Chapter 740: She Surnamed "Shi"?

"I'm here, what's up?" Chen Mobai responded naturally.

"Uncle Chen, I passed the civil service exam and just received my job offer as a clerk at the Yumucheng Forestry Bureau. Since you'll be my direct superior, I was thinking of visiting you tomorrow to express my gratitude for your care during my time at school." The clear voice of a young woman came from the phone, and Chen Mobai couldn't help but feel a little surprised.

Because cultivators have long lifespans, and their practice keeps them healthy, almost everyone can live comfortably until retirement. Therefore, civil service positions in the Immortal Sect are typically filled on a one-to-one basis; it's difficult for newcomers to fill a vacancy until the predecessor retires. Only those with strong connections and backgrounds can immediately fill a position when someone retires. Some cultivators without connections, even after passing the civil service exam, remain on a waiting list for decades. Previously, Hua Zijing, the secretary of the Weapon Academy Student Union and an outstanding graduate, even with the academy's assistance, could only secure a position in a remote area, without much autonomy.

Although Chen Mobai wasn't directly involved in daily affairs, as the supreme leader of both cities, he had seen the civil servant lists. If he recalled correctly, no one was supposed to retire this year.

"That's great news! Where are you now? If you're in Yumucheng, there's no need to make a special trip. When I go there at the end of the year, I'll treat you to a meal." As Chen Mobai spoke, he opened his computer, accessed Yumucheng's official administrative system, and after logging in, found information on recent personnel transfers:

Tu Qiuxia, a clerk at the Forestry Bureau, known for her serious work ethic, meticulousness, diligence, and dedication, has been selected by the General Forestry Bureau of Wangwu Grotto-heaven for training in the imperial capital, where she will be cultivated for future key roles. Due to Tu Qiuxia's transfer and training, the Yumucheng Forestry Bureau is short-staffed. Therefore, Shi Xiaohei, an outstanding graduate of the Weapon Academy, has been dispatched to fill this position. This is an official notification.

This transfer document was issued directly by the General Forestry Bureau of Wangwu Grotto-heaven, which explained why Chen Mobai was unaware. Theoretically, when the imperial capital directly selects someone and assigns them elsewhere, those below should inform him, the supreme leader. After all, for anyone within the Immortal Sect's official hierarchy, such a move is quite subtle.

However, Chen Mobai had cultivated a reputation as a diligent cultivation genius within the Immortal Sect, largely delegating authority to the two city lords below him. He had repeatedly emphasized that he should not be bothered with matters they could resolve themselves. It was precisely this laissez-faire approach that, surprisingly, led to a small boom in the population and economy of both cities during his tenure, earning him 'excellent' performance reviews annually from the Kaiyuan Hall. So, although Shi Xiaohei's assignment by Wangwu Grotto-heaven was somewhat delicate, Wen Ping believed that Chen Mobai, a distinguished Core Golden Core cultivator of the Weapon Academy and a Kaiyuan Hall councilor, could not possibly falter on an official level. Thus, she followed custom and did not report the matter.

"There are no direct flights to Yumucheng today, so I got off in Danxiacheng to transfer. I thought I'd come and pay my respects to you first." The young woman's somewhat playful remark from the other end of the line made Chen Mobai smile, and he asked, "Given your background and status, wouldn't it be better for you to stay in Wangwu Grotto-heaven?"

After reading the official system's notification about Shi Xiaohei's transfer, Chen Mobai knew that someone at the highest level must have orchestrated it. The Immortal Sect officials in Yumucheng were also speculating, believing that Shi Xiaohei's family must have at least a ministerial-level background. However, Chen Mobai knew best that the young woman's background extended directly to the heavens. It must have been arranged by the higher echelons of the Immortal Sect after a word from Wufeng Immortal Mountain. At least they operated within the rules, using the transfer as a pretext. While it might be difficult for other Weapon Academy graduates to secure good civil service positions, for her, it was likely just a matter of choosing which department she wanted to join. That's why Chen Mobai couldn't figure out why she would come to this small place, so far from the imperial capital. It couldn't be because he was stationed here, could it?

"It's like this: my mother is here in Yumucheng. Her talent is average, and she hasn't reached Foundation Establishment, so I want to accompany her for the rest of her life. That's why, after graduating from my advanced studies in the sea region, I started taking civil service exams. It just so happened that someone from the Yumucheng Forestry Bureau was transferred this year, so I filled the vacancy." The young woman did not hide anything over the phone, speaking frankly and openly to Chen Mobai.

