Little Six Enters the Ranks

The morning mist had yet to fully dissipate, and the faint morning light filtered through the semi-worn wooden lattice of the squad room, casting dappled shadows on the bluestone floor. The air was filled with the familiar scent of sweat, leather, and a faint, lingering aroma of old paper. Ye Yun pushed open the creaking squad room door and stepped inside, habitually dusting off nonexistent dust from his clothes. Today was his duty day, and he expected a typical, somewhat dull start. However, the scene before him made him pause.

Several constables, usually quite lax, were uncharacteristically gathered around Yan Xiao Liu, forming a tight circle. Their faces were etched with surprise and excitement, and their hushed discussions buzzed like a swarm of bees discovering a honey source. The atmosphere was more fervent than if they had just cracked a major case.

"Little Sixth Brother, you... you feel different!"

"Hey, look at his spirit, tsk tsk, like a completely different person from yesterday!"

"Quick, tell us, did it work?"

Ye Yun's heart stirred, and he greeted them, "Morning, everyone. What are you all looking at around Yan Xiao Liu? Find a gold ingot?"

Hearing his voice, they turned, their expressions even more enthusiastic. They chimed in:

"Ye Yun, you're here just in time! Look at Little Sixth Brother!"

"It's not a gold ingot, it's even rarer!"

The crowd parted, revealing Yan Xiao Liu. Ye Yun's gaze fell upon him, and he understood instantly. Yan Xiao Liu's physique hadn't changed much, but his entire demeanor was utterly different. He stood there, his back as straight as a pine, his eyes bright and sharp, as if containing a restrained brilliance. A vigorous life force, a condensed essence, emanated from him naturally, steady and powerful, like an undercurrent surging beneath a calm surface. This was nothing like the Yan Xiao Liu of the past, who, though clever, was somewhat restless and had a weak vitality.

"You've entered the ranks?" Ye Yun blurted out, his tone affirmative rather than questioning. That refined and solid "qi" emanating from within was the most obvious sign of stepping into the Ninth Rank of martial arts and opening the Qi Sea in the Dantian! Even with intense training, those not yet ranked could only achieve strong bones and robust vitality, never this perfectly integrated, circulating internal energy with its unique charm.

"Exactly!" Yan Xiao Liu grinned, revealing a row of white teeth. His smile held unconcealed pride, mixed with a touch of solemnity as he glimpsed the path of martial arts. "By chance, it finally worked last night!"

"Congratulations, congratulations! Little Sixth Brother is now one of the top experts in our County Yamen!"

"A Ninth Rank martial artist! Remarkable! We must go to the Drunken Immortal Tower tonight, brothers, to celebrate you!"

The squad room was instantly filled with a joyous atmosphere and louder congratulations. A Ninth Rank martial artist was indeed a rare master in this remote county with scarce martial arts resources. It meant Yan Xiao Liu's strength, speed, reaction time, and even his very essence had ascended to a new level, creating a world of difference between him and those who relied solely on brute force.

As they were boisterously urging each other to finish their duty and head to the Drunken Immortal Tower to celebrate, the heavy wooden door of the squad room was pushed open again. A steady figure strode in. His footsteps were not loud, but they instantly silenced the noisy squad room. The newcomer was the Constable Captain, Chen Qingzhou.

All eyes instantly focused on him. Chen Qingzhou's complexion was ruddy, and his steps were firm. The internal injuries he sustained while suppressing the Black Wind Mountain Stronghold's Second-in-Command had clearly healed completely. Even more chilling was that his overall aura was more condensed and substantial than before his injury. Where his gaze swept, it was like an invisible breeze, carrying an intangible pressure. Ye Yun inwardly tensed. Upon careful sensing, his heart jolted – the subtle aura emanating from Constable Captain Chen was far more profound and enduring than Yan Xiao Liu's, containing a hidden sharpness. He was clearly already at the Eighth Rank martial artist realm!

