Clearing the Path with Slaughter, Slay Them All!

Chapter 2: Pave the Way with Slaughter, Slay Them All!

Hearing the system's prompt, Bai Yan's eyes narrowed slightly, and he immediately made up his mind.

The system was right; if weeds aren't removed at the root, there will never be peace.

Bai Yan kowtowed three times before the grave and said in a deep voice:

"Son is leaving now. Once I've avenged you, Father, I'll return to tell you all about it."

After saying this, Bai Yan turned and left, his eyes no longer filled with confusion.

The night passed without incident.

The next day, Bai Yan woke up early. After a simple wash, he hurried to the Northern Commandery Investigation Bureau.

The two large vermilion gates of the Northern Commandery Investigation Bureau stood wide open. Standing before them, Bai Yan felt as if he were facing a ferocious tiger ready to devour people.

He stepped forward and handed the Imperial Guard token left by his father to the Enforcer at the gate. After the Enforcer verified it and gave him a few stern instructions, Bai Yan agreed to everything and smoothly entered the Commandery Investigation Bureau.

Just as he passed the screen wall in the front courtyard, he bumped into a tall, sturdy man.

"Yan'er, you're here."

The man spoke first, walking towards Bai Yan with a smile. Recognizing him, Bai Yan quickly cupped his fists in return:

"Uncle Zhao!"

This man was Zhao Guangli, a Brigade Leader in the Imperial Guard, just like his father, Bai Lizheng. They had worked together for many years and shared a deep friendship.

Zhao Guangli patted Bai Yan's shoulder and sighed:

"The dead cannot be brought back to life. You must live well. Only then can your father rest in peace."

Bai Yan lowered his eyelids and nodded:

"Thank you for your concern, Uncle Zhao. Your nephew understands."

"That's good to know. Come with me, I'll take you to see the Battalion Commander."

Zhao Guangli took a couple of steps, then turned back to remind him:

"Remember, you must remain respectful in front of the Commander. Don't speak unless he asks you something. Understand?"

"Understood, Uncle Zhao."

Following behind Zhao Guangli, they arrived at the Battalion Commander's office.

From a distance, Bai Yan could see someone sitting at a desk in the main hall of the office, reviewing documents.

Bai Yan recalled the information about this person in his mind.

Zheng Haihan, an Imperial Guard Battalion Commander, was the direct superior of his father, Bai Lizheng, and Zhao Guangli.

This man possessed extraordinary martial prowess and was the foremost among the sixteen Battalion Commanders of the Northern Commandery Investigation Bureau.

Judging by his appearance, the man looked to be around forty years old. He wore a crimson Flying Fish Robe with cloud patterns and four-clawed dragons, his hair and beard were dark, and he exuded an imposing aura even without being angry.

In reality, Zheng Haihan was fifty-three years old. His youthful appearance was due not only to his disciplined lifestyle but also to his unfathomable internal energy.

Bai Yan secretly observed him, pondering in his mind whether Zheng Haihan might be the one behind the scenes.

As soon as the thought arose, Bai Yan dismissed it himself. Battalion Commanders held immense power, even having the authority to dismiss Company Commanders. A mere Brigade Leader position wouldn't catch his eye.

At this moment, Zhao Guangli stepped forward, clasped his fists, and said:

"Your subordinate, Zhao Guangli, pays his respects to the Commander."

Bai Yan also cupped his fists in salute.

Seeing the Battalion Commander look up, Zhao Guangli quickly said:

"Brigade Leader Bai Lizheng's son, Bai Yan, has come to report and fill the vacancy."

"Bai Lizheng's son..."

Zheng Haihan murmured, seemingly lost in thought:

"Bai Lizheng followed me for a long time. He was diligent and conscientious for over a decade. I was even planning to promote him to Company Commander, but I never expected him to die while suppressing bandits..."

"Your father died while suppressing bandits and rendered meritorious service in protecting the people. You shall take over his position as Brigade Leader."

"Zhao Guangli, take him to register and receive his official robe and weapon."

Bai Yan cupped his fists and bowed:

"Thank you, Commander!"

Zheng Haihan waved his hand and returned to his desk to review documents.

"Your subordinate takes his leave."

Bai Yan and Zhao Guangli bowed again and withdrew from the Battalion Commander's main hall.

Zhao Guangli took Bai Yan to register and obtain his own Imperial Guard token.

Then, using the token, he received a Flying Fish Robe and a Spring Embroidered Saber. At this moment, he had officially joined the Imperial Guard.

Dressed in the Flying Fish Robe and with the Spring Embroidered Saber at his side, Bai Yan, who was already tall and slender, now had a truly heroic and dashing appearance.

Zhao Guangli couldn't help but sigh, "In the blink of an eye, Yan'er has grown into an adult."

