I have a composite mirror

Chapter 13 Xuanzheng Secretary

"Eastern metaphysics emphasizes the three elements of heaven, earth, and humanity, while Western esoteric religions advocate the trinity."

Father Moore's fingers tapped lightly on the emblem:

"The Xuanji Society has three spots each year, and these three spots represent three different paths."

He walked to the window, his gaze piercing through the glass to the distant horizon:

"The first path: the sect."

"Since ancient times, there have been sects and lineages in the land of China."

Qingqiu, Shushan, Tianshi Mansion, Longhu Mountain, Esoteric Buddhism… these sects, with their thousand-year-old traditions, possess the most orthodox and complete methods of cultivation.

"If one can enter its gates, it will be like a carp leaping over the Dragon Gate, thus setting oneself apart from the mundane world."

He touched his forehead, thought for a moment, and then continued:

"However, the sect's rules are extremely strict."

After entering the sect, one must change one's surname and name, and sever all worldly ties.

From now on, you will only be a disciple of the sect, and will no longer be known as a member of the Gu family.

"The second route is the Western route."

Father Moore continued:

"Western countries also have their own systems of spiritual practice."

The Holy Knights of the Catholic Church, the Mystic College of the Protestant Union, and the even more ancient Druidic tradition…”

"These forces are deeply rooted in the West and control a power system that is completely different from that in the East."

"By joining these forces, one can learn Western secret techniques and even have the opportunity to study in Europe or the Mediterranean."

He sighed:

"However, the factions on our side also have their own rules."

Faith, vows, precepts… all sorts of restrictions, no less stringent than those of Eastern sects.

Gu Shenyan remained silent.

Why would a Chinese man like him go and become a lackey for foreigners?

No matter how many benefits the other party promises, he won't consider it.

"The third way..."

Father Moore turned around, his grey-blue eyes fixed on Gu Shenyan:

"Official Extraordinary Organization".

Gu Shenyan's eyes lit up.

"Although the Republic of China government was corrupt, it ultimately knew that if it wanted to continue, it had to possess enough extraordinary power."

Father Moore said slowly:

"At the beginning of the Republic of China, the government established the 'Xuanzheng Division'."

"The Xuanzheng Division is directly under the State Council and is specifically responsible for handling extraordinary events."

"Demons causing trouble, cults running rampant, sect conflicts... all cases involving supernatural powers are handled by the Xuanzheng Division."

He walked back to the podium and took out another document from the drawer:

"The Xuanzheng Division is divided into two categories: civil and military officials."

"Clerical staff are mainly responsible for intelligence gathering, case analysis, and logistical support. Their jobs are relatively safe and their salaries are stable."

"Martial arts professionals are the true frontline warriors, who must fight demons, fallen warriors, and cultists, facing a life-or-death struggle."

"Moreover, military personnel are only summoned when there is a mission, and there are no attendance checks or restrictions on other days."

He glanced at Gu Shenyan, his expression revealing an expression of unsurprised expectation:

"The treatment of military personnel is far superior to that of civilian personnel."

Not only is the salary generous, but there are also ample resources!

"Spiritual herbs, secret techniques, cultivation methods, magical artifacts... as long as you accumulate enough merit, you can have all of these things."

"Furthermore, if one can attain a high position in the Xuanzheng Division, one will be qualified to access the essence of demons and monsters, ancient remnants, and spiritual treasures of heaven and earth..."

Gu Shenyan's heart raced as he listened.

That's more like it!

Compared to the constraints of sects and the West, official organizations clearly better suited his needs.

It allows one to obtain resources and opportunities for cultivation without being bound by too many rules.

Moreover, with the Three Elements Mirror in hand, he can synthesize even stronger spiritual objects as long as he can continuously acquire materials.

Organizations like the Xuanzheng Division could provide him with ample opportunities to come into contact with spiritual objects.

"Father."

Gu Shenyan carefully considered his words before speaking:

What are the requirements for a student to join the Genzheng Division?

Father Moore smiled:

"I knew you would choose this path."

He handed the document to Gu Shenyan:

"Every year, the Xuanzheng Division recruits new people from schools, martial arts schools, and even the military in various regions."

"The selection process for open recruitment is extremely rigorous, with an acceptance rate of less than one percent."

"Only students recommended by high-end societies like the Xuanji Society can be exempted from the preliminary examination and directly participate in the final examination."

Gu Shenyan took the document and quickly scanned its contents.

The document details the organizational structure, job categories, and compensation standards of the Xuanzheng Division...

What attracted his attention most was a passage on the last page:

"Third-class operative in the military, with a monthly salary of two hundred silver dollars, plus a subsidy for spiritual medicine."

