Chapter 279: Tianlaomiao Saves Lives

"Grateful for my superior's trust, he's added a bit more weight to my shoulders." Chen Guanlou spoke with great caution; no amount of care was too much when dealing with Embroidered Uniform Guard members. No one could guarantee that a single careless word wouldn't land you on a blacklist and summoned to the Imperial Prison for tea.

Your head is on the line—don't be careless.

Xiao Jin slightly narrowed his eyes. "A promotion's good. With your abilities, being a jailer is a waste."

Chen Guanlou grew even more fearful—this guy actually remembered him! Was he still holding a grudge over Yu Zhaoan's transfer?

He could only bow with a humble smile, silently wishing the curse would leave soon. He was bare-skinned now, no disguise, no room for trouble. If he'd been wearing a mask today, Heihei —he'd have taught Xiao a lesson, see if he dared be so arrogant.

Xiao Jin finally let him go—yet after taking two steps, he stopped, turned back, and stared at him. "Stay out of the streets lately. Understood?"

"Understood."

He watched the man leave, pondering those final words—was it a warning or a reminder? It felt ambiguous, as if hiding deeper meaning.

So he used his promotion as an excuse to invite Qi Wuxiu home for wine and asked if the Embroidered Uniform Guard had any major operations underway.

Qi Wuxiu looked utterly baffled. "No! Haven't heard of any big moves. You must be mistaken."

Mistaken?

Chen Guanlou trusted his instincts more. His gut told him the capital was stirring with hidden currents—something big was coming.

He asked again, "Still no trace of the Grand Tutor?"

"The Grand Tutor's case is handled by another team. They come and go all day, secretive as shadows. No progress reported. I'd guess the Grand Tutor's chances are slim."

"Has your inner circle discussed who's the prime suspect?"

"Hard to say." Qi Wuxiu's expression turned grave. "This case involves too much. No one dares speak freely or think too deeply. You'd better not ask. This case has nothing to do with your Tianlaomiao anymore—don't go jumping in yourself."

"I know. What about you? Still chasing that seventh-rank river dragon? Any leads?"

"Chase? Long given up. Every path led to a dead end. That guy doesn't even exist—just like the Nameless Hero. Like he never appeared at all."

Chen Guanlou's heart jolted. "You investigated the Nameless Hero too?"

"Of course we did. Any martial artist appearing in the capital—no matter rank—must be registered if seen. But that time? Just a formality."

Chen Guanlou: …

If he created more masks, would he be exposed? Would they connect these untraceable martial artists? Nothing in the world is coincidence. Time and again, a Nameless River Dragon pops up in the capital, his martial level steadily rising. Put all the clues together—it clearly points to one direction: one man, at different times.

That's it. Done for.

At this point, the Embroidered Uniform Guard could easily continue their investigation. Especially the first appearance of the Nameless Hero—too many flaws. That was the time when Yaya was kidnapped—he was the one involved. And that was precisely when the Nameless Hero appeared.

Don't forget the Old Paymaster—he's another clue. If the Embroidered Uniform Guard wanted to, they'd pry open his mouth. Then they'd know he'd consulted the Old Paymaster—and connect the dots…

He couldn't let his thoughts go further.

He feigned indifference, but his mind churned endlessly.

Unless absolutely necessary, he didn't want to draw the Embroidered Uniform Guard's attention. Personal strength was limited—he hadn't reached the pinnacle of cultivation. Better to imagine being dissected on a table if his secret was found than to dream someone would show him mercy.

Tianlaomiao saves lives!

He wiped his face, downed his liquor, and got Qi Wuxiu drunk in no time. Too bad—Qi Wuxiu didn't chatter when drunk. He just slept quietly.

He thought it over: he mustn't wear any masks for now. Best to stay quiet, do his duty well—that was the best disguise. Who'd believe a martial arts master would willingly stay in the filth of Tianlaomiao as a jailer—and enjoy it?

What's this called?

This is the Sweeping Monk!

The thought of becoming a Sweeping Monk himself made him smug—deeply satisfied. A private, quiet pride, no need to share, just savor it alone. Perfect.

Once he understood, his mind grew steady.

The next morning, he reported for duty with exceptional energy—no sign of hangover. Everyone marveled at his drinking capacity, calling him "a thousand cups unshaken."

Chen Guanlou laughed. "That cheap yellow wine at twenty degrees? You think it can get me drunk? Dream on. Back in my past life, I lived in a wine barrel—I was a warrior tested by alcohol."

After the Lunar New Year, the official order transferring Niu Yucheng from Tianlaomiao finally arrived.

Only then did the entire Tianlaomiao learn Niu Yucheng was being reassigned to the Jingzhao Office. The news hit harder than Chen Guanlou's promotion.

Everyone envied Chen Guanlou's luck—promoted just before Niu Yucheng left, securing his position as jailer. Even if the new jailer disliked him, he'd spare the Jia Wing prison for now, given Chen's competence.

"Didn't you get advance word? You got promoted right before Niu Yucheng left. He really cared for you—cleared your path before going."

At lunch, Xu Fugui sidled up to Chen Guanlou and muttered a few words.

His attitude had shifted—he was trying to treat Chen Guanlou as an equal. But his speech still felt awkward, tinged with inner conflict. Jealousy? Of course—but not enough to lose his mind. He had the Bing Wing prison—enough for him. He didn't covet the Jia Wing.

"Niu Yucheng is a good official!" Chen Guanlou said.

Xu Fugui clicked his tongue. "Now that Niu's gone, they'll appoint a new jailer soon. What's your plan?"

"Do my duty well." Chen Guanlou spoke seriously.

Xu Fugui thought him insincere—no real answer at all. "With us being this close, you still hold back? Not even one honest word? I wouldn't run to the new jailer and snitch—I'm not that kind of person."

You won't snitch—you'll just shout it loud enough for everyone to hear.

Chen Guanlou silently scoffed.

Now was the transition period—he wouldn't leave a single opening.

The new jailer's identity hadn't been decided yet. Even Niu Yucheng didn't know.

Chen Guanlou quietly began gathering silver and warned the four squad leaders: cut spending. When the new jailer arrives, everyone must offer tribute.