Chapter 44 Turmoil in the Hall

As the four large characters appeared, Head Constable Wang's jaw twitched almost imperceptibly.

He couldn't help but inwardly curse his brother-in-law for acting like a saint while doing dirty work; the performance was a bit over the top. Yet, on the surface, he showed nothing, instead feigning admiration.

"Brother-in-law, your calligraphy truly possesses a penetrating strength and an Aura that transcends generations. I have truly opened my eyes today."

Xu Changze set down his brush, heard the flattery, and suddenly chuckled.

"Whether the calligraphy is good or not doesn't matter. What's important is the principle behind it. You must remember, these four characters are our talisman for protecting our official positions."

Head Constable Wang was stunned. "Brother-in-law, what do you mean?"

Xu Changze gently blew on the fan surface and said slowly.

"This 'Clear' refers to keeping the accounts clear and the cash flow transparent. When superiors investigate, we must have something presentable to show."

"As for 'Righteous', it naturally means having a legitimate name. Everything must have a justifiable pretext. Suppressing bandits, eliminating demons... even if you burn Sangye Village to the ground, it must be for the sake of overall stability."

"'Integrity'—you must take with integrity. Money must pass through your hands, but your hands must remain clean. At the very least, the books must be clean."

"As for 'Bright'..." Xu Changze's voice suddenly took on a hint of ruthlessness.

"You must be clear in your actions. The rules must be placed in the open where everyone can see them, yet no one can find any leverage against you."

Finally, he tossed the fan into Head Constable Wang's arms. "Keep it well. When it's hot, give it a wave—it'll keep you cool."

Head Constable Wang caught the fan and was about to offer some flattery when a commotion suddenly came from outside the hall.

Xu Changze and Head Constable Wang exchanged glances and frowned simultaneously.

"What happened?" Xu Changze asked in a deep voice.

A yamen runner scrambled in, his face filled with fear and disbelief.

"My Lord! Chen Mu and Liu Ziming, they've returned! They are waiting in front of the hall!"

"What!"

Head Constable Wang was greatly shocked; he almost dropped the fan and exclaimed, "They... they really came back?!"

Xu Changze's expression was displeased, but he didn't lash out on the spot. He sat back down and tapped his fingers against the armrest one by one.

Although he hadn't been to Sangye Village personally, he understood the situation. The five people previously sent were all skilled hands, the worst of them being at the Dao Entry Realm Early Stage, yet they all died miserably.

And Chen Mu had only just barely reached the Dao Entry Realm, while that Liu Ziming was even more of a half-baked amateur. How could they...

Looking at the pale-faced Head Constable Wang, Xu Changze slapped the table, his tone full of frustration at his incompetence.

"What are you panicking about? You didn't listen to a single word I just said."

"I said, the accounts must be clear, and the name must be righteous. If they return, there are naturally countermeasures for their return."

"If the demon infestation is quelled and the heroes return in triumph, then we will submit a petition for merit. As for the funds for reconstruction and pacification, not a single cent will be missing..."

Head Constable Wang was dazed for a moment, then his eyes brightened. He straightened his back, realizing that what he was holding wasn't just a paper fan, but a scabbard that could firmly hide the blades of all their schemes!

"Let's go, we will also go and test the reality of these two heroes."

Xu Changze stood up, left, and strode toward the front hall.

...

In the front hall of the Demon Suppression Division, the atmosphere was somewhat strange.

Chen Mu and Liu Ziming stood in the center, surrounded by a circle of colleagues from the Demon Suppression Division. No one spoke, and they were sizing the two up as if they were monsters.

Although their clothes were torn and they were covered in dust, they both stood straight.

Especially Chen Mu, whose expression was calm and eyes were clear, showing no signs of decadence or lethargy, let alone the disheveled appearance of someone who had narrowly escaped death.

The people around them finally couldn't help but start whispering to each other.

"They actually really came back? This is the first group to return from Sangye Village in one piece."

