Chapter 153: Fourth-Rank Star Instrument (Request Subscription)

【The Angel Has Arrived. Prepare Your Attire and Come to Danxia Academy Immediately. Cheng Yuexiao】

An Angel?

When Xu Jin saw this starlight message, he immediately realized what it meant—it must be the reward decree.

Prepare your attire?

It probably means to dress properly.

After some thought, Xu Jin changed into a Qing-colored Dao Academy robe with dark trimmings; his sister Jiang Er tidied his hair for him, and half a quarter-hour later, Xu Jin arrived at Danxia Academy.

"Senior Brother Pang." Pang Yu was waiting outside the academy for Xu Jin; seeing him approach, he quickly pulled Xu Jin aside, where an elderly white-haired man awaited him.

"This is Peng Tiesheng, our academy's Chief Manager Peng."

"Greetings, Chief Manager Peng."

"Hmm." Peng Tiesheng, with his white beard and hair, nodded at Xu Jin. "Come, I'll briefly explain the etiquette, then we'll go meet the Angel and receive the decree from His Majesty of Great Chen."

Before learning this, Xu Jin had imagined it would be extremely complex—perhaps even requiring three kneelings and nine prostrations—which made him internally resistant.

But this Chief Manager Peng explained everything to Xu Jin in half a quarter-hour, making it clear and easing his tension considerably.

In the present age, ceremonial bows are divided into grand and minor rites; the minor rite generally means clasping hands and a deep bow, most common in daily life.

The grand rite is the kneeling prostration, further divided into double-kneeling and single-kneeling.

But in this age, power resides within the cultivator; imperial authority itself depends on such power. Cultivators of Star Casting and above have simplified the grand rite to a single-kneeling bow.

Typically, for cultivators, only during important investitures or audiences with the sovereign is the grand rite required.

Once Xu Jin holds a noble title, in most cases, even when facing the sovereign, a minor rite will suffice.

"Chief Manager Chu, Xu Jin has arrived." Not long after, Chief Manager Peng of Danxia Academy led Xu Jin into the Danxia Palace.

Xu Jin first paid respects to the Grand Master, then performed a deep bow to this Chief Manager Chu.

To be honest, Xu Jin felt a touch of unease.

Not because of status.

But because of power.

Before this, Xu Jin had assumed Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao was the most powerful being in Great Chen, beyond comparison.

But these two Chief Managers—Chief Manager Peng radiated an incredibly formidable aura, faintly comparable to Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao.

This Chief Manager Chu from the Great Chen imperial palace radiated a subtle aura, yet when Xu Jin approached to pay respects, the Mingji Star Pattern in his Lower Star Palace suddenly blazed with starlight.

The Mingji Star Pattern within Xu Jin's Lower Star Palace shone brighter than ever before.

This meant Chief Manager Chu's threat level was unprecedentedly high.

In that same instant, Xu Jin felt a chilling aura flash over his body, and then the Mingji Star Pattern fell silent.

It must have been Chief Manager Chu just probing him.

"Truly a distinguished young man! Xu Marquis, you've already cast your Spirit Star, correct?" Chief Manager Chu suddenly asked.

Xu Jin, just rising, his pupils contracted sharply.

After so long, this was the first person to see through his Spirit Star Casting.

Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao may or may not have seen through it, but never mentioned it; yet this Chief Manager Chu, upon first meeting, saw through it instantly.

"Disciple previously consumed a Spirit-Stabilizing Golden Elixir, then received one Golden Nourishing Elixir, and later, my Master gifted me another Spirit-Stabilizing Golden Elixir—I was fortunate enough to cast my Spirit Star," Xu Jin replied, standing.

"Excellent. As the top scorer of the Autumn Examination, once you exhaust your Ascension Stair trials, your Spirit Star will reach Star Level One or higher. With the Crimson Scale Heart fused within you, your future is boundless, Xu Marquis—your future is truly boundless," Chief Manager Chu praised.

"Xu Marquis, receive the decree."

It was not the silk edict Xu Jin had imagined, but a projection from a jade tablet: a middle-aged man in black ceremonial crown robes, radiating solemn authority.

"Xu Jin, you have achieved extraordinary merit in the Huixuan Star Region. I now grant you the title of Third-Class Merit Marquis of Great Chen, awarding you ten thousand Dao Merits and a thousand strands of starlight. May you strive day and night, and achieve even greater feats."

Even if Xu Jin knew nothing else, he understood this man was the reigning emperor of Great Chen.

Emperor Gao Ye of Great Chen, reign title Qian'an.

He hadn't expected imperial rewards to be granted directly in this manner.

Not bad at all—it allowed subjects to recognize the emperor and minimized the risk of forged edicts.

Following the etiquette Chief Manager Peng had taught, Xu Jin knelt on one knee and bowed in thanks for the grant.

What stunned Xu Jin was that the projected Emperor Gao Ye of Chen actually gave him a slight nod before vanishing.

