An hour later, in the second hall of the Anping County offices.
Outside, the night was as dark as ink, yet inside, someone's surging fury made the hall feel stiflingly hot.
Bang!
A dull crash rang out. Zhang Cheng, director of the Demon-Suppression Office, slammed his palm, broad as a cattail fan, onto the century-old Ironwood tea table beside him.
Several spiderweb cracks instantly spread across the hard tabletop. A teacup toppled, and warm tea dripped over the edge onto the blue-brick floor.
After hearing Pang Song and Hu Hao's detailed report about the underground Old Red Copper Mine, the Dragon-Seeking Geomantic Orb, and Zhao Ting, the Changfeng County Registrar, the hot-tempered head of the Demon-Suppression Office was already so furious his hair seemed ready to lift his crown.
"Those sons of bitches in Longwind County!"
Zhang Cheng shot to his feet and paced through the hall like an enraged black bear, his eyes blazing as he roared, "Usually, they steal our water along the border and help themselves to some of our timber. Fine!
"But now that Anping County has finally welcomed the heaven-sent opportunity of its earth vein's revival, they're actually setting their sights on our very roots!"
He whipped his head toward Chu Bai, seated in the place of honor, and clasped his fists to request permission to fight. "Your Majesty! We absolutely cannot let this slide! They've pushed their bullying right beneath our feet. If we don't show them a thing or two, anyone will think they can come trample Anping County!"
Compared with Zhang Cheng's fury, which threatened to lift the roof, Chu Bai seemed extraordinarily calm behind the magistrate's desk.
So calm that it stirred an inexplicable flutter of dread.
Chu Bai did not immediately answer Zhang Cheng's request. He did not even raise