Chapter 76: I Hope I Can At Least Break Even
“I’ve long heard of Sister Yan’s great name. To have built such a large business in Yong’an as a woman is truly admirable.”
At this very moment.
Lin Fan felt that the biggest threat in Yong’an wasn’t Chen Qingshan or Sun Xiao.
But rather, the Yan Yushu before him.
Women were all very dangerous.
Under innate conditions, women had greater advantages than men.
Moreover, when it came to ruthlessness.
When women became ruthless, men had no part in it.
“How dare I let Master Lin call me sister? Master Lin, you can call me Yushu, or my childhood name, Nainai.”
Yan Yushu’s voice was gentle, which made Qin Si, standing beside her, stare in admiration. In his impression, Sister Yan had never been so gentle.
Master Lin is indeed Master Lin.
Truly amazing.
Lin Fan smiled, his gaze offensively appraising her, and said with a half-smile, “Nainai is indeed quite large.”
“Master Lin, you do have a way with words. Girls, why aren’t you quickly sitting by Master Lin and serving him well?” Yan Yushu spoke, “My two younger sisters only sell their performances, not themselves.”
“Alas!” Lin Fan sighed softly, “When you’re out in the world, who doesn’t sell? I may seem like a Squad Leader in the Public Security Bureau, but I also sell my labor.”
Since he had come here.
Lin Fan had already decided.
He absolutely could not appear like a novice; he had to let go of himself. Only then could he firmly hold the upper hand.
If he appeared shy or embarrassed.
He would easily be manipulated by the other party.
Therefore, being a shameless person was the best state to be in right now.
Qin Si agreed, “Master Lin’s words are profound and make so much sense. Sister Yan says they don’t engage in prostitution, but don’t they still have to put on a smile?”
Yan Yushu smiled, “Master Lin speaks wisely.”
At this moment, the two top courtesans sat beside Lin Fan. Two different fragrances wafted over them, pressing closely. One poured wine, and the other extended her delicate fingers to peel grapes, feeding them into his mouth.
Lin Fan thought of scenes from movies where lords visited brothels. He reached out and gently pinched the other’s fair, smooth cheek, saying, “Little darling, you’re so good.”
Then he looked at Qin Si and Yan Yushu.
“Originally, when Little Si invited me to the brothel, I was unwilling to come. Last night, I encountered a group of assassins dressed in armor trying to assassinate me. This matter is full of suspicion. But I also heard that there is a remarkable woman in Yong’an who runs the largest brothel in Yong’an, so I was curious and really wanted to meet her.”
“That’s why I came.”
Lin Fan gazed at her demeanor and eyes.
He hoped that when he mentioned armor, she would show some reaction.
But regrettably, he only saw fright and bewilderment in her eyes.
Yan Yushu said, “Master Lin, I have also heard about this. How could Sun Xiao dare to secretly possess armor? This is a crime punishable by death.”
Lin Fan smiled and waved his hand, “Let’s not talk about these things anymore. Since we’re here, let’s sit down and chat. Coincidentally, I also want to know, Nainai, does this brothel not force good people into prostitution?”
“If there were, this would be a major issue, and Nainai would have to return to the Public Security Bureau with me.”
It seemed like a joke.
But to Yan Yushu, if such a thing were to happen, this person before her truly would do it.
This Lin Squad Leader is not easy to deal with. He actually calls her by her childhood name.
She regretted her loose tongue, wondering why she had to reveal her childhood name.
A miscalculation, a complete miscalculation.
Qin Si said, “Master Lin, you may not know, but the girls here are all willing. There is absolutely no forcing of good people into prostitution. I can stake my life on it.”
He felt that the atmosphere was a bit off.
He kept giving Sister Yan meaningful glances.
Sister Yan, put in some effort!
Quickly have your top courtesans use all their skills to serve my Master Lin. You said you’d go all out, and I personally paid five hundred taels. Two would be a thousand taels, do you know what that means?
Let alone bleeding.
It’s practically hemorrhaging non-stop.
“That’s good. As a Squad Leader, I’ve studied the law extensively and always prioritize the law. We cannot do anything illegal. Even if we are very familiar with each other, it’s useless if we break the law.”
Lin Fan said with a smile.
Yan Yushu smiled, “Master Lin’s respect for the law is admirable. If all the constables in the world were like Master Lin, how could my brothel have so many girls?”
