Heaven's Formula

"I just don't know what it means!" The fox demon forced himself to look away, "Enough, human, I don't have time to listen to your nonsense, keep these things for yourself to eat!"

After that, she quickly jumped out of the window, her agility seemed to be afraid that he would say "wait a minute" again.

Xia Fan quickly climbed onto the table and said to the dark night outside, "Whether you come or not, I put the beef on the window sill, remember to come and get it when you're done!"

After a long time, there was no reply in the quiet night.

Really gone.

Xia Fan sat back on the bed with a little regret, but his heart still hadn't calmed down.

He heard from his master that if he encounters a monster, it is best to avoid it. There are very few folk records about monsters. The main reason is that they rarely come into contact with humans. people are dead.

It would be self-deception to say that there is no tension and guard.In fact, Xia Fan has always been prepared to take out the medicine bag from his pocket. In case of any unexpected situation, he can release the spell as soon as possible-although he has no idea what effect it will have in the end. No bottom.

But rather than nervousness, he was more excited and curious.

How to know the unknown?Apparently a personal approach to the unknown.This is also the main reason why Xia Fan took the examination.

How could he easily let go of the opportunity to talk to a fox demon at close range?

I just don't know if the other party will come back...

Chapter 6 Overseer

That night, in a large tent outside Qingshan Town.

The curtain was lifted with a bang, and two figures, one tall and one short, walked in.

Shen Chun, the invigilator standing by the table, looked by the candlelight, and saw that both of them were wearing dark high-collared robes, with half silver masks on their faces, which was the standard attire of Privy Council officials.Among them, there are three red lines embroidered on the shoulders of the tall man, which is already a symbol of guarding a place in the mansion, which is equivalent to a third-rank official in the Six Departments.

Obviously, the person who came was the inspector he had been waiting for for a long time, Mr. Ba Xingtian.

It's just another person... Shen Chun quietly cast his eyes on the short man. He hadn't heard before that there would be two inspectors to supervise the exam.Moreover, there was only a white line on that man's black robe, which was equivalent to a new alchemist in terms of grade, and logically speaking, he was not qualified to enter the important place of the scholar's examination.

But even his immediate superior didn't say anything, so he decided to pretend he didn't see it.

"Huh, this mask is really suffocating." The first thing the tall man did after entering the tent was to pull off the silver mask and throw it aside. "Do you have any wine?"

"Lord Ba," Shen Chun cupped his hands helplessly, "There is only tea here."

"Tsk," the latter spat, and sat down at the table. His burly figure made the chair creak almost to pieces, "Then let's have a pot of tea, let it be cold!"

And the short man neither took off his mask nor spoke, but sat down next to Ba Xingtian.

This means that the two are at least equal in status.

Shen Chun couldn't help paying more respect to the latter, even though the other party didn't say anything, he still poured him a cup of herbal tea.

Although the Privy Council is mainly responsible for dealing with evil incidents, it is different from the officials of the six departments of Zhenger Bajing, but being an official is an official, and you must have basic vision, otherwise you will not feel that you have offended someone, and you will not be arranged to die in the line of duty. Know where to go for justice.

Ba Xingtian directly brought a pot of tea to his mouth, and poured it upside down.

After drinking, he let out a long breath, wiped it casually with his sleeve, and finally asked about something serious. "What's the general situation of this examination?"

"My lord," Shen Chun replied immediately, "Qingshan Town allocated 420 seven candidates, and actually arrived at [-]. So far, everything is going well, and nothing unusual has happened yet."

"Even Qingshan Town has 400 people?" Ba Xingtian showed satisfaction, "It seems that there will be many new faces in the Privy Council this autumn."

"With so many people, isn't the qualification standard raised?"

"It won't be easy if you don't lower it." He shook his head. "The impact of the locust plague last year is still there, and Qi and Gao are ready to move. People are needed everywhere. The top is also putting a lot of pressure on it."

