Good Reputation

[You successfully dismantled a gang faction. Merit +120.]

Zhao Zhi's brows twitched as he looked at the information appearing on the panel.

120 Merit.

That was quite a bit lower than he had imagined.

Perhaps it was because the Gray Snake Gang was merely a small gang, and its leader was only at Postnatal Perfection rather than an Innate Warrior.

Or perhaps it was because several of the Gray Snake Gang's higher-ups had already been slain by Zhao Zhi, leaving only insignificant rabble whose overall threat was extremely limited.

He reined in his thoughts.

Zhao Zhi turned his attention to his own condition again.

[Martial arts: Innate Unity Qi Technique (Minor Achievement), Giant Gate Palm (Not Initiated), Wild Wind Saber Technique (Not Initiated)...]

[Merit: 242]

His Merit had finally reached three digits.

It could be used to raise his realm.

With a thought, Zhao Zhi poured his Merit into the Innate Unity Qi Technique.

[100 Merit consumed. Innate Unity Qi Technique has reached Major Achievement.]

[100 Merit consumed. Innate Unity Qi Technique has reached Perfection.]

In an instant.

A vast, profound, and mysterious energy emerged from nowhere within Zhao Zhi's body. Following the circulation route of the Innate Unity Qi Technique, it coursed through the meridians of his entire body, guiding the inner qi already within him.

Cycle after cycle.

The inner qi, once no thicker than a little finger, rapidly swelled to more than ten times its former size.

Incomparably dense inner qi filled his body. With every gesture, it seemed as though inexhaustible power would pour forth.

Zhao Zhi clenched his fist and carefully sensed the power within him, thoroughly satisfied.

Innate Perfection.

Such a martial realm already placed him among the very best in vast Qingfeng County. It was enough to deal with most situations. Even if County Magistrate Lu Guangyi was colluding with Flying Cloud Stronghold, there was little to fear.

Zhao Zhi glanced at his remaining Merit.

42 Merit looked like a fair amount, but it was nowhere near enough to improve an Innate martial art.

The Merit required for Giant Gate Palm and Wild Wind Saber Technique was no less than that required for the Innate Unity Qi Technique.

Had he known earlier, he might have wiped out the Gray Snake Gang entirely and gained even more Merit.

News of the Gray Snake Gang's disbandment spread through all of Qingfeng County at astonishing speed.

The Gray Snake Gang was not a top-tier force in vast Qingfeng County, and its influence was extremely limited.

But the disbandment of a gang was no small matter.

Especially since the Gray Snake Gang had been disbanded because of a mere blue-clad constable from the county yamen.

Not only that.

Before disbanding, the Gray Snake Gang returned every last bit of the protection money it had forcibly extorted from the common people.

As a result, the Qingfeng County yamen's reputation soared, while Zhao Zhi's name rapidly spread throughout the entire county.

In the rear courtyard of the county yamen.

County Magistrate Lu Guangyi wore a cold expression as he listened to the news Qi D aqu had gathered from outside. His face grew increasingly gloomy.

It was as though he did not want the yamen's reputation to spread far and wide.

Lu Guangyi lightly tapped the table with his fingers. His bean-sized eyes shifted as he pondered carefully.

Several breaths later.

He tilted his head slightly and looked toward Chen Qingzhi, the constable chief standing to one side.

Chen Qingzhi, Innate Minor Achievement, constable chief of Qingfeng County, and Lu Guangyi's confidant.

"Qingzhi, what do you think of this Zhao Zhi's strength?"

Hearing this, Chen Qingzhi instinctively rubbed his chin. After thinking briefly, he slowly said, "A few days ago, news came that Lei Jue, leader of the Gray Snake Gang, had broken through to Postnatal Perfection. Most of his deputy leaders and hall masters were at Postnatal Minor Achievement. Their overall strength was not particularly formidable.

"But if one wished to uproot the entire Gray Snake Gang and make them willingly disband, that was not something just anyone could accomplish.

"Postnatal Perfection would not be enough. At the very least, one would need to be at the Innate level."

"Innate?!" Lu Guangyi stared at Chen Qingzhi. "You're saying that Zhao Zhi has stepped into the Innate Realm?"

