We Can All Testify

At the Zhanhong Martial Arts Academy, the atmosphere in the front courtyard was slightly different than usual while Cui Hao was out buying medicine.

Six officers in dark red official uniforms, each with a standard iron saber at their waist, entered the martial arts school, led by a middle-aged man whose aura was as steady as a mountain and whose gaze was as sharp as an eagle's.

The leading officer was, in fact, a master of the Clear Force Great Accomplishment realm!

The Da'an Dynasty implemented a system of conscription and hired labor, with the government recruiting all sorts of personnel, including constables, through employment.

Martial artists, according to their cultivation realms, performed different duties and received corresponding stipends.

And this Clear Force Great Accomplishment officer in charge—Feng Xi—happened to be a disciple who had graduated from the Zhanhong Martial Arts Academy, making him a senior brother to everyone here.

"Junior Brother Feng! What wind blows you here? It's been such a long time!" Xu Liqing, as the senior sister, stepped forward first, a perfectly fitting smile on her face.

Halan Sheng, Gao Feng, Sun Cheng, Tu Yan, and other Clear Force disciples also came forward to pay their respects.

"Senior Brother Feng!"

"Hello, Senior Brother Feng!"

At this moment, almost all eyes in the martial arts school, whether they knew him or not, were focused on this imposing officer.

A master of Clear Force Great Accomplishment was already considered an expert in Qingyuan City, let alone someone from the official ranks.

Feng Xi clasped his fists in return and got straight to the point, "All junior brothers and sisters, it has been a long time. I am here on official business today, looking for someone."

Xu Liqing, being perceptive, slightly retracted her smile upon hearing this and asked seriously, "Who are you looking for, Junior Brother Feng? And for what reason?"

Feng Xi's gaze swept over the crowd in the courtyard, and he said clearly, "May I ask, who is Cui Hao, Junior Brother Cui?"

"Cui Hao?" Xu Liqing was slightly taken aback, her eyes filled with even more confusion. "You're looking for him, Junior Brother Feng… for what reason? Is he involved in some trouble?"

Feng Xi's expression turned serious, and he said gravely, "Last night, by the official road outside Willow Tree Village, less than a hundred paces away, a murder occurred."

"Three men were killed. Although their faces were disfigured, they were identified. All three were at the Mortal Martial Minor Accomplishment realm, individuals accustomed to combat in their lives."

"Based on the scene investigation and preliminary inquiries, Junior Brother Cui Hao is a major suspect. I need to bring him back for questioning."

"Cui Hao? Killed three Mortal Martial Minor Accomplishment cultivators?"

As Feng Xi finished speaking, the entire front courtyard fell into a brief, deathly silence, so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

Immediately after—

"Pfft!" A clear snicker broke the silence, coming from Xiao Li, who was surrounded by several disciples. The corner of his mouth curled into an undisguised, mocking arc, as if he had heard the biggest joke in the world.

Following that, more laughter spread like ripples.

Li He shook his head and chuckled, and several disciples who were friendly with Xiao Li joined in the laughter. Some even bent over dramatically, as if they had heard the funniest joke of the year.

Tu Yan covered her mouth with her hand, her eyes curving into a smile filled with utter disdain. "Senior Brother Feng, this information of yours… there must be some misunderstanding, right? Cui Hao, he, Cui Hao was just confirmed by Junior Brother Sun to have entered the Mortal Martial Minor Accomplishment realm."

"Moreover, his aptitude is mediocre, and he is usually unremarkable in the martial arts school. If I may be so bold, it's absolutely impossible. I dare to guarantee it with the reputation of the Tu family."

Sun Cheng also quickly stepped forward, his tone firm as he defended Cui Hao. "Senior Brother Feng, Junior Brother Cui has an introverted and steady personality, even a bit… too honest. He usually just focuses on his training and never argues with anyone, let alone forming such deadly grudges. To say he killed someone, especially three experts of the same realm… this… this is truly unbelievable."

Gao Feng, with his arms crossed, observed coldly and then said indifferently, "Senior Brother Feng, you are mistaken this time."

Seeing that everyone held a negative attitude, Xiao Li stepped forward again, his tone carrying the arrogance and certainty unique to a genius disciple, and retorted, "Senior Brother Feng, you say Cui Hao is a suspect. May I ask where this suspicion comes from?"

Feng Xi's brow furrowed. Facing the unanimous denial and subtle questioning from everyone, he did not get angry but calmly explained, "There are two bases for suspicion."

"First, the location of the crime is very close to his village, and the timing is also consistent."

"Second, according to my visit to Willow Tree Village this morning, no one in the village knew that Cui Hao was studying martial arts at the academy. For a young martial artist to hide his martial arts studies so well, it is either intentional or he has a deep and calculating nature."

"Junior Brother Feng…" Xu Liqing asked with a hint of confusion, "The people in Willow Tree Village don't know Cui Hao practices martial arts, so how do you know?"

"I happened to overhear some chatter in the city at 'Yuexiang Tower' by chance, which is how I know."

"So that's how it is."

"Senior Brother Feng, in the countryside, people's hearts are complicated," Li He chimed in. "If someone from a poor family suddenly achieves success, it easily attracts jealousy, attempts to latch on, or even extortion."

"Hiding one's martial arts practice is a wise move for self-protection and has nothing to do with a deep and calculating nature. Many of our junior brothers who come from humble backgrounds have similar concerns."

