County Magistrate's Invitation

"That Dog Demon was extremely ferocious. Not only did it kill the Wu Family head, but it also broke into the Wu Family treasury, intending to loot everything."

"At the critical moment, Captain Sun arrived in time and got entangled with that demonic creature."

"I was originally taking Purple Crystal out for some fresh air and happened to hear the commotion nearby when I got close, so I went over. When the Dog Demon saw me, it realized it was no match for me and Captain Sun, so it turned and fled."

"Captain Sun and I pursued it relentlessly. We finally caught up to a small courtyard, but that's when we discovered that it wasn't alone."

"This was all a trap. It had two brothers who had already ambushed us in that small courtyard."

"Captain Sun and I fought side-by-side, battling to the death. Because my strength was too weak, I could only fight the youngest Dog Demon. Captain Sun faced two demonic creatures alone, bearing the brunt of it all."

"During the battle, my strength failed me, and I was almost killed by my opponent. Seeing this, Captain Sun sacrificed an arm to kill his opponent and then helped me finish off the remaining demonic creatures..."

"Captain Sun! Such righteousness!!!"

Inside the Qiulin County Yamen, County Lieutenant Hu's mouth twitched as he looked at Shen Lin, whose face was filled with grief and anger, occasionally wiping away tears.

I'd believe you if pigs could fly!

Damn it, both of you are in the Meridian Opening Realm. You two fought to the death together, and yet Sun Zhi lost an arm and had a huge chunk of flesh gouged from his back...

But you, you don't have a single scratch on you, and your clothes are even perfectly neat.

County Lieutenant Hu had already noticed something was off about Shen Lin when he was interrogating the Demonic Cultivator before.

And now, seeing his clumsy acting, he felt helpless.

Does this guy really not want to reveal his strength?

At such a young age, instead of fully displaying his talent and basking in the admiration of others,

He acts like an experienced old monster, hiding his strength and pushing Sun Zhi forward.

Sigh...

He glanced sympathetically at Sun Zhi, who was being treated nearby, and said:

"In that case, Captain Sun has made a great contribution this time, killing the third boss of Black Wind Stronghold in one fell swoop. Such a feat will surely make him the focus of attention throughout Qiulin County."

Sun Zhi's face was pale, and he hadn't completely fainted. He still had a sliver of consciousness.

Upon hearing County Lieutenant Hu's words, his eyes widened, and he opened his mouth, wanting to deny it.

But his weakened body prevented him from making even a sound.

"I know, I know. Don't worry, I will report your contributions truthfully to my superiors. You won't be shortchanged on your reward."

County Lieutenant Hu comforted him, but his eyes were fixed on Shen Lin.

Since this kid wanted to hide his abilities, he might as well do him a favor.

As for Sun Zhi...

He had gained so much fame and attention, hadn't he?

Everyone wins!

Sun Zhi watched despairingly as County Lieutenant Hu turned and left.

Shen Lin had previously pinned all those events on him, which almost resulted in him being dismembered and stewed.

And now, he was throwing the case of the Black Wind Stronghold's third boss onto him...

He didn't dare to imagine what dangers awaited him in the future.

Wouldn't those mountain demonic creatures view him as a thorn in their side?

Thinking of this, he couldn't regulate his breathing and fainted in anger.

Shen Lin watched the scene of the medical officers frantically treating Sun Zhi, put away the grief and anger on his face, and chuckled softly.

Since Sun Zhi managed to return to the Yamen, there was still plenty of value to be extracted from him in the future.

This time, he had attracted three Meridian Opening Realm demonic creatures, directly earning Shen Lin over seven hundred years of demonic creature lifespan.

How much would he earn next time?

Thinking of this, Shen Lin felt that the future was promising and prepared to go home to rest.

However, just as he stepped out of the hall, he saw Steward Qian rushing over.

"That's great, Brother Shen, you're here."

Seeing his relieved expression, Shen Lin asked doubtfully, "Steward Qian, are you looking for me for something?"

Steward Qian shook his head. "It's not me. It's the County Magistrate who wants to ask you about the previous Demonic Cultivator case. After all, the people who died that time were the County Magistrate's juniors."

Previously, when that Demonic Cultivator was silenced, the County Magistrate had scolded County Lieutenant Hu and Steward Qian thoroughly.

As for Shen Lin, the County Magistrate praised him highly, calling him a young talent.

Now that the County Magistrate was looking for Shen Lin, it was likely not just about that case, but also an attempt to win him over and recruit him.

Thinking of this, Steward Qian hesitated and said, "Brother Shen, we've known each other for quite some time. Regarding the County Magistrate..."

Shen Lin understood what he meant immediately and smiled. "Steward Qian, don't worry. That incident was an accident. I'll put in a good word with the County Magistrate."

"That's good, that's good. Thank you, Brother Shen."

"Of course."

After some pleasantries, Shen Lin bid farewell to Steward Qian and arrived at the backyard of the county yamen.

As soon as he entered the courtyard, his eyes narrowed slightly, and he inadvertently glanced at the stone pavilion beside him.

An old man with white hair and beard was meditating there.

He was dressed impeccably. Although he looked very old, his overall demeanor was excellent, his back straight as a pine, and his body robust.

Golden Brush Guest Du Yuanshan, a cultivator in the Meridian Opening Realm, was part of the entourage the County Magistrate brought when he took office. His Judge's Brush could crack stone and split metal, and he was rumored to be the top expert in Qiulin County.

As if sensing Shen Lin's gaze, he slowly opened his eyes. After appraising Shen Lin, he offered a gentle smile.

Shen Lin had just broken through ten meridians, and his control over his vital energy had improved again. All his vital energy was contained within, making him appear like an ordinary Martial Artist from the outside.

However, the other party likely saw that Shen Lin was hiding something. Otherwise, given the other party's status and strength, he probably wouldn't have treated a young man so gently.

Shen Lin nodded, as if to greet him, and walked towards the inner courtyard.

"Oh my, Brother Shen, it's good to finally see you."

An old scholar with a mustache, holding a paper fan, walked towards him and greeted him enthusiastically.

"Greetings, Advisor Li!"

"No need for formalities. Come, the County Magistrate has been waiting for quite some time."

He grabbed Shen Lin's arm with great enthusiasm and led him into the room.

This was the County Magistrate's study, which was very spacious. Countless books were lined up against the walls.

Behind a wooden desk sat a man with a stern appearance – the County Magistrate of Qiulin County, Lin Youwei.

County Magistrates of the Great Wei Dynasty were in charge of the military and administrative affairs of a county. They were not only responsible for managing the populace but also for the duty of slaying demons and monsters.

However, this County Magistrate Lin was not a Martial Artist but a complete scholar.

At the moment, he was holding a brush and constantly making marks on documents. When he saw Shen Lin enter, he merely looked up and offered a smile before returning to his work.

"The Magistrate has some matters to attend to, Brother Shen. Please wait a moment."

Advisor Li poured Shen Lin a cup of tea.

Shen Lin smiled and said neither subserviently nor arrogantly, "Of course."

After a long while, Lin Youwei finally put down his brush and let out a long sigh. Only then did he look up and smile at Shen Lin.

"You are steady and composed, unlike that impatient fellow Hu Dongxing. You are very good!"