A few days later, Jiang Wangyue, director of the Water Transport Office, assigned Lu Chen an official post: River Patrol Commandant.
He was responsible for patrolling the Qu River, monitoring the movements of the major river gangs, suppressing river bandits and water demons, and settling disputes on the river.
Early that morning.
Lu Chen changed into the Martial Guard uniform of the Water Transport Office-a fitted black outfit with a long saber at his waist.
A pale gold cloud motif was embroidered on his cuff.
It marked his current rank.
A one-stripe River Patrol Commandant.
Beside him were two fellow commandants. One was a burly man with a saber scar on his face, named Song Renli.
The other was lean, with sharp eyes, named Li Tai.
Both had two cloud motifs embroidered on the cuffs of their uniforms.
Two-stripe commandants.
That meant they had already rendered considerable service to the Water Transport Office.
The three left the Water Transport Office together.
They boarded a river patrol boat and headed for the Muddy Water Gang.
Song Renli stood at the bow, gazing out over the vast river ahead.
"This time, we're visiting the Muddy Water Gang to investigate reports of demons."
"The Qu River hasn't been peaceful lately."
"Mutant beasts and water demons have been active in several stretches of the river."
Li Tai added from beside him, "The Muddy Water Gang is a medium-sized river gang. Their leader, Zhou Cang, is a martial artist at greater mastery of the Meridian-Opening Realm."
"He has some influence in the area."
"But they've been doing better and better in recent years, and they've started ignoring the Water Transport Office's instructions on certain matters."
Song Renli's tone turned cold. "So while we're there, we need to give them a good warning."
Lu Chen nodded,