Chapter 1682: Chapter 1675: Social Values
Tangmo truly deserves to be the person who has been by Luo’er’s side the longest—she even knows about these kinds of things. Or rather, after years of companionship and intimacy, Luo’er has virtually no secrets in front of her and has even started to bear traces of her influence.
So she is well aware of Luo’er’s boundaries and weaknesses, as well as his inner struggles. Otherwise, she would never have encouraged Baiyue to boldly confess her love.
“Why do I understand Luo’er so well? Because I like him, I want to be with him forever,” Tangmo tilted her head, a dreamy expression gracing her face. She seed to be reminiscing as she muttered to herself, “I still rember the first ti I saw him; it was at the academy. Back then, he was like a star descending from the mortal realm, dazzlingly radiant. Even soone as thick-skinned as didn’t dare approach him easily. I could only silently watch him from afar, paying attention to his every joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness…”
She then turned to Hu Daoke and remarked, “So when Luo’er suddenly ca knocking on my door, do you know how surprised I was? I pretended not to recognize him, treating him as though it was our first eting. Truthfully, my heart was utterly elated at that mont.”
“Sister Moumou…” Hu Daoke scratched his head, a look of awkwardness crossing his face.
“You’re far too dense to understand a girl’s thoughts,” Tangmo sighed.
“Either way, the boss will beco my brother-in-law; that’s all that matters,” Hu Daoke said, scratching his head again.
“In your lifeti, you probably won’t see that day arrive, so you’d better keep calling him ‘boss,'” Tangmo shook her head lightly, her face full of regret.
“You’re quite impressive, you wicked woman…” After a long silence, Fulajie’er finally spoke.
“Are you in awe of ?” Tangmo smiled.
“I didn’t think you hid your sches so deeply; I used to think you were just Luo’er’s devoted puppy,” Fulajie’er said sincerely.
“Don’t use the word ‘dog’ to describe , you little creature!” Tangmo objected indignantly.
“Luckily, I don’t have to compete with you; otherwise, I’d probably end up defeated,” Fulajie’er comnted.
“Of course. If you were to ddle in this, I’d probably be furious enough to die,” Tangmo rolled her eyes.
“That’s why we’re not competitors at the mont. Let’s not argue in the future,” Fulajie’er said.
“Do you think I enjoy arguing with you? You start it every ti. Sotis I genuinely suspect you’re so kind of divine fire-starter, always here to stoke the flas,” Tangmo retorted.
“Look, you’re doing it again…” Fulajie’er said.
Tangmo was rendered speechless by her words for a mont and fell silent.
“So, are we still investigating the case or not?” Hu Daoke asked.
“Of course we’re going,” Tangmo nodded matter-of-factly.
“Just the two of us? Yue’er… she…” Hu Daoke glanced in the direction Baiyue had left.
“Leave her be. If she brings back good news, I’ll be happy too,” Tangmo squinted her eyes and unconsciously broke into a satisfied smile.
“Wicked woman, you’re at it again. At the end of the day, all you care about is Luo’er’s body, isn’t that right?” Fulajie’er said gloomily.
“Of course! What else?” Tangmo cast her eyes to the side and answered self-righteously.
“I really can’t deal with you. It feels like Luo’er is the girl here, and you’re the overbearing CEO type,” Fulajie’er sighed helplessly.
“If the boss were a girl, that would be perfect,” Hu Daoke muttered, rubbing his nose.
“What kind of people are you? Why is everyone obsessed with Luo’er…” Fulajie’er groaned, hearing Hu Daoke’s remark.
“You don’t understand,” Tangmo said, calling Hu Daoke to follow her without looking back. “Luo’er is like that snow lotus blooming by the roadside. If you don’t pick it, sooner or later soone else will. Better to act first than regret later.”
“Twisted logic,” Fulajie’er comnted.
Tangmo led Hu Daoke and Fulajie’er away from the inn, following the gatekeeper’s directions to the Guyi Governnt office.