Bai Yan smiled at his words but said nothing.

"I'll take you on a tour of the Commandery's facilities first, so you won't be flustered when you're on duty later."

Zhao Guangli led the way, guiding Bai Yan around.

As they walked, Zhao Guangli explained carefully to Bai Yan, telling him where he could go and where he couldn't, who he shouldn't offend, which departments to avoid, and which departments to fawn over...

The internal relationships within the Imperial Guard were complex, and a single mistake could easily offend someone. If he provoked the wrong person, it could easily lead to death.

Bai Yan silently took Zhao Guangli's words to heart.

After the tour, Bai Yan had a general understanding of the Northern Commandery Investigation Bureau.

The Northern Commandery Investigation Bureau had sixteen Battalion Commanderies, one Imperial Prison, one Scripture Pavilion, as well as various storerooms and logistics departments.

Each Battalion Commandery had four Company Commanderies under it, and each Company Commandery managed four Brigade Leaders.

Each Brigade Leader commanded four Squad Leaders and forty Enforcers.

Feeling a pang of emotion, Bai Yan suddenly asked, "Uncle Zhao, who is the Company Commander who leads us?"

Zhao Guangli shook his head and sighed, "The Commander Zhang who originally led my father and me died in the last bandit suppression battle. The new Company Commander hasn't been decided yet."

"Perhaps they'll promote one of us Brigade Leaders, or perhaps they'll transfer someone else in from elsewhere."

Bai Yan's eyes narrowed slightly, his thoughts churning.

"Let's go, I'll take you to the East Courtyard to meet your subordinates."

As a Brigade Leader, he didn't need to know all the Enforcers, but he still needed to meet the Squad Leaders to ensure a smooth handover of work.

Upon arriving at the East Courtyard, the Imperial Guards in the yard immediately noticed Bai Yan, their expressions varied.

"Brothers, let me introduce you all. This is Bai Yan, the son of the former Brigade Leader Bai Lizheng, and the new Brigade Leader."

Zhao Guangli announced, introducing him to everyone.

Bai Yan cupped his fists and bowed.

"I am Bai Yan. I ask for your guidance and care in the future."

Seeing Bai Yan's composed demeanor, Zhao Guangli praised him inwardly. A mere eighteen-year-old, facing over forty Imperial Guards without flinching – this level of composure was truly remarkable.

"Greetings, sir."

The forty-odd men clasped their hands in response simultaneously, but their voices were scattered and listless, lacking spirit.

Among the four Squad Leaders, only one had a proper attitude. The other three showed open disdain, and one even harbored a hostile gaze.

Zhao Guangli pointed to the Squad Leader with the proper attitude and said in a low voice, "That man is Wang Daqiang. He was your father's subordinate and the only Squad Leader who survived the bandit suppression."

"The other three were transferred here a few days ago. They've already served as Imperial Guards for several years."

Bai Yan understood immediately and leaned over to whisper, "Uncle Zhao, who is that person?"

Bai Yan was referring to the Squad Leader with the unfriendly gaze.

"Ye Zhiji. He relies on his uncle, who is a Company Commander, and his conduct is usually quite overbearing. You don't need to pay him any mind."

"Company Commander..."

Bai Yan murmured to himself.

"You're young, after all. It's normal for them to be unconvinced. Don't overthink it."

"Uncle Zhao, what's the Company Commander's name?"

"Why do you ask?"

"It's good to know in advance for future dealings."

"His name is Ye Baili..."

Zhao Guangli shared some information about Ye Baili and then advised Bai Yan to build good relationships with others, to tolerate things when possible, and that things would get better in a few years.

Bai Yan just nodded silently, offering no opinion.

He had his own principles for how to act.

After awakening his system, Bai Yan's mindset had completely changed.

The Dragon-Elephant Prajna Art flowed steadily through his meridians, and the power capable of shattering mountains and splitting rocks constantly reminded him that this world ultimately respected strength. Enduring humiliation would not earn him respect; it would only make jackals think he was weak and easy to bully.

The two assassination attempts had made Bai Yan realize that some dangers could not be avoided simply by wanting to.

Since those people had tried to kill him before he could even take up his position as Brigade Leader, they would never stop just because he endured their provocations.

To them, his very existence was an obstacle. As long as he held his current position, the threat would always remain!

Therefore, Bai Yan was determined to climb, to reach the very peak, clearing his path with slaughter, terrifying everyone into submission!

So that no one would dare harbor any covetous thoughts towards him again!

Anyone who stood in his way would be cut down!

The next day.

After washing up, Bai Yan headed to the Commandery Investigation Bureau. As soon as he entered, he ran into Zhao Guangli.

"Uncle Zhao, have you had breakfast?"

Bai Yan greeted him with a smile, handing him a sesame flatbread he'd bought from a stall.

