The County Magistrate's Overture

Shen Lin had initially thought Lin Youwei summoned him over the Demon Cultivator case, especially since it involved the death of his nephew.

But after their conversation, Lin Youwei hadn't mentioned the case at all.

They'd chatted about everything from local gossip in Qiulin County to rumors from the prefecture.

Gradually, Shen Lin realized what was happening.

Was Lin Youwei... trying to recruit him?

Even though Shen Lin had done his best to hide his cultivation, a twenty-year-old in the Opening Meridians Realm was incredibly rare in Qiulin County.

Someone from a prominent family like Li Bailin's – would they struggle to find meridian-opening secret techniques or Meridian Unblocking Pills?

It wasn't about the resources; it was about whether one could successfully open their meridians in the first place.

The human body was a profound mystery, with the precise location of meridians varying from person to person. A tiny deviation could lead to vastly different results.

Even with a secret technique, one had to comprehend it themselves and locate their own meridians.

Therefore, talent was crucial.

As expected, Lin Youwei changed the subject. "I heard you killed three more demonic beasts? Excellent! I'll personally speak with the Demon Suppression Bureau to ensure you're properly rewarded."

Shen Lin feigned surprise and gratitude, immediately rising to thank him.

"Thank you, Magistrate Lin. This subordinate is humbled. Regarding the Demon Cultivator case, I..."

"Ah!" Lin Youwei interrupted, seemingly anticipating his words. "That case infuriates me! You captured the Demon Cultivator alive, and yet Hu Dongxing managed to have him silenced right under our noses. Hmph!"

He shook his head and continued, "You don't need to worry about this matter anymore! Hu Dongxing and Qian Dazhi messed up; they'll handle the cleanup."

He paused, as if struck by a thought, and suddenly stood up. "Indeed, I haven't had a chance to thank you properly for that matter. While investigating murder cases is the duty of the County Office, the deceased was still my nephew. I must express my gratitude properly..."

As he spoke, he began searching a bookshelf behind him.

Shen Lin felt a sense of helplessness at his actions.

Good grief, I tried to steer the conversation away, and he still managed to bring it back.

With no other choice, he stood up. "Your Excellency is too kind. This is all in a day's work. I recall the Demon Suppression Bureau offers bounties for Demon Cultivators, so you needn't trouble yourself."

Hearing this, Lin Youwei's raised hand paused slightly, and he slowly turned around.

The smile was gone from his face, replaced by a blank expression as he looked at Shen Lin.

The man who wielded the power of a county possessed an aura no less potent than the Opening Meridians Realm cultivators Shen Lin had encountered before.

Yet, Shen Lin didn't flinch. He met Lin Youwei's gaze calmly.

He knew Lin Youwei's intention: to bring him under his wing.

While Shen Lin was technically his subordinate due to his official position, his loyalty was to the uniform, not to Lin Youwei himself.

Lin Youwei likely wanted him to become a personal guest, like that Golden Pen Guest.

Shen Lin had no desire to be a follower and live out his life in mediocrity.

He aspired to join the Demon Suppression Bureau and climb to the pinnacle of martial arts through slaying demons and monsters.

"Heh heh, very good, very good! You are truly remarkable!"

After a moment of silence, Lin Youwei suddenly chuckled.

He took a book from the bookshelf, blew off the dust, and said, "With your martial arts talent, joining the Demon Suppression Bureau is highly probable. I understand you don't want to follow me and cut off your martial path, and I respect that. However, I'm not asking you to give up on the Demon Suppression Bureau."

He placed the book on his desk, pushed it forward, and chuckled lightly. "I'm merely forging a good relationship!"

Shen Lin looked down at the book, his pupils contracting slightly.

Eagle Claw Technique

Shen Lin had seen this martial art in the exchange manual at the Demon Suppression Bureau.

It required a hefty 30 contribution points to acquire, indicating its immense value.

Was such a precious martial art being given away just to forge a good relationship?

"It seems you recognize the origin of this martial art."

Lin Youwei smiled, sat down behind his desk, picked up his teacup, and said, "Take it with peace of mind. Your talent is worth my investment."

Shen Lin smiled and, without further hesitation, reached out and took the Eagle Claw Technique.

"Thank you, Your Excellency. Should my martial path bear fruit in the future, I will certainly not forget your kindness today."

Initially, Shen Lin had been hesitant to accept Lin Youwei's offer, unsure of his intentions.

However, Lin Youwei had presented him with exactly what he needed most at this stage: a martial art!

Shen Lin had opened ten meridians in his body but still had two more to locate, requiring martial arts for deduction.

Oh well, at worst, I can repay him by saving his life someday.

With his mind made up, Shen Lin accepted the gift with a clear conscience.

"Excellent, excellent! This is the spirit of a martial artist! Hesitation is unbecoming of a martial artist!"

Lin Youwei seemed pleased, stroking his beard with satisfaction. He then addressed his secretary, "Secretary Li, have the arrangements at Yanbin Restaurant been finalized?"

Li's Secretary beamed and immediately replied, "It's all arranged!"

"Nephew Shen, it's getting late. I've arranged a banquet at Yanbin Restaurant. We won't go home until we're drunk tonight!"

Shen Lin opened his mouth, but ultimately couldn't refuse.

Compared to social banquets, he now wanted to go home and deduce martial arts immediately.

However, he felt a bit embarrassed to turn down the offer after accepting favors.

Yanbin Restaurant wasn't far from the County Office, so Lin Youwei didn't take a sedan chair. Instead, he walked and chatted with Shen Lin as they left the County Office, followed by the scribe and Golden Pen GuestDu Yuanshan.

They hadn't walked for long when Shen Lin, who was listening to Lin Youwei's bragging, suddenly shifted his expression and casually glanced behind him.

A young man in blue had been cautiously following them since they left the County Office, his gaze never leaving County Magistrate Lin Youwei.

Du Yuanshan also noticed the man at this moment and stepped forward, whispering a few words into Lin Youwei's ear.

Lin Youwei frowned, stroked his beard, and said, "Go bring him here!"