Framed and Slandered

"Master Shen... Master Shen?"

The constables who followed Captain Li were startled by the voice.

In Qiulin County, who hadn't heard of Shen Lin's formidable reputation?

"Captain Li, this sounds... like Master Shen's voice."

"Master? What master? Does Shen Lin deserve to be called 'Master'?"

Captain Li's expression grew even more grim upon hearing Shen Lin's voice.

This guy, relying on his luck to break through and become a Martial Artist, had recently surpassed him in fame within Qiulin County.

After all, back in the day, when people spoke of Qiulin County's young talents, they all praised him, Li Bailin, as a promising youth.

But now?

"Shen Lin! Is this your house?"

"Yo? That voice, isn't that Captain Li? What brings you to my doorstep in the middle of the night?"

"Investigating a flying thief!!!" Li Bailin frowned and said loudly, "Shen Lin, since you know it's me, why don't you come out and meet me?"

"I'm taking a bath, it's inconvenient to come out!"

Hearing this, Li Bailin's eyes flickered, and he sneered, "It's not inconvenient, you've got something to hide, haven't you?"

Without waiting for Shen Lin to reply, he kicked open the door.

Bang!

The wooden door was flung open, but everyone except Li Bailin remained still.

The constables exchanged glances, none of them daring to rush in.

After learning that the house belonged to Shen Lin, they all began to back down.

Shen Lin, becoming a Martial Artist at such a young age, would undoubtedly become a Captain in the future, and even had the potential to reach the Meridian Opening Realm and succeed County Lieutenant Hu.

Offending such a person was clearly unwise.

But obviously, with Li Bailin present, they had no choice.

"What are you all standing around for? Search the place! If the flying thief escapes, I'll hold you responsible!!!"

If they didn't offend Shen Lin, they would have to offend Li Bailin.

The constables hesitated for a moment before finally stepping inside.

After all, everyone in Qiulin County knew that Li Bailin was not only narrow-minded but also came from an extraordinary family background.

If they offended him, they would have to leave the County Yamen before Shen Lin even gained power.

Seeing the constables file in, Li Bailin nodded with satisfaction and followed them.

After passing a screen, he saw Shen Lin.

He was bare-chested, his hands resting on the edge of the bathtub, looking at the intruding constables with a grim expression. He said in a deep voice, "Captain Li, this is a bit excessive."

Li Bailin said dismissively, "This is all for the flying thief case. I'm sure Shen Lin can understand my actions as a brother."

"Then you better find something!"

"Don't worry, I don't keep these brothers around for nothing."

Next, the constables began to search the entire house.

Just as Shen Lin had expected, they didn't miss anything, from the roof beams to other hidden corners.

But it was clear they wouldn't find anything.

"Boss! Nothing found!"

"Me neither!"

"We've searched everywhere, no sign of anyone else."

Listening to the constables' reports, Li Bailin's expression grew increasingly unpleasant.

On the other hand, Shen Lin remained calm throughout.

At this moment, looking at the constables who were lowering their heads in embarrassment, he calmly said, "If that's the case, please leave. I will personally speak with County Lieutenant Hu about this matter tomorrow."

Li Bailin gave no response, merely turned around with a grim face and walked towards the door.

But as he reached the doorway, he suddenly paused, then abruptly turned back.

Shen Lin thought he had found something and was about to say something when he saw the other man wearing a half-smile.

"Wang Er! You said earlier that someone personally saw a person in night-clothes enter this house, right?"

The constable who had reported earlier thought Li Bailin was going to blame him and said with a grimace, "That's right, boss, but now it seems that guy might have been trying to scam us. I'll definitely..."

"No, no, no!" Li Bailin shook his head and chuckled, "Is there a possibility that the flying thief is in this very house?"

"But we searched the entire house and found nothing."

Li Bailin slowly raised his hand and pointed at Shen Lin.

"Look, isn't that someone right there?"

"Huh?"

The bailiffs under him turned their heads, looking at Shen Lin with blank expressions.

At this moment, Shen Lin seemed to understand their intentions and sneered, "Captain Li, are you trying to pin the name of the flying thief on me, framing me?"

"What nonsense are you talking about? Someone personally witnessed it, how can it be considered framing?"

Li Bailin smiled, waved his hand, and said, "Come, help Mr. Shen get dressed, and then we..."

But just then, the bath churned, and a figure suddenly emerged from the water.

"Who?"

"There's something going on!!!"

"Protect the Captain!!!"

The bailiffs were startled by this sudden scene and drew the long sabers at their waists.

Shen Lin looked speechlessly at the panting female flying thief and sighed.

At this moment, she was naked, her thick hair obscuring her chest, only revealing a smooth back to the bailiffs.

Even a Martial Artist in the Meridian Opening Realm was still mortal flesh and blood; it was impossible to stay underwater without breathing.

Li Bailin, because of his intention to frame Shen Lin, did not leave immediately, which caused the female flying thief to be unable to hold on any longer and had to surface.

"Good, Shen Lin! You fellow, you've really been harboring the flying thief all along, now I'll see how you..."

Li Bailin froze for a moment, then a look of ecstasy suddenly appeared on his face.

He actually found her???

But Shen Lin on the opposite side remained unhurried, gently stroking the person's cheek, and said softly, "Wait for me for a moment, I'll drive away these annoying guys first."

Then, he slowly rose from the bath.

The bailiffs looked at the naked Shen Lin before them, their eyes curiously fixed on the legendary demon-slaying weapon that had supposedly killed a demonic creature.

Hmm, like an old tree with gnarled roots, or a flood dragon emerging from the sea, it was quite magnificent!

Shen Lin paid no mind to their gazes and casually picked up a towel from the side, wrapping it around his waist, and said indifferently, "Captain Li, do you know, you've ruined such a beautiful night."

Then he pointed to the beautiful figure in the bath and said, "Do you think that flying thief would be such a well-hydrated beauty?"

Li Bailin sneered, "That's hard to say, after all, no one has seen the flying thief's true face."

As he spoke, he strode towards the opposite side of the bath, seemingly wanting to get a good look at the woman.

"Are you f***ing kidding me?"

Without a word, Shen Lin kicked him.

Li Bailin was prepared and threw a punch, sneering, "Hmph, you can't hold back, I knew it..."

In his opinion, Shen Lin, who had just stepped into the realm of Martial Artists, would never be his match if he truly made a move.

But as their fists and feet made contact, Li Bailin felt an irresistible force coming from the other's foot.

Bang!

After a muffled thud, Li Bailin staggered back several steps before stabilizing himself.

In contrast, Shen Lin's expression was calm, as if nothing had happened.

"You..."

Li Bailin looked up at Shen Lin, surprised and angry.

He hadn't expected Shen Lin to have such strength.

Even though he had been prepared, he still suffered a great disadvantage.

This time, he had completely embarrassed himself in front of so many bailiffs.

Clang!

He directly drew the long saber in his hand.