“Oh!?” Lin Fan showed surprise, “Nainai, are you disappointed with the current Imperial Court?”
Yan Yushu paused and smiled, “Master Lin, you mustn’t speak such words. How could I, a woman, be disappointed with the Imperial Court? This is an act of treason.”
“Haha, just joking.”
At this moment, the two top courtesans sitting beside Lin Fan actively clung to him.
“Master Lin, my name is…”
Lin Fan raised his hand to interrupt her, a playful smile on his lips. His gaze flickered over the two women as he spoke:
“A name is just a label. Even if you tell me, I might not remember. But here, I see you’re fiery and passionate, so I’ll call you Fire Girl. And she looks cold, like an ice mountain, but is fiery inside, so I’ll call her Cold Girl. What do you think?”
“Oh my, Master Lin, you can call us whatever you like. We love it!” Fire Girl reacted extremely quickly, immediately seizing the opportunity, her voice sweet and seductive.
Lin Fan burst out laughing, lifted Fire Girl, and sat her on his lap. He gently lifted her chin with his finger, looking at her exquisite face, and smiled:
“You’ve been touching me for so long. Master Lin isn’t someone who lets others touch him freely.”
After saying that, he looked at Qin Si.
“Little Si, how much silver did you spend?”
Qin Si said fawningly, “Master Lin, the top courtesans, five hundred taels each.”
When he mentioned five hundred taels, Qin Si truly felt the pain.
He had given Lin Fan three hundred taels as a gift, so why didn’t he seem pained?
But that was for long-term security, not a one-time transaction.
These top courtesans cost five hundred taels for a single night.
Damn it.
They were practically inlaid with gold.
If these two were to be “taken,” he, Qin Si, wouldn’t be the first to book them. He’d definitely wait until they had been with a few others and the price was fair before he’d make a move.
This is how life is lived.
One must know how to be calculative.
“Five hundred taels, that’s a fortune a commoner can’t earn in a lifetime.” Lin Fan sighed. His small hand, like a nimble electric drill, shot inside and began to grope and feel around.
At the same time, he cast a glance at Qin Si.
Don’t worry.
I, Lin Fan, will absolutely not let you waste such a fortune.
Even if my hands get raw, I’ll help you earn as much as possible.
Fire Girl, who had been ambushed, trembled all over, her earlobes turning red, and she shyly said, “Master Lin, it tickles, it tickles so much.”
Fire Girl in his arms writhed, making Lin Fan’s body burn and his mind wander.
Qin Si was stunned, dazed.
Good heavens, Master Lin has already gotten hands-on.
It’s really fast.
Let alone Qin Si, even Yan Yushu was bewildered.
She had investigated Lin Fan. The information she obtained was that Lin Fan had risen to prominence when he was promoted to Leader at Jili Wharf by Wang Changhai.
Later, he participated in the Law Exam, and with the help of his sworn sister who pulled strings and greased the wheels, he became a commoner constable in the Public Security Bureau.
Since becoming a constable.
He had rapidly risen with thunderous methods.
Based on his actions, there were instances of eliminating rivals, but for the common people, he was quite good, and they called him “Qingtian Lin Ye.”
Therefore, she thought Lin Fan must be extremely intelligent, upright, and resolute, a proper gentleman.
But now… he’s no gentleman at all.
In just this short period.
He had made the two top courtesans under her blush and pant, this…
At this moment, she didn’t know whether to stay or leave, truly uneasy and uncomfortable all over.
“Where is Nainai from?” Lin Fan, with women on both sides, didn’t forget the main point.
Since he had come, he couldn’t be a gentleman.
Besides, what is a gentleman?
In his understanding, a gentleman doesn’t steal or rob, isn’t two-faced to friends, or breaks promises. If going to a brothel meant one wasn’t a gentleman, then that was too superficial.
Before his transmigration, his friends were right: since you’re out to have fun, let loose, don’t disappoint those who paid.
And don’t fail the girls who are willing to accompany you.
Yan Yushu smiled and said, “I am from Huangyuan County Town.”
“Oh, is that so? That’s quite a distance from Yong’an. Why did you think of coming here?” Lin Fan asked.
Yan Yushu sighed, “To tell Master Lin the truth, more than ten years ago, Huangyuan County suffered a natural disaster. The people harvested nothing and couldn’t survive, so they had to flee with their families. But halfway, they encountered mountain bandits. My parents were brutally killed by the bandits, and I was the only one who ended up here, with no relatives. I could only settle down here.”
