For a thousand years, the dynasty has worshipped countless immortals.

　　In the imperial court, all are ministers as mighty as dragons and tigers.

　　Across the vast martial world, heroes brim with boundless spirit.

　　……

　　The land of the Nine Provinces is shrouded in intrigue; beneath the flourishing age, undercurrents surge like the sea. Gods, ghosts, demons, and monsters hang high above; the three teachings and the mysterious sects descend as celestial officials.

　　When the humble constable George Lambert of the divine capital is swept into this web of mysteries, no one could have foreseen that one day he would shake the mortal world!

　　……

　　A lighthearted xianxia comedy in a classical setting.

Volume One: Mysteries of the Divine Capital

Chapter 1: Dragon Abyss, Imperial Guards

　　George Lambert's martial exam results were less than ideal.

　　There were twenty-eight constables stationed at Fukang Ward, and he ranked first among them. But compared to the fourteen regular guards, his results were only average.

　　“Sigh.”

　　Sitting on the threshold outside the training ground, he looked up at the sky and let out a long sigh.

　　This body’s foundation is still too weak.

　　“Ah Yue, what are you sighing about?” Daniel Parker came over, sat down beside him, and asked in puzzlement, “You did great! Those regular guards are all second-realm martial artists, but you’re only at the first realm, and your skills with the blade, fist, and bow are almost on par with them. Everyone says you’re a genius!”

　　“Not as good is not as good.” George Lambert shook his head.

　　Others don’t know what he’s aiming for… At this level, when will he ever be promoted?

　　George Lambert was tall and upright, quite striking, with a heroic appearance, well-defined features, and bright, spirited eyes—he looked every bit the image of a handsome and outstanding youth.

　　But next to Daniel Parker, he seemed rather thin and small.

　　This guy was built like a stone tower—tall and burly, with ox-like eyes, a straight nose, a square mouth, broad shoulders, and a wide back. In a crowd, he always stood out like a silly goose among chickens.

　　George Lambert glanced at him and asked, “Da Chun, what was your rank?”

　　“Twenty-eighth!” Daniel Parker puffed out his chest and answered in a booming voice.

　　Then what are you so proud of…

　　George Lambert couldn’t help but laugh.

　　Still, he was a bit puzzled and asked, “With your strength, even if your martial skills are lacking, you shouldn’t be ranked last. What happened?”

　　“The rest was fine, just the archery—I’ve never been good at that, you know.” Da Chun scratched his head, sounding a bit frustrated.

　　“Old Tang scored zero out of ten in archery. Could you really be worse than him?” George Lambert said.

　　“Not quite. I only missed the target with one arrow,” Da Chun replied, then added, “But it landed on Captain Howard’s butt.”

　　“……” George Lambert grimaced, trying not to laugh.

　　No wonder.

　　The commander of Fukang Ward was the junior officer Henry Howard, a third-realm martial artist with a body as tough as wrought iron. But getting shot by someone as naturally strong as Da Chun couldn’t have felt good.

　　Captain Howard was known for being petty.

　　Ranking Daniel Parker last was already lenient. For constables like them, being kicked out was just a word from the officer.

　　George Lambert finally couldn’t hold back his laughter, then asked, “You didn’t injure him, did you?”

　　“You know how strong I am—how could he be fine?” Da Chun thumped his arms twice, a bit proudly. “It went right in with a pop, and even Captain Howard’s tough body couldn’t take it!”

　　George Lambert was about to chime in when he suddenly noticed an extra shadow on the ground, as if a chilly breeze had swept by, making him tense up.

　　He quickly said, “Mr. Howard’s skin is like bronze and iron—how could you hurt him? At most, you tore his clothes.”

　　“No way.” Da Chun waved his hand. “I saw it with my own eyes—one arrow, blood spurted out! Captain Howard was gritting his teeth in pain.”

　　“He must have been looking the other way and didn’t notice, so you accidentally hit him with a full-powered shot, haha…” George Lambert tried to smooth things over with a smile.

　　“I didn’t even use my full strength. We don’t have enough stone arrows at the station, so I only used seventy percent,” Da Chun grinned. “Didn’t expect to break through Captain Howard’s defenses… Why do you keep winking? Are your eyes dry from aiming too much?”

　　George Lambert kept winking at Da Chun, trying to warn him, but seeing he didn’t get it, he had to say loudly, “That was really unfortunate. Captain Howard is a hero, someone we all respect the most. You must feel really guilty for hurting him today, right?”

　　“What are you talking about?” Da Chun chuckled. “Did you forget how many times he made us do extra night patrols and docked our pay…”

　　“Ahem!” A heavy cough suddenly sounded from behind.

　　The two of them jumped up at once.

　　Turning around, they saw a burly man with a full beard in light armor, face taut, standing behind them with his hand on the hilt of his sword, looking ready to draw it at any moment.

　　Da Chun’s face went pale. “Captain Howard!”

　　Sure enough, the eavesdropper behind them was none other than the junior officer Henry Howard.

　　“George Lambert, you did well this time. You’ve only just joined the station and already took first among the constables—promising indeed. Twenty-eight, your strength is extraordinary, but your archery needs work. With more practice, you’ll become great,” Captain Howard commented on the two of them.

　　“Huh…” Da Chun blinked. “Captain Howard, are you praising me?”