Chapter 154: The Magistrate

A radiant golden immortal figure appeared, accompanied by ten Yellow Turban Warriors.

"Control the scene and quell the chaos," Chu Danqing gave a brief order.

The Son of Heaven nodded slightly, and the soft golden light rapidly spread across the entire hall.

【You have been blessed by the Son of Heaven and gained the status: Heavenly Blessing, Heavenly.】

First, he bestowed a barrage of buffs and protections upon Chu Danqing, then acted.

The Son of Heaven's form exploded into golden light, shooting straight into the midst of the three combatants.

With sheer individual power, he forcibly suppressed all three.

After all, he was Chu Danqing's strongest summon—this much strength was only natural.

【Son of Heaven】

【Attributes】

【HP: 100%】

【MP: 5000】

【Strength: 30】

【Agility: 30】

【Constitution: 30】

【Spirit: 30】

【Perception: 30】

【Spirituality: 11】

【Talents】

【Heavenly Heir】

【Peaceful Immortal Spirit】

【Skills】

【Book of Peace (Inherited) LV. 】

【Heavenly Edict (Passive) LV. AX】

【Heavenly Golden Body (Passive) LV. AX】

【Heavenly True Law (Passive) LV. AX】

【Heavenly Sacred Code (Passive) LV. AX】

【Equipment】

【Imperial Edict of the Supreme Heaven (Fine·Sealed）】

Even his bare stats reached a full 30 points, plus 10% from Dao Foundation, 10% from Summoning, and 10% from Chu Danqing—his stats surged directly to 37.

Not to mention the Diejia of the Five Elemental Beast Formula's aura and passive effects—his power was naturally formidable.

Golden light erupted in all directions, reducing the already fragile magistrate's hall to rubble.

Qing Jian and Xue Ying barely escaped, but Liu Bai unleashed a furious aura, swinging his iron fan to cleave through the golden light and charge toward the Son of Heaven.

The Son of Heaven sensed Liu Bai's uniqueness.

His strength was weak, yet through sheer willpower, he could resist its spells and divine radiance.

"Hah!" Liu Bai bellowed, swinging his iron fan straight at the Son of Heaven's face.

Yet the Son of Heaven had no weaknesses—he excelled in close combat, ranged attacks, magic, physical strikes, support, and control alike.

A beam of golden light shot out to block the fan, while one hand pressed against Liu Bai's chest, unleashing force that sent him flying.

Fortunately, the Son of Heaven had no intent to kill—otherwise, that blow would have pierced straight through his chest, not just thrown him back.

The three separated; the Son of Heaven cast a spell to calm the spirit and soothe the soul, swiftly restoring order to the terrified crowd.

Liu Bai rose, saw this, and silently picked up his iron fan, hanging it back at his waist.

He wasn't blind—this strange figure had appeared and calmed the chaos; clearly, he was no enemy.

Rather, the two who had caused the chaos seemed to have vanished without a trace.

Having finished, the Son of Heaven drifted silently back to Chu Danqing's side, standing cold and silent.

"Da Bai, heal those people," Chu Danqing said.

Hearing this, Da Bai emerged from Chu Danqing's forehead and immediately cast the group healing spell: Spirit Healing.

He unleashed five in quick succession, and with multiple casting, that became ten.

As the spell descended, healing began slowly; even Qiao Huaiyuan, who had fainted, revived due to the healing.

When he saw the magistrate's hall reduced to ruins, he nearly wept.

The secretary scrambled over, whispering into Qiao Huaiyuan's ear a brief summary of what had just transpired.

Upon hearing that the strange figure hovering beside Chu Danqing had casually controlled the scene—and even single-handedly subdued Liu Bai, the martial champion—Qiao Huaiyuan's gaze toward Chu Danqing changed.

This was surely a high-ranking noble from the capital—how else could he have such a protector?

Qiao Huaiyuan felt relieved—he'd wisely submitted earlier; otherwise, a single word from this man would have ended his career.

"Magistrate Qiao, what a lively day this has been," Chu Danqing smiled. "Let's postpone the hearing. I'm quite satisfied with today's entertainment."

"I'd like to watch more—what do you think, Magistrate Qiao?"

Qiao Huaiyuan immediately acquiesced: "Your words are wise. The magistrate's hall has been destroyed by villains—of course, we cannot continue the hearing."

"Bring in Yang Wenju and Bai Xiaohe—detain them for trial on another day."

Chu Danqing felt this was secure. Though Xue Ying and Qing Jian had disrupted his plan, it didn't matter—as long as the goal was achieved.

"Have someone check on them—don't let them die," Chu Danqing said.

At once, Da Bai, sensing his intent, cast the single-target healing spell: Spirit Cure on both—ten doses each, instantly restoring their HP to full.

He had no faith in the high officials of Lin Yuan City—he'd rather handle it himself for certainty.

Liu Bai, seeing Chu Danqing's aid once more, exhaled in relief.

As Yang Wenju recovered, he began plotting how to deliver the item to Chu Danqing.