Upon hearing her words, Chen Mobai's expression showed understanding. So, it was to fulfill her filial duty! That makes sense! "Your mother is also from Yumucheng? Next time I'm there, I'll pay her a visit." At this point, Chen Mobai remembered that Old Ancestor Baiguang was from the Yu family of Yumucheng. Xiaohei was also taken to Wufeng Immortal Mountain because of this connection. However, Chen Mobai had only met Xiaohei a few times before, and given that Old Ancestor Baiguang was behind her, he had never bothered to investigate these details.

Wait a minute... If she's from the Yu family, then why is her surname 'Shi'? Chen Mobai suddenly realized something was amiss, especially that surname, which reminded him of an unspeakable incident from his youth. She also happened to have this surname. Could it be...?

"Alright, Uncle Chen, then I'll wait for you at my home in Yumucheng at the end of the year." Just then, Shi Xiaohei's somewhat disappointed voice came from the phone. After being rejected by Chen Mobai twice in a row, she seemed quite dejected.

"Cough, cough, cough. What I mean is, it's too late today. It wouldn't be appropriate for a young woman like you to come over so late at night. How about tomorrow morning instead?" After considering that possibility, Chen Mobai, suppressing a slight tremor in his voice, immediately changed his tone to amend his previous refusal.

"Really?! Then, Uncle Chen, please send me your location! What time tomorrow morning? I'll be there on time!" On the other end of the phone, Shi Xiaohei's previously dejected mood instantly recovered, her voice full of energy.

"Seven o'clock... no, you can come whenever it's convenient for you. You must be tired from catching your flight tonight. Get a good night's rest, sleep until you naturally wake up, and just give me a call when you're ready to come over." Chen Mobai's attitude had completely changed, but Shi Xiaohei didn't notice. She said she was still young and that 7 AM tomorrow morning would definitely be fine, and she'd be on time.

"Alright then, you should rest. Have you booked your hotel for tonight? Do you need me to arrange it for you?" Unconsciously, Chen Mobai's tone became very concerned.

"Thank you, Uncle Chen. It's already booked, and I'm on my way there now. You should also get some rest early." After saying goodbye, Shi Xiaohei hung up the phone. Chen Mobai immediately sent his home location. The young woman quickly replied with a cute 'received' emoji! Chen Mobai chatted with her for a couple more messages, only reluctantly ending the conversation after she had arrived at her hotel.

He looked up at the clock on the wall. 10:23 PM! There should be enough time! Chen Mobai pulled up Wen Ping, the City Lord of Yumucheng's phone number from his contacts, and called him.

In Yumucheng, after a departmental dinner, Wen Ping, who had organized a small group for another round, had just picked up his wine glass to clink with a capable subordinate who had come to toast him, when he saw his phone vibrating on the table. He glanced at it, and his eyes instantly widened; the wine he had just clinked almost spilled. The moment he saw the caller ID, he picked up the phone as quickly as possible, silenced everyone, then cast a soundproofing enchantment before cautiously answering. After a couple of sentences, he began nodding continuously.

"Yes, yes, yes!""Alright, no problem!""Don't worry, I'll handle it!"

At the table, the heads of other departments in Yumucheng exchanged astonished glances, wondering which important figure's call could make Wen Ping adopt such a humble posture. "Excuse me, everyone, I suddenly have an urgent matter. Let's finish this drink, and call it a night. I'll treat you all to another gathering some other day." After ending the call, Wen Ping's expression turned serious as he spoke to those present. Though others were still puzzled, some perceptive individuals had already guessed who had called. They immediately drained the remaining wine in their cups and stood up to take their leave.

"Director Zhu, please stay." Zhu Shiyong, the Director of the Forestry Bureau, was just about to pick up his bag and leave when he heard Wen Ping call out. He looked surprised. However, he was the only one present with the surname Zhu, so he stopped rising, put his bag back down, and sat. Soon, only the two of them remained in the private room.

"Councilor Chen just called, asking to see the file of Shi Xiaohei, the new clerk transferred to your Forestry Bureau." Wen Ping spoke sternly to Zhu Shiyong, the Director of the Forestry Bureau. Upon hearing this, Zhu thought that Chen Mobai was displeased because the matter hadn't been reported, and he slapped his thigh in annoyance. "I knew it. The Imperial General Bureau wouldn't transfer someone for no reason. Could they be planning to audit our accounts?"