This governnt office was grandly constructed, reflecting the quintessential Nine States architectural style. At the gate, rather than the usual pair of stone lions, there stood two statues of generals clad in armor.
It was said these were two individuals who had ascended to immortality, and their figures were sculpted in stone to guard the governnt office.
This might sound a bit exaggerated, but from the Advance Team’s observations, East Prosperity Nine States is essentially a very secular society. Social thought trends lean towards objective idealism and simple materialism.
The people of Nine States believe in the existence of Heaven and Earth, whose purpose is seen as providing them with shelter and enabling their cultivation to ascend to godhood.
The citizens of Nine States do not believe in supernatural gods or spirits; they are more inclined to believe that gods are born from humans—and ghosts too. The rules of Heaven are bound by reason, and once one breaks through those taphysical boundaries, one can beco a god.
Based on these assumptions, Nine States has almost no religion of substantial influence, unlike the Church Court in the Western Continent. Rather than trusting religions, the people of Nine States prefer to trust themselves and the sects that aid them in their cultivation.
Thus, when the Advance Team traveled through Nine States, they were surprised to find that its citizens had almost no belief in ghosts or gods—they only believe in human agency, in the ability to defy fate.
This reflects a straightforward form of humanism. In Nine States society, all worldly matters ultimately trace back to human efforts, rather than intangible supernatural causes.
The statues at the governnt office gate are a pri example of this belief. The people only trust humans-turned-gods to guard the office; they have no faith in animal spirits or beast deities.
Tangmo had no ti to dwell on such concepts and strode right in. After announcing their arrival, they were led by servants to the Governnt office and presented before County Magistrate Anxiang Cai.
“This humble servant, Anxiang Cai, greets the two Manor Lords,”
Anxiang Cai rose respectfully with a cupped-hand gesture. His gaze lingered on Tangmo’s eyes, as he had never seen such a woman before—an exotic beauty of striking allure.
Being of Dwarven mixed blood, Tangmo had inherited traits of False Elves and the delicate grace of Jiangnan Water Township. The interplay of subtle elents in her appearance created an exquisite harmony, far from disharmony, adding a touch of unique charm.
The Advance Team, accustod to seeing much of the world, was unimpressed, but to the East Continent residents who had never encountered mixed-blood people from the Western Continent and Earth, her appearance was nothing short of astonishing.
Tangmo paid no mind to Anxiang Cai’s stare. She was confident in both her appearance and her abilities.
“No need for formality, County Magistrate. We’ve co to inquire about a few things,” Tangmo said calmly.
In the East Prosperity Nine States’ etiquette, mid-level honorifics were rare. Those who appeared young were addressed as ‘minor,’ while those seeming prestigious and elder were addressed as ‘upper’ or ‘great.’
“What inquiries might the Manor Lords have? If your humble servant is inford, I shall answer honestly,” Anxiang Cai said courteously.
The title ‘Manor Lord’ is common in Nine States and neutral in tone. If terms like ‘minor,’ ‘upper,’ or ‘great’ imply a polite ‘sir or madam,’ then ‘Manor Lord’ roughly translates to ‘gentleperson.’
“We are tasked with protecting the Saint, so naturally, we must guard against potential threats.” Tangmo stated.
“That is a matter of course. Manor Lords, have you encountered so trouble, or has my hospitality been lacking?” Anxiang Cai asked.
“I’ve heard that there have been murders in the city—this isn’t the first occurrence, is that true?” Tangmo got straight to the point.
“Oh, Manor Lords, please don’t be alard. It’s a minor matter; no need for concern. Since you’re lodging in this city, even if I must risk my life, I will ensure your safety,” Anxiang Cai reassured hastily after a brief pause of surprise.
“I’ve heard the murderer is a Star-shattering being; this cannot be considered a small matter. Even we are in precarious circumstances. If this issue remains unresolved, I doubt the Saint will find peace either,” Tangmo said gravely.
“Fear not, Manor Lords. This humble servant will make every effort to uncover the truth of the matter and restore peace to the Saint,” Anxiang Cai said nervously.
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