Public Security Bureau.

Su Yu summoned Song Mirror to ask about the many shops on Jin Yu Street that had been sealed.

Song Mirror stepped forward and said in a low voice, "Lord Su, the Public Security Bureau is newly established and looking for targets to make an example of. Many of the merchants on Jin Yu Street haven’t paid their taxes, so I suspect someone is using that as a pretext to clean house over there."

"But who they choose to make an example of is just a matter of a word from us folks in the Public Security Bureau. With you watching over the Yang Family, we just need to go smooth things over. It shouldn’t be a problem."

Su Yu nodded. "Let’s go take a look."

The two had just pushed the door open when someone in the distance came forward to report, "Captain Su, Commander Li requests your presence. He says it’s to discuss an important matter."

"Now?"

"Yes."

Su Yu’s brow furrowed. ’What inconvenient timing.’

Song Mirror was a sharp man. He immediately cupped his hands and said, "Lord Su, if the Commander is summoning you, it must be for something important. The situation with the Yang Family is just a small dispute. We’re all colleagues in the Public Security Bureau; smoothing things over won’t be a big deal. I can take Yuan An and the others to handle it."

Su Yu pondered for a moment. "Alright, you go first. Remember, only deal with the Yang Family."

"Yes, sir!"

...

"Su Yu, you’re here! Come, have a seat! Try this Clear Spring Tea from Jian’an Prefecture."

Su Yu sat as instructed, took a sip, and praised, "Excellent tea."

Then he asked directly, "May I ask why the Commander has summoned me?"

A slight smile appeared on Li Jingxuan’s prosperous-looking face. "You did an outstanding job handling the anomaly in your jurisdiction last time. I was thinking that I can’t let your talents go to waste. Right now, the Bureau’s priorities are the security of Black Stone City and the source of this anomaly."

Su Yu listened quietly, nodding slightly.

"I heard you come from a family of fishermen and are an excellent swimmer. I want you to lead a team, representing our Golden Qilin Guard, to investigate the source of this anomaly. This is a long-term mission. The Bureau has also arranged for several other elite teams to participate, and you will all act together."

’Investigate the source of the anomaly?’

’This will mean going deep into the Black Water River, which won’t be easy at all.’

Su Yu did not accept the mission immediately, listening in silence.

Seeing Su Yu’s reaction, Li Jingxuan immediately laughed. "Of course, don’t worry. This mission is an opportunity for extra merit. If you succeed, the Bureau will reward you handsomely. If you don’t find anything, no blame will fall on you."

As he spoke, Li Jingxuan took a brocade box from his drawer and handed it to Su Yu. "I am quite impressed with your performance. This is a personal gift from me. Keep up the good work!"

Su Yu took the brocade box and opened it.

Inside lay a fist-sized rhizome, the color of beeswax and yellow jade. Its surface was covered in deep grooves and clear textures, and it emitted a rich, heavy fragrance.

Just one sniff made the Qi and Blood in his body stir faintly.

"Is this... Earth Yellow Essence?" Su Yu’s gaze sharpened.

"Indeed." Li Jingxuan said, quite pleased with himself. "This item has been buried underground for a hundred years, absorbing the essence of the earth’s qi. For a Martial Artist, it’s a precious medicine that replenishes essence and marrow, capable of greatly increasing one’s Qi and Blood. Taking it while you’re in the Skin Tempering Realm will be of great benefit to the foundation of your Qi and Blood."

’What a treasure!’

Su Yu didn’t refuse and accepted it crisply. "Thank you for your guidance, Commander! I will certainly do my best!"

This treasure could rapidly increase his Qi and Blood and strengthen his foundation; it was priceless. Li Jingxuan had given it to him as both an enticement and a reward. He had no reason to refuse.

As for investigating the anomaly deep within the Black Water River, he already had his own plans for that.

The resources he currently had were no longer sufficient. Whether for Breakthrough Points or advancing his Martial Arts Realm, he needed more. He would have to go into the depths of the Black Water River sooner or later.

It would be much less dangerous to go with the Public Security Bureau. After all, there would surely be more experts going along.

"Then I thank you, Commander. I will not slack in my future duties!"

"Good! A young talent indeed. Su Yu, I will be looking forward to more great things from you in the future!"

...

「Jin Yu Street.」

Kong Jia sat sprawled in a Grandmaster’s Chair, watching his Law Enforcement Team members seal one shop after another.

A glint of greed flashed through his sinister eyes.

’This Public Security Bureau is a really cushy job!’

’With so many shops, the bribes I’ll get from them coming to me for favors will be a huge windfall!’

