Chapter Six: Did I Misjudge Him?
As soon as those words were spoken, Min Ming clenched her fists tightly. Yet her nature only allowed her to lower her delicate head and remain silent.
Min Ning stepped forward to her sister, and the hand gripping the sword loosened involuntarily.
[Negative Emotion: 30]
Seeing her negative emotions suddenly subside, Chen Yi was quite pleased.
It seemed she was beginning to see him in a new light.
That was good.
The more she changed her perception now, the deeper her hatred would grow later. The deeper the trust, the more intense the hatred when betrayed.
However, Chen Yi would not stoop to causing harm for the sake of hatred.
If it were just a game, mere numbers and data, then maximizing initial gains might be acceptable. But this was no longer just a game—or rather, the game had become reality. Chen Yi had a line he would never cross.
To cause harm just to be hated.
How low could that be?
Am I such a lowly person?
I have far more sophisticated methods.
Min Ning looked at her sister with concern. Taller than Min Ming, she placed her hands gently on her sister’s shoulders. From a glance, they resembled a pair of striking siblings.
After confirming Min Ming was unharmed, Min Ning began to believe Chen Yi’s words, though she remained puzzled.
But... why did her sister’s face look so ashen, filled with hatred?
Could it be something even more dreadful than the locked cage?
[Negative Emotion: 35]
Hatred surged within Min Ning as she said, “Chen Baihu, if you dare harm your comrades’ kin, you shall be punished with forty lashes and dismissed from your post.”
Chen Yi frowned slightly.
“I really didn’t do anything to her,” he replied.
Min Ning snorted coldly.
“I will investigate myself.”
Then, as if recalling something, she opened her mouth but hesitated.
Chen Yi interrupted bluntly.
“If you have something to say, say it quickly.”
Min Ning struggled for a moment but then composed herself and ordered:
“The Prince of Xiang has colluded with the demonic cult. Although the ringleader has been captured, remnants of the cult still operate in the capital. I hereby command you to gather your men and join me in hunting these traitors...”
Upon saying this, Min Ning felt a pang of regret, yet there was no alternative. Ostracized by both the Eastern and Western Bureaus, Chen Yi was her only option. She had even prepared herself to be coldly received.
But to her surprise, Chen Yi nodded slightly and said:
“Remnants of the demonic cult must not be spared.”
Min Ning was puzzled but seized the opportunity and quickly commanded:
“Exactly. A group of cult remnants have gathered at the South Bank ferry. I order you to lead your men swiftly to apprehend them.”
Chen Yi sensed something amiss.
“How come? Weren’t you supposed to oversee the Eastern Bureau? You’re practically one of them. Why call on the Western Bureau? Where’s the Eastern Bureau?”
Min Ning was momentarily speechless, then replied with difficulty:
“Rumors say the Eastern Bureau’s supervisor Xue Youge secretly colludes with the Prince of Xiang’s household...”
Her tone weakened, then she changed expression and added coldly:
“Baihu, do not refuse. If I report you to the thousand-household commander, you won’t fare well.”
She held up two fingers, implying “at least twenty lashes.”
Hearing this threat, Chen Yi narrowed his eyes.
“Higher rank suffocates lower,” he murmured.
Min Ning stared at him anxiously. Without his cooperation, going alone meant certain death.
For this mission, she had even brought all her remaining salary—twenty taels of silver.
“Let me wash my face first.”
Chen Yi unhooked the embroidered spring knife on his waist, turned away, and scooped water from the basin.
Though she knew he was stalling, Min Ning still perked up her ears.
“All ready. Let’s go.”
“If the Eastern Bureau won’t handle it, then the Western Bureau will.”
[Negative Emotion: 15]
...
Upon entering the Western Bureau, several sergeants hurried forward, clasping their hands in salute.
“Organize a few brothers to go to the South Bank ferry,” Chen Yi ordered without hesitation.
The sergeants exchanged glances. One named Zeng showed a troubled expression.
“This... might not be a good idea,” said Sergeant Zeng.
“Why not?” Chen Yi asked.
“You must have forgotten, about ten days ago, we received some ‘wine money’ from Elder Li,” Zeng replied, holding up two fingers and making a small gesture to indicate ‘just a little.’
Yes, just a little.
Chen Yi suddenly recalled.
Indeed, at the start, for maximum benefit, he had sent men to shake down the demonic cult!
A full thousand taels of silver—he kept half himself and divided the rest.
Zeng’s gesture caught Min Ning’s eye, causing her brows to furrow and a flash of resentment to cross her phoenix-like eyes.
[Negative Emotion: 25]
Chen Yi cleared his throat twice.
“A little wine money? That’s hardly enough for the brothers.”
Then he patted Sergeant Zeng’s shoulder.
He cautiously asked,
“You mean...?”
Chen Yi bluntly stated,
“We shake them down again. We need more money.”
The Western Bureau sergeants brightened but hesitated.
After all, they’d just shaken them down ten days ago...
“Once past this village, there’s no such store,” Chen Yi warned.
The sergeants turned and nodded repeatedly.
“Such petty criminals dare break the law under the emperor’s nose?”
“I’ve long intended to punish traitors and evildoers. Today, hearing the thousand-household’s words is like a wake-up call.”
“Sergeant Zeng, I too have suddenly seen the light—ready to become a Buddha on the spot.”
