Ascension

"Fang Xing, congratulations in advance!"

Having learned some inside information from Fang Xing that his own position would remain unchanged and that Fang Xing was set to ascend, Xu Zhengxiong was undoubtedly the happiest of the four.

Hearing Xu Zhengxiong's congratulations, Fang Xing offered a faint smile. "It is still too early to say. Nothing has been truly decided yet."

"Brother Fang, don't be so modest. I've already heard some news myself," Chen Shan said with a beaming smile.

"Indeed, Brother Fang is truly remarkable. To possess such strength at such a young age—you must look after us a little in the future." Li Qing, the constable of West City, also chimed in with a smile.

"You two are too kind. The situation is not yet set in stone; let us wait until the magistrate arrives and makes the announcement."

Fang Xing smiled calmly.

Hearing this, the group laughed but said nothing more.

Understanding was enough.

Although the specifics were not yet clear, Fang Xing's promotion had already become a fact.

Of this, there was no doubt!

Building a rapport early was naturally a good thing.

Furthermore, Fang Xing's strength was plain to see; his Dark Force cultivation put him above them.

Moreover, they knew a thing or two about what had happened at Lingyuan Temple.

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

While Shen Ye's heavy wounding of the man was the primary cause, the ability to finish off a crippled Transformation Force martial artist was a feat no ordinary Dark Force expert could match.

"Fang Xing, if there is an opportunity in the future, we could cooperate," Yang Bo suddenly spoke up, revealing a smiling face.

"Hmm."

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

Seeing this, Chen Shan and Li Qing did not find it strange.

After all, Yang Bo had previously blocked Fang Xing's opportunity to take on a mission.

Although he had not succeeded in the end, the grudge had already been planted.

Furthermore, Fang Xing was considered one of Xu Zhengxiong's men, and there had been friction between them before.

Moreover, Chen Shan clearly remembered that Yang Bo's nephew had wanted the position of Deputy Constable in North City; if not for Fang Xing's appearance, that position likely would have fallen to one of Yang Bo's people.

Old Yang is quite unlucky... to have met a genius like Fang Xing. It is a pity; I fear there will be no shortage of friction in the future, Chen Shan sighed inwardly.

The world is ever-changing!

He had never imagined that Fang Xing, who once only had the qualifications to be a deputy constable, would grow to this point.

Not only did he possess Dark Force cultivation, but he had also caught the eye of the Heavenly Supervision Bureau.

From here on out, as long as he maintained this momentum, it was not impossible for him to soar to the heavens.

"Brother Fang, could we discuss something?" Chen Shan pushed aside his complex thoughts, looked at Fang Xing, and asked in a low voice.

Fang Xing looked at him; he held no ill will toward Chen Shan.

After all, he had a good relationship with Xu Zhengxiong.

Though he had little interaction with Chen Shan, his overall impression was quite good.

"What is it, Chief Chen?"

Fang Xing looked at him.

Chen Shan smiled and said, "Brother Fang, do you remember the subordinate who sparred with you when you were up for the position of deputy constable?"

Hmm?

Hearing Chen Shan's words, Fang Xing narrowed his eyes as a name surfaced in his mind.

Ji Bochang!

"I have a faint recollection. What about him?" Fang Xing nodded slightly.

"Say, Old Chen, don't tell me you've already set your sights on the deputy constable position?"

"Fang Xing is still in that seat, aren't you being a bit too impatient?" Before Chen Shan could speak, Xu Zhengxiong understood what was happening and immediately glared at him.

Listening to Xu Zhengxiong's words, Fang Xing also understood Chen Shan's intent.

Chen Shan chuckled. "I am thinking for your benefit, am I not? It seems you have no other Bright Force experts in the North Ward Office now; what is wrong with me striving for this?"

Xu Zhengxiong: "..."

As he spoke, Chen Shan looked at Fang Xing again. "Brother Fang, you are a favorite of the two officials now. If you could put in a word, rest assured, there will be no shortage of benefits for you in the future."

"Let us talk about it later," Fang Xing said calmly.

Once he assumed the role of Chief Constable, he would be in charge of all the yamen runners. Having that authority, it was not entirely impossible.