“Oh, I see. I didn’t expect you to have such a tragic background.” Lin Fan lamented sympathetically, “But you are also remarkable. As a woman, to have such a business, you deserve to be called a heroine.”
“It’s just good fortune.” Yan Yushu replied.
Lin Fan smiled, “This can’t be simply attributed to good fortune. Heaven, earth, and humanity are all indispensable.”
Time passed quickly.
It was very late.
Qin Si stood up, “Master Lin, it’s getting late. You stay and rest. I’ll be going now.”
He was full of desire now, seeing Master Lin getting aroused.
Yan Yushu also stood up, thinking of leaving.
This initial interaction was her attempt to truly understand what kind of person the rumored Master Lin was.
Now, she knew.
But she didn’t know much.
Because she found that what she understood seemed too superficial. This Master Lin before her was very complex; it was hard to tell which aspect was the true one.
Yan Yushu smiled, “Yes, then I won’t disturb Master Lin and my two sisters’ good time.”
“Wait.” Lin Fan released the two women in his embrace, withdrew his hands, and stood up, saying, “I never spend the night out. Tonight is enough, and it’s time for me to leave.”
Yan Yushu and Qin Si were stunned.
Qin Si was stunned because… he was just leaving?
He wasn’t going to play anymore?
As for Yan Yushu, she hadn’t expected that any man could resist the subsequent events. How self-controlled must he be?
“Master Lin, you really aren’t staying?” Qin Si asked.
Lin Fan waved his hand, “No, I’m not staying. Let’s go.”
After saying that, he walked outside. Qin Si followed. At the entrance, he stopped and said, “Nainai, that’s a nice childhood name. Let’s chat again next time. As for staying the night, that’ll be for another time.”
He turned and left. Downstairs, he pulled out the iron rod, slung it over his back, went into the courtyard, and came to the stream to wash the sweat from his hands.
In the private room.
Yan Yushu looked at her two sisters, who were completely limp, their eyes rolling, and their consciousness hazy.
Her heart was heavy.
It didn’t work out.
Fire Girl, recovering her senses, said, “Sister Yan, we couldn’t keep him?”
“I’ve wronged you.”
“No hardship, it’s just, why isn’t he tired at all? Sister, look, there are finger marks.”
She said with a hint of grievance.
Then she looked at her sister, who was usually cold but had been touched as if she had become a different person.
Outside the brothel.
“Qin Si, how did you get to know Yan Yushu?”
Qin Si, who was thinking about the wasted silver, suddenly looked up. “Master Lin, I’m a regular here. We got familiar after coming and going.”
“Then do you know how she got started?” Lin Fan asked.
Qin Si pondered, “I don’t really remember. Anyway, she suddenly opened a brothel. As for where the money came from, I really don’t know.”
Lin Fan looked deeply at Qin Si.
That look made him sweat all over and feel flustered.
“Qin Si, your situation can be big or small, depending on how you act,” Lin Fan said slowly, with hidden meaning.
Startled, Qin Si immediately knelt down. “Master Lin, please show me the way.”
“Get up.”
Qin Si quickly got up, bending over, waiting for Master Lin’s guidance.
Lin Fan patted Qin Si’s shoulder and smiled, “I’m very interested in this Yan Yushu. From now on, go there often, whether you have business or not, and help me monitor her. Report any details truthfully to me. Once this is done, I guarantee your path will be illuminated.”
Hearing this, Qin Si’s eyes lit up. “Master Lin, don’t worry, I promise I’ll do it.”
“Good. Don’t let her know.”
“Yes.”
“Alright, you did well tonight. You spent a thousand taels, and Master Lin understands your intentions and your efforts. Master Lin doesn’t want you to suffer a loss. In that short time just now, I at least touched back a hundred taels for you.”
Qin Si stood frozen.
Watching Lin Fan’s receding back.
He blinked blankly, unsure what to say for a moment.
Under the night sky.
Lin Fan stepped on the paving stones, his footsteps echoing on the street. He looked at his hands, recalling the feeling just now. Overall, it was quite satisfying; he had fulfilled the regrets he had on Earth in this other world.
Back home.
He couldn’t sleep. He took off his clothes and went into the courtyard naked.
He was a normal man, how could he not react? With his body burning, he went to the equipment and poured all his energy into cultivation. Although the commotion was great and could easily disturb others’ sleep.
