Chapter 22: Entering the Division Part 3

With Chaosheng’s return, the place livened up, making Guo Jing seem like the outsider. After pondering, he said, “Within three days, I’ll give you a preliminary reply.”

Xiao Kun and Xiang Xian cupped fists in unison, their intent clear: No need to see you out.

Guo Jing suddenly remembered something and said sternly to Xiang Xian, “The Crown Prince has important matters to discuss with you.”

Upon hearing this, Xiang Xian immediately adopted a “bring it on” stance. Clearly, this was Guo Jing’s main purpose today, nearly forgotten amid prior events.

“No matter what the Crown Prince says,” Guo Jing warned gravely, “do not rashly agree. Remember, this is not for the Exorcism Division to involve itself in. Remember!”

Xiao Kun and Xiang Xian exchanged glances. Moments later, Xiao Kun realized Xiang Xian awaited his word.

Guo Jing seemed to reveal nothing, yet had disclosed the Crown Prince’s intentions.

“Understood,” Xiao Kun said. “For us, finding the Heart Lamp is paramount. As a Liao Person raised in the Northern Regions, I have no interest in your Great Song court affairs.”

Guo Jing sighed and said solemnly, “As Grand Demon-Exorcist, you represent all under heaven. Heaven shows no mercy, treating all things as straw dogs; the sage shows no mercy, treating the people as straw dogs. Clinging to Han-Liao identities benefits not the future. Young Hero Xiao must understand this.”

Xiao Kun had not held Guo Jing in high regard, but these words earned his respect. Guo Jing was no mere figurehead as rumored.

“Lesson noted, Lord Guo,” Xiao Kun replied.

Guo Jing left hastily, his earlier cheerful demeanor replaced by heavy thoughts.

Xiao Kun’s mood was quite complex at that moment.

Xiang Xian, however, acted as if nothing had happened. He told Chaosheng, “Here, this is for you—written by our emperor himself.”

“Wow! What’s this?” Chaosheng brimmed with anticipation. Xiang Xian said, “This post is something countless people in the realm beg for but never get—our emper—”

“What kind of writing is this!” Chaosheng exclaimed in shock. “It’s so ugly?!”

Xiao Kun: “…”

Xiang Xian: “………………”

Chaosheng looked bewildered at the unfurled Yichun Post and declared, “I don’t want it.”

The Yichun Post featured Zhao Ji’s self-invented Slender Gold Script—a genuine priceless imperial treasure, bold and vigorous. Xiao Kun glanced at it and sighed in admiration, knowing he could not match it. To Chaosheng, however, it held no appeal.

“Fine,” Xiang Xian conceded and turned to Xiao Kun. “It’s yours then.”

Xiao Kun wanted to refuse the Dog Emperor of Great Song’s calligraphy but could not ignore the master’s work. His expression said no, but his body was honest—he accepted it.

Wu Yingzong went out to post the couplets and “Spring” characters. Xiang Xian and Xiao Kun sat facing each other in the hall, sipping tea and eating snacks. A Huang spotted the snacks, rarely descending to peck at some. Xiang Xian hugged and played with it, casually grooming the feathers on its head.

“What’s wrong?” Xiang Xian observed Xiao Kun’s expression, thinking Guo Jing had scolded him and soured his mood. He pondered how to console him.

“I’m sorry,” Xiao Kun suddenly said.

“Hey!” Xiang Xian jumped, startled. “What for?”

Xiao Kun’s mood was truly complicated. He had wrongly suspected Xiang Xian back in Gongzhou. Now he realized that Xiang Xian kept his promises. He had judged a gentleman with a petty heart, feeling deeply embarrassed. He wanted to explain but blushed furiously, unsure how.

“I… I once thought you were just brushing me off.” Xiao Kun could not even look at Xiang Xian. His handsome face flushed to the ears as he stared at the hall’s floor tiles. “Big Brother, I never imagined you’d be willing to… willing to…”

“No, no, no…” Xiang Xian hurriedly said. “It’s no big deal! Don’t say that—it’s too embarrassing!”

Xiang Xian only wanted to crack a few jokes to lighten the mood and change the atmosphere, but A Huang suddenly shrieked and struggled in his hand. “It hurts—! Let go!”

Xiang Xian felt embarrassed and unconsciously tightened his grip, forgetting that he was clutching A Huang’s feathers, which yanked a pained cry from it.

A Huang flapped its wings and slapped Xiang Xian across the face before flying off.

Xiang Xian: “…”

Xiao Kun pressed a hand to his forehead, speechless.

Xiang Xian suddenly remembered something and hurriedly said, “Right, I had Old Wu book Fanlou Chun Nuan Pavilion. There was originally a palace banquet today, but I figured you might not want to go.”

Xiao Kun nodded. “Good.” A surge of warmth rose in his heart.

“Take a look at tonight’s Feast Invitation?” Xiang Xian handed Xiao Kun the menu for the New Year’s Eve banquet.

Xiao Kun said, “We have guests?”

“No,” Xiang Xian replied. “Just us eating and drinking.”

“You Song People sure have a lot of customs.” Xiao Kun regained his composure and took the Feast Invitation. This was a custom for banquets in the residence, and it was clear Xiang Xian already treated him as the head of the Exorcism Division.

“When is the Crown Prince coming?” Xiao Kun asked.

“Who cares about him.” Xiang Xian stood up. “I’ll go check on Chaosheng.”

Chaosheng had been overly excited these past couple of days and had worn himself out into a nap. After noon, Wu Yingzong returned with the newly made clothes, and Xiao Kun and Xiang Xian changed into them.

“This is a set of official uniforms personally designed for Han Exorcists by the Flying General Li Guang of old,” Wu Yingzong said. “Lord Xiao and Master both have excellent builds; these Civil-Military Sleeves suit you perfectly.”

The dark red Exorcist Civil-Military Sleeves had a civil sleeve on the left for conveniently shaking out Magic Treasures and casting spells, and a martial sleeve on the right for drawing swords to slay demons. The collar was embroidered with gold thread, and the robe featured subtle patterns. Xiang Xian’s patterns were tiger-shaped, while Xiao Kun’s were dragon-shaped. Once they put them on, they radiated heroic spirit.

Xiao Kun fastened his Waist Jade. With his red lips, white teeth, and pale skin, he looked as handsome as a martial immortal.

Xiang Xian, on the other hand, gained a roguish air, his face perpetually wearing a half-smile. Compared to Xiao Kun, he lacked that otherworldly immortal aura but gained the bearing of a true knight-errant.

These clothes were clearly expensive—just the satin fabric alone must have cost nearly twenty taels of silver. Wu Yingzong had even prepared several sets for spares, a testament to the Exorcism Division’s wealth.

Xiao Kun hadn’t wanted such extravagance at first, but since it was Xiang Xian’s kind gesture, he didn’t refuse.

“Wow—” Chaosheng woke up and looked them over. “You two look great!”