Chapter 157

Lang Xiao Ba trudged off, head drooping.

The strategist's first plan, presented to the Inspector, had been rejected outright.

Xu Yuan sat inside drinking tea, pondering matters—Fu Jingyu, Song Lu, Yu Yunhang, Di Youzhi, Zhou Leizi, Lang Xiao Ba…

This team was unquestionably formidable within the Zhancheng Office.

Currently, the Iron Boat Gang cooperates smoothly; now they must bring the San San Nianghui under control.

The last communication had been unpleasant, but Xu Yuan couldn't ignore the San San Nianghui—it was Aunt Wang's faction.

But he couldn't show his face himself; first, he'd hint to Lang Xiao Ba, and let him continue negotiating with the San San Nianghui.

After a little over half an hour, Di Youzhi and Zhou Leizi arrived together.

Xu Yuan got straight to the point: "From now on, your unit answers directly to me."

Zhou Leizi froze, still unclear on the implications. Di Youzhi dropped to his knees with a thud: "Your humble servant thanks my lord for the promotion! From this day forward, I follow only your lead—through fire and water, I will not hesitate!"

Zhou Leizi, the brute, still didn't grasp it—but seeing his superior so solemn, he hurriedly knelt too, clasping his fists: "Same here!"

Xu Yuan waved his hand: "Enough. Return to your duties. Remember what I told you before."

"Yes, my lord."

Once outside, Di Youzhi pulled Zhou Leizi aside to investigate who owned that house.

To do the job well, merely reporting to the Inspector that Lu Xiang met someone in Beicheng meant nothing. You must uncover nearly everything, then leave the final step for the Inspector to personally command the net closing!

That way, the greatest credit goes to the Inspector; when he rises quickly, his subordinates ride the wave with him.

…

These past few days, whenever Xu Yuan had free time, he spat a few mouthfuls of Fu Zhong Huo into the carriage.

The Yin-Yang Barrier was hard to refine.

He opened it now to check—still struggling inside. Annoyed, he immediately spat seven or eight fierce bursts of flame.

He shut the carriage again and let it smolder.

Then Song Lu entered, calling Xu Yuan to see off Wu Gu.

Yan Lao had also sent Wu Gu a personal letter from Ma Tian Shou, inviting her to visit Luo City.

Compensation for Wu Gu clearly required direct negotiation with the Commandant.

Wu Gu accepted gladly.

Yu Yunhang joined them; the four saw Wu Gu off at the Beicheng gate, then returned to the Zhancheng Office.

Lang Xiao Ba stepped out to greet them: "My lord, your duty room is ready."

Every Inspector has a private duty room; in any Ming Dynasty office, the quality of the duty room directly reflects an official's status and power.

Xu Yuan's was next to Qu Jinpeng's.

The room was no smaller than Qu Jinpeng's, and it faced south, warm and bright, windows clear, desks tidy.

All furnishings were at least eighty percent new.

Most importantly, the duty room was neither too close nor too far from the main gate.

Xu Yuan and everyone else were satisfied.

The cleaning chores were left to Lang Xiao Ba—he summoned several Captains, drew well water, and got to work.

Suddenly, Xu Yuan felt a sensation—he took the carriage out of his duty room. Inside, the Yin-Yang Barrier had finally been refined.

This was the most substantial gain from the Old Master's Tomb battle.

The Qinghui Office's reward still hadn't arrived.

Xu Yuan reached out and pulled the Yin-Yang Barrier free—it had not been refined into a refined artifact; all outer coverings had been burned away, revealing its true form.

It was a guillotine blade!

Like the kind used in Ming villages to cut grass for cattle, but without the base trough—only the upper blade remained.

Broad, heavy, with a sturdy, solid handle.

Large patches of dark red had seeped into the blade.

No one knew how many lives it had claimed.

How this blade became the Yin-Yang Barrier, or how it ended up in the Old Master's hands—Xu Yuan had no idea.

After examining it, Xu Yuan cautiously reached out and gripped the handle.

In an instant, Xu Yuan suddenly felt his entire self split cleanly down the middle.

The left side remained in the Yang world.

The right side entered another realm.

Cold, mournful, suffused with death.

His right eye saw the world of the dead; the great blade in his hand grew heavy.

If he swung it right, it could sever yin spirits, zombies, and malevolent entities.

