The clouds parted, and the rain ceased.
On the county yamen’s drill ground, Wang Ping stood with one hand resting on his saber. His other hand dragged a corpse cleaved neatly in two, leaving a striking trail of blood across the grounds.
On both sides of the drill ground, the assembled constables were jolted from their routines. They stared at the scene with indescribable expressions, exchanging glances filled with bewilderment. Clearly, this sight completely shattered their expectations.
“Who is this kid?”
“I forgot. I only remember he’s a rookie.”
“I think his name is Wang Ping? The Lord specifically ordered Old Liu to guide him… No way, hasn’t he only been in the yamen for half a month?”
“He killed that White Lotus rebel?”
“Does he have that kind of skill?”
“He probably just landed the finishing blow… Sigh, what a pity for Brother Qin. He threw his life away, only for a rookie to steal the credit. Now he won’t get a single copper of the bounty.”
Wang Ping ignored the surrounding chatter.
At this moment, he was silently reviewing his previous actions, analyzing the pros and cons. Strictly speaking, this was his first time killing someone since he transmigrated.
First, my current strength isn’t actually that high, or rather, it’s not comprehensive enough. True dragon sinews undoubtedly gave me immense power, but whether in speed, defense, stamina, or explosive force… I’m sorely lacking. I only succeeded this time because I timed it perfectly.
It looked like he killed Xie Shi with a single slash, but in reality, he had made ample preparations.
If he hadn’t locked onto Xie Shi in advance using spiritual sense, he couldn’t possibly have intercepted him flawlessly while he was fleeing like a madman.
Even during the strike itself, he utilized spiritual sense for assistance.
He used spiritual sense’s perception to avoid Xie Shi’s most ferocious burst of power and attacked his weakest opening, achieving the effect of deflecting a thousand pounds with four ounces.
Thanks to spiritual sense, I could maximize my advantages. Although Xie Shi also cultivated dragon sinews, they were clearly inferior to my true dragon sinews. In a pure contest of strength, he was no match for me. I dragged him into my area of expertise and successfully defeated him.
Of course, he didn’t escape entirely unscathed.
Despite dodging quickly, he was grazed by Xie Shi’s dying strike. The force contained within it had actually severely injured him.
Normally, he would have to lie in bed for several months to recover.
However, the moment he was injured, he circulated 【Qi Ward】, using True Qi to stop the bleeding and regenerate flesh. By the time he returned to the drill ground, he was mostly healed.
Thinking of this, Wang Ping reaffirmed a belief.
Cultivating immortality is simply superior to practicing martial arts!
Just the most basic spiritual sense of a cultivator and a superficial spell allowed him to defeat a stronger martial artist. It was glaringly obvious which path had a brighter future.
Just then, a voice suddenly rang out.
“Congratulations, Brother Wang!”
Wang Ping turned to see the approaching figure and hurriedly cupped his hands. “Master Liu…”
Before he could finish, Liu Ye waved his hands frantically. “I can’t accept that, I can’t. Brother Wang, killing that White Lotus rebel is a monumental achievement.”
With that, Wang Ping saw Liu Ye reach into his robes, pull out a money pouch, and shove it directly into his hand while pretending to shake hands.
“Oh right, this is the silver you dropped earlier, Brother Wang. I picked it up for you.”
“Count it and see if the amount is right.”
Hearing this, Wang Ping glanced at the pouch in his hand. A quick sweep of his spiritual sense made the situation clear: It’s the broken silver I gave him earlier, plus an extra ten taels…
Is this… returning a gift and offering an apology?
Wang Ping instantly understood Liu Ye’s intention. This old constable truly kept his cards close to his chest. In that torrential downpour, it seemed he had clearly seen that slash?
He knows I’ve cultivated true dragon sinews.
He thinks I have a limitless future and is making friendly overtures in advance? He might even be… worried that since he took so much of my money earlier, I’d hold a grudge?
Realizing this, Wang Ping suddenly smiled.
The next second, he decisively pushed the money pouch back into Liu Ye’s hands and said softly, “Brother Liu, don’t look down on me. Aren’t we friends?”
He could certainly take the money, but it was unnecessary. After all, the 【Iron Bull Technique】 had genuinely helped him immensely. And considering he only spent a few pieces of broken silver, strictly speaking, he made a massive profit.
If he asked for the money back now that he had struck it rich, it would be pushing his luck and went against his principles.
Moreover, compared to a simple monetary transaction, he valued the favor he built with Liu Ye much more.
After all, when it came to many troubles in this world, without connections, no amount of money could solve them. But with connections, it was just a matter of lifting a finger.
“This…”
Liu Ye looked at the returned pouch in his hand. His mouth opened slightly, and he sighed helplessly. “Brother Wang… your future truly looks brighter and brighter.”
“You flatter me, Brother Liu,” Wang Ping chuckled.
Liu Ye shook his head and said no more. He put the pouch away, his expression turning serious. “The Lord just gave the word. He wants you to go see him immediately.”
A reward?
