Chapter 325: Introducing Clients to You (Combined)

Xu Yuan glanced through them roughly and shook his head repeatedly.

Crafting the medicinal catalyst, and the subsequent cultivation, truly harms Heaven and Earth greatly!

Xu Yuan tossed them aside, thinking that next time he saw Yan Lao, he could give them to him for study.

Yan Lao would probably only study them a bit; he wouldn't cultivate such evil things.

But one must admit, in this world today, the more bizarre something is, the stronger it becomes!

Yan Lao cultivated bitterly his whole life, yet his calculation method only reached the Seventh Rank; the Lady, young as she is, has already reached the Fifth Rank.

Another book, very thin, titled "Heaven-Entangling Silk," was the Lady's Wu Xiu "combat technique."

Yet there was no corresponding cultivation method.

Xu Yuan kept it to ponder slowly; perhaps it would help him understand his own "Dragon Form Art" by analogy.

Apart from that, the Lady carried nothing on her person to prove her identity.

"Very cautious."

The Lady had obviously formed a habit; before every action, she would "cleanse" herself, absolutely refusing to let her death reveal the organization's secrets.

The fourteen thousand taels of silver were all searched from the Lady's person.

The guards under her command possessed only those scattered bits of gold and silver.

Obviously, this was also habit; they left all their wealth at home.

The Lady carried this silver, of course, to bribe local officials.

Their backgrounds were powerful, but sometimes they still needed silver to clear the way.

As for the items on the guards, Xu Yuan summoned his subordinate Captains: "Take whatever you can use."

Di Youzhi grinned widely—only to stop smiling a moment later; he and Qin Ze had both set their sights on the same crafted item.

Anyone else would have yielded it to Di Youzhi.

Everyone felt that among the Captains, aside from Fu Jingyu, Di Youzhi was the closest to my lord.

They would all yield a bit to Di Youzhi.

Yet Old Qin refused to accept this.

The two tugged on the crafted item together and went to find my lord Xu to settle the dispute.

Xu Yuan opened his mouth and scolded: "Settle what nonsense! Two greedy ghosts, go out and fight; whoever wins takes it!"

Qin Ze rolled up his sleeves and sneered: "Fine! Old Di, stick your face over; I guarantee I'll only swell one side, leaving the other for you to show people!"

Di Youzhi cursed: "Fool!"

Amidst the cheering of the subordinate Captains, the two squared off in the courtyard to spar.

Di Youzhi's opening move was a Sword Pill, driving straight at Old Qin's throat.

Old Qin felt the sharpness was unstoppable and his face changed in horror: "You've reached the Seventh Rank!"

The Sword Pill transformed into a small sword, pressing against his throat.

Old Qin dared not move.

Di Youzhi stepped forward and punched Old Qin's left eye, instantly creating a huge black eye.

"Hahaha!" Di Youzhi laughed with hands on hips: "I only hit one of your eyes, leaving the other for you to show people."

Then, delighted, he took the crafted item and left.

Then he secretly shook his hand: "The bones of that Rank Dan Xiu are truly hard!"

Old Qin stared at his black eye and went to find my lord Xu, aggrieved: "Did you already know Old Di reached the Seventh Rank?"

"How would this official know? Di Youzhi is cunning; he secretly reached the Seventh Rank without telling anyone!"

Xu Yuan looked at that black eye and smiled with satisfaction.

Who told you to babble nonsense all day, ruining this official's reputation!

A while back, Di Youzhi asked Xu Yuan for a favor and, through Shi Bading, obtained a batch of swords and blades from the office.

He used them to replenish his Golden Pill, preparing to break through to the Seventh Rank.

Originally, Di Youzhi estimated he would need another year or half-year, but my lord Xu had seen it long ago; this rascal had secretly reached the Seventh Rank three days ago.

The Lady's subordinates had only one survivor, that Rank Dan Xiu, who was also captured and brought back.

Yet he committed suicide halfway along the road.

He left not even a soul behind.

Including the Lady, the souls of this entire group had been implanted with a technique; upon death, their souls were simultaneously eroded clean.

Even more ruthless than the "Pulling Thread Method"!

