Chapter 121: Do Not Cross the Line

With the improvement of his Paper-Sticking Art proficiency, his control over the paper figures had become more refined.

Previously, after being given orders, the paper figures would only complete the main task and ignore the secondary ones.

For instance, if you ordered them to find someone secretly.

Then... they would help you find the person, but they would not go looking 'secretly'.

Instead, they would appear openly beside the person being sought, causing a commotion.

But now, 'they' seemed capable of achieving the level of 'secretly'.

The next morning.

Several small paper figures lay crouched like cats, hiding in the grass or behind bushes, monitoring an area.

This was outside the city wall where people were scarce, a small grove with excellent cover.

A tunnel had been opened, guarded by several fierce-looking ruffians.

Inside the tunnel, women were 'crawling' up one by one.

Some had lost their hands, others were missing an eye... they helped each other, moving very slowly.

The ruffians would occasionally kick the women who walked slowly.

On the other side, Li Lin stood in the courtyard of the barracks, addressing the fifty government office Runners before him: "Later, do not split into squads; just follow me."

Everyone was somewhat confused, but since Li Lin was the County Commandant, they would simply obey whatever he said.

Fifty government office Runners was actually quite a lot, especially for ordinary people.

Passersby along the road, seeing a group of government office Runners approaching, were terrified and hid to the side, fearing that any significant movement of their own would attract the attention of so many government office Runners and bring them an undeserved disaster.

The government office Runners more or less guessed that Li Lin might be going to arrest someone, otherwise he would not have mobilized so many people at once.

Moreover, the direction of their march, no matter how one looked at it, was towards the residence of Head Constable Yan.

The expressions of the government office Runners all appeared subtle, with a few hesitating as if about to speak.

But ultimately, no one spoke.

Yu Tong wore an expression of deep sorrow.

The group quickly arrived at Head Constable Yan's home.

At this moment, Head Constable Yan was chopping wood at home, bare-chested, but when he saw Li Lin arriving with fifty government office Runners, his expression turned somewhat ugly.

As the saying goes, a new official lights three fires upon taking office; could the first fire be burning him?

Head Constable Yan felt very nervous inside, and he was even more puzzled: "County Commandant, what is this!"

"Put on your official robes and come with us."

Head Constable Yan was stunned for a moment, then relaxed: "Wait a moment, I will go inside to change my clothes."

If they intended to arrest him, they would not have asked him to wear his official robes.

Yu Tong's eyes narrowed.

Soon, Head Constable Yan came out wearing his official robes and carrying his waist sword.

"Just follow us," Li Lin said.

Head Constable Yan nodded.

The County Commandant was the highest military commander in the county; all Head Constables and Squad Leaders fell under his jurisdiction.

After Li Lin finished speaking, he turned and left.

The others immediately followed.

Soon, Li Lin exited the city gate; the government office Runners were even more puzzled, yet dared not ask too many questions.

At this moment, Yu Tong's expression was no longer good.

He walked slower and slower, quickly falling to the back of the group.

Just as he seemed about to break away from the formation, Li Lin suddenly turned around: "Yu Tong, where are you going?"

Yu Tong froze, forcing a smile: "County Commandant, I have nowhere to go!"

And at that moment, three people emerged from the small grove nearby.

The Bai uncle and nephew, as well as Zhao Hao.

The three surrounded Yu Tong.

Seeing this scene, the government office Runners were all somewhat confused.

Li Lin said: "Three of you, thank you for your trouble."

Zhao Hao clasped his fists and smiled: "No need to mention it. I owe you many favors; this small matter does not require your politeness."

Bai Zhiwei also smiled: "Go attend to your business; this person cannot run away."

"He has a Ghost on him; be careful."

"Hahaha, we are specifically here to deal with Ghosts."

Bai Bufan chuckled.

When it comes to killing people, Soul Hunters can do it, but compared to martial artists, their skills are slightly lacking.

When it comes to killing Ghosts, three martial artists are no match for a single Soul Hunter.

Li Lin, reassured, led his people away towards the direction of the secret tunnel.

One incense stick later, the fifty government office Runners had surrounded a group of ruffians; looking at the mutilated women, the government office Runners all showed expressions of sympathy.

"There should be many more inside the secret tunnel; send a dozen or so down to bring everyone up."

Immediately, more than a dozen government office Runners rushed into the secret tunnel.

As women were rescued one by one from the tunnel, Li Lin's face grew colder and colder.

The number was too great; there were already over sixty women, some young, some elderly.

The government office Runners were all terrified, fearing Li Lin would take his anger out on them.

Because... most of them knew of Xingzhuang.

They simply never reported it, or rather, had no way to report it.

For if the people do not accuse, the officials do not report.

Just then, Bai Zhiwei and the other two escorted Yu Tong over.

At this moment, Yu Tong's face was a ghastly pale green.

Moreover, he appeared somewhat weak.

"Where is that female apparition?"

Bai Zhiwei smiled: "I've taken it... Li Xianwei, let's make a deal. Give me that female apparition."

"You want that ugly thing too?"

"Better than nothing."

"Fine." Li Lin smiled: "But since you're getting such a huge bargain, at least treat us brothers and friends to a big meal."

"No problem. Tomorrow noon, I'll host a banquet at the Golden Jade Tower, serving fine wine and dishes for everyone."

Li Lin clasped his fists: "Thank you."

He felt a bit happy, but glancing at those women with severed hands and feet, blind eyes, and missing ears, he sighed softly.

Another half an hour passed, and all the women in the tunnels were brought up to the surface.

This group of women had blank expressions; even seeing the government office Runners, they neither cried nor made a fuss.

Li Lin said: "Count the heads. Take the ruffians and Yu Tong to the military quarters for custody..."

"Xianwei, should we not put them in the prison quarters?" Head Constable Yan asked.

Li Lin shook his head: "I'm afraid they might commit suicide..."

Huh?

Head Constable Yan didn't get the joke.

But he understood the general meaning.

Bai Bufan said: "Brother Li, I'll help you watch them."

"Much obliged."

"No trouble. I'm idle anyway."

And just then, another group entered from the side.

It was the County Assistant, leading several men dressed as Retainers, walking over hurriedly.

The County Assistant himself had graying hair, over fifty years old. He walked over, looked at the captured ruffians and Yu Tong, and said: "Li Xianwei, I heard you uncovered a den of secret prostitutes?"

"The County Assistant is here too." Li Lin said with a smile: "Truly rare."

The County Assistant squinted: "Why do you say that, Li Xianwei?"

"Because you rarely handle affairs. Your sudden appearance truly startled me."

"Such a major matter naturally requires me to come see, lest people say I hold a post without performing duties." He paused, then said: "Do you need this old man to help escort these people back to the county government office's prison quarters?"

"No need. These ruffians are quite fierce; I worry the few Retainers you brought cannot keep them under control."

In truth, those Retainers were martial men. Though not very strong, they were more than sufficient to guard a few ruffian thugs.

"Then I'll take this Yu Tong." The County Assistant looked at Li Lin and said slowly: "It's on the way anyway."

"My lord County Assistant, you should just manage documents and tax households. Leave matters of punishment and public order to me."

Saying this, Li Lin laughed: "Do not overstep your bounds!"

(End of this chapter)