He sat down on the chair, looking at the painting.

After a moment, he once again felt that the painting came alive, as if intending to absorb his very soul.

This time, he did not resist, instead immersing his mind into the world of the painting, comprehending the unique mood captured within.

Amidst distant mountains, he found himself on a boat alone in the lake, suddenly encountering a heavy rain, his eyes could only see a vast curtain of whiteness, a solitary feeling arose within, akin to an old man on a solitary boat fishing on a snowy river.

He didn’t know for how long he felt himself transform into a great bird, flying alone in the boundless universe...

...

The mood from the painting receded like a tide.

Chen Ming’s consciousness returned to the reality, he let out a long breath and went up to put away the visualization map.

This realization took him several hours, now it was completely dark outside.

Excess is not good, comprehending from a visualization map requires caution, being too immersed can affect one’s state of mind, even one’s personality.

Chen Ming opened the panel to take a look.

[Level: 70]

[Current Points: 155896]

[Cultivation Technique: "Iron Horse Stance" (Fifth Level Perfection), "Five Elements True Skill (Missing)" (Seventh Level 192134/10000000)]

[Martial Skill: "Three Talents Fist" (Mastery), Eight Trigrams Saber Technique (Mastery), Zhuang’s Flying Knife (Mastery), Swallow Returning Sword Technique (Mastery), "Vermilion Bird Swordsmanship" (Mastery), "Phoenix Dance of Nine Heavens" (Fourth Level 3277/400000), "Solitary Soaring between Heaven and Earth" (Second Level 5763/2000000)]

[Secret Technique: "Disguise Technique" (Mastery)]

He was somewhat surprised, "The proficiency of ’Solitary Soaring between Heaven and Earth’ actually increased by more than five thousand points."

This visualization map really suits the mood of this swordsmanship.

Five thousand a day, fifteen thousand a month. In just over a year, this swordsmanship can be raised to the second level.

It could indeed save a lot of experience points.

Even the "Five Elements True Skill" has seen considerable improvement.

"Xia Shaowen may be somewhat unconventional, but he’s quite generous in his actions."

Chen Ming felt it must be Xia Shaowen trying to compensate him, feeling guilty so he offered these two items.

Considering the value of this visualization map, he decided to let it slide.

As he was pondering this, he suddenly had a feeling, got up and opened the door, asking, "Is Brother Jiang outside?"

Outside the courtyard, Jiang Wushuang stood there, holding an oil-paper umbrella, outside it suddenly started to rain.

He said, "Brother Gu is so diligent in cultivation, I feel ashamed in comparison."

Chen Ming replied, "Come in and speak."

Jiang Wushuang entered the room, closed and put away the umbrella, though with his abilities, even without an umbrella, he wouldn’t be drenched by the rain, yet he still brought one.

Seeing him sit down without speaking, Chen Ming proactively asked, "You came to find me, surely it’s not just to sit in silence with me?"

"Actually, I have a favor to ask."

"No need for requests and favors, just say it. If I can do it, I’ll surely help."

"Brother Gu, when you go to the Six Gates tomorrow, could you refrain from clarifying that the marriage with Miss Xia was fake?"

"??"

Chen Ming never imagined that the favor he needed from him would be this.

Wasn’t he and Xia Mudan a couple?

What does this mean?

Are you treating me as part of your game?

You have quite the unique taste.

He said, "Isn’t this inappropriate?"

Jiang Wushuang got up, bowed deeply, "I humbly ask Brother Gu to help me in this matter."

Chen Ming held his hand, helping him up, said gravely, "You must give me a reason."

Jiang Wushuang bit his lip and said, "If you say everywhere this marriage is fake, Madam Xia could use this as an excuse to send her to the palace. Once that happens, there won’t be any room for maneuver."

Hearing this, Chen Ming thought about it and found it reasonable.

Taking advantage of Madam’s retreat, Xia Shaowen dared to pull this off. Evidently, Madam Xia is a strong woman, once she returns, learns the wedding was fake, she truly might send her daughter to the palace.

He sighed, "But this way, isn’t it too aggrieving for you?"

