Chapter 137: Peach Spirit's Candlelit Wedding Night; Magistrate Qiu Passes Away; Does a Long Sword Also Wish to Overpower a Broadsword?

Inside the county yamen.

Several capable chief constables of Yanggu County had been summoned together, numbering around six or seven. Qiu Changfeng looked at the magistrate's assistant of Yanggu County and asked, "Are all the chief constables of the sixth-rank cultivation level here?"

"Yes, My Lord, they are all here," the assistant nodded.

"It seems the chief constables of Yanggu County possess quite impressive cultivation levels. I didn't expect to find so many sixth-rank experts here."

Qiu Changfeng nodded with satisfaction. Normally, sixth-rank martial artists in a mere county town would be unwilling to serve as chief constables; Yanggu County was truly harboring unexpected talent.

Indeed.

Without Su Yang's assistance, the constables of the Yanggu County yamen naturally would not possess such strength. However, under the constant supply of Su Yang's abundant resources, the strength of these bailiffs and chief constables had been rapidly advancing.

"Accompany me inside first."

Dressed in an official robe of dark green, Qiu Changfeng pointed at one of the sixth-rank martial artist chief constables and led the way into the inner room.

The room was dim, with only Qiu Changfeng and the constable present.

"What is your name?" Qiu Changfeng asked, radiating an unforced authority as he looked at the man before him in constable attire.

"Yang Chao, a native of Yanggu County."

"Yang Chao, a fine name. Do you know of the Qiu family of Jiangcheng?"

"The Qiu family of Jiangcheng? Forgive this humble one's ignorance, Magistrate, but I have not heard of them."

Yang Chao frowned slightly; he truly had never heard of them.

"You are merely a lowly chief constables, so it is quite normal that you have not heard of them. My Qiu family is a prominent clan in Jiangzhou with direct ties to the imperial court. Among the seven counties to the west of the Su Prefecture, the magistrate of Hulao County is also a member of the Qiu family."

"Throughout Jiangzhou, the Qiu family is a prestigious clan with thousands serving as officials in the imperial court, every single one of them holding high positions. As for myself, I am merely a humble county magistrate among them. My purpose in coming to Yanggu County this time is to accomplish a specific task. If I succeed, I will have the opportunity to be directly promoted to Prefect."

"Yang Chao, you are quite capable, and this magistrate wishes to cultivate your talents...!"

...

After successively sounding out and cajoling several chief constables, Qiu Changfeng felt quite pleased. Looking at the names on his list, he already imagined himself bringing down the Su family, returning to his clan with the secret of textile manufacturing to report on his duties, and subsequently being promoted to Prefect—completing the leap from a seventh-rank official to a fourth-rank official.

Of course, a transitional period would inevitably be required.

If the family could generate massive profits, perhaps his official career was only just beginning.

His lawful wife had passed away less than two years ago; if he had the opportunity to form a marital alliance with another prestigious family, his official path would undoubtedly become even smoother...!

He only wondered which of these bailiffs would be the first to pledge their loyalty and willingness to follow him.

Qiu Changfeng gave these chief constables a full day to consider.

...

Nightfall!

After the yamen runners and bailiffs had finished their shifts, the streets of Yanggu County remained lively—its economy far superior to that of Yanggu County during the Daqian era.

The chief constables who had been summoned and cajoled by Qiu Changfeng earlier that day were now all standing inside the main hall of the Su residence. Seated at the very top was, naturally, Su Yang. Upon hearing the reports from these chief constables, the corners of Su Yang's mouth curled into a cold smile.

"This Qiu Changfeng is truly determined to lock horns with me to the end."

Su Yang sneered softly. What exactly had Qiu Changfeng set his sights on within the Su family?

The tavern, the draper's shop, or the soap?

Perhaps the draper's shop; it must have caught the attention of the Qiu family. With his imperial examinations only two months away, this Qiu Changfeng had to be eliminated as soon as possible to prevent any harm to the Su family.

Although Yanggu County was currently as secure as an iron fortress, Su Yang still harbored a trace of worry in his heart.

"I am aware of this matter. Follow my instructions and buy some time to stall this Qiu Changfeng first," Su Yang commanded.

"Understood, Master!"

The chief constables nodded quickly and then withdrew one by one.

...

Qiu Changfeng had not stayed inside the yamen long before a knock sounded at his door, accompanied by the voice of a middle-aged man: "Magistrate Qiu, are you in your room?"

"Come in!"

Qiu Changfeng's heart leapt with joy; it seemed Yanggu County was not an unbreakable monolith after all.

No, there was no such thing as an unbreakable monolith in this world. Human hearts were sinister, and any spark of jealousy or envy could churn into roaring waves, sweeping away a faction and plunging it into the boundless sea.

