One Man Defending Three Hundred Sixty Steps!

In the main hall, everyone was silent.

For the twelve junior banner bearers under Liang Hu, the arrival of this person had, in a single encounter, suppressed Banner Bearer Liang and taken over as the host.

Liang Hu was originally the Banner Bearer of Qing Shan Ward. Having managed two wards for three years was proof of his considerable skill.

As for this Wuchang Banner Bearer, rumors in the district suggested he had already reached the second major threshold of Martial Arts.

However, when he joined the Heavenly Supervision Department, he was only at the peak of the first major threshold, having refined Skin, Flesh, Tendons, and Bones.

In just over two years, this person should currently be at the Blood Refining stage of the second threshold, likely not yet Marrow Washing, and still far from the Inner Strength of the third threshold.

This was why Liang Hu had the urge to suppress him, intending to openly hand over power while secretly controlling him.

But now, it seemed the outside rumors had underestimated the other party.

Liang Hu, at this moment, also recovered from the killing intent that had been directed at him with that saber strike.

"The aura that person erupted with just now didn't seem stronger than mine."

"It's just that he's killed too many people recently, leading to a strong killing intent, making him appear sharp and putting me at a disadvantage."

"It seems I've become too complacent in Gao Liu City in recent years, losing my edge, and was actually suppressed by his killing aura."

"But in reality, with my abilities, I should be much stronger than him."

Thinking this, Liang Hu gathered his focus and scanned the room with his eyes.

He noticed that the Fifth Master, seated in the main seat, although powerful and filled with killing intent, did not seem to possess such robust Blood Essence.

He immediately determined that the other party's Martial Arts cultivation was still within the scope of the second threshold, possibly not even having undergone Marrow Washing.

With his mind settled, he took a step forward, slightly cupping his hands behind his back, and said, "As the Banner Bearer of Qing Shan Ward, I have managed Lin Jiang Ward for the past three years, maintaining peace and stability, and have gained considerable experience. Considering Fifth Master is new here and may not be able to maintain the current situation, I have come to hand over the responsibilities."

Lin Yan's expression remained unchanged as he replied, "Banner Bearer Liang is thoughtful. Since Wuchang has taken charge of the Lin Jiang Banner, he has the ability to manage Lin Jiang Ward and doesn't need outsiders to worry about it!"

"Fifth Master is young and spirited, and naturally prone to overconfidence. He doesn't realize that Lin Jiang Ward, as the foremost ward in the southern outer city area, has a complex situation."

Liang Hu sighed, "Not to mention the intricate network of various forces within the city, even the merchant caravans entering from the south gate first set foot in Lin Jiang Ward."

"For the past three years, if not for the assistance and mediation of the Liu Family from the inner city, Lin Jiang Ward would not have been so stable."

The Liu Family, one of the six great families in the inner city.

This person bringing up the Liu Family meant he intended to use his backing to suppress me with power?

According to the intelligence provided by Commander Han, Liang Hu was originally from Phoenix Perch Prefecture City. Thirteen years ago, he was transferred here as a member of the Heavenly Supervision Department's outer city division.

Ten years ago, he was officially promoted to Banner Bearer and assigned to the Outer Southern Division.

However, six years ago, Liang Hu's younger sister married into a direct lineage of the Liu Family.

Three years ago, Liang Hu was able to concurrently manage Lin Jiang Ward, which was not unrelated to the Liu Family.

Lin Yan did not respond, his expression remaining cold.

Seeing this, Liang Hu glanced to the side.

Immediately, a junior banner bearer stepped forward and cupped his hands, saying, "Fifth Master, the forces in Lin Jiang Ward are too complex for one person to suppress!"

"Our duty is to monitor all parties. As you are new, without the guidance of Banner Bearer Liang, you will likely be unable to delve into the various factions and understand the internal affairs."

"If you are ignorant of everything, you cannot fully manage Lin Jiang Ward, and it will be difficult for us to serve you."

"We ask Fifth Master to prioritize the overall situation and the people of Lin Jiang Ward, and not to cause chaos in Lin Jiang Ward for personal gain."

All twelve junior banner bearers stepped forward and bowed.

Chief Clerk Yang's expression changed slightly, but he did not step forward.

Lin Yan swept his gaze over them and suddenly let out a laugh.

"Without Banner Bearer Liang, Lin Jiang Ward will fall into chaos?"

"Without the Liu Family's help, you find it difficult to do your jobs?"

"In that case..."

Lin Yan, holding his saber, slowly rose from the main seat.

The twelve junior banner bearers exchanged glances, their faces showing joy, believing the other party was about to give up his seat.

