The County Office and the Martial Guard Division

Meanwhile, in the front courtyard of Nanning County's County Office.

Gu Chang'an followed Li Hongye through the vermilion gate.

The moment he stepped inside, a chilling aura of severity struck him, as if the government compound itself exuded a cold, forbidding air.

The courtyard floor was paved with bluestone, clean and spotless.

Above the main gate hung a black horizontal plaque, inscribed with three bold, forceful characters—"Martial Guard Division."

On the watchtowers flanking either side, archers stood at attention in light armor, gripping stiff bows, their expressions as still as statues.

Gu Chang'an instinctively suppressed his presence and lightened his steps.

He glanced around and saw wanted criminal portraits hanging from the corridor pillars, each marked with large blood-red characters reading "Most Wanted List."

Beneath each portrait were posted the bounty and the crimes, and some even bore red ink stamps reading "Killed" or "Captured," lending the scene a grim, imposing air.

Patrolling constables in black uniforms, iron blades at their waists, strode through the courtyard with a brisk, murderous bearing, though they weren't military men.

Li Hongye continued leading him inward, explaining as they walked:

"This is the Court Hall, where the County Magistrate and County Assistant hear cases on ordinary days."

"That over there is the jail, where serious offenders are held. No one may approach unless they're on prison duty. The 'Prison Guard Division' inside is manned by old hands, all seasoned veterans."

"Further in, the storehouses and Archive Hall also require a pass to enter."

"As for the Front Hall—roll call is at the Hour of the Dragon every day. Latecomers lose monthly silver; skip work outright, and you might be dismissed on the spot."

She turned to glance at Gu Chang'an and added:

"These days, getting a share of Public Grain is a steadier life than drifting through the martial world. But the rules are many, and you have to follow them."

Gu Chang'an nodded as he listened, feeling more and more at ease. He'd been wandering, cutting firewood and hunting just to get by. Now, though his Master had taught him Martial Arts and he'd reached the Ninth Rank, without backing, he'd still struggle to make his way in the martial world.

If he could join the County Office's Martial Guard Division as a Constable, even starting from the lowest rung, it would be far better than roaming without a home.

More importantly, becoming a Constable meant becoming a "clerk"—a step up in social standing.

As she spoke, Li Hongye led him into a side corridor and pointed at a courtyard:

"That's the Training Ground. Director Wang usually teaches us our drills there."

"Our division is split into three groups: the Patrol Group handles daily rounds, nabs petty thieves, and breaks up street brawls; the Fugitive Apprehension Group specializes in murder cases and tracking down killers; and finally, the Interrogation Group manages confessions and records."

"New recruits always start in the Patrol Group, running errands and doing odd jobs. Performance is reviewed every three months. Only with a recommendation or a meritorious deed can you be promoted."

She paused, looked at Gu Chang'an, and gave a light smile:

"But you're different. You're already a Ninth Rank Martial Artist. That's the backbone of our Martial Guard Division."

"If today's recruitment goes smoothly, I'll put in a word with Director Wang, and you might even go straight into the Fugitive Apprehension Group."

Gu Chang'an's heart jolted. The faint unease he'd felt vanished in an instant. He nodded solemnly:

"Thank you for your guidance, Senior Sister. I won't let you down."

Li Hongye waved a hand, her tone light: "If you truly live up to expectations, it won't just be my Master who looks good—I'll look good too."

With that, she gave a soft hum, her voice teasing yet laced with approval.

Just then, hurried footsteps sounded from the direction of the courtyard gate. A young runner in a black uniform dashed up, slightly out of breath. Stopping, he cupped his fists and said:

"Head Constable Li, the Division Chief requests your presence!"

Li Hongye's brows lifted slightly, surprise flickering in her eyes. She nodded:

"Understood. We'll go now."

She turned to Gu Chang'an with a smile. "Looks like you're in luck. Head Constable Wang wants to see you in person."

