Xuanqing Guard

Chapter 243: Chapter 243: Leisure Time

Fortunately, Jiang Cheng had already come with an order earlier, saying that he would continue investigating those Pseudo-Evil Sect cultivators, and even handed him a "do as you see fit" warrant.

This kind of authority was a bit too much, and Shen Hao was a little dazed when he saw the order.

With this "do as you see fit" warrant in hand, Shen Hao could basically do as he pleased within the Jingxi area, especially now that the "Jingxi" operation had just finished, and the government offices in Jingxi were extremely weak.

Getting such great power and not making full use of it was not Shen Hao’s style. At the very least, he had to revitalize and expand a few lines he had in hand for now.

He had someone call Wang Jian over.

"Sir, you wanted to see me?"

"Mm, sit down and we’ll talk."

Wang Jian had slimmed down a bit these days, his cheeks were a bit sunken, but his eyes were bright and energetic, and his aura was much stronger than a month ago. It was clear he’d put real effort into cultivation lately, though judging by his looks, the mix of cultivation and work had nearly worn him out.

"When you break through a small realm, your stamina will increase a lot. Just hold on for now," Shen Hao didn’t have time to give Wang Jian a break, besides, cultivators hardly ever drop dead from exhaustion. He himself was only sleeping two hours a day now.

"Thank you for your concern, sir. I’m fine." Wang Jian bowed slightly. He was tired, but his spirits were good. He was about to break through to the Qi Refining Realm Fourth Layer, and he knew breaking through would be his moment for promotion.

"Good. It’s not time to rest yet; keep a tight watch everywhere. How are Flying Dragon and Zhang Lie lately?"

Wang Jian subconsciously sat up straight and replied, "After Zhang Lie came back seriously injured last time, he just stayed hidden. A few days ago, when things seemed to cool down, he finally showed up once at the black market. But his injuries were pretty bad last time—he said he’d need at least two more months to fully recover. Lately, with nothing to do, he’s been giving some cultivation guidance to a few new recruits in the Impermanence Department, almost like he intends to play drill instructor."

"Flying Dragon just got back too. As you instructed about ’playing the role thoroughly,’ he bolted soon after the Jingxi Action started and apparently went over to Xin Liangcheng’s side. He just got back a few days ago as well."

Heh, speaking of Flying Dragon, sir, you don’t know—he’s gotten skinny again." As Wang Jian spoke, he couldn’t help but laugh recalling how Flying Dragon looked now.

"Is that so?" Shen Hao was a bit surprised. Flying Dragon had always been sturdy and imposing, almost fierce, but after striking it rich he’d started gaining weight and once got round as a ball, even complaining he couldn’t lose it anymore. But how long has it even been? How did he slim down all of a sudden?

"Yeah, he says it’s from worrying himself thin."

"Haha, what’s he so worried about?"

"He says there’s no business, and watching the men blow through money like water with nothing coming in is driving him nuts—loses a pound a day, and in a bit over a month he’s lost a whole size."

Shen Hao understood. Flying Dragon was stressed out. People lose their appetite when worried, and so naturally slim down. Especially for a money-grubber, seeing the cash flow dry up is like someone dug up their ancestors. ƒreewebηoveℓ.com

"Hehe, skinny is good—once you get fat, you get lazy. In any case, it’s been a while since I’ve seen him. Go tell him, I’ll treat him to dinner tonight, and invite Zhang Lie too. You arrange the place—make sure it’s private."

"Sure thing, sir. How about Pingjiang City? Flying Dragon just bought a house there, set up a private kitchen, and they say the food is really good."

"That works."

That evening, Shen Hao went to Pingjiang City via the teleportation array. This was the northernmost area of Fengri City; he’d come here once before, and the entrance to Gui Mountain Cultivation Institute was just outside Pingjiang City. That time, he got really lucky—he not only got a cultivation technique from Master Pingyang Li Shuyang, but also picked up the first piece of the Yin Jade Map at an auction, though to this day he still didn’t know what the map truly represented.

Compared to the bustling big cities, Pingjiang City was still very quiet outside of "recruitment season."

Flying Dragon liked buying houses in alleys—he thought it was quiet and not easily disturbed. Pushing open the door, the courtyard inside was not small, decorated with a certain taste. In the main hall, a big table was already set, waiting for the guests so the dishes could be served.

"Flying Insect greets the lord!"

Flying Dragon smiled obsequiously as he bowed, playing that fawning, slightly shameless role as always. He truly had slimmed back down to his old self—a big bald head, a face full of flesh, and a pair of fierce eyes.

"Alright, you’re a major figure now—quit going around calling yourself ’Flying Insect.’ It’s a joke," Shen Hao patted Flying Dragon’s arm, then took the seat of honor with a grin.

"Hehe, in front of you, sir, I’m just a little Flying Insect."

Flying Dragon’s uneasiness was justified. His ties to the Xuanqing Guard were honestly just the relationship between a tool and the hand that wields it—he was the tool Xuanqing Guard, or rather Shen Hao, used to infiltrate the black market. But now, after the massive Jingxi Action, the black market had basically entered a deep winter. Nobody would dare touch it for a while, and business had crashed. Given that, who knew if he was still useful or not? What if Shen Hao decided to cut ties now that he wasn’t useful anymore?

In Flying Dragon’s view, with Shen Shaxing’s reputation, it wouldn’t be out of character for him to use people then get rid of them.

So, when Wang Jian told Flying Dragon in the morning that Shen Hao was inviting him out for drinks that night, he was uneasy the whole day.

Zhang Lie, sitting at Shen Hao’s right, glanced at Flying Dragon and turned away, looking like he couldn’t bear the sight.

Zhang Lie looked down on flatterers like Flying Dragon most of all. Even if he admitted he was capable, the man was spineless by nature, everything Zhang Lie couldn’t stand. So although they worked together—Zhang Lie was even nominally under Flying Dragon—but in reality, they didn’t talk much. Most of the time, Zhang Lie led his group of secret agents to do things on his own.

Shen Hao shook his head and waved for the servants to start bringing dishes.

After a few rounds of drinks, Shen Hao clinked glasses separately with Flying Dragon, Wang Jian, and Zhang Lie. Smiling, he said, "Things have been complicated lately, and it’s only thanks to your hard work and dedication that we’ve managed to hold this operation down. Come, a toast to you all!"

After they all downed their drinks in one go, Shen Hao continued, "The black market may have quieted down for now, but this business can never truly be wiped out. As long as there’s demand, there’s a market—that’s an eternal truth. So Flying Dragon, don’t panic. Business always has its ups and downs, and besides, with the Xuanqing Guard backing you up, what’s there to fear?"

Hearing this, Flying Dragon finally relaxed, grinning sheepishly without stopping.

Shen Hao then turned to the usually silent Zhang Lie and said, "You still need to recover fully from your injury as soon as possible—I have more tasks that need you to escort and protect on this side."

"Don’t worry, sir. I’m not fully healed, but I’m already eighty percent recovered. I can handle a fight if needed—just give the word." freewebnoveℓ.com

"Good. But you’d better heal up first. Fighting while injured will only leave future problems—not worth it." With that, he called for everyone to eat and drink.