Chen Qingzhi replied calmly, "There is a very high possibility."

"Innate."

Lu Guangyi murmured, his fingers tapping the tabletop faster and faster, producing a steady thud.

Zhao Zhi actually possessed the strength of an Innate Warrior. How had no one discovered it before?

When the yamen's constables had campaigned against Flying Cloud Stronghold, Zhao Zhi had displayed only the level of Postnatal Initiation, without any remarkable performance. Moreover, Zhao Zhi's father had taken part in that campaign, which was why Zhao Zhi had not gone to Flying Cloud Stronghold.

Now it seemed.

This Zhao Zhi had hidden himself deeply indeed.

An Innate Warrior was enough to count as a notable figure in Qingfeng County.

"If he wants a good name, then let him build one properly." A gleam flashed deep in Lu Guangyi's eyes. The corners of his lips lifted faintly as he looked at Chen Qingzhi. "Who has yet to agree to this renewed campaign against Flying Cloud Stronghold?"

Without hesitation, Chen Qingzhi answered, "The Fan Family."

"The Fan Family, them again."

Lu Guangyi looked displeased. His eyelids lowered slightly, and even the movements of his hands stopped. After a moment of silence, he said, "As I recall, the Fan Family's second son is a notorious dandy. He rides recklessly through the county seat and has injured quite a few people. He refuses to mend his ways despite repeated admonitions, correct?"

"Yes."

"The Fan Family's eldest son left Qingfeng County two years ago and seems to possess Innate Minor Achievement strength. The Fan Family itself also has an Innate Minor Achievement martial artist."

"Yes."

Lu Guangyi smiled slightly. "Zhao Zhi wants a good reputation, so we will go with the current and give him one."

Chen Qingzhi's gaze shifted faintly. After glancing at Lu Guangyi, he nodded. "This subordinate understands."

The next instant.

Clang.

With a crisp ring, Chen Qingzhi drew the saber at his waist. His expression instantly turned icy as he looked toward the door. "Who is it?!"

"Constable Chief Chen's vigilance truly is impressive."

Accompanied by a slightly hoarse voice, a figure completely shrouded in a black cloak slowly stepped into the rear courtyard study. He stood in the center of the room, raised a hand to pull back his hood, and revealed the face of a middle-aged man.

The man appeared to be in his thirties or forties. His brows were thick and dense, nearly joined into a single line, while his thick lips were a dark red.

The second leader of Flying Cloud Stronghold, Luo Yun.

"Luo Yun?" When Lu Guangyi saw Luo Yun appear, his eyes gradually narrowed, revealing his displeasure. "You dare come to the yamen?"

Luo Yun smiled faintly. "The Fifth and Fourth have died one after another within the city. Then I heard the county seat was preparing to attack Flying Cloud Stronghold. Big Brother sent me to take a look and find out what exactly was going on."

Lu Guangyi frowned. "Didn't I have someone deliver a letter? Did you not receive it?"

"We received it." Luo Yun casually pulled over a chair and sat down without the slightest restraint. "But an unknown constable killing two leaders of Flying Cloud Stronghold in succession is truly difficult to believe."

Displeasure welled up deep in Lu Guangyi's eyes at Luo Yun's behavior. "This official underestimated Zhao Zhi. He is no ordinary constable; he possesses the strength of the Innate Realm."

"The Innate Realm?"

Luo Yun raised his thick brows. "Are you telling the truth?"

"It is true. A few days ago, he even killed Lei Jue, leader of the Gray Snake Gang, and dismantled the Gray Snake Gang. You only need to ask around a little to confirm it." Lu Guangyi paused for a breath before continuing, "As for this attack on Flying Cloud Stronghold, it is meant to give Big Brother an explanation."

"An explanation?"

Lu Guangyi said, "In this campaign against Flying Cloud Stronghold, I will definitely send Zhao Zhi. His life or death will be for you to decide. As for the funds gathered this time, Flying Cloud Stronghold may take thirty percent. The things Flying Cloud Stronghold wants will also be delivered ahead of schedule along the way. How about it?"

Luo Yun pondered for a moment. "Fine. I hope County Magistrate Lu remembers his agreement with Big Brother."

"Of course, of course."

Lu Guangyi smiled.