Hearing this, Chen Shan cupped his hands. "Very well, once it is done, I will certainly show my gratitude."

"Do you take me for air?" Xu Zhengxiong glared at Chen Shan.

"Oh, don't worry, we are all our own people; there will be benefits for you too," Chen Shan said with a laugh, patting Xu Zhengxiong's chest without a care.

"..."

Just as everyone was chatting and laughing, two figures appeared one after another at the entrance of the main hall.

The group immediately fell silent and quickly stood in formation.

Over a hundred people stood in a neat square.

County Magistrate Zhang Chen walked in front, with Lin Zheng following close behind, and they soon arrived before the crowd.

He swept his gaze over them, pausing slightly when he saw Fang Xing in the crowd.

Immediately, his voice rang out.

"The purpose of today's assembly is to announce an appointment. Based on the situation in this county, we have petitioned the Prefect and decided to add a new position."

Having said this, Zhang Chen paused deliberately.

Hearing Zhang Chen's words, everyone felt a jolt of excitement.

It was here!

This newly added position was likely prepared for Fang Xing.

Subconsciously, many people glanced at Fang Xing.

Having already known the outcome, Fang Xing remained as calm as usual, without the slightest change in demeanor.

Observing the expressions of the crowd, Zhang Chen swept his gaze once more and produced a bright yellow document.

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

As the words fell, Fang Xing strode forward from the crowd, arrived before them, and bowed with cupped hands.

"Fang Xing assisted the Heavenly Supervision Bureau in rooting out a cult stronghold, performing a service of great merit. In recognition of this, it is hereby announced that he is appointed as the Chief Constable of Qingshan County, tasked with commanding all yamen runners in the county, coordinating all runner duties, and bearing responsibility for maintaining peace and order throughout Qingshan County."

Zhang Chen's voice resounded through the County Yamen hall, every word and syllable ringing clearly in their ears.

At that moment, the very air seemed to freeze.

The four constables and the mass of runners all wore expressions of utter disbelief.

A new position.

But no one could have imagined that Fang Xing would take the position of Chief Constable.

The position of Chief Constable was a proper, formal imperial government post.

While the rank might vary in different regions, even the lowest Chief Constable held a ninth-grade official rank.

A regular constable had no rank, but a Chief Constable was different.

Even if he were merely a ninth-grade sesame official, he was still an official of the imperial court!

Compared to ordinary constables and runners, his status was on an entirely different level.

Commanding the peace and order of the entire Qingshan County.

With this power, he had instantly leaped to become the third most powerful figure in Qingshan County.

Chief Constable—the direct superior to the four major constables!

He was now completely above the four.

Silence!

The entire County Yamen hall was deathly quiet.

Soaring to the heavens!

At this moment, only this thought flashed through everyone's mind.

From an unranked deputy constable, he had now become a ninth-grade official.

The gap was no less than crossing a Dragon Gate!

Shock, astonishment, disbelief...

Various gazes intertwined.

Chief Constable... this guy, he is truly remarkable! Xu Zhengxiong's heart was in turmoil.

This step was something the few of them had dreamed of for years.

But now, Fang Xing had surpassed them all and taken the seat.

From a subordinate, he had transformed into their direct superior!

It felt like a dream.

"Official Fang, the peace of Qingshan County depends on you from now on. Do not let this official down."

Zhang Chen smiled as he handed over the bright yellow document. Fang Xing took it with both hands, his expression solemn. "Rest assured, Magistrate, this subordinate will certainly not fail you. I guarantee that the peace and order of Qingshan County will be upright and incorruptible!"

Zhang Chen nodded slightly, and Lin Zheng also spoke up: "Official Fang, congratulations!"

"I must thank you, my lord, for your favor," Fang Xing said with a faint smile.

Hearing this, the faces of the two men beamed with bright smiles, and then, Zhang Chen looked toward the crowd.

"From this day forward, all Yamen Runner affairs shall be under the charge of Lord Fang. Everyone, you must cooperate—do you understand?"

This command snapped everyone to attention, and they nodded in a daze.

Immediately following was a tidal wave of applause.