Xu Yuan had Fu Jingyu prepare the case files for this matter, then reported them to He Youxing.

He Youxing, of course, knew there would be another major battle today at the Nancheng Patrol Station.

But he did not care.

He would spend the New Year peacefully in Zhan City, then pack up and leave.

Now he only sought to avoid fault.

Xu Yuan's matters, Xu Yuan would take the blame for himself; if he couldn't carry it, there was also Ma Tianshou—after all, this Chief of Law would absolutely have no connection with him.

However, when Xu Yuan's case files were delivered, they still startled He Youxing: "Is this young man so fierce?"

"He beheaded a Fifth Rank criminal in the street?!"

He Youxing's face changed color several times.

Actually, he had already decided; before leaving, he would definitely make Xu Yuan "uncomfortable" once.

Did he really think this Chief of Law had no temper?

And as Xu Yuan's direct superior, it was far too easy for him to find trouble with Xu Yuan.

Before, he simply didn't want to provoke this fellow, so he had no qualms before leaving.

But now... this rascal can kill a fifth-rank bandit!

This Law-Enforcement Director is only sixth-rank...

He Youxing thought for a moment, shook his head, and decided: "Enough, enough! This my lord is magnanimous; I won't hold it against him!"

He Youxing stamped the case file and forwarded it to the Southern Office.

After finishing all this, He Youxing rubbed his chin and suddenly realized: A fifth-rank bandit, accompanied by five seventh-rank subordinates—there's no way he had no background.

Who exactly has Xu Yuan provoked?

Will there be retaliation later...

He Youxing muttered that things were bad and hurriedly shouted outside: "Steward! Steward! Quickly write a leave-of-absence memorial for this official! This official is gravely ill and cannot attend to affairs; send it to the Southern Office immediately!"

The case file and the leave-of-absence memorial arrived before Ma Tianshou at the same time.

Ma Tianshou read the case file and was secretly startled: "This young man... is extraordinary."

"Even placed in the Northern Capital, he would be among the most outstanding geniuses."

"This old man indeed did not misjudge him!"

He Youxing did not know why the Lady had come, but Old Master Ma saw through it.

Aside from the owner of the Cocoon-Eaters, who has the strength to dispatch such a formidable team?

"I fear those people will not let this matter rest."

"We must find a way to have this young man assume the position of Law-Enforcement Director."

"Hopefully, this will make those people hesitate to strike for fear of harming the rat."

Xu Yuan was also thinking about how to prevent future troubles.

The "masters" of the Lady will certainly not stop here.

If one fifth-rank dies, they will send a fourth-rank!

"I truly did not take the Cocoon-Eaters."

That afternoon, Uncle Mao Si arrived in Champa.

A swift horse galloped through the Beicheng gate, heading straight for the Champa Office of the Purification Bureau.

The Southern Office approved He Youxing's leave.

It also approved Xie Qingman's leave.

After writing his own leave-of-absence memorial, He Youxing thought for a moment and decided to inform Xie Qingman.

During this period, the two had "huddled together for warmth"; since He Youxing was leaving, he felt it was better to cultivate another good connection with Xie Qingman.

Xie Qingman's leave-of-absence memorial reached the Southern Office only two double-hours later than He Youxing's.

Ma Tianshou was furious; these two irresponsible wastes!

If you both run away, who will shield my lord's precious treasure from wind and rain?

But it was inappropriate not to approve, since both were gravely ill and bedridden.

Ma Tianshou thought for a moment and simply approved both, then took this opportunity to let Xu Yuan fully manage the affairs of the Champa Office of the Purification Bureau.

As long as Xu Yuan performed well during this short period before the New Year, the grounds for applying to the superiors to promote Xu Yuan to Law-Enforcement Director would be even stronger.

Thus, this rider came bearing three orders.

While Xu Yuan and Aunt Wang were welcoming Uncle Mao Si, Shi Bading, this little expert at spreading news, arrived, his hearty laughter echoing from the main gate all the way to where Xu Yuan stood: "Little brother, great news! From now on, you are the boss of our Champa Office of the Purification Bureau!"

