Chapter 32 The Third Believer

Chapter 32 The Third Follower

Situ Zhaoling was gently set down by the golden phoenix. Looking around, she saw sacks of grain piled everywhere; even the space previously occupied by the white jade table was now completely filled with them.

She swallowed hard, struggling to tear her gaze from the sacks before finally looking toward the High Priest’s shadowy figure, shrouded in mist.

"This humble believer pays respects to the High Priest," she said, performing a respectful bow, her voice trembling with excitement.

Chu Jiubian gave a slight nod and went straight to the point: "I know what you seek. This grain is granted to you to help you overcome this crisis."

"This humble believer kneels in gratitude for the High Priest’s immense benevolence on behalf of the Southern Frontier people!" Situ Zhaoling immediately fell to her knees, kowtowing several times in succession.

Mist coiled like hands, gently helping her to her feet.

The young man’s clear, distant voice echoed: "You possess an upright and pure character. I wish to accept you as one of my followers. Are you willing?"

"Willing!" Situ Zhaoling replied without hesitation, overjoyed. "This humble believer is willing to serve you with complete devotion!"

"Very well. From now on, you may refer to yourself as my subordinate."

"Your subordinate obeys."

*This child catches on quickly.*

Chu Jiubian was pleased, and his tone softened slightly. "This diagram is also granted to you."

He had initially considered purchasing an agricultural tool reference book, but after careful calculation, he realized that buying individual diagrams was more cost-effective. Many of the tools in the reference book, such as tractors and harvesters, were currently unusable and impossible to build.

So, for now, he only bought one diagram for a water wheel and another for a dragon-bone pump.

Given the varying conditions across the Southern Frontier, both tools would likely be useful.

When Jiang Shuoye had officially become a follower, Chu Jiubian had gifted him the method for steelmaking. Now that Situ Zhaoling was formally joining, he wouldn't show partiality. These tool diagrams would serve as a small token of acceptance; he could always provide her with more valuable items later.

Situ Zhaoling took the two diagrams hovering before her. With a quick glance, she was reminded of the diagrams her brother had shown her earlier.

*Is the High Priest guiding my brother?!*

Overwhelmed with excitement, she also recalled that her brother could hear her when she spoke of the High Priest. *Could it be that the High Priest had acknowledged him as well?*

"Thank you for your generous gift, High Priest," she expressed her sincere gratitude first, then hesitated before asking, "High Priest, there is something I would like to ask you."

"What is it?"

"Previously, I wanted to share my encounter with you with my family, but I found myself unable to speak of it. However, I was able to tell my brother, Situ Zhaoyao. Is that acceptable?"

If the High Priest preferred to remain unknown, she would refrain from speaking of it altogether in the future.

"It is of no concern. You may speak of matters related to the Divine Realm to your blood family. As for others, do not reveal my existence for now."

The High Priest’s reputation had only recently begun to spread in the northern territories, and those in the capital were already wary. If word were to spread in the Southern Frontier as well, their wariness would likely turn into fear.

While ordinary people might respond to fear by staying quiet and avoiding such terrifying matters, the nobility might not.

If they feared something, they would likely band together, seeking to eliminate the source of their fear.

In that case, even Qin Xiao might align with them, putting Chu Jiubian in danger.

Currently, Chu Jiubian and Qin Xiao were in a cooperative relationship. But if Chu Jiubian’s influence grew strong enough to potentially overthrow the imperial authority, their alliance would likely dissolve.

Chu Jiubian had already shown his capabilities, maintaining a precarious balance with the court officials. For now, it was better to keep a low profile.

Moreover, he didn’t have an urgent need for faith points at the moment, so the faith points from the Southern Frontier could be saved for when they were truly needed.

"Your subordinate understands," Situ Zhaoling acknowledged, then turned her attention to the grain covering the floor. "How should I transport this grain outside?"

Chu Jiubian had spent thirty points on the exchange function, and now it was finally going to be put to good use.

"Place your hand on it, and you will be able to take it out," he instructed.