In his view, even if Chu Danqing was truly this reckless, possessing this item would give him even more entertainment—he'd surely turn Lin Yuan City upside down.

If he clung to it and refused to give it, he wouldn't die.

But if he handed it to Lin Yuan's high officials, he wouldn't see tomorrow's sun.

"Your Excellency, rest assured—these two are serious criminals. They will not die before receiving fair judgment," Qiao Huaiyuan patted his chest, declaring himself an upright official.

Chu Danqing's words might not elevate him, but this man's bearing and background could easily doom his career forever.

"Sir, you've just arrived in Lin Yuan City—my humble abode has fine tea to offer; let me extend proper hospitality," Liu Bai spoke before Qiao Huaiyuan could.

"You've got some skill—lead the way," Chu Danqing said, speaking with condescension.

Liu Bai didn't mind—he confirmed from all angles that this was a person of great stature.

Twenty years ago, when he was young and brash, freshly crowned martial champion, such tone and attitude would have made him raise his iron fan to challenge the man.

But now, middle-aged, he had long since sheathed his sharp edges.

"It is truly an honor for your lordship to grace my humble home," Liu Bai replied, then led the way ahead.

Qiao Huaiyuan watched, wanting to speak but holding back—he'd been a step behind Liu Bai, and now Chu Danqing had accepted Liu Bai's invitation; to speak again would be inappropriate.

In the end, he could only sigh, hoping Liu Bai and Chu Danqing would clash—then he might seize an opportunity.

If he could ally himself with such a powerful figure, his future career might yet flourish.

【This matter must be reported immediately.】 Qiao Huaiyuan's gaze swept over Yang Wenju and Bai Xiaohe; he thought silently: 【You're lucky—you've gained the favor of a great person and escaped death. Hmph.】

"What are you waiting for? Take the prisoners away," Qiao Huaiyuan said, his tone tinged with irritation.

Look at how the great man's retainer acted—no words needed, everything handled perfectly.

Meanwhile, his own men were like scallions—had to repeat orders twice before they moved sluggishly.

He could only sigh helplessly.

On the other side, driven by armored charioteers, they followed Liu Bai; passing the inn, they picked up Wei Chu.

This plan had been suggested by Wei Chu last night, then refined by Chu Danqing himself.

Liu Bai glanced back at Wei Chu, puzzled but said nothing, merely riding ahead on horseback.

"Big Brother Chu, did things go smoothly?" Wei Chu whispered.

Chu Danqing gave a slight nod, replying softly: "It's done. I've established my persona—don't slip up in your performance."

Wei Chu immediately lowered his head to hide his joy, appearing to others as trembling with fear.

The Yang Wenju matter could be large or small.

As long as it was blown up, Lin Yuan City from top to bottom would be affected.

At that point, Yichun Pavilion, the Azure Dragon Society, and even the officials behind them would face reckoning.

Wei Chu wanted revenge—how could he be satisfied with only punishing a few thugs and gang members? He wanted the root of it all to pay.

And now, he saw the glimmer of success.

Chu Danqing, meanwhile, was thinking: the Dimensional Apostles Xue Ying and Qing Jian—who did nothing but sabotage his plans—must be eliminated soon.

This time, the outcome was amplified by chance—but that doesn't mean future chaos caused by their personal grudges will yield positive results.

What? Am I supposed to tolerate them because I'm a good person?

That's not being good—it's being a coward.

Worse, they acted so recklessly—if Liu Bai hadn't reacted quickly to protect the crowd, countless civilians would have been cut down by sword qi, and Yang Wenju and Bai Xiaohe would have died under it.

If that happened, the failed side quest would cost Chu Danqing attribute points and Paradise Points—he couldn't afford such losses.

From what he's seen so far, each Dimensional Apostle's trial task is unique, and given Paradise's nature, they're almost certainly non-conflicting.

The reserve phase doesn't even have a killing mode—how could the Paradise possibly contradict itself by assigning conflicting promotion trials to different Apostles?

Killing these two won't be hard; the Son of Heaven alone is enough—Guo Ming doesn't even need to lift a finger.

He temporarily suppressed his thoughts and turned his gaze to Liu Bai ahead—this man was a mystery, and he didn't know whether he could be won over as an ally.

His status and position must be extraordinary—even the chief judge Qiao Huaiyuan couldn't touch him, and even addressed him as Lord Liu.

But he was almost certainly not part of the same interest group as Lin Yuan City's high officials; otherwise, he wouldn't have appeared outside the courtroom to offer help.

The enemy of your enemy can be your friend.

Unfortunately, Chu Danqing possessed too little information—even he didn't know who Liu Bai was.

Fortunately, the other's strength was inferior to his own, so the advantage lay firmly in his hands.

Riding in the war chariot, he followed Liu Bai to the Liu residence, whose estate far surpassed Yang Wenju's Yang Manor.

From its appearance and scale alone, it was clear Liu Bai not only dwarfed Yang Wenju in wealth and property, but also held higher status.

Certain architectural standards of a residence couldn't be bought with money alone—they required sufficient power and rank to construct.

(End of Chapter)