Wang Ping’s spirits lifted. He quickly accepted the order and hurried to the inner courtyard of the county yamen.
Upon entering, Wang Ping saw Chen Haoyan, the Head Constable of the Longxing County Yamen, sitting steadily on a grand armchair right in the center of the main hall.
Almost simultaneously, the other man looked over.
Instantly, Wang Ping’s pupils shrank. An intense sense of crisis washed over him, as if an invisible giant hand had suddenly seized his heart.
Is this… the Gaze Strike Technique?
By now, Wang Ping was no longer a martial arts novice. After conversing with Liu Ye for so many days, he had a clear understanding of Great Shun’s martial arts system.
The Gaze Strike Technique isn’t part of the external martial arts system involving skin, flesh, sinews, bones, blood, and marrow. Nor is it part of the higher-level Internal Force system. It’s a secret art that can only be mastered by martial artists who have gone further and made preliminary contact with 【Spirit】. If that’s true, then this Head Constable Chen’s martial arts are probably on the verge of breaking through…
Wang Ping silently calculated in his heart.
“Not bad. Truly a talent.”
The next second, Chen Haoyan spoke. His voice wasn’t commanding, but rather gentle. “You are a meritorious official here to claim your reward. There’s no need to be so tense.”
“Come, rest a bit first.”
With that, Chen Haoyan gestured to a nearby chair, signaling Wang Ping to sit.
Then, he pulled a gleaming golden ingot from his sleeve and casually tossed it into Wang Ping’s lap. “This is your bounty for killing the rebel.”
“Besides that, I called you here to ask you a question.”
As he spoke, Chen Haoyan’s imposing gaze locked onto Wang Ping. He asked, emphasizing each word, “What grade are your dragon sinews?”
Wang Ping had anticipated this.
Therefore, he didn’t panic in the slightest. He cupped his hands with quiet dignity and answered in a deep voice, “Reporting to the Lord. After reaching perfection in the saber technique, this subordinate cultivated true dragon sinews.”
Although Wang Ping could easily hide his true dragon sinews using spiritual sense if he wanted to, he decided it wasn’t necessary after much thought.
Hiding one’s strength is modesty, not self-restraint.
It’s fine to hide it outside, but if I hide my strength in the yamen and don’t properly display my abilities, how will the leadership give me responsibilities? And how will I advance?
Of course, this approach carried risks.
After all, having died a violent death in his life before last, he knew Chen Haoyan’s bridge-burning personality all too well. He only dared to do this because his foundation was different now.
This is the confidence a cheat brings.
If this bastard tries to burn the bridge again, even if I have to risk this life, I’ll deal him a heavy blow. After all, the 【Otherworldly Heavenly Demon】 cooldown has ended…
Silence descended upon the main hall after he spoke.
A long while later, Chen Haoyan spoke faintly, “At the end of the day, 【Three Demonic Sabers of Yama】 is only a lower-tier martial art. Theoretically, it’s impossible to cultivate true dragon sinews.”
“Unless you secretly learned a better sinew-refining martial art.”
“Absolutely not!”
Wang Ping shook his head in confident denial. After all, he truly hadn’t practiced any other martial arts; he hadn’t even crossed the threshold of the 【Pale Moon Lotus Blade】 yet.
Chen Haoyan narrowed his eyes. “Absolutely not? And yet you managed to cultivate true dragon sinews?”
Wang Ping scratched his head. “Perhaps I was born with divine strength?”
“…Hahaha!”
The next second, the stern-faced Chen Haoyan suddenly burst into laughter. “Born with divine strength… Not bad. If that’s the case, it is indeed possible to cultivate true dragon sinews.”
“After all, I was the same back then.”
With that, Chen Haoyan stepped forward and patted Wang Ping’s shoulder, smiling. “Do you know what martial art is most suitable for talents like us?”
Wang Ping shook his head.
“The bow and arrow!”
Chen Haoyan emphasized his words, “My family’s secret legacy, the 【Heaven-Shaking Cloud-Piercing Bow】, is the most suitable for you!”
“If you devote yourself to this martial art, you might one day join the Divine Constable Bureau like me, become an Internal Force Master, and even earn a place on the Weapon Register.”
So, what is the cost?
Wang Ping knew clearly that Chen Haoyan was baiting him with profits. He was obviously hinting at the incredibly dangerous, near-suicidal task he mentioned on the drill ground earlier.
But… this plays right into my hands!
Thinking of this, Wang Ping’s face instantly showed a mix of temptation and hesitation. After pondering for a moment, he asked softly, “May I ask, Lord, what do you need me to do?”
Seeing this, Chen Haoyan revealed a satisfied smile and spoke crisply:
“I need you to escort something for me.”
He then brought out a silver throwing knife Wang Ping was all too familiar with. Instantly, the saber light spilled out like moonlight, carrying a frigid aura.
The 【Lotus Blade】!
“This is the bound weapon of the White Lotus Cult Master, Shou Chong,” Chen Haoyan explained. “Recently, the Destiny attached to this throwing knife suddenly plummeted .”
