◎Young Master’s Favoritism◎
Upon hearing this, everyone froze in their movements. Luo Wanqing immediately turned around to see Xing Ling burst in, covered in blood.
She swept her gaze around the crowd and urgently said: “Those with medical skills would be best.”
“How many people?” Liu Jianye’s expression immediately turned cold. Xing Ling shook her head: “Countless. At least a hundred with some martial skills.”
Liu Jianye’s face looked rather grim. After thinking for a moment, he scanned the surroundings and immediately said: “All Inspectors present should follow Inspector Xing Ling first. I’ll go to the Zhuque Department to call for more people!”
With that, Liu Jianye turned and left. Xing Ling raised her hand: “Move out.”
With a single command, Xing Ling rushed straight outside, and all the Inspectors immediately followed.
Luo Wanqing mixed in with the crowd. Though she didn’t know what had happened, she still followed Xing Ling as they rushed toward Dongqi Alley.
The main street still looked peaceful, showing no signs of anything unusual. To avoid disturbing the citizens, dozens of people from the Supervision Department all traveled via rooftops. A line of figures in black clothes and golden crowns rushed across the rooftops, quickly reaching Dongqi Alley.
From afar, Luo Wanqing could hear the sounds of killing, but saw no figures. It wasn’t until Xing Ling led everyone into a villa that Luo Wanqing saw the courtyard was full of people.
The three Fang brothers were trapped in the courtyard, fighting desperately. Xing Ling leaped in, cutting down people in the courtyard as she shouted: “Where is Inspector Cui?”
“In the basement!” Fang Yuan roared. “Everyone who went down hasn’t come back!”
Hearing this, Xing Ling’s expression turned stern. She pointed toward the main door: “Charge in!”
With that, she led people rushing into the house. However, the opponents sensed their intention, and everyone swarmed forward, blocking all the incoming Inspectors at the entrance.
“Break through!” Xing Ling roared. “Break through and get inside!”
“Block them! Block them even if you die!”
Both sides’ commanders issued death orders, and the two forces clashed at the entrance.
Though the opponents’ martial skills were inferior to the Supervision Department’s, they had superior numbers. For a time, they used human lives to block the entrance, keeping all the Inspectors outside.
Seeing this situation, Luo Wanqing thought for a moment, then simply broke away from the Supervision Department’s group and swiftly attacked toward a side window.
As soon as she separated, a large group immediately came up trying to block her. Luo Wanqing charged forward with her blade, her sword energy domineering. In an instant, it cut through three people’s bodies, blood splattering all over her. Before the crowd could react, Luo Wanqing had already leaped through the window and charged inside.
“Catch her!”
“Charge in!”
The people behind her shouted and killed in chaos, but Luo Wanqing had no time for them.
She found herself alone in the room, which was full of those bandits. A large crowd rushed at her in a black mass. Luo Wanqing cut down one with each strike, charging straight downstairs.
This building had several floors below ground. Luo Wanqing leaped between the staircases, using them to dodge these people’s pursuit and attacks. Her breakthrough ability was extremely strong, and in moments she had reached the ground floor. On the ground were several Inspector corpses. Blade wind attacked from behind. Luo Wanqing coldly swung her blade in a circle around her body, creating a safe space for herself. Then she grabbed someone nearby by the neck and hurled him forcefully at the front door!
The door was smashed open by the direct impact, and a rain of arrows shot out. Luo Wanqing was prepared. She grabbed another person, using him to shield against the arrows as she rushed in rapidly. Before the opponents could react, she had already stepped on the archers’ shoulders and leaped directly onto the high platform!
“Kill him!”
Someone shouted from above. Hearing this, the man standing by the execution rack on the platform immediately raised his hand to strike down.
Luo Wanqing released her blade, which pierced through the executioner’s body. At the same time, she went straight for the person who had spoken.
She changed direction too quickly. In an instant, she had appeared before the speaker. The guards only had time to block once before Luo Wanqing seized their blade, spun around, grabbed the speaker, and shouted: “Everyone stop!”
Hearing this, the entire room fell silent.
Luo Wanqing scanned the surroundings. The Inspector on the execution rack was covered in blood and had completely lost consciousness. This should be the “Inspector Cui” that Xing Ling had mentioned.
And the person in her hands had just been giving orders, clearly the leader here.
Luo Wanqing held her captive and moved toward the execution rack, staying alert to her surroundings as she threatened: “Nobody move, or I’ll kill him.”
“Inspector,” the person she held seemed remarkably calm. He said coldly, “You can kill me today, but you need to think clearly. If I die by your hand, you’ll have only a dead end in the future. My master will never let you go!”
“Oh?” Luo Wanqing observed her surroundings, her tone dismissive. “Who is your master?”
“Naturally, he is…”
Before he could finish speaking, a tremendous “boom” came from outside. The entire house shook as if someone had set off explosives.
In that instant, the person Luo Wanqing was holding suddenly struck out. One hand pressed against her blade-holding hand while the other held a dagger and stabbed at her!
Everyone around surged forward. Luo Wanqing raised her hand to block the opponent’s dagger-wielding hand, used the person as a weapon to swing at those beside her, then thrust her blade backward to protect the Inspector behind her as she fought with the opponents.
Xing Ling’s voice came from outside: “Inspector Cui? Inspector Liu?”
“Here!”
Luo Wanqing shouted, kicking away those charging at her. Then she heard explosives going off repeatedly, and the beam overhead made a creaking sound.
Luo Wanqing sensed trouble. She quickly cut the ropes binding the Inspector behind her, hoisted him onto her shoulder, and charged out while cutting down the surrounding people.
Carrying someone was completely different from moving alone in terms of agility. Moreover, the Inspector on her shoulder had abnormal breathing. Luo Wanqing’s heart grew heavy, but fortunately, just as she charged out of the basement door, she saw Xing Ling leap down from above.