Yanggu County would certainly be no exception.

The person who entered was none other than Yang Chao, the first chief constable Qiu Changfeng had brainwashed!

"Ah, so it is Chief Constable Yang. What brings you to see me?"

Feigning complete ignorance, Magistrate Qiu asked as he sat upright in his chair.

"Magistrate, this humble one... this humble one is willing to follow the Magistrate, to saddle horses and brave arrows, whatever it takes...!"

Yang Chao knelt on the ground with an expression of utmost sincerity.

"Chief Constable Yang, are you not already following this magistrate? Rise quickly."

"Magistrate Qiu, I noticed recently that your complexion is poor. Are you troubled by something? If so, you might as well leave it to this humble subordinate to handle, and I will surely settle the matter flawlessly."

Assisted to his feet, Yang Chao patted his chest and vowed.

"Mm, having this intention is commendable."

"However, if you speak of matters requiring attention, there is indeed one—the murder case that occurred within our Yanggu County!"

"Elder Ding is a prominent and influential figure in our Yanggu County, yet unexpectedly, he was harmed by unknown perpetrators, and to this day the murderer has not been brought to justice. This is truly unacceptable."

"Yet among the three squads of bailiffs in our yamen, none possess the capability to shoulder this heavy burden, which deeply concerns this magistrate. I wonder if Chief Constable Yang has the resolve and ability to take on this responsibility?"

Magistrate Qiu said with a profound look.

"Rest assured, Magistrate, this matter is merely a trifle. Tomorrow, I will personally lead the brothers to investigate and guarantee a resolution for Elder Ding within seven days."

Yang Chao continued to pat his chest in assurance, looking thoroughly sincere.

"Splendid, splendid, splendid... If everyone in Yanggu County were like you, Yang Chao, why would we ever worry about the people failing to prosper?"

"Holding the people in your heart, your future will undoubtedly be boundless. Return now to rest, and begin the investigation immediately tomorrow. I suspect this was committed by one of the prominent clans in Yanggu County; you must focus your attention on the major families of Yanggu County, do you understand?" Qiu Changfeng instructed.

"This humble subordinate understands."

With that, Yang Chao withdrew immediately. Overjoyed, Qiu Changfeng sat back in his chair, opened a scandalous novel, and began reading with great relish.

Not long after.

Outside the door, a knock sounded once more—it was another chief constable from earlier that day.

Just like Yang Chao moments ago, he immediately pledged his loyalty upon entering, finally promising to solve the murder case within seven days.

Following that.

Another knock echoed from outside the room!

...

Throughout that night, out of the seven sixth-rank chief constables, a full four came to knock on his door and pledge their allegiance. This made Qiu Changfeng exceptionally happy.

Among the three yamen squads, with four out of seven chief constables willing to follow him, the remaining three must be neutral factions who had yet to pick a side. Yanggu County was certainly not as difficult to deal with as he had imagined!

Qiu Changfeng was filled with towering expectations for his future.

Early the next morning.

Those chief constables indeed began to busy themselves, leading their subordinates out to inspect the crime scenes.

"Master, the Chief Registrar has asked for sick leave."

Inside the yamen, a yamen runner hurried over, handed over a written request for sick leave, and spoke.

The Chief Registrar's specific duties included overseeing the county's grain, horses, tax collection, household registration, and patrol affairs. He was considered the magistrate's most important deputy, generally handling all administrative matters while the magistrate made the final decisions.

"Oh? He has taken leave?"

"Yes, he suddenly caught a cold and needs two months of leave!" the runner said.

"From now on, place all documents and dispatches in my room," Qiu Changfeng said, his brow furrowing slightly.

"Understood!" The runner nodded.

Time flew by!

In the blink of an eye, three days passed. The chief constables in the yamen seemed to have made no progress whatsoever; whenever duty hours arrived, they simply led their subordinates out of the yamen. Qiu Changfeng had repeatedly hinted at investigating the Su estate...

Those bailiffs had indeed visited the Su estate several times, only to return empty-handed every time.

Without evidence, how could one convict anyone?

Even if one wished to frame an innocent person, some preliminary evidence had to be manufactured first.

"Master, do you suppose these chief constables are all Su Yang's men, deliberately toying with you?" Qiu Changfeng's young pageboy whispered cautiously.

"Boom...!"

At that instant, Qiu Changfeng felt a roaring explosion in his head. Judging by the behavior of these bailiffs, that was undoubtedly the case.

"I am returning to my room to rest for a while!"

The feeling of betrayal by a few minor pawns made a raging fire burn in Qiu Changfeng's chest, his blood rushing to his head. Unable to help himself, he leaned against the wall and walked toward his room, his complexion terrifically dark.

"Master...!"

Seeing his master's state, the pageboy felt a pang of heartache.

