Anger in the Heart, Jingan Bureau Opens Three Gates Wide

The next morning, the carriage pulled up in front of the unassuming Song Pharmacy.

The storefront remained quiet, yet the front door was wide open, signaling that they were open for business.

Yang Ning let out a slight sigh of relief.

It seemed Elder Song had not been implicated.

After continuing to observe carefully for a moment, he discovered that there were no members of the Blood Ape Gang in the vicinity.

He then picked up two packs of premium tobacco he had prepared early that morning along with a gift of gratitude wrapped in red paper, stepped off the carriage, and walked toward the shop alone.

Pushing open the wooden door of the pharmacy, the familiar, bitter scent of medicinal herbs rushed to meet him.

The shop's furnishings remained unchanged; the hundred-drawer cabinet stood silently against the wall, and a few birdcages hung by the curtain of the back hall, chirping softly.

"Elder Song?"

Yang Ning called out, his gaze sweeping over the empty counter as he walked toward the curtain of the back hall.

"It is I, Yang Ning, here specifically to..."

Before he could finish his sentence, a sudden change occurred!

From the shadows in the corner of the shop, without any warning, a dark figure erupted like a ghost!

A fist, carrying a fierce gust of wind, struck out without any flourish, aiming directly for Yang Ning's ribs!

But he was no longer the man he once was; the reflexes and physical instincts of a Body Tempering martial artist were triggered instantly!

At the critical moment, he violently flung the gifts in his hand to the side, twisted his waist, and crossed his arms in a defensive posture, barely managing to shield his vital ribs.

"Bang!"

Fist met arm with a dull thud.

Yang Ning felt his feet slide back half a step involuntarily, causing the wooden floorboards to creak.

The attacker's figure merely swayed slightly before steadying itself, clearly having not used his full strength.

An ambush by the Blood Ape Gang?

Yang Ning's thoughts raced, and the anger in his chest—already burning because his friends and family had been kidnapped—was like oil poured on a fire, surging upward!

Regardless of who it was, since they were lying in ambush here, they were definitely an enemy, not a friend! It was the perfect outlet for his pent-up murderous intent!

"Die!"

A low roar erupted from his throat, and just as he was about to fight for his life...

"Alright, Gong Tian.

That's enough testing; you're old enough, haven't you had your fun yet?"

An aged voice drifted out from behind the curtain of the back hall.

Yang Ning felt his heart ease, and he said in a low voice:

"Elder Song."

Immediately after, the curtain was lifted, and Elder Song stepped out, leaning on a rattan cane.

A sharp glint flashed in his only remaining eye.

"Good lad!"

Elder Song's voice carried undisguised amazement:

"Anger and fire in your heart, murderous intent condensed yet unspent, your blood and qi surging like a tide...

What a Jade-Faced Tiger!

It has only been a few days, yet your cultivation has actually progressed to this extent!

What's more, even after encountering such a great upheaval and being surrounded by powerful enemies, you still remembered to come to this old man.

You are a person who values old ties and emotions; it was not in vain that we waited here for you for several days."

He paused, shook his head with a wry smile, his tone carrying a hint of self-deprecation:

"Though, I must blame my own eyes for being half-blind; I didn't even realize you were hiding your true depth so well."

Hearing this, Yang Ning finally relaxed completely. He cupped his hands, bowed slightly to Elder Song, and said sincerely:

"Please forgive me, Elder Song. I did not intend to deceive you that day; it was truly because I was new to the martial path and in a perilous situation, so I had to be cautious. I hope you can overlook it."

Having said that, he turned his gaze back to the dark figure who had fully emerged from the shadows, his expression filled with both confusion and wariness:

"Elder Song, who is this...?"

At this moment, the attacker was fully exposed in the dim light of the shop.

He was tall and upright, dressed in a clean, well-fitted black martial outfit. His face was covered by a smooth, cold, pure black mask, revealing only a pair of bright, spirited eyes that were currently observing Yang Ning with great interest.