This has already involved state affairs, Shen Chun couldn't say any more, so he nodded.The more catastrophic the disaster, the more frequent the evil spirits will appear, and sometimes the harm caused is even greater than that of soldiers and wars, and these need to be dealt with by alchemists.It's just that people who can't even pass the assessment, how can they be expected to make a difference in the face of these major threats?In addition, the cost of training an alchemist is not low, he does not think that lowering the standard can really solve the problem.

Ba Xingtian didn't talk further on this issue either, he pointed to a list spread out on the table, "Those crossed out names...are people who have already been eliminated?"

"Yes!" Shen Chun replied, "There are nine of them now."

"Nine? Were eliminated on the first day?" The short man finally spoke, his voice was unexpectedly light, and it would never be too loud for his age.

Can you be on an equal footing with Master Ba at this age?Shen Chun suddenly became a little curious about the other party's identity.

"The reasons are all written in the remarks. They were eager to inquire about clues, and spent all the money in the afternoon, and didn't notice the meaning of the money until dinner. For the soldiers, they couldn't last the seventh day without an empty stomach, so they I chose to give up the exam."

"A guy without perseverance." Ba Xingtian commented, "If I don't have one, I can go grab it from others!"

"If they have your strength, then of course they can." Shen Chun smiled, "I feel that they can give up the exam by themselves, which can be regarded as a bit of self-knowledge. Those who want to hold on will only let themselves The failure is even uglier."

The short man picked up the list and flipped through it, "So these people with lower money are facing elimination?"

"My lord, it is easier to be eliminated than others." Compared to answering Ba Xingtian, Shen Chun took his question more seriously, "Alchemists often encounter unexpected situations when performing tasks. Only reasonable and Only those who make full use of the resources at hand will have the opportunity to save themselves from danger."

"Really? But this person only has half a bag of silver from the beginning, wouldn't it be unfair?"

Shen Chun followed the position of the opponent's fingers and found that the word "Xia Fan" was filled in that column.Compared with the other candidates who had a whole row of twelve taels, his less than five taels was indeed particularly eye-catching.

"We can only guarantee that the rules are generally fair, not to mention whether the preparation is sufficient or not, which in itself also represents the degree of importance." He paused, "In addition, this person's expenses are no less than others, which proves that he is not aware of his Being in an extremely disadvantaged position, it’s normal to be eliminated.”

The short man nodded, as if agreeing with his statement.

On the contrary, Shen Chunlue felt a little pity. He still had a little impression of this candidate named Xia Fan. After all, it is extremely rare for candidates who don't get together ten taels of silver nowadays, so it's hard not to notice it.At that time, when everyone laughed in a low voice, he was not affected in the slightest. He responded quite maturely, and his character is commendable.

But in just one night, he spent a lot of money on hand, even the dinner he chose was the most expensive one, as if he didn't know that he only had half of other people's property, so he was not vigilant at all.

It can only be said that he lost his eye.

"There is nothing to discuss about these incompetent people." Ba Xingtian waved his hand, "Why don't we talk about the top three candidates this time. Who do you think they will be?"

The short man also turned the list to the front, and Shen Chun noticed that the time he stayed on each page was obviously longer, as if he wanted to write down the names of these candidates.

"Not surprisingly, Fei Nian from the Fei family, Fang Xiandao from the Fang family, and Luo Qingqing from the Luo family will be the top three in the Qingshan Town examination." Shen Chun reported word by word.

"One family?" Ba Xingtian showed a playful smile, "You are also a qualified invigilator."

"My lord, thank you." Shen Chun cupped his hands and bowed his head. After many years of invigilation, he already understood that the scholar's examination is not only for the selection of talents, but also for the distribution of benefits.What's more, these three people are indeed extremely talented, and they were exposed to the cultivation of qi earlier than other candidates, so their performance can't be any worse. "Of course, the final result has to be decided by adults after the exam."

"Is there no one from a non-noble family?" The short man suddenly asked, "Not to mention the top three, even if it is within the top ten or twenty."

