The County Magistrate's Invitation

The dog demon was extremely brutal. Not only did it kill the head of the Wu Family, but it also broke into the Wu Family's treasury, intending to plunder it clean.

At the critical moment, Head Constable Sun arrived in time and engaged the demon in a fierce battle.

I was taking Zijing out for some fresh air when we happened to hear the commotion nearby and went to investigate. When the dog demon saw me, it realized it was no match for Head Constable Sun and me, so it turned and fled.

Head Constable Sun and I pursued it relentlessly, finally cornering it in a small courtyard. It was then we discovered it wasn't alone.

The whole thing was a trap. It had two brothers, who had already ambushed us in the courtyard.

Head Constable Sun and I fought side by side, battling to the death. Because my strength was too weak, I could only fight the youngest dog demon. Head Constable Sun faced two demons alone, bearing the brunt of the assault.

During the fight, my lack of strength almost got me killed by my opponent. Seeing this, Head Constable Sun, at the cost of an arm, killed his opponent and then helped me defeat the remaining demon...

Head Constable Sun! Such righteousness!!!

Inside the Qiulin County Office, Prefect Hu's mouth twitched as he looked at Shen Lin, whose face was a mask of grief and indignation, occasionally wiping away tears.

I don't believe a word of it!

Damn it, we're both in the Opening Meridians Realm. You two fought desperately, and yet Sun lost an arm and had a huge chunk of flesh gouged from his back...

But you're completely unharmed, even your clothes are perfectly neat.

Prefect Hu had already noticed something was off about Shen Lin when interrogating the Demon Cultivator.

Now, seeing his clumsy acting, he felt utterly helpless.

Does this guy really not want to reveal his strength?

At such a young age, instead of fully displaying his talent, basking in the limelight, and enjoying the admiration of others...

He's acting like an old monster with vast experience, hiding his strength and pushing Sun Zhi to the front.

Sigh...

He cast a sympathetic glance at Sun Zhi, who was being treated nearby, and said, "In that case, Head Constable Sun has made a great contribution this time, single-handedly killing the third boss of Black Wind Stronghold. Such a feat will surely make him the focus of all of Qiulin County."

Sun Zhi's face was pale, but he hadn't completely fainted and still had a sliver of consciousness.

Hearing Prefect Hu's words, his eyes widened, and he opened his mouth, wanting to deny it.

But his weakened body prevented him from making even a sound.

"I know, I know. Don't worry, I will report your contribution truthfully to my superiors. Your rewards will not be lacking."

Prefect Hu comforted him verbally, but his eyes were fixed on Shen Lin.

Since this kid wants to hide himself, I'll just go along with it.

As for Sun Zhi...

He's gained so much fame and attention, hasn't he?

Everyone wins!

Sun Zhi watched despairingly as Prefect Hu turned and left.

Earlier, Shen Lin had pinned all those events onto him, nearly getting him dismembered and stewed.

Now, he was throwing the case of the Black Wind Stronghold's third boss onto him...

He dared not imagine what kind of dangers awaited him in the future.

Wouldn't those mountain demons see me as a thorn in their side?

Thinking of this, he couldn't catch his breath and fainted in a fit of anger.

Shen Lin watched the scene of the medical officers frantically tending to Sun Zhi. He put away the grief and indignation on his face and smiled faintly.

Since Sun Zhi managed to return to the County Office, he still has plenty of value to be exploited.

This time, he had attracted three Opening Meridians Realm demons, directly earning Shen Lin over seven hundred years of demon lifespan.

How much will it be next time?

With that thought, Shen Lin felt the future was bright and prepared to go home for a good rest.

But just as he stepped out of the hall, he saw Chief Qian rushing over.

"Great, Brother Shen, you're here."

Seeing his relieved expression, Shen Lin asked with some confusion, "Chief Qian, are you looking for me for something?"

Chief Qian shook his head. "It's not me. The County Magistrate wants to ask you about the previous Demon Cultivator case. After all, the deceased was a nephew of the County Magistrate."

Previously, when the Demon Cultivator was silenced, the County Magistrate had berated Prefect Hu and Chief Qian relentlessly.

However, he had praised Shen Lin, calling him a young talent repeatedly.

Now that the County Magistrate was looking for Shen Lin, it was likely not just about the case, but also an attempt to recruit him.

Thinking of this, Chief Qian hesitated and said, "Brother Shen, we've known each other for a long time. Regarding the County Magistrate..."

Shen Lin understood his meaning immediately and chuckled, "Don't worry, Chief Qian. That matter was an accident. I'll put in a good word with the County Magistrate."

"That's good, that's good. Thank you, Brother Shen."

"It's my duty."

After exchanging pleasantries, Shen Lin bid farewell to Chief Qian and headed to the backyard of the County Office.

As soon as he entered the courtyard, his eyes narrowed slightly as he casually glanced at a stone pavilion nearby.

An old man with white hair and beard was meditating there.

He was dressed impeccably. Although he looked very old, his demeanor was excellent, his back straight as a pine, and his physique robust.

Golden Pen Guest Du Yuanshan, with a cultivation of the Meridian Opening Realm, was part of the escort that the county magistrate brought when he took office. His Judge's Brush was said to be capable of splitting stone and breaking metal, and he was rumored to be the strongest expert in Qiulin County.

As if sensing Shen Lin's gaze, he slowly opened his eyes. After appraising Shen Lin, he revealed a gentle smile.

Shen Lin had now opened ten meridians, and his control over Qi and Blood Force had improved again. All his Qi and Blood Force was contained, making him appear like an ordinary martial artist from the outside.

However, the old man likely saw that Shen Lin was hiding something. Otherwise, given his status and strength, he probably wouldn't have treated a young man so gently.

Shen Lin nodded, acknowledging the greeting, and walked towards the inner courtyard.

"Oh my, Brother Shen, I'm so glad to finally see you."

An old scholar with a mustache and holding a paper fan approached, greeting him enthusiastically.

"Greetings, Secretary Li!"

"No need for formalities. Come, the County Magistrate has been waiting for a long time."

He warmly grabbed Shen Lin's arm and led him inside.

This was the county magistrate's study, spacious and lined with countless books against the walls.

Behind a wooden desk sat a dignified-looking man, the County Magistrate of Qiulin County, Lin Youwei.

As a county magistrate of the Great Wei Dynasty, he managed the military and administrative affairs of a county. He was not only responsible for governing the populace but also for slaying demons and monsters.

However, Magistrate Lin was not a martial artist but a scholar through and through.

At the moment, he was continuously marking up documents with a brush. Upon seeing Shen Lin enter, he merely looked up and offered a smile before returning to his work.

"The Magistrate has some matters to attend to, Brother Shen. Please wait a moment."

Secretary Li poured Shen Lin a cup of tea.

Shen Lin smiled and replied respectfully, "It's my duty."

After a long while, Lin Youwei finally put down his brush, let out a long sigh, and then looked up, smiling at Shen Lin.

"You are steady and composed, not impatient like that fellow Hu Dongxing. You are very good!"