Chapter 49: Imperial Observatory, City God Office (3/3)

Zhao Wujie continued, “The core of a decryption exam should be solving mysteries, right? Finding subtle clues, gathering evidence for deduction, identifying the culprit, uncovering the truth—”

Zhang Yuanhua agreed again, “Exactly!”

Zhao Wujie: “……Then what exactly is Su Fu doing now?”

With an incredulous expression, he added, “Why would she attract the attention of the Imperial Astronomer? And even get groomed as his successor?”

“This… isn’t this clearly the strategy for a promotion and wealth-building scenario instead?”

Zhang Yuanhua: “Well… I mean, who says decryption must rely solely on one’s own reasoning?”

Rubbing his chin with a smile, he continued, “Regardless of the process, as long as she’s latched onto the Imperial Astronomer and solved the case, doesn’t that count as decryption?”

Zhao Wujie: “Listen to how absurd that sounds!”

He completely refused to look at Zhang Yuanhua anymore.

Mo Sanchou watched numbly, “This… can’t be real, right?”

On the screen, Zheng Guancang was sprinting down the observatory tower in excitement, abandoning his usual composed demeanor.

While running, he exclaimed excitedly, “This is absolutely a supreme evil-warding talisman!”

“Quick, let me see who made this! I can’t miss this opportunity!”

While the Imperial Astronomer rushed toward Pingkang Ward, his colleagues at the Imperial Astronomical Bureau watched his excited retreating figure with envy.

“Who on earth is this? This talisman is unbelievably powerful, rarely seen in a lifetime!”

“No kidding, even the Imperial Astronomer probably couldn’t create something like this.”

“The Imperial Astronomer must be overjoyed; he’ll probably treasure this person like gold!”

“Tsk tsk, why couldn’t it have been me?”

At this moment, Mo Sanchou suddenly frowned, “Wait… something’s off. Why are all other examinees’ divine skills suppressed, while Su Fu’s not only remains unaffected…”

“…but actually gets enhanced?”

“Exactly!” Bai Li also realized, “What’s the deal with this Zhong Kui from the Chinese pantheon?”

To be honest, she had initially felt relieved when Su Fu summoned a deity other than the Monkey King.

After all, that particular deity favored Su Fu excessively gifting divine artifacts after just two meetings.

She didn’t even dare imagine what might come after a third encounter!

But now…

Why is this deity also showing such favoritism toward Su Fu?

The response was practically brazen, as if trying to maximize the divine skill’s effects!

She said sourly, “What’s with all these Chinese deities behaving like this?”

“Ahem… so… is it possible to convert to the Chinese pantheon?”

“What are you thinking?” Zhao Wujie said exasperatedly, “You’d have to discard all your current divine skills and start from scratch.”

“Not to mention ensuring your original deity won’t punish you for betrayal. But expecting no divine retribution after abandoning your god -how likely is that?”

“Finally, you’d need Su Fu-level recognition of Chinese deities. What’s the use of knowing just a few? With so many scenarios, how could you guarantee summoning only the deities you know?”

“Even Su Fu couldn’t promise that.”

Bai Li said gloomily, “…Listen to yourself. Which of these requirements can I actually meet?”

It was completely impossible!

Mo Sanchou’s face darkened, and he even began to suspect, “Shen Yan, did you secretly give Su Fu some kind of cheat? This makes no sense- it’s just too absurd!”

The voice of the Shen Yan calmly responded:

[Verification complete: Examinee Su Fu has received no additional advantages. Her performance stems from an exceptionally high divine response rate.]

[Friendly reminder: To achieve similar results, it is recommended to communicate more frequently with your patron deity.]

Zhang Yuanhua burst into laughter.

“Hahaha! Shen Yan, you’re being way too polite. Let me translate that for you!”

“Su Fu’s deities are willing to respond to her and grant her power. If you want the same, maybe try getting your own deities to care about you a little more!”

Mo Sanchou: “…..”

Damn it, you really know how to twist the knife!

Bai Li couldn’t help but feel sour.

“The Chinese pantheon really spoils Su Fu, huh?”

“I’ve been nothing but reverent toward my deity, but mine barely acknowledges me.”

