Starting with a Family System to Become an Immortal Official-Chapter 102: Holy Court Attendant!?

The plaza had fallen into a stunned hush after Master Wen Jiuling’s declaration.

Even the wind held its breath.

Master Wen cleared his throat once.

It was soft yet it rolled like distant thunder across the silent sea of candidates.

All eyes snapped back to him.

"On behalf of the Mortal Realm Directorate and the powers of Great World State, I hereby certify that Li Qingmu is granted the position of Holy Court Attendant."

Murmurs exploded instantly.

"Holy Court Attendant──!?"

"That’s... one of the hidden privileged posts!"

"He’ll serve directly under the governors and city lords of the Holy Court—running errands, delivering messages, handling confidential matters. Basically, he becomes their trusted right hand!"

"For a useless nobody from the Mortal Plane to leap straight into that..."

"So lucky—insanely lucky!"

"Even core disciples from major sects rarely touch that kind of position in their first lifetime!"

"INDEED! He should be kowtowing in gratitude until his forehead bleeds!"

Li Qingmu merely lifted one brow.

『Holy Court Attendant...』

He tilted his head a little.

『Never even heard of it. Sounds like glorified errand boy with fancy title.』

He gave the tiniest shrug and kept listening.

Master Wen Jiuling continued in a firm yet gentle tone.

"Before anything else, the young man must first speak with the Ascension Grant overseers. They will handle the formalities allowing a lower-world cultivator to rise directly into the Lower Heaven Realm without delay."

Gasps rose again.

Direct ascension grant.

It bypassed the usual brutal trials and decade-long queues most lower-world talents suffered through.

Song Yan’s eyes shimmered with barely contained joy.

Master Wen turned slightly toward her.

"I will personally speak with Matriarch Three Sages. It will ultimately be her decision whether Li Qingmu may enter the Exalted Sage School and begin cultivating the revered Nine Celestial Transformations."

He paused, letting the weight settle.

"The Exalted Sage School may be vast in territory yet we remain small in numbers. Therefore, he is free to bring his family along. I have already heard from a certain reliable source—"

He gave Song Yan the faintest nod.

"—that you places great importance on family."

Li Qingmu glanced sideways at Song Yan.

She met his gaze and offered a small, warm smile.

He returned it.

Song Yan stepped forward half a pace.

"And should he feel uncomfortable with his family residing inside the sect grounds, this junior is willing to speak with Father. I’m certain an estate can be arranged in Immortal Phoenix City. I doubt he would complain much... especially if it’s for Brother Li’s sake."

She slid a slender side-eye toward the haughty and petite girl beside her.

"Besides... it seems Ruyi has taken quite a liking to him so that will surely help persuade Senior Brother."

Song Ruyi’s adorable face instantly turned the color of ripe peaches.

"Auntiiiiie?!"

She squeaked in mortification, stomping one tiny foot.

Song Yan reached over and patted her head affectionately.

Li Qingmu’s lips curved up in a faint, amused smile.

Master Wen cleared his throat again—louder this time.

Instantly every head turned back to him.

"By the time your ascension papers are fully processed I’m certain a full year will have passed in the lower realms. Use that time wisely. Prepare yourself... and your family. The Great World State awaits."

He shifted his gaze toward Ye Zirou.

"You may continue supervising the remaining Immortal Official examinations. However, Li Qingmu no longer requires them. He has already entered the ranks of an official in the Great World State."

Ye Zirou’s pretty teeth ground together audibly.

"Mark his information onto a jade slip and deliver it to Lady Bai for record-keeping. Is that clear?"

Her glare could have melted iron as it drilled into Li Qingmu.

He met it with a lazy, mocking little smile.

Ye Zirou’s chest heaved once.

"It’s clear..."

Master Wen Jiuling said nothing more.

His figure shimmered as he dissolved into sparkling azure clouds and vanished.

Everyone bowed deeply until the last trace of his mighty presence faded from the heavens.

Su Liyue immediately bounced forward.

Her eyes were already sparkling like a supportive wife.

"Qingmu! Congratulations! You—"

Song Yan cut in smoothly.

"Since there is nothing left for us here, we should return to the sect at once."

Beautiful Su Liyue’s small face scrunched up like a wronged steamed bun.

"Grand Elder Song! That’s not fair!"

Song Yan lifted one elegant brow.

"Oh? And how is it unfair?"

"You’re always showing him so much favoritism!"

Su Liyue accused, cheeks puffing.

"I’m sure the only reason you personally escorted every candidate from Golden Sun Pavilion to these exams was because you just wanted to stay close to Li Qingmu because you think he’s your little pet!"

A faint blush crept up from Song Yan’s slender neck to the tips of her ears.

