Chapter 86: No Constables? Looking For Trouble? Wild Goose Feather Dagger Draws, Marketplace Slaughter Begins
He had seen stubborn ones before.
But he had never seen one so ignorant of officialdom’s ways.
Once in officialdom, all ideals must be set aside. The most important thing now is naturally to integrate into the local circle, rise together, and graft together.
Prefect Zhao thought the same way.
He had served as Prefect in Anzhou for many years. His official rank was not high, but he was the highest administrative official over one prefecture and eight counties, holding the performance appraisal and promotion of countless civil officials in his hands, truly wielding the power of life and death over the local civil official system.
He and Commander Qin were known as Anzhou Prefecture’s two local emperors.
Now the Public Security Bureau had welcomed a Chief Officer. By rights, he was below them, one rank lower in official position, but that damned Loyal and Brave Colonel title had stubbornly erased the gap, leaving him very passive.
Prefect Zhao’s main strategy was to win over if possible, to jointly secure Anzhou’s power. Even if a third local emperor appeared, he would accept it.
And now, he just hoped the other party would set this matter aside for now, suppress it temporarily, and plan for the long term.
Who could have thought that the other party would actually counter-question him, asking if he wanted to protect Ximen Hai.
Prefect Zhao forcibly suppressed the anger in his heart, squeezed out a smile that could be called amiable on his face, pulled Lin Fan aside, and said in a low voice that only the two of them could hear:
“Colonel Lin, you are new here and don’t know the situation. Ximen Hai’s father is the President of the Anzhou Chamber of Commerce. This Anzhou Chamber of Commerce… has deep-rooted influence, business spanning the prefectural city and eight counties, and the commercial taxes they pay are an important source for the treasury. Their ties with government offices at all levels are intricate. If we really move against Ximen Hai, I’m afraid… it will cause no small turmoil.”
He observed Lin Fan’s expression and saw that the other party remained expressionless, so he leaned in half a step closer, lowering his voice even more.
“Colonel Lin, how about this? If you feel that releasing him immediately would damage the authority the Public Security Bureau has just established, you can lock him up for a few days first. One, it curbs his arrogance, serving as a minor punishment and warning. Two, it gives an explanation to the common people outside, showing that the government is not idle. Once the fuss dies down, find a pretext… What do you think? Doesn’t this kill two birds with one stone?”
While Prefect Zhao was whispering privately with Lin Fan.
The girl who had nearly been raped felt her heart sink to the bottom, her body trembling even more violently. She somewhat regretted coming to the Public Security Bureau. In the end, they were all in cahoots, while she was just an ordinary commoner singing in a restaurant.
Who would offend the Prefect and the Ximen Family for her sake?
The summoned common people whispered among themselves.
Their gazes met.
They all shook their heads, sighing inwardly.
Sure enough, as they thought, this matter would definitely be resolved. They had seen such situations countless times. No matter how grave Ximen Hai’s crimes, they were always suppressed in the end.
Either the victim forgave, or the victim confessed to the crime, claiming they had framed Ximen Hai.
Thinking of this.
The surrounding common people were furious, clenching their fists tightly. If they had a saber in hand, without any second thoughts, they really wanted to hack this beast and these damned officials to death.
Ximen Hai, forced to kneel on the ground, felt at ease the moment Prefect Zhao appeared. From childhood to now, he had never thought he could get into trouble. No matter how big a mess he made, his family could always smooth it over.
Feeling the burning pain on his face.
He cast a resentful glance at Qian Tao, then turned his gaze to the shivering woman. Seemingly noticing Ximen Hai’s gaze, the woman turned her head to meet it. This glance scared her face even paler, nearly fainting.
Qian Tao noticed Ximen Hai’s gaze and was furious, raising his hand to slap down angrily, but Wu Yong grabbed his wrist. He looked at Wu Yong in confusion.
“Let me take a swing, okay?” Wu Yong also wanted to feel the pleasure of slapping someone.
Qian Tao was stunned for a moment, then understood, lowered his arm, and nodded slightly to him.
