Chapter 7: The Report from Qixing Residence - Young Noble Be Monster Slaying

**Chapter 7: The Report from Qixing Residence** "Madam, you wouldn't want Mr. Ming and yourself to lose everything, would you?" Chu Liang looked at Madam Ming, who was bound by the red rope, and spoke these words. "Would Young Master Chu be willing to grant me a title?" Upon hearing his intention, Mr. Ming might not understand fully, but Madam Ming was thoroughly surprised. She never expected the young man in front of her to offer such help. She immediately wanted to kneel with Mr. Ming, but Chu Liang quickly retracted the binding demon rope from her, as the scene would have looked quite peculiar otherwise. Granting a title did not refer to an ancient practice of legitimizing a demon but rather obtaining a decree for a good-hearted demon. This decree would allow the demon to live freely in human cities, equivalent to granting them a household registration. Without this decree, a demon would be akin to an undocumented resident. Should they venture into human cities, they could be slain on the spot by practitioners if discovered. The reason Madam Ming was once so apprehensive was out of fear that her demonic nature might be uncovered. The authority to grant such a decree lay solely in the hands of the earthly dynasty and the Nine Heavens Sect. Even the lesser Ten Lands Sect didn't possess this power. For a demon, obtaining a decree was an extraordinarily difficult task. The current feudal dynasty, known as "Yu Dynasty," has enjoyed over six hundred years of peace. Yet any demon living in human cities could potentially disrupt this peace. The saying goes, "The hearts of those who are not of our kind must differ," let alone those of demons. For the imperial court or the Nine Heavens Sect to issue a decree, it's tantamount to endorsing the demon. If the demon caused trouble in the future, the issuing party would bear the responsibility. Within the Shushan Sect, a junior disciple like Chu Liang did not possess such authority. This matter required the appearance of his master, Empyrean Daughter Feng, who would perform a series of processes such as gazing at Qi and examining the heart. Only after confirming that Madam Ming had never harmed a life and the likelihood of future disruption was low, would she grant the decree. Henceforth, Madam Ming would have to visit Shushan periodically to pay respects and undergo positioning techniques of the Shushan Sect. Even disciples of the Nine Heavens Sect rarely performed such troublesome tasks. Slaying demons and eliminating devils can be so straightforward and decisive. Yet, despite this cut-and-dry approach being easy and responsibility-free, Chu Liang couldn’t help but feel uneasy about his conscience. After pondering, he decided to extend a helping hand. As for Mr. Ming's wealth, Chu Liang surely wouldn't accept it. With heartfelt thanks, on that day, he took them back to Shushan. Xingzhou City's proximity to Shushan's Huanzhuan Pavilion was the reason why Ming's plea reached Shushan in the first place. Upon returning to the mountain gate and explaining the matter to his master on the Silver Sword Peak, there was nothing left for Chu Liang to do. Empyrean Daughter Feng, being a person of chivalry and righteousness, greatly praised Chu Liang's actions. As for the matter of securing Madam Ming's decree, with her oversight, the affairs on Tongtian Peak wouldn't dare to slack off. Chu Liang returned to his small hut on the hillside, settled in, and with a keen focus, entered the White Tower... It was time to claim his reward! Inside a vast iron cell, only a golden cat spirit's illusion floated in the air. Chu Liang skillfully pressed the "Refine" button. Boom— A flash of red light appeared, emanating glow. Chu Liang caught it with his hand, discovering it to be a talisman. Simultaneously, an idea imprinted itself into his mind. [Spirit Cat Leap Talisman]: By using this talisman, you will gain a cat spirit's possession, greatly enhancing agility for the duration of one-quarter of an hour. If you find yourself subconsciously licking your hand, do not be alarmed, as it is a normal occurrence. "A talisman?" This was the first time Chu Liang received a talisman. Though one-time potions and talismans don’t offer the enduring appeal of permanent magical artifacts, in hindsight, their one-time potency could be much more intense. They might serve exceptionally well in critical moments. With this thought, he contentedly stowed the talisman away. ... "Hai—" Just as he