Witch, don't do anything reckless!

"Vice Commander Liu is here!"

Inside the Tianxuan Division, someone in the crowd suddenly shouted, and the previously noisy and chaotic environment immediately quieted down.

Li Chuqiu looked towards the doorway, and soon, a familiar, aloof figure came into view.

The familiar jet-black dress accentuated her tall figure, and the cinched waist made her look incredibly capable.

Everyone knows that this Deputy Commander Liu is a high-ranking figure parachuted in from Beijing, someone with connections. But so far, no one has questioned Deputy Commander Liu's abilities and methods.

Deputy Commander Liu is fair in rewarding and punishing, and he manages internal affairs effectively, unlike some spoiled brats who come here to loaf around and get credit for nothing... such as Qin Yan.

Liu Xu had only been in Yuhua City for a short time, but she had already completely transformed the order of the entire Tianxuan Division. She restored discipline, eliminated corrupt officials, and tightened attendance, which meant that old hands like Li Chuqiu could no longer slack off and skip work as recklessly as before...

Her aloof and unapproachable demeanor, coupled with her impartial and incorruptible style of conduct, meant that the atmosphere around her seemed to drop sharply whenever she appeared... That was the aura of Deputy Commander Liu.

It's also a deterrent!

The same is true at this moment.

The appearance of willow catkins silenced the crowd; their unique, aloof beauty made many people afraid to even glance at them.

I felt inexplicably afraid!

Of course, Li Chuqiu is definitely an exception.

At this moment, his gaze was unabashedly fixed on Deputy Commander Liu. Staring at that exquisitely handsome face, expressionless and seemingly radiating frost, his mind kept comparing it to the flushed, dreamy eyes of the woman from last night…

Tsk!

That was so much fun!

Just then, as if sensing something, Liu Xu's gaze swept across the crowd and met Li Chuqiu's eyes precisely.

Li Chuqiu keenly noticed that the woman's expression froze for a moment, clearly pausing. But she quickly recovered, replaced by an even stronger chill. She expressionlessly shifted her gaze, as if she were a complete stranger to him.

This woman is quite the actress.

Li Chuqiu found this woman increasingly interesting. Just as he looked away, he caught sight of a familiar gaze... Xu Jinghong, who was following behind Liu Xu, was standing with his arms crossed, looking languid and amused, observing him and Liu Xu with great interest.

"..."

With the arrival of Liu Xu and Xu Jinghong, almost all the heads of various regions within the Tianxuan Division were also present. These heads were then summoned together; Li Chuqiu, being only a minor constable, naturally had no right to participate in such a meeting.

He and his subordinates Chen San'er and Zhang Man were chatting idly in the courtyard. Before long, the regional leaders who had been called to a meeting came out one after another.

"Brother Lu, what's going on?"

Lu Xiao emerged from inside, a clear look of delight on his face: "This is a great opportunity; let's see if you can seize it!"

The news Lu Xiao brought was both expected and unexpectedly delightful: "The Prince Jing's Mansion has issued a reward: a thousand taels of gold for anyone who provides clues about the murderer, and ten thousand taels of gold for anyone who catches the murderer, who will also become a high-ranking official in the Prince Jing's Mansion, with the Prince Jing guaranteeing them a lifetime of wealth and honor!"

"Furthermore, whoever in our Tianxuan Division catches the murderer will be promoted three ranks, their salary tripled, and they can freely choose any martial arts manuals, secret techniques, and weapons within the division. Even more..."

At this point, Lu Xiao lowered his voice: "If anyone can catch the murderer, there's a high chance they'll be transferred to the capital and directly admitted to the Tianxuan Division's inner court..."

Lu Xiao's words caused everyone present to gasp in shock.

Both the bounty offered by Prince Jing's Mansion and the reward from the Tianxuan Division were beyond everyone's expectations. The bounty was far too generous!

Ten thousand taels of gold would be enough for a life of luxury and extravagance, enough to last several lifetimes. With that kind of money, who would still be doing backbreaking work at the Tianxuan Division, risking their life at any moment?

Not to mention that becoming a high-ranking official in the Prince Jing's mansion or being promoted three ranks in the Tianxuan Division are incredibly tempting offers for everyone in the Tianxuan Division.

The real opportunity to get promoted and make a fortune is right in front of you!

Chen San'er and Zhang Man's eyes were practically green with envy; they were already excitedly fantasizing about a bright future.

Even Li Chuqiu, who was standing to the side, was slightly moved when she heard about the bounty rewards.

