The morning mist had yet to fully lift. Faint dawn light filtered through the old wooden lattice window of the constables' room, casting mottled shadows across the brick floor. The familiar smells of sweat and leather mingled with the faintest trace of old paper. Ye Yun pushed open the creaking door and stepped inside, habitually dusting off clothes that weren't dusty. It was his shift today, and he'd expected the usual somewhat dreary start. But the sight before him made him pause.
Several constables who were usually idle were now gathered around Yan Xiao Liu, forming a tight circle. Every face was alight with surprise and excitement, and their hushed chatter buzzed like a swarm of bees that had found a source of honey. The atmosphere was even more fervent than if they'd just cracked some major case.
"Sixth Brother, you... You seem different!"
"Hey, look at that spring in your step! Tsk, tsk, you're like a different person from yesterday!"
"Come on, tell us. Did you make it?"
Ye Yun's interest stirred. "Morning, everyone. What are you crowding around Yan Xiao Liu for? Find a gold ingot?"
At the sound of his voice, everyone turned, their enthusiasm growing as they spoke over one another.
"Ye Yun, perfect timing! Take a look at Sixth Brother!"
"It's not a gold ingot—it's rarer than gold!"
The crowd parted, revealing Yan Xiao Liu. Ye Yun's gaze fell on him, and he understood at once. Yan Xiao Liu didn't seem to have changed much physically, but his entire bearing was different. He stood with his back straight as a pine, his eyes bright and alert, as if they held a restrained radiance. A vigorous vitality and refined energy radiated naturally from him, steady and powerful, like a surging current beneath a calm surface. This was nothing like the Yan Xiao Liu of old, who, despite his quick wits, had been a little impetuous, his qi and blood unsubstantial.
"You've entered the ranks?" Ye Yun blurted out. It wasn't a question; he was certain. That refined, solidified "qi" radiating from within was the clearest sign of having entered the Ninth Rank of martial arts and opened the dantian's Qi Sea! No matter how fiercely an unranked martial artist trained, he could only strengthen his bones and muscles and bolster his qi and blood. He could never possess that unique harmony of body and breath, with inner qi flowing through him.
"Exactly!" Yan Xiao Liu grinned, showing a row of white teeth. His smile held undisguised pride, along with the solemnity of someone who had just glimpsed the gateway to martial arts. "I got lucky. I finally made it last night!"
"Congratulations! Sixth Brother's one of the top fighters in the county government now!"
"A Ninth Rank martial artist! Incredible! We have to celebrate at the Drunken Immortal Tower tonight. Let's raise a glass to you!"
The constables' room filled with cheerful chatter and even louder congratulations. In this remote little county, starved of martial arts resources, a Ninth Rank martial artist was indeed a rare expert. It meant Yan Xiao Liu's strength, speed, reflexes, and even the very essence of his life had all risen to a new level, putting him worlds apart from thugs who relied on brute force and fists.
The crowd was noisily making plans to celebrate at the Drunken Immortal Tower after their shift when the heavy wooden door swung open again. A steady figure strode inside. His footsteps were quiet, but the room fell silent at once. It was Constable Chen Qingzhou.
Everyone's gaze snapped to him. Chen Qingzhou's complexion was rosy and his stride steady; the internal injuries he'd suffered while wiping out Black Wind Mountain Stronghold's Second-in-Command had clearly healed completely. More striking still, his aura was even more solid and weighty than before his injury. Wherever his gaze passed, it was like a tangible breeze sweeping over them, carrying an invisible pressure. Ye Yun felt a flicker of unease. When he focused his senses, his heart jolted—Constable Chen's faint aura was far more powerful and enduring than Yan Xiao Liu's, with a sharp edge hidden within. He had clearly reached the 8th Rank!
Chen Qingzhou swept his gaze across the room, pausing briefly on Yan Xiao Liu and giving him a slight nod. He had clearly noticed the change in him, too. Then Chen Qingzhou walked to the center of the room and cleared his throat. His voice wasn't loud, but it carried clearly to every person there.
