The bandit suppression operation began with a thunderous start, and within just one hour, the mountain stronghold was breached.
The Chief Bandit, covered in blood, knelt on the ground, surveying the group of extraordinarily powerful troops. They wore bright armor and carried sharp weapons, yet bore no insignia of any official or military organization.
The force wasn’t large, only about 400 strong, but the Chief Bandit was shocked to discover that not a single one of them was weak. The lowest among them was at the Qi Refining realm.
There were over 50 at the Qi Cultivation realm, more than 10 at the Spirit Cultivation realm, and 4 at the Bronze Skin Iron Bones realm.
As for the female war goddess leading them, her cultivation was unfathomable.
Such an army could not only easily deal with a small mountain stronghold but could also give the first major city of Yun Province, Baidi City, a run for its money.
No banners, exceptional combat prowess, led by a woman… The Chief Bandit’s heart sank as he recalled a rumor circulating in Yun Province.
“You… you are… the Flying Swallow Heroine?”
“What Flying Swallow Heroine? That sounds terrible.”
The female war goddess, holding a silver spear, frowned. She was extremely beautiful, with delicate features, red lips, and a high nose that accentuated her three-dimensional features. However, her sharp aura made people overlook her beauty.
The illusory Mei stood obediently by her side. Originally an extremely beautiful ghost, she was completely overshadowed by the war goddess’s aura.
“Mistress, did I do well?” Mei asked coquettishly.
“Your message was very timely,” the war goddess nodded in praise.
“Then can you give me a man?” Mei said sweetly. “I’ve been hungry for so many days.”
Emperor Yuan Jing should send you one, go suck his essence dry… The war goddess inwardly grumbled, then nodded slightly: “Pick a few bandits as you like.”
The Chief Bandit was now certain that this female war goddess was indeed the legendary Flying Swallow Heroine.
A few years ago, a chivalrous heroine suddenly appeared in the martial arts world. Wherever she went, justice was upheld and righteousness was maintained.
In just a few short years, she rose to fame in the martial arts world, becoming a well-known hero. Due to her eagerness for justice and love of righteousness, she was honored with the title “Flying Swallow Heroine.”
At the beginning of this year, this heroine came to Yun Province. Seeing the rampant banditry and the suffering of the people, she immediately recruited soldiers and established a private army, embarking on a tireless journey of bandit suppression.
She gained the full support of the Provincial Administration Commissioner of Yun Province.
“I ask, you answer. This way, your death will be quicker,” the war goddess pointed her silver spear at the Chief Bandit, her voice cold. “Otherwise, I’ll refine you into a vengeful ghost, never to be reincarnated.”
The Chief Bandit fell into a dilemma, bargaining: “Dream on!”
Puff… The silver spear pierced through the Chief Bandit’s crown, red and white matter splattering backward.
The war goddess withdrew her spear, muttering: “Speak or don’t speak, it’s up to you.”
“!!!” Zhou Chixiong was so frightened his legs went weak. He thought you can’t do this! Didn’t you see he was bargaining? You should at least give him a chance. How can you be so rash?!
The warriors beside her seemed long accustomed to the war goddess’s style, grinning as they watched the spectacle.
At this moment, Zhou Chixiong felt the war goddess’s emotionless gaze sweep over him. He immediately prostrated himself: “Heroine, spare me! I’ll tell you everything, I’ll tell you everything.”
“I won’t kill you,” the war goddess stood proudly, her form-fitting armor accentuating her graceful curves, beautiful yet exuding a chilling, murderous aura.
“I’m going to send you to meet someone.”
…
Xu Qi An had just finished his qi cultivation, his mood was gloomy, and unable to sleep. As he listened to the dripping sound of the water clock, a familiar fluttering sensation came to him.
His heart leaped. He sat up, eagerly fumbling for the small jade mirror under his pillow. Sure enough, he saw the content he had been hoping for:
[Two: Number Three, Zhou Chixiong has been captured. I’ll send someone to deliver him to the capital tomorrow.]
Zhou Chixiong has been captured? The efficiency is terrifying… Number Two is simply my ideal, I’m in love… Xu Qi An’s mood was beyond ecstatic; he was almost moved to tears of joy.
Becoming Wei Yuan’s secret agent was the worst choice. Xu Qi An didn’t want to go down this path. Currently, he was only in the Qi Cultivation realm and felt his foundation was still insufficient. Staying in the capital, staying in the Night Watchmen Bureau, whether in terms of resources or living environment, was far better than wandering the world.
Who would willingly lead a vagrant life if they could live in peace and happiness?
This world already made him lack a sense of belonging. If he were to leave his Second Uncle and Aunt, and Second Brother and Sister, it would be too lonely.
[Three: Can you reach the capital within six days?]
