Chapter 22: Entering the Division Part 2

“Please go ahead, Lord Guo,” Xiang Xian said, standing to the side without sitting.

Even at this point, he had not introduced Xiao Kun. Guo Jing did not ask but thought for a moment and said, “Last time you asked about that Northern Exorcism Division Envoy named ‘Xiao Kun.’ I’ve looked into it somewhat.”

Xiao Kun glanced at Xiang Xian, his meaning clear: You had me investigated?

“First, about the Northern Exorcism Division,” Guo Jing said. He lifted his robe hem and fanned himself twice before explaining, “During the Great Tang’s Tianbao era, the Exorcism Division was in Chang’an. After Grand Demon-Exorcist Li Jinglong departed, the Heart Lamp passed to Chen Feng, who relocated the Exorcism Division to Luoyang. Several generations later, Zhu Wen usurped the Tang, and the Luoyang Demon Exorcism Department moved to the Yan Region, still called the ‘Great Tang Exorcism Department.’

“After that, Shi Jingtang ceded the Yan Region to the Liao Kingdom and renamed it the ‘Great Liao Demon-Exorcism Division’—indeed the orthodox lineage. But in the year of that regime change, some exorcists split off. They headed south, back to Luoyang, to rebuild the original site left by Chen Feng. After our dynasty’s Taizu founded the state, the Luoyang Demon Exorcism Department was relocated to Kaifeng, becoming the current Great Song Exorcism Division.”

Though convoluted, this account matched exactly what Xiao Kun had described, confirming the two major lineages of the Mortal World Demon Subduing Division.

“The Great Liao Demon-Exorcism Division has deep ties to the Xiao Family,” Guo Jing remarked nostalgically. “It was once called the cornerstone of national defense. Generations passed, and it came down to the current Demon-Exorcising Envoy—what you call ‘Xiao Kun.'”

“I understand,” Xiang Xian interrupted to prevent Guo Jing from saying anything improper. He introduced, “Lord Guo, this brother is Xiao Kun.”

Guo Jing had already guessed as much. Xiang Xian had investigated Xiao Kun’s background, but the intent was to draw out Guo Jing’s words today for another purpose.

“Ah,” Guo Jing said politely, “I’ve long heard of you, Ambassador Xiao.”

“Long heard of you, Lord Guo.” Xiao Kun finally looked directly at Guo Jing and cupped his fists in formal greeting.

“You two are that close?” Guo Jing sensed something amiss and narrowed his eyes at Xiang Xian.

“We’ve been through much together on the road,” Xiang Xian said.

Guo Jing stroked his beard silently. Xiang Xian said candidly, “Since we’ve confirmed it with you, Lord Guo, allow me to make a presumptuous request.”

Xiao Kun had thought Xiang Xian would discuss Shan Yu Hong, the Heart Lamp, and their journey, but the topic centered entirely on him.

“From all I’ve heard, it seems the Northern Tradition is the true orthodox one,” Xiang Xian said. “Shouldn’t the position of Grand Demon-Exorcist go to Brother Xiao?”

Xiao Kun: “!!!”

Xiao Kun opened his mouth, but Xiang Xian signaled him to stay silent.

Guo Jing understood Xiang Xian’s intent and showed shock for a brief moment before regaining composure, his expression complex as he looked at Xiang Xian.

“Or rather,” Xiang Xian continued, “whether Southern or Northern Tradition is orthodox doesn’t matter with the Heavenly Demon descending in two years. The key is for the northern and southern Exorcism Divisions to unite once more and avert the hidden calamity. Isn’t that right, Lord Guo?”

Guo Jing evaded: “Have you found the Heart Lamp?”

“We’ll go after the new year,” Xiang Xian said. “We have leads.”

Xiang Xian believed the Heart Lamp clues were irrelevant to disclose, as Guo Jing could never leave Kaifeng to search Gaochang personally.

“Mm.” Guo Jing responded noncommittally, stroking his beard.

Xiao Kun finished the couplets and eyed the still-wet ink.

Xiang Xian added, “I still remember when I came to Shangjing with my late master’s letter to seek refuge with you, Lord Guo. You once said…”

Guo Jing had regained his usual demeanor. “I remember too, Xiang Xian. I told you then that you were young and needed tempering. I gave you the position of Chief Clerk first, promoting you to Deputy Emissary after a year. When conditions were right, I would report to the Official Family and recommend you as Chief Emissary to lead all exorcists. By then, I’d only handle the Gold Stone Bureau and no longer interfere in division affairs.”

“If that’s the case,” Xiang Xian said earnestly, “I believe Brother Xiao is the best candidate for Chief Emissary of this division. I hope this appointment can reunite the northern and southern Exorcism Divisions to face the trials ahead.”

Guo Jing and Xiao Kun exchanged glances.

Xiao Kun finally understood why Xiang Xian insisted on returning to Kaifeng: to strongly recommend him before Guo Jing—or declare the decision. Since Guo Jing did not manage affairs, he had to vacate the position for someone who did.

Whether Guo Jing agreed was irrelevant; Xiang Xian could walk away anytime. Over the years, he had handled all the troubles here.

Logically, no government office ground to a halt without any one person—except the Exorcism Division.

Branches everywhere gave Guo Jing face only due to Shen Kuo’s past legacy and Xiang Xian’s current efforts.

“I’ve only just met Lord Xiao today,” Guo Jing said smoothly, his years in officialdom showing. “At first sight, he strikes me as a dragon among men, worthy of being brothers with the Deputy Emissary—surely highly skilled.”

“Too kind, I dare not claim it,” Xiao Kun replied. “Since you’ve investigated my background, Lord Guo, you must know me inside out.”

Guo Jing sidestepped again and did Xiang Xian a favor: “Know you inside out is too much; I’ve only heard some things. But as someone guaranteed by Xiang Xian, I trust him completely. However, the leadership of the Exorcism Division isn’t something to change on a whim…”

Xiang Xian said, “Lord Guo, convincing Brother Xiao to come here relied entirely on our personal friendship—it took considerable effort!”

The hint was clear enough. Guo Jing understood the threat: refuse, and Xiao Kun would leave; Xiang Xian would no longer cooperate or prop him up. Good luck fending for himself.

“Give me a few days,” Guo Jing said agreeably. “I was already planning a replacement for Chief Emissary. With a new candidate, I must report to the Official Family in early spring, and the Appointment Document goes through the Censorate.”

Xiang Xian merely watched Guo Jing silently.

“No rush for now, right?” Guo Jing said.

Xiao Kun replied, “After the holidays, we must set out to find the Heart Lamp.”

At that moment, Wu Yingzong returned with Chaosheng.

“This is another little brother we met on the road, Chaosheng,” Xiao Kun said, now fully engaging. “Chaosheng, this is Lord Guo.”

“We met when we were in jail,” Chaosheng laughed. “Hello.”