I Can Strengthen Infinitely-Chapter 170 - 143: Another Promotion

Upon hearing this, Qin Yuesheng immediately turned his head to look over.

Soon, he saw Zuo Zonghao walking in, leaning on a cane.

Though it has only been a day since he last saw Zuo, he appeared much older and worn out. It seemed that the previous injury, despite healing somewhat, still had a considerable impact on him.

"Lord Zuo."

"Lord Zuo."

"Lord Zuo."

The crowd stood up and greeted him in unison.

"I am late." Zuo Zonghao headed toward the main seat, with Bai Hao closely following behind.

After Zuo Zonghao had seated himself, the others also sat back down.

He glanced around the room; on this trip to Cyan Yang City, he had brought seven accompanying officials — three iron and four wood — but now only four remained. It was truly lamentable.

Every Seven Star Surveillance official represented significant investments, making their sacrifices unfortunate.

"Regarding the sealing incident, you all have worked hard. When I return to Chang'an, rewards will be given to each of you," Zuo Zonghao glanced at Bai Hao and continued, "Since the issues here are resolved, we should head back to Chang'an soon and not linger here any longer. Bai Hao, you will return with us at that time."

Bai Hao nodded, "Yes."

Bai Hao's female disciple, Wan'Er, had been in a coma since being rescued from the Water Manor. Her daily needs were attended by an elderly caretaker specifically hired by Bai Hao, causing him much concern. Despite Zuo Zonghao's words, Bai Hao had long intended to return to Chang'an with his disciple to seek an expert's diagnosis on Wan'Er's condition.

"Qin Yuesheng," Zuo Zonghao stated.

"Lord Zuo, I'm here."

"You are a local of Cyan Yang City, and our Seven Star Surveillance has limited manpower in the Jiangnan area. To prevent any supernatural disturbances from reoccurring, you need not accompany us to Chang'an. Remain here in Cyan Yang City and manage affairs. From now on, all matters related to supernatural and eerie activities in Jiangnan will be under your full jurisdiction."

Qin Yuesheng had never intended to go to Chang'an, and so naturally, he agreed without hesitation.

Upon speaking, Zuo Zonghao withdrew a token from his bosom and tossed it to Qin Yuesheng.

Qin Yuesheng caught it steadily with one hand and examined it.

He found the token to be entirely made of crimson copper, with the characters "Seven Stars" on the front and seven carved stars on the back.

"This is..." Qin Yuesheng suddenly remembered that he also had a token, but it was made of wood, far inferior to Zuo Zonghao's copper one.

"I don't quite understand geniuses, but your progress in strength can only be described as monstrous. Young talents like you can only be rivaled by the so-called prodigies rumored in the martial world," Zuo Zonghao chuckled, "Once in Chang'an, I will present you to the higher-ups. The outcome should be inevitable. For now, you may use mine."

Qin Yuesheng held the token, "Thank you, Lord Zuo."

Ever since he enhanced himself to the Third Layer of the Internal Power Realm with the Ghost Pill, Qin Yuesheng had never exposed his true strength before Zuo Zonghao. He wondered how Zuo had discerned this and now intended to elevate him to Copper Toad official.

This step would place him on par with Zuo Zonghao, as a fourth-ranked court official.

Bai Hao cast a peculiar glance at Qin Yuesheng; although Zuo Zonghao hadn't specifically mentioned Copper Toad or promotions, as a seasoned Iron Toad official, Bai Hao easily grasped the implication in Zuo's words. 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝒆𝒘𝙚𝓫𝙣𝙤𝒗𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

From common folk to Wood Toad, from Wood Toad to Iron Toad, then to Copper Toad, Bai Hao's stay in Cyan Yang City had been a remarkable three-tier leap through the ranks, leaving him amazed and secretly envious.

"Regarding the escape of the Great Ghost Venerable, from present observations, no significant malevolent source can be found throughout the city—it appears to have already left Cyan Yang City. I've sent a letter by courier to Chang'an, requesting their expedited handling. You need not worry further," Zuo Zonghao declared.

"Yes!"

After discussing several matters and dabbling in various trivial topics, mostly summarizing Cyan Yang City's current situation and subsequent arrangements, the meeting officially ended.

Zuo Zonghao hosted a banquet at the city's finest restaurant, Yixiang Building, where everyone joyfully and leisurely partook of their lunch.

...

Despite his injuries, Zuo Zonghao remained efficient and decisive.

Though he mentioned leaving Cyan Yang City soon, they actually prepared to depart by afternoon, deciding quite abruptly.

When Qin Yuesheng hurried to the city gate upon receiving the news, they had already prepared a carriage and five horses.

The wounded Zuo Zonghao naturally rested inside the carriage, while Bai Hao, Qi Feng, and the others each rode a horse, encircling the carriage.

"Brother Qin, until we meet again. When you visit Chang'an, come to Seven Star Surveillance and I'll treat you to some drinks," Qi Feng exclaimed, clasping his fists upon seeing Qin Yuesheng.

In the short time of his stay in Cyan Yang City, Qi Feng had gotten along well with Qin Yuesheng. Unfortunately, just as the sealing had been resolved, Zuo Zonghao was set to leave, far too hurriedly for Qin Yuesheng to fulfill his role as a host and treat Qi Feng to a lavish drink.

"Alright, just don't blame me for drinking you into bankruptcy," Qin Yuesheng responded with a smile.

The breeze gently brushed the roadside grass, while the blue sky and white clouds complemented the pleasant weather.

The afternoon's piercing sunlight spilled over the Seven Star Surveillance officials on horseback, as Qin Yuesheng, Xun Sheng, and Huo Bang stood by the city gate, watching them gradually fade into the distance until their silhouettes disappeared entirely from the official road.