Li He spoke tactfully, drawing nods from many disciples from ordinary backgrounds.

Halan Sheng, the largest of the group, added in a deep voice, "Junior Brother Lin is also from Willow Tree Village, he can testify."

Lin Da, who had been standing at the edge of the crowd, quickly stepped forward upon seeing this. He bowed respectfully to Feng Xi and said earnestly, "Officer Feng, I am Lin Da, and I grew up with Brother Hao in the same village."

"We hid our martial arts practice because there were some ruffians and… snobbish relatives in the village who might pester us endlessly. There was no other intention. Brother Hao is a decent person and would never be a murderer."

"Precisely," Li He interjected, his tone relaxed. "Senior Brother Feng, why don't you investigate elsewhere? All of us in the martial arts school can vouch for Cui Hao."

"We can all vouch for him!" The disciples chimed in their agreement.

Feng Xi looked at the disciples in front of him, all speaking with one voice, and his suspicion dissipated. "That settles Junior Brother Cui's matter."

He then changed the subject, saying, "There is another important matter I need to discuss with you all."

Xu Liqing politely said, "Please proceed."

"Before and after the New Year, many refugees came to Qingyuan City, and many gangs were formed.

"For example, the River Gang in the east of the city, the Saber Gang in the south, and the Bandit Gang in the west. These three gangs have grown too large and too powerful, becoming a major threat that must be eradicated."

"Therefore, the City Guard Lord wishes to recruit capable individuals to participate in the gang-busting operation."

Unlike Feng Xi, who is a contract officer, the City Guard is a high-ranking official who passed the martial arts imperial examination and holds a formal position, with status comparable to the City Governor.

However, the City Governor is rarely seen.

The City Guard commands five hundred contract soldiers and frequently visits entertainment venues and restaurants within the city, making him more approachable.

"Feng Xi introduced the benefits of participating in the gang suppression: 'For those who have achieved minor success in Mortal Martial, the reward is four taels of silver, plus two packs of Qi and Blood Powder. For those who have achieved major success in Mortal Martial, the reward is eight taels of silver, plus four packs of Qi and Blood Powder.'"

Xiao Li felt regret. His Mortal Martial was only at minor success, placing him in the lower tier, meaning he could only receive the minimum reward.

"Feng Xi continued his introduction: 'Masters of Clear Force will receive twenty taels of silver and three Qi and Blood Pills.'"

"'This gang suppression will be personally led by the City Guard, and the three major clans have also dispatched three Clear Force masters at the peak of their cultivation.'"

"'Do you have any thoughts?'"

At these words, the entire courtyard erupted in a commotion. Ordinary contract officers earned only two to three taels of silver per month, and this offer included cultivation resources.

There was no concern about safety. The City Guard was a martial arts examination graduate and a master himself.

With the addition of three Clear Force masters at the peak of their cultivation from the three major families providing support, it was considered foolproof.

Suddenly, many disciples began to stir with interest, but their thoughts were interrupted by the appearance of Xu Dian.

"Feng Xi cupped his fists in a salute. 'Master.'"

"Xu Dian nodded. 'You may return first. I will explain the risks of this gang suppression operation to them again.'"

"Feng Xi responded with a sound and turned to leave.

"Cui Hao returned from the Pharmacy and encountered six officers at the entrance of the martial arts hall. He did not interact with them and simply passed by.

As he crossed the threshold of the martial arts hall, he heard his master, Xu Dian, addressing everyone.

"'This is not like the courtyard. Participating in the gang suppression might lead to injury, or even death. Consider it carefully. Once you've decided, find Liu Yan to register.'"

"Xiao Li was the first to step forward. 'Senior Sister Liu Yan, I'll go.'"

"'Junior Brother Xiao Li,' Liu Yan reminded him, 'Perhaps you should think it over again. It's not too late to decide tomorrow.'"

"'No need to think. Martial arts training has never been about practicing in isolation,' Xiao Li declared loudly. 'Martial arts require combat!'"

Everyone looked at Xiao Li, their expressions filled with admiration and respect.

It was hard to imagine that before entering the martial arts hall, Xiao Li and his elder brother had been dung collectors.

Following his lead, many other disciples responded.

"Sun Cheng saw Cui Hao. 'Junior Brother Cui Hao, are you participating in the gang suppression?'"

"'My strength is ordinary,' Cui Hao said, cupping his fists. 'I won't join the excitement.'"

Gang suppression? Don't be foolish.

Many people had fled from the west, and among them were hidden dragons and crouching tigers. If he encountered a peerless master, he would die a terrible death.

Or perhaps there were traitors within the gang members; these were all risks.

It was still safest to practice on the training posts. It was most reliable to go back and review the Compendium of Materia Medica.

Tu Yan was too lazy to even look at Cui Hao. She knew he wouldn't participate; he was not only dull but also timid.

Senior Brother Feng actually suspected Cui Hao of killing three martial artists of the same cultivation level. Even if a salted fish could turn over, Cui Hao couldn't achieve that.

Wang Nian, who trained with him, also felt that Cui Hao was too timid and chased after him to persuade him. "Junior Brother Cui, while you were away..."

After listening to Wang Nian's account, Cui Hao was slightly taken aback.

Based on his fellow disciples' perception of him as 'mediocre in talent and introverted in personality,' they had all sincerely testified for him. This, in turn, had objectively helped clear him of suspicion, making it more believable than his own explanation.