Misty Rain of the Old Times

Chen Xuan would not suffer such a loss. In front of everyone, he raised his hand and pointed in the air in several directions. With a slight sound of breaking through the air, he and Xiao Gao were drawn over by the swordsman's sword intent, and the shattered swords after the battle fell into his hands.

Holding the broken sword, he showed it to everyone and said with reason, "I was staying home peacefully, not provoking anyone, and then someone took my weapon from me and turned it into a pile of scrap metal. As a victim, now the culprit is right in front of me. It's reasonable for me to seek compensation from him, right?"

There were witnesses and evidence, and he had even shown off a few of his skills, demonstrating his impressive cultivation. Anyone with a little knowledge understood that his ability to take objects from a distance was at least a skill at the innate level, and that he was not a nobody who could be manipulated, so no one refuted it.

"Yes, it's not right to damage other people's property and then just walk away."

"Yes, for those of us who practice martial arts, weapons are our second life. How can we let it go? It's your duty as the Martial Arts Prohibition Bureau, but you also have to be reasonable, right?"

"And mine was also taken away and damaged by him. Even if he is very powerful, he can't just pretend that nothing happened, right?"

People around started to agree, including some who wanted to take advantage of the situation.

The several innate masters of the Forbidden Martial Arts Division were immediately overwhelmed. This kind of situation was extremely rare for them, and when it did occur, it was always done behind the scenes. Who among their influential figures would bring such a small matter to light in public? Moreover, as an organization dedicated to suppressing lawless and violent crimes, they had always followed the procedures in handling cases. Who would dare to say a word?

At this moment, they looked at Chen Xuan with some resentment. Although you are right, you made us feel embarrassed.

It was also thanks to Chen Xuan that he showed off his skills, otherwise it would not be a resentful look, but a sword that would have taken him away.

Not to mention that the people in the Forbidden Martial Arts Department were dumbfounded, even the black-clad swordsman who was the instigator was a little confused. He got his revenge, but it was not the result he wanted. He did not feel any joy at all. Instead, he felt uncomfortable all over. As a result, before he could recover, someone jumped out to ask him for compensation, which aroused public anger.

Are all the people in Jingguo so petty? I've never encountered this before. This important place in the capital isn't a remote place, where would such a cunning person come from? Anyway, I'm really in the wrong.

He was in a daze when a man from the Forbidden Martial Arts Division looked at the broken sword in Chen Xuan's hand and asked, "Sir, do you usually use two swords?"

"That's not the case. One of them belongs to my young master, and he just took it away and broke it." Chen Xuan raised the broken sword in his hand to show it to the black-clothed swordsman.

He continued, "My young master's sword is made of iron essence mixed with snow-patterned soft steel, forged by a master through countless hammering. It can cut hair, sever gold and jade, and leave the blade untouched. The market value is at least ten thousand taels. Then there's mine. The main material is black iron, combined with precious materials such as cloud-patterned steel. It can break through armor without bending, and can increase the power of sword energy by thirty percent. It's a truly precious sword, with a market value of at least twenty thousand taels. I won't cheat you, so I'll just take the lowest price, which is thirty thousand taels in total. You can ask the master to appraise it. You have to accept this, right?"

He was truly conscientious and didn't ask for an exorbitant price. Moreover, everyone present had some knowledge, especially those with good cultivation, who could roughly judge its value and could not refute it.

"My sword is not scrap metal. It cost me more than a thousand taels of silver. Now it's broken into two pieces. I have to pay for it." Someone quickly picked up his broken sword and said, fearing that he would have to blame himself for his bad luck if he missed this opportunity.

The black-clad swordsman who had instigated the incident had a buzzing feeling in his head, so he simply said, "I'm broke. I've been busy practicing martial arts and seeking revenge for so many years that I haven't had time to earn money. I think my sword is worth something, so why don't you take it?"

