Chapter 1, Youth, Constable

The Lu family has indeed encountered a major incident

Each time he operated the technique taught by his father, he could feel the energy in his dantian transforming into a warm current that circulated throughout his body. With the aid of this energy flow, his strength would more than double compared to when he was not utilizing his internal energy. This is the power of internal energy. Although he was still quite weak at present, and this small energy flow was not yet under his complete control, it undeniably existed, which greatly motivated him in his cultivation.

Dongling, one of the countless counties of the Great Tang Empire, was originally the site of the imperial tomb of a previous dynasty. Consequently, a guard unit was stationed here for protection. After the collapse of that dynasty, chaos ensued across the land, and the imperial tomb gradually became a mass grave. The original guard unit survived the calamity and thrived here, eventually forming a small town after a century. Over a hundred years later, a new dynasty was established, attracting migrants and setting up a county named after the old imperial tomb, thus becoming the present-day Dongling County. Now, the foundation of the Great Tang has endured for over eight hundred years, a time of peace and prosperity across the realm. In a small county like Dongling, the officials and constables in the yamen generally have little to do. Their usual tasks involve dealing with trivial matters such as a neighbor's lost chicken or another's stray dog, along with collecting a bit of profit from merchants at fixed market times. In such a place, losing a cow would be considered a major case. Therefore, these officials and constables express that they feel little pressure, and even during their duty hours, they find it quite relaxed, having grown accustomed to idleness.

No, no, no more drinking, Chief Qin, something has happened at Boss Lu's place, the chief wants you to take people there immediately

"Besides you, who else is missing?" Qin Touer chuckled, pointing at that fellow, "Hey, Hu Gouzi, it seems like it's your turn to be on duty today. Why aren't you hurrying up? If the squad leader finds out you're slacking off here, you might end up getting kicked a few times again!"

Lei Dong is the newly appointed head constable after his father's serious injury. In his thirties, he is in the prime of his life and is a capable subordinate of his father, Iron Courage. After Iron Courage stepped down, it was under his influence that Lei Dong was promoted to the position of head constable. Therefore, he has always been grateful to Iron Courage and has shown unwavering support and care for Iron Jun.

A group of inexperienced constables were outside vomiting, while several seasoned constables and the head constable were carefully investigating inside. After about half an hour, the head constable of Dongling County, Lei Dong, led Lao Qin and others out from the inner room, saying, "Junzi, you all should head back now and get some good rest. After today, there will be plenty to do!"

Old Qin's expression changed; there is only one Boss Lu in Dongling County, who is Lu Pingcheng, the largest grain merchant in the county. He is one of the wealthiest individuals in the area, with a rather extraordinary background and a considerable relationship with the county magistrate, making him no ordinary person

Hahaha, if your father hears you say this, you might end up with a sore backside when you get home tonight! Qin laughed heartily. The reason why Tie Dan was able to hold the position of the head constable was due to his exceptional martial skills. However, it was unfortunate that he encountered a master. Fortunately, his injuries have stabilized, and he is no longer in danger of losing his life. Yet, he has lost a significant portion of the skills he cultivated over decades, leaving his son to fill in for him, which is quite helpless. Now, hearing Tie Jun's words, which are half sarcastic and half self-deprecating, he couldn't help but find it somewhat amusing. However, it was unfortunate that he encountered a master. Fortunately, his injuries have stabilized, and he is no longer in danger of losing his life. Yet, he has lost a significant portion of the skills he cultivated over decades, leaving his son to fill in for him, which is quite helpless. Now, hearing Tie Jun's words, which are half sarcastic and half self-deprecating, he couldn't help but find it somewhat amusing.

It was not only him who vomited; several young constables like him also succumbed. In Dongling County, a tranquil and remote town, it had been years since such a horrifying and bloody case had occurred.

Qin shook his head, set down the teapot, and turned to enter the inner court

... ...

This poem "Candlelight Flickering Red" describes the beautiful scene of plum blossoms in full bloom in front of the hall. In the dilapidated courtyard of the Dongling county office, there are a few branches of plum blossoms, but they have long since bloomed, and now the branches and leaves are withered, devoid of any beauty. Beneath the branches and leaves, a dozen yamen runners are gathered together, with a man in his forties at the center. He holds a teapot in one hand and rests a leg on the bench, speaking eloquently, with foam flying from his mouth, recounting the recently popular "Record of Jianghu Grudges and Affections" from the teahouse. This old fellow has quite a way with words, bringing the story to life, as the expressions of the yamen runners change in accordance with the plot. When he reaches the exciting parts, the group of yamen runners all cheer in unison, causing the already loose tiles on the roof of the dilapidated county office to rattle even more.

Indeed, every day at noon, he must practice his skills in the back courtyard. I wonder where he finds such interest! A constable laughed and said, "If Iron Head had even half of his diligence, he probably wouldn't have lost such a significant amount of face!"

Alright, everyone disperse, there are no new jokes from the Crane Tower. This morning, we have said all there is to say, and there is nothing more to follow

When Old Qin stepped into the back office, Tie Jun had just finished his breathing exercises and opened his eyes. Upon seeing him enter, a slightly youthful smile flashed across his face, "Fortunately, everyone takes good care of me"

Thus, the heroes contend for supremacy, and champions arise in abundance

The rain has just begun to dry, and the misty smoke dances lightly like golden threads. Tender clouds support the sun, breaking through the new clear sky, while the old green seeks fragrant grass. The secluded path of books and paintings still has small orchid buds. It is strange that this year, spring has returned too early. In the willow pond and flower courtyard, countless red lotuses bloom all at once. The plum blossoms and snow swirl in the air, unwilling to let the gentle east wind grow old. Surrounded by fragrant circles, the poet is embraced, driving away the harsh chill of spring. Now, joyful songs play, disturbing the dawn. A banquet for friends and guests, gathering together in laughter. When returning in a drunken haze, the moon passes over the pearl tower, and the stars align with the island of Peng.