Seeing her, Xing Ling quickly rushed forward and said coldly: “Let’s go. They’re upstairs.”
With that, she protected Luo Wanqing as the two fought their way out.
When they reached ground level, the Supervision Department had already seized the first floor. Upon seeing the two of them, the three Fang brothers immediately came up. Luo Wanqing quickly said, “Make way, give me space quickly. He’s dying!”
Hearing Luo Wanqing’s words, everyone quickly cleared a space. The others surrounded Luo Wanqing and her group. Luo Wanqing placed the Inspector on the ground and immediately said, “Give him a Ningxiang Pill.”
The Ningxiang Pill was a life-saving medicine that every Inspector in the Supervision Department carried, meant to sustain someone’s breath. As Luo Wanqing spoke, she pressed urgently on his chest.
Xing Ling fed the medicine to him. Luo Wanqing watched his complexion. After a moment, he suddenly exhaled, then began breathing heavily.
Luo Wanqing breathed a sigh of relief. She selected some medicines from her supplies, fed them to him, and began treating his wounds while asking: “Inspector Cui? Are you alright?”
He couldn’t speak, but his eyes showed a response.
Luo Wanqing felt relieved. She then turned to look at Xing Ling, who was fighting: “Have reinforcements arrived? Prepare a stretcher. His wounds are very dangerous; he can’t be moved anymore.”
“Soon.”
Xing Ling calculated the time: “One quarter-hour.”
Luo Wanqing understood. She took needles from her Qianji kit. Though they weren’t silver needles, she couldn’t worry about infection at this point.
She inserted the needles into his arm to sustain his life, staying by this Inspector’s side. If anyone tried to approach, she would strike with her blade.
The chaos around them lasted less than a quarter-hour before reinforcements arrived.
Once the Supervision Department reinforcements came, they instantly controlled the situation. Zhuque led people into the room and shouted sternly: “What happened?”
As he spoke, his gaze fell on the person beside Luo Wanqing. His expression changed slightly, and he quickly stepped forward: “Brother Ziran?”
He momentarily couldn’t control himself, calling out a title that exceeded their professional relationship. He hurriedly said, “What happened to you? How are you?”
“Chief Zhuque, he needs to be carried back on a stretcher immediately,” Luo Wanqing reminded Zhuque. “He has serious injuries and has lost too much blood. The situation is very dangerous.”
Hearing this, Zhuque immediately gestured for people to carry the Inspector away on a stretcher. Then he looked coldly around the surroundings and instructed someone beside him: “You investigate what happened here. I’ll take people back first for questioning.”
With that, Zhuque left some people from the Zhuque Department to guard, then led everyone back.
Luo Wanqing followed in the returning group. This time, the Supervision Department had deployed too many people, making them particularly conspicuous walking on the street.
However, Luo Wanqing had grown accustomed to this in recent days. Anyone wearing Supervision Department clothes attracted attention, and with so many people today, she cared even less.
She mixed in with the crowd, taking out a handkerchief from her bosom to wipe the blood from her hands.
Fang Yuan squeezed over beside her, asking curiously: “Inspector Liu, you can treat people?”
“Mm.”
Luo Wanqing wiped her hands clean, then lowered her voice to ask Fang Yuan: “Who did we save today? How come even Chief Zhuque was alarmed?”
“Fifth Rank Inspector Cui Ziran,” Fang Yuan lowered his voice, speaking so only the two of them could hear. “He’s been with the Department Head since the Supervision Department was established. I heard he’s also from the old Cui clan, so his status and relationships are significant.”
“Old Cui clan?”
Luo Wanqing was somewhat surprised to hear this. Could someone from the old Cui clan appear openly in public?
She couldn’t help but lower her voice: “The old Cui clan… is the court comfortable with this?”
“Who knows?”
Fang Yuan shrugged: “Anyway, when the Cui clan was destroyed, only the main Cui family members died. The retainers were fine.”
Upon hearing this, Luo Wanqing understood. Her father was living well, so what was wrong with Cui Ziran, merely a former retainer, appearing in the Supervision Department?
“What happened today?”
After clarifying who the person was, Luo Wanqing began inquiring about today’s situation.
Since joining the Supervision Department, her work has gone smoothly. This was the first time she’d encountered such a scene.
“What case were you investigating that was so troublesome?” Luo Wanqing asked strangely.
Upon hearing this question, Fang Yuan’s expression turned ugly as he gritted his teeth: “It’s those bastards from the Eastern Palace.”
With that, Fang Yuan waved his hand: “Forget it, let’s not talk about it.”
The group followed Zhuque back to the Supervision Department. Just as they reached the entrance, they saw Qingya standing at the door to guide them.
Seeing Zhuque return, Qingya smiled and looked at everyone, raising his hand: “Thank you for your hard work, fellow Inspectors.”
Qingya was the most good-natured among the Four Chiefs, but no one dared accept his courtesy. They quickly returned the greeting, respectfully saying: “Chief Azure Dragon.”
“Please go to the main hall, everyone. Chief Xuanwu is waiting for you all.”
Hearing this, everyone was uncertain what had happened, but they still followed Qingya’s words and went with Qingya and Zhuque to the main hall.
The Supervision Department’s main hall could accommodate several hundred people simultaneously. When Luo Wanqing entered, the room was almost full, leaving only a central aisle for passage.
At the front of the room was a high platform with a long table, but no one was there.
Below the long table, down one step on each side, were four meditation cushions each. Xuanshan and Baili were already kneeling on the cushions. After Qingya and Zhuque entered and the Four Chiefs were seated, the room was closed.
“I’ve gathered everyone here to discuss a case.”
Xuanshan spoke, and everyone fell silent.
Luo Wanqing stood bewildered in the main hall, then heard Xuanshan say: “Just now, Inspector Cui Ziran was seriously injured.”