finished claiming his reward, a loud call sounded from outside. Chu Liang looked up to see a great white crane landing outside his wooden house. The crane was entirely white without a single blemish, standing taller than an adult man. Its bright black eyes exuded an exceptional intelligence. Hanging from its long crane neck was a basket, from which it deftly fetched a small booklet with its sharp beak, placing it on the stone table outside. It was this month's report from the Qixing Residence. Chu Liang called out through the window, "Thank you." "Hai—" The white crane raised its neck and called once more, seemingly in response, before it spread its wings and flew off to its next destination. This was the Shushan Sect's white crane messenger, assigned to deliver messages to disciples across the peaks. Today, it brought the monthly report from the Qixing Residence. Within the Nine Heavens Sect, there exists a sect called "Tianshu Pavilion." The core business of Tianshu Pavilion is divination and fortune-telling, considered the closest to heavenly secrets, even though they aren't battle experts, they are highly respected by all major forces. Being part of the Nine Heavens is an accolade in itself. Their secondary venture is gathering worldly and martial tales, releasing a report from the Qixing Residence each month. Over centuries, these reports have become widespread, with everyone from the Nine Heavens and Ten Lands to street children eagerly discussing them. Chu Liang beckoned with his finger to draw the booklet inside and began to read. The Qixing Residence report was divided into three sections: "Tales of Jianghu," "Treasure Record of Mortal Realm," and "Strategic Guide to the Continent." Among them, the "Treasure Record of Mortal Realm" lists and ranks the world's magical artifacts. Though the ranks seldom change each month, an article specifically outlining any shifts makes viewing convenient. The changes usually occur among those ranked lower; the top-ranking heavenly treasures have remained mostly unchanged for centuries. For instance, the number one has always been the human world artifact, the Demon-suppressing Tower. Unfortunately, a line of small text still follows the Demon-suppressing Tower's entry: "Originally belonging to Shushan, now lost." Indeed, it was the existence of the Demon-suppressing Tower that allowed the Shushan Sect to rank among the Nine Heavens and even reign as the foremost celestial sect, commanding the righteous way of the human realm. However, due to a major upheaval five hundred years ago, Shushan lost this supreme artifact. This loss led to the gradual decline of the sect. Although presently a few top-ranking sects among the Ten Lands Sect surpass Shushan in pure strength, voices questioning Shushan's right to remain in the Nine Heavens grow louder across the world. The second place is the Tianshu Pavilion's Seven Star Sword, an ancient divine sword of great power capable of moving mountains and overturning seas. Nevertheless, Tianshu Pavilion has always remained detached from worldly affairs and disputes, and the Seven Star Sword hasn't been used for many years. The last recorded instance was a century ago when the demonic Beast Sect awakened the monstrous Qiongqi, intending to attack Tianshu Pavilion. The Seven Star Sword was unleashed, suppressing Qiongqi with one strike and slaying three hundred demons with the next, wiping out the Beast Sect lineage. It's said that each use of the Seven Star Sword comes at a great cost to the Tianshu Pavilion, but the specifics are not shared with outsiders. Ranked third is the Jing Tian Bagua of Mist Hidden Immortal Mountain, renowned for its divine capabilities and endless applications. Mist Hidden Immortal Mountain also ranks among the Nine Heavens, and the Jing Tian Bagua is rumored to be a lost divine artifact from the celestial realm. Legends say its placement below the Seven Star Sword is merely because the Treasure Record of Mortal Realm was authored by Tianshu Pavilion. In terms of genuine power, it’s unmatched. These distant godly artifacts are beyond reach, usually without provoking any sense of engagement. However, the item Chu Liang's most familiar with is ranked fifty-seventh. The Phoenix Spirit Blood Jade. Forged from the essence blood of an ancient divine phoenix, wearing it enhances one's physique, and during magical displays, it grants the power of phoenix blood, greatly increasing killing prowess. This treasure rests nestled against the chest of his master, Empyrean Daughter Feng.