Wen Ping also fell silent after hearing this. Because Chen Mobai had overseen Yumucheng for so long, this was the first time he had called him after 10 PM, and it was to investigate Shi Xiaohei, an ordinary clerk dispatched after an operation by the Imperial General Bureau. Such a clear signal filled the city lord with great apprehension. As one of the Immortal Sect's most resource-rich cities in the south, Yumucheng's Forestry Bureau contributed the largest portion to the official treasury each year. Although the Immortal Sect had various legal constraints, it was still very easy for these individuals to gain small benefits through underhanded means. While these benefits were technically acquired within the rules, if someone were to seriously investigate, they would face severe consequences.

"I don't know either. Prepare everything as quickly as possible. Councilor Chen said he's coming from Danxiacheng now and should arrive in about two hours." Chen Mobai's tone on the phone had been urgent, so Wen Ping didn't dare ask more questions, simply memorizing all the instructions he had given. Upon hearing this, Zhu Shiyong's eyes widened in disbelief. "This late? Councilor Chen is coming personally?" Wen Ping looked at the sky outside, which had completely darkened, then impatiently stood up and told Zhu Shiyong to prepare Shi Xiaohei's file as quickly as possible.

Within the Immortal Sect's official system, many documents are not archived online. Chen Mobai couldn't find any information about Shi Xiaohei, so he decided to go to Yumucheng personally to retrieve her file. After finishing the call, his figure shimmered with a silver glow in the room and vanished from the spot.

As flying was prohibited within the city without permission, and Chen Mobai didn't want his late-night trip to Yumucheng to be discovered, he directly activated the Underworld Great Array. Within the city, he began to teleport repeatedly, even being seen by some passersby. However, he moved so quickly that many only saw silver light flickering on roads and rooftops of tall buildings, seemingly accompanied by a human figure. But by the time they tried to look closer or use their divine sense, he had already vanished. Chen Mobai, of course, was unaware that this incident was even broadcast on Danxiacheng's 'Unsolved Mysteries' radio show that night.

After leaving the city gates, he was like a fish leaping over the dragon gate, directly summoning the Scarlet Mist Cloud Silk and heading towards Yumucheng at top speed. However, he was still very careful about concealment, retracting the multicolored glow of the Scarlet Mist Cloud Silk, transforming it into a dark cloud. Under the cover of night, even if someone looked up, they wouldn't notice anyone flying in the sky.

Wen Ping's office in Yumucheng. Upon entering, Chen Mobai saw that both men's hands were empty and couldn't help but frown slightly. "Where are the files?" Hearing his words, Wen Ping felt a bit awkward and motioned for Zhu Shiyong to explain. "Well, Councilor Chen, although Shi Xiaohei's position has been transferred to our Yumucheng Forestry Bureau, her file is still with the Imperial General Forestry Bureau and hasn't been transferred here yet. We, the subordinates, don't dare to urge our superiors; we usually just wait until they remember to send it, or the employee has to request it themselves." Zhu Shiyong's words made Chen Mobai's expression darken, but this was indeed how official matters were typically handled.

Chen Mobai: "Then retrieve the Yu family's archives."

Upon hearing this, cold sweat immediately broke out on Wen Ping's forehead. Although the Yu family of Yumucheng had dispersed, this lineage had produced a Divine Transformation ancestor. Retrieving the Yu family's archival data would also mean retrieving Old Ancestor Baiguang's, wouldn't it? As Yumucheng's supreme leader, Chen Mobai certainly had the right to view this, but the implications of this request suddenly made both Wen Ping and Zhu Shiyong's legs feel weak.

"Not the main Yu family branch. Just the collateral branches that have split off, primarily those that have changed their surnames. Get them to me as quickly as possible." Seeing Wen Ping's pale expression, Chen Mobai understood their concerns and immediately spoke to alleviate their worries. Chen Mobai didn't want Shi Wanyu's existence to be exposed, so he didn't mention her name. However, combining what he knew about Xiaohei's origins and what Shi Wanyu had told him in his youth—that her hometown was also Yumucheng—he accurately pinpointed the likely location of her file.

"Yes, yes, yes, Councilor Chen, but this might take several days because the number of people is simply too vast." Upon hearing this, Wen Ping immediately wiped the sweat from his forehead and said he would arrange it right away. Chen Mobai checked the time. There were nearly six hours until 7 AM, which meant he had about three hours left after accounting for his return trip to Danxiacheng. "Where is the archive? I'll check it myself!" Wen Ping breathed an even greater sigh of relief and immediately led Chen Mobai there.