Because her skin was so clear and radiant like an immortal pearl, it was almost impossible for her to hide her emotions. Even the slightest blush showed immediately, so she always tried her best to keep her face calm and composed.

However, being accused of liking Li Qingmu too much was something she simply couldn’t cover up. No matter how hard she tried, the flustered look on her face gave her away.

The crowd sucked in collective breaths.

"Did... did Fairy Song just blush?!"

"Impossible! In all these years, no man has ever made her face change color!"

"Look at her ears—they’re completely red!"

"Is this really happening?!"

"Li Qingmu... what kind of demonic charm does this strange man seem to have?!"

Song Yan flicked a cold side-eye across the gossiping candidates.

The chatter died instantly.

She turned back to Su Liyue and forced some composure into her manner of speech.

"It is no one’s fault that MY Li Qingmu performed so outstandingly he passed in the very first phase. Since he has no further business here, I intend to bring him back to the sect so he can begin preparations for ascension. Moreover, it seems Bi Haitao suffered severe eye injuries—he must be rushed to intensive healing at once."

Li Qingmu raised a brow.

『Bi Haitao... haven’t seen that guy since the start.』

He frowned a little.

『Hope it’s not too serious.』

Before he could dwell on it, Song Yan grasped his hand firmly and began pulling him along.

"As your big sister when I say it’s time to go, you should be a good boy and follow. Clear?"

Li Qingmu nodded quietly, letting her lead.

Su Liyue folded her arms and pouted... but when Li Qingmu turned and gave her a small, reassuring smile, her face went soft at once.

"I’ll still make you the most delicious spirit beast stew once I finish these exams!"

She shouted after him.

He nodded.

"Just make sure you pass."

Su Liyue smiled radiantly.

"That’s not even a challenge!"

They had barely taken ten steps when a soft and melodic voice drifted over.

"Fellow cultivator... please wait a moment."

Song Yan’s face squeezed into an instant frown.

She knew that voice.

Turning, she met the peerless green-haired beauty whose golden bedroom eyes were locked not on Song Yan but on the man standing just behind her.

That vixen smile made Li Qingmu’s heart skip an involuntary beat.

『Very few women can do that to me.』

He thought wryly.

『And now two of them look ready to have me even if it means fighting over my corpse.』

He mentally patted himself on the back.

『Is it possible Elder Gu Bingyue saw my talent and now wants to test if there’s talent... between these legs too? That stare is practically devouring me.』

He shook his head and chuckled inwardly.

『I really think too highly of myself sometimes.』

Gu Bingyue’s lips curved higher.

"I merely wished to offer congratulations. Obtaining victory over Hai Tung Wan and securing the inheritance of a higher sect. Your prospects are truly promising."

Song Yan gave the barest, most perfunctory smile.

"If that is all, then we will take our leave."

A quickly hidden irritation flickered behind Gu Bingyue’s empty smile.

She inclined her head slightly and turned to depart.

Li Qingmu’s eyes widened for a split second.

『Didn’t expect such a slender waist to hide... that kind of backside. No wonder she ranks among the Great World State’s top beauties. But she feels dangerous and ruthless like a smiling devil.』

He shook his head.

『Too problematic.』

Gu Bingyue floated over to Gu Linyuan and the other Gu clan members.

"It’s time to leave."

No sweetness remained in her tone.

They took to the skies like a flock of startled cranes and Gu Lao hurried to fly beside her.

"Elder Gu... this junior failed to impress. I deeply apologize for disappointing you."

Gu Bingyue kept her golden eyes fixed straight ahead.

"Your incompetence has ruined the joint plans of the Gu and Ye families. It has severely damaged our chances in the upcoming Venerable Lord Trial by Fire."

She finally slid him a chilling side-eye.

"Gu Lao."

He stiffened.

"You no longer have any place in this clan."

Gu Lao froze mid-air, face draining of blood.

He opened his mouth to plead toward Gu Linyuan only to find even the young master ignoring him completely.

Rage twisted his features.

"LI QINGMU!!!"

Back near one of the exit gates of the Thousand Empty Sea Domain.

"WAAAACHOOOOO!!"

Li Qingmu suddenly sneezed.

Before he could even lift a hand, Song Yan had already dabbed a soft silk kerchief gently against his nose and kissed his nostrils with her sweet flowery scent.

Big Sis Song smells so sweet.

"Are you alright?"

"Uh-huh..."

He sniffled uncouthly.

"Someone’s probably cursing my name right now."

She smiled softly.

"I have a special residence I wish to take you to before we return to the sect."

Li Qingmu blinked.

"Eh?"

"You did something very manly today~"

She said quietly as her eyes curved.

"You deserve a rare and lovely reward."

She tugged his hand again and led him forward into the shimmering teleportation light.