156 A Fortunate Night, Right Here, Tonight

Martial Commandant Hall.

The records archive was pitch-black throughout, six zhang tall and two stories high, built of black ironwood, sturdy and heavy. A thick lock hung on the door. Li Xian hacked at it several times, but couldn't break it open.

With no other choice, he sent someone to look for the key.

After some twists and turns, they opened the main gate. A thick cloud of smoke rolled out. Li Xian covered his mouth and nose, then struck several palms through the air, the force of his blows sweeping away the accumulated dust.

Only then did he enter the archive.

Inside were nothing but files on Jianghu cases, recording the misdeeds of vicious criminals.

The Martial Commandant's office held a special position. During the Great Martial Dynasty's revival, they had once established a Martial Commandant in every county, bringing the Jianghu under the court's control.

But it had been difficult to maintain.

Looking at the current state of affairs, throughout the counties around Qingning, Li Xian was the only Martial Commandant Lang. Thus, information was sealed off, Jianghu criminals appeared one after another, and yet no wanted lists were ever sent over.

Most of what had piled up in the archive was old material from more than a decade ago.

Li Xian held up an oil lamp. Since so much time had passed, the files had scattered all over the floor, a chaotic mess.

"These criminals, after ten years, could have fled to the ends of the earth. They've long since vanished without a trace. How could anyone still catch them?"

"But this is perfect for learning about the dangers of the Jianghu."

He found a spot at random, sat cross-legged, and picked up a file to read. "Leg Butcher, a bloodthirsty killer who once slaughtered an entire