Since the grain was purchased as a single batch from the system marketplace, it was treated as one unit and didn’t need to be moved sack by sack.

"Yes," Situ Zhaoling replied, walking up to a bulging grain sack and reaching out her hand.

In the next moment, she was enveloped by mist.

When she opened her eyes again, she had left the Divine Realm and returned to the granary.

Echoing in her mind were the High Priest’s final words: *if the grain runs out, you may ask me for more.*

Thrilled, Situ Zhaoling quickly rose from where she had been leaning against the wall and looked around.

The previously empty granary was now completely filled with grain sacks, stacked so high that there was almost no space left in the vast granary.

She rushed to the nearest sack, removed a hairpin, and slit open the burlap. Full, gleaming grains spilled out, and she hurriedly reached out to catch them.

*It’s real!*

The High Priest had truly given her so much grain!

The Jiazi granary was already packed full, but the amount before her seemed considerably less than what she had seen in the Divine Realm.

*Had the rest of the grain been sent elsewhere?*

Situ Zhaoling hurried out the door and made her way to the nearby Yi-style granary.

She took a moment to steady herself before pushing the door open.

It was also full!

So much grain, an abundance of it!

Situ Zhaoling bounced with excitement on the spot before randomly checking two more granaries. They were full—all twenty granaries were entirely full!

This vast quantity of grain would be enough to feed the Southern Frontier people for another six or seven days.

Once news spread that the Southern Border Main Stronghold had obtained more grain, the grain merchants, fearing their stocks would become worthless, would surely begin selling at lower prices. At that point, the crisis in the Southern Frontier would be fully resolved.

Of course, even if the merchants opted to sell elsewhere for profit, it wouldn’t matter.

The Southern Frontier still had the High Priest as their backing.

However, unless absolutely necessary, Situ Zhaoling didn’t want to trouble the High Priest again. The people of the Southern Frontier needed to shoulder more responsibility in solving their own problems.

Not knowing that the elders in her family had already found a solution to their predicament, she considered more possibilities.

This was extraordinary news, and she couldn’t wait to share it with her family. Not bothering to wipe her sweat, she rushed back to the Jiazi granary.

If her brother had brought their grandmother and the others, they would probably go there first.

Sure enough, as she caught sight of Granary Jiazi from a distance, she saw Situ Zhaoyao escorting her grandmother and parents inside.

Situ Zhaoling’s smile widened, and she hurried over.

Inside the granary, the four of them stared in disbelief at the sacks of grain stacked up to the rafters, almost thinking they were hallucinating.

Situ Zhaoyao had to touch every sack, exclaiming repeatedly, "Grain! It’s all grain!"

The three adults were just as excited—they too reached out to feel the grain sacks.

Sutu Anli took a few grains from one of the sacks and put them in her mouth, her eyes sparkling with amazement: "These grains are so much better than what we grow ourselves, and they taste better too."

"Exactly," Baili Hao nodded. "Even the fertile Jiangnan region might not produce rice this fine."

Situ Zhaoyao marveled, "Did A-Jie bring all this? Amazing."

Just then, Situ Zhaoling entered from outside, and everyone turned to look at her.

"Ling'er," Situ Yu reached out.

Situ Zhaoling immediately went over and took her hand, smiling. "Grandmother."

Situ Yu had shed her earlier imposing demeanor toward outsiders; now she lovingly wiped her granddaughter’s sweaty face with a handkerchief. "Look at you, running so much your cheeks are all flushed."

"I’m fine," Situ Zhaoling chuckled, pointing at the grain. "Grandmother, do you like my gift to you?"

"I love it, I absolutely love it," Situ Yu said, though puzzled. "But Ling'er, where did all this grain come from?"

Situ Zhaoling glanced outside the granary and called out loudly to the guards, "Move further back. Make sure no one comes near the granary."

"Yes," the guards acknowledged and moved about thirty meters away, keeping a vigilant watch.

With only the five family members left inside—satisfying the High Priest's requirement of being immediate family—Situ Zhaoling finally spoke. "You might not believe me, but this grain was a gift from the gods."