Once the leader falters, the martial world descends into chaos

When several people arrived, white lanterns had already been hung outside the Lu residence, and the sound of wailing filled the interior. Qin and his companions entered the Lu residence, heading straight for the inner hall, where they were met with a horrifying sight

Just as Old Qin was about to give Tie Jun a few pointers, a sudden exclamation came from outside the door, and a constable burst through the door, charging in.

Boss Lu lay flat on the ground, his face shrouded in a layer of dark blue-black, already lifeless. This was not all; a large pool of blood had soaked his body. Following the direction of the blood flow, one could see a young woman, around seventeen or eighteen years old, hiding on the bed, her abdomen slashed open by a sharp weapon, with blood flowing out from her body onto the bed.

Yes, yes, that is certain! The group of constables all nodded in agreement and dispersed in a rush

The old constable, having finished a passage, heard the surrounding applause and felt quite pleased with himself. He downed a pot of tea to soothe his throat.

Something has happened at Boss Lu's home

Then Hu Gouzi smiled awkwardly, picked up the water and fire stick, and ran outside

Qi sensation, this is the qi sensation, there really is a qi sensation, there truly is internal qi present

Tie Jun had never witnessed such a scene. As soon as he entered the room, he was confronted with this horrifying sight. The stench of blood assaulted him, causing his stomach to churn violently. He turned his head and rushed out the door, leaning against the corridor to vomit profusely.

"Someone has died!" Old Qin furrowed his brows and said, "Alright, I understand. Junzi, come with me to take a look. Dali, you rest for half an hour. If no one returns by then, it will truly be a serious matter. You should go directly to Boss Lu's house!"

Nausea ... ...

... ...

It is not that I have suddenly come to this realization, but rather that I have my father's past experiences as a cautionary tale. Since I have chosen this path, I must take risks. If I do not hone my skills well, I might end up in a situation even worse than my father's.

"You brat, are you getting restless again!" Qin Touer said with a serious expression, scolding, "If it weren't for the sake of his brothers, how could Tie Touer have gotten hurt? Let me tell you, now that Junzi has entered this yamen, you all need to take good care of him. Think about it, who among you here hasn't benefited from Tie Touer's kindness?"

Having spoken, he strode out of the county office with great determination. As he passed by the front office, he called upon a few constables still within, totaling seven or eight individuals, and headed straight for the Lu residence.

How have you been, Junzi? Are you getting used to things these days?

Old Qin quickly supported the rushing constable and softly asked, "First, have a sip of water"

The group of constables immediately burst into laughter again

However, this young constable has never been to Boss Lu's house; he was merely sent by the captain to deliver a message and is not clear about the specific situation. He only stated, "I just heard that it seems someone has died"

... ...

"Qin Touer, whose is missing down there!" Among the constables, a slick, well-groomed fellow seemed to have discovered a gold mine, shouting loudly.

"Of course, we have watched you grow up. Now that you have this opportunity, we will definitely ensure you do not suffer any losses!" Qin said with a smile, sitting down beside Tie Jun. "You used to be such a reckless kid. No matter how your father disciplined you, you were never willing to put in the effort. What has changed your mind now?"

Dongling is a small county with limited financial resources, thus the county office is not large and has fallen into disrepair over the years. Aside from the inner residence where the county magistrate's family lives, the other areas are in a state of disarray. The quarters where the clerks usually rest are already dilapidated, but no one pays much attention to it, as they only stay here twice a month anyway

What happened at Boss Lu's house?" Qin asked in a low voice

By the way, where is Junzi? Is he practicing again at the back!

The classroom is quite spacious, featuring a long row of bunk beds. The roof has several holes, the largest being the size of a bowl, while the smallest is about the size of a finger. At noon, sunlight streams through the roof, creating beams of light. A boy, around sixteen or seventeen years old, is currently sitting cross-legged on a gray-black bed, practicing meditation and cultivating his energy.

His name is Tie Jun, and he is sixteen years old. He is the only son of Tie Dan, the former head constable of Dongling County. Three months ago, Tie Dan was severely injured during an operation and had to retire from his position at the county office. As a result, Tie Jun stepped into his father's role and became a member of the county office in Dongling. However, due to his young age, it is impossible for him to serve as head constable like his father; he can only start as a minor constable.

What happened, don't panic, take your time to explain

"Not good, not good, Qin Touer, Qin Touer, not good!"

In his every breath, there was a quality akin to a delicate thread, embodying the essence of deep, fine, long, and gentle inhalation and exhalation. With each inhalation, he drew the surrounding air into his abdomen, and upon exhalation, a trace of invisible vital energy remained within him, circulating through several meridians before ultimately returning to the dantian, forming a small vortex. This vortex was not visible to the youth, yet its presence could be distinctly felt. A trace of invisible vital energy always lingered within him, circulating through several meridians before ultimately returning to the dantian, forming a small vortex. This vortex was not visible to the youth, yet its presence could be distinctly felt.