Who Else but Me for Chief Constable?

Cui Lang's blood and qi churned through his body, tempering his sinews, bones, and skin.

Before long, he felt his blood and qi running short, so he switched to using true essence for the tempering.

A quarter of an hour later, Cui Lang opened his eyes, his face full of helplessness.

"Tempering my sinews, bones, and skin consumes even more than I imagined."

His true essence had already been nearly exhausted in tonight's battle with the demons. Though he had recovered some, it was still less than thirty percent of his peak state.

Yet he had not expected that after only a short while of tempering, more than half of it would be gone.

"Though I only tempered myself for a little while and am still far from mastering the first layer, it really does feel like my strength has increased somewhat."

Cui Lang still liked this technique very much. He decided that even after mastering it, he would never reveal it in daily life. It would be perfect for playing weak and catching people off guard.

When the time came, even an utterly ordinary punch could deliver an unexpected impact to an opponent through sheer overwhelming strength.

As for the trait of being impervious to blades and spears, it could save his life at a critical moment.

But he would at least have to reach the second layer before he could withstand attacks from experts of the Essence Gathering Realm. By then, even if he were besieged by people of the same realm, he would no longer fear them.

If footwork fell short, defense would make up for it.

After glancing at the little pot in his mind, Cui Lang calmed down considerably. He burned the note hidden beneath his blanket that had warned Cui Ling to flee, then silently cultivated the Blazing Sun Technique and continued condensing his true essence.

The next morning, just as Cui Lang arrived at the yamen, Zhao Changshan came over.

"Constable Li took you out to slay demons yesterday? And Constable Li died?"

Cui Lang's luck was far too good. He had emerged completely unscathed and still picked up a great merit.

"Ah, don't mention it. If not for Constable Li, I'd probably already be dead." Cui Lang wore a sorrowful expression.

Zhao Changshan patted Cui Lang's shoulder. "Don't be so sad. Constable Li told everyone before that slaying demons and eliminating evil is our duty. So long as we can protect the common people, even if it costs him his life, it would be worth it."

Cui Lang was barely holding back his laughter. If Constable Li had known his words would become prophecy, would he still have said such ceremonial nonsense?

Perfect. He could no longer keep up the grieving act anyway.

"I heard that among the demons you killed this time was a huge water buffalo. What do you think demon meat tastes like?"

Cui Lang shot Zhao Changshan a sidelong glance. "You want to eat anything and everything. Aren't you afraid of demon poison?"

Even if it was not poisonous, Cui Lang would not eat it, because he knew what those demons usually ate.

"Brother Zhao, has yesterday's matter already spread? Will it be reported to the prefectural yamen?" Cui Lang asked as though casually.

"It definitely has to be reported." Zhao Changshan spoke with flying spittle. "Six demons! I've served for nearly ten years, and I've never seen anything this big. The prefectural yamen will definitely send someone to verify it. I reckon they'll arrive in three to five days."

"Though Constable Li killed most of the demons, you'll definitely get a sizable share of the credit. You'll have to buy me a drink then."

"Since Constable Li has died, the chief constable's post in Cloud Mountain County is vacant. Won't they have to choose one from among us brothers?"

Cui Lang looked at Zhao Changshan, who had suddenly grown excited. "Brother Zhao, you want to be chief constable?"

"What kind of question is that? Don't you want to be chief constable?" Zhao Changshan rolled his eyes. "A chief constable earns ten times our salary, and he's an official."

"But you have no chance. How long have you even been a constable? Even if the higher-ups choose someone, they'll have to choose from us old hands."

"Look, Old Liu and Old Li have more seniority than me, but they're both over forty. Their blood and qi have already begun to decline. How could they have a chance of breaking through to the Essence Gathering Realm?"

"Old Zhang looks crooked and ugly, while Old Niu has an old injury in his arm. Counting it all up, don't I have the best chance?"

As they chatted, someone called for them all to go inside, saying that Magistrate Zheng had arrived and wanted to address them.