"A deity?" Situ Zhaoyao understood immediately. "A-Jie, are you talking about that High Priest?"

"Exactly."

"So you really did get help from the gods—you’re incredible, sis!" Situ Zhaoyao remembered his sister previously asking him to pray to the High Priest together.

Noticing that the siblings seemed familiar with this deity, Baili Hao instinctively glanced at his wife and mother-in-law, only to see joy and reverence in their expressions, but no surprise.

A thought occurred to him.

The reason the title of "Southern Border Saintess" had always been passed down within the Situ family was not only due to their influence but also because the women of their lineage truly possessed some supernatural abilities.

He had witnessed such supernatural arts a few times himself.

For example, in his second year in the Southern Border, there was also a severe heatwave— nearly half a month without rain, coupled with scorching sun that nearly dried up the paddies.

Then, the young Southern Border Saintess Sutu Anli presided over her first Rain Invocation ceremony.

At the time, Baili Hao hadn’t believed in such things; even if he did, he only trusted Taoist priests or monks in temples.

But even they had to pay a price to glimpse the Heavenly Secrets—they were still mortal, after all.

As for "Rain Invocation," he had only read about it in ancient texts from previous dynasties, which spoke of shamans helping former rulers summon rain.

He had always assumed those were just stories made up by emperors to claim credit for natural rainfall.

Yet, during that Southern Border ceremony, he still felt a sense of awe.

And then, he watched as Sutu Anli actually made it rain.

Like a Goddess, her face painted with totems, she sang ancient melodies and danced with unique grace. Amid the rising incense and the low chants of the Southern Border people, the blazing sun was gradually shrouded by dark clouds, and soon, moist wind and rain began to fall.

For three full days, that rain saved the entire Southern Border.

From then on, Baili Hao gained a new understanding and respect for the title of "Southern Border Saintess."

Later, when he and Sutu Anli fell in love, it was the previous Southern Border Saintess, Situ Yu, who divined their fate, declaring it destined by heaven, and allowed them to marry.

After marriage, Baili Hao gradually separated his wife Sutu Anli from the title "Southern Border Saintess"—to him, they were two different people.

This time, when the Southern Border faced a drought not seen in centuries, Sutu Anli did not rush to perform Rain Invocation.

He had asked her why, and she only sighed, saying this drought was due to a disruption in the Da Ning Dynasty’s Fortune, and that the entire Da Ning, not just the Southern Border, would face turmoil.

She was right—over the next half-month, he received numerous letters from the capital, almost all bearing bad news.

Then, when Emperor Yingzong and the empress passed away, Baili Hao thought the Da Ning Dynasty was about to collapse. But Sutu Anli’s constant anxiety shifted; her eyes now held hope.

She conducted two Rain Invocation ceremonies and spoke of a "Sacred Star" soon descending upon the Da Ning Dynasty—a Sacred Star that would influence the nation’s fate, determining whether it would perish or prosper.

But the Southern Border was different, she said; it was bound to that Sacred Star. No matter how turbulent the Da Ning Dynasty became, the Southern Border would remain strong under the Sacred Star’s light.

Now, seeing his wife’s expression, Baili Hao guessed that the "deity High Priest" his daughter spoke of might be that very Sacred Star.

*He had really come to save the Southern Border.*

"High Priest," Situ Yu murmured. "Good, very good."

Using her cane for support, she walked outside the granary and slowly knelt facing northeast.

Situ Zhaoling, who supported her, along with Sutu Anli and Situ Zhaoyao beside them, did the same.

Baili Hao smiled and went over to kneel with his family.

The guards nearby, though unsure of what was happening, also knelt.

"Thank you, Immortal, for your generous aid. Our Situ family vows to worship you for generations, keeping your incense burning eternally," Situ Yu said softly yet firmly.

Then, all five family members bowed three times toward the northeast.

Chu Jiubian watched the scene on his screen and gave a light chuckle.

*This family accepted things quite quickly, unlike those in the capital, who overthink and scheme too much.*

But he was, after all, an ordinary human—offerings and worship weren't necessary. He would need to mention it to Situ Zhaoling next time.

