The Current State of Baiyun County

"Just keep any two of them, as long as they have a decent reputation."

Shen Yi's mind was currently entirely focused on the martial path.

He had little interest in the trivial matters handled by the bailiffs, nor in the petty graft and extortion they relied on for extra income.

Replacing them with two men who were slightly less corrupt could be considered a small way to accumulate less bad karma.

Hearing this, Song Changfeng paused, not entirely sure if the "reputation" the other man spoke of was meant sarcastically.

When it came to reputation, could anyone under the command of Magistrate Shen ever end up with a good one?

Soon, he turned and called out two names: "Niu Da, Niu Er, from today on, you are transferred to duty to take over for those two."

The men called were the two sturdiest bailiffs, and also the two who wore the most dissatisfied expressions.

The brothers gathered their courage, standing with their arms crossed and cold faces, determined not to give the man surnamed Shen a pleasant look regardless of what he said next.

However, Shen Yi seemed to have no intention of lecturing them, merely turning back to look at Song Changfeng: "Nothing else?"

The bailiff's corpse lay in the courtyard, yet the demon's corpse had vanished without a trace; it was indeed quite strange.

"Thank you for yesterday."

Song Changfeng sighed, unsure if he was referring to the demon-slaying in the guardroom or Shen Yi finding an excuse to leave his home.

Having said that, his eyes held a hint of complexity: "Liu the Clerk asked me to pass a message to you. He says you should restrain yourself; you've been a bit excessive these past two days."

In the past, Shen Yi's intelligence network would have been far superior to that of this sidelined old man, but today, the higher-ups had used him to relay a message.

Perhaps the news of the dog demon's head and the Ape Demon's corpse had finally reached the ears of those above.

"..."

Shen Yi frowned slightly, offering no reply.

"Though demons are brutal, they are ultimately outside the county walls. It is best to turn a blind eye to minor disturbances... you used to be the best at this."

Song Changfeng appeared somewhat dejected; clearly, the incident yesterday where the demon swaggered into the county office to demand accountability had dealt him a heavy blow.

"Alright, go about your business. I'm going back home to rest."

Watching Song Changfeng lead the group of bailiffs out of the courtyard, Shen Yi slowly stood up and walked out the door.

With the Demon Suppression Division inspection imminent, the nerves of the officials in the yamen were stretched thin.

He simply couldn't understand: even if they managed to muddle through this time, what did these people plan to do in the future?

Was temporarily taking off their official hats really more serious than losing their lives?

Those were demons! When they ate people, they wouldn't care if you were a commoner or the county magistrate!

"Magistrate Shen."

Chen Ji cupped his fists, then lowered his voice: "Yesterday... are you alright?"

He had wanted to ask what exactly happened last night, but the words died on his lips.

"I'm fine."

Shen Yi rubbed his temples.

Chen Ji seemed to read his thoughts: "Recently, whether it's those in the yamen or the wealthy gentry in the county, everyone is doing whatever it takes to spend silver in Qing Prefecture to hire renowned martial artists. Even if it's just to guard their homes, it provides a bit more deterrence against the demons outside the city."

"Jianghu martial artists?" Shen Yi glanced over.

"Members of famous orthodox sects, people with proper lineages." Chen Ji's face showed envy as he continued: "For instance, the one hired by the Lin Family, Master Liu Qi, known as the Monument-Splitting Hand. The number of demons who have died under his iron palms alone is in the double digits."

"These martial artists are raised on medicinal baths and fed precious meats and herbs from childhood. They are far more reliable than us bailiffs who started halfway through life. The wealthy gentry never counted on us to protect their families' lives."

"Is the yamen not afraid of them using martial arts to defy the law?" Shen Yi asked, puzzled.

"That wouldn't happen. Any famous orthodox sect is registered with the imperial court." Chen Ji, usually taciturn, was quite interested in these martial arts rumors.

"Besides, those hired with silver are nowhere near as formidable as those hired through connections... It is said that the County Magistrate wrote to his mentor in Qing Prefecture and invited a big shot. This person is usually kept in the residence and rarely shows their face. Even Master Liu Qi had to present his calling card first when he arrived in Baiyun County."

Shen Yi felt moved and said slowly: "Do these Jianghu sects have requirements for taking on disciples?"

If he could find a master, it would surely be more comfortable than staying in this yamen.

"Aptitude, talent, family background, and character—none can be missing." Chen Ji finished, tugging at his sleeve: "There is also a rule that cannot be spoken of openly, and it is the most important one: you cannot wear this uniform."

Looking at his helpless expression, Shen Yi suddenly understood.

The so-called Jianghu should be free and unrestrained, yet now one had to register with the imperial court to be recognized, as if shackled by leg irons.

Once this precedent was set, they inevitably worried about being swallowed and assimilated by the court. Consequently, keeping government moles out became a logical step.

"In short, Baiyun County will remain Baiyun County regardless. It won't descend into total chaos, but the common people will suffer." Chen Ji's eyes held a hint of indignation. At this point, he remembered something and said, full of worry: "The girls have all been sent home, but when will the Ape Demon come?"

In the past, he would never have asked about such things, only cursing the dog-thief surnamed Shen behind his back.

Now, he suddenly realized that mere cursing couldn't solve the problem.

Aside from drawing his blade to hack away, he had no ideas in his head, only a heart full of angry blood. He could only place his hopes on Shen Yi; if the man could move with such ease under the eyes of so many demons, he must be able to think of a way.

"It has already been dealt with."

Shen Yi brushed it off lightly.

Hearing this, Chen Ji was slightly stunned. He hadn't slept well all night, yet the other man had already quietly solved the problem.

"Did the Ape Demon say anything?"

"They said I was efficient in my work in the past and were very satisfied with me. They wanted to give me Song's position."

Shen Yi recalled that the Confucian-robed Old Ape had indeed said that.

"You agreed?"

"No."

"No wonder..." Chen Ji felt a slight headache. He had been wondering what had gotten into Song today; so that was the reason.

"By the way, I forgot to mention, you look a bit strange today." He looked up.

"Strange how?"

"I can't quite put my finger on it... you're just a bit eye-catching."

Shen Yi nodded, roughly understanding what the other meant.

The next moment, the aura flowing wantonly within his body slowly returned to his acupoints.

This cultivation was meant to be displayed for the Demon Suppression Division, not to alert the demons. If all the minor demons hid from him, it would be difficult to replenish his demon longevity.

With his aura retracted, Shen Yi waved his hand: "From now on, you lead them when on duty. Don't cause any trouble."

Hearing this, Chen Ji felt a surge of doubt.

A moment later, he realized what the other meant.

Was he planning a complete overhaul? No more scraping meat off the commoners?

"This subordinate understands!"

"One more thing."

Shen Yi called him back, and Chen Ji turned around, puzzled.

"Lend me some silver. I'll pay you back when the salary is issued."

"..."

Chen Ji rolled his eyes. Fine, fine, now you've switched to scraping meat off me.

He reached into his waist, pulled out three maces of broken silver, and muttered under his breath: "I still have to save up a dowry for Jinyu..."

"Don't worry, if I can't pay it back, I'll marry her."

Shen Yi took the silver casually and stepped out of the courtyard.

(End of chapter)