Shi Bading's heart, which had been suspended for so long, finally settled back into his belly, so he acted with unrestrained arrogance and full bandit-like spirit.

After he was no longer favored by "Old Benefactor" He Youxing, he had wanted to attach himself to Xu Yuan.

But whether Xu Yuan could advance further, no one could guarantee at that time.

Now, that step has already been taken.

"What exactly is going on?" Xu Yuan asked, puzzled.

While Shi Bading was speaking, the messenger had already arrived at the Southern City Patrol Duty Room.

"He Youxing and Xie Qingman are already packing their luggage; they will move out of the Champa Office in two double-hours.

Little brother Xu, you can move into the office and wield full authority, hahaha."

Xu Yuan hesitated somewhat.

Fu Jingyu advised from the side: "It is inappropriate. It is better to remain steady and low-key."

Xu Yuan thought for a moment: "You are right."

Shi Bading rubbed his nose, somewhat unconvinced.

However, Fu Jingyu was a young master from a great surname; such families have played the official game for several generations, even ten or more generations.

Shi Bading felt he should listen to his advice.

"Brother Shi, you continue to hold the Champa Office; we will remain at the Southern Jiaozhi Southern Office. If anything happens, notify us immediately."

"Good." Shi Bading spread his arms and shouted loudly: "Today is a good day; at the Five Flavors Tower, I, Old Shi, will treat!

Everyone must come; not a single person can be missing!

Today, no excuses for absence will be accepted!

Hahaha..."

Xu Yuan felt somewhat troubled: "Today, people from my hometown have arrived..."

"You're being too formal—your old family is my old family, your elders are my elders! What's wrong with me honoring an elder by treating them to a meal?"

Shi Bading had already seen Uncle Mao Si.

Uncle Mao Si had worn a look of sorrow since who knew when, his forehead creased with deep wrinkles.

He wasn't young to begin with, and now he looked even older.

Shi Bading grabbed Uncle Mao Si's arm: "Uncle, come with me—I'll take you to taste the local specialties of Zhan City..."

Xu Yuan didn't dampen the mood; he smiled and nodded: "Fine, let's make it lively—today Shi Lao Ge is really opening his purse."

Shi Bading pulled Uncle Mao Si out the door and muttered: "Uncle, speaking of Zhan City's specialties, it's not just about food—it's about entertainment too..."

"I heard the Zhengzhou area values Yangzhou slender horses, Datong wives, Taishan nuns... We've got our own Daoxiang Black... Oh!"

The back of Shi Bading's head took a slap from Aunt Wang.

"Hehe, hehe." Shi Bading laughed nervously, no longer daring to corrupt Uncle Mao Si.

Xu Yuan sighed: "My fourth uncle is dirt poor—don't take advantage of him."

The feast cost Shi Bading a full twenty taels of silver.

The drunk Captains grew restless and began shouting: "Just wine and meat won't satisfy us..."

"Hahaha!"

"Tonight we'll go..."

Just as they laughed and joked, a roar like thunder exploded: "Lang Xiao Ba, how dare you feel up your auntie? Do you want to die?!"

At the sound, everyone scattered like startled birds.

Only Lang Xiao Ba, looking bewildered, and another female Captain remained in the center.

The female Captain had a regular, pleasing face, her skin pale with a rosy flush, her vital energy vigorous.

But her stature was a full circle larger than Lang Xiao Ba's.

This female warrior was Ji Shuangqiu, the top Wu Xiu of the Zhan City Branch of the Purification Office.

Her father was a Wu Xiu, with little education—he named her plainly, so everyone knew exactly when she was born.

"I didn't..." Lang Xiao Ba protested.

Ji Shuangqiu glared with wide, furious eyes: "You're still denying it!"

Thud!

Lang Xiao Ba cried out in pain: "Oy!" and stumbled back two steps, collapsing onto the ground, clutching his eyes.

Ji Shuangqiu was Eighth Tier—on pure Wu Xiu strength, Lang Xiao Ba was no match.

Lang Xiao Ba removed his hands; his eyes were two matching bruises, side by side, as he stood beside Old Qin.

Ji Shuangqiu waved her fist triumphantly: "With your skills, how dare you imitate others and steal kisses? Hmph!"

