In Qingshan City, Captain Lin was a little surprised when he saw Yang Ling.
He was even more astonished after learning what had happened at the Red Gold Mine.
He glanced at Fang Qingyang, whose face was ashen, then at Wang Er. After hearing the testimonies of the miners Yang Ling had brought along, he turned to Yang Ling.
"You dealt with that many red gold mantises?"
"Boss, my official saber broke."
Yang Ling gave a rueful smile, then took out the saber, which had shattered into several pieces.
Captain Lin glanced at the chips along its edge and nodded with a smile.
"Red gold mantises usually eat red gold, along with flesh and blood.
"They spend all their time around the Red Gold Mine, so their bodies are tough, too.
"Your official saber was an ordinary one. It's no surprise it broke.
"Go claim another one later."
"Boss, what will happen to these two?"
Yang Ling asked.
Captain Lin looked at Wang Er and Fang Qingyang, then sneered.
"Killing ten miners is no small crime."
"By the way, were the miners who died refugees?"
He glanced at Yang Ling.
Yang Ling considered it. "Three of them were refugees."
"Oh, got it."
Captain Lin immediately gave an order.
"Guards, take them to prison."
A few constables stepped forward at once and dragged Fang Qingyang and Wang Er away.
"For a crime like this, they'd usually be sentenced to execution in autumn.
"Once they're in prison, they won't be coming out alive."
Captain Lin smiled, then began to toy with the Red Gold Ore Essence in his hand.
"Boss, if there's nothing else, I'll go claim a new official saber and head back."
Yang Ling cupped his hands.
"Don't rush back. I was just about to send someone to notify you. An official from above has arrived."
Captain Lin said, "He says he's here to investigate Wu Que's case."
"What?!"
Yang Ling was taken aback.
Wasn't Wu Que's case already over?
Why was the government getting involved now?
"Wu Que was such a fool."
Captain Lin sighed softly and glanced at Yang Ling.
"Do you know where he sold the Fire Crystal Rock Ore he embezzled?"
"I don't."
Yang Ling shook his head slightly.
"He sold it to the Rong Tribe in the north!"
Captain Lin sneered. "They've been our Zhao State's sworn enemy for nearly a century.
"An official from the Iron Clothes Department happened to find a suspicious cartload of Fire Crystal Rock Ore in the northern lands.
"The evidence points straight to Wu Que of your Mountain River Sect."
"If he'd just sold it privately to other merchants to make a little money, that might've been overlooked."
"But treason and colluding with the enemy? That's a serious matter."
Yang Ling drew in a sharp breath.
He hadn't expected Wu Que to be so bold!
Had Wu Que betrayed the country on his own, or was Yang Zhiwen, the man behind him, involved?
"Boss, could this affect the Mountain River Sect?"
Yang Ling asked, working up his nerve.
His heart was pounding.
It had taken so much effort to finally get things back on track. He didn't want anything to happen to the Mountain River Sect!
"That depends on whether we can find the person who dealt with Wu Que."
Captain Lin smiled. "Don't worry. The Mountain River Sect has contributed plenty over the years.
"As long as they didn't know about this, they won't be dragged into it too deeply."
Yang Ling immediately felt relieved.
Judging by Captain Lin's tone, it probably wouldn't be a major problem.
"You're somewhat connected to this matter, so stay here at the Prefectural Office. When the Iron Clothes Department official arrives tomorrow, you'll come meet him with me."
Captain Lin said.
"Yes."
After leaving Captain Lin, Yang Ling sent the miners back to the Red Gold Mine.
He also asked them to let Chen Xu and the others know that he probably wouldn't be back for the next few days.
Mining would be put on hold for now.
That evening, Yang Ling stayed in the Prefectural Office's rest room.
Since he was alone, he could practice the Vajra Mingwang Technique.
After finishing his training, he continued practicing the Thief-Catching Saber Technique.
The next morning, Yang Ling went out to buy breakfast.
Steamed buns, fried dough sticks, and soy milk.
He ate as he headed toward the government office.
Suddenly, his vision went dark.
A huge figure stood in his way.
"Yang Ling?"
The man loomed over him, staring down at him.
Yang Ling kept eating his bun and took a sip of soy milk. Without the least bit of haste, he opened the man's Attribute Panel.
Person: Wu Man Profession: Martial Artist Strength: 31 Agility: 12 Spirit: 7 Martial Arts: Collapse Mountain Fist (Entering the Hall and Room) Black Tiger Fist (Entering the Hall and Room) Mixed Iron Skill (Mastery Through Practice) Faction: Giant Spirit Sect
"I'm not Yang Ling. You must have mistaken me for someone else."
Yang Ling looked puzzled.
"My name's Chen Guoqing."
A cruel grin flashed in Wu Man's eyes.
"You're Yang Ling. Are you coming with me now, or do I beat you to death right here?"
"Yang Ling, there you are. Did you go out to buy breakfast? The boss told me to get some for you ages ago."
Old Zhao came over, greeting him as he walked.
"The official from above will be here soon. Let's hurry back and get ready."
"Old Zhao, go tell the boss I ran into an acquaintance. I'll be back a little later."
Yang Ling smiled and cupped his hands.
Old Zhao furrowed his brows, gave Wu Man a strange look, then nodded.
"Sure. Just don't be too late."
As he walked away, he muttered, "What a huge fellow."
Wu Man narrowed his eyes. He waited until Old Zhao was far away, then turned back to Yang Ling.
What came flying at him was the Red Gold Crane Beak Hoe!
Vajra Mingwang Technique!
Strength increased by 15 points, agility by 15 points!
Red Gold Crane Beak Hoe, strength increased by 10 points!
At that moment, Yang Ling's strength reached 36 points!
Higher than Wu Man's!
[Furious Ten-Hit Combo]
The Red Gold Crane Beak Hoe blurred as it swung!
Wu Man instinctively let out a furious roar. His muscles bunched across his body, and a faint gray haze seemed to flow over his skin.
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