But Little Fatty’s mother was deaf, so it was fine.
As for Little Fatty, even if the sky fell, he might not wake up when he slept, so that was also fine.
To the neighbors around, he could only apologize. Your Master Lin was currently very fiery.
Standing in the center of the equipment, he pulled the rope, the wooden stake tilted upwards to a certain height, he let go, and the wooden stake struck.
Boom!
A loud roar echoed, passing far away like muffled thunder.
“Damn it! Which son of a bitch has no public spirit? Are we supposed to sleep or not?”
Such roars were difficult for him to hear.
The strong were always misunderstood.
He understood.
After an unknown amount of time.
【Beginner Body Refining Proficiency +1】
【Beginner Body Refining （Perfection ）】
【Beginner Body Refining Perfection, choose one Body Refining continuation 】
【Non-humanoid: Hundred Bones Body Refining Method 】
【Note: Refines all the bones in the body. With each bone successfully trained, it will develop towards invincibility and perfection, resembling human bones or beast bones, possessing immense strength. 】
【Advantages: Immense strength 】
【Disadvantages: Non-human, appearance development is irresistible 】
【Bloodline type: Guiyi Body Refining Method 】
【Note: Refines the internal organs, condenses the bloodline, nourishes the flesh body, refines the bloodline to the extreme, perfectly feeding back into the flesh body, making it impervious to blades and spears, and invulnerable to water and fire. The internal organs are indestructible. 】
【Advantages: Perfect bloodline, all-around enhancement 】
【Disadvantages: Very mediocre, no particularly outstanding points, balanced 】
The content appearing on the panel made Lin Fan ponder.
“Damn it, I’m living a good life as a human, why would I want to stop being human and become a monster?”
But the options given by the panel were all extreme, and none were weak.
Faced with a choice.
He thought for a moment. He imagined his future self. If he chose the first option, his height would be several meters, his body deformed, like a demon or a demon, and he couldn’t help but shudder.
The bloodline type, on the other hand, looked good.
Perfect bloodline, all-around development. The so-called mediocrity was just balanced development; all aspects of the stats were uniform, without slow speed or high defense.
Or high attack and low defense.
Without hesitation, he chose the bloodline type.
【Guiyi Body Refining Method （Not yet started 1/2000 ）】
Instantly, he felt as if all his blood was boiling. A feeling he had never experienced before appeared. He clenched his fist, his muscles tensing, making cracking sounds.
His internal organs beat extremely rapidly, being flushed by blood again and again.
Speed, strength, defense, at this moment, all increased comprehensively.
“So refreshing.”
Lin Fan laughed heartily and immediately rushed to the kitchen, picked up a knife, and pressed it hard against his skin. The creaking rubbing sound reached his ears.
Last time, with this much force, the skin on his fingers had already cracked.
Now, there was not a single wound.
The strength he was using now could be considered very great. If he were to hold a knife and swing it at someone with his current strength, that person would be split in two, skin and bone.
Continuing to exert force.
White knife marks began to appear on his skin.
It started to sting.
He stopped his actions, put down the knife, and couldn’t hide the smile on his face.
With his current flesh body’s toughness, he could stand there and let people hack at him without breaking his defense.
“The extent of this progress is too great.”
…
The next day.
Public Security Bureau.
Qian Tao and Wu Yong, wearing brand new constable uniforms and sabers at their waists, stood meticulously at the entrance of the Public Security Bureau, looking inside, somewhat hesitant to enter.
They were a bit nervous.
A bit scared.
They still remembered the astonishment and shock in the eyes of the neighbors when they saw them in constable uniforms as they left home.
It was as if they had seen ghosts.
“Qian Tao, Wu Yong, what are you doing?” At this moment, Yang Ming arrived slowly, carrying breakfast, and immediately saw the two lurking at the entrance.
“Heh heh, Brother Yang.” The two smiled awkwardly, feeling somewhat constrained.
Yang Ming walked up to them, looked them up and down, and smiled, “You look really spirited in those uniforms. As expected of people chosen by Squad Leader Lin. From now on, we are colleagues.”
Saying this, he patted their arms.
“Brother Yang, we will definitely work hard.” The two immediately responded.
Yang Ming said, “Yesterday, Brother Lin went to Prefect Li and County Magistrate Zhou for your matter. He quickly got it done for you. Let me tell you secretly, generally, without passing the Law Exam, you can’t enter the Public Security Bureau. But if Prefect Li and County Magistrate Zhou both agree, citing the need for personnel during a major event, two more people can be added. But these positions are very precious, not something you can get just by saying it.”
