Get Down From My Spot!

Gao Liu City, Outer Southern District, Lin Jiang Ward.

Above the grand plaque, the characters were clear, etched with the strength of iron hooks and silver strokes, reading three words: Heavenly Supervision Department.

Various factions often referred to this place as: Lin Jiang Department.

According to the Heavenly Supervision Department's structure, the person in charge was called the Banner Bearer, who was granted an order flag and had to report to the prefectural city and be registered.

Beneath him were twelve people, known as Junior Banners, who received a salary but were not registered.

Additionally, there was one Chief Clerk, responsible for managing documents and transcribing registers. This person was selected by the Outer Southern Department, which was in charge of the entire southern district.

As for others, such as scribes, storekeepers, kitchen staff, and general laborers, they were arranged by each ward's sub-branch, and the Outer Southern Department did not interfere.

"The new Banner Bearer for Lin Jiang Ward has been decided."

At this moment, a middle-aged man said in a low voice, "Just as we expected, it's the 'Fifth Master' who assisted the Night Patrol Envoy with cases."

He was dressed plainly and had a scholarly air, having been chosen as the Chief Clerk by the Outer Southern Department three years ago.

However, the position of Banner Bearer for Lin Jiang Ward had been vacant for three years, with Liang Hu from Qing Shan Ward acting in his stead.

Currently, Liang Hu sat in the main seat above, a slight smile on his face, not yet speaking.

His gaze swept over the twelve Junior Banners below.

"Lin Jiang Ward has always only had Banner Bearer Liang," a middle-aged man declared proudly at this moment.

"We only know Banner Bearer Liang, we don't recognize this so-called Fifth Master," another young man exclaimed loudly.

"For three years, Banner Bearer Liang has overseen Qing Shan and Lin Jiang Wards, ensuring smooth operations and achieving remarkable success."

Another young man spoke with pride, "Commander Zhou of the Zhengnan City Gate, the District Chief of Lin Jiang Ward, the Day Patrol Envoy, and the Night Patrol Envoy – who doesn't obey him?"

"The local powers, as well as the merchant caravans from various regions, who hasn't achieved prosperity and harmony under the guidance of Banner Bearer Liang?"

"If the Outer Southern Department inexplicably replaces him, won't it plunge the originally stable and prosperous Lin Jiang Ward into chaos?"

"Chief Clerk Yang, you came from the Outer Southern Department, you should understand the actual situation in Lin Jiang Ward and report it truthfully."

As this young man spoke, the Chief Clerk beside him appeared calm, as if he had expected this.

Liang Hu then cleared his throat and said, "Be respectful! Is the peace and stability of Lin Jiang Ward solely my credit? It is due to the concerted efforts of everyone within Lin Jiang Ward, working together, that we have achieved this today! This includes the contributions of Chief Clerk Yang and all you Junior Banners..."

He then looked at Chief Clerk Yang apologetically and said, "My apologies, these brothers were disrespectful earlier. Chief Clerk Yang, please do not take offense."

Chief Clerk Yang's expression remained calm. "Banner Bearer Liang is too kind."

Liang Hu nodded, but then sighed. "It's just that you know the situation in Lin Jiang Ward. I worry that the new Banner Bearer is too young and inexperienced, and may not be competent."

Chief Clerk Yang let out a breath and asked, "Then what is Banner Bearer Liang's intention?"

Liang Hu cupped his hands. "I propose to stay for another six months to a year to guide this Fifth Master, to prevent him from making mistakes and causing any mishaps in Lin Jiang Ward. As you know, these are turbulent times..."

Chief Clerk Yang's expression turned cold as he slowly said, "If the new Banner Bearer is willing, then there is no problem."

Liang Hu chuckled. "No matter, I will speak with him myself. However, regarding some matters within Lin Jiang Ward, Chief Clerk Yang, when you report, perhaps you don't need to be overly detailed."

Chief Clerk Yang looked up, finally understanding.

The new Banner Bearer had not yet arrived, but this play was already being performed for him.

Liang Hu intended to suppress the new Banner Bearer, who was called Fifth Master, and continue to hold the authority over both wards.

However, he still had some reservations, which was why he didn't want him to report truthfully to the Outer Southern Department.

"Regarding this matter..."

