Inside the study room of the government office.

Cao Yun sat steadily in front of the desk, reviewing the county's documents. His personal guard said, "Sir, who should we start with?"

Cao Yun replied calmly, "Let's start with the Martial Captain. This person is very close to Lin Guolong, and it was Lin who promoted him."

"Since I just arrived at the county, I'll use him to establish authority. From top to bottom, clear out Lin's remnants."

Originally... with the Lin Family manipulating things, after Lin Guolong left, the position of Qingning County Magistrate should have been succeeded by a descendant of the Lin Family.

But within the Qiong Heavenly Mansion, reputable families secretly competed. Despite Qingning County's remote location, it was still a piece of meat. The Cao family intervened, and after various struggles, the position of County Magistrate fell into Cao's hands.

Cao Yun taking on the role of County Magistrate came with a mission. To completely take over Qingning County, control Qingning County, and thoroughly eliminate the influence of the Lin Family.

"Sir, what do you plan to do?" asked the personal guard.

Cao Yun pondered, lightly tapping his fingers, eyes reflecting thought, "This child is still young and has not held the position for long. With unstable foundations in the county, if I accuse him of corruption, what do you think?"

"I think it's a good idea," the guard said.

...

...

Martial Captain Hall.

Li Xian felt refreshed, like a rainstorm breaking a summer heat. Just now, summoned by Madam, Dual Swords Unite, the progress of Setting Sun Bloodsword greatly advanced, with all side effects withdrawing.

[Setting Sun Bloodsword]

[Skill Level: 11690/12000 Great Success]

Only a step away from perfection.

Madam's "Frost Moon Yin and Yang Sword", her first level is only at "perfection", far from its peak.

But she has the full set of swordsmanship, having reached the third level long ago. With her talent in Sword Dao, she could have continued refining. But the more refined the swordsmanship, the greater the side effects, forcing her to stop.

Now... seeing Li Xian's exceptional talent, his progress with Setting Sun Bloodsword far exceeding her expectations, she began to contemplate resuming her swordsmanship studies.

One must know a Martial Arts, especially superior Martial Arts, are extremely difficult to practice, requiring not only Martial Arts talent but also compatibility with the Martial Arts.

Some people are average in talent but naturally compatible with this Martial Arts, progressing a thousand miles a day without bottlenecks.

Madam increasingly values Li Xian. Upon reflection, it's truly a rare find that someone in the world could share the "Perfect Appearance" and is compatible with the Yin Yang Immortal Lovers Sword.

In just a few months, without anyone teaching him, he managed to reach Great Success. The momentum is excellent, and perhaps in a short while, he could aim for "perfection."

Already considering imparting the second level to Li Xian.

"Martial Captain!"

The guard at the hall entrance bowed his hand, "Sir, someone came looking for you earlier."

"Who was it?" Li Xian stretched his muscles.

The guard was about to answer when he suddenly noticed the blood in Li Xian's palm, a sword mark, and asked with concern, "Sir, are you injured?"

Li Xian treated people kindly, with no airs yet without losing authority, earning the genuine respect of the guards who wished to emulate him.

Some time ago, Wang Wu, injured and with a broken arm, was not abandoned by the Martial Captain. Instead, he was treated with extra care, personally teaching him Martial Arts.

The brothers were moved at heart, leading to a cohesive spirit within the Martial Captain Hall.

Li Xian smiled and said, "It's nothing, just a minor injury." Using clear water to cleanse and wrap it with bandages. Each time Dual Swords Unite, Madam would stab his palm.

Lately, the stabs were getting deeper.

"I once thought I had understood Madam's intentions, now it seems I still need to ponder carefully," Li Xian thought to himself, and asked, "By the way, who was looking for me?"

"A constable from the government office," the guard said, "He mentioned the new County Magistrate arrived today and requested you to greet him."

"Oh?" Li Xian asked, "Wasn't it said to be a few days later?"

"I'm not sure about the specifics," the guard said.

Li Xian contemplated, while he wasn't keen on currying favor with those in power, since the new County Magistrate had arrived, he needed to show some regard. Fewer troubles, fewer enemies would naturally be better.

He immediately headed to the government office.

Li Xian said, "Please report that Li Xian seeks an audience, specifically to apologize for today's neglect."

The Yamen Runners had new faces.

The times were turbulent, and the situation in a remote county town was complex. Any official from a large family would bring personal guards to accompany them.

Upon taking office, the accompanying guards would directly act as the Yamen Runners, ensuring a swift takeover of the situation.

