The Divine Dao's Methods, a Seal Changes Hands

The golden light in the duty room gradually faded, but the water vapor remained so thick that every breath felt heavy.

Zhang Cheng watched the Water Earl's remnant soul giggling like a child above the seal. After a long while, he let out a deep sigh and withdrew the County Commandant's Official Seal, which hung in midair radiating the authority of the law.

"That's enough."

Zhang Cheng rubbed his brow wearily, his voice a little hoarse. "We won't get anything out of him anytime soon. We didn't catch the real culprit on the spot, but at least half the burden on Anping County has been lifted."

He turned to Chu Bai, who stood quietly beside him.

"Chu Bai, you did exceptionally well this time."

There was lingering fear in Zhang Cheng's voice, as well as relief. "If you hadn't risked your life to seize the seal and preserve the Water Earl's divine status, Wei Chuan's forced takeover today would have left us accused of failing in our duty and losing the evidence. They might even have made up a story about the Water Earl's death and pinned it on us."

Chu Bai cupped his hands. "I only did my best to preserve the scene, sir. I don't deserve such praise."

"Few Qi Refining cultivators in all of Qingzhou could do what you did—hold on to that seal against a Foundation Establishment decree."

Zhang Cheng waved a hand, his expression complicated. "As for the Prefectural City's Inspection Office... Wei Chuan suffered a setback. He'll certainly complain about me to Lord Sima."

"But the seal is here, and the Water Earl's remnant soul survives. I, Zhang Cheng, hold the moral high ground for preserving a Divine Dao Seal. Even if this dispute reaches the Prefect of Great Wall Prefecture, I won't fear