Chapter 26: Guang’an
Translator: Larbre Studio Editor: Larbre Studio
After thirty kowtows, the black robed teen got to his feet. He stared straight at Xu Yi, and coldly said, “I’ve kowtowed all that you wanted. You’ve killed all that should be killed, and you should have vented all that you need to. I can leave now, right?”
With no choice, the black robed teen had to lower his head. However, the flames of rage in his heart had burnt into an inferno. He had made up his mind. The moment he returned to White Horse County, he would immediately gather his men and horses, then return to crush this rascal’s bones into dust. No, before tormenting him to death, he must first let him witness how he would play with the old man and little girl.
Xu Yi coldly laughed, then retorted, “Leave? Where to? Do you think I’m simply venting? What a joke! I work for the officials, whatever I say or do is according to the laws of the Dayue Imperial Court. You injured others and then tried to murder a constable. The kowtows just now were just to compensate Uncle Mu. That sentence has passed, but you still cannot avoid your death sentence. It seems that you really are oblivious to the law. Either that, or you simply have no regard at all for our Dayue Imperial Laws.”
“I *%$$…”
The black robed teen was at the limits of his anger, almost fainting from rage. After toying with him for so long, that bastard never actually had any intention of letting him off! All those kowtows were for nothing!
And those were his last living thoughts. In another flash of green, his precious head flew up into the air. For the first time in his life, the black robed teen managed to see his own back with his own two eyes.
As the head fell to the ground, his rage-filled eyes remained open. He had never expected that coming to this little town of Furong to flaunt his authority would actually cost him his most precious life.
After slaughtering the black robed teen, Xu Yi helped Uncle Mu to his feet, then walked away with large strides. Wherever they passed, the sea of onlookers parted, making way for them to leave.
At this moment, the constables of Furong Town and the Laws of the Dayue Imperial Court had a heavier impression in the hearts and minds of Furong Town’s people than ever before.
…
Gu Jianming found Xu Yi at a doctor’s. It had only been barely an hour since Xu Yi had slaughtered the black robed teen.
Uncle Mu’s injuries had already been taken care of. After drinking some tonic medicine, the effects were staggering. The horrifying wounds all over his body were already beginning to scab.
On the other hand, Little Qiu had begun to complain about being tired after only a short while staying at Uncle Mu’s room. Without even eating her dinner, she had returned to the room and fallen into a deep sleep.
Gu Jianming pulled Xu Yi to the backyard and with a downcast look on his face, he said, “Brother, you really got me good hiding your skills, and you really got me into deep trouble. I had only just gotten home and taken a nap, and now you’ve gotten into such a situation. What do you expect me to do…”
Gu Jianming’s face was flushed and his tone was urgent. Evidently, what Xu Yi had done today upset him greatly.
Xu Yi replied, “Captain Gu, why worry? When bad people bully the weak, as constables, we should naturally protect their safety. I have acted in accordance to the laws of the Dayue Imperial Court at each step of the way. What wrong have I committed?”
Gu Jianming was shocked. Before he came, he had already found out everything he could about the tragedy at the pier.
The words that Xu Yi spoke, he was well aware of as well. Initially, he had not understood why. Xu Yi could simply kill whoever he wanted, what reason was there to bring out the Laws and Regulations of the Dayue Imperial Court? In Furong Town these laws and regulations were used to deal with the peasants. Since when were they used to control the rich and powerful?
At this moment, hearing Xu Yi say it again, he suddenly understood what Xu Yi was up to.
Today, in front of thousands, Xu Yi’s act of using the Dayue Imperial Laws to kill an evildoer would surely spread like wildfire across Guang’an.
Under such a situation, if anyone intended to make a move on Xu Yi, that would be akin to giving the Dayue Imperial Court a slap in the face.
Although the authority of the Dayue Imperial Court diminished greatly when it came down to areas under local governments, such a large case that involved the pride of the Imperial Court would surely be watched closely.
Evidently, this move of Xu Yi’s was to ensure that the Dayue Imperial Court would be forced to have his back.