Throughout Yanggu County, the Su family's control was terrifying. Although he was the magistrate, what use was his title if his subordinates refused to obey him?

Could it be that he had to personally descend into the field to investigate the cause of Elder Ding's death?

It seemed he had no choice but to find another way.

...

That very day, Qiu Changfeng's pageboy left Yanggu County and galloped on horseback toward Hulao County.

The next day.

The pageboy returned with a retinue of yamen runners behind him—reinforcements Qiu Changfeng had deliberately borrowed from his own family's contacts.

Immediately afterward, the investigation into Elder Ding's death resumed in earnest.

"This is the Su estate. Without evidence, you cannot enter," the guard martial artist said with an unkind tone.

"Are we not people from the official yamen?"

"We suspect Elder Ding's body is hidden right here!"

The chief constable borrowed from Hulao County flashed a cold glint in his eyes and said.

"You fellows don't look like constables of Yanggu County."

"Hmph, I used to be a chief constable in Hulao County, but I was transferred to Yanggu County a few days ago to serve under Magistrate Qiu."

"Since you are new here, do you know what kind of place this Su estate is? Don't make the mistake of coming to Yanggu County full of vigor only to find you cannot return."

"That requires no concern of yours. Are you going to let this official pass or not? If not, do not blame my subordinates for using force."

The chief constable borrowed from Hulao County slowly drew the long saber at his waist.

"Official, are you here regarding Elder Ding's case?" At that moment, Su Yang walked out from the textile factory and asked.

"Correct!"

"Since that is the case, there is no need for you to enter. Your Elder Ding's body is currently resting right at the entrance of the county yamen, and the murderer who harmed him has also been found. You might as well head back and take a look." Su Yang said calmly.

"What?"

Hearing Su Yang's words, the chief constable from Hulao County wore a look of doubt as he said, "Do you take this official for a fool who is easily lied to?"

"Why would I lie to you? If you don't believe it, just go back and see for yourself."

"You, go back and take a look."

Lü Tie finally gave instructions to a bailiff beside him while continuing to stand guard before the textile factory. If Elder Ding's corpse was not in front of the yamen gates, he would forcefully break in; he refused to believe these local rabble dared to obstruct him.

If they dared to obstruct him, so much the better—Magistrate Qiu could then report to the Su Prefecture and dispatch troops to suppress this Su family.

Hearing the order, the bailiff hurried toward the gates of the Yanggu County yamen. From afar, he saw a crowd gathered around something, buzzing with noisy commotion.

As he drew closer, a faint, foul stench drifted to his nostrils.

The bailiff's heart instantly tightened.

He hurriedly pushed his way through the crowd and looked at the object surrounded in the center: fine silk inner lining; although the body was somewhat deformed and rotting, judging by the grade of the lining and what Su Yang had just said at the gate, this corpse before him was unquestionably that of Elder Ding of Yanggu County.

Standing in front of the corpse was an old man, a ninth-rank martial artist, holding Su Yang's black serpent dagger. He should be the one who assassinated Elder Ding.

But how could a ninth-rank martial artist possibly assassinate—!

Never mind!

The bailiff shook his head hard and ran back toward the Su family's textile factory.

His chief constable was still in a standoff with the Su family's martial artists; he needed to quickly report the situation to his superior.

"What?"

"Are these words true?"

Hearing his subordinate's report, Chief Constable Lü Tie furrowed his brow deeply.

"Yes!"

The bailiff nodded. Lü Tie glared fiercely at Su Yang and the others before hurriedly sprinting back toward the entrance of the Yanggu County yamen.

"Master, these bailiffs seem a bit too arrogant!" Li Yeniu remarked.

"Hah, they won't leave Yanggu County alive."

Su Yang sneered and turned back into the textile factory. The textile factory had now reached a considerable scale, having absorbed most of the unattached female laborers from the seven counties.

A family estate that he had built with such difficulty—if anyone dared to touch his pie, he would never spare them.

The group of bailiffs hurried to the front of the yamen gates. Just as the bailiff had reported, a corpse lay upon the ground, its body already decomposing, its throat slashed with a single blade. However, the wound had begun to rot and was crawling with writhing maggots, making it utterly repulsive.

"Arrest him!"

Lü Tie's brow furrowed tightly as he immediately ordered his men to seize the martial artist standing before the corpse and have the body properly moved inside.

Only then did he report the matter to Qiu Changfeng.

Inside the room.

Qiu Changfeng felt an invisible pressure suddenly descend, crushing him to the point where breathing became difficult.

A corpse tossed right at the gates of the county yamen.

With so many people in the yamen, not a single person had come to report it. This perhaps explained one thing...!

The entirety of Yanggu County had already become Su Yang's people!

