The Taihu Lake Calamity

Once Jiang Yuechu was seated, Lu Jingchun cupped her hands. "Inspector Jiang, please sit for a moment. I need to check on an old comrade's injuries. I'll be right back."

With that, she turned to the attendant officer beside her, her gaze sharp. "See that our honored guest is well cared for. Don't slight her."

The officer's heart tightened, and he hurriedly nodded.

As Lu Jingchun strode away, the atmosphere in the main hall grew subtly awkward.

Autumn rain pattered outside the window, while the fragrance of tea curled through the hall.

Several gazes drifted toward the silver-robed girl.

"Ahem."

A soft cough broke the silence.

Zhang Daoxuan looked Jiang Yuechu over. "This humble Daoist is Zhang Daoxuan of Dragon-Tiger Mountain. Greetings, Inspector Jiang."

Jiang Yuechu turned to glance at the young Daoist and gave a slight nod. "I've heard much about you."

"..."

Embarrassment flashed through Zhang Daoxuan's eyes, but quickly faded. "This humble Daoist reached Ink-Point Perfection at twenty-seven. I'd thought my talent counted among the finest in the Great Tang."

"But seeing Inspector Jiang today... so young, yet already a Silver Robe inspector..."

He shook his head and sighed. "There truly are heavens beyond the heavens, and people beyond people."

Before his words had faded,

a wave of true qi spread from beneath his plain white Daoist robe.

Everyone in the hall was an officer under Lu Jingchun's command. Naturally, they sensed it, but each looked down and pretended not to notice.

The young Celestial Master was proud. It was only natural that he resented being outdone by a girl.

Jiang Yuechu's expression did not change. She lifted her teacup and took a gentle sip.

Inside her, the Four-Pattern Ink Elixir merely trembled.

The next instant,

Zhang Daoxuan nearly sprang to his feet.

It had lasted only