Deputy Commander Xiao Arrives, Official Might Shakes Fengtian

The faint morning light filtered through, and Ye Qingxuan gently closed the courtyard door, the latch clicking crisply.

He walked at an unhurried pace, each step on the bluestone slabs carrying an unprecedented sense of solidity. The nascent strength within him didn't surge like a flash flood, but rather flowed like a deep river, quietly coursing through his limbs. Concealed beneath his robes were muscles honed from the second stage of Body Tempering, and the Indestructible Vajra Body, now perfected.

Today, due to his initial experience of this realm, he had spent a little more time, leaving later than usual by the time it takes an incense stick to burn.

He exerted force beneath his feet, his figure becoming like a fallen leaf caught by the wind, silently traversing the alleys of the Southern District. In just a few cups of tea's time, the two imposing stone lions at the Fengtian Division's entrance were in sight.

Approaching the yamen gate, he slowed his steps, tidied his clothes, and then walked inside.

Unexpectedly, as soon as he crossed the threshold, a booming voice struck him head-on.

"Rushing about, what kind of conduct is this!"

Ye Qingxuan looked up and saw the Chief Constable on duty was Zhang Lingxiao's uncle, Chief Constable Zhang. He wasn't sitting in the hall today but stood with his hands behind his back at the entrance to the roll call courtyard, scolding a few servants sweeping the area.

Ye Qingxuan's appearance had landed him right in the line of fire.

Several familiar Constables nearby cast sympathetic glances at Ye Qingxuan. Everyone knew that Chief Constable Zhang had been in high spirits lately due to his nephew's entry into the Martial Path, but he also placed great importance on rules and decorum.

Ye Qingxuan lowered his head, cupped his hands, and remained still, responding, "Yes, Chief Constable."

His voice was neither loud nor soft, betraying no fear, nor any defiance, merely a pure acknowledgment.

Chief Constable Zhang had intended to lecture him further, but seeing him like this, it was like throwing a punch at cotton, utterly unsatisfying. He sized Ye Qingxuan up, raising an eyebrow.

"Which squad are you from? You look unfamiliar."

"Reporting to the Chief Constable, I am Ye Qingxuan, under Chief Constable Hong, a temporary Constable."

"Ye Qingxuan?" Chief Constable Zhang mumbled, seemingly pondering, "Which Ye family?"

"My father is Ye Tian'an."

Upon hearing these three words, Chief Constable Zhang's gaze shifted. Some of his authoritative demeanor faded, replaced by a complex scrutiny. He paced forward, circling Ye Qingxuan.

"So, you're from the old Ye family. Your father was quite a man back in the day, a pity." His tone shifted, returning to that of a lecturer, "Since you are his son, you should understand the rules of the Fengtian Division even more! Don't pick up the bad habits of street ruffians and shame your father!"

"The Chief Constable's reprimand is noted." Ye Qingxuan maintained his posture, his head bowed even lower.

Chief Constable Zhang grunted, likely feeling he had made his point and losing interest. He flicked his sleeve and turned towards the main hall, muttering, "No sense of propriety."

Only when his back disappeared behind the moon gate did Wei Datong sidle up and nudge Ye Qingxuan with his elbow.

"Not bad, you. Chief Constable Zhang, the 'King of Hell,' lectures you, and you don't even flinch."

Ye Qingxuan straightened up and brushed off nonexistent dust from his sleeves. "What else? Argue with him?"

Wei Datong chuckled and lowered his voice, "I was actually getting nervous for you just now. But seriously, something's not right today."

Ye Qingxuan's gaze flickered towards the direction of the moon gate.

It was indeed not right.

Normally, only one Chief Constable would be present at the roll call area of the yamen. But as Chief Constable Zhang turned to leave, Ye Qingxuan's peripheral vision caught sight of several figures standing under the corridor in front of the main hall.

Chief Constable Hong's slightly plump form, Chief Constable Yan's three strands of long beard, and two other Chief Constables, rarely seen, were all gathered together.

All five Chief Constables of the Fengtian Division, gathered today.

This was no ordinary gathering.