Zheng Fengyun stood on the steps in the courtyard, sweeping his gaze over the group of constables below.

"Everyone should have heard about yesterday's matter. Constable Li sacrificed himself while slaying demons. We are all deeply grieved."

"But no one can forget Constable Li's final wish. We must continue protecting Cloud Mountain County well, slaying demons and eliminating evil, and safeguarding the common people."

"Before the new chief constable takes office, I will appoint someone to temporarily carry out the chief constable's duties. Afterward, whoever is the first to break through to the Essence Gathering Realm, I will recommend him as the new chief constable."

When Zhao Changshan saw Zheng Fengyun looking at him, he instantly puffed out his chest and gave Cui Lang a smug smile.

What had he said? The chief constable's post was definitely going to be his.

"The chosen person is... Cui Lang."

One of Zhao Changshan's legs had already lifted, ready to step forward, but it froze in midair.

He turned his head and stared at Cui Lang in disbelief. Why Cui Lang?

Cui Lang was Constable Li's confidant. Magistrate Zheng should not be giving him important responsibilities.

Zheng Fengyun looked at everyone. "Cui Lang assisted Constable Li in slaying demons yesterday, rendering outstanding service. Though he has not been a constable for long, he has repeatedly earned merit. I have always been fair. I do not look at age or seniority; I reward solely according to merit."

"Enough. From now on, the constable unit will temporarily be managed by Cui Lang. Cui Lang, I leave this place to you. I have other matters to attend to."

After Zheng Fengyun left, the other constables all looked at Cui Lang. Many of them still had unconvinced expressions in their eyes.

"Cui Lang, you must have spent quite a bit greasing palms, huh? Aren't you afraid it'll all come to nothing in the end?"

Before Cui Lang could speak, Zhao Changshan jumped out and rebuked him. "Hey, Zhang Laowu, is that any way to speak to Constable Cui? That's insubordination. Aren't you afraid of punishment?"

"Constable Cui took part in slaying more demons than all of you put together. Shouldn't he temporarily hold the chief constable's post?"

"Rest assured, Constable Cui. This subordinate will always support you."

It had to be said, Zhao Changshan changed roles remarkably quickly.

Zhang Laowu snapped, "Zhao Changshan, he isn't chief constable yet. This doesn't count as insubordination, so stop trying to pin labels on me."

"Dare you say you don't want to be chief constable yourself? Are you really convinced by him?"

"If you want to lick his boots, do it yourself. Don't drag me into it."

Several constables left with Zhang Laowu, while some others remained standing there, unsure what to do.

Cui Lang waved a hand. "Go patrol the streets."

After everyone else had left, Zhao Changshan smiled at Cui Lang. "Constable Cui, this subordinate will treat you to drinks later. I hope you will honor me with your presence."

He had figured it out. Perhaps Cui Lang had never been Constable Li's confidant, but Magistrate Zheng's confidant. Everyone had been fooled.

Magistrate Zheng had arranged for Cui Lang to become a constable. And now Magistrate Zheng had directly appointed Cui Lang to temporarily perform the chief constable's duties. That was proof enough.

With Magistrate Zheng as his backer, Cui Lang would surely break through soon. It would not take long for him to become chief constable officially.

What was there for Zhao Changshan to compete over? He might as well cling tightly to Cui Lang's thigh early on, become Cui Lang's trusted subordinate, and live comfortably in the constable unit from then on.

Cui Lang patted Zhao Changshan on the shoulder. "Brother Zhao."

Zhao Changshan hurriedly said, "I dare not accept such a form of address from Constable Cui. Just call this subordinate by name."

"All right, then I'll call you Old Zhao, and you can call me by my name as well." Cui Lang readily went along with it. "There's no need for drinks. Save your silver. Thanks for earlier."

"Go patrol the streets yourself in a while. I'm going to Constable Li's home to see if there's anything I can help with."

He had to visit Constable Li's home immediately.