Zhao Guangli waved the flatbread away, his tone grave. "There's a major mission today. Stay out of the way later, don't try to be a hero."

He said no more.

Bai Yan's expression turned serious. He finished the flatbread in a few bites, a sense of unease growing within him.

He had a vague idea of what the mission was today.

During the last operation to annihilate Black Wind Stronghold, although the bandits were reduced to less than a tenth of their original numbers, the leader of Black Wind Stronghold, Liu Hu, had escaped, killing an Imperial Guard Company Commander in the process.

With the death of a Company Commander and several Brigade Leaders and Squad Leaders, the Commandery Investigation Bureau couldn't possibly let Liu Hu get away with it.

Whether it was to suppress the bandits or for revenge, Liu Hu had to die.

Bai Yan had heard Zhao Guangli mention that the Imperial Guard had been tracking Liu Hu's whereabouts for the past few days.

Now, Liu Hu must have been found.

[Ding! Host has triggered a mission: Avenge Father!]

[Avenge Father, it is only right and natural!]

[Please host personally execute your father's killer, Liu Hu, the leader of Black Wind Stronghold.]

[Mission Reward: A full-level movement technique.]

Upon arriving at the Company Commander's office, over a hundred people had already gathered.

A middle-aged man sat in a rocking chair in front of the main hall, holding a cup of tea.

"This is Commander Ye Baili, the one I mentioned to you before."

"I heard he's been working to get Ye Zhiji appointed as a Brigade Leader, but the Battalion Commander gave the spot to you instead."

"Be careful later, he might target you."

Zhao Guangli whispered a reminder beside him.

Hearing this, Bai Yan secretly shook his head.

It wasn't a "might."

He was already being targeted.

Two groups had already been sent to assassinate him.

This man held a mortal grudge against him.

Although Bai Yan was angry, he remained outwardly calm, showing no sign of distress.

Ye Baili saw Bai Yan arrive, his expression unchanged. He merely glanced at him briefly before looking away.

It was as if he had nothing to do with sending people to assassinate Bai Yan.

"Alright, everyone is here."

Ye Baili put down his teacup and stood up, addressing the crowd before him:

"Liu Hu's whereabouts have been confirmed. The Battalion Commander wants us to eliminate him completely and prevent Black Wind Stronghold from rising again."

"This operation must be foolproof. An incident like last time must never happen again!"

"Do you all understand!"

"Yes, sir!"

Over a hundred Imperial Guards responded in unison.

"Good, let's move out!"

With Ye Baili's command, the more than a hundred Imperial Guards set off immediately.

Outside the city, Bai Yan rode his horse, positioned one place behind Ye Baili, with four Squad Leaders following him.

Bai Yan already knew these four Squad Leaders: Wang Daqiang, Ye Zhiji, Ren Hong, and Li Kaiyao.

Among the four Squad Leaders, only Wang Daqiang was friendly with Bai Yan. The other three were not convinced by him.

Ren Hong and Li Kaiyao were alright; they were merely unconvinced and didn't harbor any other ill intentions towards Bai Yan.

But Ye Zhiji was different. The look in his eyes as he gazed at Bai Yan was filled with hatred.

Just you wait, Bai Yan, your good days won't last long!

"That Brigade Leader position is mine, not yours to take!"

"Dare to steal my things, and I'll make sure you die without a burial!"

Ye Zhiji, mounted on his horse, glared venomously at Bai Yan's back, grinding his teeth in his heart.

But the thought that Bai Yan would soon be dead and he would become the Brigade Leader filled Ye Zhiji with immense satisfaction.

Just then, however, Bai Yan suddenly turned his head to look at him.

The instant their eyes met, Ye Zhiji felt his heart stop. It was as if a colossal mountain had landed on him, making it almost impossible to breathe, and every hair on his body stood on end.

Those eyes were terrifyingly cold, like a block of ice with no warmth whatsoever.

Bai Yan looked at him as if he were looking at a corpse.

Ye Zhiji had never seen such a frightening gaze before.

It was a look that treated life as less than grass, a look even colder and more indifferent than his uncle, Ye Baili, possessed.

By the time Ye Zhiji recovered his senses, he found that Bai Yan had already turned his head away.

The scene just now felt like an illusion, as if it had never happened.

The procession continued, eventually arriving at a certain village. As soon as they entered, a thick scent of blood assaulted them.

It was obvious that this small village had been massacred by Liu Hu and his men.

Bai Yan activated all six senses, his ears twitching slightly.

Under his perception, there were many faint breaths within the village, numbering around forty people, less than half the strength of the Imperial Guard.

"Kill!!"

Before he could investigate further, a furious roar suddenly erupted, and several figures burst through windows.

Caught completely off guard, several Imperial Guard Enforcers were instantly cut down.