“You devious rascal!”
Gu Jianming stomped his foot and said, “But don’t forget, you’re not alone now. Even if they dare not make a move against you, what about the old one and the young one? Are you able to watch over them twenty-four seven?”
Xu Yi was first shocked, then when he collected his senses, he smiled. “Captain Gu, since you have thought of this, you must have an idea. I hope that you will enlighten me!”
“You! You’re a sly one indeed!”
Gu Jianming laughed out loud, but even after he laughed, he did not continue speaking.
The current Xu Yi was not just Xu Yi, but one who has lived in two worlds. His understanding of people and human nature was nothing less than extraordinary. He smiled and said, “Brother Gu, you and I really hit it off. It is through Brother Gu’s care that I was able to become a civil servant. This debt I shall always remember. If you have any request, please do not hold back.”
Gu Jianming clapped his hands. “Alright, Brother Yi is forthright indeed. If I beat around the bush anymore, I would be too petty. It’s like this: with Brother Yi’s talent, you would certainly rise in the ranks really quickly. The shallow waters of Furong Town’s police force is too meagre for a dragon such as yourself. I have no other request other than that you do not forget the Furong Town guards after you become successful. To be more specific, I would like a promise from you, Brother, that no matter where you progress to in the future, I would like to have you become Furong Town guards’ lifetime representative. Don’t worry, this lifetime representative won’t require much of your time and energy, and it is not a way of tying you down. I just wish to borrow Brother Yi’s golden name and share your good reputation!”
Xu Yi replied, “How is that difficult? With Brother Gu having such high hopes for me, I could not ask for more.”
“Ha ha, that’s great, that’s great!”
Gu Jianming could not stop laughing.
Just from hearing about the story, he could already deduce that Xu Yi was most likely at the peak of Body Forging. Being able to reach the peak of Body Forging at such a young age, for him to enter the Qi Ocean stage was simply a matter of time. By then, Xu Yi will join the ranks of those on the murals of the Martial Lecture Hall. When word got out, he could not imagine the glory that the Furong Town Guard would get.
Gu Jianming held back his excitement and began to explain to Xu Yi, “The disaster of today is not totally unsolvable. Head sixty miles south and your disaster would be averted.”
“To Guang’an City?”
Exactly sixty miles south of Furong Town was Guang’an City.
Gu Jianming nodded and said, “Guang’an City is the core of Guang’an Prefecture, with strict regulations within the city. Inside there, combat is forbidden, especially when it comes to practitioners attacking regular civilians. The laws and regulations of the Dayue Imperial Court are reflected most clearly within the city. As long as you manage to enter Guang’an City, even with the Black Dragon Hall’s power and influence, they would definitely not dare to harm the two of them. However, it may be a lot more troublesome for you.”
“How is that so?”
Hearing that Uncle Mu and Little Qiu could have their safety assured, Xu Yi heaved a sigh of relief. As for other kinds of troubles, he really did not fear them at all.
Gu Jianming continued, “Although fighting is prohibited in Guang’an City, there are too many practitioners there. No matter how powerful the Dayue Imperial Court is, they still would not be able to prohibit any sort of conflict should it arise. Instead of just prohibiting everything, the Guang’an government has demarcated a special area for parties to resolve their conflicts. One party simply has to fork out a fee, and the Guang’an government would enforce a mandatory duel. If the other party refuses to take part, he would be forcefully expelled from the city.
“Today, a deep feud has started between you and Black Dragon Hall. Even after you enter Guang’an City, the other party would be sure to look for you. You must be extra careful. However, you do not need to worry too much, Brother. I have already made arrangements. When you head off to Guang’an City, you can use the authority of the Furong Town public office. We do have an office for Furong Town in Guang’an City, and the original manager, Old Qin, has been transferred away by me. When you enter Guang’an City, you can head straight to the office and take over Old Qin’s role. With your identity as an official, no matter how daring Black Dragon Hall can get, they would still tread carefully.”