He wasn't that interested in the ten thousand taels of gold or the three-rank promotion... Of course, it wasn't that he wasn't interested at all.

What truly captivated Li Chuqiu were the martial arts manuals within the Tianxuan Division.

The Heavenly Mystery Bureau possesses a treasure vault containing numerous rare martial arts techniques and manuals, as well as various rare treasures, divine weapons, and other valuable items... Li Chuqiu has long coveted this treasure.

He had no prestigious family background, nor did he have any renowned teachers to guide him. Every step Li Chuqiu had taken over the years was one he had figured out and discovered on his own. What he lacked most now were high-quality martial arts techniques and various secret manuals on cultivation.

Although he was unable to open his "sea of ​​consciousness," Li Chuqiu did not completely give up on cultivation. Since he could communicate with the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, it meant that he did not lack spiritual roots.

For some reason, the spiritual energy he absorbed from heaven and earth couldn't open his "sea of ​​consciousness." Over the years, Li Chuqiu had been trying, exploring, and attempting to find the reason.

If he could venture into the Heavenly Mystery Division's treasury, he might find some clues among the ancient texts. Even if he didn't find anything, picking out a few exquisite martial arts manuals would greatly benefit Li Chuqiu's strength.

but……

Thinking of that vixen from last night, the fleeting thought that had risen in Li Chuqiu's mind quickly cooled down.

The death of Prince Jing's heir was not so simple!

The enchantress's appearance at Prince Jing's residence was certainly not a casual stroll. Whether she was related to the death of Prince Jing's heir is irrelevant. What is certain is that the forces and conflicts involved are beyond the capabilities of a mere constable like him.

You may be born with the fortune and glory, but you also need to be born to enjoy it...

The area was in an uproar; many people were excited and eager to try their luck after learning about the reward.

At this moment, Liu Xu walked out from the back hall, and the surroundings quieted down again. She looked around and said in a clear, cold voice that left no room for doubt: "You will be informed of the reward from the Tianxuan Division shortly. From this day forward, you will cooperate with the government and the Prince Jing's Mansion to work together to capture the murderer."

His indifferent tone, however, ignited a burning excitement in the eyes of everyone present.

But soon, Liu Xu's voice poured cold water on everyone's hopes: "The assassination of Prince Jing's heir may be the work of a demon. There are at least three powerful demons in Yuhua City. You must all be extremely cautious in your actions."

"Furthermore, if anyone within the Heavenly Profound Division dares to collude with demons in an attempt to muddy the waters and fraudulently claim the bounty, don't blame me for being ruthless!"

The cold tone made many people's hearts freeze.

Colluding with demons?

This kind of thing has happened before within the Tianxuan Division, especially when faced with such a reward; it's hard to guarantee that someone won't take the opportunity to come up with some wicked ideas.

The willow catkins, too, served as a deterrent.

After explaining these things, Liu Xu walked away.

The others could no longer sit still and went out to search for the murderer.

Chen San'er and Zhang Man couldn't sit still any longer: "Boss, let's hurry up and go too! We can't let someone else beat us to it!"

Li Chuqiu shook her head: "You two go first. Be careful and don't act rashly. This bounty isn't easy to collect. Let me know immediately if anything happens."

The two men had followed Li Chuqiu for several years and always put him first. Hearing this, they nodded cautiously and said, "Don't worry, boss, we know what we're doing."

After the two left, Li Chuqiu stretched and saw that it was only past noon and the sun was shining brightly outside. She decided to go back and take a nap first, and then talk to them after the sun went down.

However, just as Li Chuqiu left the Central Courtyard, she ran into Deputy Commander Liu again.

Dressed in a tight-fitting outfit, holding a silver sword in her hand, she exuded a cool and heroic aura as she ran into Li Chuqiu.

The two locked eyes, but Liu Xu's gaze was cold and indifferent as she strode away with her long, slender legs.

It's really cold!

Li Chuqiu clicked his tongue inwardly, then turned around to see Xu Jinghong smiling at him from behind Liu Xu.

That look in his eyes sent chills down Li Chuqiu's spine.

"Lord Xu?"

"Perfect timing, let's go together."

Li Chuqiu hadn't even reacted yet: "What?"

"Vice Commander Liu is planning to visit Prince Jing's residence again. Since you're here, let's go together."

To Prince Jing's residence?

Li Chuqiu's instinctive resistance.

