Chapter 16: Current State of Bai Yun

"Just keep two of them, preferably the ones with better reputations."

Shen Yi's current focus is entirely on martial cultivation.

He had little interest in the petty duties assigned to constables, or the bribes they extorted.

Replacing them with cleaner hands would at least reduce some sin.

Upon hearing this, Song Changfeng paused, unsure whether the word "reputation" was meant sarcastically.

As for reputation, once you're under Shen's command, how could you possibly come out clean?

Soon, he turned and called out two names: "Niu Da, Niu Er, starting today, you're transferred here to take over those two's duties."

The men called were the two strongest constables, and also the two with the most discontented expressions.

The two brothers squared their shoulders, arms crossed, faces cold, determined to give Shen no favorable look no matter what he said.

But Shen Yi seemed to have no intention of reprimanding them; he merely turned back to Song Changfeng: "Anything else?"

The constables' corpses lay in the courtyard, yet the demon's body had vanished—this was indeed strange.

"Thank you for yesterday."

Song Changfeng sighed, unsure whether he meant the execution of the demon in the station, or Shen Yi's excuse to leave his home.

With that, his eyes grew complex: "Liu Dianli asked me to pass on a message—he says you must rein in your actions; you've gone too far these past two days."

In the past, Shen Yi's intelligence would have been far sharper than this sidelined old man's, but today, the higher-ups sent word through him.

Probably the rumors about the dog demon's head and the ape demon's corpse finally reached above.

"..."

Shen Yi frowned slightly, saying nothing.

"Demons may be brutal, but they remain outside the county walls; minor disturbances can be ignored… you used to be best at this."

Song Changfeng looked desolate—clearly, yesterday's demon strolling into the government office to demand justice had shaken him deeply.

"Alright, you get on with your work. I'll go home and rest."

Watching Song Changfeng lead the constables out of the courtyard, Shen Yi slowly rose and stepped out the door.

With the Zhen Mo Si inspection imminent, the government office officials were all on edge.

He simply couldn't understand: even if they got through this deception, what were they planning to do afterward?

Was temporarily removing their black caps truly worse than losing their lives?

Those were demons! They don't care whether you're a common peasant or the county magistrate when they eat you!

"Shen my lord."

Chen Ji bowed, then whispered: "Yesterday… were you alright?"

He'd wanted to ask what had happened last night, but the words died on his lips.

"Fine."

Shen Yi rubbed his temples.

Chen Ji seemed to read his thoughts: "Lately, whether the government office officials or the local gentry, all have been scrambling to spend silver in Outside Qingzhou to hire famous martial masters—even if only to guard their homes, it still deters demons outside the city."

"Martial masters from the Jianghu?" Shen Yi glanced sideways.

"They're all from established sects with legitimate lineages," Chen Ji said, his eyes filled with envy. "For example, the one the Lin family hired—Master Liu Qi, known as the Stone-Breaking Hand—has killed over a dozen demons with his iron palms alone."

"These martial masters grew up soaking in medicinal baths, eating rare meats and precious herbs—they're far more reliable than our half-trained clerks. The gentry never expected us to protect their families."

"Won't the government office fear they'll break the law with their strength?" Shen Yi asked, puzzled.

"Not likely—any reputable sect is registered with the imperial court," Chen Ji said. Though usually quiet, he was surprisingly well-informed about martial lore.

"Besides, those hired with silver are nowhere near as powerful as those brought in through connections… word has it the county magistrate wrote to his master in Outside Qingzhou and summoned a major figure, who now resides in the mansion, rarely showing his face—even Master Liu Qi had to submit a formal letter of introduction upon arriving in Bai Yunxian."

Shen Yi listened, intrigued, and said slowly: "Do these Jianghu sects have requirements for accepting disciples?"

If he could find a legitimate lineage, it might be far more comfortable than staying in the government office.

"Talent, lineage, character—all essential," Chen Ji said, tugging his sleeve. "And there's another rule, unspoken but most important: you cannot wear this uniform."

Seeing his helpless expression, Shen Yi instantly understood.

The Jianghu was supposed to be free and unrestrained, yet now one must first register with the imperial court to gain recognition—as if shackled by iron fetters.

Once this precedent was set, they naturally feared being absorbed and assimilated by the government; thus, rejecting corrupt officials within the bureaucracy became perfectly logical.

"In short, Bai Yunxian remains Bai Yunxian—it won't collapse entirely, but ordinary people suffer," Chen Ji's eyes darkened with anger. Then he remembered something, frowning anxiously: "The girls have all been sent home—when will the ape demon come?"

In the past, he would never have asked such a thing, only cursing Shen the thief behind his back.

Now he suddenly realized: cursing alone solved nothing.

He had no strategy beyond drawing his blade and charging—only rage in his veins, and all hope pinned on Shen Yi, who navigated among demons so effortlessly, surely had a plan.

"Already dealt with."

Shen Yi brushed it off casually.

Hearing this, Chen Ji froze slightly—he'd barely slept all night, yet Shen had quietly resolved it without a word.

"Did the ape demon say anything?"

"They said I used to be efficient, that they were satisfied with me, and that they wanted to give me Song's position."

Shen Yi recalled—the scholar-robed ape had indeed said that.

"Did you accept?"

"No."

"No wonder…" Chen Ji rubbed his temple. He'd wondered what had gotten into Song today—now he knew.

"By the way, I just realized—you look strange today." He looked up.

"How so?"

"Hard to explain… just unusually noticeable."

Shen Yi nodded, roughly understanding what the other meant.

The next moment, the aura flowing wantonly within his body slowly returned to his acupoints.

This cultivation was meant to be displayed for the Zhen Mo Si, not to warn off demons and monsters. If every minor demon avoided him, replenishing demon lifespans would become difficult.

Having suppressed his aura, Shen Yi waved his hand: "Take them with you when you're on duty in the future. Don't cause any trouble."

Hearing this, Chen Ji felt a doubt arise in his heart.

Only after a moment did he realize what the other meant.

Planning a thorough reform? No longer scraping flesh off the common folk from now on?

"This subordinate understands!"

"There's one more thing."

Shen Yi called him to stop, and Chen Ji turned his head in confusion.

"Lend me some silver. I'll repay you once my salary comes in."

"..."

Chen Ji rolled his eyes. Fine, fine, fine — now he's scraping flesh off me instead.

He reached to his waist and pulled out three qian of broken silver, muttering softly: "I still have to save up a dowry for Chen Jinyu..."

"Don't worry. If I can't repay it, I'll marry her myself."

Shen Yi casually took the silver and stepped out of the courtyard.

(End of chapter)