If he swung it left, it could sever the necks of all living things in the Yang world.

Xu Yuan tried a few stances—he mimicked them from memory, copying the Wu Xiu he'd seen.

He felt they looked convincing; if he became a Wu Xiu, tall as twelve feet, wielding such a massive blade, it would suit him perfectly.

Xu Yuan grew even more eager to cultivate Wu Xiu as a second path.

He'd never had a proper weapon.

Sheng Gu's dagger had lost its edge; the great spear hidden in his stepmother's carriage felt strangely incompatible with him—he couldn't say why.

Xu Yuan liked this great blade.

So he successfully refined a Longzhu Waidan and swallowed it.

Just as he finished, someone called loudly from the small courtyard outside: "Is Inspector Xu here?"

Lang Xiao Ba, who was wiping a table, stepped out and exclaimed in surprise: "Jia Jianxiao, what are you doing here?"

Jia Yi bowed slightly to Lang Xiao Ba: "Brother Xiao Ba, is Master Xu here?"

Xu Yuan's voice came from inside: "Ask Jianxiao Jia to come in."

Lang Xiao Ba led him in; after entering, Jia Yi bowed to Xu Yuan: "Master Xu, just now Shi Police Inspector and Wan Police Inspector from the Southern Office came to address the brothers…"

Shi Bading is under He Youxing's command; Wan Yun is under Xie Zhanglü's command.

Xu Yuan merely hummed, sipped his tea without expression, then gestured for Lang Xiao Ba to pour Jia Yi a cup as well.

Jia Yi gritted his teeth: "Master Xu, my squad used to serve under Police Inspector Zhu; all of us are certified cultivators, and our unit's overall strength ranks among the top in the Zhancheng Office."

Xu Yuan smiled and praised: "That's due to your fine leadership, Jianxiao Jia."

Jia Yi continued: "We are willing to pledge our loyalty to you, Master, but I have one request."

Xu Yuan raised his hand: "Speak freely."

Jia Yi knelt down: "I beg Master Xu to ensure Police Inspector Zhu remains unharmed."

Yesterday, when He Youxing arrived, Zhu Silǐ was arrested.

Xu Yuan regarded him with appreciation and nodded: "Jianxiao Jia is a valuing emotion deeply man. As for Police Inspector Zhu's situation, I have no say. But… I doubt there will be any major issues.

Jianxiao Jia, just wait patiently."

Jia Yi pleaded again: "Master Xu…"

Xu Yuan waved him off: "I truly cannot help. Jianxiao Jia, please return."

Jia Yi rose, shook his head in helplessness, and left.

As he stepped into the courtyard, he met another Police Inspector, Qin Ze.

Jia Yi was about to greet him, but Qin Ze's face darkened; before Lang Xiao Ba could announce him, Qin Ze strode straight inside.

Outside, Jia Yi heard the man crash to his knees with a thud—his Eighth-Flow Wu Xiu shattered the courtyard's blue bricks—and his voice boomed like thunder: "Master, my men and I offer our lives to you! We don't trust these newcomers—we only trust you!

I beg you to accept us!"

Thud!

Another head slammed down, shattering another brick.

Jia Yi stood in the courtyard, stunned: "You bastard Qin Ze! Where's your Wu Xiu dignity?!"

Inside the office, Xu Yuan laughed and scolded: "Jianxiao Qin, are you here to tear down my house?"

Jia Yi vaguely felt he had done something wrong; as he pondered, Lang Xiao Ba suddenly cleared his throat deliberately beside him.

"Ashamed," Jia Yi apologized and hurried away.

He hadn't meant to eavesdrop, but he had eavesdropped nonetheless.

Lang Xiao Ba didn't see him off; he returned quickly to the gate—there were still Jianxiao duties to attend to.

Jia Yi walked back alone, distracted and anxious, nearly colliding head-on with another Jianxiao, Mao Dabin.

"What's wrong with you, Old Jia?"

Jia Yi quickly apologized: "Sorry, I was lost in thought…"

Mao Dabin suddenly glanced at where Jia Yi had come from: "You went to see Police Inspector Xu?"

"Uh, yeah," Jia Yi answered instinctively; Mao Dabin said nothing more, turned, and marched straight toward Xu Yuan's office.

"Huh?" Jia Yi frowned deeply.

He had assumed his squad was strong enough to bargain for Police Inspector Zhu's safety by pledging loyalty—surely that would be no problem.