Wu Yong took a deep breath, cracked his knuckles, raised his arm high, and with a slap, landed a palm on Ximen Hai’s face. This slap made Wu Yong feel utterly refreshed.
And the sound of this slap was particularly piercing in the quiet scene.
Ximen Hai’s head was slapped to the side, his lips trembling, neck veins bulging, eyes bloodshot. He had forgotten how many times he had been slapped, but every slap was a humiliation to him.
Lin Fan said: “Wu Yong, what’s wrong?”
“Sir, Ximen Hai was threatening this girl with his eyes.” Wu Yong reported thus.
Lin Fan waved his hand, telling Prefect Zhao to stop his nonsense, then walked over and angrily said: “Ximen Hai, with death at hand, you still don’t repent. Good, good. Since I, Lin Fan, took over the Public Security Bureau, I really haven’t encountered anyone as lawless as you.”
“Do you think because your father is the President of the Anzhou Chamber of Commerce and he brought Prefect Zhao to plead for you, you can leave the Public Security Bureau unscathed and swagger out?”
“Let me tell you, you’re dreaming.”
Lin Fan’s voice was loud and clear, spreading to the surroundings. The common people were shocked; this seemed different from what they had thought.
Prefect Zhao’s face instantly turned unpleasant, but seasoned in officialdom, his masking skills were top-notch. The displeasure was quickly concealed, restoring surface calm.
Commander Qin narrowed his eyes, saying nothing throughout. From this, he was certain that this new Chief Lin, Colonel Lin, was not one of them.
Ximen Hai said excitedly: “I’m innocent. I didn’t rape her. Don’t believe me? Ask her if I raped her.”
After a moment of contemplation, Prefect Zhao said: “Colonel Lin, Public Security Bureau matters shouldn’t be my concern as Prefect, but…”
Before he finished, Lin Fan interrupted him.
“Since you know Public Security Bureau isn’t your domain, don’t overstep. Just do your own job.” Lin Fan looked at Prefect Zhao, showing no courtesy, speaking in a serious tone.
Prefect Zhao was stunned.
He hadn’t expected the other party to say this.
Lin Fan looked at Ximen Hai, his calm gaze overlaid with chill. “In broad daylight, you tried to rape a common girl. This needs no confirmation from her; this official saw it with his own eyes. You can’t escape.”
Li Zhengdao witnessed the scene before him.
He had thought Lin Fan starting to stir up the winds would take longer, at least after stabilizing the Anzhou Public Security Bureau, but who knew he would act so soon after arriving.
This speed was too fast.
Slowing down a bit would be good.
As for this Ximen Hai, you’ve kicked an iron plate. You’ve met Silver Rod King Master Lin from Yong’an, who upholds the law yet cares least for it.
“Prefect Sir, save me, save me.” Ximen Hai pleaded for help. He hadn’t expected to meet such a tough guy. From the current situation, the other party didn’t even give the Prefect face.
Prefect Zhao didn’t even glance at Ximen Hai and said: “Colonel Lin, since that’s the case, this official will take his leave first. Once you arrange Public Security Bureau matters, this official will bring Anzhou officials to welcome you.”
After speaking.
Prefect Zhao turned and left decisively, without any hesitation.
It seemed calm on the surface, but huge waves had already been stirred.
Anzhou’s native old forces had clashed violently with the new appointee’s forces.
When Commander Qin passed by Lin Fan, he smiled, cupped his hands, and said: “Colonel Lin, so young yet holding such a high position. Impressive. Let’s keep in touch in the future.”
Then he also left.
Moments later.
With Prefect Lin and the others gone, the constables standing in the courtyard felt like they had lost their backbone, at a loss. The common people were also silent, seemingly fine, but they smelled a thick scent of gunpowder.
Lin Fan said: “Fellow villagers, rest assured. Since this official has taken over the Public Security Bureau, he won’t sit idly by. Words are useless now; wait and see.”
At this time, a group of constables appeared at the door, among them three Squad Leaders hurrying over, breathing heavily, clearly having run all the way.
Upon seeing the situation in the courtyard.
The three Squad Leaders quickly stepped forward, bowing and cupping fists to Lin Fan, their tone respectful yet tense: “This lowly one pays respects to Chief Lin! We arrived late; please forgive us, Chief Officer!”