This interruption killed all desire to discuss tonight's drinking and music.

Xu Yuan found it strange—could Lang Xiao Ba really have had the nerve?

But everyone knew Ji Shuangqiu was blunt and honest; she wouldn't falsely accuse someone without cause.

Xu Yuan smiled inwardly and shook his head.

The Purification Office had both men and women; Xu Yuan knew some of his subordinates had secret relationships behind their colleagues' backs.

As long as it didn't interfere with investigations, Xu Yuan wouldn't break up lovers.

Back at the Nancheng Patrol Quarters, Xu Yuan discussed matters with Uncle Mao Si.

Uncle Mao Si told him to take out the Six-Eyed Eyed Minge Devil Pill, examine it closely, then nodded: "No issues—it's usable. Abao, stay alert for contamination; this thing leaks a lot of yin energy."

"I will, Mao Sishu."

"You've got nothing here needing help—I'll head back tomorrow morning."

"Why rush? You've come all this way—stay a few more days..."

"No," Uncle Mao Si said. "I still owe the Xiao family in Chengxi a set of cabinets—I must get back to work."

Xu Yuan pleaded again and again, but Uncle Mao Si refused.

Xu Yuan reluctantly gave in, went out, bought Uncle Mao Si many things, and even bought him a mule to carry them.

"Take it back tomorrow. There's also tobacco I'm offering to Master Shen."

"You child, wasting money again—we have everything we need at home..." Uncle Mao Si chattered on, yet his face was creased with fresh layers of smiles.

Since night travel wasn't banned today, Xu Yuan waited until evening, then summoned Miao Yan: "Go to the Little West Temple again."

Miao Yan had been given a task by Master Xu to seize Shen Qingpeng's assets.

But Miao Yan knew he lacked the "weight."

If he went to Shen Qingpeng's men, they'd rebel.

So he returned to Huade Jishi Hall and passed the task to... his father.

"Crooked Sprout" muttered under his breath: I wanted to spend more time with Ancestor Grandma.

What a useless son—I'm old and still have to clean up his mess!

But this was Xu Yuan's matter; Crooked Sprout could only scold his son a few times before reluctantly going.

This time entering the "Little West Temple Old Market," Xu Yuan, familiar with the route, went straight to Zhang Laoya's shop.

He used the bronze key to open the door and showed the Six-Eyed Eyed Minge Devil Pill—Zhang Laoya drew a deep breath: "You're lucky."

He'd originally told Zhang Laoya that a "family elder" had taken him on as a yin soldier, which was somewhat inconvenient.

Yet within just a few days, Xu Yuan had acquired such a suitable Waidan!

Zhang Laoya stepped into the Six-Eyed Eyed Minge.

After three days, Zhang Laoya would become a yin soldier of the Six-Eyed Eyed Minge.

Then he could emerge again and continue managing the shop.

Xu Yuan stepped out of the shop, and Miao Yan immediately approached, asking, "My lord, shall we return?"

"There is one more matter."

Xu Yuan did not say what the matter was, and Miao Yan dared not ask further.

They followed Lord Xu back to the "Yin Yang Zhai."

The ghost women here had been replaced; the previous four were nowhere to be seen.

"Customer, you..." The ghost women had barely begun to speak when Xu Yuan burst in, headed straight for the counter, and slammed his hand down on the surface with a forceful thud!

The Shopkeeper Huang, who had been hiding underneath and sleeping, was jolted awake and leaped up, crashing his head against the underside of the counter.

"Ouch—"

He stuck out a pointed beak-like head to take a look: "Why have you come again? Did you not agree with our master that you no longer wanted those two treasures?"

Xu Yuan pointed at Miao Yan: "I am not buying, but my friend here is very interested in those two treasures. Since I am introducing you to a major business deal, should your master not give me some benefit?"

Shopkeeper Huang stood there with his mouth agape.

Miao Yan was even more stunned, his legs turning to jelly and his mouth tasting bitter—

Miao Yan knew who the master behind this shop was; Lord Xu, this is hardly human behavior! Could you pick someone else? My small frame truly cannot withstand this...

(End of this chapter)