Hearing the conversation between Elder Song and Yang Ning, he chuckled and reached up to remove his mask.

Beneath the mask was a face of about thirty years of age. His skin was a healthy, slightly dark tan from years of exposure to the elements, and his features were as sharp and rugged as if carved by a knife.

Most striking were his eyes—bright and sharp, holding a sense of composure and majesty formed from long-standing authority and the power to decide life and death.

"A very solid foundation in Tiger Soul Fist. Your energy and blood are refined, your reactions are swift, and you remain composed in the face of an enemy."

The man in black spoke, his voice deep and resonant with a metallic quality, his tone clearly appreciative:

"Judging by the embryonic form of your fist intent, you have already grasped three parts of the true essence of a fierce tiger. Given time, you will surely achieve great things."

Yang Ning was somewhat bewildered by his words. He cupped his fists again and asked in a deep voice:

"Forgive this junior for his ignorance, but may I ask who you are, senior? And why have you been waiting here for me today?"

Elder Song looked at Yang Ning's wary expression and couldn't help but laugh. He stroked his sparse beard and said slowly:

"As for him, he isn't exactly some world-shaking figure.

His presence here today is on behalf of this old man, and also... on behalf of a certain place, to test exactly what kind of 'fine material' you are made of."

The man with the dark face heard this and the corners of his mouth curled up, shaking his head at Elder Song with a hint of helplessness:

"Uncle-Master, since you value him so highly, please stop teasing this young brother."

Having said that, he took a step forward and took the initiative to reach out to Yang Ning, his attitude quite casual and friendly:

"Young brother Yang Ning, a pleasure to meet you.

I am Gong Tian.

Of course, I am also the one who truly calls the shots here at the East Street Martial Arena."

Yang Ning's heart jolted, and he suddenly realized everything!

So, Elder Song's suggestion for him to go to the Martial Arena was no coincidence!

"Brother Gong."

Yang Ning suppressed the waves in his heart and addressed him with proper courtesy, then looked at Elder Song and then back at Gong Tian, asking with confusion:

"This junior understands. However...

Since Arena Master Gong just called Elder Song 'Uncle-Master,' I wonder what sect or school the two of you hail from?"

"What sect or school?"

Gong Tian seemed to have heard something amusing; he chuckled and shook his head:

"Young brother Yang, we are not some sect or faction.

In fact, our duty is precisely to eradicate and monitor the sects and aristocratic families that entrench themselves in local areas.

The lineage between us is a transfer of skills within a system, which is not the same thing as a sect taking on disciples."

He reined in his smile, his expression becoming more serious, and looked straight at Yang Ning as he asked:

"Young brother Yang, have you ever heard of the Jingan Bureau?"

"Jingan Bureau?"

Thoughts raced through Yang Ning's mind.

In his past life's memories, these three words usually pointed to a secret service agency with immense power that investigated the entire world.

Combined with what Gong Tian just said about "eradicating and monitoring sects and aristocratic families," its nature was already self-evident.

He pondered for a moment and replied cautiously:

"It sounds like an official institution established by the imperial court?"

A flash of surprise crossed Gong Tian's eyes; clearly, he had not expected someone of Yang Ning's background to be able to identify the origins of the Jingan Bureau.

He nodded, his tone carrying a hint of approval:

"Young brother, you certainly have some insight.

That is correct. The Jingan Bureau is a special agency directly under the Central Imperial Court.

Its duties are to monitor civil and military officials above to purify the administration, and to supervise the prefectures and counties below to maintain stability and quell chaos.

With imperial authorization, we have the power to execute first and report later.

That is the Jingan Bureau."

As expected, it's a secret service agency...

And one with immense authority at that.

Yang Ning understood, but he didn't show much on his face, simply following up:

"In that case, Elder Song and Master Gong are both members of the Jingan Bureau?

Then, since the two of you were waiting for this junior here today, I assume it is also for matters concerning the Bureau, but what connection could I possibly have with your esteemed organization?"

