I Can Strengthen Everything

Chapter 38: Chapter 38: The Olive Branch

Fresh blood dripped from the cloth sack, and a thick, coppery scent filled the air.

Everyone’s hearts tightened as they stared at the cloth sack in Shen Ye’s left hand.

’The Demon Path Demon must be inside that sack.’

"Sir, is it over?" Fang Xing stepped forward to ask.

Shen Ye nodded. His gaze swept across the courtyard, and a strange glint flashed deep in his eyes as he saw the corpses. Then, he looked back at Fang Xing.

"Is everything cleaned up?"

Fang Xing cupped his fists. "Yes, sir. The cleanup is mostly complete."

Shen Ye gave a slight nod. "Good work. I’ll leave the rest to you. Make sure it’s clean."

"Yes, sir!"

Fang Xing nodded and immediately gave the order to wrap things up.

Shen Ye and Baili Yanran then departed.

Fang Xing and his men worked quickly, searching the entire stronghold and finding a few things.

There was some gold and silver, but it was mostly grain and clothing.

The donkey carts they had prepared were put to good use, hauling away all the grain and clothing.

About an hour later, Fang Xing’s group had finished their operation.

They found some kerosene in the stronghold. They buried the bandits’ bodies on-site, and then set the place ablaze. The entire Black Wolf Stronghold was devoured by fire, its roaring flames reducing the fortress to ashes.

With the cleanup complete, Fang Xing and his men left the stronghold.

The setting sun was the color of blood. By the time they returned to the County Town, darkness had all but fallen.

The grain and clothing were escorted to the County Yamen’s warehouse, while Fang Xing went to the Inner Hall to report the situation to the County Magistrate.

Suppressing the bandits was a political achievement.

It was a mark of merit for both the County Magistrate and for Fang Xing himself.

After making his report, Fang Xing had just left the County Yamen when he ran into Baili Yanran and Shen Ye.

"Sir." Fang Xing stepped forward and cupped his fists upon seeing them. ƒreewebɳovel.com

Shen Ye glanced at him, a slight smile on his face. "Now that business is concluded, how about we find a place for a drink?"

Hmm?

Fang Xing froze, hearing his words.

’He wants to get a drink with me?’

Fang Xing was stunned for a moment, but he quickly recovered, his face breaking into a smile. "Sir, I know of a restaurant with excellent dishes. If you two don’t mind, I would be honored to treat you both to a meal."

At this, Shen Ye burst out laughing. "Haha, excellent! In that case, we’ll be sure to run up the bill for our generous host."

"You jest, sir. It would be my honor. This way, please!"

Fang Xing said with a smile before turning to lead the way.

Soon, the trio arrived before a restaurant in East City.

The Drunken Immortal Tower!

It was the most luxurious restaurant in East City.

It was also the largest and most high-end restaurant in the entire County Town.

A single meal here could cost what an ordinary person earned in several years.

For Fang Xing, however, it was nothing.

After all, since becoming Chief Constable, he had received a considerable amount in "tributes."

The wealth he had accumulated far surpassed that of an ordinary person.

A single meal was nothing to him.

Most importantly, since Shen Ye himself had suggested it, Fang Xing certainly didn’t mind using this chance to build a closer relationship with him.

A position in the Observatory was a mark of immense prestige throughout the Great Jing.

Others would kill for such an opportunity.

"This way, please!" Fang Xing gestured with his hand. Shen Ye glanced at the restaurant, nodded, and then entered with Baili Yanran, with Fang Xing following close behind.

He called over a waiter, and the three of them were shown to a private room on the top floor.

From the private room, they could see the street scene below.

As the most prosperous area in Qingshan County, the East City District had the best environment.

It was much better than any of the other districts.

Once in the room, Fang Xing ordered some house specialties. He then passed the menu to the other two, and both Shen Ye and Baili Yanran ordered a dish each. Fang Xing then added an order for drinks.

...

In no time at all, the food and wine arrived at their table.

Fang Xing picked up the wine pot, stood, and poured a few cups. He raised his cup with both hands. "Lord Shen, thank you for your patronage. If you ever need me in the future, I will do my utmost to assist."