Hearing this, everyone was shocked. Xuanshan continued: “This is the third Inspector to have an incident this month. This time we were fortunate—his life is not in danger. The previous two Inspectors both unfortunately perished. These three Inspectors were all responsible for the Eastern Palace case. Currently, there are no suitable candidates in the department to handle this case. I’ve gathered everyone today to ask if any Inspector present is willing to take on this case?”
After these words, everyone looked at each other, but no one stepped forward.
In less than half a month, three Inspectors had consecutive incidents. This was no ordinary case, and everyone present valued their lives.
Luo Wanqing looked around and was about to speak when she heard Xuanshan continue: “According to department rules, if there are incomplete cases due to Inspectors dying in the line of duty, after evaluation by the Four Chiefs and confirmation as urgent important cases, the succeeding Inspector can be promoted according to the case’s danger level. One dead Inspector equals one promotion level. Is no one present willing to take the case?”
“Xing Ling is willing to take the case.”
“Liu Xiniang is willing to take the case.”
As soon as the words fell, Luo Wanqing and Xing Ling spoke simultaneously.
Not expecting anyone else to speak, Luo Wanqing looked over with some surprise to see Xing Ling looking back across the crowd.
“Step forward.”
Xuanshan spoke. Luo Wanqing withdrew her gaze and stepped out with Xing Ling.
The cleared aisle in the center of the main hall was just enough for two people to stand side by side.
Xuanshan took paper and brush, looked at the two, then scanned the others around them and said: “Anyone else?”
No one around spoke. Xuanshan waited a while, then looked up at Luo Wanqing and Xing Ling. After thinking, he said to everyone, “You may go about your own business. These two Inspectors stay behind.”
With that, the doors opened and hundreds of Inspectors filed out in order. Soon, only Luo Wanqing and Xing Ling remained in the room.
The Four Chiefs sat above. Xuanshan tapped the table and said slowly: “Inspector Xing Ling was already working with Inspector Cui on this case?”
“Yes.” Xing Ling replied respectfully. “This case has involved three Inspectors, all of whom I assisted in handling.”
“Rich experience.” Xuanshan pondered, speaking leisurely. “But do you have the ability to protect yourself?”
“Yes.”
“She’s been the strongest Inspector in the Supervision Department’s competitions these past two years,” Zhuque added from the side. “Unbeatable below the Four Chiefs. If she can’t protect herself, only we would be left to handle this matter.”
“With such good abilities, yet you couldn’t protect your superior?” Hearing this, Qingya smiled, his eyes moving slightly. “Or were you just not there when they had their incidents?”
“Self-protection and protecting others are different,” Xing Ling answered neither humbly nor arrogantly, only saying, “Please rest assured, Chief Azure Dragon.”
Luo Wanqing listened to their questioning, her heart sinking slightly, knowing that regardless of experience or position, Xing Ling seemed more suitable than her.
However, today’s case was her best and possibly only opportunity.
She lowered her head in thought, trying to understand the Four Chiefs’ thinking.
Xing Ling was far more suitable than her—this went without saying.
But if it were only about suitability, they wouldn’t have needed to stay behind. Keeping her here meant she still had a chance.
Qingya’s earlier words were her opportunity.
Three Inspectors had been assassinated, and Xing Ling, as the strongest below the Four Chiefs in the Supervision Department, remained unharmed while her superiors were killed. This could be called coincidence.
But Xing Ling came from the palace, and this coincidence combined with her background, made it somewhat concerning.
This cleanup of Li Shangwen’s Eastern Palace remnants was intricately connected to the palace. Xing Ling’s palace origins were the greatest concern about her.
Xing Ling had concerning aspects, but for Luo Wanqing to get this case, she had to demonstrate certain advantages to make the Four Chiefs’ choice acceptable to others.
After all, if they only considered background, this consideration couldn’t be spoken to outsiders. She had to give the Four Chiefs a stepping stone, a reason that other Supervision Department members could accept for giving her the case.
What this case valued most was martial skills. Without high martial skills, becoming the case supervisor would mean being killed again in a few days, which would be pointless. So if she wanted to take this case from Xing Ling, the most direct method was to prove she was stronger than Xing Ling.
Stronger than her, with a cleaner background, and having rescued Cui Ziran today—this way, her taking the case would be more convincing.
Luo Wanqing went through this in her mind, then heard Xuanshan above ask: “Liu Xiniang, if this case were given to Xing Ling, would you have any objections?”
“Yes.”
Luo Wanqing spoke decisively.
Xing Ling turned to look at her, and Luo Wanqing said seriously: “This subordinate believes that for this case supervisor, the most important thing is not experience, but staying alive. This subordinate dares to say that I am more suitable for this position than Inspector Xing Ling.”
“You think your martial skills are better than hers?” Hearing Luo Wanqing’s words, Zhuque couldn’t help but laugh. “Do you know what she’s capable of?”
Luo Wanqing wasn’t entirely clear. She and Xing Ling had only dealt with each other during those few days guarding Zhang Yiran. During those days, she had been constantly watching for palace people, and she indeed hadn’t seen Xing Ling take action. She had only heard from Fang Yuan that she was the strongest Inspector below the Four Chiefs.
“Inspector Liu has such ambition, which is quite good,” Qingya, who had been listening, nodded and looked at Xuanshan with a smile. “According to department rules, disputes are resolved at the martial arts platform. Inspector Liu’s request is reasonable, isn’t it?”
Xuanshan heard this but said nothing. He tapped the table lightly, finally looking at Xing Ling and saying calmly: “Xing Ling, what do you think?”
“This subordinate has no objections.” Xing Ling bowed respectfully.
Zhuque clapped his hands, somewhat excited: “Then after dinner, you two prepare. Tonight you’ll fight, and I’ll notify everyone to watch the show!”