Chen Qingzhou's gaze swept across everyone's faces, pausing for a moment on Yan Xiao Liu. He nodded slightly, evidently having also noticed Yan Xiao Liu's transformation. He walked to the center of the squad room, cleared his throat, and his voice, though not loud, clearly reached everyone's ears:

"Everyone, quiet down. I have two announcements."

The squad room fell silent, even their breathing consciously lightened.

"First," Chen Qingzhou's gaze fell on Yan Xiao Liu, "In recognition of Yan Xiao Liu's diligence and diligent practice, and his martial arts progress, he has successfully entered the Ninth Rank martial artist realm. After personal consideration by the County Magistrate, effective immediately, Yan Xiao Liu is appointed Constable Captain, to lead the daily affairs of Class Bing."

"Whoosh—" After a brief silence, there was a more enthusiastic round of applause and cheers. Yan Xiao Liu's face flushed with excitement, and he clasped his fists in a bow to everyone, repeatedly saying, "Thank you, County Magistrate! Thank you, Constable Captain Chen! Thank you, brothers, for your favor!"

"Second," Chen Qingzhou raised his hand to signal for quiet, suppressing the commotion, and continued, "Entrusted by the County Magistrate, I have been promoted to Chief Constable of the County Yamen, overseeing all three classes of constables and all county arrest and security matters."

Chief Constable! This was the highest position in the County Yamen's constable system! The crowd erupted in another round of exclamations and congratulations. Someone, speaking quickly, immediately asked, "Boss, congratulations on your promotion! Then... what about the original Chief Constable Wang?"

Chen Qingzhou's expression was calm. "Chief Constable Wang has rich experience and will remain as Deputy Chief Constable, assisting me in handling affairs."

Everyone understood. Chief Constable Wang had been stuck at the peak of the Ninth Rank for many years, never managing to break through the hurdle to the Eighth Rank. Now, Chen Qingzhou had not only recovered from his injuries but had also advanced to the Eighth Rank. Strength ruled supreme, and the County Magistrate's arrangement was reasonable. Given Chief Constable Wang's status, facing the stronger Chen Qingzhou as his superior, even if he had some reservations, he could only suppress them in the face of such an absolute disparity in strength and would not dare to speak out.

As the bell for the end of duty rang, Yan Xiao Liu was surrounded by a group of enthusiastic constables and headed straight for the best restaurant in town – the Drunken Immortal Tower. Chen Qingzhou, citing the need to familiarize himself with the Chief Constable's office as a new official, declined the invitation, only admonishing everyone not to drink too much and neglect their duties.

On the second floor of the Drunken Immortal Tower, in a private room by the window, wine and dishes were already laid out, exuding a rich aroma. Yan Xiao Liu was ushered to the main seat, becoming the absolute center of attention. Rare delicacies, seldom seen on ordinary days, filled the table. Everyone took turns toasting him, and compliments poured in.

"Little Sixth Brother, you'll have to look out for us brothers from now on!"

"Constable Yan, your future is boundless! Come, bottoms up!"

"Ninth Rank martial artist! How many years has it been since Chun'an County had such a young ranked expert!"

Yan Xiao Liu accepted every toast, his face flushed with joy and his spirits soaring. As the revelry reached its peak, the owner of the Drunken Immortal Tower, a portly and amiable middle-aged man, personally brought over a wine cup.

"Oh, what a joyous occasion for you gentlemen today! Constable Yan, congratulations!" The owner smiled broadly and bowed deeply to Yan Xiao Liu. "I just heard from the staff that Constable Yan has already entered the Ninth Rank martial artist realm at such a young age. Truly a young hero, a dragon among men! My humble establishment is honored! This cup is for Constable Yan, and also for all you gentlemen, a token of my sincerity!" With that, he tilted his head and drank it down.

Upon learning that Yan Xiao Liu was a ranked martial artist, the owner's attitude became even more cordial. In this small Chun'an County, the status of a ranked martial artist was enough to earn the respect, even awe, of any businessman. It wasn't just about strength; it represented a certain status and potential deterrent. Having Constable Yan celebrate at his restaurant was also a significant boost to the Drunken Immortal Tower's reputation.