Water Ink Panel: Starting with Bow Technique to Hunt the Sun and Patrol the Skies

Chapter 309 133 Testing Shen Qing's Attitude, Spreading to the Capital City

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These two men are Prefecture Chief Dou Wenxi and County Supervisor Yan Xushou, the only remaining two Innate Martial Masters of the Yongzhou County Office, with high positions and power, second only to the Prefectural Governor.

Now, both are over a hundred years old, and their cultivation has been stuck in the Innate Realm for seventy to eighty years, their ambition worn away, and they have little drive to advance in the Martial Arts.

After being assigned to Yongzhou, they have always been in a laid-back state, getting by, without much presence.

When such a big incident happened in Yongzhou City, both of them stood by and watched.

Shen Qing had a rather ordinary impression of the two.

As Dou Wenxi and Yan Xushou approached, he was somewhat puzzled, not understanding their purpose for coming.

After Prefecture Chief Dou Wenxi finished speaking, County Supervisor Yan Xushou immediately followed, echoing Dou Wenxi: "What Lord Dou said is absolutely right. Chief Officer Shen, with your thunderous methods, just and selfless, eradicating harm for the people—calling you the righteous lord of Yongzhou is more than fitting."

County Supervisor Yan Xushou's words were filled with flattery.

From their many words and actions, no malice was detected.

Shen Qing couldn't quite grasp their intentions, so he observed quietly and calmly: "Both lords give me too much credit. I am merely fulfilling my duty."

"Ayy, Chief Officer Shen is still too modest." County Supervisor Yan Xushou's face shook with feigned indignation.

Shen Qing did not beat around the bush with them and directly asked: "I wonder what instructions you have for coming here today?"

"It's not really any instructions," Prefecture Chief Dou Wenxi stroked his goatee, lowered his stance slightly, and said: "With such a major incident happening in Yongzhou, we have already reported it to the court. It won't be unexpected if, in a few days, the court sends envoys to stabilize the situation. During the interim, it requires us to work as one, hence our visit to brief you."

County Supervisor Yan Xushou also smiled and said: "Now the county office is in shambles; I wonder what Mr. Shen plans to do?"

Through several exchanges, Shen Qing gradually understood their intentions.

At present, Yongzhou is in turmoil, a time of trouble, and they are worried. They came to probe his attitude and seek self-preservation.

Indeed, just as he suspected, both Dou Wenxi and Yan Xushou were genuinely startled by Shen Qing's decisive actions.

With such cultivation, they might not even be his match.

They worried that if Shen Qing acted impulsively for so-called justice, he might disrupt their peaceful life and endanger their lives.

Therefore, they came specifically to negotiate with Shen Qing, to understand his real intentions.

If it was merely a matter of just addressing the issue, then returning to normal would naturally be best, leaving everyone happy.

If he wanted to cause trouble and extend the hand of the Suzheng Government over them, they couldn't just sit idly by.

Shen Qing gazed at the two, observing their warm smiles, like a pleasant spring breeze, treating him with an excellent attitude.

This made him secretly wary and cautious inside.

He contemplated silently; although they might not necessarily be his match, if they were willing to risk everything, they might make him pay a price.

Moreover, they were still officials dispatched by the court, and he didn't have any particularly good reasons to act against them.

As long as they didn't create chaos for him, it's better to have fewer troubles than unnecessary enemies.

With this in mind, Shen Qing understood and said naturally: "Since both of you have already reported to the court, then naturally this matter will be decided by the court. During this time, we shall unite with both of you, work through difficult times together, and maintain order in the city."

Hearing this, Prefecture Chief Dou Wenxi and County Supervisor Yan Xushou exchanged a glance and smiled, and their doubts vanished.

They were quite pleased with such an outcome.

It was evident that this Chief Officer of the Guardian Martial Department was not so unreasonable and domineering.

"Hahaha, it turns out Mr. Shen understands the greater righteousness." Prefecture Chief Dou Wenxi said gleefully: "After some time working together, Lord Shen will know our nature, and there won't be any difficulties with you."

County Supervisor Yan Xushou glanced around and then said: "Now that the city's chaos is nearly settled, we still have many matters to attend to, and after a few busy days, we'll drink to our hearts' content with Mr. Shen. We shall take our leave first."

"Take care, my lords."

Watching the portly backs of Prefecture Chief Dou Wenxi and County Supervisor Yan Xushou, who lacked the aura of martial masters, he mused.

"This world indeed speaks with force; with high martial power, one speaks louder. Two officials of the county office seemingly imply following my lead, truly... interesting."

Shen Qing felt a bit more contemptuous toward Dou Wenxi and Yan Xushou.

...

In the vibrant heart of the Capital City, where one of the eight great families of the Great Zhou, the Xue Family, resided, the grand and majestic Xue Mansion stood quietly.

At the gate of the Xue Mansion, a young man dressed in brocade with an imposing demeanor approached the vermilion gate with brisk steps.

Bowing slightly before the gatekeeper, he said: "Zhou Su of the Zhou Family in Yongzhou, here to see Lord Xue, please announce me."

Zhou Su's voice was clear and sincere, with a heroic spirit showing between his brows.

Hearing this, the gatekeeper dared not neglect, quickly bowing and hurried into the mansion.

Soon, the gatekeeper returned and said: "Lord Zhou, please follow me."

"Thank you."

Zhou Su lightly waved his sleeve and followed behind the gatekeeper, passing through winding corridors, entering a tea room decorated with elegance and filled with the fragrance of books.

After guiding him there, the gatekeeper quietly withdrew, leaving Zhou Su alone.

He wasn't in a hurry, waiting patiently in the tea room.

After a moment, a nimble young man appeared at the door, his face lighting up upon seeing Zhou Su: "Brother Zhou, what brings you here today?"

Zhou Su looked up, seeing a handsome young man.

This person was none other than the first young master of the Xue Family, Xue Bai.

The eldest young master of the Xue Family walked step by step to the highest seat, his figure elongated by the sunlight at the door. He grasped Zhou Su's hand and said: "Sit down, sit down!"

Zhou Su quickly lowered his head, and the two, Zhou Su and Xue Bai, took their respective seats.

Inside, the aroma of tea filled the room.

Zhou Su stood up and took the initiative to speak: "I came this time to inform the young master of an important matter, which might be an opportunity for him."

Xue Bai, curious, asked: "Oh, what is it?"

Zhou Su smiled and said: "Previously, Bai Mu, Prefectural Governor Bai, sent a report. Lord Xue must already know about the massive appearance of demons in Yongzhou, causing great suffering to the people. But in fact, there is one thing that Prefectural Governor Bai did not explicitly mention—what is happening in Yongzhou far exceeds this."

With a solemn expression, Zhou Su lowered his voice, saying: "There is Spirit Essence descending in Yongzhou, on a scale not less than Jinzhou, and there are even rumors of an Outer Domain Treasure appearing!"

"Ah?"

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