At this moment, his sword was still stuck in the chest of the dead old monk. Although his sword had an ancient style and the blade was covered with pine patterns, it could not really be called a precious sword. It did not help him much in his strength. He relied entirely on his martial arts skills to survive.

Hearing this, Chen Xuan was troubled and said, "I'm trying to reason with you, and you're just playing tricks on me?"

The people around him immediately glared at him. If he were alone, he would probably have suffered in silence, but now he was outnumbered and had a well-founded case, so how could he let it go?
"But I really have no money," the black-clad swordsman said with a wry smile, which was more bitter than eating coptis chinensis.

Seeing that the situation was about to get out of hand, several people from the Forbidden Martial Arts Department exchanged glances. Among them, the one who was probably the most senior raised his hand and said, "Everyone, please be patient and listen to me."

Chen Xuan was just fighting for his own interests, and he didn't have to be unreasonable or pretend to be all ears.

After everyone quieted down, he continued, "We've all witnessed everyone's losses. As I said earlier, this person resorted to violence without authorization, and the losses they caused must be settled. So why don't you all register first? After this person makes compensation, you can come to the Martial Arts Prohibition Bureau to claim compensation for your losses."

Even before Chen Xuan could say anything, someone was already unhappy: "This gentleman is joking. He even said he has no money and looks like he's about to die. How can he possibly come up with compensation?"

"That's right. They said it was a registration, but who knows how long it will take? We probably won't get any compensation even if we die. We don't know what the government's nature is. Do you think you can return the money once it's in your hands?" The person who said this was very bold.

Upon hearing this, the people from the Forbidden Martial Arts Division were so furious that their foreheads almost burst. However, they could not resist the public outrage and could only say earnestly: "We at the Forbidden Martial Arts Division always keep our promises. We have a good reputation for this. As long as the compensation is in place, you can come and claim your losses at any time."

"It sounds good, so I believe you for now, but he said he has no money left, so where will the compensation come from?" someone sneered.

The people from the Forbidden Martial Arts Division smiled confidently at this and said, "Don't forget what kind of organization we are. If anything falls into our hands, even a piece of stone can be squeezed into oil. Moreover, he is an innate master with excellent swordsmanship. Everyone has witnessed his previous sword intent. With such strength, are you still worried about not being able to squeeze compensation from him? Moreover, he is not from our Jing Country. You can tell from his strength that there will be plenty of people to pay for him!"

"Okay, since you've said so, I'll believe you for now, but words aren't enough. We need a written agreement, otherwise where will we get compensation?" Someone went even further, directly blocking the Forbidden Martial Arts Division's path. Chen Xuan was a little surprised. What a talent!

"Hmph, first register and assess the losses. Later we'll get the compensation from him and post a notice, and then everyone can come and claim it," the person from the Forbidden Weapons Bureau said with a cold glance, showing the aura of the Forbidden Weapons Bureau as a violent agency.

In this way, people will not dare to be aggressive anymore. The face is mutual. Just go down if someone gives you a ladder.

The black-clad swordsman was completely dumbfounded. His revenge had indeed been achieved, but he felt no joy at all. His future looked grim. He couldn't even handle the situation, so how could he possibly survive in the hands of the Jing Kingdom's Forbidden Martial Arts Division? Hadn't they heard that even stone could be squeezed to produce oil?

At this time, he had thought about running away, but could he run away? There were so many innate masters around him that he couldn't count them with his hands and feet. If he really ran away, he would probably die here. He was not like the old monk who had seen through life and death. Revenge but obsession was different from wanting to die.

Chen Xuan thought to himself that he had done a great thing. After taking revenge, the man had become disheartened and had lost his goals. He would probably be a walking corpse no matter where he lived. But now that he had caused this, he had a huge debt on his shoulders. He would have plenty of motivation to live in the future. After this life of working like a beast to repay the debt, he would probably have recovered. Who knows how comfortable his life would be by then.