Xu Jin was dumbfounded.

Is this… video conferencing?

"Xu Marquis, His Majesty holds great expectations for you, the Autumn Examination champion who cast your Star so soon after achieving it! He looks forward to your future extraordinary feats—even unparalleled ones," Chief Manager Chu said.

"Your servant will cultivate diligently."

At the critical moment, all the flowery phrases Chief Manager Peng had taught him vanished from Xu Jin's mind—he blurted out this simple phrase, which made Chief Manager Chu laugh.

"Xu Marquis is refreshingly straightforward."

With that, Chief Manager Chu greeted Grand Master Cheng, then shot straight into the sky and departed—direct, indeed.

"Xu Jin, because star instruments involve cultivator power, most cultivators rarely show their star instruments, let alone reveal their capabilities to others.

Therefore, the awarding of a star instrument is merely recorded in the archives and not mentioned in the decree.

From now on, this fourth-rank star instrument, Luansheng Zhuì, is yours." Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao handed Xu Jin an open jade box, inside which lay a translucent, emerald-green jade pendant.

"Luansheng Zhuì?"

Xu Jin took it with both hands and examined it closely.

"Since you've already cast your Spirit Star, you'll refine this star instrument far faster. Find time to refine it, and carry it with you always.

This is a special fourth-rank star instrument I specifically selected for you.

With it, your safety will be assured, allowing you to grow steadily.

Its exact capabilities—you'll discover them after refinement!

But absolutely do not reveal its power or existence to anyone. Understood?" Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao suddenly turned and fixed Xu Jin with a stern gaze.

"Disciple remembers. I am deeply grateful for Grand Master's protection," Xu Jin said, sincere to his core.

To be honest, since arriving in this world, Xu Jin had been fortunate—his teachers were all good ones: Ning Yuchan, Dong Zhao, Qi Shanye, Liu Qingzhu, even his nominal master Cheng Yuexiao.

Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao was, nominally, the teacher of all Dao Academy disciples.

"Cultivate diligently. When you grow stronger, you'll have the chance to help me," Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao said. "Besides these rewards, your military rank has also been elevated. The order has already been sent to the External Affairs Hall, but you need not report to the Star Patrol yet.

New disciples may report to the Star Patrol after three months.

By then, your cultivation will be sufficient for your current rank."

"Thank you, Grand Master."

After leaving Danxia Academy, Xu Jin headed straight for the External Affairs Hall.

On the way, he calculated: though his noble title was low, the rewards overall were still excellent.

In Great Chen, Zizi and Merit Marquis titles carry no fiefs—they're low-tier ranks. Frankly speaking, over half of cultivators above fifth rank return from the Star River battlefield with a low-tier title after a few years.

Xu Jin simply received his earlier than most.

What Xu Jin truly liked were the ten thousand Dao Merits and thousand strands of starlight.

With these two rewards credited, his cultivation resources for the next few months were secure, and his finances were now comfortable.

With comfortable finances, Xu Jin could now consider upgrading his Third-Rank Can Dou Platform.

His current elixir consumption is high, and he's also nurturing the Dan Jing for Ning Yuchan—three Star Lamp nurturing slots are still too few.

Upgrading to fourth rank requires enormous resources; previously, the gap was too wide, so he dared not dream of it.

Now, he could give it a try.

Previously, each time Xu Jin upgraded his Can Dou Platform, he gained a new function—what new function would it gain upon reaching fourth rank?

Xu Jin was eager to find out!

Before arriving at the External Affairs Hall, Xu Jin sent a starlight message to Deputy Hall Director Ling Mao.

Xu Jin didn't want to waste time waiting in line.

Sure enough, special treatment arrived.

As soon as Xu Jin reached the External Affairs Hall, Deputy Director Ling Mao came out to greet him, ushering him into a private chamber before offering congratulations.

"Congratulations, Xu Marquis! At eighteen, you've been granted Third-Class Merit Marquis—though not the first in Great Chen's history, you rank among the top twenty."

As Xu Jin politely demurred, he pondered: top twenty?

So many nobles received titles before eighteen? It doesn't seem so remarkable after all.

"Xu Marquis, the Star Patrol Headquarters has issued a military order: during your campaign against the Baidou Cult on Qianye Island, your military merit was sufficient, but your cultivation level prevented promotion.

Now, we rectify that. Per order, you are promoted to Deputy Squad Leader of the Star Patrol.

Additionally, your extraordinary merit in reclaiming the Huixuan Star Region further elevates your rank—this is part of today's court reward.

According to military regulations, with your current rank, you qualify for two promotions: directly to Deputy Chief Manager of the Star Patrol.

Your uniform and token are already prepared!"

"However, per Dao Academy rules, new disciples must focus on cultivation for three months. You may report to the Star Patrol Headquarters after three months," Ling Mao said.

"Thank you, Deputy Director Ling."

