Taking the Post

"Congratulations in advance, Fang Xing!"

Having learned early from Fang Xing that his own position wouldn't change and that Fang Xing would be promoted, Xu Zhengxiong was undoubtedly the happiest of the four.

Hearing Xu Zhengxiong's congratulations, Fang Xing smiled faintly. "It's too early to say. Nothing's been officially decided yet."

"Brother Fang, there's no need to be modest. I've heard a few things myself," Chen Shan said with a beaming smile.

"That's right, Brother Fang. You're truly impressive. You're so young, yet already this capable. We'll have to rely on you to look after us in the future." Li Qing, the Constable from West City, chimed in with a smile.

"You're both too kind. Nothing's certain until the County Magistrate arrives and makes the announcement."

Fang Xing smiled mildly.

Hearing this, the others smiled, but said nothing more.

It was enough that they understood.

Although they didn't know all the details, Fang Xing's promotion was already a done deal.

There was no doubt about it!

It was naturally a good idea to build a relationship with him in advance.

Besides, Fang Xing's strength spoke for itself. With his Dark Force cultivation, he was stronger than any of them.

And they knew something about what had happened at Lingyuan Temple.

Even the leader of the Fire Worship Cult had fallen into his hands.

Although Shen Ye had badly wounded the man first, taking down a severely injured Transformation Force martial artist was still beyond the capabilities of an ordinary Dark Force practitioner.

"Fang Xing, maybe we can work together sometime," Yang Bo suddenly said, putting on a friendly smile.

"Mm."

Fang Xing nodded lightly, his expression neither warm nor cold. The flesh on Yang Bo's face twitched, but he said nothing more and turned away.

Chen Shan and Li Qing weren't surprised by this.

After all, Yang Bo had tried to block Fang Xing from going on a mission.

Though he hadn't succeeded, the grudge had already been formed.

Besides, Fang Xing was more or less one of Xu Zhengxiong's people, and there had already been friction between them.

What's more, Chen Shan clearly remembered that Yang Bo's nephew had wanted the post of Deputy Constable in North City. If Fang Xing hadn't shown up, the position would probably have gone to one of Yang Bo's men.

Old Yang really had rotten luck... He'd run into a genius like Fang Xing. Still, there'd probably be plenty of friction between them from now on. Chen Shan sighed inwardly.

Life was full of surprises!

He'd never imagined that Fang Xing, who'd once only been qualified to take up a Deputy Constable post, would now have risen so far.

Not only had he reached Dark Force, but he'd also caught the eye of an official from the Heavenly Supervision Bureau.

If he kept up this momentum, he might soar to the heavens.

"Brother Fang, could I discuss something with you?" Chen Shan suppressed his complicated thoughts, looked at Fang Xing, and asked quietly.

Fang Xing looked at him. He didn't hold any animosity toward Chen Shan.

After all, Chen Shan had a good relationship with Xu Zhengxiong.

Though Fang Xing hadn't interacted with him much, his overall impression of him was quite good.

"What is it, Boss Chen?"

Fang Xing looked at him.

Chen Shan smiled. "Brother Fang, do you remember the man under my command who sparred with you when you were promoted to Deputy Constable?"

Hmm?

Hearing Chen Shan's words, Fang Xing narrowed his eyes. A name came to mind.

Ji Bochang!

"I remember him a little. What about it?" Fang Xing nodded slightly.

"Old Chen, don't tell me you've already set your sights on the Deputy Constable position?"

"Fang Xing is still in his post. Are you really in such a hurry?" Xu Zhengxiong cut in, glaring as he immediately understood what Chen Shan was getting at.

Hearing Xu Zhengxiong's words, Fang Xing understood Chen Shan's intention too.

Chen Shan smiled. "I'm only looking out for you. The North Ward Office doesn't seem to have any other Bright Force fighters right now. What's wrong with me putting in a word?"

Xu Zhengxiong: "..."

As he spoke, Chen Shan turned back to Fang Xing. "Brother Fang, you're in the good graces of both officials now. If you could put in a word for him, don't worry, Brother Fang won't go unrewarded."