Lin Fan snorted coldly, “All of you, go stand over there.”
“Yes.”
The three Squad Leaders led the constables to stand among the crowd in the courtyard. They winked at Qi Lianhai, wanting to know what had just happened.
When they arrived, they had seen Prefect Zhao leaving with an ashen face.
In the past, Prefect Zhao would nod to them upon seeing them, but now he didn’t even glance at them. This was definitely big trouble.
Qi Lianhai shook his head, not daring to speak.
Lin Fan looked expressionlessly at the assembled constables, “Is everyone here?”
No one responded.
Xu Ming stepped forward, cupped his fists, and said: “Sir, this lowly one just counted. Ninety-five should be present, but only ninety are here. Five are missing.”
“Oh?” Lin Fan raised an eyebrow and actually laughed in anger, “Heh, such boldness.”
Suddenly, footsteps approached.
The five absentees came running hurriedly, adjusting their clothes while running, all slick and oily-looking, clearly no good.
The five sensed the off atmosphere but saw the Squad Leaders and others standing there, so they naturally headed toward the group. No matter what happened, following the main force was safe.
“Stop.” Lin Fan said angrily.
The five stopped steadily, looking at the very unfamiliar Lin Fan, clueless about who he was, but from the situation, they knew he was a big official, likely the rumored new Chief Officer.
“Take off that constable uniform, drop the saber, and get out of the Public Security Bureau.” Lin Fan pointed at them, his voice not loud but with an unquestionable tone. “From this moment, you are no longer Public Security Bureau constables.”
Hearing this, the five trembled violently, feeling a terrifying sense of oppression coming at them.
Not just them being nervous.
All constables on site were tense, hearts in their throats, and the common people too. A big official angry—even not at them—made the atmosphere tense and fearful.
The five exchanged glances, then cast pleading looks at their Squad Leaders.
Squad Leader, save us.
But their Squad Leaders pretended not to see.
At this time, one constable stepped forward, cupped fists: “My father is Zhang Er…”
Before he finished.
“I won’t say it twice.”
Lin Fan’s eyes chilled like arrows, staring them down.
Wu Yong strode forward, raised his hand, and delivered a hard slap.
“Are your ears deaf? Sir told you to strip off the clothes; why aren’t you?”
The five were terrified, tremblingly removing their clothes, placing sabers on the ground, bare-chested in large shorts, huddling, unsure what to do.
“Scram!” Wu Yong pointed at the door. “The Public Security Bureau isn’t a place for you vermin to stay; you disgrace its name.”
Refreshing! So refreshing!
Wu Yong felt an exhilarating thrill in his chest. Was this the natural dominance from following Brother Lin?
The five’s faces alternated green and black, sensing the strange gazes around, fleeing in disgrace.
At this time, the entire Public Security Bureau was deathly silent, pin-drop quiet. All constables hung their heads low, hearing their own heartbeats.
Ning Yu’s eyes shone, looking at her master with utmost admiration.
So dominant.
Too dominant.
She clenched her powder fist, thrilled beyond words. These guys didn’t deserve to be constables.
“Lu Zhongtian.” Lin Fan spoke.
“This lowly one is here.”
Named Lu Zhongtian jolted, immediately standing straight and stepping out.
“You, come out and stand aside.”
“Yes, Sir.”
Lu Zhongtian was puzzled but obeyed, stepping out from the ranks. His colleagues looked at him in confusion, wondering what was up.
Or was this ruthless Chief Lin going to make an example of Lu Zhongtian?
Thinking this, some constables pursed lips, wanting to laugh but holding it in silently.
At that moment, Lin Fan fully erupted. He suddenly pointed at the dense crowd of constables, his voice like thunder, laced with towering fury.
“You bunch of dog-shit things, what have you turned the Public Security Bureau into? Whoring, drinking—upper beams crooked, lower beams follow. Four Squad Leaders bear Anzhou public security responsibility, yet in broad daylight, a common girl is nearly raped. I see you’re all useless wastes who only eat and shit.”
Everyone on site was stunned, common people too.
