Chapter 23: Chapter 23: Shen Ye
At Chen Shan’s words, Xu Zhengxiong’s expression turned extremely grave.
"Old Chen, are you sure people from the Observatory are here?"
Chen Shan nodded. "I’m certain. The people from the Observatory have already arrived at the County Yamen. They’re probably meeting with the County Magistrate as we speak."
"Could there be a Demon Evil Cult in Qingshan County?"
A Deputy Constable asked curiously.
"Perhaps they’re just passing through. Who knows? It’s probably just a formality," another Deputy Constable said.
"Let’s hope it’s an Evil Cult and not Demons and Monsters. Otherwise, with our strength, we’d be done for."
"What’s there to be afraid of? Even if there are Demons and Monsters, we still have the masters from the Observatory, don’t we? We’ll probably just be lending a hand."
...
As the others discussed, Fang Xing remained silent, simply listening.
’Demon Evil Cults.’
’Either way, this was no small matter.’
’At least, not for a place like Qingshan County.’
Fang Xing didn’t dwell on it, though.
’He just had to wait.’
’The specifics would come to light soon enough.’
’Even if Demons and Monsters really did appear, the people from the Observatory would be here to handle it.’
’And if he couldn’t win a fight, couldn’t he still run?’
His Gale Step technique had reached the Peak of Perfection.
When it came to escaping, he was better equipped than anyone.
—
A crowd gathered in the main hall of the County Yamen, and the constables from the four divisions waited in their respective offices.
Summoning all the Constables and Deputy Constables definitely meant something important was afoot.
The sun gradually climbed higher in the sky.
Around 7:45 AM, three figures appeared in the distance, walking toward Fang Xing and the others.
One was Lin Zheng, the Counselor of Qingshan County. The other was Zhang Chen, the Magistrate of Qingshan County himself!
These were the highest authorities in Qingshan County, yet walking ahead of them was a young man dressed in black martial attire.
As the County Magistrate and County Counselor, they could only walk meekly behind this young man.
The moment the trio appeared, the entire main hall of the County Yamen fell silent.
All eyes fixed on the young man in black who led the group.
Though none recognized him, anyone with eyes could tell this young man was no ordinary person.
He was calm and composed, yet he exuded an aura that cast an invisible pressure over everyone.
’So this is one of the men from the Observatory. A true expert, indeed!’
Although Fang Xing couldn’t discern the man’s exact strength, he could faintly feel a crushing pressure from his presence.
To command such an imposing presence with a mere glance... there was no need to guess. This young man in black had to be a master at the Neutralizing Force level, at the very least.
After all, Fang Xing himself possessed a Dark Force Cultivation.
Even a master at the Peak of Dark Force wouldn’t be able to make his heart tremble like this.
This young man in black had to be at the Neutralizing Force Level.
His status aside, his strength alone was extraordinary.
The hall was deathly quiet.
As the trio drew near, everyone straightened their backs.
Soon, the three of them stood before the assembled group.
The young man in black leading them swept his gaze across the crowd, his eyes pausing for a moment on Fang Xing.
For that single instant, Fang Xing felt as if he had been completely seen through.
But the feeling vanished as quickly as it came.
"Lord Shen, everyone is here," County Magistrate Zhang Chen said with a beaming smile. "These are the four Constables of Qingshan County. They are at your complete disposal."
Seeing the County Magistrate’s attitude, the crowd’s gazes toward the young man in black became even more respectful.
That settled it. This man was definitely a VIP from the Observatory.
The young man in black glanced over the crowd, his expression neutral. "Let me introduce myself. My name is Shen Ye. I come from Jiang Province Prefecture City. I’ve gathered you today to address a particular situation."
At these words, everyone pricked up their ears, their attention fully focused.
"The situation concerns an Evil Cult, and I will require your assistance."
"If you have any orders, Lord Shen, we will do our utmost to assist," Constable Yang Bo spoke up first, his face a mask of sycophancy.
’He’s a VIP from the Observatory. If I can get into his good graces, my future will be set. I might even get a promotion.’
The other three Constables quickly followed suit, their tones filled with respect.
Fang Xing and the other Deputy Constables, however, remained calm and said nothing.