“I reckon it wouldn’t have been possible without a bribe of a thousand or eight hundred taels.”
“Of course, who is our Brother Lin? His word carries immense weight.”
Yang Ming chuckled.
Qian Tao and Wu Yong exchanged glances.
Brother Lin’s kindness was immeasurable.
They could only repay him with loyalty.
“Alright, don’t just stand here. Come in with me, I’ll introduce you to some people.” Yang Ming said enthusiastically.
“Okay, thank you, Brother Yang.”
As soon as the two entered the Public Security Bureau, they were like new recruits, naturally needing to learn properly.
Even though they were just commoner constables.
For them, it was already an unimaginable thing.
They wouldn’t have dared to dream of it.
…
Noon.
Lin Fan finally arrived at the Public Security Bureau. He hadn’t expected to oversleep this morning. He was just very tired, feeling like his body had been drained. He thought of the bloodline Body Refining Method.
It was likely changing his body, consuming too much energy and requiring sleep to replenish.
He wasn’t sure if that was the case.
But his explanation was this, so he would treat it as correct.
When he arrived at the Public Security Bureau, he found the desks and chairs at the entrance empty. There was no one there, which made him frown slightly.
How many days had the Hundred Day Operation been going on?
Where were the people?
At the same time, he saw several horses tied at the entrance. They were clearly good horses, all spirited and imposing.
Lin Fan nodded at the commoners on the street and strode into the Public Security Bureau.
As soon as he entered.
He saw the constables standing in an orderly fashion.
Prefect Li and County Magistrate Zhou were also there.
However, they were accompanying a young woman, as if a leader was inspecting.
The woman was dressed in black, with leather armor, a ponytail, and a sword at her waist. She looked tall, but since her back was to him, her appearance couldn’t be seen clearly.
At this moment.
The constables standing at attention saw Lin Fan’s figure.
They shouted in unison, “Squad Leader Lin, good morning.”
“Mm.” Lin Fan nodded.
Prefect Li and County Magistrate Zhou saw Lin Fan and immediately walked towards him. The tall woman, however, was curiously observing Lin Fan.
After entering the city, she had heard rumors.
He had high prestige among the common people, known as Master Lin.
But in her opinion, since he was a constable, he shouldn’t let the common people call him “Master.” It was not good.
The woman was accompanied by two seasoned-looking men. They were sturdy, energetic, and had stern, unsmiling expressions, clearly capable individuals.
Prefect Li whispered, “Squad Leader Lin, that woman is the newly appointed Prefect, Ning Yu. I didn’t expect her to arrive so quickly. Give her some face and don’t offend her immediately; it won’t be good.”
County Magistrate Zhou also whispered, “This woman has an extraordinary background. Her family must be high officials and powerful nobles. To be appointed Prefect at just over twenty years old… I didn’t expect things to be played this way now. It’s simply outrageous.”
“Yes, Squad Leader Lin, bear with her for a few more days. I think she’ll be promoted and transferred away soon. Damn it, I’ve worked hard my whole life just to get a chance for promotion.” Prefect Li grumbled softly.
County Magistrate Zhou said, “A small impatience can ruin great plans. You have a great future ahead; endure her for a while.”
County Magistrate Zhou and Prefect Li gave such instructions.
They were afraid Lin Fan’s temper would flare up and he would turn hostile on the spot. They weren’t afraid of Lin Fan being at a disadvantage, but they were afraid Lin Fan would beat this woman to death. If that happened, they would be finished.
“Don’t worry, I’m not a firecracker that explodes at the slightest touch. Besides, I’m friendly and deeply understand human relationships and etiquette. Don’t worry,” Lin Fan patted their shoulders.
Then he smiled and said, “I am Lin Fan, Squad Leader of the Public Security Bureau. Welcome, Prefect Ning.”
Ning Yu smiled and said, “Thank you for the welcome, Squad Leader Lin. After arriving, I have already inquired about Squad Leader Lin’s deeds and am very impressed. The common people praise Squad Leader Lin highly. In the days to come, I hope to learn well from Squad Leader Lin.”
“Haha, that’s too kind. We’ll learn from each other and progress together. The praise of the common people comes from doing a satisfactory job for them.” Lin Fan said with a smile.