"I think they didn't dare to go in, just wandered around outside for a few days, and thought of making up a lie to report back?"

"Skinny Monkey! What happened to your leg? Did a demon chase you?"

Hearing these comments, Liu Ziming's face flushed red, and he couldn't help but loudly argue back.

"What are you arguing about! We've already solved the demon infestation in Sangye Village!"

Everyone was stunned, and then a louder burst of laughter erupted.

"Solved it? Just the two of you? Weren't the few sent out before all stronger than you?"

"Exactly, have you gone mad? How many people did that demon in Sangye Village kill? You say you killed it, where is the proof?"

Liu Ziming glared at the person who spoke, puffed out his chest, and said loudly.

"The village was plagued by a Cat Demon, which possessed bodies and caused chaos, killing quite a few people. But, my brother and I aren't pushovers! After a battle, we cut that wicked Cat Demon down! Now the village is peaceful, and everything has been settled!"

He said this very cleverly; he both praised Chen Mu and didn't completely erase his own hard work, while also pushing the lion's share of the credit to the main person responsible.

Just then, a dignified voice came from outside the hall.

"Oh? I have underestimated you, Skinny Monkey. When did you acquire the ability to slay demons?"

Everyone gave way. Xu Changze stepped out, with Head Constable Wang closely behind, his eyes filled with resentment, almost burning holes into the two of them.

When Liu Ziming saw the County Magistrate, his Aura immediately shrank by half. He chuckled awkwardly and waved his hands repeatedly.

"My Lord, you flatter me. How could a subordinate like me have such ability? It was mainly thanks to Chen Mu; Chen Mu is truly the capable one! I just followed along to help out, run errands, and gain some experience."

He said this very cleverly; he both praised Chen Mu and didn't completely erase his own hard work, while also pushing the lion's share of the credit to the main person responsible.

Xu Changze raised his eyebrows slightly, turned to look at Chen Mu, observed him for a moment, and a flash of surprise crossed his eyes.

This kid... his Aura seems different from before. Although it is still restrained, it is no longer as unsubstantial as when he first entered the Dao Entry Realm.

Could it be...

Suppressing the faint unease in his heart, Xu Changze slowly spoke.

"Chen Mu, is what Liu Ziming said true?"

Chen Mu's expression was calm, and he replied with a bow.

"Reporting to My Lord, the demon infestation in Sangye Village has indeed been eradicated. The Cat Demon causing the trouble took form by borrowing the villagers' resentment, devouring their souls through dreams, and turning them into demonized Puppets."

"The Cat Demon has now been slain, and the demonized villagers have been taken care of. The remaining thirty-seven survivors have been properly settled."

His voice was not loud, but every word was clear, and everyone present was stunned for a moment.

After a while, Head Constable Wang reacted and asked with a sinister tone from the side.

"Mere words are not proof, My Lord. In my opinion, this matter still needs careful verification. If someone is falsely reporting battle achievements and deceiving their superiors, that is a serious crime!"

Chen Mu raised his eyes, looked directly at Xu Changze, neither humble nor arrogant.

"If My Lord does not believe me, you can send someone with me to verify. The villagers are all there, and the demonized corpses are also buried in the village; one look will confirm it."

Xu Changze pondered for a long time, then suddenly showed a smile that could be called amiable.

"Verification is unnecessary. I have long known that you are a young hero. To be able to wipe out the demon infestation in Sangye Village at such a young age is truly a blessing for Yunmeng and a fortune for the common people!"

"Such achievements must be recorded in detail and reported to the Prefecture! When the Special Envoy comes for an inspection, I will certainly recommend you with all my might. Chen Mu, your future is limitless."

These words were spoken with high-sounding rhetoric. If it were a young person just starting out, they probably would have knelt and kowtowed long ago, thanking their superior for their recognition.

But Chen Mu just nodded slightly, too lazy for pleasantries, and went straight to the point.

"Thank you, My Lord. I wonder when the Cultivation Technique you previously promised can be fulfilled?"