No one expected Chief Lin to curse outright.
Without saving any face.
Even cursing the Squad Leaders.
Lu Zhongtian blinked; he thought Sir called him for something, but it was to avoid collateral. Moved, Lu Zhongtian was touched.
The Bald Squad Leader couldn’t bear the humiliation, stepped forward: “Chief Officer, though you are Chief, cursing us like this is too much…”
Bang!!!
Before he finished, everyone saw a blur.
Lin Fan surged forward, kicking him in the abdomen, sending him flying meters away. Landing, he clutched his abdomen, vomiting bile in agony.
The intense pain twisted his features.
“When this official is speaking, when is it your turn to interject? As Squad Leader, you shirk all responsibility. I say none of you should stay. Strip your clothes and get out of the Public Security Bureau. From now on, you’re no longer part of it.”
Lin Fan said angrily.
This caused an uproar.
All constables jerked their heads up, looking at Lin Fan in disbelief.
They hadn’t expected him to dismiss them.
This was beyond their wildest imagination.
“Chief Lin, this breaks rules. Even as Chief, you have no right to dismiss us.”
Qi Lianhai spoke up. Cursed and insulted, he endured.
After all, the other had higher rank.
But now, threatening their roots by dismissing them—unbearable.
“Rules? No right?” Lin Fan snorted. “This official, as Anzhou Public Security Bureau Chief Officer, manages performance appraisal and promotion of all public security constables in one prefecture and eight counties. You question my authority? I tell you, not only do I have it, no one can oppose it.”
Li Zhengdao was shocked speechless.
Playing for real?
Really dismissing all Anzhou Public Security Bureau constables? He didn’t dare imagine, yet envied the power’s might.
Lin Fan, as Anzhou Chief, indeed had such capability.
One prefecture and eight counties, all under his control.
Positions below Squad Leader, local Prefect decides; above, needs Public Security Bureau document to Anzhou Public Security Bureau for Chief approval. Approved, promoted; else, halted.
In a daze, he was stunned.
Unexpected that Lin Fan, once a commoner constable, had risen this far—beyond imagination.
“Fine, Chief Lin, just appointed and you want to take down us brothers. Good, since you’ve said it, if we cling shamelessly, wouldn’t that mean we’re faceless?”
Qi Lianhai removed his constable uniform and saber.
“Sir, don’t forget, this is Anzhou. Without us maintaining order, if trouble arises, even as Chief, you won’t explain to superiors easily.”
“Why standing there stunned? Strip. Don’t make the Sir think we can’t bear to leave.”
Qi Lianhai led, looking at colleagues.
He wanted to see how he’d handle Anzhou chaos without them. When court blamed, see how he’d fare.
Soon, other constables began stripping, tossing uniforms on ground, venting frustration.
Lin Fan watched calmly, slowly saying: “Don’t think stripping uniforms ends it. I’ll review all Public Security Bureau files from the past three years. Any issue found, none of you escape.”
Qi Lianhai stiffened at this, face changing, looked at Lin Fan: “Is that so? We’ll wait and see then. Hope Chief Lin handles the current mess first.”
“Brothers, let’s go!”
He waved grandly, bare-chested in shorts, heading outside the prefecture.
The crowd followed, no attachment to Public Security Bureau.
Lin Fan watched them go, eyes colder. In Anzhou Prefecture, he needed bold reforms. Boiling frog in warm water wasted time and energy.
Li Zhengdao eyed the now empty courtyard, swallowed, leaned in whispering:
“Sir, this… isn’t too hasty? No matter what, we should stabilize, train our own, then clean gradually.”
“Hasty? Not at all. I want them to know where I, Lin Fan, am, I call the shots. Threaten with that? Dream on.” Lin Fan said.
Ning Yu said: “Master did well, Master dominant, Master mighty. So what now?”
“No matter.” Lin Fan waved, to Lu Zhongtian: “Immediately post notices at prefecture office gate and crowded spots, announce to the city: Anzhou Public Security Bureau publicly recruits constables tomorrow. Regardless of household registration or background, as long as clean record, sound body, all welcome to apply. Sole requirement: heart for justice, hatred of evil.”