But now it seemed… it wasn't that simple.

That brute Qin Ze and his ragtag crew weren't worth worrying about.

But Mao Dabin's squad's strength rivals mine.

"Is he also rushing to pledge loyalty to Master Xu?"

Jia Yi returned to the former office of Zhu Silǐ.

It was a courtyard complex; previously, Zhu Silǐ worked in the main hall, while his deputy Xunjians, Jianxiaos, and Captains occupied the side rooms.

As soon as he entered, his Captains surrounded him: "Boss, how did it go?"

Jia Yi told them honestly.

His men sighed in disappointment: "Master Xu won't help?"

"Maybe Master Xu is telling the truth—Police Inspector Zhu might be safe without his intervention."

The Captains chattered, but no plan emerged.

Seeing Jia Yi's gloomy expression, they asked: "Boss, is there something else?"

Jia Yi told them about Qin Ze and Mao Dabin.

They stared blankly: "All of them are pledging to Master Xu?"

Then they fell silent.

Slowly, they all realized: given Master Xu's performance in the Old Temple battle, he wouldn't lack followers.

If Master Xu had merely hidden behind, tossed out his Sword Pearls to ambush Old Master with a few strikes, then shouted, "Brothers, charge!"—

it wouldn't have had this effect.

And if you thought deeper: though Master Xu wasn't promoted, he's still Commander's direct subordinate.

Even Commander's own student, Fu Jingyu, stayed to serve under Master Xu.

How small could his future be?

That made him even more worth competing for.

The more they thought, the more despondent they grew—regret was certainly there, but no one blamed Jia Yi; after all, the condition had been agreed upon collectively.

Police Inspector Zhu treated us well; we wanted to repay him in some way.

The room fell silent for a full quarter-hour, until someone, half-giving-up, muttered: "Fine, just pick one between Shi Police Inspector and Wan Police Inspector—it's all just serving, who you serve doesn't matter."

No one replied.

Who knows if either of them might shout: "Brothers, charge!"

…

Xu Yuan received nine Jianxiao in total.

Da Fu was terrified: Why so many today, coming to feed me?!

I haven't done anything lately… why all of a sudden so many people wanting to fatten me up and eat me?!

Who leaked the news that "goose meat is delicious"?!

Da Fu decided that for the next few days, he'd stick close to the food carts, never letting them out of his sight.

The Zhancheng Office originally had eleven Jianxiao, each commanding about twelve Captain.

Zhu Silǐ and Lü Qiuyang each had four Jianxiao under them, and three others reported directly to Lin Zi.

Add in other positions, and the Zhancheng Office originally had over two hundred men.

From He Youxing's attitude, expansion was certain.

But one Police Inspector commanding four Jianxiao would remain unchanged.

Xu Yuan still had to reserve a unit for Fu Jingyu, meaning he could only take two more.

Even if He Youxing, out of respect for Ma Tianshou, granted him one more Jianxiao, he could only take three.

In the duty room, Lang Xiao Ba beamed: "All the brothers have eyes—they all want to follow our Police Inspector."

Yu Yunhang also smiled: "But how to choose? That's a headache."

Lang Xiao Ba leaned in: "My lord, my former Jianxiao, Wang, was fully capable and always diligent in duty."

He's a Eighth-Rank Artisan Cultivator, about to ascend to Seventh-Rank."

Xu Yuan pondered, saying nothing.

Lang Xiao Ba dared not say more.

This decision rested solely with Master Xu; at most, Fu Jingyu had the right to offer advice.

Lang Xiao Ba simply didn't have the weight.

Besides, when he followed Jianxiao Wang, he never received special treatment—otherwise he wouldn't still be unranked.

Xu Yuan knew well: choosing wasn't just about attitude and ability—it was also about fate.

Xu Yuan had used "Wang Ming" on all the Jianxiao and had roughly narrowed it down to a few.

Everyone else was excited, but Xu Yuan smiled bitterly: "I'm going to make enemies…"

He Youxing and Xie Qingman's Police Inspector were pulling people in, yet these men ignored them entirely—they wanted to follow me.

This meant the Zhancheng Office's future would never be peaceful.

After lunch, a Captain came to the duty room: "The Zhanglei Master requests all Police Inspector to attend."

Xu Yuan hurried off with Qu Jinpeng.

