Fei Yan, the Patrol Bureau's deputy chief, and the general of the North Prosper Guard sat on the left, leisurely sipping tea, perfectly at ease.
The officials of Northchang County wore worried expressions.
Among the Devil Sect members from the Ministry of Justice on the right, only Zhang Yulin was seated. The rest stood, their clothes in tatters and bloodstains covering them.
Zhang Yulin turned to look them over. After noticing the robes worn by Li Qingxian, Jing Guan, and the others, he withdrew his gaze, only to see, to his surprise, Fei Yan rise of his own accord and walk toward Li Qingxian with a broad smile.
"You're back, Lord Li? You captured more people from Nether Mountain than anyone else. At times like these, we really must rely on a Fate Arts Master! Rest assured, Lord Li, the chief credit this time is yours..." Seeing Li Qingxian suddenly give him a meaningful look, Fei Yan immediately changed tack. "Come, please sit."
Li Qingxian smiled. "I was merely lucky enough to run into some people from Nether Mountain. As for the chief credit, that belongs to you gentlemen. What happens next? Do we stay here, leave, or pursue them?"
Fei Yan followed his lead. "This is one of the biggest cases we've had this year. Dozens of Middle Rank cultivators lurking in Northchang County-it's horrifying. This must be reported to the Cabinet, for the grand secretaries and His Majesty to decide. For now, we can only continue investigating, interrogating, and making preparations."
Hearing "Fate Arts Master" and the surname Li, Zhang Yulin suddenly understood and reined in his anger.
Li Qingxian glanced at Zhang Yulin and cupped his hands. "May I ask this gentleman from the Ministry of Justice what exactly happened?"
Zhang Yulin sighed. "Northchang County took it