The Folk Customs and Morals Inspection Bureau.
Chen Wei tossed Zhao Dakang aside, sending the fellow straight into the Interrogation Room.
Chu Feng had long been waiting. Without a word, he slipped the black-cloth magical treasure over Zhao Dakang's head.
"Keep him locked up tight. Unless I come myself, don't release him to anyone," Chen Wei instructed at the sight.
"Rest assured, my lord." Chu Feng kicked Zhao Dakang and grinned. "Once someone comes through our doors, no matter who comes for him, I'll need three full days and nights to verify the handwriting first."
Chen Wei nodded, then turned toward the Yamen Inner Hall.
A long table had already been set up in the inner hall.
Ma Muzhi, Pang Long, and Xiao Yan were seated along its two sides.
They all rose when the Chief Official entered.
"Sit, all of you." Chen Wei took the head seat and moistened his throat with a sip of tea, then went straight to the point. "We've detained Zhao Dakang, a trusted aide of Li Yin, the Left Commissioner of Tongming Hall. Old Pang, lay out the situation for everyone."
Pang Long stood without ceremony and began his analysis. "My lord, when all is said and done, our bureau's authority extends only to spreading rumors. As for the specific grave offenses against the heavenly laws committed by Spirit Mountain's Three Demons? The Divine Hall of Justice determines their guilt, and the Thunder Department carries out the sentence. We have no business intervening."
"So we just write up some closing statement and hand Zhao Dakang over?" Ma Muzhi stroked his chin and chimed in.
"It's not that simple." Pang Long drew out his feather fan and waved it. "Convictions need a baseline. Were the Three Demons' dirty deeds at the Tongtian River merely