The beloved woman marrying another man, not only that, but now also asked that man to maintain the status of a married couple with your beloved.

That’s indeed too miserable.

Jiang Wushuang remained silent.

No doubt, his heart was deeply pained at this moment.

Chen Ming thought, you could have eloped with her.

But he didn’t say those words. He had learned that the Jiang Family had been in decline for many years, and Jiang Wushuang was their prodigious talent.

Just like Gu Yuantao, Jiang Wushuang also shoulders the responsibility of family revival.

On one hand is the beloved woman, on the other is the family. It’s a dilemma for anyone.

Hearing Jiang Wushuang’s decision at the moment showed his inclination to prioritize the family.

So, Chen Ming solemnly said, "Brother Jiang, I admire your magnanimity and thank you for your trust. I, Gu Xianyu, swear by heaven that I will never have any improper thoughts towards Xia Mudan. If I do, let me die miserably, turning into ashes."

His tone was firm, making a solemn vow.

Jiang Wushuang stared at him, his mouth moved slightly, but ultimately said nothing.

...

The next morning, Chen Ming donned the uniform of the Five Grade Patrol Envoy of Six Gates, and went to report at Six Gates.

Gan River splits Xiazhou City in two, on one side is the east of the city, on the other is the west.

The Six Gates Government Office is situated in the very center of the city east.

After Chen Ming showed his identity seal, he was taken to meet a First Grade Governor, his immediate superior.

The man was a gray-haired elder, who chuckled and said, "Young Gu of the Gu Family, you have finally come."

Chen Ming meticulously saluted, "Subordinate Gu Xianyu, greets Lord Hong."

This person was named Hong Yuze, quite old now, rumored not to care about affairs. Among the three Governors in Xiazhou City, he had the slightest presence.

Since the assignment to Xiazhou City’s Six Gates, he naturally had to investigate the important figures within.

It was undeniable, the number of masters in Six Gates of Xiazhou City was significantly greater than Jiangzhou City.

Hong Yuze looked at him, face troubled, and said, "Young man, your luck isn’t good, Governors Liu and Zhou are both not present, now if you want to join, you can only work under me. Otherwise, why don’t you wait a few days until they return?"

Chen Ming replied, "I volunteer to serve under the lord."

"Haha, you might not know as a newcomer. I’m old, lack energy, and not inclined to manage affairs. Under me, you won’t get many opportunities to achieve merit..."

"I am willing to follow the lord."

Chen Ming stated again.

Hong Yuze had to assess him a few more times, a faint smile appeared on his face, saying, "Since that’s the case, then I will accept you. Just remember one thing while working under me, don’t bother me for no reason, I like peace."

"Yes."

Chen Ming understood, don’t cause trouble, if any issues arise, this old man wouldn’t stand up for him.

Actually, he had made inquiries about Governor Hong’s way, and now seeing personally, the rumors were not exaggerated. Truly, he didn’t want to concern himself with anything.

Amongst the people, he was called the Woodcraft Bodhisattva, meaning although he’s above, no matter how much you pray, it’s to no avail.

Seeing Chen Ming so sensible, Hong Yuze nodded in satisfaction, called over the relevant officials, asking where there were vacancies in the office.

The official pulled out a pre-prepared book, skimmed it for a while, and solemnly replied, "Reply to lord, currently all Patrol Envoy positions are full. Vacancies only exist in tomb guardians, clerical and prison keeper roles..."

These were all clerical, logistical positions.

Frankly speaking, it was a measure by Six Gates against the noble scions, allowing them in but denying them chances for merit.

Making accomplishments in Six Gates relies primarily on arresting justice. Performing logistics and clerical work, how can one garner merit?

Even for noble sons like the Gu Family, no exceptions allowed.

Hong Yuze remained silent, gazing down, seemingly preoccupied.

Upon hearing "prison keeper," Chen Ming hastily said, "Lord, I’ll assume the prison keeper role."

Hong Yuze snapped from his daze, yawned, "Alright. Someone, guide him through the procedure."

"Yes."

PS: This is yesterday’s makeup, still four thousand words.