The entire Yanggu County yamen.

Aside from himself and this handful of bailiffs, everyone else was a servant of the Su family, a dog of the Su family...!

Yanggu County truly ran deep!

This was the first time Qiu Changfeng had ever witnessed such a county and such a family.

He had certainly encountered powerful clans entrenched in various county towns before, but they merely planted their own people at critical nodes. Where had he ever seen anything like Yanggu County...?!

Qiu Changfeng now felt that even the gatekeeper granduncle guarding the doors was likely a servant of the Su family...!

Powerlessness!

At this moment, Qiu Changfeng felt a profound sense of powerlessness!

"Master, that ninth-rank martial artist has confessed, claiming he killed Elder Ding. How should we handle this matter?"

Lü Tie softly inquired for Qiu Changfeng's opinion!

"He killed him?"

"Heh, how laughable. A mere ninth-rank martial artist—how could he possibly kill a sixth-rank martial artist?"

"Sigh...!"

"Let us close the case as such. Investigating this matter any further is pointless."

Qiu Changfeng waved his hand and dragged his decadent body back to his room to search for a way out of this predicament.

Another two days passed.

A murder case occurred in Yanggu County. The perpetrator was a stranger, not a native of Yanggu County.

The victims were members of a wealthy household—the entire family slaughtered, and a substantial amount of gold, silver, and jewelry looted from their home.

The bailiffs of Yanggu County mobilized swiftly and successfully captured a martial artist.

Leading a grand procession of bailiffs, Qiu Changfeng marched imposingly up to the main gates of the Su estate, where servants and martial artists hurried inside to notify Su Yang.

Looking at Qiu Changfeng, who stood before him travel-worn yet maintaining an air of steadfast composure, Su Yang felt a sense of genuine surprise. "Magistrate Qiu, why have you come again? What is the matter this time?"

"This man goes by the name Zhou Hao. Yesterday, he wiped out the Sun family of Yanggu County and plundered a vast amount of gold, silver, and jewelry. According to his confession, his accomplice is none other than a member of your Su family named Zhao Xun, and all the stolen treasures have been hidden inside your Su family's textile factory."

"Naturally, we are here to retrieve the stolen goods and bring Zhao Xun in to face justice," Magistrate Qiu said in a stern tone.

"Does our household have such a person?" Su Yang asked.

"Master, our family has far too many martial artists and servants; we need to check on this!" Li Yeniu said.

"Go check, and bring him here once found!"

"Understood, Master!"

"Su Magistrate, I think it would be best if you first allowed us to enter and search for the stolen goods?"

"No rush. I believe we should bring that Zhao Xun here first!"

Before long, a household member named Zhao Xun was indeed brought over. He was a martial artist in his twenties, at the eighth rank.

Su Yang explained the situation to Zhao Xun, upon which Zhao Xun hurriedly shook his head and said, "Master, it's impossible! I am not short of money; why would I go plunder some minor household?"

"Besides, I don't even know this person. How could I be his accomplice in committing such petty thievery? I have been wronged! They are framing me...!"

"Magistrate Qiu, Zhao Xun is a martial artist of my household. If you have no evidence and merely rely on this man's accusations to drag him away, I certainly cannot agree."

Su Yang had no intention of indulging this magistrate.

"Zhao Xun, where were you at the hour of the rat the night before last? Can anyone prove your alibi?"

Magistrate Qiu sneered as he posed the question.

"This...!"

The moment Magistrate Qiu finished speaking, Zhao Xun scratched the back of his head and said, "Master, the night before last, I originally intended to go to the tavern to treat myself, but unexpectedly I was knocked unconscious on the way and didn't wake up until dawn the next day. I truly know nothing of what happened that night."

"No one can prove your alibi, and you claim you don't know where you were that night. Coupled with this man's testimony that you are his accomplice, you cannot escape culpability."

"Men, take him into custody!"

"As you command!"

No sooner had the magistrate finished speaking than two bailiffs behind Lü Tie stepped forward and dragged Zhao Xun away. Su Yang's brow twitched slightly; it seemed this magistrate was truly prepared and had arranged everything seamlessly.

His ultimate purpose was undoubtedly to uncover the secret behind this textile factory of his, was it not?

If stolen goods were genuinely discovered inside his textile factory—say, hidden within the spinning looms—it would provide a pretext to confiscate those looms. After studying them for a short period, they would be able to crack their mechanical mysteries.

What a brilliant scheme!

However, these people were gravely underestimating him.

Every single spinning loom was immovable, connected to a mechanism embedded in the ground. If anyone attempted to forcefully move a loom, the mechanism would trigger, completely destroying it.

Outside the looms, Su Yang had even added wooden panel partitions, making it impossible for outsiders to discern their internal structure.

