Wang Lei, the Dog-Head Strategist, Goes into Action

Not long after Manager Li bowed and backed out with an ingratiating smile, half the main hall's table was piled with case files.

Wang Lei moved with practiced efficiency, sorting them into neat categories. He circled the key points in red cinnabar ink, making everything clear at a glance.

"Brother Xu, I've figured it out." His fingertip tapped the crude sketch of the sunken tomb, his tone certain.

"Those two Canal Gang bastards only lowered their heads because they've truly hit a wall this time. That rune-carved stone door to the main burial chamber bears a Yang-fire seal left by ancient Han cultivators, made specifically to suppress sinister Yin arts. The two of them cultivate soft Yin techniques to begin with, and they only have half an inscription-carved stone tablet key. After all this time, they haven't even pried open a crack in the seal."

"And the alchemy cauldron inheritance, that huge slab of fat, is right behind that door. They can't swallow it, but they can't bear to spit it out either. They're probably trying to lure us in as pathfinders so they can fish in troubled waters themselves."

He was best at digging the truth out of the scraps in case files.

If they could truly obtain the treasure themselves, they would never lower themselves to seek reconciliation through others, much less reveal the details of the sunken tomb.

That little scheme might fool others, but it could not fool him.

"In my view, we should attend the meeting tomorrow and first go along with their proposal for cooperation." Wang Lei laid out the plan he had long worked out.

"First, get the full set of information on the underwater entrance, the branching paths in the tomb passage, and the restrictions on the stone door. Once we enter the water, our priority will be eliminating the water's Baleful Intent and investigating Zhou Zheng's disappearance. We explore the way ourselves first."

"If your abilities can break the seal directly, we'll leave the Canal Gang behind and enter the main burial chamber ourselves. If we encounter ancient restrictions we can't be sure about, then we'll send them forward as cannon fodder. From beginning to end, the initiative stays in our hands. We absolutely won't let them lead us around by the nose."

His words built layer upon layer. He had accurately grasped the other side's intentions while leaving ample room to advance or retreat. He really was starting to look like a dog-head strategist.

Xu Jin leaned against the back of his chair and gave a slight nod after listening. "We'll do as you say. Tomorrow, we'll sound them out first. Once we've done that, we go straight into the water."

With the general direction settled, the two went over the list of supplies needed for entering the water.

They needed double portions of Evil-Repelling Talismans, water-avoidance pills, and fire strikers for light. Wang Lei also made a special note to buy two bundles of tung-oil-soaked long rope and copper whistles from the town's general store, lest they get separated amid the tomb passage's many forks.

They were halfway through checking the list when the steward's announcement came from outside the courtyard gate.

Town Magistrate Liu had sent over supplementary case files.

Liu Houde entered carrying a stack of blue-covered dossiers. He first respectfully saluted Xu Jin before setting them on the table. "Inspector Xu, these are the records I compiled of the registered cultivation forces within my jurisdiction, along with cooperative case files from the past three years. Please review them first."

"There is one more matter I should discuss with you. Green-Mud Ferry's three registered local forces—River Spirit Temple, River Merchants Guild, and Reed-Blossom Stronghold—heard of your appointment and wish to jointly host a welcoming banquet. First, to fulfill their duties as hosts; second, to establish the rules for future cooperation."

Though the words were tactful, half the banquet was courtesy and half was probing.

What kind of temperament did the new inspector have? Was he easy to deal with? The local powers all wanted to take his measure over a meal, so they could determine the proper boundaries for future dealings.

Xu Jin did not even raise his head. After flipping through two pages of the registry, he refused outright. "No need. The water's Baleful Intent in the sunken tomb has yet to be removed, and the murders of the boatmen remain unsolved. I have no time for socializing."

"Your official duties are paramount, Inspector. This humble official understands." Liu Houde smiled apologetically, but still added another word of persuasion.

"This humble official may be speaking out of turn, but the people of Reed-Blossom Stronghold make their living on the water. They know the conditions above and below the ferry inside out and have many informants. They are well-known local strongmen. If you rebuff them too harshly, they may secretly throw a few stumbling blocks in your way when you investigate cases by water later, creating needless trouble."

He was genuinely considering Xu Jin's interests. The local powers were intertwined like tangled roots, and one more favor meant one less obstacle. There was no need to make enemies the moment he took office.

"Postpone the banquet." Xu Jin's tone was calm, but left no room for discussion. "We'll talk after the matter of the sunken tomb is resolved. Just leave behind the dossiers on the three factions."