Before Chief Clerk Yang could finish speaking, he noticed the smile on Liang Hu's face suddenly freeze.

Seeing this, he couldn't help but turn to look outside.

He wasn't a Martial Artist and couldn't sense the commotion outside.

But he was very familiar with Liang Hu.

Based on Liang Hu's reaction, the person arriving must be someone he didn't want to see.

All eyes turned towards the entrance.

A figure, bathed in the bright sunlight, slowly walked in.

Black robes with golden threads, shining like the sun.

Tall and imposing, with an uplifted bearing.

A long saber hung from his left hip, its sheath pitch black.

A small crossbow was attached to his right hip, along with a quiver of arrows.

His expression was indifferent, his steps light. He crossed the threshold and entered the hall.

"Who dares to trespass in the Lin Jiang Department?"

A middle-aged man among the Junior Banners shouted abruptly, his tone icy.

"..."

The newcomer's eyes remained unchanged. He raised his left hand.

He held a small banner in his hand, bearing the two characters "Lin Jiang".

The expressions of the people in the hall remained unchanged.

Especially the middle-aged man who had previously shouted, his eyes even held a hint of mockery.

In fact, when Lin Yan walked in, seeing his unique robe as a Banner Bearer of the Heavenly Supervision Department, everyone already knew his identity.

But this single shout symbolized the attitude of the Lin Jiang Department towards this new Banner Bearer.

This is too crude a display of dominance... Yang, the Chief Clerk, thought to himself. He bowed slightly and said, "Yang Wang, Chief Clerk of the Lin Jiang Department, greets the Banner Bearer."

This greeting also represented his attitude.

As a result, Liang Hu and the twelve Junior Banners under his command looked quite displeased.

Among the twelve Junior Banners, several even glared at him angrily.

"Is this Fifth Master?"

Liang Hu chuckled, sat at the head of the table, cupped his hands, and said, "I am Liang Hu, Banner Bearer of Qing Shan Ward, and I have also served as the acting Banner Bearer for Lin Jiang Ward for three years. I've finally welcomed a new Banner Bearer to share the burden with me. I am truly delighted."

He waved his right hand and commanded, "Quickly, bring a seat for Fifth Master!"

Immediately, a Junior Banner brought a chair and respectfully invited Fifth Master to sit.

"..."

Lin Yan's expression was calm. He looked at the chair beside him, then looked up at the main seat at the head of the table.

With a sigh, he put away the Lin Jiang banner and tucked it into his waist.

Then, slowly, under everyone's gaze, he reached out and grasped the hilt of his saber.

Suddenly, a flash of light!

The saber was drawn from its sheath!

The chair split in two!

The atmosphere in the hall instantly froze.

Lin Yan's saber slowly shifted, pointing upwards, and he said calmly, "Get off my seat!"

"Fifth Master, I came here to assist you..."

Liang Hu began to speak angrily, but his heart suddenly tightened.

His eyes flickered, and his voice grew softer and softer.

Because he clearly sensed a killing intent.

He also remembered the recent title of the other party.

In a daze, he felt a chill envelop his entire body.

In his stupor, it seemed a voice told him.

Either he would roll down entirely.

Or, he would continue to sit there, but his head would roll down.

"..."

Under the silent atmosphere.

Everyone felt a chill creep into their bones.

Even the twelve Junior Banners loyal to Liang Hu felt a biting coldness. They wanted to speak in his support but found their bodies stiff and immobile.

This new Banner Bearer was far more ferocious than the rumors suggested!

Their gazes involuntarily turned to Banner Bearer Liang. They saw that Liang Hu, directly facing the blade's edge, had an extremely strange expression on his face.

In the next moment, he slowly stood up.

The hearts of the twelve Junior Banners sank.

Liang Hu slowly stepped aside, retreating to the edge, his face ashen.

Lin Yan, his saber still unsheathed, carried it as he walked to the main seat at the head of the table and sat down slowly, looking down at everyone.

As his gaze swept over them, no one dared to meet his eyes. They all lowered their heads, not daring to look directly at him.

A mob... Lin Yan thought to himself. His expression remained unchanged, and his gaze finally settled on Liang Hu, who was seated below and to the left.

"Banner Bearer Liang, you are visiting my Lin Jiang Department. What guidance do you have for me?"