He Youxing held court in Lin Zi's former office. Once his Police Inspector and Deputy Police Inspector had gathered, he passed down a document from his desk: "A strange case has occurred at Shuangjiang Pass in Chengxi—rumors say the temple is eating people. Who volunteers to exterminate this evil?"

He looked at his two Police Inspector: Shi Bading and Sang Yizi.

This was He Youxing's first case since taking office—he needed his subordinates to deliver a strong opening win.

Shi Bading and Sang Yizi rose together, clasped fists: "We volunteer!"

Wan Yun rose as well: "I request the mission!"

Qu Jinpeng subtly pressed Xu Yuan's arm.

Even without that, Xu Yuan wouldn't have seized the spotlight.

He Youxing smiled, glancing among the three, then said: "Then it's assigned to Shi Police Inspector."

"Take whatever personnel you need—depart immediately!"

"Yes, my lord!"

Shi Bading carefully studied the document, estimated the evil's strength, and finally brought along two full squads.

Jia Yi and Mao Dabin.

Mao Dabin's face screamed "I don't want to go"—he led his horse out the yamen gate, scowling the whole way.

Jia Yi and his Captain were more cooperative.

They felt they'd already lost the advantage under Master Xu; Shi Bading was the Zhanglei Master's trusted man—following him… wasn't a bad choice.

Xu Yuan gave himself a task: continue investigating those impersonating the Qushui Office.

…

As dusk fell, the Zhudong received word: the Zhancheng Office had a new chief.

"Trouble!" the Zhudong muttered.

He hadn't expected Southern Jiaozhi to move so fast—formerly only Xu Yuan could lead ghost cases; now Xu Yuan likely wouldn't get the chance.

The Zhudong plucked a spider silk, and soon a trembling maid entered Lin Zi: "What is your command, Zhudong?"

"Summon Wu Jinghan back immediately."

It's too late today.

Wu Jinghan won't receive the message until tomorrow, and won't return until afternoon.

After the maid left, the Zhudong frowned in thought, when another arrived, kneeling outside Lin Zi to report: "Zhudong, our spy in the Iron Boat Gang reports: the people Xu Yuan is seeking have been located."

The Zhudong's eyes lit up—he had an idea!

…

The Iron Boat Gang brought Xu Police Inspector less-than-good news: two days ago, those four may have hired a carriage and headed toward Qingyu Township.

Qingyu Village lies at the foot of Little Yu Shan, one of the offshoot ranges of Ghost Wushan.

The evil spirits in the mountains mostly come from Ghost Wushan.

Ghost Wushan covers a vast area in southern Southern Jiaozhi Province, spanning four prefectures.

Even within Luocheng Prefecture, a portion of Ghost Wushan exists.

Qu Jinpeng happened to be present and said, "Little Xu, since you are investigating this case, see it through to the end; go early tomorrow morning."

The yamen will be covered by this old man.

Do not rush when investigating; Little Yu Shan is teeming with evil spirits and is extremely dangerous; under no circumstances should you recklessly advance."

"This young man understands."

Wait until He Youxing and Xie Qingman have exchanged one round, then return.

The next day, the almanac indicated:

Prohibit night travel, shouting at the mountains, chiseling ice, and digging wells.

Xu Yuan breathed a sigh of relief; if there were another prohibition against riding horses or taking carriages, today would have been arduous.

As for "chiseling ice," it mainly concerns the northern regions of Huangming.

Although Southern Jiaozhi is somewhat cold in winter, it is far from freezing.

Xu Yuan prepared to depart: "Lang Xiao Ba, go notify Di Youzhi..."

Di Youzhi quietly pushed the door open from outside and whispered, "My lord, we have obtained evidence of Lu Xiang colluding with the Shanhe Office!"

Xu Yuan chuckled, but quickly realized: now was not the time.

"What evidence is it?"

Di Youzhi: "The day before yesterday, Zhou Leizi followed him..."

Regarding the courtyard in Beicheng, Di Youzhi had to exert considerable effort to ascertain its owner.

The property was registered in the yamen's deed records, and the owner's name was listed as "Cao Qiu."

He was a wealthy merchant in the city, dealing in warehouse business, with over a dozen properties inside and outside the city, including houses and warehouses.

This courtyard was merely one of them.

On the surface, Cao Qiu had no connection with the Shanhe Office.