He didn’t expect this young lady to have some substance.
She wasn’t putting on a stern or old-fashioned demeanor.
As long as it was easy to communicate, he, Lin Fan, was also very easy to get along with.
As for the appointment, he could only say that she had the ability, and there was nothing to envy. He should even think about how much effort her parents put in when they were young to have the ability to get their children appointed.
He needed to consider these things.
But…
The middle-aged man accompanying Ning Yu questioned, “Squad Leader Lin, do you know what time it is?”
Lin Fan looked up at the sky and smiled, “It’s around 9-11 AM. What’s wrong?”
“Hmph,” the man snorted coldly, “You still know it’s around 9-11 AM. As a Squad Leader, you arrive this late. Don’t you think your behavior has seriously violated the Public Security Bureau’s time regulations?”
The previously pleasant atmosphere suddenly changed.
Prefect Li and County Magistrate Zhou’s mouths were slightly agape.
Looking at that man.
They had only one thought in their minds: Is this guy crazy?
If you’re sick, you need treatment.
Lin Fan smiled helplessly, “Prefect Li, County Magistrate Zhou, it’s not that I’m not willing to communicate well. This guy is the real firecracker; he hasn’t even been lit, and he’s already exploding.”
Ning Yu looked at her attendant and frowned, displeased, “Who told you to speak? Squad Leader Lin is late because there’s a reason. Besides, this is the Public Security Bureau, and you’re not part of it. Who gave you the right to interrupt?”
“Miss.” The man lowered his head, his expression unchanged, “Discipline must be strict; without rules, there can be no order. You’ve just arrived at the Public Security Bureau, and he’s already late. How can we imagine what he’s like usually?”
Ning Yu hadn’t expected her attendant to suddenly say such a thing.
However, what she didn’t know was that before setting out, this attendant had already received instructions from his master. Upon arrival, he was to observe the situation. If there were any troublemakers forming a network, he was to speak up and suppress their arrogance.
Therefore, he was acting under orders.
“Squad Leader Lin…” Ning Yu was about to say something.
But Lin Fan interrupted her with a raised hand. He then walked up to the attendant, looking at him with a smiling face. The attendant, however, showed no fear and stared fixedly at Lin Fan.
Bang!
Lin Fan threw a punch.
A punch as fast as lightning struck the man’s abdomen.
Struck with such heavy force, the attendant flew backward, his body hunched and bent, kneeling on his knees, spewing bile from his mouth. If one looked closely, blood was mixed with the bile.
This scene made the other attendant show a look of horror.
One punch?
They were both skilled soldiers who had experienced life-and-death battles.
At this moment, his eyes revealed deep apprehension as he looked at Lin Fan. This young man was very formidable, possessing great strength and speed.
Definitely not an ordinary person.
Lin Fan glanced at the man still clutching his abdomen and vomiting, then looked at Ning Yu, “Prefect Ning, you said you wanted to learn from me. Then I will tell you the first point: the affairs of our Public Security Bureau are not for outsiders to interfere with. Not to mention, you are the master, and he is the servant. Those who cannot distinguish between master and servant are either foolish or stupid.”
Ning Yu was stunned by what she saw.
So powerful.
With one punch, he sent someone flying that far.
She had hardly ever seen such a thing.
“Thank you, Squad Leader Lin. I’ve learned.” Ning Yu nodded.
Lin Fan looked at Ning Yu for a few more moments, questioning if she was genuine or feigning innocence. Were her recent actions not at her instigation?
He was least afraid of people with ulterior motives.
Instead, he somewhat feared those who were purely innocent.
Lin Fan turned to another follower, “Do you have any objections?”
This follower frowned, took a deep breath, and slowly stepped forward, “Squad Leader Lin is formidable, and I admire him. I only wish that Squad Leader Lin’s move was too quick just now, and I didn’t see it clearly. I hope Squad Leader Lin can enlighten me.”
After speaking, he walked in front of Lin Fan, staring intently, his nerves taut, every muscle and nerve connected, ready to defend at any moment.
Bang!
Lin Fan threw a punch.
The man flew backward.
Just like the one before, he fell to his knees, clutching his abdomen, eyes wide, vomiting profusely, cold sweat pouring down, his consciousness blurring.
He was utterly terrified.
He had made every preparation, yet he hadn’t even seen the shadow of the opponent’s punch.
“Ah!?”
Ning Yu’s mouth hung open in surprise.