Still, Shen Ye’s words confirmed Fang Xing’s suspicions.
’This VIP from the Observatory must be here for the Fire Worship Sect.’
Shen Ye looked at them and nodded. "Then I thank you all. However, this operation must be covert, so we can’t have too many people. A few will suffice."
Hearing this, Zhang Chen spoke up from the side, "In that case, Lord Shen, how many people do you intend to take?"
"Five should be enough," Shen Ye said indifferently.
"Five..."
Hearing this, the other Deputy Constables exchanged glances.
It looked like aside from their superiors, only one of them would be chosen to accompany the mission.
"Him," Shen Ye said, pointing to one person. "The rest of you won’t be needed."
’Me?’
Seeing that Shen Ye had chosen him, Fang Xing was momentarily stunned. He quickly recovered, took a step forward, and said, "I await your orders, my lord."
"Fang Xing..."
The other Deputy Constables watched in astonishment, and even Xu Zhengxiong was taken aback.
But when Yang Bo saw that the chosen man was Fang Xing, he grew agitated.
He bowed and said, "Lord Shen, he only became a Martial Artist about two months ago. His strength is likely insufficient, and I fear he will hinder your plans. Perhaps you should choose someone else?"
At these words, the other Constables exchanged glances, and Xu Zhengxiong’s brow furrowed.
’It might seem like an attack on Fang Xing, but it’s really aimed at me.’
’He’s clearly saying my subordinate isn’t good enough!’
’How can I tolerate this!?’
Xu Zhengxiong immediately interjected, "Lord Shen, while Fang Xing has only been a Martial Artist for a few months, his strength is not to be underestimated. He once killed a Bright Force Martial Artist. He will certainly not hinder your plans."
’Fang Xing is one of my men. As his superior, I have to step up for him when it counts.’
’Being chosen to participate in this operation is no ordinary assignment.’
’If he could catch the eye of the Observatory—even if they don’t end up favoring him, just leaving a good impression could mean a boundless future.’
"Your name is Fang Xing?"
Shen Ye ignored the other two, his gaze fixed on Fang Xing.
Fang Xing nodded. "Replying to my lord, yes, my name is Fang Xing. Fang as in the character for ’square,’ and Xing as in the character for ’star.’"
Shen Ye gave a slight nod before his gaze shifted to Yang Bo.
"You feel his strength is insufficient?"
At these words, Xu Zhengxiong’s expression changed, but he didn’t dare say more. A flash of glee appeared in Yang Bo’s eyes as he quickly added, "Lord Shen, I just feel his strength is a bit lacking. It would be more prudent to choose someone else."
Xu Zhengxiong’s face darkened, but there was nothing more he could say now.
"Hmm, you have a point," Shen Ye said. "Someone too weak could indeed jeopardize the plan. In that case, you won’t need to accompany us. With Fang Xing, four people will be enough."
Yang Bo: "...?"
Shen Ye’s words left everyone completely stunned.
Yang Bo, in particular, wore a look of utter disbelief.
’Did he just get himself "kicked off" the mission with his own suggestion?’
"Lord Shen, you... you mean you’re replacing me with him?" Yang Bo stammered, completely floored.
"I’m swapping out a Bright Force for a Dark Force. Is there a problem?" Shen Ye asked, his expression perfectly calm.
Dark... Dark Force?!
The moment Shen Ye spoke, all eyes shot toward Fang Xing, pupils shrinking in shock.
He was at the Dark Force level...
This... How was this possible?!
How could he possibly have reached the Dark Force level?!
Shen Ye’s revelation didn’t just send a shockwave through the Constables and Deputy Constables; even Counselor Lin Zheng and County Magistrate Zhang Chen were astonished.
This was especially true for Lin Zheng.
He remembered with perfect clarity that Fang Xing had only just broken through to the Bright Force realm a short while ago.
To reach the Dark Force level in just over two months...
The man was an absolute genius!
If he could reach Dark Force Cultivation in two months, then breaking through to the Neutralizing Force realm in the future would surely not be a major hurdle.
The main hall fell silent once again.
The revelation left Yang Bo completely frozen where he stood.
Dark Force!
The term exploded in his mind like a clap of thunder.