Although Li Xian was not very experienced, he understood this situation. But he couldn't help but think, "Isn't this County Magistrate also from the Lin Family? Why take such precautions?"

"You must be Li Xian?" The Yamen Runner said indifferently, "Oh, wait here." Then he turned around to report to Zeng Yun.

Not long after, the Yamen Runner returned and said, "You can go back now, the County Magistrate is resting. Not just anyone can disturb him."

The expression was quite arrogant.

Li Xian noticed the Yamen Runner's dismissive attitude and recognized the hostility in it.

He narrowed his eyes, a gleam emanating, though the heavy pupils didn't open, the faint pressure felt tangible.

The Yamen Runner's hairs stood up, inexplicably flustered, "Martial Captain... the County Magistrate is indeed resting. Please... please go back."

Li Xian didn't argue, returning to the Martial Captain Hall. In the quiet inner courtyard, he sat alone, organizing what he had gained.

Though Heaven rewards diligence, picking this toadstool and that sesame could easily result in futile efforts, constantly introspecting to strengthen his will. Only then could he step firmly, advance step by step.

Going through his Martial Arts characteristics, strengths and weaknesses, current circumstances. Li Xian maintained a calm mindset, starting to enhance his cultivation.

Training the body.

"I just returned from the village and bought some elixirs along the way. Though they are all Mortal Miscellaneous Elixirs, they are still useful for me."

Li Xian had practiced much but had little nurturing. In terms of "eating", he tried his best to do well, requiring considerable expenditure on silver.

Opening an exquisite box, inside were three pink "Square Pills". Li Xian placed them in his mouth, allowing the effects of the elixir to gradually disperse.

This elixir was called "Qi Nourishing Pill", its effect was to nourish Inner Qi, though its effect was average, the price was terribly high. One box cost over twenty-taels.

Taking three in succession, the Inner Qi grew inch by inch. The rainbow above the Qi Lake became more vibrant.

Li Xian let out a long breath, adjusted his spirit, and practiced swordsmanship again, striving to enter perfection as soon as possible.

Time flew by, several days passed in the blink of an eye. Li Xian, being meticulous, noticed fewer visitors bearing gifts, and the Martial Captain Hall was exceptionally quiet, with a looming sense of an impending storm.

"All kinds of difficulties can be solved by strength."

Li Xian focused intently on his martial arts practice, vigilant and sharp-minded, sending people to observe the movements of the government office while maintaining his composure. Without over-worrying, his days remained peaceful.

This morning.

Suddenly, there was a clamor from outside, as if soldiers and horses were surrounding the place. Faint sounds of dispute could be heard.

"Li Xian, Martial Captain Officer of the Eighth Grade in Qingning County, come out quickly to meet us!"

A loud command echoed.

Cao Yun stood arrogantly at the hall entrance, arms folded. Guards stood neatly by his side, holding spears and wearing armor, ready for battle.

"County Magistrate, what is the meaning of this!" The constables came out, hands on their sword hilts, stern and alert, demanding loudly.

"Meaning?" Cao Yun said coldly, "Call out your superior, and all will be clarified."

He said indifferently, "As for you, there's still a chance to turn back. Do not walk down a dark path till the end. Correct your ways now, and you might still keep your lives."

With these words, the Martial Captain Hall exploded into commotion. Hearing the County Magistrate's intent, could it be that the Martial Captain's life was in danger?

Would they act against the Martial Captain?

The crowd parted, revealing a young, handsome boy with a red mole between his brows striding forward. As soon as he appeared, all the constables fell silent.

Li Xian said, "County Magistrate Cao, may I ask what crime have we committed to warrant such heavy encirclement?"

He already knew the new County Magistrate was not from the Lin Family of Qiong Heavenly Mansion.

Upon first seeing Li Xian, Cao Yun was taken aback. Previously, he had only heard rumors of how handsome, mighty, and formidable he was. Cao Yun was disdainful, always thinking, "What insight can these rural bumpkins have? This barren place, what True Dragon can arise here? The 'True Dragon' in their eyes is but a mud loach in mine."

But meeting him now was quite unexpected. Such an individual was rare even in Prefecture City, leaving him greatly surprised. His aura faltered, but within a moment, he returned to his usual demeanor.

"What a Martial Captain. You, oh you, with such a bright future, can't you understand propriety?" Cao Yun said, "The current court is rectifying corruption. As the newly appointed County Magistrate of Qingning, I came aware of the people's suffering here."

