Chapter 387

Since his identity had already been exposed, continuing to hide quietly in the small Cheng Family Restaurant had lost all meaning.

Chen Mu always disliked dragging things out; early the next morning, he left Huaihua Alley, accompanied by Cheng Yong's reverent gaze and Long Tuantu's reminder to "return soon."

His target was clear: the original Longdao Town Martial Office headquarters.

The headquarters of the Longdao Town Martial Office stood in the eastern district, adjacent to the provincial governor's mansion, a vast and imposing complex.

Towering walls of black basalt, heavy and solemn iron gates, and two stone statues before the entrance—not lions, but ferocious "Martial Suppressing Beasts"—all proclaimed the authority and power of this violent institution.

Chen Mu displayed his Inspector's token and entered the headquarters without hindrance.

Every Town Martial Office member he passed, regardless of rank, upon seeing his token and his unnaturally youthful face, could not hide their shock, stopping to bow respectfully, their expressions filled with curiosity, awe, and an indescribable complexity.

Guided by a Silver Rank Officer, Chen Mu passed through several heavily guarded courtyards and corridors, finally arriving before a solemn hall at the core of the headquarters, built entirely of deep blue stone blocks, shaped like a crouching giant beast.

"Commander Chen, the Commandant awaits you inside."

The guiding officer bowed and withdrew.

Chen Mu straightened his otherwise immaculate green robe, his expression calm as he stepped inside.

The interior of the hall was extremely spacious, yet dimly lit.

Supporting the dome were massive dark-gold pillars, each requiring several men to encircle, carved with bas-reliefs of subduing demons and patrolling the four directions.

The floor was polished black stone, mirroring several soft-glowing white pearls embedded in the ceiling.

The entire hall was empty and silent, save for one figure seated behind a wide black iron desk at the very back.

He was an elderly man, seemingly around fifty, neither tall nor robust, but slender, dressed in plain black everyday robes.

His face was gaunt, deeply lined, his hair meticulously combed, temples streaked with gray.

At first glance, he resembled a learned scholar long confined to his study, radiating no trace of formidable energy, indistinguishable from an ordinary man.

Yet the instant Chen Mu's gaze met his, it felt as if he gazed into two bottomless pools, swirling with thunder and storms.

Those eyes were startlingly bright, as if piercing the soul, exposing illusions.

Merely locking eyes with him, Chen Mu felt an invisible, ocean-deep pressure descend—not deliberately unleashed, but the natural majesty born of life-tier and Martial Dao Realm.

Mid-stage Heavenly Palace Realm!

The supreme authority of the original Longdao Town Martial Office: Commandant Du Wei.

"Subject Chen Mu, pays homage to Commandant Du!"

Chen Mu suppressed his awe, stepped forward several paces into the hall, bowed respectfully before the old man behind the desk, posture precise, neither humble nor arrogant.

"Rise."

Du Wei's voice sounded, calm and unhurried, yet carrying an uncanny penetration, echoing clearly through the hall.

He gestured with a light hand, a faint smile on his face, his gaze sweeping over Chen Mu. "I've long heard of a remarkable young talent emerging in our Town Martial Office—a potential dragon, the youngest Inspector ever. Today, seeing you, I confirm it: your bearing is extraordinary, your foundation solid, your reputation well-deserved."

"Commandant, you flatter me."

Chen Mu straightened, still respectfully deferential. "I am young and shallow; my minor accomplishments cannot possibly merit such praise from you. You, Commandant, holding the line in Longdao and intimidating all directions, are the true pillar of the state—I have always held you in the highest reverence."

This was not mere formalities.

Du Wei had led the original Longdao Town Martial Office for over thirty years, weathered countless storms, his hands stained with the blood of martial sects, demonic cults, and corrupt officials alike; his fame and strength were legendary throughout the entire Zhou Dynasty Town Martial Office system.

Facing such a senior and superior, proper respect was indispensable.

Du Wei smiled, evidently pleased by Chen Mu's humility, and gestured for him to sit on a chair beside him.

The two began casual conversation.

Du Wei inquired about conditions in the south, briefly mentioning Chen Mu's performance in the Moon Valley battle, his words filled with encouragement and affirmation, urging him to remain humble, diligent, and continue serving the imperial court and the Town Martial Office.

He also subtly warned him that the current situation in original Longdao was complex, with the great war between orthodox and demonic forces stirring hidden currents among all factions, demanding greater caution and thoroughness in action.

Chen Mu responded to each point respectfully, answering with propriety.

He understood this meeting was largely ceremonial—Du Wei was observing him, and signaling his stance.

Recognition and acceptance of this "outsider" young Inspector, yet with boundaries clearly drawn.

After roughly fifteen minutes, Chen Mu rose to take his leave.

Du Wei did not detain him, merely nodded, his gaze deep as he looked at Chen Mu. "Commander Chen, young and gifted, your future is boundless. Should you encounter difficulties in the Dao City, carry this token and act as you see fit."

With a flick of his finger, an ancient-looking black iron token engraved with the character "Du" flew toward Chen Mu.

Chen Mu caught it, bowed again in thanks, then withdrew from the hall.

Leaving the Town Martial Office headquarters, the streets grew busier, yet the atmosphere still carried wartime tension.

Chen Mu did not delay; he headed straight back to Huaihua Alley.

Still some distance from the alley entrance, he saw a crowd gathered, whispering, their eyes fixed deep into the alley.

At the alley's mouth, two groups stood clearly divided.

One group was led by last night's Liu family third young master, Liu Mingfeng.

But now Liu Mingfeng had none of last night's arrogance; his face was as white as paper, lips bloodless, eyes dark-ringed, his breath shallow and chaotic—as if recovering from grave illness, or having his essence and spirit entirely drained, he stood listlessly behind a tall, middle-aged man whose features bore resemblance to his, clad in luxurious brocade robes, radiating silent authority, head bowed, body trembling slightly.

The middle-aged man was Liu Qihua, current head of the Liu family, a master of Earth Altar Realm with the Three Flowers Converging atop his head—a notable figure in original Longdao City.

The other group was small, only a few individuals, yet their aura was no less formidable.

Leading them was a man in the deep green uniform of the Town Martial Office's "Moon-Piercing Officer," around forty, with a pale complexion and short beard.

He stood with hands behind his back, wearing a smile that seemed gentle but was in fact distant; the aura he emitted was unmistakably Earth Altar Realm, Five Qi Converging.

One of the three Moon-Piercing Officers of the original Longdao Town Martial Office: Xiao Xinming.

The moment Chen Mu appeared at the alley entrance, every eye turned to him.

Liu Qihua's eyes flashed sharply; without hesitation, he stepped forward and bowed deeply to Chen Mu, voice loud, posture humbled.

"Liu family, Liu Qihua, pays homage to Inspector Chen, my lord!"