A person sacrifices himself to become a saint in a chaotic world of martial arts.

Su Bai was somewhat confused.

Thoughts raced through my mind.

In any case, it would be foolish not to take advantage of a good deal.

Without further hesitation, he knelt on one knee, clasped his hands in a fist salute, and said loudly, "Thank you for your guidance, Lord Wei! This humble servant will do his utmost to serve you!"

Wei Zhiyao's smile deepened as she reached out to help him up: "Alright, alright! Get up."

Wei Zhiyao was very satisfied.

He had not easily obtained his new position as chief inspector; many people had blocked his way.

The deeply entrenched officials and assistant officials in the company are mostly local strongmen who have been operating for many years, and they may not genuinely submit to him.

That is why he needs to cultivate his own trusted confidants.

The Su Bai before me is young and talented.

What's even more remarkable is that he seems to have already won over Lord Ning's favor.

And having been personally promoted by me... he couldn't be more suitable.

Thinking of this, Wei Zhiyao stood with his hands behind his back, watching Su Bai's departing figure, a barely perceptible smile curving his lips.

As soon as Su Bai returned home, he eagerly pulled out the "Golden Bell Cover" manual from his pocket and, by the last rays of sunlight streaming through the window, carefully began to peruse it. The pages were yellowed, the ink thick and heavy; every diagram of internal energy cultivation and every incantation exuded an ancient and profound meaning. He read it word by word with utmost care until night completely enveloped the small house, at which point he finally closed the book.

Just as the last page was closed, the golden scales deep within his consciousness lit up slightly—the cultivation technique had been completely incorporated.

Su Bai focused his inner vision and saw golden light flowing on the right-hand tray of the balance scale. With a thought, he set a target on it:

[Introduction to the Golden Bell Cover Technique]

The light suddenly intensified, and a line of clear text appeared on the right-hand tray:

Offerings: Five taels of gold, one pound of refined iron

"So expensive?" Su Bai blurted out, his voice unusually clear in the quiet room. Although he knew this technique was extraordinary, he never expected that even the entry requirements would be so staggering. Was this "Golden Bell Cover" considered a mid-level martial art, or had it been classified as top-tier? Even if it was a top-tier martial art, the entry price was far too high.

He quickly calculated in his mind: the current gold-silver exchange rate was about one to ten, and a pound of refined iron was worth nearly ten taels of silver, which added up to a full sixty taels of silver. He had just felt like he had made a fortune yesterday, but now he suddenly realized that in the face of martial arts, he was still a penniless man struggling to make ends meet.

The moonlight outside the window was cold and clear, and the streets were deserted. Even if they wanted to gather offerings, there was nowhere to go. Su Bai sighed softly and blew out the oil lamp: "Thinking too much is useless; let's rest for now."

The next morning, as dawn broke.

Su Bai concentrated on practicing the "Zhenyue Saber Technique" in the courtyard. The sound of the blade cutting through the air was steady and powerful, and every move contained the heavy force of a mountain. Only when sweat appeared on his forehead did he stop practicing and exhale. After a simple breakfast, he straightened his black robe and headed towards the Zhenfu Division.

—A new disturbance awaits him this morning. He wants to see just how that constable Chen plans to act.

As soon as they stepped through the dark gate of the Zhenfu Division, the constables who had been gathered in twos and threes and talking in hushed tones in the courtyard fell silent for a moment. Countless eyes swept over them, some open and some hidden, followed by even more suppressed whispers.

Although no one dared to openly point fingers, their shifty eyes and slightly turned postures all revealed their concern about yesterday's events.

Everyone wanted to know how the conflict between the newcomer Su Bai and the long-established and powerful Chen Cha Tou would end today.

Su Bai's expression remained calm as he walked steadily through the courtyard.

He has already entered the second realm of martial arts.

Even if Officer Chen really wanted to cause trouble, he was confident in his ability to deal with it.

"Brother Su!"

Sun Hou had been waiting under the corridor, and upon seeing Su Bai, he hurried to greet him.

His brows were furrowed, and there was still a hint of weariness in the corners of his eyes, clearly indicating that he hadn't slept well last night.

"Good morning, Brother Sun." Su Bai nodded and smiled, his attitude as usual.

"It's still early!" Sun Hou took a half step closer, lowered his voice, and said anxiously, "Why did you have to go against Chen Cha? After all, he's our subordinate. He can't touch you openly, but if he tries to trip you up or make things difficult for you behind your back, wouldn't that just cause trouble for nothing?"

Su Bai glanced at the several prying eyes not far away, his smile unchanged, and gently patted Sun Hou's arm: "It's alright. Let him use whatever tricks he has up his sleeve."

Seeing his composed demeanor, Sun Hou opened his mouth, but ultimately shook his head and sighed, the worry in his eyes not fading in the slightest. He raised his hand as if to speak, but then hesitated, finally saying only in a deep voice, "Then you... must be careful."

"Don't worry." Su Bai nodded, placed his five fingers firmly on Sun Hou's shoulder, and then turned to walk towards his own team. The morning light shone through the courtyard wall, making the embroidery on his black robe glow slightly.

Good morning, Boss Su!

When Zheng Shijie saw Su Bai approaching from afar, he immediately straightened his back and greeted him loudly.

His face was beaming with an undisguised smile, and his eyes gleamed with pride—after witnessing Su Bai's methods firsthand yesterday, the last vestige of doubt in his heart had vanished.

With such a powerful leader backing them up, they can hold their heads high in the Zhenfu Division from now on.

Not far away, Cheng Hu and Zhao An stood side by side. When Su Bai approached, they both lowered their eyes and stared at the crack in the bluestone slab in front of them.

Cheng Hu clenched his fists and placed them against his sides; Zhao An shifted uncomfortably, his Adam's apple bobbing slightly.

Both men knew that Chief Chen would definitely make a move today, and they only hoped that he could suppress Su Bai's arrogance.

Regardless of the outcome, I'm afraid I won't escape punishment this time.

But then I thought, after this is all over, Officer Chen will most likely transfer them out of this team.

From now on, we'll keep to ourselves and avoid any further contact with Su Bai.

Before long, all the officers and servants of the Zhenfu Division had arrived.

The courtyard was completely silent, save for the rustling of clothes and the occasional suppressed cough.

When Officer Chen stepped into the courtyard at the appointed time, the ranks were already standing in neat rows.

His face was dark, and his gaze swept across the entire room like a blade. He paused for a moment on Su Bai, but did not say a word. He simply walked to the low platform in front of him with his hands behind his back.

His lips were pressed into a stiff line, and the muscles on his cheekbones twitched slightly.

A moment later, Officer Wang and Officer Li also arrived.

The three policemen stood side by side on the stage, all remaining silent.

The constables below exchanged glances, understanding in their hearts—a superior must be present today.

Sure enough, the heavy vermilion gate of the Zhenfu Division opened again.

A tall figure strode in, his black boots landing firmly and powerfully on the ground.

The newcomer had a square face and a wide mouth, with an air of authority that commanded respect without anger. He was none other than Xing Huai'an, the deputy chief clerk of the Nanmen Town Garrison.

"Greetings, Chief Constable!"

The servants in the courtyard clasped their hands and bowed in unison, their voices echoing throughout the courtyard.

Xing Huai'an walked slowly to the front of the stage, his gaze sweeping over the entire audience, a faint smile playing on his lips: "Hmm, very good. Our Southern Garrison Command has been doing quite well lately." He paused, his tone steady yet each word clear, "The matter of the donated silver has been handled properly."