“Zhuque,” Baili said beside him somewhat helplessly, “Control your temperament.”
Hearing this, Zhuque quickly sat up straight, putting on an adult demeanor.
Xuanshan thought for a moment and nodded: “Then you two go rest first. After dinner, meet at the martial arts platform at the hour of the dog. Chief Zhuque and I will witness for you.”
Both Luo Wanqing and Xing Ling agreed, then bowed and withdrew.
The two left the main hall together. Xing Ling didn’t say much to her, maintaining her usual aloofness. After nodding to her, she turned and left.
This was the first time Luo Wanqing observed her figure so seriously.
She was a woman born in the north, half a head taller than Luo Wanqing. Her features were clear and dignified, carrying the unique nobility of the palace. When she walked, her steps were steady and solemn, looking straight ahead, with equal distances between each step—the result of long-term training.
Her muscles were firm and powerful throughout her body, her breathing steady and deep. Those sword-wielding hands looked particularly strong.
Since beginning martial arts training, Luo Wanqing had rarely fought one-on-one.
Wind Rain Pavilion’s Silver Snake, Zhao Yuyan, Dark Pavilion’s Wang Yunzhi—the rest had been fighting one against many or many against many. Her only somewhat instructional practice with Cui Heng hardly counted as one-on-one combat.
She couldn’t tell exactly how much difference there was between herself and Xing Ling, only vaguely knowing that this person’s level should be similar to Wang Yunzhi’s.
Since she couldn’t figure it out, she stopped thinking about it. There was still some time before the match, so she went back to rest and meditate properly. While resting, she heard footsteps outside. Looking up, she saw Baili standing at the door, smiling at her.
“Master?”
Luo Wanqing quickly got up and went to greet her. Baili walked in, supported by Luo Wanqing as she sat down.
Since returning from Li Guiyu’s place, her health hadn’t been good. Now she basically just handled some miscellaneous affairs within the department.
Luo Wanqing poured tea for her. Knowing Baili wouldn’t visit without reason, she respectfully said: “Does Master have any instructions?”
“I didn’t speak up for you today. You won’t blame me, will you?”
Baili held her teacup and spoke with a smile.
Hearing this, Luo Wanqing quickly shook her head: “Master’s relationship with me is too close. It wouldn’t be appropriate for you to speak up at this time. Master did nothing wrong.”
“Good that you understand. Though your martial skills are strong, you’re intelligent, and you’ve participated in many important matters, these department people don’t know about them. You’ve been here too short a time. If I had spoken for you, the people below might not have accepted it.”
Baili explained, and Luo Wanqing understood everything, listening without speaking.
As Baili spoke, she lowered her head to sip her tea, then continued: “But since you call me Master, I still need to come give you some guidance.”
“Please speak, Master.”
“Between you and Xing Ling, it’s hard to say whose martial skills are higher or lower, but there’s one thing you must remember: the Jiuqu Sword in her hands was made by a master craftsman. When she entered the Supervision Department, she won the martial arts championship two years running and requested it from the Young Master. It cuts iron like mud and is unstoppably sharp. You must not fight her head-on.”
Hearing this reminder, Luo Wanqing nodded, then became curious: “Martial arts champions in the Supervision Department can request things from the Department Head?”
“Naturally.” Baili nodded, then smiled. “However, if you can defeat Xing Ling, it would be equivalent to winning the department’s martial arts championship. Perhaps the Young Master would gift you a precious blade too?”
“Then I’ll work hard.”
Luo Wanqing joked lightly.
Baili looked at her with gentle eyes. After thinking, she said, “Then rest well. I’ll come watch tonight.”
Luo Wanqing got up to see Baili off.
After leaving Luo Wanqing’s courtyard, Baili returned to Xie Heng’s small courtyard.
Xie Heng sat in the long corridor, head down, using a silk cloth to clean a blade. Baili bowed respectfully and said gently: “Young Master, the message has been delivered.”
Xie Heng responded quietly, then said: “Thank you, Aunt.”
“Since you’re so worried, why not give her the blade in your hands?”
Baili looked at the blade in Xie Heng’s hands with some curiosity: “You had someone search for this blade before she even entered the Supervision Department. It was originally hers—what harm would there be in giving it to her now?”
“No merit, no reward,” Xie Heng caressed the blade in his hands, speaking gently. “In the Supervision Department, she’s no different from Xing Ling.”
“I haven’t seen you forge a blade for Xing Ling.”
Baili stepped forward and knelt across from Xie Heng, her tone playful.
Xie Heng’s expression remained unchanged as he only said: “Someone else forged one for her.”
“What if no one had?”
“I also forged a blade for Zhuque,” Xie Heng reminded. “I take extra care of all promising talents in the Supervision Department.”
This left Baili speechless. After a moment, Baili could only remind: “You even personally carved characters on the blade, using plum blossom small script.”
His small script followed his mother Cui Muhua’s style and was rarely shown to others.
Hearing this, Xie Heng paused slightly in his movements, then put away the blade, only saying: “That was carved by Cui Heng.”
With that, he glanced at Baili and said calmly, “She still has a long road ahead in the Supervision Department. Forcing growth would be harmful to her.”
“I’m concerned about you.” Baili sighed, looking at Xie Heng with some worry. “I don’t know how much longer I can accompany you, Young Master.”
Xie Heng remained silent. After a while, he smiled: “Aunt, your death would not be solitary, nor would my life be. Life and death are no different—there’s no need for fear.”
“Saying that makes me even more afraid.”
Baili glared at him, then turned to look at the courtyard, murmuring: “Having someone is still better, after all.”
Xie Heng didn’t respond, getting up to put the blade inside the house.
Luo Wanqing ate early in the afternoon. As the hour of the dog approached, she went down the mountain to the martial arts platform.