Laughter erupted among the men.
Min Ning’s gaze remained uneasy. Honest by nature, she couldn’t grasp their intentions.
Chen Yi hooked her shoulder and pulled her aside.
“What are you doing? No respect!” Min Ning glared as she was yanked.
Chen Yi leaned close and whispered,
“I am a proud man of seven feet. How could I stoop to their level?
This is a ruse. While we make a show of one thing, we secretly prepare another—to catch them off guard.”
Min Ning suddenly understood.
People prefer compromise. If told outright to kill the cult, these old foxes would refuse. But if it’s just another extortion of the cult, they’ll go for it.
Ingenious...
Min Ning couldn’t help but feel a hint of admiration.
[Negative Emotion: 18]
Suddenly, something whispered in her ear, jolting her awake.
She pushed Chen Yi away sharply, who looked utterly innocent.
Min Ning touched her ear—it was hot and tingling, her heart stirred.
[Negative Emotion: 23]
...
After preparations, several Western Bureau sergeants mounted horses, followed on foot by a dozen constables, and they set out through the bureau gates.
Chen Yi rode a tall horse at the front, with Min Ning riding alongside.
Passing the City God Temple, they saw drums and gongs, a bustling crowd, and many robed Taoists moving about.
Time to face the capital’s first grand event.
Also, the first dungeon in “Heaven Beyond Heaven”—the Blessing Ceremony to Exterminate Bandits and Demons.
Two great orthodox sects would host the ceremony to cleanse the capital of bandits and demons.
...
As the first major event, the rewards were generous. He recalled his first save—though ignorant then, making wrong choices and dying multiple times, he rewound his save and ultimately received a reward beyond expectation.
It was the Supreme Clarity Sect’s Supreme Clarity Heart Method, which upon cultivation cleared the mind, sharpened the senses... in simple terms, bullet time.
Imagine during a duel, possessing bullet time to see every move clearly while appearing lightning-fast to the opponent...
In martial arts, speed is invincible.
Only a grandmaster can break through skill with strength, but the higher the level, the more emphasis is placed on the timing of attacks.
“Is there still half a cycle left before the Blessing Ceremony?” Chen Yi asked.
This time, he intended to clear it perfectly.
“Fifteen or sixteen days remain. Yin Sword Mountain and Supreme Clarity Sect will join forces,” Min Ning answered. Today, Chen Yi’s obedience lifted her spirits, and she continued:
“In the martial world, the top ten on the rankings are legendary figures. Setting aside the ‘Three Heavenly Beings’ with their godlike skills, even those ranked ninth to seventh lead sects with clear authority. This time, Yin Sword Mountain is sending their top swordmaster, Zhou Yitang.”
Hearing the name “Zhou Yitang,” Chen Yi’s mood darkened slightly.
Min Ning did not notice and went on:
“At twenty-six, she ranked ninth on the martial list. Even though Yin Sword Mountain cultivates both Dao and martial arts, such a prodigious talent is unprecedented. It’s hard to imagine who could challenge her ten years hence.
When she received her twenty-banded crown and sword, her ancestor gifted her these words: ‘Within the sword lies the profound Dao, capable of breaking through the eight hundred winds of the mortal world.’”
Listening to Min Ning, Chen Yi’s thoughts drifted.
Zhou Yitang, courtesy name Zhu Yu, the Swordmaster of Yin Sword Mountain.
He had resolved not to harm Yin Tingxue because he had already hurt her before.
That was the first save—or rather... a matter from a past life?
Forget it. When he met her again, he would treat her well. She wouldn’t remember those things anyway.
“You were asking about Yin Sword Mountain a few days ago, weren’t you?” Min Ning turned to interrupt his thoughts, smiling lightly.
“Could it be you want to join Yin Sword Mountain? They only accept female disciples, you know.”
Chen Yi shook his head.
“Give up the killing blade to learn the living sword? I have no such intention—unless the Swordmaster takes a liking to me.”
Min Ning snorted contemptuously.
“If the Swordmaster liked you, among the hundred or so female disciples on Yin Sword Mountain, would you be able to handle it?”
Chen Yi casually said,
“For her, I’d endure all hardships.”
Hearing such smooth talk, Min Ning scoffed.
Chen Yi paid no mind to his superior’s disdain.
Suddenly, an androgynous hand reached out, placing a silver note upon his palm.
Chen Yi turned away, asking,
“What’s this for?”
Min Ning stammered slightly,
“In gratitude... for your help. Consider it a little kindness from your superior.”
As she handed it over, she struggled not to lower her gaze.
That was her remaining salary for the year. A loyal embroidered guard who neither took bribes nor embezzled, her total income, including allowances, amounted to only about thirty taels of silver.
“Take it back,” Chen Yi said.
“Giving this now... huh?” Min Ning looked at him in surprise.
“I said take it back,” Chen Yi said with sarcasm.
“Min Thousand-Household, do you think you alone possess a heart of chivalry?”
Min Ning’s eyes widened in shock, then her expression became complicated, even a hint of guilt beneath her outer composure.
She whispered inwardly...
Is this man possessed? Why has his personality changed so drastically?
Or...
Did I misjudge him?
Was he once hiding his cunning beneath clumsiness?
[Negative Emotion: 15]