"Master, it truly wasn't me! I never did such a thing!"

Pinioned by the two bailiffs, Zhao Xun cried out anxiously.

"Rest assured, you will come to no harm."

Su Yang's words brought a wave of relief to Zhao Xun's heart; as long as his master had not abandoned him, he would survive.

"Su Magistrate, the stolen goods are hidden inside this textile factory. Naturally, I must send my bailiffs inside to search."

A trace of triumph crept onto the magistrate's face.

"Magistrate Qiu, your appointment to Yanggu County—was it truly just for the sake of the Su family's drapery business?"

Looking at the magistrate, who had long held a high position and radiated an unforced authority, Su Yang asked.

"Oh? It seems you guessed it long ago?"

"Such a simple matter—only a fool wouldn't have guessed it!"

"Since everything has been laid out in the open, let us speak plainly. Tell me the secret behind your textile manufacturing's suppressed prices, and cease meddling in the drapery business from now on. You will become the best friend of our Qiu family."

When mentioning the Qiu family, Qiu Changfeng's eyes flashed with a hint of pride as he spoke.

"Don't you think your Qiu family is going too far in bullying others?"

"This is already our Qiu family showing you respect. A word of advice: in certain matters, one must learn to compromise."

"Magistrate Qiu, I think you would be wise to concern yourself with your own affairs instead."

"What do you mean?"

Su Yang cast his gaze into the distance. Seeing this, Qiu Changfeng also looked in the direction Su Yang was gazing.

A grand procession of people was marching imposingly toward them.

At the lead was none other than Li Doukou's father—his own father-in-law, who now held the position of Vice-Prefect within the Su estate. A massive banner bore the two characters: *Su Estate*.

The dark green official robe that Li Doukou's father had previously worn had now been replaced by a blue one, which looked noticeably more majestic than the dark green garb.

Among the bustling crowd were official runners of the Su estate!

Astonishingly, there were several fourth-rank martial artists and one third-rank martial artist flanking Li Doukou's father, providing total protection.

The procession quickly halted before the Su family's textile factory.

"Vice-Prefect Li, what brings you here?"

Qiu Changfeng hurried forward, an ominous premonition gripping his heart as he asked.

"I am here, naturally, to arrest you!"

"Qiu Changfeng, you actually dared to presumptuously embezzle the grain from the official granary of Yanggu County and privately sell it off. You truly have a colossal gallbladder!"

"Arrest him!"

Li Doukou's father spoke in an icy tone, waving his hand as several fourth-rank martial artists instantly rushed forward and subdued Qiu Changfeng.

Naturally not daring to resist, Qiu Changfeng merely wore an expression of intense grievance as he protested: "Vice-Prefect Li, what nonsense are you spouting? How could I, Qiu Changfeng, ever embezzle the grain from the official granary of Yanggu County?"

"The evidence is ironclad!"

"This is the deed of sale you concluded with a grain merchant in Bailiu County, and your signature is right upon it."

With that, Li Doukou's father produced a document bearing Qiu Changfeng's name in clear black ink on white paper.

"How is this possible? How could I be so foolish as to sell grain from the official yamen granary and sign my own name to it?" Qiu Changfeng retorted.

"No need for retorts!"

"In a moment, this Vice-Prefect will make you convinced of your guilt beyond a shadow of a doubt!"

The Vice-Prefect sneered coldly.

Time seemed to freeze at that moment, leaving Qiu Changfeng's face filled with shock and confusion.

When on earth had he sold the granary's grain?

What kind of joke was this?

Why would he ever lower himself to covet the meager grain in Yanggu County's granary?

A sudden realization struck Qiu Changfeng, and his gaze shifted toward Su Yang, who was standing to the side watching with gloating amusement!

It was this fellow...?!

Indeed!

This entire affair was orchestrated by Su Yang, and as for the contract bearing his signature, that too was Su Yang's doing.

It merely required writing a document with cuttlefish ink, having Qiu Changfeng sign it under a pretext, and subsequently drafting the contract. Then, ordering the yamen runners to open the granary and sell the grain became a matter of natural course.

At this point in Yanggu County, how many people were not his subordinates?

Otherwise, how could Yanggu County be called an iron fortress?

"Reporting to Vice-Prefect, a large quantity of gold and silver has been discovered hidden inside Magistrate Qiu's residence...!"

At that instant.

An official runner hurried over, presenting the evidence as he announced, "This is one tray of the silver!"

This matter was even simpler. With the entire yamen acting as his family's subordinates, framing a specific individual was a rather effortless endeavor.

"I am wronged... I am wronged... The granary was entirely under the charge of the Chief Registrar, how could I...!"