"Everyone, quiet down. I have two things to announce."
The room fell so silent you could hear a pin drop. Even their breathing grew deliberately quieter.
"First," Chen Qingzhou said, his gaze settling on Yan Xiao Liu, "in recognition of Yan Xiao Liu's diligence and dedication, and his progress in martial arts, he has successfully entered the Ninth Rank. After careful consideration, the county magistrate has appointed Yan Xiao Liu constable, effective today, in charge of the daily affairs of Class Bing."
"Wow!" After a brief silence came thunderous applause and cheers. Yan Xiao Liu's face flushed with excitement. He clasped his hands and bowed to everyone in turn, saying repeatedly, "Thank you, Magistrate! Thank you, Constable Chen! Thank you, brothers, for your support!"
"Second." Chen Qingzhou raised a hand to quiet the commotion before continuing, "With the county magistrate's trust, I have been promoted to chief constable of the county government, overseeing all three constable squads, as well as law enforcement and public security throughout the county."
Chief Constable! It was the highest position in the county's constabulary! Everyone exclaimed and offered their congratulations once more. One outspoken man immediately asked, "Congratulations on the promotion, Chief! But... what about the former Chief Constable Wang?"
Chen Qingzhou's expression remained calm. "Chief Constable Wang has extensive experience. He will remain as Deputy Chief Constable and assist me with my duties."
Everyone understood. Chief Constable Wang had been stuck at the peak of the Ninth Rank for years, never managing to cross the threshold into the 8th Rank. Now Chen Qingzhou had not only fully recovered from his injuries but had also reached the 8th Rank in one fell swoop. Strength reigned supreme, and the county magistrate's decision was only natural. Given Chief Constable Wang's position, even if he had misgivings about Chen Qingzhou becoming his superior, the absolute gap in their strength left him no choice but to swallow them and keep quiet.
As soon as the signal sounded to mark the end of the shift, Yan Xiao Liu was swept along by a crowd of enthusiastic constables, all heading straight for the best restaurant in town—the Drunken Immortal Tower. Chen Qingzhou declined the invitation, saying that as the new Chief Constable he needed to familiarize himself with the Chief Constable's office. He merely reminded everyone not to drink too much and neglect their duties.
The private room by the window on the second floor of the Drunken Immortal Tower was already laid with cups and plates, rich aromas filling the air. Yan Xiao Liu was pushed into the seat of honor and made the undisputed star of the evening. Rare delicacies filled the table, and everyone took turns toasting him, their compliments never-ending.
"Sixth Brother, you'll have to look out for us from now on!"
"Constable Yan, you've got a bright future ahead! Come on, drain this cup!"
"A Ninth Rank martial artist! We haven't had such a young ranked expert in Chun'an County for years!"
Yan Xiao Liu refused no one. His face flushed with drink, he was full of pride. In the middle of the revelry, the owner of the Drunken Immortal Tower—a plump, affable middle-aged man—came in personally with a cup of wine.
"Well, well, what a fine occasion, gentlemen! Congratulations, Constable Yan!" The owner beamed and bowed deeply to Yan Xiao Liu. "My staff just told me that at such a young age, Constable Yan has already entered the Ninth Rank. A young hero, a true dragon among men! It's an honor to have you here! This cup is for Constable Yan and for all of you gentlemen. Please accept it as a small token of my regard!" With that, he tipped his head back and drained the cup.
Upon learning that Yan Xiao Liu was a ranked martial artist, the owner's manner grew even more effusive. In a small place like Chun'an County, a ranked martial artist carried enough weight to earn any merchant's respect—and even a measure of awe. It wasn't merely a matter of strength; it also represented status and the threat of power lurking beneath the surface. Having Constable Yan celebrate at his restaurant would be a great boost to the Drunken Immortal Tower's reputation.
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