A Promise

A fight to the death, right at the critical moment. In a competition between peers, what reason is there for a guaranteed victory? This old man, however, doesn't seem to care about it at all. He woke up early, not bothering with this life-or-death battle that has stirred up almost all the martial artists in the city, but instead started rambling about mundane household matters.

After finishing his talk about household matters, Xu Yi finally remembered something important. "Oh? Right, help me go to a shop and buy a sturdy rope, about the thickness of ordinary fishing line and a zhang long. I might need it for the duel later."

Before he could finish speaking, with a whoosh, Yuan Qinghua vanished without a trace, his speed astonishing. For the first time, Xu Yi realized that his newly hired "long-term worker" might have a cultivation base no lower than Body Tempering mid-stage.

Little did he know, Yuan Qinghua was now close to madness. Anything involving a duel made him ten thousand times more cautious and nervous than Xu Yi.

As it was, Xu Yi had only told half of a little story to the annoying Qiu Wa when a sweating Yuan Qinghua suddenly reappeared with a whoosh.

"Master, this Dragon Binding Rope is exceptionally tough. Its material is unknown, but anything from the Alchemy Hall is a guaranteed quality product. I heard that experienced deep-sea anglers use this rope to catch giant deep-sea whales. Its strength is evident, and the price is indeed not cheap. A zhang long rope, as fine as a strand of hair, cost us three gold coins. I swear, the Alchemy Hall is the richest establishment in this world."

Yuan Qinghua chattered on as he displayed a rope as fine and delicate as a strand of hair. He tried to cut it with shears and then exerted all his strength to tear it, but the Dragon Binding Rope remained undamaged.

Xu Yi took it and tested it in his hand, extremely satisfied.

Just then, a shout came from outside. Yuan Qinghua rushed out and then back in. "Master, it's someone from the yamen! There's only an hour left until noon, we need to be there immediately."

Xu Yi nodded and said, "Go outside and tell them I'll be there after I change my clothes."

"Bearded Uncle, are you going out to fight?" Qiu Wa, who had walked to the door, suddenly turned and spoke.

"Not fighting? I'm going to beat up a bad guy and earn some money to buy nice food for my Qiu Wa."

Xu Yi picked up the little girl and kissed her forehead. Her porcelain-like little face was truly adorable.

Qiu Wa extended her tender little hand and rubbed it against his rough stubble, saying earnestly, "Bearded Uncle, don't lose. No matter how badly you're injured, you must come home."

"Silly girl, what are you talking about? Your Bearded Uncle is invincible."

Xu Yi pinched her little cheek, thinking to himself, This little girl must be worried sick.

"Mhm, my Bearded Uncle is the strongest!" Qiu Wa nodded vigorously.

Half an incense stick later, Xu Yi helped Uncle Mu drink a dose of medicine. Under the old man's concerned gaze, he stepped onto the carriage sent by the yamen.

The duel was to be held in East City. As the carriage entered the city gate, Xu Yi felt that East City today was indeed different from yesterday.

The usually bustling streets were as deserted as if a storm had just passed. Not only were there few pedestrians to be seen, but most of the shops were also closed. The scene was like this all the way.

Another half an incense stick later, the carriage entered a magnificent eggshell-like building. Soon, the carriage stopped. Xu Yi was led by a young man in a blue official uniform into a corridor on the left, and then turned into a large hall about seven or eight zhang long and wide.

The warm-toned hall was quite spacious. In the center stood a long table forged from black iron. A white-haired old man sat leisurely by the table, sipping his tea with relish, completely undisturbed by the arrival of outsiders, his gaze fixed on an old storybook in his hands.

"Uncle Ning, this is the other martial artist participating in the duel. We can begin the blood test."

The young man in blue broke the silence.

Only then did Xu Yi realize that this old man was the Blood Tester.

A drop of thick, dark blood accurately landed on a pure white round stone. Instantly, the stone emitted a faint glow, with colors of gold, purple, black, white, and blue flickering before finally settling on a pale blue-white.

"It is now confirmed that the martial artist Yi Xu is at the Body Tempering Peak realm!"

Uncle Ning shouted loudly, took out a document, and stamped it before sealing it quickly.

After completing the test, Uncle Ning returned to his storybook.

As the young man in blue was leading Xu Yi out, another middle-aged man, dressed in the same uniform as the young man, hurried over. He whispered a few words to the young man in blue and then left.

The young man in blue then led Xu Yi towards the western corridor.

Although the man's voice was low, Xu Yi heard it clearly: "Director Gao wants to see him."

As expected, as soon as Xu Yi entered a private room, he saw Gao Junmo.

Director Gao, with his sword-like eyebrows and square face, was holding a cup of bright red fruit wine, lounging in a soft rattan chair, chatting and laughing with three men in white.

Seeing Xu Yi enter, Gao Junmo stood up, waved the young man in blue away, and smiled at Xu Yi. "You are Yi Xu? The murderer Yi Xu who dared to hold the Great Yue Royal Court Edict in his mouth at the dock and kill dozens of people in one go?"

"I am Yi Xu, but not a murderer. I kill only to counter violence with violence, as is my duty."

Xu Yi looked directly at Gao Junmo, neither humble nor arrogant.

He knew from Master Zhou that Gao Junmo had spoken up for him, advising the Prefect not to allow the Black Dragon Hall to challenge him, but his suggestion was rejected by the Prefect with the words, "Without rules, how can there be order?"

Xu Yi felt a certain degree of goodwill towards Director Gao.

"Good, good, 'counter violence with violence, as is my duty.' You are one of us!"

Director Gao's eyes shone with admiration as he looked at Xu Yi. "Logically speaking, you acted for the public good, eliminating the rioters, a truly heroic act of upholding our Great Yue law. However, the Prefect is driven by profit, and my persuasion was unsuccessful. To have you bear the consequences on behalf of the public is, I must admit, a failing of our Patrol Division."

Xu Yi cupped his hands. "Director Gao is too kind. I haven't taken these wicked spirits to heart!"

Since entering officialdom, Xu Yi had experienced the benefits of being in the government. As the saying goes, "Good cultivation can be found within the Six Doors." Since he intended to stay in officialdom, he naturally developed ambitions to climb the ranks.

At this moment, Gao Junmo stepping forward was a great opportunity for him. After a brief calculation, he had figured out Gao Junmo's temperament, knowing that humility and politeness would only make the other party look down on him, while being unrestrained and bold would leave a deeper impression.

Indeed, Gao Junmo threw his head back and laughed. "I sing loudly to the heavens, arrogant and domineering, for whom do I do this! Bai Han, Pei Lin, Zhong Shu, my judgment is not bad, is it?"

"Your judgment is naturally extraordinary, General!"

"When has the Director ever misjudged?"

The fat and thin men next to Gao Junmo laughed and flattered him, but only the most imposing strong man frowned and remained silent.

Gao Junmo smiled. "Zhong Shu, do you have a different opinion?"

The burly man said, "How could your subordinate have a different opinion? I have simply seen too many brash fools who are all talk and no substance. These types are bold and foolishly rough; even when facing death, they do not realize it, yet they can still speak grandly every day."

Xu Yi glanced at him, thinking, I've never met this kid before, why is he picking on me?