Ordinary people did not know that Cao Qiu secretly took seven or eight adopted daughters, all of whom were married as concubines to inspectors and captains of the Shanhe Office.

Yesterday, Zhou Leizi secretly watched that courtyard again and discovered multiple people from the Shanhe Office entering and exiting.

Finally, Di Youzhi said, "According to Lu Xiang's habits, after getting off duty today, he will surely go to the gambling den; after leaving the gambling den, he will go to that courtyard. Should we..."

Di Youzhi spread his five fingers, making a "grab" gesture.

Xu Yuan shook his head: "It is not time yet. Bring Lu Xiang along; we are going on a mission to Qingyu Village."

Di Youzhi nodded: "Very well, I will go have the brothers prepare."

After Di Youzhi left, Xu Yuan instructed Lang Xiao Ba again: "Go summon Inspector Qin."

Qin Ze had a loud voice.

Before even reaching the courtyard gate, his booming voice entered first: "Hahaha, My Lord Xu, you have finally remembered old Qin!"

Lang Xiao Ba and Qin Ze entered side by side; the eighth-rate Wu Xiu was a full two sizes larger than this non-ranked man.

Lang Xiao Ba secretly looked at the other's imposing physique, his eyes full of envy.

For a Wu Xiu, big means good, big means strong!

Xu Yuan waved through the window, beckoning him to enter first: "Accompany this patrol inspector to Qingyu Village."

Qin Ze did not ask what for and immediately said, "Good! This subordinate's hometown is Qingyu Village; although my father's generation moved into Zhan Cheng, there are still many old relatives in the village..."

Xu Yuan's eyes lit up.

Qin Ze was chosen because Qin Ze's fate was green.

Although it had not yet reached the stage of condensing a fate pattern, the green color was extremely intense, making him the most valuable among the inspectors who came to offer service.

Indeed, he became a major asset for this trip to Qingyu Village.

"Go have the brothers prepare; we depart in half an hour."

"Very well." Qin Ze responded, and swaggered off with his arms akimbo.

This posture was not deliberately adopted, but because his shoulders and back were too broad.

Lang Xiao Ba watched Inspector Qin depart, like a scholar gazing at his beloved walking away.

"Ahem." Xu Yuan coughed; Lang Xiao Ba quickly snapped back to reality, his face flushing red: "My lord."

"Do your work well." Xu Yuan painted a pie in the sky: "If you establish merit, this patrol inspector will reward you with a cultivation manual."

"Really?" Lang Xiao Ba was overjoyed.

Xu Yuan had originally found a "Heaven-Connecting Cannon" on Lao Ba and considered practicing Wu Xiu himself, but had never managed to enter the path.

If Lang Xiao Ba truly established merit, lending it for him to look at would be acceptable.

"Really." Xu Yuan nodded; Lang Xiao Ba immediately became brimming with energy.

Qin Ze, with his loud voice, returned, and within less than a quarter-hour, the other inspectors all knew that Patrol Inspector Xu had summoned him to go to Qingyu Village.

The remaining inspectors could not sit still; except for Jia Yi and Mao Dabin, the others hurriedly came again.

Everyone thought, if I cannot compare with Jia Yi and Mao Dabin, can I not compare with Qin Ze, that brute?

Xu Yuan comforted them one by one with kind words.

He made no promises, but he did not refuse either.

It was Xu Yuan being scummy, but also because Xu Yuan had figured it out last night.

Who said a patrol inspector could only lead four squads?

Everyone wants to follow me; I cannot let everyone feel disheartened, can I?

If you're dissatisfied, go recruit people yourselves.

The Purification Bureau is a place that values strength.

With eight or nine squads under his command, if He Youxing had any matter, he would have to discuss it with me politely.

Of course, I cannot reveal such ambition now; it would easily arouse the suspicion of He Youxing and Xie Qingman.

If things go wrong, those two might join hands and deal with me first.

In short, every Inspector received a satisfactory answer and felt they deserved a bright future.

Afterwards, Xu Yuan went to report to He Youxing. Now, He Youxing needed Ma Tianshou's support from above and Xu Yuan's cooperation from below, so he would certainly not make things difficult.

Stepping out of He Youxing's duty room, the time was about right.

Di Youzhi and Qin Ze, each leading their own brothers, lined up and waited in the courtyard where Xu Yuan's duty room was located.

(End of this chapter)