When she arrived, many Inspectors seeking entertainment had already arrived early at the martial arts platform to wait. As Luo Wanqing walked over, she could see Fang Yuan and others greeting her from afar: “Inspector Liu!”
Luo Wanqing looked up to see Fang Yuan’s bright smile: “You must win today!”
Beside him, Fang Zhi looked at him coldly without speaking, while Fang Shun raised his hand to bow to Luo Wanqing.
Luo Wanqing smiled back and waved. As she stepped onto the martial arts platform, she heard Fang Yuan’s voice ring out again behind her, cheerfully saying: “Inspector Xing Ling, you must win today too!”
Luo Wanqing turned back to look at Fang Yuan’s brilliant smile, speechless.
Then Xing Ling stepped up. She nodded and bowed to her, then sat on the other side to meditate.
The martial arts platform was designed as a Taiji pattern. Xing Ling sat in the white side’s star position, so Luo Wanqing thought for a moment and sat in the black side’s star position.
After waiting a while, Zhuque and Xuanshan arrived at the martial arts platform. After the two sat down, they heard Zhuque shout: “Time’s up! Get ready and fight! Whoever falls off the platform first loses.”
Hearing this, Luo Wanqing opened her eyes to see that Xing Ling had already opened hers in the distance.
She quietly looked at her, and with just one exchange of glances, both knew the other was ready.
Xing Ling stood up first, and Luo Wanqing also rose. After a moment, Xing Ling stood in place and said coldly: “Begin.”
Luo Wanqing didn’t stand on ceremony with her. The instant she spoke, Luo Wanqing drew her blade and appeared before Xing Ling in a flash, striking down from high to low with tremendous force!
Her opening move showed no restraint whatsoever. Xing Ling didn’t meet it head-on, dodging to the side. Luo Wanqing’s second strike instantly followed, forcing her to raise her sword to block Luo Wanqing’s blade edge.
Her sword hadn’t left its sheath, and the scabbard was cut with a crack by Luo Wanqing. Her expression finally showed change as Luo Wanqing said coldly: “Draw your sword!”
As soon as the words fell, the third strike immediately followed.
Luo Wanqing’s blade work followed a path of grand, sweeping movements. Each strike carried extremely fierce force, as if bearing the weight of mountains and seas, numbing one’s arms with the impact.
Generally, such heavy striking blade techniques require building up power, making them appear clumsy.
However, Luo Wanqing was different. She used speed to compensate for the time lag caused by power buildup. This resulted in each of her strikes coming both fast and fierce. Moreover, with increased speed, the blade force from the same distance of power buildup became even stronger. This just placed extremely high demands on the blade user’s physical strength and internal energy. Without sufficient energy to support it, such fighting style couldn’t last long.
The near-perfect blade technique forced Xing Ling to retreat step by step, but her sword never left its sheath, constantly observing Luo Wanqing.
Luo Wanqing knew that without her drawing the sword, it wouldn’t count as officially beginning. Right now, she was trying to observe her methods while consuming her physical strength.
However, Luo Wanqing’s blade work had always been domineering and fierce. If Xing Ling wanted to yield, she would press forward step by step, showing no consideration whatsoever.
In less than half a quarter-hour from the opening, she had already forced Xing Ling to the edge of the platform. Just as the final strike was about to fall, the audience below erupted in amazement. Xing Ling’s expression finally changed. In the moment before her blade fell on her head, she forcefully used her sword sheath to block Luo Wanqing’s blade, then, under Luo Wanqing’s heavy pressure, inch by inch, drew the sword hidden in the sheath.
It was indeed a precious sword. As soon as it was unsheathed, clear light flowed gracefully, filling the hall with cold air.
Luo Wanqing applied more force, trying to force Xing Ling off the platform. Sensing her intention, Xing Ling’s long sword instantly left its sheath and swept down at her!
Luo Wanqing was forced to dodge to the side, and the blade pressing on Xing Ling’s scabbard lost its force. Xing Ling kicked out, Luo Wanqing leaped backward through the air, and felt Xing Ling’s long sword pursuing closely.
Her sword was like a snake’s darting tongue, so fast it left no room to breathe, quickly forcing Luo Wanqing to retreat to the center of the platform.
Luo Wanqing couldn’t retreat further, so she simply used her blade to forcefully engage the sword’s body. However, upon contact with the sword, Luo Wanqing immediately sensed something was wrong. She quickly channeled internal energy into her blade to barely resist Xing Ling’s sword.
“This sword of mine is called Jiuqu,” Xing Ling said coldly. “It was forged by the master craftsman Long Xuzi, taking one year to complete. It cuts iron like mud and is indestructible. This sword was made for me, corresponding to the nine forms I learned. How many forms can you withstand?”
Hearing this, Luo Wanqing sensed trouble. Then she saw Xing Ling suddenly withdraw her sword, the sword tip thrusting rapidly toward her face.
The sword was like urgent rain, its sharpness fully revealed.
Like the varied plucking of strings, large and small pearls falling on a jade plate.
Her sword tip moved swiftly. Luo Wanqing didn’t retreat either, raising her blade with flowing force to strike horizontally. Then came a light “ding” sound as the sword body slid past the blade edge, emitting a soft hum as it pointed directly at Luo Wanqing’s throat.
The Jiuqu sword was too sharp, grinding against the blade edge. Luo Wanqing’s expression became extremely ugly as she dodged to the side, then immediately struck down toward Xing Ling’s neck.
Xing Ling blocked horizontally with her sword, looking up coldly: “Your blade is too rigid. Sometimes you must yield.”
“My blade,” Luo Wanqing used internal energy to maintain her blade’s integrity, speaking through gritted teeth, “can only move forward.”
Hearing this, Xing Ling’s expression grew colder. As if touched by something, she suddenly raised her sword, her sword momentum surging as she struck down swiftly!
“Then let’s test that.”