"This..." Shen Chun hesitated for a while, he seemed to hear some dissatisfaction in the other party's tone, "The ranking of the list does not represent the actual results, and in the end it has to be based on the performance of the exam..."

"Hehe, it's normal if you don't have one." Ba Xingtian interrupted him with a smile, "Think about it, if they are both good seedlings, one person comes from a poor background and can only read at the age of ten; Which one has the greater prospect? If the former is stronger than the latter, it would be too much to think of the word genius."

The short man didn't answer any more, as if lost in thought.

The Inspector cleared his throat and stood up.

This is something important to order, Shen Chun hurriedly stood up and clasped his hands.

"I don't care about the ranking of the exam, you can do it as you see fit." Ba Xingtian turned his back to him and said, "Compared with the scholar exam, the more important thing is to eliminate hidden dangers. You should know that the Privy Council sent us to supervise Purpose."

Shen Chun's heart skipped a beat, he licked his lips, and then asked tentatively, "Because of the "listener"? "

"Hmph, you already know." Ba Xingtian's tone suddenly sank, "Ten years ago, just knowing the word was a felony for the proctor."

"The lower official has surpassed..."

"It's okay, there is no secret that will never be revealed—unless everyone who knows it is dead." Ba Xingtian waved his hand, and returned to the previous tone of indifference, "You must keep your mouth shut, and you must always be on guard. How can there be such a good thing in the world. If you find any abnormalities, no matter good or bad, you must report to me immediately."

"Yes, my lord!" Shen Chun bowed his head in promise. "However... I only heard the word listener mentioned by others. I don't know what his characteristics are and how to distinguish them. I wonder if the adults can give some more detailed clues?"

"Nothing. Because the listener is not a person, but a class of people."

Ba Xingtian picked up a talisman and waved it casually, and then a breeze blew by, and the sounds of insects around him disappeared without a trace.

Shen Chun realized that it was a soundproof note.

"Actually, I don't know much about the listener. Only the four heads of the Privy Council know the details."

"You... can't either?"

"I only know that they can hear some...unbelievable things, such as secrets that no one in this world should know, or spells that have never been seen before." Ba Xingtian said slowly, "But more, It's a completely incomprehensible raving. That's where the name of the listener comes from."

"Raving?"

"It's the kind of words that don't matter when they are alone, but the meaning is unclear when they are connected together. So they usually don't live long, either they are murdered, or they fall into madness. It's just that before they go crazy, they are enough to cause amazing damage. If I am enlightened Words from unregulated listeners appear..."

"What will happen?"

Ba Xingtian took a deep look at him, "The country is in danger of subjugation."

Shen Chun shuddered involuntarily.

He began to regret asking about it.

"Although anyone who can perceive qi may become a listener, the possibility is the highest between the ages of ten and 20 - after all, it is during this period that most alchemists can stably grasp the absorption and use of qi, so the privy The government will start to watch from the scholar examination." Ba Xingtian stared at him, "Do you understand now?"

"Yes! I will do my best!" Shen Chun bowed.

"Don't worry too much," the inspector patted his shoulder with a fan-like palm, "I'm just following the routine. As far as I know, there hasn't been a suspected listener in the past ten years, so The restriction on news will be relaxed. Marking belongs to marking, and Shikao still has to concentrate on hosting."

After hearing this, I am afraid that it would be difficult to ignore it any longer, Shen Chun smiled wryly in her heart.The only thing he is glad about is that he has passed away, and it is unlikely that he will go crazy one day.But that short guy...

He couldn't help but glanced at the other party——according to the age of his tone, this person was probably under 20 years old, and he was clearly in the high-risk range, but he didn't respond at all from the beginning to the end, as if he didn't care about the listener at all. Waiting for mentality can no longer be described as calm and composed.

Who is he?

After hesitating for a moment, Shen Chun finally pressed this question into his heart.

Chapter 7 Venture Capital

Xia Fan woke up the moment the sun shone through the window the next morning.