Seeing his resolute attitude, Liu Houde did not dare press further. He hurriedly agreed, exchanged a few more polite words about official business, then bowed and withdrew.

After leaving the inspector's residence, Liu Houde walked toward town along the bluestone road, visiting each group in turn to deliver the message.

As expected, the three factions' reactions differed greatly.

His first stop was River Spirit Temple.

The temple stood on a high slope along the eastern bank of the ferry. Its presiding Daoist, Yun Feng, had always enjoyed a reputation for gentleness in the area.

After hearing Liu Houde out, he was not offended in the slightest. Smiling, he stroked his beard. "That is only proper. Eliminating evil and bringing peace to the people are matters of the highest importance. Inspector Xu is busy with official duties, and this poor Daoist naturally understands. When there is time in the future, this poor Daoist will personally pay him a visit."

His tone was courteous and proper, without the slightest fault to be found.

Next came the River Merchants Guild.

Its manager, Benefactor Zhao, was a calculating middle-aged merchant. After listening, he nodded repeatedly and cupped his hands toward Liu Houde. "Thank you for conveying the message, Town Magistrate Liu. The guild's fleet stands ready to await Inspector Xu's orders at any time. If he needs ships or men, he need only say the word. There is no rush for the welcoming banquet; it can wait until His Excellency has finished his important business."

His words were smooth in every direction. He expressed his willingness to cooperate without pushing himself forward to invite annoyance. He was exceedingly slick.

Finally, Liu Houde arrived at Reed-Blossom Stronghold.

The stronghold was nestled deep within the downstream reed marshes. Its chief, Zhou Biao, had a face full of heavy flesh. It was said that he had been a river bandit in his early years, then spent money to clean up his name and become registered. The several dozen men under him were excellent swimmers, and he monopolized most of the ferry's short-haul cargo transport.

After hearing Liu Houde's message, Zhou Biao slammed the wine bowl in his hand onto the table. Wine splashed across the tabletop.

"A wet-behind-the-ears brat, and he dares put on airs before me?" His voice was rough and hoarse, the flesh on his face trembling. "Isn't he just a probationary inspector? Does he really think he's somebody? And he dares reject my goodwill? If he's got the guts, he'd better never travel Green-Mud Ferry's waterways. Otherwise, I'll make sure he gets a taste of my colors!"

His threats rang out like thunder. Yet less than two seconds after he finished cursing, he panicked first. Tugging at his deputy's sleeve, he lowered his voice and asked, "Hey, this newcomer... he isn't really that Molten-Gold Yama the provincial capital has been talking about, is he?"

When the deputy vaguely answered, "I heard he's the one who killed Wang Defa," the heavy flesh on Zhou Biao's face twitched sharply. Half the wine in him was frightened sober at once. He immediately changed his expression and laughed awkwardly at Liu Houde. "Hey, hey, hey, I drank too much, drank too much! Drunken nonsense! Don't take it to heart, Town Magistrate Liu, and don't go telling Inspector Xu any nonsense. Since the inspector is busy, then the banquet can be held another day. Another day, we'll talk about it another day!"

Liu Houde laughed inwardly, but his face remained impassive. After offering a couple of perfunctory remarks, he took his leave.

After leaving the reed marshes, he stood by the river and pondered for a long while.

The people of Reed-Blossom Stronghold had never lacked for petty theft and underhanded deeds. They claimed it was drunken nonsense, but who knew what mischief they might be harboring in their hearts.

Inspector Xu was going underwater to explore the tomb tomorrow, and his route happened to pass through Reed-Blossom Stronghold's territory. If they made some small move in the water and delayed the great task of eliminating evil, he, as town magistrate, would not be able to bear the responsibility either.

After turning it over in his mind, he returned to the inspector's residence in Bluestone Alley and told Xu Jin every detail of the three factions' reactions, especially Zhou Biao's threats.

"Inspector, this humble official may be speaking out of turn, but please be more watchful when entering the water to explore the tomb tomorrow. The people of Reed-Blossom Stronghold are unnervingly skilled in the water. They excel at causing trouble beneath the surface, and they are impossible to guard against."

After hearing him out, Xu Jin merely gave a faint "Mm."

What local strongmen? What little tricks in the water? He did not take them seriously at all.

If they truly dared come looking for trouble, he would simply cut them down while he was at it. It would be a good chance to set some rules for Green-Mud Ferry.