Just then, Yang Ai hurried over with Song Mirror and the others, pointing to a sealed shop. "Lord Song, this is our Yang Family’s shop."

"Miss Yang, rest assured. Lord Su is a Captain of the Golden Qilin Guard. Our colleagues will show him some respect."

With that, Song Mirror led Yuan An and the other two men behind him to Kong Jia’s side.

"Sir, may I ask your name? I am Song Mirror, a squad leader in the Golden Qilin Guard, here on behalf of the Public Security Bureau. I greet you, sir."

Seeing them approach, a cold glint flashed in the depths of Kong Jia’s eyes. He remained seated in his Grandmaster’s Chair, showing Song Mirror no respect whatsoever. "Official business. Do not interfere."

Hearing this, Song Mirror’s brow furrowed.

’I’ve already announced who I am and that we’re both from the Public Security Bureau. Why does he still have this attitude? Is he some kind of reckless fool?’

"Sir, I am here on the orders of Lord Su, Zhenwu Captain of the Golden Qilin Guard, to inquire about the sealing of the Yang Family’s shop."

Kong Jia sneered. "Su Yu? Who the hell does he think he is? How dare he question the Golden Jade Guard’s law enforcement! Scram!"

These words were a blatant slap in the face in public. How could Song Mirror back down now? This wasn’t just about his own honor, but Su Yu’s, and even that of the entire Golden Qilin Guard.

His gaze turned cold as well. "Sir, you can eat whatever you want, but you can’t just say whatever you want. We are all colleagues in the Public Security Bureau. Are you deliberately trying to provoke a conflict between our two Guards? I wonder if Commander Zhao is aware of what you’re saying?"

The Golden Jade Guard was under the command of Zhao Sen, one of the four great Commanders. Their jurisdiction included Jin Yu Street and many other areas. They had three Vice Commanders under them, making them considerably stronger than the Golden Qilin Guard.

Seeing Song Mirror trying to use rank to pressure him, Kong Jia sneered, "Bullshit! You’re just a measly squad leader. How can you represent the Golden Qilin Guard? I, Kong Jia, am enforcing the law in my jurisdiction. What are you trying to do, bringing your men here? Obstruct justice?"

As he spoke, he shot to his feet, drew a long saber that was resting on the ground, and stared at Song Mirror with a vicious glint in his eyes.

"Song Mirror of the Golden Qilin Guard is obstructing the Golden Jade Guard’s law enforcement! You’re courting death!"

Kong Jia roared and slashed his long saber straight at Song Mirror’s chest.

Song Mirror was shocked. He never imagined the man would attack him directly. If this strike landed, he would be severely injured.

He hastily retreated to dodge. The blade grazed his chest, and the front of his clothes was torn open with a RIP.

"You’re courting death!" Song Mirror’s face contorted with rage. It was a vicious attack. He drew the long saber from his waist and began to counter-attack.

Behind him, Yuan An and the others were also stunned. They hadn’t expected someone from the Golden Jade Guard to be so brazen and were about to rush forward to help.

Just then, four of Kong Jia’s Martial Artist team members rushed over and immediately surrounded the three men, launching their attack.

On Yuan An’s side, since Zhao Tie had gone to lead a patrol in their jurisdiction, they were outnumbered. The three of them were quickly surrounded in a three-on-four fight.

Song Mirror’s situation was even more dire.

In less than three moves,

a slash landed on his arm. Blood immediately gushed out, and the long saber dropped from his hand.

"Useless trash!"

"Tell that coward Su Yu to come here himself!"

Song Mirror pressed down on the wound on his arm, beads of sweat as large as peas rolling down his forehead. The pain also cleared his mind considerably.

’Second Acupoint!’

’This Kong Jia is a Captain Level expert at the Second Acupoint stage. He was just toying with me before.’

’No, that’s not right. He’s doing this on purpose!’

’He attacked the moment he heard my name—it was completely intentional. When I mentioned Lord Su earlier, he clearly recognized the name!’

’He’s targeting Lord Su!’

His gaze shifted to Yang Ai, who had come with them. He saw her turning to go and inform Su Yu, and his heart sank in alarm.

’This is bad!’

’Kong Jia is at the Second Acupoint. I’m afraid Lord Su is no match for him. If he comes alone and loses face, his future in the Public Security Bureau will be difficult!’ 𝓯𝙧𝓮𝓮𝒘𝓮𝙗𝙣𝒐𝒗𝒆𝓵.𝓬𝓸𝒎

"Men! Arrest these people for obstructing justice! Especially this Song Mirror! He dared to disrespect a superior and attack me, a Captain! Punish him severely!"