“Yes, Sir.” Lu Zhongtian dazed—everything too shocking for his brain—but obeyed instantly.
“Xu Ming, you and Yang Ming take Ximen Hai to prison, interrogate thoroughly. Also check prisoners: any framed or taking blame? Record statements, reinvestigate.” Lin Fan ordered.
“Yes.”
They knew the process well.
Anzhou Public Security Bureau’s corruption clear; total overhaul needed. Far from burdened, they brimmed with vigor.
“Master, Master!” Ning Yu jumped, hand raised. “What about me?”
Lin Fan smiled: “You, hmm… New to Anzhou, check if Chief Officer residence is ready. If not, rent a larger house nearby. We from Yong’an stay together.”
“Yes, Master, leave it to me.”
Tasked, Ning Yu perked up, patted chest, left briskly with follower. Must do Master’s errand perfectly.
Lin Fan said: “Qian Tao, Wu Yong, Ding Peng, clean all Public Security Bureau rooms. Discard what’s needed, add what’s missing.”
“Yes.”
The three went immediately.
Li Zhengdao looked at Lin Fan.
As if saying, what about me?
Now more dazed; thought Deputy Squad Leader minor here, but after Lin Fan’s move, he became second-in-command.
Truly unpredictable world.
Lin Fan to common people: “Fellow villagers, you all saw just now, proving my determination to reform Public Security Bureau. Hope you believe it once more. I guarantee no disappointment henceforth.”
Common people stared at Chief Lin.
Dismissing over ninety on spot—even without officialdom experience, they knew what it meant.
“Sir, we believe you.”
Common people echoed.
Lin Fan smiled: “Thanks. Please help spread word. Public Security Bureau needs many constables. Anyone willing, capable, try. Even without law knowledge, if just heart, welcome. I’ll select uniformly.”
Common people buzzed with talk.
Debating fiercely.
……
Prefect’s Mansion.
“Prefect Zhao, what now?” Master Ximen anxious; only one son, now jailed, who knows the torment.
In past, long released.
Prefect Zhao, thinking of Lin’s disrespect, mood sour: “Why panic? Whose turf is Anzhou? Can he do as he pleases? He’s official, we’re officials. No matter how ruthless or capable, so what?”
Master Ximen helpless: “True, but toppling him ain’t easy.”
Commander Qin sipped tea, set cup: “Young ones are hot-blooded, easily swayed by rabble petitions. Need to teach them hardship, but carefully.”
“Mm.” Prefect Zhao nodded, agreeing.
Mainly because he saw Ning Yu.
Status, background—untouchable.
Even as Prefect, couldn’t withstand.
Suddenly.
Assistant Prefect Shang hurried in, recounting Lin Fan’s actions post-departure. All present stunned, eyes wide like ghosts.
After a while, Prefect Zhao reacted first, actually laughing: “Hahaha! Brother Qin, hear this? What world-class blunder from the kid?”
Commander Qin laughed: “Self-sabotage for sure. Truly… stupidly so.”
Prefect Zhao shook head laughing, mood sunny: “All Public Security Bureau constables dismissed—shell now. City trouble? One memorial to court, they’ll question his fitness as Anzhou Prefecture Chief.”
Prior anger gone post-blunder news.
Assistant Prefect Shang eyes turned, enlightened: “Prefect Sir, this lowly one gets it. I’ll soothe Qi Lianhai et al. Dismissed, they’re unbalanced; advise acceptance.”
“Mm, go.” Prefect Zhao nodded.
Trusted Shang’s ability and insight.
No need full explanation.
He understood.
……
Restaurant.
Three ex-Squad Leaders gathered; kicked one seeing doctor.
“Damned, dog-day, never suffered such in life.”
Qi Lianhai slammed cup on table. More he thought, angrier. Ten-plus years Squad Leader, publicly humiliated by upstart kid—who could take it.
“Brother Qi, don’t fume. Kid overreaches, opposes us—opposes Prefect. Dismissed us all; see how he runs Public Security Bureau.” One Squad Leader said.
Another: “Yes, offended city’s powers on arrival. Our brothers’ ties—whose without strength? Cut our paths, none spare him.”
