A Pawn's Passage

On the way to one of the door-half-open establishments, Qi Xuansu lamented that his situation was similar yet different from Yao Pei and Zhang Yuelu. Back when Zhang Yuelu was a fourth-rank Daoist, she was put in charge of hunting down cult demons in the Western Region. Meanwhile, Yao Pei, also at the fourth rank, was arresting felonious Daoist priests on Difei Mountain. But here he was, catching bawds in the Imperial Capital.

The gap between them was clearly wide. If nothing changed, this gap would only grow wider in the future. However, Qi Xuansu still had a chance. Any discerning eye could see that something major might be brewing in the Imperial Capital. This was his opportunity. If he could seize it, he might just ascend to a higher position.

The Daoist Order did have a tenure system, but it had also long accounted for special cases, like temporary ranks, or more precisely, position-based ranks.

A position-based rank was not a true rank. For example, someone appointed as a second-rank Deputy Mansion Master would only be regarded as a second-rank Taiyi Daoist master while holding that post. Once they stepped down from that position, the rank would vanish with it, and they would revert to their original rank. On the other hand, a true second-rank Taiyi Daoist master would hold that status regardless of position, even if they were demoted to a Superintendent.

Changes in official positions were relatively easy. With sufficient justification, any position had jurisdiction over roles that were two levels lower than their own. For example, Deputy Mansion Masters or Deputy Hall Masters could demote or appoint a deacon, while Mansion Masters or Hall Masters could decide the fate of a superintendent.

However, the promotion or demotion of one’s rank was far more serious, with more procedures in place.

For those at the third rank or lower, promotions and demotions still fell under the jurisdiction of Ziwei Hall. However, the demotion or promotion of a Sage would require approval from the Golden Tower Council.

Zhang Yuelu could promote Qi Xuansu to a deacon, but that did not change his official title as a seventh-rank Daoist. All Zhang Yuelu could do to help him with his promotion to the sixth rank was report his merits. Qi Xuansu would still have to meet the other requirements set by Ziwei Hall.

That was the key difference between one’s position and rank.

Temporary ranks were usually used in wartime. There was a saying that chaos breeds heroes. In times of instability, many capable youths would rise rapidly. But the tenure system severely restricted their advancement. A fourth-rank Jijiu Daoist master becoming a Deputy Mansion Master was unconventional. If they rose further to become the Chief or Second Deputy, or even a Mansion Master, it would be worse because subordinates outranking their superiors would cause confusion and unnecessary trouble in the chain of command.

Thus, the position-based ranking system was born, though it was rarely granted under normal circumstances. Even someone like Zhang Yuelu had not been given a third rank just because she was a Deputy Hall Master. Instead, she held the post with her fourth-rank status.

If chaos broke out and the Daoist Order began breaking tradition by utilizing position-based ranks, Sage Donghua, who oversaw Ziwei Hall, could grant Qi Xuansu one such rank if he made significant contributions. Qi Xuansu could serve as a third-rank Deputy Mansion Master while getting the benefits of a fourth-rank Jijiu Daoist master. As long as he held the post, he would be considered a third-rank Youyi Daoist, empowering him to wield the authority of a Deputy Mansion Master and command subordinates with the appropriate rank.

Once the required years of service and qualifications were met, formal rank could then be granted. Another factor was merit—higher-ranking positions made it easier to earn merit. If Qi Xuansu could crack this major case involving the misuse of the Wanxiang Daoist Palace’s name, then his direct superior, Shi Bingyun, would be credited for effective leadership. That could help her advance into a higher position early, which would greatly benefit her future prospects and, in turn, his.

But as Qi Xuansu himself had said, one must take things one step at a time, so it was best if they started with the current raid of illegal brothels.

In the blink of an eye, the door-half-open establishment came into view. Qi Xuansu waved his hand and commanded, “Don’t let a single person escape.”

The Spirit Guards moved swiftly, sealing off the entire premises with no way for anyone to escape.

Spirit Guard Zhou took the lead by kicking the door open, while Qi Xuansu strolled in at a leisurely pace.

Though this was Qi Xuansu’s first time acting as a superintendent with real authority, he had interacted with many high-ranking Daoists prior, so he had a general sense of how those in power should carry themselves. All he had to do was imitate them.

In the past, door-half-open establishments referred to the lowest tier of brothels. There would be no drinks or music, and patrons often went straight to the act. Now, it was a term for brothels without official documentation. Thus, the current standards of door-half-open establishments were not necessarily low.

This one, called the Green Den, was no less gaudy than Chunfeng Tower. Even without considering the interior decor, the outer eaves, lanterns, gate tower, screen wall, and glass windows already spoke volumes. The courtyard was spacious, paved with neat sintered bricks. As autumn had arrived, pots of chrysanthemums were placed every few steps. The building glowed brightly with lanterns inside and out.

Still, Qi Xuansu had seen his share of grandeur, so he was not easily dazzled. He casually swept a glance around, his demeanor calm.

By now, the people in the courtyard had been alarmed. Several disheveled patrons tried to flee, only to be restrained by Spirit Guards lying in wait. The patrons now crouched with their heads covered. Looking up, one could see the second and third floor windows where many women peered out in panic—hair tousled, expressions anxious, and their clothes hanging loose, revealing their fair skin and even some privates. It was quite the spectacle.

