I had little experience and weak abilities, everything depended on the esteemed lords.
When there were tasks, they were given to the people below, and the credit was also given to them.
Su Li just muddled through, and slowly, even fewer people paid attention to him.
After about ten days, while Su Li was reviewing a document, he asked a subordinate.
"Sir, this was annotated by Lord Ji in the past, we... are also unsure of its meaning."
"Is that so..." Su Li nodded, not making things difficult for the anxious subordinate, "How is Lord Ji's injury recovering recently, do you know?"
"Sir, I heard he can already move about freely."
"Oh, that's good, do you know where Lord Ji's residence is now?"
"Well, take me to visit Lord Ji. Recently, I have indeed discovered many issues.
Since Lord Ji's injuries have mostly healed, it's time to address some unresolved issues.
Besides, I should have visited long ago.
I am still inexperienced, and my abilities are far inferior to Lord Ji's.
When visiting, I also hope to seek some guidance from Lord Ji if possible."
Su Li carried many documents, led by his subordinate, and arrived at Ji Bochang's residence.
As a former Shadow Envoy of the Shadow Department, even with the opportunity to retire, he couldn't possibly reside outside the Imperial City.
Arriving at the Ji Mansion, they handed over a visiting card, and soon a Sect Heir ushered them in.
Seeing Ji Bochang again, although he moved as usual, his appearance was at least twenty years older than when Su Li saw him last year.
Such an appearance in a Cultivator was a sign of severe injury.
Su Li didn't hurry to ask other matters, he simply engaged in normal pleasantries, then handled some previously unresolved issues, asking for advice on some matters in the process.
After seeking advice, Su Li then asked a question.
"I am inexperienced and weak in abilities, occupying my current position with a heart full of anxiety, fearing to disappoint the Holy One.
I wonder if I might often visit in the future and ask Lord Ji for guidance."
Su Li had said this much, even in the capacity of the current Shadow Envoy.
What more could Ji Bochang say?
As it was not a significant matter, and Su Li had shown him enough respect, he naturally wouldn't refuse.
The first visit ended, and a few days later, Su Li brought some gifts to visit again.
After seven consecutive visits, Su Li visited once more.
"Teacher, I have come to disturb you again."
"Do come, but next time, don't bring anything, just come in." Ji Bochang cheerfully waved his hand, acknowledging the title of teacher.
Having stepped down, finding a peaceful end, and being called teacher by a humble and eager-to-learn current Shadow Envoy, what more could he ask for?
After the routine consultation, Su Li looked around.
"I wonder if Teacher has a secret chamber here?"
"Mm?" Ji Bochang's gaze sharpened, then he slowly nodded, "Follow me."
Entering the secret chamber, Su Li took out a jade bottle.
"Teacher, this contains fifty drops of sweet rain, although diluted, it should greatly assist you."
"This..." Ji Bochang was surprised.
"Teacher, you have contributed to the Shadow Department for many years, witnessed much darkness, and inevitably have Devil Thoughts growing.
I believe, if you could dispel the Devil Thoughts and restore your health, there's a chance you could advance further."
Saying this, Su Li also took out a Jade Scroll.
"This I obtained from the Duke Mansion, the Almsgiving Ceremony, Almsgiving Spell, and Almsgiving Handprint.
Teacher should not give up, trying is never wrong."
Ji Bochang shook his head with a bitter smile; he thought Su Li had some secret matter to discuss.
Unexpectedly, it was this.
And fifty drops of sweet rain indeed was quite significant.
Ji Bochang wanted to return the jade bottle, but seeing Su Li's eyes and thinking of his situation, he hesitated and nodded.
"Alright, then I'll accept it shamelessly."
"Then I'll take leave and accompany Teacher to Almsgiving Town."
After leaving the Ji Mansion, Su Li felt quite complicated.
Having visited several times, he had confirmed many things, but he had yet to present the evidence and clues.
Not presenting them, testing Ji Bochang's reaction, he had basically confirmed that Ji Bochang was unaware of those matters.
Someone intended for Ji Bochang to be the scapegoat.
A scapegoat that satisfied everyone and seemed reasonable.
Because those framing Ji Bochang didn't know one thing.
Ji Bochang's cultivated Snow Melting Secret Technique indeed could silently break formations and leave the same marks on the broken door left by Yu Ziqing.
However, three years ago, before Ji Bochang's failed advancement, there had already been a mishap.
At that time, Ji Bochang's Snow Melting Secret Technique could no longer be used, and using it again would melt his own hands first.
This matter Ji Bochang had never disclosed to anyone prior.
A few days later, Su Li took leave and accompanied Ji Bochang to Almsgiving Town.
Beside the empty Abyssal Rift, there came newcomers.
Su Li helped Ji Bochang set up the magic platform, letting Ji Bochang perform the Almsgiving himself, having informed him of all the key points.
As the Almsgiving began with the addition of sweet rain, countless hungry ghosts crawled out from the Abyss.
A wisp of black mist flew out from Ji Bochang's body, falling into the hands of those hungry ghosts.