"Could it be some major case?" Xiong Tiezhu also joined them, guessing in a gruff voice.

Wei Datong shook his head and pointed to the sky, "A major case wouldn't require such a grand mobilization. I suspect a big shot is coming."

As they spoke, the roll call bell rang.

The chatter ceased, and everyone surged into the courtyard, taking their positions.

As expected, the roll call process today was astonishingly swift. Chief Constable Yan, in charge, merely read out a few inconsequential official documents before announcing that everyone was to remain on standby and not leave without authorization.

The entire Fengtian Division was filled with an oppressive, pre-storm atmosphere.

The Constables whispered amongst themselves, guessing which important figure was arriving. Was it the Prefect? Or the Commander?

Ye Qingxuan stood at the end of the line, observing calmly.

The five Chief Constables were now standing at the foot of the steps in front of the main hall's entrance, arrayed on both sides, their expressions solemn, devoid of their usual casualness.

This was not the protocol for welcoming a Prefect or a Commander.

The answer was becoming clear.

In the entire Linyuan Prefecture city, there was only one person who could command such a solemn reception from all the prominent figures below the Commander of the Fengtian Division.

The Deputy Commander of the Fengtian Division, Xiao Yunting.

As expected, about the time it takes an incense stick to burn, the clamor from the long street outside the yamen suddenly fell silent.

It was an eerie quiet, as if an invisible giant hand had gripped the throat of the entire street.

Immediately after, steady, rhythmic footsteps approached from afar, entering the Fengtian Division's compound.

The footsteps, each one measured, neither light nor heavy, seemed to land on everyone's heart.

All the Constables in the courtyard, even the usually talkative Wei Datong, held their breath and unconsciously straightened their bodies.

A figure appeared at the main gate of the yamen.

The newcomer was clad in a dark black brocade robe, embroidered with intricate cloud patterns and Bixie motifs in silver thread. A finger-width obsidian belt cinched his waist. He appeared to be around forty, with a lean face and streaks of gray at his temples. His eyes were narrow, and when they opened and closed, a contained brilliance flashed within, possessing a sharpness that could pierce the soul.

He simply stood there, without speaking, yet an invisible aura of authority already enveloped the entire Fengtian Division. This was not the killing intent of a martial arts master, but rather the natural gravitas of someone who had long held supreme power, wielding the authority to grant or take life.

In the face of this imposing presence, any cultivation in Body Tempering, any ruthlessness of a gang, became a laughable irrelevance.

Chief Constable Zhang, Chief Constable Hong, and four others stepped forward in unison, bowing ninety degrees, their voices like thunder.

"Welcome, Deputy Commander!"

Hundreds of official constables and temporary constables in the courtyard, at this moment, all knelt on one knee in unison, their heads bowed low.

"Greetings, Deputy Commander!"

The mountain-shouting, sea-roaring greetings echoed through the courtyard of the Fengtian Division.

Ye Qingxuan knelt among the crowd, his gaze fixed on his nose, his nose on his heart. He could feel a sharp gaze slowly sweeping over the heads of everyone in the courtyard. Where that gaze passed, the very air seemed to solidify.

This, was the personification of power.

In this chaotic world, it was more awe-inspiring than any martial art, any wealth.

Xiao Yunting did not speak, but slowly ascended the steps, passing between the five Chief Constables, and walked directly into the main hall.

Only after his figure disappeared into the depths of the hall did the heavy weight pressing on everyone's hearts slightly lessen.

"You may all rise."

Chief Constable Hong straightened up, turned around, and waved his hand at the crowd in the courtyard.

Only then did the crowd dare to stand, but still, no one dared to breathe loudly. They all kept their eyes downcast, as if in fear.

The Deputy Commander's personal visit must mean a major announcement.

What kind of fate would this major event bring to them, mere ants struggling at the bottom of this chaotic world? Would it be fortune, or disaster?

Ye Qingxuan stood within the crowd, his mind clear. He knew that opportunities often hid within such changes. The high-profile "Green Fish Gang" bounty might, perhaps, be resolved today.