The moment Qi Xuansu stepped through the door, a thick scent of cosmetics hit him. As a Heavenly Being, such scents did not overwhelm him, but it was still pungent. Without needing instruction, a Spirit Guard brought over a chair and placed it behind him.

Qi Xuansu found himself once again marveling at the perks of power. But he made no show of modesty and sat down unhurriedly.

A moment later, the local bawd was escorted over by two Spirit Guards. She appeared relatively composed and greeted Qi Xuansu with a full curtsy. “Greetings, Mage.”

People in her line of work were sharp-eyed and seasoned. Without needing Qi Xuansu to state his position, she could deduce his status from the way the Spirit Guards treated him. Thus, she tactfully addressed Qi Xuansu as a Mage since it was always a safer bet to mistakenly address people above their station than below. She also did not think a High Mage would come to a place like this.

There was a saying that one who had yet to endure poverty could not mature, and one who had not suffered setbacks remained naively idealistic. Many high-ranking Daoists who spent their lives studying were far less adept at navigating the real world than these commoners. Yet, the leaders of the Daoist Order greatly valued this naive idealism, calling it an innocent heart. That was why there were so many flowerbed Daoists. It was not due to any inherent flaw but because the higher-ups had deliberately cultivated them to be so.

Qi Xuansu declared, “I am Qi Xuansu, the newly appointed Superintendent of the Imperial Capital Daoist Mansion, here to rectify public morality within the Imperial Capital by order of the Second Deputy Mansion Master. You should understand what that means, so I won’t mince words. Have your people get properly dressed and come out to the courtyard. Otherwise, the ladies’ modesty will be violated if my men go in to fetch them one by one.”

The bawd was shrewd. No matter her backing, she did not dare oppose him directly. She quickly said, “Please wait for a moment, Mage. I shall summon the girls immediately.”

Seeing that the two Spirit Guards beside her did not try to stop her, she gave another respectful curtsy, then hurriedly stepped back a few paces and called over a few trusted attendants to summon the courtesans.

Another savvy woman came forward, offering Qi Xuansu a cup of the finest green tea.

The Spirit Guard beside him immediately reached out to block it.

The woman smiled. “It’s just a cup of tea, simple hospitality.”

“It’s against protocol,” the Spirit Guard replied expressionlessly.

The woman revealed just the right amount of admiration, as if she were looking at a high and righteous official, but it was like casting flirtatious glances at a blind man. Qi Xuansu did not spare her a single glance from start to finish.

A short while later, the women had dressed and began filing out from the building into the courtyard. The scene grew lively.

In truth, they were not afraid of the inspection. Operating without a license was not a capital offense punishable by death. At worst, they would be punished to do some hard labor for a while, then they would usually return to their trade once the heat died down. The reason they had no documentation was that applying for licenses cost money. A licensed business was far less profitable than an unlicensed one.

Of course, these women noticed Qi Xuansu, who was the only one seated in the courtyard. On a normal day, they would have sneaked more glances and shown off their charm. But today, this man was surrounded by black-armored Spirit Guards, radiating a stern and oppressive aura. The women lowered their heads, not daring to look directly at him.

Resting a hand on the blade at his waist, Spirit Guard Zhou approached Qi Xuansu with two thick volumes—one was a ledger, the other a roster.

Qi Xuansu ordered, “Do a roll call according to the roster.”

Spirit Guard Zhou replied, “Yes, Mage.”

After half an hour, the roll call was complete with everyone accounted for.

Qi Xuansu remained calm and asked again, “Did you find any hidden rooms or dungeons?”

Back in Jinling Prefecture, he had once mistakenly entered the dungeon of a brothel.

Soon, a Spirit Guard came to report that they had indeed found a well-hidden dungeon entrance.

These brothels were ultimately not secret societies that had sparred with the Daoist Order for years. Thus, such petty tricks could hardly fool the Spirit Guards.

Upon hearing this, the already-nervous bawd looked as if she had been struck by lightning. Her face turned as pale as paper, and she nearly collapsed to the ground.

Qi Xuansu instructed, “Everyone, go and search thoroughly.”

The rest of the Spirit Guards went over to assist, leaving Qi Xuansu alone. Even Zhao Fu’an was no match for Qi Xuansu, so he did not need added protection. Did they think these women in the courtyard could devour him?

In truth, the women were aware that serious trouble had arrived. They were even somewhat amused by the spectacle. After all, they had long suffered under the brothel’s exploitation. Meanwhile, the brothel managers involved in the operations were flustered.

About half an hour later, Spirit Guard Zhou led out a group of adolescent girls, still innocent compared to these seasoned courtesans who were skilled in flirtation and charm.

Qi Xuansu declared, “This brothel has been operating without proper documents. On top of that, they have abducted and coerced girls into prostitution. These crimes will be compounded.”

Unable to withstand the pressure, the bawd fell to her knees. “Mage, this is a misunderstanding! How could I ever abduct girls? These girls were all bought!”

Qi Xuansu finally smiled and leaned forward slightly. “So, where did you buy them from?”