Shen Ye also raised his cup, smiling slightly. "I only made a suggestion. You earned your position through your own abilities. And from the looks of it, you’re doing a fine job."

"I am grateful for your high regard, my lord. I will strive to do even better in the future." Fang Xing drained his cup in one go.

Shen Ye drank his cup as well, and Fang Xing immediately refilled it.

"Sit, sit. Be at ease. There’s no need for such formality," Shen Ye said.

Fang Xing sat down and looked at the two of them with a smile. "Please, you two, try the food here. If you like it, you can come more often in the future."

The two nodded slightly and began to eat.

The atmosphere in the private room was pleasant as they ate and chatted.

After several rounds of drinks and courses...

Shen Ye put down his chopsticks and looked at Fang Xing. "What do you think of being a Constable?"

Hearing Shen Ye’s question, Fang Xing paused for a moment, then immediately replied, "It’s not bad. It’s all in service to the Court. I will do my part."

Shen Ye shook his head. "That’s not what I mean. What I’m asking is, if there were another place for you to go, would you be willing?"

Hmm?

Fang Xing’s movements couldn’t help but falter at these words.

’Another place to go?’

’Could it be... he wants to recommend me to the Observatory?!’

The thought flashed through Fang Xing’s mind. At this realization, he looked at Shen Ye and asked, "Sir, are you talking about the Observatory?"

Shen Ye looked at him, took a sip of wine, and nodded lightly. "Mm."

Fang Xing fell silent at the confirmation.

’The Observatory... the most powerful institution in the Great Jing, a place where masters gather in droves. While I don’t know much about its inner workings, I do know the basics. The power this department wields is terrifying! It’s responsible for the safety and security of the Great Jing. Strictly speaking, the work of a Constable and an agent of the Observatory aren’t all that different. It’s just that a Constable is responsible for a single corner of the land, while the Observatory’s scope is far broader. And the situations they face are different. Constables handle peace and patrols, dealing with local thugs, criminal organizations, and the like. The Observatory, on the other hand, targets Cult Demons. Those are the true cancers threatening the Great Jing. Local thugs and criminal organizations are just a superficial rash. Compared to the threat of Evil Cults and Demons and Monsters, they’re not even worth mentioning. Cult Demons are the calamity shaking the very foundations of the Great Jing. Cult Demons are a major reason for the current chaotic state of the world. I’ve only heard stories about Demons and Monsters, but I’ve had direct contact with Evil Cults. For me, the Observatory wouldn’t be a bad place to go. After all, the way I improve is unique. Besides the Enhancement Points that accumulate over time, there’s a faster way to improve: killing. It lets me level up quickly and gain Enhancement Points. Killing a Martial Artist can grant me Enhancement Points instantly. But... I don’t have any plans for that at the moment. After all, the enemies the Observatory faces are all Martial Dao Masters and Cult Demons. With my current level of Cultivation, I’m definitely not strong enough. The Peak of Dark Force only makes me an expert within a single county. It’s not enough to reach the top tier. Across an entire province, I probably wouldn’t even rank in the Middle Layer. Going without sufficient strength would be suicide. There’s always a bigger fish! My strength hasn’t even reached the top tier of Qingshan County, let alone the level of the Province Mansion. I’m self-aware enough to know that much.’

Seeing Fang Xing’s silence, Shen Ye took a drink of wine, breaking the quiet:

"Don’t overthink it. I’m just asking for now. To enter the Observatory, your strength is still a bit lacking. Even if you went, you’d be less comfortable than you are now as the Chief Constable of Qingshan County. I can give you an opportunity. If you can reach the Neutralizing Force realm within two years, I can recommend you for the Observatory."

"Do you have the confidence to try?"

’Entering the Neutralizing Force Realm in two years...’

Hearing this, Fang Xing smiled faintly. "I am grateful for your generous offer, my lord. I am willing to try."

’Two years...’

’At my current rate of progress, that’s more than enough time.’

’He’s extended the olive branch. I’ll take it!’