"Second-class operative in the military, with a monthly salary of five hundred silver dollars and a monthly allowance of spiritual food."

"A first-class operative in the military receives a monthly salary of one thousand silver dollars and is issued a spiritual item every quarter."

"If you make a great contribution, you will have the opportunity to be promoted to 'Deacon,' your monthly salary will be negotiable with your superiors, your resources will be doubled, and you will also be issued 'magical artifacts'..."

Gu Shenyan's eyes lit up as he watched.

This offer is simply too tempting!

You should know that in order to save money to buy the spirit fish, he used to scrimp and save every day to write for those spoiled brats, and he could only earn a few dozen dollars a month by working himself to the bone.

If he could get into the Xuanzheng Division, even as the lowest-ranking third-class operative, his monthly salary would be far better than what he has now!

"bite……"

The bells rang again.

This is the bell for the second period.

Father Moore glanced at his pocket watch:

"It's getting late, you should go to your next class."

He handed the invitation to the Xuanji Society to Gu Shenyan:

"Keep this letter safe. Three days from now, in the afternoon, Xuanji will be hosting a gathering at the Star Pavilion on the west side of the school."

"All members will be there, and you should come too."

Gu Shenyan accepted the envelope and bowed respectfully.

"Thank you for your guidance, Father."

"Cultivation is out of the question."

Father Moore waved his hand:

"Actually... you should thank one person for receiving this invitation."

"Thank someone?" Gu Shenyan's heart stirred.

"Yes."

A meaningful smile appeared on the priest's lips:

"Although I serve as the mentor of the Xuanji Society, new members need to be recommended by current members."

"The one who recommends you is the vice president of the Xuanji Society—Princess Bai Lu, Bai Cailing."

Bai Cailing!

Gu Shenyan's pupils contracted slightly.

Sure enough it was her.

Princess Bai mentioned you to me three months ago.

Father Moore said slowly and deliberately:

She said that although you come from a family of martial arts practitioners, you have never been able to learn martial arts because of poor physical constitution.

The path of spiritual practice is also fraught with the lack of innate wisdom.

"But she believes you have an indomitable spirit."

"This mindset is more precious than talent."

He patted Gu Shenyan on the shoulder:

So, work hard.

Don't let Princess Bai down, and don't let me down either.

Gu Shenyan took a deep breath:

"The student understands."

He turned and left the classroom.

Walking down the corridor, Gu Shenyan's emotions were in turmoil.

Bai Cailing.

Three months ago, she "casually" mentioned it to herself in the library.

If one consumes the near-shore spirit fish, it may activate the bloodline of merfolk.

At the time, Gu Shenyan thought it was just casual conversation, but now that he thinks about it...

The other party had clearly seen through his predicament and deliberately pointed out a clear path for him.

She even recommended herself to Father Moore, giving herself the opportunity to join the Xuanji Society.

This kindness is truly immense.

As agreed, she should be waiting for him at their usual spot in the library after school this afternoon.

Thinking of this, Gu Shenyan slapped his forehead.

Oops!

He forgot to tell Shi Quan about this!

As is customary, Shi Quan would pick him up from near the school after school in the afternoon and take him back to the martial arts school.

But I need to go to the library to see Bai Cailing today, which will inevitably take some time...

If he hadn't been told in advance, Shi Quan would definitely have been waiting at the door.

Gu Shenyan strode out of the classroom.

Students were already walking around in the corridor, getting ready for their second class.

He needed to find a place to call home before class started.

The telephone booth at Sacred Heart School is located on the corner of the first floor of the teaching building.

It was an inconspicuous little cubicle with a brass plaque nailed to the wooden door, engraved with the words "Telephone Room".

Gu Shenyan pushed open the door and entered.

The space inside is very narrow, only enough for one person to stand.

A black telephone was hanging on the wall.

It was the oldest kind—an upright wooden stand with two copper bells curved like bull horns on it, and the microphone and receiver connected by copper wire wrapped in cloth.

The microphone is suspended on the metal fork on the left side of the base, while the earpiece is held in the hand against the ear.

Gu Shenyan noticed a bilingual sign in front of the phone:

"Crank the handset and wait for the operator to answer; give the number and wait for the call to be connected; hang up the receiver after the call is over."

In my previous life, this kind of thing could probably only be seen in museums.

But in this era, this was already the most advanced foreign gadget, and only wealthy families in the provincial capital could afford to have it.

He walked to the telephone, picked up the receiver, and began to crank the handle vigorously.

While waiting for the connection to be established, Gu Shenyan's thoughts drifted away.

Speaking of telephones... Gu Sidu spent a fortune installing them back then.

The installation fee plus the monthly rent will cost more than 30 yuan a year.