From this moment on, her sword momentum was no longer restrained, not resembling ordinary swordplay at all, but more like blade work.
Horizontal slashes and vertical cuts, both fast and fierce.
Luo Wanqing showed no fear, clashing with her again and again. She had a sharp blade, while Luo Wanqing could only use internal energy to protect her blade, meaning her internal energy consumption was far higher than Xing Ling’s.
Each exchange between them was with full effort, making the surrounding spectators’ hearts race with fear.
But soon everyone realized that being able to fight evenly despite such a large gap in weapons meant Luo Wanqing’s actual skill level was higher than Xing Ling’s.
Xing Ling understood this point as well. Simply winning wouldn’t count as winning—only a decisive victory would be a true victory.
She didn’t deliberately drag things out with Luo Wanqing. Channeling internal energy fiercely into one sword strike, when it met Luo Wanqing’s blade edge, she didn’t release her internal energy but pressed down inch by inch.
Soon, Luo Wanqing felt the strain. She watched as cracks appeared on her blade edge, spreading bit by bit. Moments later, the blade snapped in response. Luo Wanqing quickly retreated, but Xing Ling pursued relentlessly, grabbing Luo Wanqing’s collar and hurling her away forcefully!
The instant Luo Wanqing was thrown from the platform, she grabbed a stone pillar to pull herself back. Xing Ling was already before her, striking toward Luo Wanqing’s hand, gripping the pillar. Luo Wanqing quickly withdrew her hand, the pillar shattering in response. Xing Ling pursued closely, her sword wind slicing across her cheek, leaving a bloody mark.
“Surrender.”
Xing Ling spoke, but Luo Wanqing remained coldly silent.
With only half a blade remaining, Luo Wanqing was at a disadvantage and didn’t dare confront Xing Ling directly. But she couldn’t dodge either—blade users relied on an unwavering forward momentum. If she dodged, she would lose the initiative.
She could only use this half-blade to fight Xing Ling. Xing Ling repeatedly tried to force her off the platform, but she always found life in desperate situations.
When kicked off, she would adjust her angle to hit the stone pillars. When the pillars shattered, she would cling to the platform and climb back up.
Eventually, even Xing Ling became frustrated, striking sword after sword as she couldn’t help urging Luo Wanqing: “Surrender!”
Luo Wanqing’s expression remained unchanged. She maintained absolute calm throughout.
Neither pain nor violent strikes could affect her in the slightest.
She was waiting.
Her blade was inferior to Xing Ling’s, so she had to compete in mental fortitude. She didn’t believe Xing Ling was perfect—she would wait.
The two dragged on for a long time. Just as it was nearly the hour of the pig, Xing Ling finally couldn’t contain herself. She gathered power for one sword strike toward Luo Wanqing. Luo Wanqing stood at the platform’s edge, waiting for her to come.
She knew this was their final sword exchange and her last chance.
She stared at Xing Ling’s movements. Her actions entered her field of vision, every joint of her body seemingly deconstructed, analyzed in her eyes to predict future trajectories.
She waited quietly. In the instant Xing Ling’s sword fell, she suddenly struck out, finding the opening. One hand thrust rapidly toward Xing Ling’s neck while the other gripped the blade in reverse to meet and block Xing Ling’s sword!
The broken blade blocked Xing Ling’s sword, then shattered completely.
However, in that brief blocking moment, Luo Wanqing’s body had already moved forward. Taking advantage of Xing Ling’s vulnerability in her lower abdomen during her full-force strike, she grabbed Xing Ling’s neck and, in the moment before Xing Ling’s sword could touch her, used all her strength to hurl Xing Ling forcefully toward the far side below the platform!
The change happened in an instant. Ordinary Inspectors didn’t even realize what had occurred before seeing Luo Wanqing grab Xing Ling by the neck and slam her down violently.
Xing Ling hit the ground heavily, surrounded by boos from the crowd.
Though dazed from the impact, Xing Ling still forced herself up, compelling herself to stand as she glared at Luo Wanqing.
Luo Wanqing stood on high, her heart racing. In that instant, she had been gambling.
Gambling that she was faster than Xing Ling, gambling that her internal energy plus that broken blade fragment could block Xing Ling’s full-force strike.
If she had gambled wrong, she would now have only half a body left.
Fortunately, she had won.
She had won.
Standing on the high platform, her entire body’s muscles trembled lightly as she breathed softly, meeting the gaze of the bleeding Xing Ling on the ground.
After a moment, the physicians who had been prepared finally reacted, rushing up to check both women’s pulses.
Xuanshan exchanged glances with the surrounding Four Chiefs, then stood up and said steadily: “This match goes to Liu Xiniang.”
Hearing this, Luo Wanqing relaxed completely, supported by the physician as she sat beside Xing Ling for examination.
Xing Ling kept her head down without speaking, seemingly lost in thought.
Xuanshan walked down from above, coming before the two and looking seriously at Xing Ling: “Xing Ling, the Eastern Palace remnants case will be given to Liu Xiniang, with you as her deputy assistant. Do you have any objections?”
Hearing this, Xing Ling pressed her lips tightly.
Luo Wanqing kept her head down without speaking, watching blood flow from her arm to her fingertips, blood drops falling from her fingertips.
Earlier, she had channeled all her internal energy into the blade edge in an instant. Her arm’s meridians could barely bear it, forcibly blocking Xing Ling’s sword, tearing her muscles apart.
She knew Xing Ling would be unwilling to accept this result. After all, she had been here too short a time. Even having defeated Xing Ling, it was normal for her to feel unconvinced.
But she had won, so the case was hers.
Regardless of whether Xing Ling accepted it, this was now her case.
Luo Wanqing looked down at the blood on her fingertips, listening to the surrounding Inspectors’ discussions, vaguely hearing voices expressing sympathy for Xing Ling.