Qi Lianhai gritted teeth: “I know, but still boils me.”
At this.
Figure appeared, smiling: “Three Squad Leaders, drowning sorrows?”
Qi Lianhai to arrival: “What you want?”
Arrived: Anzhou notorious bully, with gang of thugs, true ruffians in common eyes.
Deeds shady.
Huang Shan smiled: “Assistant Prefect Shang told me you’re here drinking gloomily, sent me to offer help. Heard all; new Chief Lin real bastard, lawless.”
Qi Lianhai et al old hands, knew Shang’s intent instantly.
Shang Prefect’s man—thus, approved by Prefect Sir.
Qi Lianhai chuckled: “Huang Shan, all Public Security Bureau constables dismissed. This gap your reign of terror?”
“Squad Leader Qi jokes. Dared not when you were around.” Huang Shan laughed, pivoted: “Truth, my brothers wild, can’t rampage city, sometimes squat outside. Now idiot runs Public Security Bureau; wanna test his mettle.”
“Hahaha…” Qi Lianhai laughed loudly. “Don’t overdo; trouble, none save you.”
Huang Shan: “Fear you most. He dismissed you; wanna show in vast Anzhou, not anyone suppresses me.”
“Good, good, gutsy kid. Wanna see.” Qi Lianhai said.
Huang Shan patted chest: “Squad Leaders, watch tomorrow.”
Moments later.
Huang Shan gone.
Qi Lianhai: “Brothers, watch. Prefect and Commander strike back, give him color. Damned dog, make him know Anzhou waters too deep. If behaved, we’d call him Chief.”
“Now unruly, he’s nothing.”
Two Squad Leaders nodded approval.
Spot on.
……
Meantime, departed common people spread the scenes.
Hearing, common people.
First thought: impossible.
Who dares such?
Snack stall front.
Resting, eating common people chatted.
“Real? No constables henceforth—who handles trouble?”
“Heh, with constables same?”
“True, but ultimately we suffer. Anzhou ruled by Prefect and Commander. New Chief no rest spot, stirs this. Anzhou doomed.”
“Don’t gloom. Heard he’s real doer.”
“Deeds? Bull. New officials act sweet, greedier. Got it: officialdom needs pretty words.”
“This one different.”
“Heh! Officials same. If I probe graft, none live—hypocrite dogs.”
Wonton table, bundled merchant, hearing: “You mean Master Lin?”
Chatting common people turned.
“Master Lin? Don’t know, just Lin Fan, our Anzhou Chief.”
Merchant smiled: “That’s him. In our Yong’an, commoners call him Master Lin or Qing Tian Lin, or Silver Rod King Master Lin, ’cause he carries sixty-jin iron rod.”
“Ah? Sixty jin, joke?”
“Know you disbelieve, but true. Yong’an local here for goods. Was chaos, but Lin Master appeared—one rod swept demons, restored clear and bright world to Yong’an.”
Merchant detailed knowns; listeners agape, speechless shock.
Merchant dropped coppers, rose to leave.
“Rest easy. Master Lin no ordinary. Your Anzhou chaotic, blacker than ours, but fear not—Lin Master acts, all ghosts kneel begging.”
As leaving.
“Hey, brother, more? We clueless.”
Merchant waved: “No more. Watch yourselves. New Chief long stay; my words seem tales now. See with eyes, understand.”
Said, ignored pleas.
Bundled, left.
Left common people exchanging looks; words fantastical as stories.
Ancient times, news spread inconvenient.
……
Night.
“Ning Yu, great eye—fine spot.” Lin Fan in courtyard, nodded satisfied at surroundings.
Ning Yu indignant: “Master, didn’t expect Anzhou offices so excessive. Knew you coming, yet Chief Officer residence untouched. I saw: unlivable, filthy weeds everywhere. Infuriating.”
Lin Fan smiled, offered Tiannanxing: “Snacks?”
Ning Yu saw, recalled fear: “Master, you got fetish? Tiannanxing poisonous.”
Lin Fan popped in mouth: “You wouldn’t get.”
