I Have a Dice Left by a God
Chapter 537 - 129: The Master-Acceptance Banquet
Auspicious snow heralds a fruitful year; Xueyin danced with joy, for her, it was undoubtedly a perfect weekend.
Holidays are always short-lived, and everyone must return to their usual lives. Kathy faces various bizarre battles within the Church Court, Luo Xue and Fei Ruolin must stand out in the fierce Divine Revelation competition, Li Xin is tasked with unraveling clues from a stalled case, while Lu Shuai and Huerta remain unchanged; Huerta has always been straightforward and single-minded in training, and Lu Shuai is always thrilled no matter what happens, growing braver with every setback. His relationship with Miss Tang is not as great as he claims, yet Miss Tang has accepted his presence or perhaps acknowledged his capabilities, even if there might be some suspicion of exploitation, it is still a good start.
Returning to Shadow Owl, Li Xin found himself having to review the archives again. From Meng Po, he learned that Jingqu Pavilion was Dragon Capital's largest fur merchant, having existed for a long time with deep roots, but even Night Patrol didn't know who was behind it. Naturally, whoever it was, Night Patrol had been following early on due to the case's relevance, yet it seemed unlikely to be the culprit. Their existence predates Little Flayer, and new era fur does not require human skin; most are replaced with pigskin and animal skin, and some old era fur tools were handed down from the past. Even in the Sixth Epoch, using human skin for fur couldn't achieve old era standards mainly because the deity of this path had fallen.
From this statement, Li Xin had an association, could it be that someone is trying to resurrect this Vile-faced King?
Li Xin sat in the archive room, hesitating for a while; he wanted to make a judgment. Although it involved a deity, the deity had already fallen, possibly posing no threat.
Li Xin defined the judgment in his mind, prepared to roll the dice, but suddenly a strong warning sign emerged, forcing him to abandon his plan.
Does this mean that the Vile-faced King is not entirely dead? Or is there a plot for revival?
If true, the case becomes tricky, likely beyond the capacity of a small Night Patrol like him to handle.
Perhaps only new cases will provide first-hand clues.
On Tuesday morning, coming to work, Lu Shuai arrived earlier than Li Xin. "Brother Li, if you have time, visit the Canon Law School, it's been a while since you've made an appearance."
"You're not much better than me."
"We're different." Lu Shuai chuckled, "I have an appointment with Miss Tang today, not going to chit-chat with you."
After an early lunch, Li Xin headed to the Celestial Principle School's Dragon Capital branch.
The Celestial Principle School had been preparing early; Grandmaster Philson accepting a disciple is a significant event. A closed-door disciple differs from regular students; this person will inherit Philson's legacy, and scholars dare not neglect. Recently, two Grand Scholars have been secluded in studying Heart Learning, specifically emerging for this discipleship.
Zhuang Zhidong also expressed emotion, never imagining that Lin Pressman's child would have such talent and be chosen by Grandmaster Philson as a disciple, even leading himself to be valued; he dared not take the matter lightly.
Upon Li Xin's arrival, Zhuang Zhidong roughly knew of Li Xin's presence. Per protocol, Li Xin held highly esteemed status, but he refused, aspiring simply to observe quietly, and Dean Mordo confirmed that everything should follow Li Xin's wishes.
In the afternoon, guests arrived, including deans from major Canon Law Schools, political figures, even Cabinet and Royal Family sent congratulatory letters, among which Dean Chen was present. According to Beijing people's etiquette, despite some simplification, necessary procedures couldn't be avoided. Philson gave the discipleship ceremony significant importance; guests were curious about Philson accepting a civilian disciple, though this aligned with Celestial Principle School's style.
Lin Fei and Li Xin chose to remain silent and unnoticed. Initially, Li Xin worried about the tedious procedures being too much for Xueyin's patience. However, throughout, Xueyin transformed, reverent and earnest. Those complicated ceremonies that made Li Xin's head spin, she executed flawlessly.
As if she practiced for a long time.
"Disciple Lin Xueyin, with a heart towards the Way, willing to enter Master's door, strive in practice, and promote Heavenly Tao." Dressed in a white scholar's robe, Lin Xueyin's voice was clear and firm, undisturbed by numerous gazes. This surprised the guests; after speaking, she bowed thrice reverently to the high-seated Philson and then served tea to Philson.
Thus, under the witness of guests and scholars, Lin Xueyin officially joined the Celestial Principle School.
Philson read the Celestial Principle School's regulations and commandments, one by one, lasting until dusk, while Li Xin watched beside, finding it difficult. Yet Xueyin remained calm, occasionally looking for him and Lin Fei among the crowd, staying composed throughout.
After the ceremony, dressed in white, Lin Xueyin turned around at which point numerous scholars at the Celestial Principle School bowed uniformly, "Greetings, Master Uncle."
At that moment, Lin Xueyin nodded calmly, exchanging greetings with the scholars; inside, the scholars were intrigued by this young Master Uncle who was mature beyond her age, prompting Philson and Mordo to nod frequently. While they believed Xueyin wouldn't fall short, given her young age, having only attended the Grace Class for a bit over a year, considering she might make mistakes in such situations, they perceived this as part of her growth, realizing now they overthought.
Watching his suddenly non-rebellious daughter, the usually strong Lin Fei felt moved to tears.
The apprenticeship feast divides into inner and outer circles; within, Kathy arrived. The guests were surprised that a prominent figure usually keeping distance from the Celestial Principle School appears, seating at the family table of the disciple, dispelling any lingering dismissiveness some might have held, naturally increasing curiosity.
The Celestial Principle School emphasizes simplicity; though unrelated to austerity, it doesn't promote luxury; guests held no particular expectations for the apprenticeship feast, merely fulfilling formality. Unexpectedly, upon the Gourmet Association's Lan Yue president appearing in a water-blue qipao, guest expectations soared. In such settings, the Gourmet Association maintains subdued prominence, discreetly expressing congratulations, promptly followed by Gourmet Association's maids elegantly serving dishes, instantly invoking every attendee's taste buds.
Concluding this apprenticeship ceremony with a grand feast of culinary delights.
After the apprenticeship feast, Xueyin remained at the Celestial Principle School for study; back home, Lin Fei felt out of sorts.
"Aunt Fei, Grandmaster Philson and Dean Mordo are genuinely skilled; Xueyin is very clever, this will be an excellent choice. Plus, she'll be home on weekends during holidays. I talked to Philson, suggesting easing into teaching without overwhelming, step by step." Li Xin stated.
"I'm not worried, just a bit sentimental is all; if you're concerned about my loneliness, get your act together, constantly talking without action, next door…!" Lin Fei glared.
Li Xin grinned sheepishly, not daring to retort, dashing back to his room, feeling that sooner or later, it might lead to raising children tag, quite frightening.