Chapter 398: Shallow Waters Cannot Raise a Dragon

Watching the encirclement of Prefecture Soldiers slowly disperse, clearing a path for the members of the Lin Family, a subtle balance quietly formed in the air.

The flag officer among the Prefecture Soldiers had an indignant look and was about to speak, but County Magistrate Liu's gaze was profound, as if he could discern the most hidden corners of the human heart. He gently waved his hand, stopping those subordinates who were about to speak again; that composure and calmness fully displayed his craftiness.

Everyone present held their breath; such a scene was by no means comparable to an ordinary dispute. Being able to make three hundred well-equipped Prefecture Soldiers back down was enough to show the spirit of those who came from the Hong Sect—this was a head-on confrontation between the people and the officials!

County Magistrate Liu knew clearly in his heart that today's matter was no longer something he, a mere County Magistrate, could easily handle.

Liu Lao, this Martial Artist who usually appeared rarely and only followed the orders of the Madam, was actually wary of the Hong Sect Leader Wei Zhuang before him, which was enough to explain everything.

Wei Zhuang still had a cold expression, standing there as steady as Mount Tai, yet he possessed an intimidating aura.

His gaze was as sharp as a falcon, piercing through the crowd to stare straight at County Magistrate Liu.

Such an opponent, even for an old fox like County Magistrate Liu who had been in officialdom for many years, had to be dealt with carefully.

"Sect Master Wei, today's matter is just a misunderstanding. This official hopes the Hong Sect will stop here."

County Magistrate Liu spoke slowly, his voice carrying authority, yet it also revealed a trace of imperceptible compromise.

Wei Zhuang felt disdain in his heart; the County Magistrate was still putting on these official airs at a time like this.

But he also knew that now was not the time to fall out, so he only said one word concisely: "Acceptable."

Seeing Wei Zhuang putting on such airs, County Magistrate Liu turned and left without looking back.

Even for him, having spent many years in officialdom, such an embarrassing scene of being slapped in the face was something he could hardly handle.

Seeing Liu Lao silent, County Magistrate Liu walked up slowly and asked in a low voice, "Liu Lao, is there some difficulty?"

Liu Lao nodded slightly, his eyes deep: "That Wei Zhuang, his Blood Qi is refined, and his aura is one with the Sword in his hand.

That sharp aura feels as if it is about to cut my throat.

An expert, definitely an expert of the Organ Refining Realm.

Even if placed within the prefecture city, he could be ranked among the best.

How could such a small place give birth to such a dragon?"

County Magistrate Liu wiped the cold sweat from his head, secretly agreeing in his heart.

That explains it.

The Liu Family is powerful and cares deeply about face.

How could they remain silent on such an occasion?

It turns out the person holding the line wasn't confident!

County Magistrate Liu understood in his heart and secretly rejoiced that he had not acted rashly.

He looked at Liu Lao, a trace of doubt flashing in his eyes: "That's not right, Liu Lao. The Hong Sect was developed right under the eyes of me and the Madam.

The previous Sect Master was named Cheng Feng, a Martial Arts Hall disciple with no background.

After founding the Hong Sect, he retired to become a wealthy man, and only now has Wei Zhuang succeeded him.

But according to you, this Wei Zhuang is clearly not someone this small place could cultivate; I fear there is something..."

Liu Lao stroked his long beard, his expression grave: "Indeed, an expert of the Organ Refining Realm has already finished tempering his muscles and bones; not only is his Blood Qi vigorous,

but he has also begun to touch the realm of 'momentum'.

Ordinary people are definitely not his match in a single move.

This Wei Zhuang looks to be only in his early twenties, yet he has reached such a realm; I imagine there must be a force supporting him behind the scenes.

Coupled with the current situation becoming increasingly treacherous,

I imagine they are attempting to get a share of the Great Zhou.

It is a pity, the timing is not yet right."

County Magistrate Liu listened, cold sweat pouring down.

Liu Lao is usually taciturn; these few words he spoke

made him, who had been in officialdom for many years, feel that the days ahead would turn into a huge vortex.

A moment later, he asked: "Liu Lao, will this affect the Madam's plan?

We can't just sit and wait for death, can we?"

Liu Lao pondered for a moment and said slowly: "This matter needs to be approached from two aspects.

First, we need to secretly investigate the background of the Hong Sect and figure out the network of forces behind it so we can prescribe the right medicine;

Second, we need to find an expert capable of contending with Wei Zhuang to deter the Hong Sect with force so they dare not act rashly."

Hearing this, County Magistrate Liu frowned: "Find an expert?

That is easier said than done.

Martial Artists of the Organ Refining Realm are all high-ranking and powerful people in the prefecture city, let alone coming to this remote place of ours."

Liu Lao smiled slightly, a flash of pride in his eyes: "My Lord, do not worry; just inform the Madam of this matter."

Hearing this, County Magistrate Liu felt a bit awkward in his heart.

These days of reporting everything to the Madam,

he really finds it so difficult!!!

But he hurriedly said: "If that is truly the case, then that would be great.

Liu Lao, I will leave this matter to you."

Liu Lao nodded, his expression grave: "County Magistrate, rest assured, I will definitely do my best.

However, this matter must be kept secret to avoid alerting the enemy."

County Magistrate Liu nodded and said: "Rest assured, I know.

The people under my command will not talk about it either."

Liu Lao said nothing and turned to leave, but he heard County Magistrate Liu sigh in a low voice: "It seems Liu Lao's strength is still a bit lacking..."

"Hmm?" Liu Lao frowned slightly, his gaze staring at County Magistrate Liu like lightning, as if he wanted to pierce through his thoughts: "What does the County Magistrate mean by this?"

County Magistrate Liu realized he had said the wrong thing and hurriedly apologized with a smile: "Oh, it's nothing, it's nothing. I was just speaking off the cuff, please don't take it to heart, Liu Lao."

Liu Lao's gaze was sharp, and he did not seem prepared to let the matter rest: "Speaking off the cuff?

Lord County Magistrate, we are currently in troubled times, and every word can influence the situation. I hope you will be cautious in your speech and actions.

Do not think of provoking me either; that trick is useless on me. In my heart, there is only the great cause of the Liu Family."

County Magistrate Liu felt a shock in his heart; Liu Lao's influence before the Madam was far stronger than his own as a mere shield.

At this moment, he had no choice but to bite the bullet and explain: "Liu Lao, you have misunderstood.

I only felt that since Wei Zhuang is already an expert of the Organ Refining Realm, ordinary people would likely find it difficult to contend with him.

Therefore, I could not help but feel some anxiety."

Upon hearing this, Liu Lao's expression softened slightly: "It is reasonable for you to have such concerns, Lord County Magistrate.

However, the Madam will naturally give it her all. You need only wait quietly for the good news."

Watching the Lin Family, who had already walked out of the encirclement not far away, County Magistrate Liu forced himself to keep his spirits up and said: "That is only natural; I believe the Madam will have a way."

Liu Lao looked at County Magistrate Liu's somewhat distracted appearance.

He thought to himself: "No wonder the Young Miss wanted to support such a person as a shield.

Fierce in appearance but cowardly in spirit, hard on the outside but soft on the inside.

He is, after all, an obedient puppet."