Lonely in Her Own Fragrance

Gaolin County Government Office.

Lu Chen and Cao Zhen arrived at the side hall, where someone had already gotten there ahead of them.

Spread across the large desk in the center of the side hall was still the map of Gaolin County.

Seated in the seat of honor was a middle-aged man dressed in an official robe.

He had a square, dignified face, a short beard, and a steady gaze carrying a hint of authority. He was Xu Jinheng, the County Commandant of Gaolin County.

Zhu Hanjiang stood before the desk, speaking to him in a low voice.

Beside Xu Jinheng stood a young martial artist.

He was around Lu Chen's age, seventeen or eighteen. He was tall, broad-shouldered, and dressed in black martial attire. His qi and blood were steady, and his skin faintly showed a thick, heavy quality. A sharp, arrogant air lingered between his brows and eyes.

Seeing this, Cao Zhen quietly said to Lu Chen, "That's the champion of this year's Martial Examination in Gaolin County, Ma Changkui."

Lu Chen's eyes flickered.

After the two entered the hall, Zhu Hanjiang looked up at them.

"You're here."

Cao Zhen cupped his fists. "Commander Zhu, County Commandant Xu."

Lu Chen followed suit. "Greetings, County Commandant Xu. Lord Zhu."

Xu Jinheng's gaze fell on Lu Chen, and he gave a slight nod.

"You're Lu Chen, transferred here from Scarlet Cloud County?"

"That's right."

"I've already heard Commander Zhu tell me about yesterday's events."

Xu Jinheng's tone was gentle, and his eyes held a hint of appreciation. "You'd only just arrived in Gaolin County, yet you rooted out a hidden traitor. Rare indeed."

"It was my duty," Lu Chen replied.

Beside them, Ma Changkui's gaze also shifted to Lu Chen at those words.

Their eyes met.

The air seemed to