Yun Province was very far from the capital. Although the imperial post roads were well-developed, six days were still too tight.
[Two: If riding a fire-feathered beast, we can just make it in six days. But you’ll have to pay me 300 taels of silver. I can’t let my brothers make the trip for nothing, and you’ll have to cover the expenses on the way.]
[Three: That’s only right.]
After saying this, Xu Qi An pondered. Zhou Chixiong definitely couldn’t be sent directly into the capital. The waters were too deep there. Once Zhou Chixiong entered the capital, he would surely be discovered by those with ulterior motives, especially since he was now wanted by the court and listed as a top criminal.
There were two choices: either notify Wei Yuan in advance or find another way to get Zhou Chixiong into the capital… After consideration, Xu Qi An chose the latter.
Because he had a better idea.
[Three: Number Two, please trouble you to send Zhou Chixiong to the Yunlu Academy. Someone there will take over.]
Zhou Chixiong was involved with major court figures. To guard against their desperate measures, the Night Watchmen Bureau, full of martial artists, wasn’t sophisticated enough.
The great scholars of the Yunlu Academy had teleportation abilities, making them the best choice for escorting prisoners. They only needed to say: “Within my three feet, is the capital.”
And the person would be in the capital.
They probably couldn’t enter the palace, otherwise, it would be too easy for the great scholars to cut off Emperor Yuan Jing’s dog head.
Tomorrow I’ll go to the Yunlu Academy to visit my three teachers… Xu Qi An silently decided.
Regarding Number Three’s request, including Number Two, the Heaven and Earth Society members peeking at the conversation didn’t find it strange at all. After all, Number Three was a student of the Yunlu Academy.
…
Days passed one by one. During this time, Xu Qi An made multiple efforts, meeting with Princess Huai Qing and Princess Biaobiao, hoping the two could plead for him.
Princess Biaobiao, who only knew how to cause mischief with her sister and lacked real cunning, put on her princess airs and immediately agreed.
Princess Huai Qing was more rational and objective, frankly saying: “Father Emperor seems to dislike you. This princess can ensure you avoid the death penalty, but you can’t escape punishment.”
Punishment, of course, meant exile.
Xu Qi An noticed a detail: Princess Huai Qing showed an unreasonable calmness towards the Sangbo case and was very calm about his impending fate as if she didn’t care at all.
The day before the deadline, Wei Yuan sent someone to summon him. Xu Qi An met the man in blue robes at Haoqi Tower.
“I just received news from the palace. His Majesty will hold court tomorrow morning and will inevitably mention the Sangbo case. I will strive to keep you in the bureau, rather than in the prefectural office or the Ministry of Justice,” Wei Yuan said.
He was about to say some words of comfort to his valued young watchman when he heard the other calmly say:
“Lord Wei, I have already captured Zhou Chixiong.”
Wei Yuan’s expression froze as he stared at him without a word.
…
At the hour of Yin that day, Xu Qi An drove a carriage into the imperial city, stopping outside the palace gates. Accompanying him were Song Qing and Chu Caiwei from the Bureau of Astronomy, the great scholar Zhang Shen from the Yunlu Academy, and the golden bell watchmen Jiang Luzhong and Yang Yan.
Inside the carriage was the unconscious former Jinwu Guard centurion Zhou Chixiong, bound and with a sack over his head.
Upon arriving, Xu Qi An felt relieved. He cupped his hands towards his helpers: “Thank you all. The Sangbo case will be concluded today.”
He wanted to put an end to the Sangbo case and draw a conclusion to the conflict between the Blade and Silver Bell.
In the Hall of Supreme Harmony.
After the normal court proceedings, Emperor Yuan Jing asked: “Is there any progress on the Sangbo case?”
Below the throne, all the ministers turned to look at Wei Yuan, their expressions varied but mostly gloating.
The Minister of Rites stepped out and said loudly: “May Your Majesty see clearly, may Lord Wei give this official justice.”
Wei Yuan glanced at the Minister of Rites who had stepped out to cause trouble, then turned his gaze to Emperor Yuan Jing. He stepped forward and bowed:
“In response to Your Majesty, the Sangbo case has been fully resolved.”
A buzz of discussion immediately arose.
Emperor Yuan Jing was startled. He narrowed his eyes and leaned forward slightly: “Who is the mastermind?”
Wei Yuan said: “It would be meaningless for this subject to say. Your Majesty can summon the former Jinwu Guard centurion Zhou Chixiong.”
The Minister of Rites’ eyebrows twitched as he sneered: “Zhou Chixiong has long since fled the capital. How can he be summoned?”
Wei Yuan stared at him with a meaningful smile and said loudly: “Zhou Chixiong is just outside the palace gates. I request Your Majesty to summon him.”
In an instant, the court fell into complete silence.