Qiu Changfeng suddenly clamped his mouth shut. A few days ago, Yanggu County's Chief Registrar had supposedly taken sick leave, meaning all administrative duties of the granary had fallen squarely upon his own shoulders...!

A trap...!

Had all of this been a trap set for him by Su Yang?

"I am wronged, I am wronged...!"

Qiu Changfeng could only shout at the top of his lungs. However, since Vice-Prefect Li stood firmly on Su Yang's side, he had no intention of continuing to listen to his cries of grievance. With a wave of his hand, his attendants dragged Qiu Changfeng away.

"Su Yang, you will die a horrific death, you will die a horrific death... You actually dared to frame me! Do you know who I am? I am a member of the Qiu family... I am a member of the Qiu family...!"

...

"To still dare frame my master—he gets what he deserves," Zhao Xun cursed angrily at the sight.

Escorted under guard, Qiu Changfeng was hauled back to the county yamen, from whence he would subsequently be transferred to the Su estate for formal interrogation and trial.

Along the way.

Many commoners watched the spectacle, pointing and whispering in animated discussion.

"Su Yang, you bastard, how dare you frame this magistrate! Once I clear my name, I'll make you pay!"

The magistrate cursed all the way!

"What did the magistrate say? He called Master Su a bastard?"

"What in the world? He called Master Su a bastard?"

"This magistrate is truly a scoundrel, daring to hurl insults at Master Su?"

"Smash him, pelt him...!"

On the street.

Crowds of commoners grabbed vegetables and eggs from their baskets and hurled them fiercely at the magistrate, every face contorted with fury.

In the hearts of Yanggu County's commoners, Su Yang was a good man.

At the very least, he was a good man whom the magistrates of Yanggu County could never hope to match in eight lifetimes. He had purged all the malevolent monsters from the seven counties; based solely on that single feat, he was a benefactor to every single resident of Yanggu County.

No, he was a benefactor to the people of all seven counties.

Such a heroic benefactor—how could they allow a corrupt official to hurl curses at him? Pelting him with eggs and assorted vegetables was already treating him lightly.

Had they not feared hitting the surrounding guards, some bold townsfolk would have already prepared bricks to hurl. Even so, a courageous citizen ran forward clutching a floor tile and roared angrily, "Daring to call Master Su a bastard! I'll bash you to death...!"

The next second.

The blue brick smashed viciously onto the magistrate's head, shattering into fragments. Qiu Changfeng shook his head, scattering the debris from his crown, and glared with vicious malice at the man before him: "Commoner, how dare you assault an official?"

"Shut your mouth! You are a criminal now!"

The escorting fourth-rank martial artist said with suppressed anger. Fortunately, Qiu Changfeng was also a fourth-rank martial artist, or else a single brick might have beaten him to death on the spot.

"A mere criminal daring to act so arrogant! Let me smash you again...!"

Immediately following that.

Another citizen rushed forward brandishing a brick and smashed it ruthlessly onto Qiu Changfeng's head.

"Smash him, daring to curse our Master Su...!"

A dashing matron rushed forward, pouring her entire feminine strength into slamming a blue brick straight into Qiu Changfeng.

...

Soon after.

The surrounding townspeople boiled over with rage, surging forward en masse. Qiu Changfeng had never experienced such treatment in his life. Enraged, he attempted to retaliate, but after receiving a stern warning from the two guarding martial artists, he had no choice but to stay put and endure it.

Had there not been a third-rank martial artist trailing closely behind, Qiu Changfeng would have certainly taught this mob of rabble a painful lesson.

With the magistrate arrested, beggars, vendors, and commoners throughout Yanggu County were overjoyed. In Yanggu County, anyone who dared to frame Master Su deserved nothing less than death; the heavens ought to have hauled him away long ago.

"Have you heard? The magistrate has been arrested!"

"Serves him right! Who told him to go up against Master Su?"

...

"Father-in-law, will this plan go smoothly?" Su Yang asked as he looked at his elder.

"Rest assured, your evidence is airtight. That fellow will likely be stripped of his official rank and dismissed. If the case is handled more severely, he may face execution—after all, embezzling grain from the official granary is a grave matter, especially since those are military reserve supplies," the Vice-Prefect affirmed with certainty.

"That would be for the best!"

Hearing the Vice-Prefect's reassuring words, Su Yang nodded with satisfaction and returned to his room!

He opened his panel.