"Let's talk about it later," Fang Xing replied calmly.

Once he became Chief Constable, he'd be in charge of all the constables. He'd have the authority to do that, so it wasn't out of the question.

Hearing this, Chen Shan cupped his fist. "All right. If it works out, I'll make sure to thank you."

"Do you think I'm invisible?" Xu Zhengxiong glared at Chen Shan, his beard bristling.

"Come on, don't worry. We're all on the same side. There'll be something in it for you," Chen Shan said cheerfully, patting Xu Zhengxiong on the chest as if it were nothing.

"..."

While everyone chatted and laughed, two figures appeared one after the other at the entrance to the main hall.

The crowd fell silent at once and quickly formed ranks.

More than a hundred people stood in neat formation.

County Magistrate Zhang Chen walked in front, with Lin Zheng close behind. Soon, they reached the crowd.

He glanced over everyone. When he spotted Fang Xing among them, he paused briefly.

Then he spoke.

"I've gathered you all today to announce an appointment. In view of this county's circumstances, I submitted a request to the prefect, and it was decided that a new post would be created."

At that, Zhang Chen paused deliberately.

Hearing his words, everyone immediately perked up.

Here it comes!

This new position was probably being created for Fang Xing.

Almost instinctively, many people looked his way.

Having already learned what to expect, Fang Xing remained calm, without the slightest change in expression.

Seeing the crowd's reactions, Zhang Chen swept his gaze across them, then took out a yellow document.

"Fang Xing, step forward and receive your appointment!"

As soon as the words rang out, Fang Xing strode forward through the crowd and stopped in front of them, cupping his hands in a salute.

"Fang Xing assisted the Heavenly Supervision Bureau in eliminating a stronghold of the heretical cult and rendered outstanding service. He is hereby commended and appointed Chief Constable of Qingshan County, with authority over all constables in the county, responsibility for assigning their duties, and charge of maintaining public order throughout Qingshan County."

Zhang Chen's voice rang through the County Yamen's main hall, each word clear as day.

At that moment, it was as if the air itself had frozen.

The four Constables and all the constables wore looks of utter disbelief.

A new post had been created.

But no one had imagined that Fang Xing would become Chief Constable.

The post of Chief Constable was a genuine imperial government appointment.

The exact rank varied from region to region, but even the lowest-ranking Chief Constable held a ninth-rank office.

Constables had no official rank, but Chief Constables were different.

Even if it was only the lowly ninth rank, it was still an official position!

Compared with ordinary Constables and constables, the difference in status was enormous.

He would oversee public order throughout all of Qingshan County.

With that power, he had suddenly risen to become the county's third most powerful figure.

The Chief Constable was directly above the four Constables!

He now stood entirely above them.

Silence!

The whole County Yamen's main hall fell deathly quiet.

He had soared to the heavens!

That was the only thought that flashed through everyone's minds.

From an unranked Deputy Constable, he had now become a ninth-rank official.

The leap was like crossing the Dragon Gate!

Shock, astonishment, disbelief...

All kinds of looks mingled.

"Chief Constable... This fellow's really something," Xu Zhengxiong thought, his emotions roiling.

This was the position all of them, as Constables, had dreamed of.

Yet Fang Xing had overtaken them all and taken the seat.

He'd gone from subordinate to immediate superior in a single step!

It was almost like a dream.

"Lord Fang, the security of Qingshan County will be in your hands from now on. Don't let me down," Zhang Chen said with a beaming smile as he handed over the yellow document. Fang Xing accepted it with both hands, his expression solemn. "Rest assured, sir. I won't let you down. I'll make sure Qingshan County remains peaceful and upright!"

Zhang Chen nodded slightly. Lin Zheng also spoke up. "Lord Fang, congratulations!"

"I have to thank you for having faith in me," Fang Xing replied with a faint smile.

At that, both men smiled broadly. Then Zhang Chen turned to the crowd.

"From now on, Lord Fang will be in charge of all constable affairs. Everyone must cooperate with him. Understood?"

His words brought everyone back to their senses. They nodded in a daze.

Then came a wave of applause.