Gu Chang'an nodded, steadied his mind, and followed Li Hongye through the Front Hall, turning onto a stone path on the east side. They climbed a few steps and arrived before a small hall with its tall doors shut tight.

Above the lintel hung a plaque reading "Commander's Office," the characters bold and fierce, carrying a murderous edge.

Two sharp-eyed constables stood guard at the door. Seeing Li Hongye, they immediately pushed the door open a crack and saluted:

"Division Chief, they're here."

A robust voice came from inside: "Come in."

The door opened. Li Hongye stepped in first, Gu Chang'an close behind.

The room was simply furnished. On the wall hung a large map of Nanning County, dotted with red lines and black marks—clearly annotations for operations and key security points. On one side of the hall rested an unsheathed broadsword, its cold gleam sharp and menacing.

Division Chief Wang Hao stood with his back to them, hands clasped behind him, eyes fixed on a spot on the map. Hearing their footsteps, he slowly turned.

"Hongye's here?" His gaze fell on Gu Chang'an, sizing him up for a moment before his brows lifted slightly. "So this is the junior brother you mentioned?"

He had just returned from a meeting in a foul mood.

But the case of Yellow Wolf Lu Kai being closed had lifted his spirits considerably.

So when he heard that Li Hongye wanted to bring her junior brother into the Martial Guard Division, he didn't hesitate and sent someone to summon them.

Li Hongye smiled and nodded. "Mm, this is a disciple my father personally accepted. He just broke through to the Ninth Grade—good talent, steady character too."

Wang Hao raised an eyebrow, casting an intrigued glance at Gu Chang'an.

"Your father personally took him on? That's rare."

He stepped forward twice, stopping in front of Gu Chang'an. His tone was neither fast nor slow, yet carried an undeniable pressure. "What's your name?"

"Gu Chang'an." Gu Chang'an clasped his hands. His voice wasn't loud, but it was steady and firm.

"I heard you helped Hongye capture Yellow Wolf Lu Kai?"

"Yes." Gu Chang'an answered succinctly, with no hint of boasting.

Wang Hao gave a slight nod, his gaze turning more appraising.

"Breaking through to Ninth Grade and then going toe-to-toe with Lu Kai shows you're not just some greenhorn with a cultivation level."

Then his tone shifted, and he asked with sudden seriousness, "Why do you want to join the Martial Guard Division and become a Constable?"

Gu Chang'an stepped forward, back straight as a ramrod, and cupped his fists in a deep reply: "When I was young, I fled famine. My parents and siblings all died. I survived by hunting and chopping firewood, later joined a martial arts school to train, only to protect myself and stay alive."

"But now, by luck, I've entered the ranks. I have no wish to serve the wicked, nor do I want to drift through the jianghu."

"If I can join the Martial Guard Division, to rid the people of evil and keep the peace in one corner of the world—that is my wish."

Though plain and unadorned, his words rang out with weight. For a moment, the hall fell silent.

Wang Hao was taken aback at first, then broke into a grin, a glint of approval in his eyes.

"Good! You've got ambition, backbone, and grit—rare indeed."

He looked at Li Hongye. "If you say he's good, I trust your judgment. Since he's Ninth Grade and has merit in capturing a criminal, the Constable status is no issue."

"From today, you're listed as a Constable under the Fugitive Apprehension Group of the Martial Guard Division, temporarily under Li Hongye's guidance. Three months' probation, then an evaluation. If you earn merits, you'll be confirmed in the post."

Li Hongye's eyes crinkled with a smile as she slapped Gu Chang'an on the shoulder. "Hear that? From now on, you're with me. Work hard."

Gu Chang'an took a deep breath and clasped his fists solemnly.

"Thank you, Head Constable Wang, for your approval. Thank you, Senior Disciple Sister, for your guidance. Gu Chang'an will not fail your trust!"

Wang Hao nodded. "Alright, Hongye, take your junior brother to register."

With that, he waved his hand, signaling them to withdraw.

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