Name: Su Yang (Prospective Immortal)
Incense Value: 50,390
Literary Qi Fortune: Junior Confucian Scholar
Human Merit: 32
Soul Fragments: 2
Cultivation: Third-Rank
Dharmic Artifacts: [Guanghan Flying Sword (Merit Dharmic Artifact)], [Hundred-Treasure Brocade Pouch], [Blazing Broadsword]
Techniques: [Incense Department+], [Gaze-Qi Technique], [Fourth-Rank Heart-Control Worm], [Root-Measuring Technique]
Secret Manuals: [Nine-Forces Demonic Ox+], [Fire Dragon Hegemon Three Spears+], [Flying Sword Refining Art]
Data: [Gynecological Holy Classic+]
Longevity: 913+
Family Descendants: 13 individuals
Family Progress: You have successfully cleared the hidden threats of Yanggu County and forged it into an iron fortress. Reward: 10,000 Incense points!
Family Progress: Your family enterprise needs continued expansion to meet the future demands of your descendants. Please achieve a monopoly over a commercial sector across the seven counties. Reward: 20,000 Incense points, Three Thunder Pearls! (Completed)
Family Progress: You are about to face a threat from a third-rank monster. Please resolve the threat of the third-rank monster to prevent it from affecting your family. Reward: 30,000 Incense points, Secret Manual [Blazing Flame Slash]

On the panel, the family progress objectives had been successfully completed, and two additional milestones had been achieved, pushing his Incense value to a full 50,000 points.

The further one progressed, the more Incense value was required to advance realms. Su Yang estimated that relying solely on Incense to break through to the second-rank would require at least 40,000 points.

Of course, if luck permitted the acquisition of a third-rank medicinal herb or the corpse of a third-rank monster, the Incense requirement could be drastically reduced.

Moreover, much to Su Yang's surprise, the Blazing Broadsword turned out to be a Dharmic artifact. He quickly opened its description!

Blazing Broadsword: A Dharmic artifact, immensely heavy, containing inner blazing solar fire toxin, possessing terrifying combat power.

Unlike a flying sword, which could soar through the air, this weapon needed to be wielded in hand to inflict damage upon enemies. Even so, Su Yang was thoroughly satisfied; after all, it was still a genuine Dharmic artifact!

[Flying Sword Refining Art] contained a vast amount of materials, techniques, and temperature controls required for enhancing a flying sword. It needed to be studied meticulously; a single error in any step would render the Dharmic artifact useless.

This Flying Sword Refining Art was likewise a precious asset to him. As his cultivation advanced in the future, he could refine his flying sword to become increasingly formidable without needing to hunt down new Dharmic artifacts.

[Thunder Pearl]: Equivalent to the full-strength strike of a first-rank martial artist!

[Blazing Flame Slash]: A technique exclusive to the Blazing Broadsword, capable of unleashing fire-toxin energy to harm enemies with extreme lethality.

A flash of light swept across the panel.

A massive broadsword manifested before his eyes, measuring a full two meters in length. It was extraordinarily heavy and possessed immense momentum; even with his physical strength, lifting it required some effort.

In addition, there were three egg-sized pearls capable of unleashing the full-strength strike of a first-rank martial artist—truly premium treasures for preserving one's life. He promptly stored them away.

As for the Blazing Flame Slash, he had yet to acquire it.

However, with the aid of the Thunder Pearls, slaying a mere third-rank monster would be a walk in the park.

Su Yang estimated that the third-rank monster was likely the adoptive father of that black ape from before, though he remained uncertain when it would strike or when the peach demon would come seeking rescue.

...

Between Yanggu County and Hulao County.

A troop of riders galloped furiously toward Hulao County—the very constables and bailiffs dispatched from Hulao County.

Unfortunately.

A group of individuals blocked their path ahead...!

Within the span of a single cup of tea.

Every single constable and bailiff who had come from Hulao County perished on the spot.

...

The position of Yanggu County Magistrate remained temporarily vacant, with the Chief Registrar stepping in to fill the role for the time being. The ousted magistrate, Qiu Changfeng, had been taken back to the Su estate for investigation, and his fate was sealed now that the evidence was ironclad.

Furthermore, the Qiu family would likely no longer bother rescuing such a valueless individual as Qiu Changfeng.

On this day!

A gust of demonic qi descended upon the main gates of the Su estate in Yanggu County. A graceful female figure wearing a pink long dress and pink embroidered shoes, her body exquisitely proportioned, staggered toward the Su estate with blood trickling from the corner of her lips.

"Who goes there?" a martial artist demanded.

"Quickly notify your master! The peach demon seeks rescue!" the peach demon gasped, her body weak and her complexion as pale as paper.

The martial artist's pupils contracted violently as he bolted inside to report.

Upon receiving the news, Su Yang hurried out. Seeing the peach demon collapsed on the ground in her weakened state, he quickly stepped forward to support her and asked, "What is it? Has that third-rank monster arrived?"

Noticing the faint excitement in Su Yang's eyes, the peach demon frowned slightly. "You... why do you look somewhat excited?"

"Excited?"

"How could that be? I am naturally quite terrified, seeing as that monster is of the third rank!"