After all, he is an innate master. With the power of sword, his strength in the innate realm can barely reach the first echelon. If he concentrates on making money, he can be debt-free in a few years at most.

Since the Forbidden Martial Arts Department had already set the tone, Chen Xuan compromised and said, "Alright then, let's do as the adults say. I was the one who raised the issue, so is it okay for me to register first? I'll also be the first to receive compensation then."

"Sir, you are so polite, please come in," people gave him face. He showed his skills and was not a weakling. Besides, if it weren't for him, everyone would have suffered a loss. Even if they couldn't get compensation for the time being, they still had hope and didn't have to swallow their anger.

After such a commotion, the area around Qingquan Temple had long been blocked by the Military Prohibition Department and officials. Someone immediately set up a stall to start registration, and even invited people to assess the value.

Chen Xuan, who was the first to register to assess the loss, felt a little ridiculous. He had led the situation astray. It was clearly a fight between a grudge and a revenge, but now everyone was lining up.

The black-clad swordsman who was the instigator was disheartened and fell into deep confusion about life.

He completed the registration quickly, and naturally did not ask for an exorbitant price. The total loss of his and Gao Jingming's two swords was 30,000 taels, which was quite conscientious. It was indeed worth the price. Gao Jingming was almost there. As an "innate master", his sword was naturally not cheap, and Mrs. Gao would not give him a piece of junk.

After that, while the others were registering, Chen Xuan inconspicuously approached the most influential Xiantian master present at the Forbidden Martial Arts Division and whispered, "Master Zuo, when can I get the compensation?"

"Hmm? This gentleman recognizes me?" the other party asked in surprise.

Chen Xuan smiled and said, "Lord Zuo, Zuo Kaichou, is a renowned figure. Who doesn't know him?"

This man had once planned the capture of underworld criminals in Tuoling Town. Seven years later, he was transferred to the capital to take up a post. He had not changed much, so of course Chen Xuan recognized him.

Zuo Kaichou felt relieved upon hearing this and said, "It's hard to say when the compensation will be received. Anyway, he will make it public when he takes it out. Just keep an eye out for it then."

I knew that officials are of this nature. They speak nicely now, but that’s because they have been put on the fire. How can they be so nice afterwards?
Speechless in his heart, Chen Xuan continued in a low voice: "Let's not beat around the bush. Lord Zuo, you can't fool me. I have someone above me!"

"Huh?" Zuo Kaichou was stunned. You kid are threatening me?

Chen Xuan said with a face that looked like he was desperate for money: "To be honest, Master Zuo, my young master is Gao Jingming, the brother-in-law of Prince Qing. His sword is also broken. We have to hurry up on this matter. If he goes to your government office in person to urge you for such a small matter, it will be embarrassing for everyone."

No, is there really someone above you, kid?
It seems that I have heard of Gao Jingming, the brother-in-law of Prince Qing. He is not an important figure, but it would be a disaster if we argued over such a small matter.

Feeling nauseous, Zuo Kaichou said with a dark face: "Don't worry, we will handle this matter as soon as possible, and send it to you as soon as the compensation is received."

"Haha, no problem, Lord Zuo, you are so polite. I won't delay you from doing your business," Chen Xuan smiled and left with satisfaction.

If it was just me, no one would buy it afterwards. At present, it seems that Xiao Gao's name is still quite useful. If it really doesn't work, there are still people above Chen Xuan.

When he left, he always felt as if he had forgotten something.

Oh yes, he actually took the damaged sword as evidence away directly after evaluation. It was a small problem. He could melt it down and refine it again. It’s not a magical weapon. After refinement, it may even surpass the original one.

On the top of the tower a hundred feet away, the woman in blue, speechless and unable to move, watched Chen Xuan leisurely leave. She felt like crying but had no tears. "I was wrong. I shouldn't have provoked you. Can you help me unblock my acupuncture points first?" (End of this chapter)