“Meanwhile, Su Fu’s deities are practically fighting to personally help her clear dungeons! It’s just unfair!”

Just then, a teacher suddenly exclaimed, “Look! Su Fu just activated another divine skill!”

On the screen, Su Fu triggered [Yin Soldiers Borrowing the Path]!

In an instant, a chilling wind howled, and the sound of synchronized footsteps echoed from the void.

Then, dozens of spectral soldiers clad in battle armor emerged, spears in hand, forming a tight formation around the vengeful spirits trapped in the golden light.

The onlookers speculated, “This must be to prevent the spirits from escaping, right?”

“But to command Yin Soldiers… that means her deity holds considerable status!”

Next, Su Fu activated [Judge’s Decree]!

But this time, it was different-she had summoned the deity Zhong Kui.

After all, the vengeful ghost she was dealing with was none other than the formidable Yuliuli.

“I summon Zhong Kui, the Judge of Punishment!”

BOOM!

A divine apparition, towering nearly ten meters tall, materialized behind Su Fu.

Clad in dark robes, his eyes blazing with fury, he exuded an overwhelming celestial authority.

With a wave of his hand, a blood-red judge’s decree shot forth, pinning Yuliuli’s spectral form firmly in place.

“Where does your grievance begin? Who sowed this sin? Speak!”

Yuliuli’s ghostly body trembled violently.

The crimson flames of her resentment, suppressed by the decree, even began to fade into a sickly green.

She let out a piercing shriek, but with the Judge present, there was no escape.

“Ah-!”

Her screams now carried a sob, her mind seemingly shattered, reduced to nothing but wailing.

On the screen, Su Fu frowned.

No rationality left?

She sighed softly.

“Then take her away.”

At once, the Yin Soldiers raised their spears in unison, and all the trapped spirits were dragged away by invisible shackles, vanishing into the night.

The scene was awe-inspiring.

The teachers watched in astonishment.

“So the Yin Soldiers were here to take the spirits away?”

“But… where did they take them?”

“Not sure. But I didn’t expect the Chinese pantheon to have deities governing death.”

“Truly surprising.” Mo Sanchou stroked his chin, deep in thought.

“I thought only Hades from the Greek pantheon held such authority over the underworld.”

When it came to deities presiding over death, the most well-documented was the Greek pantheon-Hades ruled the underworld, commanding the River Styx and…

The three-headed dog, the three judges, and the Goddess of Retribution together established a complete system of judgment, reincarnation, and punishment.”

“This Zhong Kui…” Bai Li observed the scene, “Seems like an existence similar to the three underworld judges under Hades? The ghost soldiers control the battlefield, the judges preside over the souls quite fitting indeed.”

In the invigilation room, several teachers began a lively discussion.

Zhang Yuanhua suddenly noticed Helian Yue’s hesitant expression and raised an eyebrow:

“Teacher Helian seems to have a different opinion?”

Helian Yue shook her head slightly: “I was just thinking, if there are such judges, there must be a higher deity governing them.”

“I’m quite curious if such a being exists, how would they compare to Hades?”

“It must be Hades!” Mo Sanchou declared firmly.

“Ruling over the entire underworld, with the greatest authority and the most complete system no doubt about it.”

“Could there really be a god of death in the Chinese pantheon stronger than the God of the Underworld?”

“With more subordinates? A vaster domain? A broader jurisdiction? A more perfect system?”

Zhang Yuanhua stroked his chin with a subtle expression:

“…I feel like you’re setting up some kind of flag here.”

Mo Sanchou waved his hand decisively: “Impossible, absolutely impossible!”

In the projection, Su Fu bowed to the phantom of Lord Zhong Kui: “Thank you for your assistance, Lord Zhong Kui.”

Lord Zhong Kui waved his hand and dissipated.

Su Fu sighed in admiration-truly a deity of their Chinese pantheon!

Such a strong sense of responsibility!

She recalled the vast Chinese underworld system:

The Great Emperor of the East ruling over the netherworld, the Ten Yama Kings upholding heavenly authority, the eighteen layers of hell meticulously arranged, ox-headed and horse-faced demons patrolling to collect souls, the Black and White Imperials arresting evil spirits how organized!