Chu Jiubian closed the screen and checked his points.

He had bought a large batch of grain; after giving half to Situ Zhaoling, the other half remained in the system warehouse.

Thankfully, the warehouse’s capacity was measured in square units, with each item stored as a corresponding two-dimensional representation—otherwise, all this grain wouldn't fit.

It had to be said, aside from its habit of deducting points, the system really did look after its host well in other ways.

That said, the Faith Points gained from the northern desert this time were considerable. He'd already spent over three hundred, yet nearly a hundred remained.

Moreover, his follower slots were only a hundred points away from unlocking the fifth follower.

He checked the Divine Realm interface, which showed he had two chances to draw cards.

Now that the matters in the Southern Border were largely settled, once news spread that the Southern Border Main Stronghold had acquired this batch of grain, local grain merchants would inevitably think about lowering their prices.

However, according to recent reports, grain prices in Sichuan, Guizhou, Guangxi, Huguang, and other regions had soared, already tripling or more.

Merchants follow profits, and some never know when to stop.

So, many merchants from the Southern Border would likely go to these areas with higher prices.

Once these merchants entered the local markets, prices there would inevitably soften.

Having already seen the Southern Border Main Stronghold release grain suddenly once before, these merchants would wonder if other local governments elsewhere might do the same.

In that case, if local authorities spread word that they had grain stockpiles, the merchants from the Southern Border who'd gone there would certainly panic.

To avoid losses, they'd then lower their prices further.

Once grain prices start falling, they tend to keep dropping.

Chu Jiubian checked the weather forecast: heavy rain would start in the north on July 12th, and the rain would spread southward. Starting on the 15th, the south would also get light rain.

This drizzle would continue for nearly half a month, thoroughly soaking the ground. Wild vegetables and mushrooms would grow, and dried-up rivers and lakes would refill, seamlessly resolving the southern drought.

What had worried Chu Jiubian before was flooding, not drought.

In the original story, it was flooding that caused serious consequences, while the drought was hardly mentioned. It seemed that even without Chu Jiubian's intervention, these drought-affected areas would have found solutions themselves.

But with his help, at least the Southern Border Main Stronghold and the prince's estate wouldn't have to spend half their wealth buying grain at double the price.

With the grain Chu Jiubian provided and the chieftains' contributions, there was plenty.

Chu Jiubian mentally went over the whole plan, making sure there were no oversights.

That settled, he decided to tell Qin Xiao the drought solution that afternoon.

Then he'd have him wait a few days until the Southern Border merchants had moved to other areas, before sending word to the various princely estates or government offices. They could give out more porridge and grain, creating the impression of plentiful supplies, which would help lower prices.

With lower prices, ordinary people could afford grain themselves, and for those who couldn’t, government relief porridge would be available to help them through.

Chu Jiubian had laid out the solution clearly. How local officials and princes implemented it was up to them.

Even if they mishandled it and problems arose, it wouldn’t be blamed on Qin Xiao or the court.

Prince Pingxi and Prince Huguang, concerned about their reputations and better governance of their domains, were unlikely to cause trouble.

As for Guizhou and Guangxi, though under court jurisdiction, their prefects were from the Xiao and Lu families, respectively.

During this drought, the three vassal princes had requested grain from the government, but reports from these two regions were delayed, likely to hinder relief efforts and cause greater disaster.

They aimed to use this drought to tarnish Baili Hong's legitimacy and criticize Qin Xiao as a treacherous minister harming the state.

But if Qin Xiao had already provided them with the solution, any further local issues would be due to the incompetence of these officials, harming the people under their rule.

If that happened, Qin Xiao would not show mercy—he would dismiss them and replace them with his own appointees.

If Prince Pingxi or Prince Huguang acted foolishly and still caused serious disasters, Qin Xiao could publicize their incompetence and lack of virtue, stirring discontent among their subjects. Then, when the time was right, the court might reclaim their domains without bloodshed.

Turning their own tactics against them—it all depended on how these individuals responded.