He did want to investigate the cause of Prince Jing's death, but he didn't really want to be with that Deputy Commander Liu and Xu Jinghong right now.

Needless to say, Li Chuqiu always felt that Liu Fu could kill him at any moment to silence him.

As for Xu Jinghong in front of him, his purpose was unclear, and he even maliciously encouraged him to pursue Liu Xu.

Li Chuqiu, naturally, wasn't fooled and was about to refuse. But Xu Jinghong didn't give her a chance to consider. He stepped forward and affectionately put his arm around Li Chuqiu's shoulder: "Come on, come on, let's go help out together. On the way, I'll tell you about Vice Commander Liu's preferences..."

"I guarantee you'll easily win her heart."

Li Chuqiu: "..."

……

Not far away, Qin Yan, who witnessed this scene, showed a hint of astonishment and shock in his eyes.

As a young master from a prominent family in the capital, he naturally knew Xu Jinghong's identity... the second young master of the Xu family in the capital.

The Xu family, a prominent family that has stood in the capital for a century, has produced three prime ministers and has disciples all over the country. The family enjoys a very high reputation and is a well-known and prestigious family.

Although this young master Xu was not particularly favored in the family and was assigned to a place like Yuhua City, he was still the legitimate son of the Xu family.

In terms of status and position, he was far superior to the illegitimate son of a second-rate family.

But this second young master of the Xu family is actually arm in arm with Li Chuqiu, their relationship seems so intimate... What's going on?!

Qin Yan's eyes were downcast, clearly unable to accept this.

An ant he used to look down on has now not only hooked up with the eldest daughter of the Liu family, but is also arm in arm with the second young master of the Xu family...

No, just then, Qin Yan suddenly remembered something and abruptly turned to Xie An: "Tell me again about last night, don't leave out any details... What did Li Chuqiu say to Deputy Commander Liu last night?"

Xie An was startled by Qin Yan's gaze and nervously recalled, "I was standing far away last night and don't think I saw what Deputy Commander Liu said, but I did see him bow to Lord Xu, though I didn't quite hear what he said..."

Qin Yan listened, and his previously gloomy brows quickly relaxed, revealing a look of surprise: "I understand!"

Xie An was completely bewildered: "Young Master Qin, what's wrong?"

"He doesn't even know Deputy Commander Liu!"

Qin Yan sneered, "Although I don't know how he met Xu Jinghong, he most likely doesn't know Deputy Commander Liu... He was just bluffing you last night!"

Earlier in the courtyard, Qin Yan's gaze was fixed on Li Chuqiu and Liu Xu. He was certain that Liu Xu hadn't glanced at Li Chuqiu once from beginning to end... If they really had some kind of relationship, how could she not react at all?

Deputy Commander Liu was clearly not familiar with him, and might not even know him at all!

Most likely, he had run into Deputy Commander Liu during his patrol last night by sheer luck, and somehow he had managed to curry favor with Young Master Xu, so he deliberately brought up Deputy Commander Liu's name to make it seem like he was very close to him... In reality, Deputy Commander Liu probably didn't even give him a second glance!

That must be it!

The more Qin Yan thought about it, the more convinced he was that he had guessed correctly.

How could a woman as aloof, proud, and otherworldly as Deputy Commander Liu, such a great figure, possibly look down on a mere constable?

Does he even deserve to be glanced at by Vice Commander Liu?

Despicable little bastard!

Thinking of this, Qin Yan was in a great mood.

Xie An, who was standing to the side, was also taken aback by Qin Gongzi's words, and then belatedly realized: "Qin Gongzi, do you mean he deliberately scared me last night? He doesn't even know Deputy Commander Liu?"

"I knew it! How could he possibly know Deputy Commander Liu? I'm so angry!"

The thought that he had been intimidated by Li Chuqiu using the name of Deputy Commander Liu last night made Xie An furious.

Recalling how Chen San'er and Zhang Man had mocked him so closely not long ago, Xie An grew increasingly furious: "Despicable! This Li fellow has gone too far! I won't let him get away with this!"

"Hmph, Deputy Commander Liu hates nothing more than anyone using her name to smear her reputation..."

Qin Yan seemed to have thought of something, and a cold smile gradually appeared on his face.

……

"Vice Commander Liu hates tattling people the most..."

"Don't let her cold appearance fool you; it's all just a facade. She's the kind of person who responds better to gentleness than force, and she's actually not a bad person at heart. You don't need to be afraid of her."