"You two wait for me outside." After entering the archive, Chen Mobai immediately sent Wen Ping and Zhu Shiyong out. Although he was a Golden Core True Immortal, and his 'Phoenix Facing the Sun Diagram' had broken through to the second level, giving him divine sense far exceeding Foundation Establishment cultivators, he still felt somewhat strained facing the vast, boundless archives of the Yu family, accumulated over three millennia. Fortunately, he could enter the state of the 'Square Inch Scroll' at any time. In this state, he was like a ruthless computing machine. He began searching from the very source of the family tree and quickly found Shi Wanyu's file.

An hour later, Chen Mobai emerged from the archive. "Shi Xiaohei will report for duty tomorrow. Among the Weapon Academy graduates after me, her talent is second only to mine. Since she's been assigned to Yumucheng, the academy has asked me to look after her well. From now on, as her superiors, don't let me lose face at the academy." After Chen Mobai finished speaking, Wen Ping and Zhu Shiyong immediately nodded repeatedly. They assured him that the Yumucheng Forestry Bureau was like a close-knit family, where colleagues loved each other, and they would treat her like their own daughter, ensuring she wouldn't suffer any grievances.

Chen Mobai nodded after hearing this, then transformed into a silver flash and vanished from the spot. This scene left both Wen Ping and Zhu Shiyong wide-eyed in shock. "This is... Void Walking!?" Although their cultivation was only at the Foundation Establishment stage, they were, after all, part of the Immortal Sect's system, and they had heard of this legendary technique, which only Nascent Soul cultivators were said to master. Seeing Chen Mobai teleport away directly, they felt it was exactly as described in the legends of Void Walking. They hadn't expected Councilor Chen to have mastered this at only the Golden Core stage! Upon realizing this, both men admired Chen Mobai's cultivation talent even more. Truly worthy of a Divine Transformation talent.

"What happened today must not be leaked, not even a single bit." The two went inside to check the archive, found no signs of disturbance, and as they left, Wen Ping suddenly spoke solemnly to Zhu Shiyong.

"Don't worry, City Lord, I understand the gravity of the situation. If this matter leaks out, we two small figures will certainly be the first to be dealt with." Zhu Shiyong nodded with a bitter smile. Those within the Immortal Sect's system knew how terrifying it could be when matters they couldn't investigate were involved. Moreover, Chen Mobai was now a core figure of the Weapon Academy lineage, one of the Golden Core True Immortals with the most influence and power in the Immortal Sect, second only to Nascent Soul cultivators. Even if it potentially involved Old Ancestor Baiguang, that would be an internal matter for the Weapon Academy lineage, far beyond their reach. At this moment, both of them were also deeply shocked. They speculated about the background of Shi Xiaohei, who was about to arrive to take up her post. What kind of person was she, to be worth Chen Mobai personally coming late at night to investigate her file and instruct them to take good care of her? If they didn't clearly know that Chen Mobai practiced the Pure Yang Scroll and had remained single until now, they would have suspected Shi Xiaohei was his illegitimate daughter.

Qingsang Academy!

Gu Mingxuan, who was meditating and resting that night, suddenly received an unfamiliar call. He frowned and hung up immediately. But the call kept coming. After hanging up twice, Gu Mingxuan, annoyed, was about to block the number. Suddenly, the unfamiliar number sent a text message: "This is Chen Mobai. I have something to discuss with you. Call me back." Gu Mingxuan's pupils suddenly constricted upon seeing it. He held his phone, his expression shifting, but considering Chen Mobai's power and status within the Immortal Sect, he eventually sighed and dialed the number.

A short while later, there was a knock at the door. Gu Mingxuan, having donned a jacket, opened it. It was Chen Mobai at the door. "Apologies for disturbing you so late!" Chen Mobai apologized to Gu Mingxuan, then entered the room, where he immediately cast a silencing enchantment. Gu Mingxuan's phone number was something he had found on Qingsang Academy's internal campus network. As one of the academy's teachers, everyone's contact information was listed there.

Chen Mobai had found Shi Wanyu's archived information, but it was a file sent by the Flowing Light Academy over forty years ago, when she graduated and returned home, and it hadn't been updated since. Chen Mobai had gone to the address listed but found the place long deserted. He also didn't dare to use official channels to investigate. Just as he was about to give up and return to Danxiacheng to prepare for Shi Xiaohei's morning visit, he suddenly remembered Gu Mingxuan. Gu Mingxuan had been present when he first met Shi Wanyu. It was because of this that he knew both of them were from Yumucheng. Coincidentally, Gu Mingxuan was a teacher at Qingsang Academy, and Chen Mobai currently held the position of principal there, so he came directly to him.