Gong Tian laughed heartily. Instead of answering directly, he brought up the old topic again:

"Young brother Yang, do you still remember the 'Five Animals Technique' that Uncle-Master Song mentioned to you before?

That day, when Uncle-Master saw at a glance that you were practicing the obscure and difficult Tiger Soul Fist, he already had his suspicions.

Do you know what kind of path the core Foundation Establishment technique of one of our Jingan Bureau's lineages follows?"

Yang Ning's heart gave a violent thump, and he couldn't help but blurt out:

"Could it be that the cultivation techniques you specialize in are also related to the 'Five Animals'?"

"This Tiger Soul Fist of mine..."

"That's right!"

Gong Tian answered him with certainty.

"The Tiger Soul Fist you cultivated on your own and the core techniques we practice originate from the same source!

They all belong to the branches of the ancient 'Five Animals Technique' heritage!"

He took a deep breath and asked in a low voice:

"Elder Song, Arena Master Gong, as a commoner with no background or backing, can I join the Jingan Bureau?"

The smile on Gong Tian's face grew even wider, carrying undisguised appreciation:

"Otherwise, little brother, why do you think there are so many painstakingly managed Martial Arenas in Kuishan County?

Most of these Martial Arenas are set up by our Jingan Bureau to secretly screen, observe, and recruit usable talent!

In recent years, local forces have expanded increasingly, the common people have been displaced, the government has become weak, and the situation is gradually showing signs of spiraling out of control.

The root cause is that the speed at which our bureau selects and replenishes talent in this region cannot keep up with the changing situation.

The requirements for the foundation of the first two gates are truly difficult to meet in this Southern Frontier Province.

We have been thirsty for talent for a long time!

Now that I have encountered a good seedling like you, little brother, who also cultivates the Five Animals Technique and possesses excellent aptitude and character, how could I let you slip away?"

He paused, his tone becoming more formal:

"You have a clean background, a firm character, and outstanding talent, which perfectly matches the selection standards of our bureau."

"What are the standards?"

"The current Emperor has decreed that the Jingan Bureau must open its doors wide to recruit the virtuous. Currently, there are three main gates for absorbing talent."

"The first is the Bloodline Gate. This is the path for the descendants of those within the Jingan Bureau or the special grace granted to the descendants of meritorious officials."

"The second is the Fish-Dragon Gate. One must pass strict examinations or demonstrate excellence through military or civil service exams to be selected."

"The third is the Treasure Picking Gate. The sources for this gate are the most complex and diverse.

It can be small sects or factions being reorganized and annexed, talent with clean backgrounds recruited from the martial arts world, or even the amnesty of those with special talents...

To be honest with you, our Southern Frontier Province is located on the border, and the selection standards for the first two gates are strict; those who meet the conditions are as rare as phoenix feathers and unicorn horns.

Today, seven or eight out of every ten core members in the bureau entered through this third 'Treasure Picking' gate.

Even several of the Garrison Commanders at the provincial level mostly followed this path back in the day."

Join the Jingan Bureau?

Yang Ning's thoughts raced. An official organization directly under the Central Imperial Court, possessing heavy authority and a formidable background...

For him, currently lacking a solid foundation, surrounded by strong enemies, and in urgent need of support, the temptation was self-evident.

This was not just a future prospect; it was potentially a protective talisman in times of crisis and a stepping stone to a much broader world.

There were risks, of course.

Such organizations often delve into the most dangerous whirlpools and execute the most secretive missions.

But the relentless, life-or-death vengeance of the Blood Ape Gang against him and his family was clearly more troublesome than the unpredictable risks he might face in the future.

Under these circumstances, the protection and resources of the Jingan Bureau were clearly of greater value.

After a moment of reflection, Yang Ning looked up, his gaze clear and firm, as he looked at Gong Tian and Elder Song:

"I am honored by the regard of you two seniors; I am willing to join the Jingan Bureau."

"However, I, Yang Ning, am merely a commoner from East Street, and now I have a blood feud with the Blood Ape Gang, leaving me mired in trouble.

Is your bureau... truly willing to accept someone like me?"