Chu Jiubian smirked.

He had done Qin Xiao another great favor this time, and the debt was no small matter.

During their previous transaction, he hadn’t specified what he wanted from Qin Xiao, but after this, whatever he asked, Qin Xiao would surely agree.

Thus, Chu Jiubian taking full charge of the imperial examinations was a done deal.

In high spirits, Chu Jiubian felt his luck must be good too.

He called out to the system, "Let’s draw some cards."

"Okay. The card library has been updated for the host. Please draw keywords."

Chu Jiubian looked at the floating cards and casually picked two.

With two chances, to avoid duplicates, it was better to draw two at once—ensuring at least these two wouldn’t repeat.

But if these two turned out to be "military" and "wealth," repeating the previous keywords, then it would just be his bad luck.

The system probably didn’t expect him to draw two at once. It paused for a few seconds before collecting the remaining four cards, without mentioning any rule violation.

Chu Jiubian felt he might have exploited a system loophole.

If the system moved on to the next host, it would likely patch this loophole, perhaps by deducting points for drawing multiple cards at once.

Chu Jiubian chuckled softly.

The two cards in front of him gradually revealed their keywords: "wealth" and "charm."

Sure enough, there was a repeat.

He put away the wealth card, keeping only the charm card.

The wealth card could be used later if needed—a sort of save file.

Chu Jiubian examined the remaining charm card.

Did "charm" mean physical attractiveness?

Or a pleasant personality that made people like them?

Or perhaps the ability to rally others with a single call?

"Suitable follower cards have been selected for the host. Please choose to summon."

The keyword cards vanished, replaced by four new character cards.

Chu Jiubian had a bad feeling. After quickly scanning the four cards, he was speechless.

How nice—three of the four cards were actually acquaintances.

He grabbed the card floating on the far right, thinking, "Of course, it’s you again."

The card had a few short lines: "Prince Ning Qin Xiao, 25 years old. Charm value 99 (with one point withheld to keep you humble). Everyone who meets him is unforgettable. (Not recommended!)"

*This system has got to be crazy—always telling me not to choose but keeps pulling the same person.*

But that description's not wrong. Who could ever forget someone like Qin Xiao once they’ve encountered him?

Powerful, influential, smart, handsome, with a great physique...

Chu Jiubian strangely couldn't help remembering the feel of the other man’s chest muscles.

Wait.

This is messed up.

Chu Jiubian began to suspect that he might actually be a creep.

Always thinking about the feel of someone’s chest muscles—that’s totally not normal.

But he had worked with plenty of male actors before, many with pectoral muscles larger than Qin Xiao’s, and he’d never cared. So why was this time different?

“Host, are you sure you want to select this card? The system does not recommend it.”

Chu Jiubian: “...I’ll pass.”

Just how close were he and Qin Xiao anyway?

If he summoned Qin Xiao now, he'd recognize him right away.

The Divine Realm was his most important secret. Unless it's life or death, no one outside his followers could know about it.

So, the other two people he knew couldn’t be chosen either—the risk was too high.

He looked over at the two cards on the left: An Wuji and Hong Fu.

“Imperial Guard Commander An Wuji, 26. Charm score 90. A handsome, wealthy, and single general, the dream catch for countless young men and women.”

“Chief Imperial Eunuch Hong Fu, 30. Charm score 95. Capable in both civil and military affairs, he can charge into battle or gently raise children at home. Skilled in poetry and managing tens of thousands of palace staff, this influential eunuch is the white moonlight in the hearts of many palace servants.”

Chu Jiubian knew Hong Fu was seriously capable.

In the original story, Eunuch Hong was Baili Hong’s right-hand man from start to finish—he could do anything, adept at reading the emperor’s mind, and fiercely loyal.

His role was almost identical to that of an all-purpose assistant like Qin Zhaoyang.

But why would such a person enter the palace as a eunuch? And why was he so loyal to Baili Hong in particular?

Chu Jiubian didn’t overthink it; he’d find out eventually.

