionally letting out clear, melodious calls.

The Flying Shuttle landed on a flat, open space at the edge of the platform. After the cabin door opened, Yang Wenqing disembarked with his brother Yang Wenjian and Lan Ying on his shoulder. As their feet touched the ground, which was covered in fine moss and unknown soft grasses, a sense of peace and tranquility washed over them.

"Wenqing!"

A familiar voice called out. His master, Qin Huaiming, was walking out from the main gate of the courtyard with a smile, dressed in a simple, loose-fitting, moon-white tunic.

Beside Qin Huaiming was a young man who looked to be about eighteen or nineteen. He had delicate features and a slight resemblance to Qin Huaiming in his eyes and brows. He wore a form-fitting, light-cyan martial arts uniform, and his eyes were bright and lively, full of the unique vigor of youth.

"Disciple pays his respects to Master." Yang Wenqing hurried forward and bowed. Yang Wenjian, a little nervous, quickly followed suit and bowed as well. Lan Ying copied their movements.

"No need for such formalities." Qin Huaiming reached out a hand in a gesture of helping them up, his smile widening. His gaze lingered for a moment on Lan Ying, perched on Yang Wenqing's shoulder.

He then looked at the young man beside him and introduced him, "Wenqing, this is Qin Feng, my grandnephew. He's the third in his generation in the family. You can just call him Sanlang."

Qin Feng immediately stepped forward, cupped his fist, and said in a clear voice, "Qin Feng greets Martial Uncle!"

Yang Wenqing quickly returned the salute. "Sanlang!"

He then introduced his own brother to Qin Feng. Just then, Lan Ying's cry was heard; she was very dissatisfied that Yang Wenqing had forgotten about her.

"This is Lan Ying."

Yang Wenqing introduced her solemnly.

Upon hearing this, Lan Ying proudly puffed out her small chest and let out a faint chirp.

Qin Huaiming stroked his beard and smiled, his eyes full of gratification as he watched the young people getting along harmoniously. "Alright, don't just stand at the gate. Wenqing, you've had a long journey. Come in and get settled."

As he spoke, he called over to a distant servant to help Yang Zhong bring in the gift boxes.