However, they saw him raise his saber and slowly say, "Difficult to manage? Then don't manage it!"

"You twelve, hand over your positions as junior banner bearers and go home."

"As for Lin Jiang Ward, I'd like to see how it descends into chaos under my saber!"

"Scram!"

Lin Yan's voice instantly echoed through the hall.

Everyone's expression changed drastically.

Even Chief Clerk Yang couldn't help but take a step forward, as if he wanted to speak but stopped.

He understood the desire to oust Liang Hu and truly take control of Lin Jiang Ward.

But to dismiss the twelve junior banner bearers and be alone, how could he stabilize the situation?

Moreover, Liang Hu and the subordinate banner officers under him, along with the various forces in Lin Jiang Ward, had deep entanglements. Now that they've all been removed, it's as if our eyes and ears have been cut off.

Without eyes and ears, how can we know the slightest stir in Lin Jiang Ward, or the undercurrents churning beneath?

"Let's go!"

At this moment, Liang Hu waved his hand slightly and said, "Since this Fifth Master is unwilling to accept our good intentions, let's see how he can hold his position in Lin Jiang Ward alone!"

He turned around, sneered, and said, "The moment you took charge of the Lin Jiang Department, you shattered a great situation into pieces. Even Commander Han won't be able to save your position!"

He flicked his sleeve and left abruptly.

The twelve subordinate banner officers hesitated slightly before finally following him.

They had been promoted by Liang Hu himself.

Now, standing behind Liang Hu and facing the new Banner Bearer, the situation was almost at a breaking point, leaving them no chance to switch allegiance.

However, before they left, they looked at the chief clerk Yang, who had remained by the side, their expressions growing increasingly complex.

There was hostility, anger, resentment, and perhaps even a hint of jealousy.

This was because Chief Clerk Yang had been directly appointed by the Southern Department and could continue to stay.

He didn't need to take sides; remaining neutral was enough for him to retain his position.

"These twelve subordinate banner officers, over the past three years, probably felt they were already part of the Heavenly Supervision Department. Even if a new Banner Bearer arrived, they couldn't be dismissed without reason, or it wouldn't convince the public," Chief Clerk Yang said slowly, watching their retreating backs. "But they forgot that subordinate banner officers are not official members of the Heavenly Supervision Department. The Banner Bearer of each ward can decide their fate."

He paused, then raised his head and continued, "Perhaps they had some backing, believing that without them, Fifth Master, alone, couldn't stabilize the Lin Jiang Department!"

Lin Yan chuckled and said leisurely, "So, from the beginning, you all thought this was just a struggle between me and Liang Hu?"

"That's right," Chief Clerk Yang replied. "Even Liang Hu himself believed this was a confrontation he could easily handle to control Fifth Master! Even if Liang Hu had to back down in the end, the twelve subordinate banner officers he left behind would cause trouble for you in subsequent matters... forcing you to bow to Liang Hu!"

No one had expected this Fifth Master to have such courage, or perhaps such reckless impulsiveness, to turn himself into a lone Banner Bearer.

He looked upwards, hesitated for a moment, and then said, "At noon today, the Sky Gazing Tower at the Temple of Lord Liu in the inner city issued the 'Mystic Light Order'... starting tonight, city defenses will be reinforced."

Lin Yan's eyebrows rose, as if he understood something.

Chief Clerk Yang rubbed his brow and continued, "According to past practice, the Lin Jiang Department is responsible for assisting in the defense of the southern city wall. Twelve defensive positions will be vacated there!"

He paused, then emphasized, "I am not a martial artist; I am only responsible for clerical work and acting as the treasurer. The people under me are also not martial artists."

Normally, city defense positions are set up with one person every hundred paces.

But with the reinforcement of city defenses, it signifies a change in the situation, usually one person every fifty paces.

However, the "Mystic Light Order" issued by the Sky Gazing Tower indicated an even more critical situation.

Therefore, tonight, it should be one person every thirty paces.

Lin Yan would have to defend a range of "three hundred and sixty paces" of the city wall by himself.

"Should I..."

Chief Clerk Yang hesitated, "ask them to come back?"

A smile appeared on Lin Yan's face, and he said, "So Liang Hu and the other thirteen are still lingering outside the Lin Jiang Department courtyard, waiting for you to report this matter to me, so that I would then ask them back?"

As the voice fell, Lin Yan ran his hand over his sword, his tone solemn, and said slowly, "Recently, various factions have been treating Lin Jiang Ward as a treasure! This three-hundred-and-sixty-pace city wall, with the blade in my hand, if I cannot defend it, how can I defend the position of the Banner Bearer of the Lin Jiang Department?"