I Only Want to Improve Now

The next day, at dawn, as the first rays of the sun enveloped the earth, a figure holding an iron staff practiced in the courtyard, facing the rising sun.

The staff's wind roared like thunder, and his body moved like a coiling dragon. Each move and stance possessed a grand demeanor that was nonexistent in this era.

[Thousand Jin Staff Technique Proficiency +1]

The Law Examination had concluded.

He had used the time he allocated for studying the law to cultivate his staff technique.

Every time his proficiency increased.

His own strength grew by a fraction.

After an unknown amount of time, hurried footsteps accompanied by excited shouts could be heard.

"I got in, I got in."

Zhao Er rushed in, exclaiming excitedly, "Brother, the Security Bureau posted the results, you passed! You ranked first with a high score."

Anyone else would have surely thrown their head back and laughed heartily upon hearing this news, but Lin Fan's expression remained as usual, unfazed. He swept his staff in a move called "Sweeping the Thousand Armies," stirring up a cloud of dust from the ground before slowly retracting it and exhaling a hot breath.

"Anything else?" Lin Fan asked.

"You're to report to the Security Bureau uniformly this afternoon."

"Mm, go find me a staff to aid my cultivation."

First place!

It was entirely within his expectations.

He thought about the effort he had put in during this period, waking earlier than chickens and sleeping later than dogs. During his private tutoring, he'd ignored all distractions, focusing solely on listening to the teacher brag.

Three months, a full three months!

He just wanted to ask.

Who could possibly stop him?

The goals he had planned were being realized step by step, which was the most joyful thing for him. A person needs a plan; without one, it's definitely impossible. When he was a mere underling at the Loyalty Hall, even when he couldn't get enough to eat, he'd still save up and economize to study the Law at private tutoring, all for this very day.

Entering the Security Bureau was equivalent to stepping onto another springboard.

It represented another step closer to the path of the Martial Way he was exploring.

Afternoon.

When Lin Fan appeared at the entrance of the Security Bureau, people were already waiting. Upon seeing him, they all stepped forward to greet him.

"Master Lin."

"Master Lin, from now on, we'll be colleagues. Please take care of us."

He had occupied one of the five available positions in the Security Bureau, and the remaining four had also been taken by individuals of various backgrounds. However, regardless of their identities, they all knew a great deal about Lin Fan.

He was a rising star among the gangs of Yong'an City, his reputation shockingly high.

Setting aside his background, his combat prowess alone commanded respect from many.

After all, regardless of how impressive his family background might be, if they were to encounter him on the street one day, and he decided to beat them up, it wouldn't matter how many people they had with them; no one would be able to stop him.

"We're all colleagues from now on, just call me by my name. I can't possibly bear the title of 'Master Lin'," Lin Fan said with a humble smile.

"Not at all, Master Lin. Your battles at Cui Jing Tower and the shantytown have earned you a formidable reputation. Who in Yong'an City doesn't know of Master Lin's renown?"

Those who could get into the Security Bureau were all shrewd individuals.

If they were to believe Lin Fan's humble words and call him by his given name, they wouldn't be standing here.

As they were chatting, a bailiff emerged and beckoned them to follow.

They passed through several corridors and were led to a secluded courtyard.

Someone was already waiting in the courtyard.

Lin Fan immediately recognized Song Qing and Yang Ming, as well as the middle-aged man who had overseen the examination – this man stood in the main seat, clearly holding a significant position in the Security Bureau.

Beside him stood another person, his face stern and his gaze piercing. As they entered, he scrutinized everyone, his gaze particularly unfriendly towards Lin Fan.

Lin Fan exchanged a glance with Song Qing and nodded slightly.

Once everyone was in position, Song Qing stepped forward and said solemnly:

"All of you have passed the Security Bureau's Law Examination. Starting today, you are members of the Security Bureau."

The middle-aged man took over, his voice steady. "The Security Bureau bears a heavy responsibility. We hope all of you will remember the law, act impartially, and face severe punishment for any negligence."

He then introduced Song Qing and the stern-faced man beside him.

"These two are Captain Song Qing and Captain Chen Xingzhi. You may choose to serve under either of these two captains."

Those who had managed to get into the Security Bureau had already thoroughly investigated the situation here.

They were well aware that the two captains represented opposite extremes.

Following Song Qing would yield no benefits, and moreover, Song Qing had offended many people and was ostracized within the Security Bureau. In the past, when apprehending criminals, he couldn't even get people to respond to his calls, and even if they were summoned, they would deliberately slack off.

But Captain Chen was different. He had extensive connections and was expected to be promoted to Clerk.

Soon, everyone made their choice. Those four decisively chose Chen Xingzhi. Now, only Lin Fan was left unchosen. When he learned this guy's surname was Chen, he knew this might be the uncle Chen Liang mentioned who worked in the yamen.

He didn't expect him to be a captain.

As for why Chen Liang didn't participate in this Law Examination.

It seemed the incident at Cui Jing Tower had left a huge psychological scar on him.

Thinking this.

Lin Fan walked over to Song Qing and stood to the side, his intention clear: he chose Captain Song.

"Mm."

The middle-aged man nodded. This choice was up to everyone themselves. It seemed unfair, but it was useless to argue. He was too lazy to say more. After giving a few instructions to Song Qing and Chen Xingzhi, he turned and left.

"Farewell, Steward Li."

Song Qing and Chen Xingzhi bowed.

Lin Fan and the others also bowed to see him off.

So this guy was actually a Steward. It was just that for some reason, he gave Lin Fan a strange feeling. The man seemed very indifferent to the disputes within the Security Bureau.

After Steward Li left, Yang Ming ran up to Lin Fan with a smile, "Brother Lin, from now on, we're colleagues. If there's anything you don't understand, just ask me."

Lin Fan chuckled, "Don't call me 'brother.' You're a formal officer now, and I'm still a rookie."

"No, absolutely not. Brother Lin is Brother Lin. Formal or not, Brother Lin is the best in my heart." Yang Ming didn't dare to act tough in front of Lin Fan.

This was someone who could give him a sense of security.

He hadn't even latched onto a strong backer yet.

Lin Fan smiled and didn't say much.

Chen Xingzhi led his men away. After only a few steps, he stopped and turned to look at Lin Fan. He seemed to be smiling, but it was a warning. "Lin Fan, Master Lin? The Security Bureau is the Security Bureau, not a mixed bag like Loyalty Hall. Here, you need to understand hierarchy and rules. But it's okay, if you don't understand, you'll learn slowly. Someone will teach you."

After saying that, he left.

The four newly recruited rookie officers glanced at Lin Fan, understanding in their hearts that they would have to keep their distance from him from now on.

This kid would probably have a hard time in the Security Bureau from now on.

After Captain Chen left, Yang Ming said indignantly, "What's he so arrogant about? This guy named Chen is no good."

The clerk's office.

This was like a department in a company, the place where Song Qing and Yang Ming handled cases. With Lin Fan's addition, the office had grown.

There were three of them now.

No longer the lonely pair of before.

At this moment.

Lin Fan reached out and stroked the neatly folded officer's uniform, his movements gentle, as if he were caressing a woman.

He'd made it.

He'd finally reached this step.

At this moment, only one thought echoed in his mind.

"Right now, I only want to improve."