"There are countless people, thousands and tens of thousands, who can't fill their stomachs or clothe their bodies properly. As officials, we must plead for the people. I've personally undertaken a rigorous anti-corruption investigation."

"Now it reaches your case. If you are sensible, cooperate willingly. In consideration of your past achievements in battle, I may be lenient."

Li Xian laughed, "You accuse me of corruption?"

"It's not just me, but the people say it, the voices of the public declare it, even the heavens imply it." Cao Yun pointed to the yellow sky and the yellow earth, with grand righteousness.

In terms of rhetoric, Lin Guolong was far inferior to him.

"Everything requires evidence. Do you have any?" Li Xian said.

"Evidence, of course, there is." Cao Yun said, "Come back with me, and tomorrow you will stand trial. The trial will be public, with all the people of Qingning County watching. Your crimes will be exposed to everyone."

"Utterly ridiculous." Li Xian expressed nothing but disdain.

"Do you dare to resist arrest?" Cao Yun shouted. Stepping back a few paces, his guards surrounded him, their armored soldiers pointing their long spears.

In the distance, archers drew their bows fully, loaded with killing intent.

"Why resist arrest?" Li Xian said calmly, "At the very least, I am an official. Though your rank is one above mine, you inherently lack the authority to convict me."

"Conversely… you have privately mobilized county soldiers to besiege my Martial Captain Hall, thus violating court decrees."

"Where are the Snake Walking Sect and Red Copper Sect, and all the martial arts schools?"

Li Xian shouted loudly.

From both sides of the street, countless disciples of sects and apprentices from martial arts schools emerged, surrounding the county soldiers.

The position of Martial Captain, if not managed well, leaves one unable to take a step forward, devoid of any power. But if managed well, it stands unfazed by the County Magistrate.

Li Xian subdued all the Jianghu influences. He had sent people to rapidly summon personnel to blockade and resist. Now, at his command, the momentum was overwhelmingly powerful.

How could the sects and martial arts schools dare not to comply, for if the County Magistrate indeed possessed means to gradually weaken Li Xian's strength, those sects and schools would gladly lend a hand in secret. But this idiot directly confronts, too foolish, making it impossible for the sects and schools to sit idly by.

Firstly, fearing Li Xian's retaliation.

Secondly, this County Magistrate's methods are tough, making big moves upon arrival. If he takes down Li Xian, it's hard to guarantee he won't target the rest later.

Thirdly, even as domineering as Li Xian is, he is still a local of Qingning County. The established order, though less beneficial for them than before, is indeed more stable.

Li Xian serving as Martial Captain Officer is not entirely a bad thing.

Thus, Li Xian gave the order, and sects, schools, even some Qingning households, responded.

"You! You! You!"

"It's a rebellion, a rebellion, you dare rebel!"

Cao Yun's beard trembled in anger. He had expected Li Xian, newly appointed, to have a weak foundation and be easy to manipulate. Who knew he had already developed such clout.

Li Xian sneered, "County Magistrate Cao, if I truly intended to rebel, you would already be dead!"

"I am a Martial Captain. If you wish to arrest me, you need higher authority's approval; without it, I'm sorry, I cannot comply."

Cao Yun, seeing the situation, realized hard confrontation was not favorable. His face looked grim, heavily frustrated. After a brief stalemate, Cao Yun eventually conceded, giving a cold snort, "Fine, you're something. Today's events, indeed, I acted out of line!"

He led the men back to the office.

As he returned to the government office, the sounds of smashing and angry cursing could already be heard. Cao Yun cursed, "A bunch of mud-legged idiots, daring to oppose the Cao Family."

"Fine, fine... I'll handle that Li Xian first, then deal with each of you!"

"Since you demand procedure, I will give you procedure."

"Let's see what excuse you have then!"

Cao Yun immediately penned a letter and sent it to his family. The Cao Family had members serving as officials in Prefecture City, holding not low positions. They even possessed a sliver of good fortune.

Handling a Martial Captain was indeed the easiest thing.

...

...

Within the Martial Captain Hall.

Li Xian's expression was calm as he polished his Golden Leopard Bow. This morning, Cao Yun had besieged the Martial Captain Hall aggressively without a word, determined to deal with him.

But Cao Yun miscalculated.

This matter was far from resolved.

Since that's the case, why speak further? This enmity won't last the night; this official can be executed tonight!

As for how things will play out afterward…

If it can be managed, I'll manage; if not, I'll drag Madam Wen into it. If the capability is inadequate, hiding under the skirt is no disgrace.

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