"...Don't you believe me? Look at me, I've known her for so many years, I don't know how many times I've offended her, but I'm still alive and well, aren't I?"

"Believe me, she grew up in the Celestial Master's Mansion, doesn't have many friends, and is very naive and easy to fool... You just need to put in a little effort, and you can definitely win her over easily..."

On the way to Prince Jing's residence, Xu Jinghong grabbed Li Chuqiu and kept talking about Liu Xu's preferences. His words were clearly an encouragement for Li Chuqiu to pursue Liu Xu.

Li Chuqiu didn't believe a word Xu Jinghong said.

Naive? Easily fooled?

Can we achieve it with a little effort?

If it were that simple, would he even have a chance?

Seeing Xu Jinghong's persistence, Li Chuqiu could only sigh: "Thank you for your kindness, Lord Xu, but I already have a fiancée."

"You have a fiancée?"

Xu Jinghong looked completely incredulous.

"If Lord Xu doesn't believe me, he can simply go and inquire."

Li Chuqiu remained calm and composed.

In a sense, Lin Shuci is indeed his fiancée, and that's not a lie.

...He believed that Xu Jinghong wouldn't be so bored as to actually inquire about it!

Seeing that Li Chuqiu's expression was serious and not fake, Xu Jinghong immediately looked disappointed.

Do you have a fiancée?

That's not so easy to fool!

Just when Li Chuqiu thought she had finally escaped his entanglement, Xu Jinghong stroked his chin thoughtfully and said, "Actually, having a fiancée isn't necessarily a bad thing. You can call off the engagement..."

"Or, make your fiancée your mistress!"

Li Chuqiu: "?"

Why are you looking at me like that?

Xu Jinghong's eyes gradually became strange: "You don't mean you want Vice Commander Liu to be your concubine, do you?"

"Then let me tell you..."

"Shut up!!"

Just as Xu Jinghong was talking non-stop, a cold voice, tinged with a hint of murderous intent, came from behind.

Xu Jinghong shivered, shrank back, and shut her mouth guiltily.

Li Chuqiu looked up and met a pair of cold eyes.

Liu Xu, who was originally walking at the front, stopped and turned around at some point. Her breathing was slightly rapid, and a blush appeared on her fair cheeks, as if she was angry.

Her cold gaze swept over the two of them, especially when it landed on Li Chuqiu, where she gave her a vicious glare.

"If you dare to talk about me behind my back again, I'll make sure you all become mute!"

"Cough, I was just kidding!"

Seeing that things were not going well, Xu Jinghong slipped away and made a hasty retreat.

Li Chuqiu also wanted to slip away, but he saw Liu Xu's eyes fixed on him, her voice cold.

"What did you say to him?!"

A questioning tone.

Does this mean they suspect him?

Li Chuqiu immediately pledged his loyalty: "Deputy Commander Liu, rest assured, I haven't revealed a single word about what happened last night. Don't worry, absolutely no one will know..."

"Shut up!"

Liu Xu gritted her teeth and said sharply.

Seemingly realizing that she had lost her composure, she took a deep breath and calmed herself down.

For some reason, she, who was usually calm, suddenly felt a surge of anger upon seeing this guy and wanted to stab him.

The humiliating memory of last night made her tremble with fear, and she couldn't suppress her feelings of shame and indignation.

"That would be best!"

"If even a single word gets out, I..."

At this point, Liu Xu recalled that what happened last night wasn't entirely his fault. In fact, if he hadn't intervened, she might have been drugged by that vixen last night, and the consequences would have been unimaginable…

Thinking of this, Liu Xu couldn't bring herself to utter the threat that was on the tip of her tongue.

I'm a bit conflicted and don't know what to do.

In the end, she could only coldly say, "You'd better watch yourself!" before turning around and walking away quickly.

Looking at that aloof figure that seemed to be fleeing in disarray, Li Chuqiu almost laughed.

This woman is indeed a bit unreasonable, but there's nothing he can do about it; she's his boss's boss... and in fact, this robe was given to him by her family.

It's already a sign of high regard that such a well-born young lady with powerful connections would even exchange a few words with a nobody like him.

As for reasoning?

You know what, compared to that pampered young woman Li Chuqiu had met before, this Deputy Commander Liu was actually quite amiable and approachable...

In comparison, this Deputy Commander Liu is quite reasonable... at least, he even gave him two more Qi Condensation Pills.

For the sake of the Qi Condensation Pill, Li Chuqiu decided to let bygones be bygones for the time being.

……