She knew that both of these men were her father’s personal guards, very capable ones. If they used a killing move, they could easily deal with three to five people. But who would have thought they would be defeated so quickly.
Lin Fan said, “Secretary Ning, you must learn this too. Knowing something is impossible yet attempting it will only lead to suffering for yourself.”
“Oh, oh, oh…” Ning Yu nodded.
Secretary Li and Magistrate Zhou exchanged glances.
Difficult.
However, judging by the current situation, it wasn’t too serious.
Just as they were about to play the role of mediators and try to de-escalate, a wail suddenly came from the doorway.
A common person with a deathly pale face rushed in.
“I want to report this to the authorities. I want to report this to the authorities.”
Ning Yu immediately stepped forward, “What happened?”
“I am a villager from Qingtian Village. This morning, a group of mountain bandits came to our village, burning, killing, and looting, and they abducted the women of the village. Please, constables, save the villagers.”
When this villager described the specific situation.
Both Secretary Li and Magistrate Zhou looked solemn. They knew of the mountain bandits; they were truly a group of wicked individuals, incomparable even to those in the Fierce Tiger Gang.
Those people were truly capable of killing.
For them, killing was as easy as killing chickens.
The Public Security Bureau had tried bandit suppression before, but the difficulty was extremely high, and the constables were no match for those vicious bandits.
If they were to engage in a real fight, the Public Security Bureau would be the ones at a disadvantage.
After all, those people lived by the saber tip.
They were very experienced.
More… even more importantly, those wicked bandits had established themselves as rulers of the mountain, and the paths leading up were treacherous, filled with traps and hidden pitfalls. Without a guide, they feared that by the time they reached the top, at least half would be dead or injured.
Moreover, those mountain bandits were well-equipped with both swords and arrows, capable of both ranged and close combat.
Their bandit stronghold was also high and fortified, making it almost impossible to breach.
The difficulty was comparable to conquering a small city.
Therefore, when it came to bandit suppression, they were truly powerless.
Upon hearing about the mountain bandits’ atrocities, Ning Yu immediately clenched her fists, her face filled with anger. With a wave of her hand, she declared, “Everyone, bring your weapons and follow me.”
No constable moved. Their gazes all shifted to Lin Fan.
Lin Fan nodded, “Didn’t you hear Secretary Ning? Bring your weapons and set off. Also, leave a few people to guard the Public Security Bureau.”
“Yes, Squad Leader Lin.”
The constables responded.
Secretary Li took in the situation before him. Fortunately, he was about to be promoted. If he were still here, with Lin Fan’s prestige among the constables, he would be a Prefect with a title but no power.
The follower, still clutching his abdomen and vomiting, heard his young lady was going to suppress bandits and quickly said with pain, “Young lady, wait, don’t be impulsive…”
But their voices were too weak.
They couldn’t stop her.
They could only painfully get up, stagger, and collapse to the ground, then painfully get up again, managing a few steps, feeling as if they had used up all their strength.
What was this person’s background?
How could he be so terrifying?
At this moment.
The horses at the entrance were put to use. He mounted one, and Ning Yu also decisively rode a horse.
Secretary Li and Magistrate Zhou looked on with worry.
“Secretary Ning, you’ve just arrived. Perhaps you should wait at the Public Security Bureau for news?”
They were truly scared.
If anything were to happen, their own paths would be completely ruined.
“No,” Ning Yu said. “As the Prefect, having just arrived in Yong’an, and with a village under my jurisdiction being ravaged by bandits, how can I not lead by example? Master Li, you don’t need to say more; my mind is made up.”
She waved her hand decisively, showing no room for negotiation.
“Then I’ll go with you.” Secretary Li also mounted his horse. He couldn’t let this young lady go with Lin Fan. Although Lin Fan was very capable, he feared Lin Fan might use her as a shield and kill her.
Secretary Li had also fought his way up in his youth, so riding a horse was not a problem for him.
Ning Yu said, “Master Li is admirable.”
Secretary Li: …
He sighed inwardly.
Soon, the constables emerged.
Lin Fan said, “Squad Leader Song, you take the remaining men to guard the Public Security Bureau. Yang Ming, you lead your team and follow quickly.”
“Yes, Squad Leader.” Yang Ming replied.
At this moment, the constables present were very nervous. After all, they were about to confront notorious mountain bandits, and they knew very well how ruthless those bandits were.
