Li Xian sharpened his knife, waiting until midnight. When the time was right, he gathered all the constables from the hall to the outer courtyard.

The vermillion doors were tightly closed, sealed against the wind. The constables were fierce, holding knives, swords, and clubs in their hands.

Silent, with hidden ferocity, they all looked at Li Xian. They awaited only the command from the Martial Captain to charge into battle, regardless of any danger.

Li Xian spoke loudly: "Today, Cao Yun will surely attempt to create trouble again. Rather than taking a passive beating, we should strike proactively. If something must be done, let it be done thoroughly."

"Martial Captain, we await your orders," Zhang Hou said solemnly, "Please instruct us!"

"Hmm."

Li Xian said calmly, "First, disguise yourselves as bandits and stand ready. Await my signal; when you see my fireworks, immediately create chaos at the government office."

"But focus on disruption, create momentum without engaging in direct confrontation."

After arranging all the details, Li Xian set off lightly dressed, leaving the Martial Captain Hall.

When Lin Guolong was in office, he frequently entered and left the government office, thus knowing its internal layout. Now, he covered his face and wore night attire.

To be cautious, he first observed around the government office.

The surroundings were heavily guarded. Cao Yun was no fool; having witnessed Li Xian's power, he would be cautious.

Li Xian thought, "I've already given the orders, just waiting for me to kill Cao Yun first, then have my men cause chaos, claiming bandits killed the County Magistrate. This should manage to deceive them."

"But Cao Yun is a scion of a noble family, his close guards are surely strong. Though my cultivation has recently improved, I can't be careless. Otherwise, it would alert the enemy, complicating matters."

For the sake of caution, Li Xian climbed to a restaurant. Utilizing the high vantage point, he observed the situation in the government office.

The defenses were indeed tight.

The inner courtyard study was lit, casting a shadow.

With his Heavy Pupils ability, he confirmed it was indeed Cao Yun.

Two guards were stationed at the door. Observing their vigor and spirit, they were not weaklings.

Li Xian also knew the government office had hidden mechanisms and secret passages. These allowed for escape in the event of an assassination, forcing entry would surely alert the enemy, giving Cao Yun a chance to flee.

"If I shoot him with the bow, can I be sure?" Li Xian gently stroked the Longbow, estimating the distance and calculating his chances.

With his archery skills, if Cao Yun exposed himself, Li Xian was certain he could kill him with one shot. He thought, "If I can shoot him dead with an arrow, that would be the best." He silently crouched, waiting for a moment.

After about half a stick of incense time, clouds obscured the moonlight. In the distance, the night watchman beat the night; four rapid sounds indicated it was the fourth watch.

Li Xian frowned, the night was short, and this opportunity could not be missed. The distance between the restaurant and the government office was now too far, with a wall in between; shooting through the wall was uncertain for Li Xian.

Moreover, Cao Yun might not leave the study that night.

At that moment, Li Xian devised another plan.

Suddenly he noticed a lake outside the government office. Li Xian recalled Lin Guolong mentioning that the watercourses in the office connected to the outer lake.

Outside the study, there was a wellhead. If he could travel through the watercourse and infiltrate via the well, he could bypass the layers of guards silently.

"I possess the Jade Water Pearl, allowing me long durations underwater. Coupled with my Heavy Pupils allowing me to see through the water, using the water route for infiltration is a safe plan!"

Finding it feasible, he descended the restaurant, circled around the government office, with the Jade Water Pearl in his mouth, and dived into the lake. The lake was dark, dense with aquatic plants, and filled with fish and shrimp.

Using his eyes, Li Xian found the water entrance to the government office. A wooden grate obstructed the way, but he cut through it with two strikes, entering easily.

Following the watercourse, he quickly reached the well. Li Xian braced both arms against the sides, slowly climbing the well wall. Midway, he employed the "Blazing Wave" characteristic to dry his clothes as much as possible.

Near the wellhead, Li Xian deliberately paused, using his Heavy Pupils to survey the surroundings. The guards were not focused there.

Stepping on the well wall, he used the force to leap, twisting and turning, silently hiding in the grass.

Now, he was close to the study.

Li Xian listened carefully, hearing Cao Yun snoring.

"Sir, tea is served." Inside the study, a maid brought in tea.

Cao Yun woke with a start, saying, "Leave the tea there. By the way, any unusual movements tonight?"

The maid shook her head, "All's quiet."

"Good, be vigilant," Cao Yun said, "I didn't expect Li Xian to rise. Underestimating him, failing to incarcerate him, there's a chance he might retaliate tonight."

"Sir, the whole government office is filled with our people. He may come in, but he can't leave," the maid laughed.

"Naturally, I, Cao Yun, am not to be underestimated by a mere youngster?"

Cao Yun picked up the teacup, blew away the steam, and sipped leisurely, savoring the tea's aroma.

Rich yet astringent, the astringency turning bitter, the bitterness salty, with a sweet aftertaste. This tea's flavor was unique, much like life.

"Life, indeed—" Cao Yun sipped the tea, exuding superiority. Holding a high position, being from a noble family, enveloped in honey, life's utmost happiness.

He tasted tea, but savored others' bitterness and saltiness. Sitting high in the temple, aloof above all, therein lay the pleasure.

The maid left, leaving Cao Yun alone in the study. Seizing the moment, Li Xian broke through the window.

"Who!" Cao Yun started, his hairs standing on end, spilling his tea over his official robe.

Li Xian didn't waste words, immediately flicking three stones, previously retrieved from the riverbed. "Thud, thud, thud," they struck Cao Yun's ankle, knee, and shoulder.

The immense force shattered his bones in three places. Cao Yun, bewildered and out of control, looked at Li Xian as if seeing a ghost.

Despite the layers of defenses at the government office, how did this one sneak in silently? Cao Yun's eyes widened: "You..."

Before he finished, Li Xian kicked a nearby table and chair, sending them flying. With a bang, they hit Cao Yun. Although an official with considerable power, much depended on his family support.

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