When Xing Ling didn’t answer for a long time, Xuanshan frowned and was about to speak when they heard Qingya’s voice from nearby: “Inspector Xing Ling, Inspector Liu.”
Hearing Qingya’s voice, Luo Wanqing sensed trouble.
Everyone looked up to see the young man in azure robes and plain clothes, red cord at his waist, smiling as he said: “The Young Master requests your presence.”
At these words, everyone was stunned.
Luo Wanqing instinctively stood up, unable to help asking: “May I ask Chief Azure Dragon, for what matter does the Young Master summon us?”
“The Young Master heard about your martial competition today to争 for the case and feels it inappropriate.” Qingya didn’t conceal anything, explaining openly. “The Eastern Palace case is of great importance and cannot rely solely on martial force to select personnel. He wishes to invite both Inspectors up the mountain for discussion to hear your case-handling approaches.”
Upon hearing this explanation, the Inspectors who had been sympathizing with Xing Ling fell silent.
These words favored Xing Ling.
Even though Luo Wanqing had won, they would add another test for both, examining what Xing Ling was better at—case-handling experience.
Luo Wanqing involuntarily clenched her fists, reminding: “But I won.”
“Yes,” Qingya said gently but firmly, “but there still needs to be an additional test.”
The crowd remained silent. Zhuque couldn’t help but speak: “But this afternoon we all agreed…”
“The Young Master said,” Qingya interrupted Zhuque’s words, staring at Luo Wanqing, “please, both Inspectors, come up the mountain.”
Hearing this, Luo Wanqing pressed her lips tightly. Xing Ling stood up and said quietly, “I apologize.”
However, she still carried Jiuqu, walking past Luo Wanqing toward Qingya: “Please.”
The surrounding Inspectors all cast sympathetic looks at Luo Wanqing. She took a deep breath and finally stepped forward.
The two followed Qingya out from the crowd, along the mountain path up the mountain, then appeared together before Xie Heng’s small house.
Xie Heng sat as usual in the courtyard corridor. Luo Wanqing and Xing Ling entered together, kneeling in respect. Xie Heng looked up at the two kneeling Inspectors, both bearing injuries. His gaze lightly swept over them, then he turned toward the house, saying: “Rise. Xing Ling, come in.”
Hearing this, Xing Ling stood and walked up to the corridor, following Xie Heng into the house.
Then she closed the door. Xie Heng’s room seemed specially constructed—after closing the door, even someone with her martial arts training couldn’t hear anything from inside.
After Xing Ling entered, with no one around, Luo Wanqing finally let her emotions show completely. She couldn’t help kicking a tree in the courtyard, then forced herself not to overthink.
Xie Heng’s additional test clearly showed he wanted Xing Ling to lead this case. From this perspective, while Qingya had concerns about Xing Ling, Xie Heng trusted her greatly.
Not only did he trust her, he valued her extremely highly, giving away a precious sword like Jiuqu without hesitation.
With Xie Heng’s help, it would be extraordinarily difficult for her to get the case.
But she couldn’t give up now. She had to find a way.
Luo Wanqing sat on the steps, forcing herself to suppress emotion with reason as she thought about how to answer Xie Heng’s questions.
Xie Heng wanted them to demonstrate case-handling ability, but in terms of case-handling approaches, she could never be as experienced as Xing Ling. So far, she had never independently completed any case on her own. Even though she had participated in or even led major events like escorting Qin Jue, destroying Wind Rain Pavilion, and the Crown Prince assassination, she had no experience handling these routine cases.
If she only considered how to handle cases, she couldn’t defeat Xing Ling—this was inherently her weakness.
To persuade Xie Heng, she couldn’t approach it from whether she could handle cases well, because in Xie Heng’s mind, Xing Ling was already more suitable. No matter what she said, it might not change his mind.
So what she needed to do was determine if she could satisfy Xie Heng.
Xie Heng wasn’t simply an official in charge of criminal punishment.
Analyzing this, whether indulging or even promoting the Crown Prince’s assassination at Fangfei Pavilion, having her advance the Qin family case, or protecting her after the Crown Prince assassination, Xie Heng’s goals were always clear.
He wanted more power.
Whatever he intended to do, grasping total authority was essential.
So, regarding the Eastern Palace case, what could she do to help Xie Heng gain more power?
Luo Wanqing pondered, beginning to recall what connections Xie Heng had with the Eastern Palace in her previous life.
The first charge in Xie Heng’s death was “assassinating the Crown Prince.”
The second was…
“Falsely accusing the Eastern Palace Six Rates.”
As this charge surfaced in her mind, Luo Wanqing suddenly realized what Xie Heng truly wanted from this case.
Eastern Capital had three military forces: Emperor Li Zong controlled the Northern Barracks Four Armies, sons from various noble families commanded the Southern Barracks Sixteen Guards, leaving only the Eastern Palace Six Rates Army that could influence Eastern Capital’s situation.
Controlling the imperial city’s military was crucial for certain future moments, and currently the Six Rates commanders were all from the Wang clan.
If they could use this case to remove these Wang clan commanders, even without replacing them with Xie Heng’s people, at least they wouldn’t be Wang clan members.
In her previous life’s dream, Xie Heng had been willing to frame the Eastern Palace Six Rates to eliminate them.
In this life, he certainly wouldn’t let the opportunity pass.
Perhaps this was the real reason Xie Heng valued this case so highly.
Understanding this, Luo Wanqing felt confident.
At this moment, the door creaked, and Xing Ling emerged from the house. She turned to look at Luo Wanqing, her tone much gentler: “The Young Master asks you to enter.”
Luo Wanqing nodded, then stood up. Passing by Xing Ling, she walked into the room.
Xie Heng sat behind the room’s desk, in black clothes and a white shirt, wearing Qianji bead strings on his hands. One hand rested on the table, unconsciously tapping the surface with his index finger pad.