"Principal, is there something you need, coming so late?" Gu Mingxuan had actually more or less guessed the reason in his heart, and he spoke up proactively after Chen Mobai entered the room.

"Do you know where Shi Wanyu lives now?" Just as expected! Upon hearing Chen Mobai's question, Gu Mingxuan sighed inwardly. He hesitated for a moment, then gave an address.

"Many thanks!" Chen Mobai hadn't expected to get the information so easily, and he thanked Gu Mingxuan sincerely.

"After she graduated, she had a daughter out of wedlock and refused to reveal the father's identity, so her parents were ashamed of her, and she hasn't had an easy life." Just as Chen Mobai was about to leave, Gu Mingxuan suddenly spoke. Chen Mobai's turning figure suddenly froze.

The next day.

Early-rising Chen Xinglan was practicing health-preserving boxing in the living room, a widely popular martial art in the Immortal Sect, developed by the Imperial Medical Academy, known for activating all joints and muscles throughout the body. When Chen Mobai was a student, he used to practice it every morning on the sports field, following the instructor. In the kitchen, Tang Pancui, long since retired, was making breakfast. Since Chen Mobai was rarely home, she prepared a more elaborate meal.

Ding-dong! Ding-dong!

Just then, the doorbell rang. "Old Chen, answer the door!" Tang Pancui thought it was a neighbor or relative visiting. After all, Chen Mobai's status was now different; many people, knowing he was home, would find an excuse to show their face. Even just making Chen Mobai aware of their existence was a great gain.

The sound of the door opening was followed by a crisp, young woman's voice at the entrance. "Hello, Grandpa Chen, I'm Xiaohei. I called Uncle Chen last night, and he told me to come here to find him." Upon hearing the young woman's vibrant and energetic voice, Tang Pancui, for some reason, involuntarily wiped her hands with her apron and stepped out of the kitchen. She saw the young woman at the door, smiling and greeting Chen Xinglan.

The morning sun was not too harsh; soft light gently illuminated the young woman's graceful, slender figure, highlighting her exquisite curves. Her waist-length, smooth black hair shimmered like a lake under the sunlight, glossy and almost translucent. For some reason, as soon as Tang Pancui saw the young woman, she felt an extraordinary sense of familiarity.

"Are you Mobai's friend? Come in quickly and sit down! Old Chen, why are you letting her stand at the door!" Tang Pancui immediately invited Xiaohei in, the latter part of her sentence being a complaint directed at Chen Xinglan.

"Thank you, Grandma. I'm Shi Xiaohei, and I passed the exam this year to be a clerk at the Yumucheng Forestry Bureau. Uncle Chen looked after me well when I was at school, and now he's my direct superior, so after my appointment, I came immediately to pay him a visit first." As Shi Xiaohei spoke, she smiled and placed a basket of fruit she was carrying onto the living room table.

"Child, you just needed to come, why bring gifts?" Seeing the fruit, Tang Pancui uttered a couple of reproachful words, and Xiaohei immediately said it was just a small token of her regard.

"Come, come, sit, sit. Old Chen, go upstairs and call our son. Since he made an appointment, why is he still lying in bed?" Tang Pancui's words made Chen Xinglan smile wryly as he went upstairs. He knocked twice on Chen Mobai's door, then called out twice. But after waiting a moment, there was no response. Chen Xinglan looked puzzled. Just as he was about to go downstairs to get his phone and call Chen Mobai to ask, the door suddenly opened.

"Huh?" Chen Xinglan looked at Chen Mobai, who was walking out, with a puzzled expression. Because he had broken through in cultivation early, Chen Mobai had always maintained the appearance of a youthful boy and usually dressed casually. However, today he had deliberately styled his hair into a mature swept-back look and put on rarely-worn formal attire. But Chen Xinglan thought about it carefully: after all, Chen Mobai was a leader, and it was appropriate to appear more mature when meeting a subordinate.

However, he didn't notice that Chen Mobai, walking downstairs, had tensed muscles and seemed a little nervous upon seeing the vibrant young woman in the living room. "You're here." Chen Mobai pretended to greet the young woman on the sofa very naturally. The young woman immediately stood up and greeted him.

"Uncle Chen, from now on, I'll be one of your subordinates. Please take good care of me!" Chen Mobai nodded immediately after hearing this, indicating that there would be no problem. "Although I don't get involved in daily affairs, my words still carry weight. I've already spoken to Wen Ping and Zhu Shiyong last night, so no one will dare to make things difficult for you."