9: Promoted to acting head of the Monster Hunting Room

"What?"

Chu Jiang was stunned. Li Feng was the leader of the Demon Hunting Division and an Innate expert.

In White Stone County, there should have been no one capable of killing him.

The other three were even more shocked, but secretly rejoiced in their hearts.

Regardless of the reason for Li Feng's death, the Demon Hunting Division could not remain leaderless for long. They would certainly choose a new person in charge to preside over the overall situation.

Liu County Magistrate continued, "Before the imperial court's official appointment comes down, the Demon Hunting Division needs someone to take control of the big picture."

After speaking, he looked at Chu Jiang, "Chief Chu, you are quite familiar with matters regarding demons and monsters, so you shall serve as the Acting Head, taking over all affairs of the Demon Hunting Division."

Chu Jiang's eyes lit up. There was such a good thing? It was truly a pie falling from the sky.

"This subordinate accepts the order!"

Whatever, even if there was some conspiracy behind it, he did not fear it.

If his strength was great, no matter how many schemes they had, he could break them all with a single force.

Liu Ding and Li Dagang widened their eyes, their faces full of disbelief.

What the hell, 'quite familiar with matters regarding demons and monsters'? Isn't this just colluding with demons in secret and bringing them to commoners' homes to feast? Can such a person even be the head of the Demon Hunting Division?

Although Master Li Feng was not exactly an upright official, he had never traded with demons. How could Chu Jiang, a person who often messed around with demons, be...

It was simply ridiculous.

Seeing the changes in the expressions of the few, Liu County Magistrate said in a calm tone, "This is the result of discussions between me, Hu Clerk, and even the County Magistrate. You all just need to follow it!"

The three remained silent. Since the high-ranking officials of White Stone County had already spoken, they could only unwillingly accept their fate: "We understand. From now on, we are willing to listen to Chief Chu... er, no, to the orders of Head Chu."

"Alright, Head Chu stay behind, the three of you may withdraw first." Liu County Magistrate waved his hand to signal.

After the three withdrew.

Liu County Magistrate: "Li Feng's death has caused fury above. They have ordered us to investigate the cause of Head Li's death within one month without fail. After you take office, focus on handling this matter."

"If this matter is handled well, your position as Acting Head of the Demon Hunting Division becoming official will be no problem. The County Magistrate and I will strongly support you in front of the Commandery Governor."

"This is the intelligence we currently possess. You take a look first."

Chu Jiang raised his eyebrows.

Damn it.

He was wondering why these two old men would be so kind as to let him be the head of the Demon Hunting Division. It turns out he was here to be a scapegoat.

As the local chief administrative officials, they certainly bore responsibility for Li Feng's death. If they were unlucky, losing their official hats was entirely possible.

Using a one-month Acting Head position to trade for the safety of their official hats—no matter how you looked at it, it was profitable. This plan was calculated very cleverly.

Chu Jiang put on a difficult expression and said to Liu County Magistrate, "Master Li Feng's death is extraordinary. My strength is low, I am afraid I am unable to shoulder this responsibility!"

"County Magistrate, your strength is high. Wouldn't solving this case be as easy as reaching for something?"

The corner of Liu County Magistrate's mouth twitched slightly. You brat, still 'strength is low'? You're probably already half an Innate expert, yet you're still acting like a little lamb in front of me.

He understood in his heart that Chu Jiang wanted to fish for some benefits from him; otherwise, he would definitely not have agreed so readily.

Therefore, Liu County Magistrate said helplessly, "Speak, what do you want? Money, or beauties... as long as it is not excessive, this official can satisfy you."

Liu County Magistrate sighed in his heart. It seemed he would have to bleed heavily today.

"Money, beauties...?"

Chu Jiang took a deep breath, shook his head, and said, "County Magistrate, I only hope to obtain some Secret Manuals of martial arts, preferably those of a higher Rank. Only then can I better serve the imperial court and handle affairs for the county."

Liu County Magistrate was stunned. Did the sun rise from the west for this brat today? Wasn't he usually most fond of those two big things? Today he actually wanted martial arts Secret Manuals from him?