Like Qin Xiao, these two were both familiar with him and highly intelligent, so he decided to rule them out for now. He could reconsider later if needed.

He turned his attention to the third card—his only real option.

“Young Master of the Wang Family, Wang Qichen, 23. Charm score 100. If he wishes, everyone falls for him. He is the capital’s top playboy and most handsome man, Young Master Jiyue. Additional attribute: Represents the moon and justice public opinion group. (Recommended!!)”

*Represents the moon and justice?*

Chu Jiubian’s expression turned odd for a moment as he hurriedly erased certain weird mental images from his mind.

“Wang Qichen,” he muttered under his breath, recalling the man he had briefly encountered at the auction.

The other’s loose long hair and unconventional remarks stood in stark contrast to the praised well-bred young masters of noble families, and even more so to the Wang Family, known for being super strict about rules.

At twenty-three, it couldn’t just be rebellion—this man simply enjoyed freedom.

A charm score of 100 made sense to Chu Jiubian; after all, Wang Qichen was undeniably handsome.

But what did “representing the moon and justice public opinion group” refer to? The Confucian scholars of the Wang Family?

Currently, the Wang Family was led by the rigid Wang Huanzhi. Wang Qichen, a playboy with no real power and only the title of “Young Master,” was even at odds with his own father, Wang Huanzhi.

Under these circumstances, how could the Confucian scholars of the Wang Family become his additional attribute?

The system’s statistics couldn’t be wrong, so perhaps who's really in charge of the Wang Family weren’t as they appeared on the surface.

And this young master of the Wang Family might not be the good-for-nothing playboy he seemed to be.

Chu Jiubian barely knew Wang Qichen—his needs, his true personality.

It seemed he needed to do some homework first; just dragging him into the Divine Realm now would be unwise.

He didn’t want to repeat the mistake he made when he dragged Jiang Shuoye in, only to be met with disbelief.

He needed to ensure his followers would quickly develop trust and reverence for him.

“Host, someone has entered your bedchamber. Do you wish to leave the Divine Realm?”

Chu Jiubian’s eyes narrowed. “Yes.”

After exiting the Divine Realm, he kept his eyes shut.

Yaotai Residence was locked down; only his own people could enter his bedchamber—either Xiao Xiangzi and the others, or perhaps...

“Uncle, is Sir okay?” a child’s voice whispered, low but filled with concern.

Qin Xiao stood by the screen, arms crossed, observing the guy lying there stiffly on the bed.

*Who slept so rigidly?*

It looked less like sleep and more like he’d been knocked out.

His sleeve was tugged.

He glanced down to see the child frowning up at him, whispering, “Uncle, should we call a physician?”

Hearing this, Chu Jiubian considered faking waking up. He had pulled this act many times and knew how to avoid suspicion.

But then he heard the man’s low voice: “Let me check.”

Footsteps approached the bed.

A mischievous idea sparked in Chu Jiubian’s mind.

*Come on.*

*Let’s see how Prince Ning reacts when startled.*

The footsteps halted by the bedside. Chu Jiubian kept his breathing even, his eyelashes still, as if deeply asleep.

“Chu Jiubian?”

The man’s deep, pleasant voice rang out, but the figure on the bed showed no response.

Qin Xiao bent down slightly and reached out to push the young man's shoulder. "Wake up."

Still no response.

The boy also came to the bedside and, seeing this, anxiously said, "Uncle, what's wrong with Mr...."

Before he could finish, he saw his uncle reach out and pinch Mr.'s nose.

*Huh?!*

The boy's eyes widened.

*What's he doing?*

Chu Jiubian's breathing hitched, and he cursed inwardly, his eyelashes trembling slightly despite himself.

A flicker of amusement shone in Qin Xiao's eyes.

Yet the next moment, that amusement was replaced by astonishment. His deep, dark pupils reflected the young man's handsome face and the unmistakable, unbridled cunning malice in his eyes.

Qin Xiao slowly lowered his gaze and saw the young man's well-defined hands placed on his chest.

Seeing him look, those hands even playfully gave a gentle squeeze.