"No matter. Since you came because my cultivation had not yet reached the third rank, I will naturally protect you. Where is that third-rank monster now?" Su Yang asked.

"It will likely catch up very soon. If you cannot defeat it, I will leave this place!"

Looking at Su Yang before her, the peach demon bit her lip and said.

"Too slow!"

Before she finished speaking, Su Yang scooped up the peach demon and strode toward the outskirts of Yanggu County. Was he actually going out to actively seek out that third-rank monster?

"Are you insane?"

"If we stay within the county town, that third-rank monster wouldn't dare take your life—at worst, it would only kill me!"

"But if we leave the city, it can kill you!"

Carried in Su Yang's arms, the peach demon spoke with a hint of urgency and worry, "That is a third-rank monster!"

"So what if it's a third-rank monster?"

"Even if the sky falls, I am here to hold it up for you. Rest assured!"

Su Yang's overbearing dominance caused a flicker of sweetness to stir within the peach demon's heart.

Any woman would feel a certain way upon being proactively protected by a man—especially one possessing Su Yang's striking appearance, scholarly elegance, and formidable strength.

Once outside the city, Su Yang headed straight toward Peach Mountain!

"Peach Demon, nowhere to run!"

At that moment!

An angry shout rang out as two demonic figures surging with baleful qi rapidly closed in from a distance.

Both possessed fourth-rank strength!

"Those two are hall masters of Dog-Tail Mountain and subordinates of the Dog-Tail Mountain overlord, both at the fourth rank!"

"This time, not only did the old black ape of Dog-Tail Mountain come, but he also brought several hall masters to hunt me down. If I hadn't exhausted my vital energy pushing myself to the limit and managed to catch wind of their trail as I entered Peach Mountain, I wouldn't have escaped them," the peach demon said, pointing at the two approaching snake demons.

The two snake demons—one black, one red—had human heads and serpent bodies, wielding long sabers in their hands with fluid agility.

Their tough scales shimmered brilliantly under the sunlight, and a foul, fishy stench emanated from them from afar. Hanging from the neck of the black snake demon was a rotting human head, crawling with writhing maggots and decomposed beyond recognition from days of decay!

"Peach Demon, is this the helper you found?"

"Not much to look at!"

Seeing that Su Yang was merely a youth, the black snake demon wore an expression of disdain before jeering, "Boy, what rank of martial artist are you?"

"Fourth rank!" Su Yang replied.

"Fourth rank?"

"Don't try to deceive me! How could a puny brat like you have reached the fourth rank? Heh, heh, heh...!"

The black snake let out a cold laugh.

Immediately after, a surge of martial blood erupted from Su Yang's body, displaying authentic fourth-rank vitality. This caused the black snake's expression to tighten, as if it had suffered a slap to the face. Its mouth twitched slightly with anger as it pointed to the rotting human skull on its chest and said, "Once this grandpa slaughters you, I'll hang your head right on my chest!"

"Attack together! The peach demon is heavily injured and is no match for us!"

Without delay, the two snake demons charged toward Su Yang, their long sabers wielded with extreme viciousness, lightning speed, and flexible footwork.

Seeing that the peach demon was on the verge of collapsing from her injuries, Su Yang pulled her soft, slender figure into his embrace. Before she could react, he planted a heavy kiss on her cheek.

The next second, a massive broadsword materialized out of thin air in Su Yang's hand. Channeling his martial blood into it, a fierce wave of fire toxin instantly surged from the blade. Su Yang declared, "Stay safely behind me. With me here, I will protect you!"

Gazing at Su Yang's imposing back and feeling the lingering warmth on her cheek, the mature and charming peach demon flushed crimson, her body trembling slightly as her demonic heart fluttered...!

Her mind went blank with a roar!

"Swish!"

The Blazing Broadsword slashed downward with devastating force toward the fourth-rank black snake demon. Empowered by the martial blood, the broadsword unleashed peerless strength infused with fire toxin, its surface crackling with tiny sparks!

The long sabers wielded by the two snake demons were, by contrast, ordinary weapons!

"Clang...!"

With a crisp collision, the sheer weight of the Blazing Broadsword directly beat down the long saber raised in defense by the fourth-rank black snake demon. Retaining its momentum, the broadsword smashed through like a collapsing mountain, shattering the fourth-rank black snake's head into fine pieces...!

"Trash sabers, and you dare clash with a broadsword?"

"Swish...!"

Meanwhile, the fourth-rank red snake demon's long saber thrust cunningly toward Su Yang's underarm...!

*(Note: "Brothers, grinding out chapters every day is like an old donkey pulling a millstone—updating ten thousand characters a day is simply terrifying. May I beg for a wave of monthly votes? If we can't even break a thousand votes this month, it would truly be quite awkward!")*