Chapter Fifty-Three: Victory Without Battle, The Seven Kingdoms Compete in Law

Page 1

“A handful of monsters? I distinctly recall you once reported that a certain Captain Han Chong slew a one-horned demon king and was recommended for the rank of Zhaowu. Is this true?”

“It is, indeed.”

“Han Chong, report to the general with the details. Be careful—no exaggerations or fabrications.” The man with peach-blossom eyes felt a subtle stir in his heart, then turned to Han Chong to speak.

Han Chong narrowed his eyes slightly. Clearly, this was an attempt to shift blame, but with the eve of Yunzou’s disaster approaching, to mention monsters and demons would be akin to piercing the thin skin of a paper lantern. For now, he decided to see how the Bronze-armored General would respond.

“General, the Peijun Prefecture harbored four great vengeful kings. Officer Jiang was slain by the Black Tiger Demon King. The One-horned Demon King lurked beneath the Silver River, building a ghost palace and obstructing the cycle of souls.

The Black Lotus Sect Master established an academy underground, cultivating a wicked cult and harboring criminals.

Later, the Yin Moon Bronze Guards concealed themselves in the governor’s mansion, commanding monster soldiers, controlling local officials, forging the governor’s seal, imposing heavy taxes, and inciting unrest among the people. On behalf of the court, we slew the four vengeful kings, restoring order and peace.”

“You lie! Officer Jiang was a formidable cultivator, far beyond your level. How could you possibly defeat four vengeful kings? This is pure fabrication, meant to frighten us.” The round-faced officer in purple robes shouted angrily, and the other officers echoed his sentiment.

“Officer Ma, who says this man is merely a junior cultivator? One glance tells me he’s a formidable practitioner of the Qi Refinement realm.” The Bronze-armored General spoke with a cold, deep laugh.

“What?” The purple-robed officers were stunned; another powerful cultivator had emerged from Peijun Prefecture. They all scrutinized Han Chong.

By custom, if the nine counties of Peijun had exactly nine Qi Refinement practitioners, each would preside over a district. Should an extra practitioner emerge, he could challenge any of the nine for a post; the victor would take the position, the loser would be removed.

Peach-blossom Eyes was especially alarmed. He knew Han Chong’s uncanny abilities and feared he would lose if challenged.

“Officer Han, have you recently attained Qi Refinement?”

“General, I advanced a few days ago by sheer luck.”

“Excellent. You may challenge any district officer. The victor will assume the post.”

Han Chong raised a brow, surprised by the turn of events. If he took the post of Officer for Pacifying the Barbarians, his work would be much easier; he glanced at Peach-blossom Eyes.

Peach-blossom Eyes’ breath caught, his smile froze, and he waved a hand. “General, I know my own limitations and am willing to relinquish the position.”

“Hah! Very well. From this day forth, Han Chong is promoted to Pacifier of the Barbarians. Chen Yushu is demoted to Zhaowu. Officer Han, come and sit.”

Han Chong was surprised that the other had surrendered so readily. He rose and took his seat.

“Officer Han, the nine counties of Yunzou are in turmoil; the government offices have fallen. How do you see the situation?” The Bronze-armored General smiled.

“General, I believe that each county in Peijun harbors its own monsters, yet Yunzou City is fortified and secure. For now, the troubles are but minor ailments.”

Page 2

“The real threat is the master of the Yin Moon Bronze Guards, residing within Yunzou City. That must not be overlooked.”

“Indeed. From this day, disperse and investigate the Bronze Guards thoroughly. If you find anything, report immediately.”

“Yes, sir!” The officers rose, saluted, and prepared to leave.

“Officer Han, wait. I have something to discuss.” The others departed, and the doors closed.

Han Chong stood in silence, awaiting orders. The Bronze-armored General’s face suddenly turned dark and haggard, his former vigor faded, his aura withered.

“General, what’s wrong?”

“Alas, a few days ago, I pursued a group of Black-clad Bronze Guards beyond the city to North Mountain. I was surrounded and nearly lost my life. My energy is exhausted; my core is gravely damaged, and no medicine can heal me now.”