Luo Wanqing glanced at the Qianji on his hands, remembering how Cui Heng had placed the Qianji on her wrist.
Qianji had many forms, but when Cui Heng first taught her, he had her disguise Qianji as bracelets, hairpins, and waist chains, so she had grown accustomed to this disguise. But now she discovered that not many people used Qianji this way. More Inspectors seemed accustomed to assembling Qianji into complete waist chains wrapped around their waists.
Xie Heng was one of the few people she’d seen in the Supervision Department who separated Qianji into bead strings worn on the hands.
But this had nothing to do with her.
Thinking of the reason for being here, Luo Wanqing couldn’t help feeling somewhat annoyed at the man before her.
She didn’t look further, shifting her gaze away to kneel across from Xie Heng, respectfully saying: “Young Master.”
Xie Heng looked up at her, his gaze pausing on the wound on her face. After a moment, he forced himself to turn away, saying coldly: “Must you have this case?”
“Yes.”
Hearing Xie Heng ask so directly, she knew the additional test was deliberate difficulty from Xie Heng.
She pressed her lips: “This is my best opportunity to advance to Fifth Rank Inspector within three months.”
Hearing this, Xie Heng slowly raised his eyes.
He stared at Luo Wanqing, saying calmly: “Liu Xiniang, haste makes waste.”
“But if there’s a path,” Luo Wanqing raised her head, looking seriously at Xie Heng, “I must take it.”
Xie Heng didn’t speak. He looked at the blood mark on her face and those eyes like washed water. After a long time, he turned away, tapping the table: “Speak then. Tell me your thoughts. How do you plan to approach this case?”
“This subordinate hasn’t thought about where to start,” Luo Wanqing spoke directly and candidly. “I haven’t seen the case files and cannot judge where it would be most appropriate to begin, but this subordinate knows where the result should be.”
Xie Heng stopped tapping the table. He turned back to look at Luo Wanqing, using his eyes to signal her to continue.
Luo Wanqing lowered her voice, saying seriously: “Eastern Palace Six Rates.”
The two remained silent, quietly meeting each other’s gaze, but both understood the other’s meaning.
The fastest way to establish trust with someone is to conspire together on something unknown to others.
The outside world viewed the Eastern Palace remnants case as seeking justice.
However, for Xie Heng, the most important thing wasn’t justice, but under the guise of justice, the positions of the Eastern Palace Six Rates.
Luo Wanqing wasn’t clear how far Xie Heng would go for this, quietly awaiting his bottom line.
Xie Heng observed her, seemingly weighing his thoughts.
After a long while, Xie Heng lowered his eyes, only saying: “Act according to law.”
“Naturally.” Luo Wanqing breathed a sigh of relief, understanding that Xie Heng had decided to give her the case. She nodded in agreement: “If they are indeed innocent, I cannot force charges upon them. Harming them this way would also…”
Luo Wanqing hesitated slightly but still spoke like a prophecy, looking at Xie Heng: “Harm Young Master.”
Xie Heng didn’t catch the implication in her words. His expression restrained, he nodded carelessly, turning to look out the window: “You may go.”
Hearing his words, Luo Wanqing knew the case had fallen to her.
She bowed and withdrew, walking out the door and breathing a heavy sigh of relief.
After she walked away, Xie Heng’s gaze fell on where she had knelt, looking at the bloodstains on the ground, unable to look away for a long time.
Author’s Notes:
[Mini Theater] Xie Heng: “I won’t allow other top students to help my wife with answers!!! So angry!!!”
[Mini Theater 2] Luo Wanqing’s past: Cool, gentle little fairy. Since starting the daily report submission work routine— Luo Wanqing’s present: Big-box store fish-cutting department ten-year veteran, cold and irritable corporate slave
For revisions that don’t affect plot reading, I generally don’t give reminders—everyone can just read the later chapters without needing to review earlier ones.
But if anyone is curious, I can provide an update patch listing the revision locations and content for everyone.
Cang Lan Dao – Chapter 46 ending: Added two sentences enriching Xie Heng’s psychology. When Xie Heng thought of the past and saw Luo Wanqing standing under the tree, he developed possessiveness and dependence toward her that exceeded the past.
Cang Lan Dao – Chapter 47: Added Xie Heng’s jealous forceful kiss with Luo Wanqing, then being moved by Luo Wanqing’s view of love, beginning to seriously consider his view of love, deciding not to be “presumptuous” toward Luo Wanqing and to restrain his possessiveness. This is also why Luo Wanqing thinks Cui Heng isn’t very serious about such matters.
Cang Lan Dao – Chapter 49: Luo Wanqing drunkenly kissed Xie Heng. Xie Heng’s reaction was revised to be more assertive, with an enriched psychological description. Because of Luo Wanqing’s initiative, he began feeling her favoritism toward the Cui Heng identity, found the reasonable excuse of “you provoked me first,” and began unconsciously indulging himself in getting closer to Luo Wanqing.
Cang Lan Dao – Chapter 56: Added Xie Heng’s psychological description when Luo Wanqing actively proposed to “follow Young Master down the path of a thousand cuts and ten thousand slashes,” expressing Xie Heng’s completion of the transition from ‘possessiveness’ and ‘romantic desire’ to spiritual appreciation of the female lead, and acceptance of his own feelings.
Cang Lan Dao – Chapter 57 opening: Added Xie Heng’s psychological description expressing his acceptance of liking the female lead.
Cang Lan Dao – Chapter 58: Added Li Guiyu’s uncontrollable visit to find the female lead on the mountain, then briefly clashing with Xie Heng in secret, advancing Li Guiyu’s process of gradually accepting that the female lead is the female lead and taking action on major matters.
These are roughly all the revisions so far. They’re all content to make the emotional storyline clearer and richer, with minimal impact on future reading experience. Everyone can read them or not as they prefer.