Good Reputation

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

Zhao Zhi's brows twitched slightly 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 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 gathered his thoughts.

Zhao Zhi turned his attention to his own condition once more.

[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 Merit into the Innate Unity Qi Technique.

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

[100 Merit consumed. Innate Unity Qi Technique, Perfection.]

In an instant.

A vast, mysterious energy arose from somewhere within Zhao Zhi's body. It circulated through the meridians throughout his body along the Innate Unity Qi Technique's route, guiding the inner qi already within him.

Cycle after cycle.

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

Immeasurably dense inner qi filled his body. With every lift of his hand and step he took, it seemed as though boundless strength could pour forth.

Zhao Zhi clenched his fist and carefully sensed the power within his body, deeply satisfied.

Innate Perfection.

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

Zhao Zhi glanced at his remaining Merit.

42 Merit looked like quite a lot, 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 needed for the Innate Unity Qi Technique.

If he had known, he might have exterminated the Gray Snake Gang entirely. Perhaps he could have gained more Merit that way.

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

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

Yet the dissolution of a gang was no small matter.

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

Not only that.

Before disbanding, the Gray Snake Gang returned every last bit of the incense money it had forcibly extorted from the common folk over the years.

As a result, the Qingfeng County yamen's reputation soared, and Zhao Zhi's name quickly spread throughout the county.

The county yamen's rear courtyard.

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.

As though he did not want the yamen's reputation to flourish.

Lu Guangyi lightly tapped his fingers against the table, his bean-sized eyes shifting as he pondered carefully.

Several breaths later.

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

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

"Qingzhi, what do you think Zhao Zhi's strength is like?"

Hearing this, Chen Qingzhi subconsciously rubbed his chin. After giving it some thought, he slowly said, "A few days ago, word spread that Lei Jue, the Gray Snake Gang's leader, had broken through to Postnatal Perfection. Most of the deputy leaders and hall masters beneath him were at Postnatal Minor Achievement, so the gang as a whole was not particularly strong.

"But uprooting the entire Gray Snake Gang and making them willingly disband is not something just anyone can 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 Zhao Zhi has stepped into the Innate Realm?"

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

"Innate."

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

Zhao Zhi actually possessed the strength of an Innate Warrior. How had they never discovered it before?

When the yamen's constables had launched their campaign against Flying Cloud Stronghold, Zhao Zhi had only displayed the level of Postnatal Initiation and had shown nothing remarkable. Moreover, Zhao Zhi's father had taken part in that campaign, which was why Zhao Zhi himself had not gone to Flying Cloud Stronghold.

Looking at it now.

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 reputation, then let him build one properly." A glint flashed in the depths of Lu Guangyi's eyes. The corners of his lips lifted slightly as he looked at Chen Qingzhi. "For this renewed campaign against Flying Cloud Stronghold, who has yet to agree?"

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

"The Fan Family. Them again."

Lu Guangyi's expression darkened. His eyelids lowered, and even the movement of his hand came to a halt. After a moment of silence, he said, "As I recall, the Fan Family's second son is a notorious playboy. He gallops through the county town on horseback and has injured quite a few people. He refuses to mend his ways despite repeated warnings, correct?"

"Yes."

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

"Yes."

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

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

The next instant.

Clang.

With a crisp ring, Chen Qingzhi's saber left its sheath. His expression instantly turned icy as he looked toward the door. "Who is it?!"

"Chief Constable Chen truly is vigilant."

Along with the somewhat hoarse voice, a figure entirely shrouded in a black cloak slowly stepped into the rear courtyard study. He stopped in the center of the room, reached out to pull back his hood, and revealed the face of a middle-aged man.

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

Flying Cloud Stronghold's Second Master, Luo Yun.

"Luo Yun?" At the sight of Luo Yun, Lu Guangyi gradually narrowed his eyes, displeasure showing on his face. "You dare come to the yamen?"

Luo Yun smiled lightly. "Fifth Brother and Fourth Brother died one after another in the city. Then I heard the county town was preparing to attack Flying Cloud Stronghold, so Eldest 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 did." Luo Yun casually pulled over a chair from the side and sat down without the slightest concern. "But an obscure constable killing two of Flying Cloud Stronghold's masters in succession is truly hard to believe."

Watching Luo Yun's actions, displeasure welled up in Lu Guangyi's eyes. "I underestimated Zhao Zhi. He is no ordinary constable, but someone with strength in the Innate Realm."

"Innate?"

Luo Yun raised a thick brow. "You mean that is true?"

"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 need only ask around a little to learn this." Lu Guangyi paused for a breath before continuing, "As for this attack on Flying Cloud Stronghold, it is meant to give Eldest Master an explanation."

"An explanation?"

Lu Guangyi said, "In this campaign against Flying Cloud Stronghold, I will certainly have Zhao Zhi go. Whether he lives or dies will be up to you. Of the funds raised this time, Flying Cloud Stronghold may take thirty percent. The things Flying Cloud Stronghold wants will also be sent over early along with the current. What do you say?"

Luo Yun pondered for a moment, then said, "Good. I hope County Magistrate Lu remembers his agreement with Eldest Brother."

"Of course, of course."

Lu Guangyi smiled.