“That serious? How many were there?”

“More than ten Bronze Guards, plus a strong Black Lotus Master and a judge-like demon, and a mountain fiend shrouded in mist—all equal to me in strength.”

Han Chong felt a heavy weight in his heart. Peijun, a small county, had four vengeful kings; Yunzou, spanning three thousand miles, must conceal even greater monsters.

“Officer Han, my foundation is shattered. Before now, I merely played for time. The nine district officers are mediocre; their claims that there are no monsters are dubious at best. Only you, newly risen and slayer of a demon king, can Yunzou’s fate depend upon.”

“General, can we call for aid from the central command?”

“I tried, but the Seven Nations Law Tournament is underway. All six roaming generals are needed to guard the capital, leaving no time for distant provinces; assistance is unlikely.”

“The Seven Nations Law Tournament?”

“Yes. Every ten years, the six neighboring nations send envoys to the capital, ostensibly to compete in law, but in truth to probe our strength. If we fail, they may unite and attack.”

It was hard to imagine—beyond the Great Feng Dynasty, wolves and tigers encircled the realm. To preserve Yunzou, self-reliance was the only path.

“This is my Black Tiger Command Token. Hold it as you would see me in person. Investigate diligently and unravel the causes of Yunzou’s calamity.

I must seclude myself for recovery, hoping to regain some strength soon.”

Han Chong accepted the token, one side depicting a black tiger, the reverse bearing Guo Hong’s name. He tucked it away and exhaled softly.

“I obey, General.” He turned and departed.

With every step, Han Chong felt the weight on his shoulders grow heavier. Though vast, Yunzou was a subordinate province in the Great Feng Dynasty, with hundreds of thousands of people who, in the emperor’s eyes, were but a drop in the ocean—of little consequence.

Page 3

He walked to the main hall, where Ning, Wu, and Leng Yue, among others, stood in the courtyard. Seeing Han Chong approach, they saluted him respectfully.

“Greetings, Officer Han.”

“No need for such formality, colleagues,” Han Chong replied, returning the salute with a smile.

“Haha, I, old Wu, have always admired Officer Han. To think, not long ago, you were just a young lad. Now your presence is awe-inspiring—enviable, truly!”

“Hey, Officer Wu, mind your manners. Officer Han is now a Qi Refinement Pacifier of Barbarians. That’s a world apart from us.” Officer Ning nudged Wu, signaling him to be respectful.

“Officer Han.” Leng Yue, sword in hand, saluted, her crimson lips opening as if to speak, but then falling silent.

“Come now, no need to stand on ceremony. I am still the same Han Chong, unchanged forever. Let’s not be strangers—please, come in.”

“Yes, sir!”

Han Chong shook his head with a laugh, taking the lead seat and inviting the others to sit.

“Officer Han, you now bear great responsibility. Do you have any plans?” Officer Ning asked.

“Well, as newcomers, we should quickly find someone familiar with Yunzou’s current affairs to understand the situation, then seek out the identity of the Yin Moon Bronze Guards’ master.”

“Agreed. Officer Chen has returned home. If he can explain Yunzou’s affairs, it would help, but he’s too cautious, prone to retreat, and now, having stepped down to Zhaowu, he’s ashamed and unwilling to speak.”

Officer Ning pondered aloud.

“By the way, I heard there’s a branch of the Hundred Wisdom Pavilion here in Yunzou City. With enough gold and silver, information from court, jianghu, and the streets is readily available. I wonder if it’s true.”

Officer Wu’s eyes lit up.

“Oh? Such a place exists?

Excellent! Let’s split up and search the city—meet back at headquarters at the hour of the rooster.” Han Chong raised his brow. Sometimes, spending money could buy time; in times of crisis, this was the best strategy.

“Yes, sir!” The group dispersed, heading out into the city, leaving the district officers puzzled as to the sudden activity in Peijun’s division.

Han Chong, however, had already vanished, slipping unseen toward the provincial office. He was most curious about the father of Peach-blossom Eyes, Governor Chen. He sensed that this man must know some hidden truths.