Also, do you think martial arts are like Chinese cabbage? And 'higher Rank' at that.

"I want martial arts not entirely for myself, but more for the peace of the tens of thousands of commoners in my White Stone County. The stronger my strength, isn't there more of a guarantee against demons?"

Chu Jiang was not lying about this.

An ancient saying goes: When poor, Cultivate one's own virtue; when successful, help the world.

Before, he had no choice, but now he just wanted to be a good person.

"Fine, you wait a moment!"

Liu County Magistrate sighed. How could this guy's expression be so realistic? If you want benefits, just ask for them; why drag it out so far?

An incense stick of time later.

At this moment, Liu County Magistrate returned from outside. In his hands, he held two yellowed books; one was thinner, and the other was thicker.

Liu County Magistrate introduced them to Chu Jiang, "This thinner one is the Great Strength Vajra Palm. This palm technique is rigid and domineering, with immense power. I obtained it by chance. Although there is only one stance, its power exceeds most Acquired martial arts."

Then, he picked up the thick book and said, "And this one is the Clear Wind Art, which belongs to a superior Acquired martial art. When cultivated to the Perfection Realm, its speed can rival that of an Innate expert."

Chu Jiang took these two Secret Manuals and pondered to himself.

This Great Strength Vajra Palm seemed to have similarities to the Mighty Fist he had learned before; both were martial arts dominated by strength.

However, judging by the name, the Great Strength Vajra Palm was clearly more powerful. Perhaps the complete version was even an Innate martial art.

As for the Clear Wind Art, Chu Jiang felt very satisfied because it happened to make up for his shortcomings in footwork, allowing his strength to be further improved.

"By the way, there is a private matter I need to trouble Head Chu with." Liu County Magistrate suddenly spoke up.

"Please speak, County Magistrate. Within my capabilities, I can help."

Chu Jiang did not commit fully; if it was outside his capabilities, saying yes would be useless.

Liu County Magistrate hesitated for a while and said, "It is about Liu Guangwu's younger sister... I know this matter certainly wasn't done by you, but Zhang Liancai kidnapping someone's sister behind your back is ultimately against the regulations."

"Moreover, Zhang Liancai was once your subordinate, and you are familiar with him, so I would like to ask Head Chu to investigate and find his sister back."

Liu County Magistrate certainly knew that Liu Guangwu's sister's disappearance was 80% likely instigated by Chu Jiang behind the scenes. Even if he wasn't the mastermind, with Chu Jiang's understanding of Zhang Liancai, he certainly knew where he had hidden the person.

Whether she returned or not was just a matter of his word.

But, words could not be spoken too bluntly.

In officialdom, once words are spoken fully and absolutely, there is no room for retreat.

One must leave enough room for maneuver.

Hearing Liu County Magistrate's words, Chu Jiang frowned. He was also puzzled; where exactly did Zhang Liancai hide the person?

He said that only he knew.

Wait...

Chu Jiang fell into deep thought, rummaging through the memory fragments in his brain.

The main issue was that the original body's memory was too chaotic. It had everything, especially a cluster of memories that was in a state of Chaos; every time he probed it, there was only emptiness.

March 8th, went to Drunken Flower Tower to listen to the courtesan play music...

March 10th, teased the Widow Wang on East Street in the middle of the street...

March 13th, gambling at the casino, lost 100 taels... 14th, gambled again, won 300 taels... 15th, lost 200 taels...

March 20th, a Pig Demon came to find you, asking you to take it out to eat...

April 1st, Zhang Liancai prepared an underground cage for you...

Hmm?

Underground.

It seems he did mention that. The person is likely there.

This guy is truly something.

"County Magistrate Liu, then I will go back and investigate. I won't stay any longer." Chu Jiang said.

"Then I wish Head Chu a triumphant success. One month later, I and the various officials in the county will celebrate for you!"

Liu County Magistrate smiled.

After Chu Jiang left, his expression instantly returned to calm, as if he were contemplating something.

...