But now, they suppressed their fear, and with Squad Leader Lin leading them, they were not afraid at all.
“Giddy up!”
Soon, the three headed towards the city gate.
Yang Ming said, “Everyone, move out. Let’s go.”
The main force set off.
The common people watched, and gradually, news spread. Upon hearing that Master Lin was leading a team to suppress bandits on Stone Dragon Mountain, they all showed signs of fear.
Clearly, the mountain bandits of Stone Dragon Mountain were extremely terrifying to the people of Yong’an.
“Have a safe journey.”
Magistrate Zhou shouted from behind.
May you all return safely.
He wasn’t genuinely worried about them; rather, he feared that if they truly died, his stable life of making money would be completely gone.
…
Qingtian Village.
There was a sea of crying.
The bandits’ raid had been extremely tragic. Anyone who dared to resist was met with a fatal blow. Now, on the straw mats, several bodies lay motionless.
There were wounds on their chests, abdomens, and necks.
At this time, the villagers sat dejectedly on the ground, powerless against the mountain bandits, unable even to resist.
The young men who returned from working outside, upon hearing about the village’s situation, had red eyes.
“Elders and gentlemen, how long will you continue to cry? Now that the bandits have abducted our village women, are you just going to stand by and watch? Pick up your tools, and let’s go up the mountain to fight the bandits and rescue them,” one young man shouted angrily.
“You’re being foolish, what do you think you’re doing? Do you want to lead everyone to their deaths?” the village chief rebuked.
The young man, enraged, asked, “Village Chief, so we do nothing?”
The village chief said, “Er Gui has already gone to the county town to report the matter to the authorities. We’ll wait for the constables to come.”
“Report to the authorities? What’s the use? Which of those men is not risking his life? Do you really think they will go up the mountain to fight those bandits for our village’s sake?” the young man said loudly.
He had no faith in the so-called constables.
If reporting to the authorities were truly effective, these bandits would have been eliminated long ago.
“Be quiet! You want to lead them up the mountain with nothing but hoes and carrying poles to fight the bandits? Do you think our village hasn’t suffered enough deaths, or do you want to completely enrage the bandits and have them come down to kill everyone in our village?” the village chief questioned.
He knew how terrifying the mountain bandits were.
These mountain bandits had occupied Stone Dragon Mountain for many years. Other villages had also suffered calamities, and some villagers had spontaneously organized to fight the bandits. But what was the outcome?
They had completely enraged the bandits, who then descended the mountain and massacred them, resulting in countless deaths and injuries.
Were those bloody tragedies not enough?
These villages, ravaged by the bandits, had naturally jointly requested the Public Security Bureau and the County Office to send personnel for bandit suppression.
On one occasion, many constables were dispatched.
But the main force hadn’t truly reached the mountain before casualties occurred, not just one or two. The constables were so frightened that they turned and fled.
Who dared to go up?
Who would dare to risk their lives?
They had long since fled in disarray, refusing to go even under threat of death.
At this moment, the young man who wanted to fight smashed the wall beside him in anger and unwillingness. He looked at the several corpses, and it seemed as if the shocking wounds had awakened him, causing him to collapse onto the ground, his head bowed as if all his energy had drained away.
Clatter!
Suddenly, the sound of horse hooves could be heard in the distance.
The villagers trembled, fearing the mountain bandits had returned. However, when they saw the approaching figures, hope appeared in their despairing eyes.
Constable uniforms, those were constable uniforms.
The constables from the county town had arrived.
Hiss~
Lin Fan reined in his horse, dismounted, and looked at an elderly man, asking, “Are you the village chief here?”
The old man replied, “Yes, yes. Three constables, who are you?”
Lin Fan said, “I am Lin Fan, a Squad Leader at the Public Security Bureau. Having learned that Qingtian Village was plundered by mountain bandits, I have come specifically. Who among you knows where Stone Dragon Mountain, where the bandits are located, is? Step forward and lead the way, quickly, to save them. It might still be possible.”
Now was not the time to appease the villagers’ emotions.
Instead, it was time to find the bandits.
Kill the bandits.
Rescue the villagers.
Suppressing bandits was a great accomplishment and a faster path to progress, allowing for no delay whatsoever.
“Sir, I will lead the way.”
It was almost dawn, and with three thousand characters left to write, he just wanted to finish it to make it a complete chapter.
Please vote for me, please vote for me, please vote for me.
