Iron Clothes Department

"It seemed I'd accumulated quite a lot in my Experience Pool recently, and with the experience Wu Que and the others gave me, I was able to level up three times in a row."

Yang Ling calmly closed the Attribute Panel.

Captain Lin smiled faintly. "Now that you've become a constable, there are a few things I need to explain to you."

"Go ahead, Captain."

Yang Ling quickly cupped his fists.

"Our constables belong to the Iron Clothes Department."

"You know about the Iron Clothes Department, right?"

"The Black List was created by the officials of the Iron Clothes Department."

A trace of reverence appeared on Captain Lin's face. His eyes unconsciously turned toward a certain direction.

"In Zhao State, although the Iron Clothes Department ranks beneath the Six Ministries, its authority covers a lot of ground. That's all thanks to the Department Master's immense influence.

"Whether it's the prefectural cities or the counties of Zhao State, any lawbreaking or misconduct falls under the Iron Clothes Department's jurisdiction."

The Iron Clothes Department?

This was the first time Yang Ling had heard of the department.

It seemed Zhao State's constable system wasn't what he'd imagined.

"What I said also includes the Major Sects, such as Mountain River Sect."

Captain Lin smiled meaningfully.

He paused. "Of course, you're only ordinary constables. Even I'm merely a Ninth-Rank Iron Clothes Constable."

"The sects' affairs are too complicated. I don't want to get involved, and I don't have the ability to, either. It's best to turn a blind eye and let things pass."

"Ninth-Rank Iron Clothes Constable?"

Yang Ling looked a little strange.

So constables could get promoted?

"I'm telling you all this because I don't want you to think that becoming a constable gives you authority."

Captain Lin gave him a faintly amused look.

"I hope the area under my jurisdiction stays peaceful. That way, before I retire, I should be able to secure the title of Eighth-Rank Iron Clothes Constable."

"Don't worry, Captain. I won't cause any trouble."

Yang Ling paused, then changed the subject.

"But in a while, I might go to the Red Gold Mine to serve as an inspector..."

"That won't be a problem. You don't need to stay in Qingshan City. I may have over a hundred constables under me, but only fifty or sixty actually live in the city."

Captain Lin smiled faintly. "Just stay at the Red Gold Mine.

"You'll only need to come back if an official from the Iron Clothes Department visits."

Yang Ling felt relieved.

His plan to level up by mining was still on.

"Captain, do you think I might have a chance to become an Iron Clothes Constable in the future?"

Yang Ling asked.

Captain Lin looked him up and down.

"Of course you have a chance. Why wouldn't you? You're a Martial Artist, and you know how to fight.

"If you earn a few merits, becoming a Ninth-Rank Iron Clothes Constable shouldn't be a problem.

"But after Ninth Rank, you'll have to pass a Promotion Assessment."

"A Promotion Assessment?"

"Mm."

Captain Lin patiently explained.

"The Iron Clothes Department has its own system for promotions. It's different from the system used by those scholar-officials."

"The Department Master values ability above all. As long as you're capable, you can be promoted."

"What does that ability involve? Let me test you."

"Investigating cases?"

Yang Ling answered instinctively.

Captain Lin smiled and waved a hand. "That's one part of it, but it isn't very important. We're responsible for tracking down and arresting criminals, so what matters is your combat skill!"

"As long as your cultivation in the Martial Way is deep enough, and you're strong enough, all you need is a recommendation from your superior. Then the Iron Clothes Department will arrange an assessment."

"If you pass, you'll be promoted."

As he spoke, he took out a red constable uniform, a saber, and an ancient book.

"Thief-Catching Saber Technique?"

Yang Ling had sharp eyes. When he spotted the title on the book, he was surprised.

So becoming a constable came with a Martial Skill, too?

"This Thief-Catching Saber Technique is one of the most basic saber techniques. But once you've mastered it, ordinary petty thieves won't be able to withstand three strikes from you."

"Every constable has to practice it. Sometimes your cultivation isn't good enough, but if you master the saber technique well enough to catch the attention of your superiors, you can still be promoted."

Captain Lin said, "Get changed and put your things away. I'll take you to meet your future colleagues."

Yang Ling changed his clothes while checking their attributes.

[Common Constable Uniform]

[Iron Clothes Department Official Saber, Strength +3, Attack 20]

"So this is a weapon...but what exactly does the Attack attribute affect? Is it related to armor penetration?"

Yang Ling pondered as he finished changing.

He was about 1.8 meters tall. After training for some time, a thin layer of muscle had formed over his body.

Now that he was dressed, he stood tall and straight. Captain Lin stared at him for a moment, looking slightly dazed.

"How did you make that uniform look like something a Seventh- or Eighth-Rank Constable would wear?"

Then he smiled. "Xiao Yang, you might really be suited to being a constable. With that build and bearing, petty thieves would be scared of you before you even laid a hand on them."

Captain Lin personally led him to the neighboring courtyard.

A group of constables were practicing the Thief-Catching Saber Technique there, shouting as they swung their blades.

The moment they saw Captain Lin, they stopped what they were doing and stepped forward to greet him. They also looked at Yang Ling curiously.

"This is Yang Ling, the new constable. Old Zhao, you're the most experienced here. Show him the ropes for a while."

Captain Lin nodded toward an older constable with graying hair.

"Yes, sir!"

Old Zhao stepped forward and nodded slowly.

"Yang Ling won't be staying in Qingshan City for long. He'll only come back occasionally, so he won't need to take regular shifts. Understood?"

Captain Lin said again.

The constables' expressions shifted when they heard this. They looked at Yang Ling with undisguised resentment.

After giving his instructions, Captain Lin strode away.