【Poison Resistance+1】
Ning Yu helpless—who gets?
Poisoned stuff, eater doomed.
New place, much to do. Guiyi Body Refining Method gear needs new craftsman—delays cultivation.
Of course, he unhurried.
Seeing Commander Qin, truly disappointed.
Utter waste.
Such becomes Commander? He Lin Fan, with terrifying strength, easily world’s top Great General.
Lin Fan patted Ning Yu shoulder: “Late; sleep soon. Busy tomorrow.”
“Mm, know Master. You too.” Ning Yu felt fulfilled lately, vigor endless.
Bedtime, thinking morrow’s big matters.
Excited sleepless.
Lin Fan to room, oil lamp glowing. Sat desk, opened Lu Zhongtian’s paper.
All Anzhou native forces.
Quick scan, shocking.
Small gangs many, teens to twenties.
Scaled, official-tied, bailable: five.
Local ruffians countless.
Anzhou Chamber of Commerce, famous families: ten joined, vast network.
Surprising: Anzhou had cult.
‘Mingwang Cult’
Lu Zhongtian detailed Mingwang Cult.
Mingwang Cult preaches Ming King descends, blesses faithful. Believe Ming King, enter reincarnation, next life fortune. Even staged Ming King descent miracle.
Especially outside Anzhou city, Mingwang Cult’s Ming King Hall; many city faithful.
“Evil cult.”
To Lin Fan, unknown=evil cult. Fake descents, miracles, shun medicine—court-approved or not, all evil.
Brainwashing strong.
Turn good brains to shit-filled, stinking intolerable words.
Lin Fan penned, circled key.
Now stabilize Anzhou order, then probe this Mingwang Cult.
……
Next day.
Marketplace.
Common people daily, yearly, set stalls as usual.
“Cooked flatbread, cooked flatbread… fresh out oven.”
“Sweet tofu pudding, salty tofu pudding…”
Cries rose and fell, bustling marketplace.
Suddenly.
Bang!!!
Huge bang drew all attention.
Bare-chested, fleshy-faced thug held cleaver, kicked stall over, glared at dazed stall owner.
“Money out, give old man money, hear?”
Terrified owner shook like sieve, lips quivering, tremblingly emptied scant coppers.
Thug eyed pittance, furious, slapped owner hard.
“You f**king beggar? This for who?”
Owner begged: “Master, that’s all. No business yet, mercy.”
“F**k, held back long, finally no constables, stroll—you give this? F**k, one cleaver kill you, believe?” Thug glared, eyes fiendish, man-eating ghost.
Surroundings common people terrified.
Helplessly looked around.
Knew not what to do.
Public Security Bureau no constables—they knew. Such bully beyond them.
At this.
Ranting thug sensed sharp gaze locked.
Turned head.
Tall, black-uniformed youth stood quietly, expressionless stare. Gaze calm indifferent, chillingly deep.
“F**k you staring? Stare more, old man cleavers you.” Thug raged.
Behind Lin Fan, Qian Tao, Xu Ming itched to act.
But Lin Fan slowly raised hand, stopping them.
Under all eyes, Lin Fan’s right hand steadily gripped never-bloodied Wild Goose Feather Dagger hilt.
Zing!!!
Faint yet clear metal scrape.
Saber slowly unsheathed.
Sun hit emerging blade; first seen: near guard, engraved both sides.
Imperial Grant!
Universe Order!
Fully drawn, blade like autumn water, cold light biting. Crowd squinted, dazzling.
Lin Fan held saber, strode toward dazed thug.
Surroundings held breath, watched.
Saber tip scraped ground, crisp friction.
Thug lips twitched, inner tension, breath heavy.
Close moment.
Cold light flashed!
Thug eyes silver-blinded, saw nothing. Silver faded; neck felt cool.
Hand touched.
Neck crack appeared.
Clang!
Thug’s cleaver hit ground.
Bang!
Thug body tilted forward, crashed down. Blood trickled from neck.
Lin Fan looked around.
“Continue business.”
Said, proceeded.
Qian Tao, Wu Yong swiftly loaded corpse to rear cart.
Causing trouble?
Bold.
