Huang Qianqing and the Naked Maiden

As Su Ye gradually understood the reasons, when it was Meng Daniu's turn to pay taxes, the amount was more than double that of previous years. He couldn't possibly afford it. Seeing this, Huang Qianqing intended to seize his sister as collateral for the taxes.

Meng Daniu's parents both passed away when he was eleven or twelve. Since then, he and his sister had relied on each other. Their sibling bond was incredibly deep, so he naturally resisted with all his might. To his dismay, not only did he fail to protect his sister, but his own arm was also broken.

This entire incident was Huang Qianqing's doing. He had accidentally seen Meng Daniu's sister and, finding her beautiful, his wicked intentions flared.

"Please, my Lord, save my sister. I will serve you like an ox or a horse, and my life and death will be at your will."

As he spoke, Meng Daniu seemed to recall something. He carefully took out a piece of sheepskin from his bosom. It was dirty and messy, like a child's scribbles, but a dragon and tiger could be vaguely discerned.

"My father gave this to me before he died, saying it was left by our ancestors. I've had people look at it over the years, but no one knows what this drawing means. Now, this is the only rare item I have on me. If you don't find it beneath you, my Lord..." Meng Daniu suddenly knelt on the ground.

Hearing this, Su Ye dismounted and walked to Meng Daniu's side, helping him up. "Get up and speak first."

"My Lord..." Meng Daniu, feeling self-conscious, pulled the sheepskin back slightly.

Su Ye took the sheepskin respectfully offered by Meng Daniu and examined it carefully, finding nothing. However, at that moment, the panel in his mind suddenly changed.

Dragon Tiger Vajra Skill·Yellow Tier Mid-grade successfully recorded.

As his mind swept over the notification on the panel, Su Ye couldn't help but feel surprised and delighted. He hadn't expected a "Yellow Tier Mid-grade" martial art to appear before him just like that.

"Don't worry, I will handle this for you." Having accepted the benefits, Su Ye wouldn't just take and not act. One must have some integrity. He already knew about Huang Qianqing; his strength was only Body Tempering Layer Two, and Su Ye was confident he could handle him easily.

His mind swept over the panel again. According to the description, the Dragon Tiger Vajra Skill was a Body Tempering martial art that could lead to the Meridian Mirror. After reaching Body Tempering Perfection, Martial Artists could begin preparing to break through to Meridian Opening. This stage involved cultivating True Qi to circulate throughout the body's meridians, solidifying the foundation for the next realm, and was known as Internal Cultivation.

If one continued to refine their body, it was another path: Body Tempering Warriors. They focused more on their physical form, cultivating Qi and Blood Power. Qi and Blood required abundant heavenly treasures, tonics, or medicinal supplements for nourishment, making it extremely time-consuming. Ordinary Martial Artists couldn't afford it, and aristocratic families disdained Body Tempering methods. However, for most Martial Artists who hit a bottleneck with no clear path forward, practicing Body Tempering techniques to increase their combat power was a good choice.

Martial Arts were categorized into four tiers from highest to lowest: Heaven, Earth, Black, and Yellow, each with upper, middle, and lower grades. Below these were Common Grade and Unranked. As for whether there were higher tiers above Heaven Tier, Su Ye himself was unsure.

"My... Lord..."

Recalling his thoughts, he looked at the anxious Meng Daniu beside him. "Wait here for a moment."

Su Ye turned and swung his horsewhip. The sound of hooves echoed in the distance. Within a few breaths, he arrived outside the town yamen, where a group of runners cast curious glances at him.

The man wore a blue, round-collared robe with a red, cross-collared outer garment. Huang Qianqing spoke first, his voice laced with amusement, "Oh, the Constable has arrived. Why didn't you notify us? We could have prepared a welcome feast for you."

"Are you Huang Qianqing?" Su Ye asked calmly, sitting astride his horse.

"Oh, you know me?"

Su Ye grinned and said lightly, "No, I've only heard a little about you."

"It's not good to inquire about others' business when you've just arrived," Huang Qianqing's gaze turned cold.

Su Ye, as if not hearing him, asked, "Where is the person these two are looking for?"

"Are you trying to intervene?"

Su Ye continued, "I heard that seven days ago, you forcibly abducted a young lady."

Upon hearing this, Huang Qianqing's expression turned grim. He said coldly, "I advise you not to meddle. If you have any needs, we can discuss them slowly. Let's all make money peacefully; why spoil the mood over a few peasants?"

"You do have some calculations."

Hearing this, the farmers hiding in the shadows had a drastic change in expression. From Su Ye's gentle demeanor when talking to Meng Daniu earlier, they could guess that he was definitely different from Huang Qianqing. However, Huang Qianqing's words now made them waver. If it were them, what would they choose? Offend Huang Qianqing, or...? Thinking this, many felt bitter, bowing their heads as if resigned to fate. Wu Lao Er and his wife held onto each other, their hearts filled with despair.

Meng Daniu slumped to the ground, his face ashen. He blamed himself for being too blind and impulsive. How could someone who could kill Demonic Beasts possibly care about lowly people like them?

Su Ye dismounted and said, "Bring her out now. We can discuss our matters later."

"Kid, can't you understand human speech? My business is none of your concern. Don't seek trouble." Huang Qianqing's face showed arrogance. He then added, "Do you know my uncle is the Hall Master of the Black Tiger Gang, and he's old acquaintances with the County Lieutenant? Other things might be difficult, but taking down a mere Constable is quite easy."

Su Ye looked at Huang Qianqing and said sternly, "Abducting a civilian girl in broad daylight, and now you dare to threaten this Constable? You have quite the audacity."

"Who do you think you are? You think you're some hotshot dragon crossing the river? I already know your background. You only killed an unawakened Wolf Demon. If the County Lieutenant hadn't taken a liking to you, would you dare speak to me like this? Let me tell you, as long as I'm here in Kaoshan Town, you won't turn things upside down."

Hearing this, Su Ye's expression remained indifferent. He looked at the runners, whose expressions varied, and said carelessly, "What are your opinions?"

"Everyone here is my man. You think too highly of yourself," Huang Qianqing said with a mocking and threatening smile. "Killing you might be a bit troublesome, but if it's just about crippling you, I can still do it."

The runners chimed in, "Kid, hurry up and get over here, kneel down and apologize. Maybe you can avoid some physical suffering."

Su Ye stopped wasting words and drew the long saber at his waist.

"Oh, you want to fight? I'd like to see what you can do," Huang Qianqing said, signaling a runner beside him to enter the town yamen.

Soon, a burlap sack was carried out by two runners and thrown forcefully to the ground. The burlap spread open, revealing the naked corpse of a young girl. Her body was covered in wounds, and her waist was bent backward at an unnatural angle. Her face was bruised and contorted in agony, indicating she had suffered unimaginable torture before her death.

It's too late. Huang Qianqing pointed at the girl's corpse on the ground and provoked, "The previous one was accidentally thrown into the back mountain by me. If you want this one, take it."

Huang Qianqing picked his nose. "How is it? Are you satisfied?"

"Ah—"

Wu Lao Er and his wife suddenly collapsed beside the girl's corpse, letting out earth-shattering cries. Those watching from afar couldn't help but curse under their breath.

"These damn beasts."

"They say heaven watches all that mortals do. Why are you blind, oh heavens?"

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