"One more matter requires your decision: according to Great Chen law, your Third-Class Merit Marquis title entitles you to an annual stipend of one thousand taels of silver in various forms.

Would you prefer to receive the silver directly, or convert it into Dao Merits and credit it to your Zhaixing Token?" Ling Mao asked.

"Convert it into Dao Merits."

Xu Jin clicked his tongue—though one thousand taels sounded like a fortune, converting it yielded only one hundred Dao Merits.

But it was steady, continuous income.

In other words, as long as Xu Jin desired, he could use this title to fulfill his past life's dream—to simply lie back and do nothing.

One thousand taels of silver would be enough for Xu Jin's entire family to live in comfort.

This opportunity, which in his past life he could never attain despite working 996, had suddenly come into his hands in this life.

But the problem was, though he now had the means to retire, Xu Jin had no intention of doing so.

"Let my father rest easy," Xu Jin silently thought.

"Additionally, the position of Deputy Director of the Patrol Star Guard is a seventh-rank junior post, with a monthly salary of five hundred taels, which may also be converted into Dao Credits."

"Convert it into Dao Credits."

Whoever doesn't convert is a fool—Dao Credits can be exchanged for silver anytime, but silver cannot be turned into Dao Credits.

When leaving, Xu Jin bought three bottles of ordinary Star-Refining Pills and two bottles of superior Star-Refining Pills from Ling Mao, totaling sixteen hundred Dao Credits.

Xu Jin no longer felt pain over the expense; his wealth had already accumulated to a modest sum.

【Dao Credits: 12, 90 points】

【Starlight: 1, 46 strands】

After being rewarded with ten thousand Dao Credits and one thousand strands of Starlight, Xu Jin challenged the God-Slaying Battlefield today and accumulated another thousand or so Dao Credits.

After leaving the External Affairs Hall, Xu Jin rushed straight to the Flying Swallow Academy.

His teacher, Liu Qingzhu, was waiting for him.

Arriving at the Flying Swallow Academy, Xu Jin entered and bowed respectfully. "Teacher, the Grand Master of State said an envoy had arrived, so I went there first."

Xu Jin's single explanation made Liu Feiyan's previously gloomy face light up with joy.

She had been unhappy just moments ago.

She had thought her student showed little respect—she had sent him a Starlight message, yet he made her wait nearly half an hour.

"Teacher, I was granted a third-class merit rank, rewarded with ten thousand Dao Credits, one thousand strands of Starlight, and promoted in military rank!" After a pause, Xu Jin added, "Also granted a fourth-rank Star Artifact."

Liu Qingzhu had been pleased just hearing the earlier news, but the final sentence sent her heart soaring.

Having spent so long in the State Dao Academy, Liu Qingzhu understood perfectly well the value of Star Artifacts.

Whenever a disciple received a Star Artifact, she always gave them repeated instructions.

But this disciple had not held back anything from her—she had not wasted her affection!

"Excellent, excellent! It seems your cultivation resources are no longer lacking! Still, I've prepared two more bottles of superior Star-Refining Pills for you—use them without hesitation!" Liu Qingzhu said.

Xu Jin was somewhat surprised and hurriedly declined. "Teacher, I've just received a large sum—"

"Take what your teacher gives you! Your Dao Credits won't go far—there are too many places you'll need to spend them. Focus on improving your cultivation."

"Besides, today you've made me look glorious!"

"Today is the day your teacher finally got her due!"

"This is your reward!"

As she spoke of today's good fortune, Liu Qingzhu rose in delight, pacing around Xu Jin, talking nonstop, swaying and trembling as she spoke, leaving Xu Jin unsure whether to look or not.

Liu Qingzhu told Xu Jin everything about the gambling bet.

"In half a month, you must remain in the top three of the God-Slaying Battlefield!"

"This isn't just for my face!"

"The Dragon-Turtle Soul-Forging Elixir is an extremely rare pill for enhancing Divine Soul power—it rarely appears on the market, and even with Dao Credits, you can't buy it!"

"If you maintain your position, you'll receive thirteen pills!"

"Thirteen pills could raise your Divine Soul Star by two full cultivation levels!"

"Do you know what a Level Two Divine Soul Star means?"

"Many fifth-rank Gathering Constellation cultivators have Divine Soul Stars no higher than Level Three or Four!"

"You must stay in the top three!" Liu Qingzhu instructed.

"Rest assured, Teacher!"

On the way back, Xu Jin pondered the Dragon-Turtle Soul-Forging Elixir.

He felt a growing anticipation—if he obtained it and nurtured it, how powerful would his Divine Soul Star become?

Xu Jin did not return to his own courtyard; he headed straight for the third-rank Star Power Secret Realm in the Plucking Star Tower.

Now that he had reached the limit of the God-Slaying Battlefield,

what followed was intensive cultivation.

He would push his cultivation to the peak of Star Refining Level Two in the shortest time possible, then inscribe his existing Star Patterns to enhance his strength!

(End of Chapter)