Without the bumping of the carriage and the disturbing mosquitoes, he slept very soundly this time, and the fatigue caused by the previous journey all disappeared.

Even the fox demon that appeared last night was like a dream——

and many more!

Xia Fan jumped off the bed, onto the dilapidated wooden table, and looked out the window.

Then he couldn't help but raise the corner of his mouth.

I saw that the plate on the window sill was empty.

It seems that it is not his own illusion.

Since the stewed beef was taken away, does that mean that the other party accepted the agreement?

He suddenly looked forward to tonight.

After putting on his outer robe and washing up by the well in the backyard, Xia Fan came to the lobby and ordered a steamed cornbread for two renminbi.

It can't be blamed for his lack of economy, since he was able to sense and induce qi, his appetite has increased a lot.The body has not grown much, but the food has doubled several times.As long as you don't eat a full meal, your body function and air-entraining efficiency will drop significantly.

This is the same for other alchemists.

Xia Fan put it down to the fact that the conservation of energy is always expressed in strange ways in some places.

"Good morning, Brother Xia!"

Suddenly someone shouted from behind.

Even without turning his head, he recognized who the other party was.

Sure enough, Wei Wushuang's familiar face soon appeared in front of him, "Do you mind if I sit next to you?"

"It doesn't matter." Xia Fan blinked, it seemed that this fellow countryman didn't take his behavior of stealing the beef seriously.

Along with him, there was also a large plate of breakfast, besides steamed buns, rice porridge, tofu nao and pancakes were also available.

Xia Fan knew how the other party's slightly fat figure came about - in terms of the consumption of alchemists, it is really not that easy to become fat.

"Brother Xia, you're right. I've thought about it all night and I've made a decision." Wei Wushuang didn't start eating right away, but said seriously.

"What's been decided?"

"The position in the Privy Council...is not suitable for me." He paused, "I'm not saying that it's not good to eliminate harm for the people and protect the safety of one side, but the thought of facing terrifying evil monsters makes me even eat. No less..."

"Huh???" Xia Fan glanced at the sumptuous breakfast on the table...then what is it?

"It's just my father's persecution to come here for reference. I haven't made the corresponding awareness. Even if I pass the exam, I don't think the fate will be much better. So I plan to stay in a teahouse or hotel during the exam period until the exam is over. " After speaking, Wei Wushuang's tone became more and more brisk, "There is no need to fight with others, and there is no need to go digging ghost fire graveyards late at night. As long as you persist until the last day, you will have an explanation to your father after you go back. Of course, Without your awakening, Brother Xia, it would be impossible for me to make up my mind so quickly, even if I am regarded as a coward by Brother Xia, I still want to say thank you in person—"

"Coward? I never said that." Xia Fan interrupted with a smile, "On the contrary, you are not too timid."

"Brother Xia, you don't need to comfort me..."

"It's not consolation. In my opinion, the courage needed to be honest with oneself is no less than that of facing the evil spirits directly. Quitting has nothing to do with courage. Have a better future."

Wei Wushuang stared at him for a long time before chuckling, "Honestly speaking, there are not many people who think like you. Once hired by the Privy Council, alchemists are officials no matter how young they are, and businessmen are businessmen after all. But I think, What you said was not unreasonable."

As if letting go of his worries, he picked up the pancake and took a full bite, "Brother Xia, if you haven't passed the exam, come and find me at the Dawan Grain Shop, I told you I would treat you to a good meal."

Xia Fan rolled his eyes, "Shouldn't you wish me smooth sailing at this time?"

"I think so too, but this assessment is far from being as simple as it appears on the surface." Wei Wu said while eating, "Someone already asked about the situation in Qingshan Town yesterday—there is indeed a ghost town here, but the scale is small. It's pitiful. According to common sense, if hundreds of candidates can collect a whole bottle of spiritual fire, at least one mass grave is needed, but I heard people say that there are dozens of grave bags here and there."

"This is too little..." Xia Fan said in surprise.