“I don’t know the exact reason, but Shou Chong is clearly getting anxious. The White Lotus rebel you killed infiltrated the yamen late last night specifically to retrieve it. But that was just an appetizer testing the waters. That old thief Shou Chong is the main course. He will definitely strike personally for this item.”
“This is a massive opportunity for me.”
Chen Haoyan’s expression appeared sincere as he patiently explained, “In short, I intend to return this throwing knife to Shou Chong first, and then defeat him publicly.”
“Although most of the Destiny on the throwing knife has dissipated, its renown remains.”
“By defeating Shou Chong publicly and shattering the throwing knife, I can seize its renown to nourish myself. This will help me break through the shackles of Internal Force and reach a higher level.”
“However… I am not certain I can win.”
At this point, Chen Haoyan looked at Wang Ping. “Therefore, while this throwing knife must be returned to Shou Chong, it cannot be returned too easily. We must make him pay a price.”
And then you can strike while he’s weak to take his life, right?
Wang Ping understood perfectly, but one thing remained unclear. “But Lord, this subordinate’s martial arts are meager. If I truly confront Shou Chong, I would be utterly powerless…”
“You don’t need to fight.”
Chen Haoyan shook his head. “It’s the 【Wandering Spirit Temple】. I have already invited the Wandering Spirit Perfected One. He will personally strike and publicly destroy this throwing knife.”
“However, the Wandering Spirit Perfected One refuses to leave the 【Wandering Spirit Temple】.”
“So, your task is to deliver this throwing knife into the 【Wandering Spirit Temple】… Remember, you must deliver it openly, so everyone can see it.”
Wang Ping understood.
Escorting the throwing knife is just a front. He’s clearly baiting the hook!
He’s deliberately releasing the news, playing an open hand by sending the 【Lotus Blade】 to the 【Wandering Spirit Temple】 for the Wandering Spirit Perfected One to destroy, forcing that old fogey Shou Chong to intercept it.
This way, Shou Chong has no choice but to clash with the Wandering Spirit Perfected One. Since the latter is clearly capable, Chen Haoyan simply wants them to fight like the snipe and the clam, while he reaps the fisherman’s profit. Regardless of whether Shou Chong wins or loses, Chen Haoyan can jump out and kick the dog while it’s down.
This scheme was truly insidious and vicious, yet it also carried a flavor of an open conspiracy.
However—there was one problem.
“May I ask, Lord,” Wang Ping frowned deeply and whispered, “what if this subordinate fails to deliver the 【Lotus Blade】 into the 【Wandering Spirit Temple】?”
If it didn’t enter the 【Wandering Spirit Temple】, the Wandering Spirit Perfected One might not act.
In that case, wouldn’t it be like throwing a meat bun at a dog—gone forever?
“This is the near-suicidal part.”
Chen Haoyan smiled. “If the mission fails, you, as the escort, will undoubtedly die… So, if you don’t want to die, don’t let it fail.”
He dodged the question.
It seems he has other preparations but doesn’t want to tell me… Make sense. Why would he reveal truly important secrets that concern his own interests to me?
The next second, Chen Haoyan continued:
“So? Do you dare accept?”
Wang Ping put on a bitter face and said tactfully, “Reporting to the Lord, this matter is near-suicidal. This subordinate’s death is a small matter, but ruining the Lord’s plans would be an unforgivable sin.”
Chen Haoyan’s expression remained unchanged. “I can teach you the 【Heaven-Shaking Cloud-Piercing Bow】.”
“If you’re worried about dying and think learning a martial art is useless, I can also promise you a slot. If you wish to pass the martial art down and leave it for someone else, that’s fine too.”
With that, he pulled out a manual.
Wang Ping’s eyes lit up initially, but then he shook his head. “With a book that thick, it would probably take months to learn.”
“This is the table of contents. The actual manuals are over there.”
Following Chen Haoyan’s pointing finger, Wang Ping saw a small mountain of books, at least forty or fifty volumes.
“So many? Just reading them would take a year.”
Chen Haoyan chuckled. “It took me three years to read them, and another thirty years of practice to achieve my current martial arts. Practicing martial arts inherently requires perseverance.”
Wang Ping gaped. “Thirty years? Then how much time does this subordinate have to practice?”
“Three days.”
Wang Ping’s eye twitched violently. “Three days… That makes it more than near-suicidal!”
Chen Haoyan smiled even brighter. “Not at all. If you practice, it’s a slim chance of survival. If you don’t, it’s certain death. You should know how to choose.”
Wang Ping: “……..”
Silence returned to the main hall. Chen Haoyan wasn’t in a hurry. He waited calmly, confident the young constable before him understood the unspoken implications.
Refuse? You must be joking.
From the moment Wang Ping walked into this hall, Chen Haoyan had left him no room to refuse. From the very beginning, obedience was Wang Ping’s only option!
Otherwise, how could he be worthy of his evaluation as “truly a talent”?
A long while later, Wang Ping finally looked up. Gritting his teeth, he squeezed the words out of his mouth: “This subordinate can accept the task, but… I need more money!”