High Martial World: I Gain Passive Skills Daily-Chapter 77 - 76: Searching High and Low, the Earth as Officer of Integrity

Chapter 77: Chapter 76: Searching High and Low, the Earth as Officer of Integrity

Chen An caressed the bronze token in his hand, his eyes flickering.

No one around him knew that besides being a branch leader of the Cao Bang, he was also a member of the mysterious organization "The Earth Officer."

Or rather... a new member who had only recently passed the test to join.

The Earth Officer is one of the "Ten Spirits" in the art of divination, representing the fate of official positions.

Among the five elements, those who have Earth as their Earth Officer are known for their solidity, straightforwardness, and clarity in laws.

In other words, the so-called "Earth Officer" refers to an Overseer of Heaven’s patrols, who uses oneself as the law and acts as the supervisor of legal authority.

Chen An vaguely knew that this organization had existed in Liang Kingdom for a long time, and it seemed to have strong connections with the Imperial City, even being a terrifying presence in the eyes of some high-ranking officials.

However, at the same time, the "Earth Officer" was independent of the Imperial City, with its own set of operational logic, able to make decisions on most matters autonomously.

However, its larger actions might often depend on the will of a certain individual within the Imperial City.

There are almost no ordinary people within the "Earth Officer."

Even for cultivators, the conditions for joining are extremely stringent, as the entire organization’s confidentiality must be ensured. Therefore, the primary consideration is character, followed by status and strength.

If one’s character is not up to par, no matter how high their status or strong their abilities, they will not be considered.

Having said that, if one lacks status and strength, they naturally wouldn’t attract the attention of the "Earth Officer" anyway...

About a year ago, Chen An became the branch leader of the Cao Bang, and simultaneously, he captured an assassin intending to kill the governor during an illegal crossing incident, unexpectedly meeting a member of the "Earth Officer."

It was also his now direct superior who introduced him to join the "Earth Officer."

Chen An got off the carriage, and before him was a private residence, surrounded by restrictions, judging anyone without a token as an enemy.

The token he carried represented a C-level member.

It’s said that these "Earth" tokens are divided into four levels: A, B, C, and D. The simpler and plainer the design, the higher the status it represents, while those more ostentatious are of lower rank, honoring closeness to "solidity and straightforwardness."

The highest level A-grade token is said to be made of wood...

But such a prominent figure is someone he wouldn’t get to meet.

There’s no way to verify the authenticity of such rumors.

Chen An entered the mansion, and before him were shelves densely packed with scrolls of documents, even dimming the light from the windows.

Within the mansion, it was exceptionally quiet, with only a few B-level members responsible for organizing and deploying these documents, using the Qiankun Array spread throughout the mansion to send necessary information to the needed personnel.

Chen An soon found his superior.

B-level member Pei Xiu.

Pei Xiu was a middle-aged man in a crumpled gray-green robe, his eyelids always drooping half-closed, giving off a somewhat listless and decadent look, chatting with another female member.

In others’ eyes, their lips were moving without a sound being heard.

In reality, it was the influence of a restriction.

Within this mansion, with a token, a mere thought could produce this effect.

"If nothing unexpected happens, the person entrusted by the General should reach the Wild Crossing in the next few days, but our people haven’t met anyone for contact..."

Pei Xiu scratched his head and frowned: "Yesterday’s strike, confirmed to be from the Profound God Daoist, could it be related?"

The female member pondered for a moment and shook her head: "It’s unlikely. First, that person has already escaped from the Imperial City, and Shen Xingzhu has no reason to cross paths with him."

"Second, if Shen Xingzhu really wanted to act, it wouldn’t affect others."

"Perhaps, some other situation has occurred."

Pei Xiu was on the verge of pulling his hair out: "Isn’t that even more troublesome?!"

"When that King Ji Qi finishes suppressing the Night Barbarians and returns with troops, leaving Liang Kingdom will be even more difficult..."

He was distressed: "Sigh, forget it, we can only continue to wait for now... Send more people to search, especially near Dongting Lake. If there’s any news, inform me immediately."

The female member nodded: "Okay."

After they finished talking, and after seeing the female member leave, Chen An stepped forward and said:

"Mr. Pei, I’d like to use the Earth Officer’s information network to investigate someone."

Pei Xiu, still feeling troubled, waved his hand casually:

"As you please, with your authority, you could investigate an entire group of people, let alone one person. No need to report to me."

Chen An said in a low voice: "I understand, I just want to investigate more thoroughly."

His tone sounded off, prompting Pei Xiu to finally look up: "What’s this, you ran into some trouble?"

Chen An nodded: "I have an older brother who went missing thirteen years ago. Mr. Pei, you should know this."

"Just today, he suddenly returned."

"Returned?"

Pei Xiu raised his eyebrows, finally showing some interest, contemplating that the situation might not progress soon, so it was pointless to overthink.

He asked Chen An for more details.

Chen An replied truthfully: "My elder brother’s name is Chen Kuang..."

He barely finished the first sentence when Pei Xiu’s spine straightened abruptly, interrupting him: "Wait, what did you say your elder brother’s name was?"

Chen An paused: "Chen Kuang, Kuang means..."

"No need to say more."

Pei Xiu gave him a curious look, making Chen An’s scalp crawl.

Then he coughed twice, pretending to ponder: "I know about this, I’ll investigate for you. Go home and wait for news."

Chen An didn’t expect to encounter any obstacles, but for Pei Xiu to offer help was indeed quite unexpected.

Based on his experiences over the past year with Pei Xiu, this person clearly tries to avoid work whenever possible, a master of laziness.

He couldn’t help but ask: "Mr. Pei, are you really going to investigate? Maybe it’s better to ask someone else..."

Seeing Chen An’s skeptical look, Pei Xiu’s mouth twitched: "I said I’d investigate, so I absolutely will. Are you doubting me?"

Chen An hurriedly shook his head: "I wouldn’t dare."

He hesitated for a moment, deciding to trust the other: "Then please, Mr. Pei, do it quickly. I’m quite anxious."

I’m more anxious than you!

Pei Xiu didn’t say this out loud, instead changing the topic: "The Civilization Official has arrived at the Governor’s Mansion; how’s the matter I previously asked you to investigate?"

Chen An replied solemnly: "There’s some lead."

"A month ago, the governor invited a Middle Third-Grade Cultivator. According to Fan Hailong, it seems they are preparing to restart the ritual for the Lake Dragon King!"

Pei Xiu’s pupils contracted: "Restart the ritual? Does he want a human sacrifice?! How dare he, isn’t he afraid that Jishao County will revolt?!"

Chen An whispered: "I don’t know, but I can confirm that this Jishao County governor had already been in contact with the Zhou Kingdom."

Pei Xiu took a deep breath: "Investigate further! Report again! How audacious is this governor to dare attempt such a thing again... especially with the dragon lost at Dongting."

He watched Chen An leave, his expression changing unpredictably.

"A second Chen Kuang? There can’t possibly be such a coincidence! It’s unexpected to find what I’ve been seeking effortlessly."

Thinking of Chen An, Pei Xiu muttered to himself:

"That kid really got lucky..."

...

Chen Kuang followed the maid to a guest room, knocked on the door, then pushed it open, setting the food box on the table.

Inside the room, Shen Meinan was playing with a teacup on the table, while Qingcu stood silently against the wall.

Chu Wen Ruo was tending to the unconscious Little Princess.

Hearing a sound, she turned her head in surprise.

Chen Kuang took out the meals and smiled: "Why don’t you all come and taste my cooking?"