How disciplined!

Everything gets done with such efficiency!

Just then, the projected image in the invigilation room suddenly began to fluctuate violently.

Bai Li was in the middle of discussing Lord Zhong Kui’s origins with Mo Sanchou when she was abruptly blinded by a dazzling golden light:

“Divine radiance! Can’t we adjust the brightness-“

Before she could finish, the bloody courtyard twisted abruptly, the perspective yanked skyward by an invisible hand as the outline of Chang’an City spread out beneath the night sky.

The bustling streets transformed into chessboard-like grids, their flickering lights like stars fallen to earth.

And just as everyone looked on in confusion-

“What’s that?!”

Mo Sanchou suddenly stood up, pointing to the right side of the image.

A cluster of bluish-gray buildings materialized out of nowhere, as if pulled into reality by some mysterious force.

The ancient glazed tiles shimmered with an eerie luster under the moonlight, their layered eaves spreading like ink wash paintings.

Zhao Wujie narrowed his eyes: “These buildings-they weren’t there before!”

It was as if the map had met certain conditions, suddenly unlocking a new module that revealed previously unseen structures.

“Wait!”

Bai Li gasped sharply, “Look at the gate!”

At the entrance of the complex, bronze bells hanging under the eaves swayed without wind, while the stone suanni crouched at the corners slowly opened their eyes.

“Ding”

A long, drawn-out chime pierced through the projection, sending chills down the spines of all five invigilators.

Then, three ancient and weathered characters suddenly appeared above the architectural complex—

City God’s Office.

At the same time, the voice of the Shen Yan AI abruptly rang out:

[S-Class Dungeon: Chang’an detected. Special map node activated.]

[Location Name: City God’s Office]

[City God’s Office map unlocking……]

[Authority verification in progress…….]

[Underworld regulations loading……]

[New reminder: Those who violate the laws of the underworld shall face the judgment of the City God’s Office.]

[Global Announcement:]

[The City God’s Office has opened. Examinees, be cautious in your words and actions. Do not transgress the laws of the underworld.]

[Repeat: The new map, City God’s Office, has opened. Examinees, be cautious in your words and actions. Do not transgress the laws of the underworld!]

Shen Yan’s calm yet stern voice echoed in the ears of all examinees.

The invigilators were dumbfounded.

“My heavens… What in the world is happening?”

Just then, the scene shifted and the gates of the City God’s Office swung open with a thunderous boom.

Rows of underworld officials in official robes filed out, their feet not touching the ground, their sleeves fluttering gracefully.

At the forefront was Judge Zhang, clad in blue robes, the magistrate in charge of punishments.

His face was alight with excitement, unable to contain his joy.

“Just now, we sensed the passage of underworld soldiers, and the Judge’s Decree manifested…”

Judge Zhang’s voice trembled with emotion.

“It must be the arrival of His Excellency!”

“No mistake about it!”

“We must not neglect His Excellency!”

“Quick, follow me to welcome him at once!”

“This aura, this majesty-it can only be the work of Lord Zhong Kui!”

He beamed with delight.

Behind him, Judge Wang also straightened with reverence.

“For His Excellency to grace us with his presence is a rare honor. We must prepare well!”

“Hurry! Set up the incense altar, light the precious incense, prepare the spiritual tea! Scribes, remember when transcribing His Excellency’s judgments later, you must be especially meticulous!”

In an instant, the entire City God’s Office buzzed with activity.

Upon hearing this, the underworld officers redoubled their focus.

To lay eyes on the illustrious True Lord Zhong Kui was an immense privilege.

“Lord Zhong Kui’s personal visit is a heavenly blessing!”

“To see His Excellency even once I can die without regrets!”

“Quick, quick! Is the incense ready? And the spiritual tea?”

Witnessing this scene, the invigilation room fell into stunned silence.

Everyone felt as though they were in a daze.

So… the City God’s Office had opened specifically to welcome the arrival of True Lord Zhong Kui?!

And look at the scale of this reception-

Wait, Su Fu, just what kind of deity have you summoned?!

What kind of being is He?!