Chapter 16: The Unmatched Swordsman Moves the Four Directions

"Yu State City has begun a state of emergency. Every day at the city gate, there are three or five squads of constables and guards conducting searches. It's said that there are even Xuanyi Guard members involved."

"What's going on? Could it be that the Demon Sect is back? Or are we going to war with Zhao Country again?"

"You don't know? Yesterday, the Yu State Prison was split in half by a single sword strike. It's said that the blow cleaved through the night and split the prison in two."

"I heard about that too. It's said that Magistrate Cao Anmin died in the ruins. Who in the world is this person, to be so daring and powerful?"

"The Cao Gang will definitely seek revenge. After all, Cao Anmin was the adopted son of Liu Qingshan, the Gang Leader of the Cao Gang."

"I heard that expert fighters from the Cao Gang are coming to Yu State City, possibly one of the Seven Vajras."

"Early in the morning, I saw many young swordsmen going to observe that sword skill. In my opinion, this mysterious swordsman can definitely enter the top ten of the Jianghu Dragon and Tiger List."

......

The morning teahouse was a stark contrast to its usual tranquility, with discussions flowing like a tide.

Everyone was talking about what had happened last night.

A mysterious swordsman made a move, splitting the dungeon with a single sword strike!

Cao Anmin and Liu Haoping tragically killed!

These events shocked the entire Yu State City. The bulletin boards were plastered with notices, and Xuanyi Guards had mobilized. It's said that the Cao Gang was also searching for this person with all their might.

Who exactly was this person!?

Everyone was speculating.

"A new day, a new atmosphere."

An Jing cheerfully opened the door, with Little Blackie wagging its tail at his heels. Being only about a month old, it walked with a wobbly and incredibly cute gait.

Just then, on the street, Han Wenxin approached with several constables, carrying a notice.

"Han, you're up so early today?" An Jing asked curiously.

"I haven't slept all night."

Han Wenxin, with panda-like eyes, said, "I've been chasing fugitives since last night, and now I have to hunt down that swordsman."

"What happened?"

An Jing asked with feigned surprise.

"You don't know?"

Han Wenxin sighed, "Last night, a swordsman stormed the dungeon, resulting in the death of Magistrate Cao Anmin. Not only that, but countless prisoners have escaped."

"That's serious!"

An Jing was momentarily stunned. "This is a big deal. Who would have such guts?"

Han Wenxin shook his head helplessly and said, "By the way, you need to come to the county government this afternoon. There are many prisoners who were severely injured by the collapse, and they need your attention."

"Han, you truly work hard."

An Jing remarked, reflecting on his own busy night.

"That son of a bitch."

Han Wenxin said through gritted teeth, "I had made plans with Chun Hui last night. If I catch that person, I'll skin him alive."

An Jing's forehead was marked by three black lines. "Old Han, that's not nice. You shouldn't curse people."

Han Wenxin sneaked a look around, then revealed a sly smile, "Brother An, give me some 'sleeping pills,' and add a little extra this time. I have big plans."

"Alright, I'll do it right away."

An Jing patted his chest in assurance.

No one else knew what Han Wenxin was talking about, but An Jing understood. The "An" in the "sleeping pills" referred to An Jing. That divine medicine? Naturally, it was a man's divine medicine.

An Jing walked into the house, where Zhao Qingmei and Tan Yun were placing some herbs into baskets.

"The weather is nice today, perfect for drying herbs," Zhao Qingmei smiled. "By the way, I heard you talking to someone at the door. Who was it?"

An Jing replied nonchalantly, "Oh, it was Chief Han. You've met him."

"That rascal Han Wenxin!"

Zhao Qingmei recalled Han Wenxin and said with a tut, "Isn't he always trying to catch Demon Sect members to gain merit and get promoted to Bronze arrest officer? How does he have time to visit our herb store?"

"Who said anything about catching Demon Sect members?" Tan Yun immediately raised an eyebrow at the mention.

"It was Chief Han. He just likes to brag. Ignore him, he's a coward." An Jing shook his head, then turned to Zhao Qingmei and asked, "By the way, my dear, where did you put my medicinal herbs? I need to prepare some for Chief Han."

"Here you go. I placed them in the east cabinet," Zhao Qingmei said, retrieving several jars from the cabinet.

An Jing took some powder from the jars and added a bit of croton powder, preparing to pack it in cowhide paper.

Brother Han, let this be a small lesson for cursing me.

"My dear, isn't that croton powder?" Tan Yun approached, a curious look on her face.

"Uh... yes."

An Jing's hands froze for a moment as he panicked inside: Tan Yun is learning quickly; she even knows about croton powder. If she finds out I sneaked croton powder into Han Wenxin's medicine, will my honorable image be ruined...

"Dear, you're too petty."

Tan Yun's face turned stern. "Even though I'm just a maid, I have to say, you can't be so petty."

"Huh?"

An Jing was taken aback for a moment.

"We should be more generous," Tan Yun said, liberally adding croton powder to the herbs.

"This...."

Cold sweat broke out on An Jing's forehead.

So much croton powder. If it takes effect during intercourse....

"Dear, I'll deliver it to him," Tan Yun said, satisfied as she packed the herbs.

Watching Tan Yun's departing figure, An Jing couldn't help but swallow nervously, hoping Han Wenxin wouldn't drink the medicine just before intercourse.

"Chief Han, here's the prescription from my dear," Tan Yun said, stepping outside. She bowed slightly, a sweet smile on her lips.

"Thank you, Miss Tan Yun,"

Han Wenxin said, his face flushing as he looked at the gentle and beautiful Tan Yun.

Brother An, you truly are blessed. You not only have a lovely wife but such a charming maid as well. How do you get all the good fortune?

One shouldn't have too much An Jing's fortune.

"Chief Han, don't forget to drink the medicine. I personally prepared it," Tan Yun said, winking at him.

"Alright... I'll drink it all. Since Miss Tan Yun prepared it, I, Han Wenxin, will surely finish it," Chief Han replied, his face red and earnest.

"Madam's congee for dear husband is almost ready, so I'll go back to serve him now," Tan Yun said with a smile, then returned to the herb store.

Watching Tan Yun's graceful figure, Han Wenxin felt even more envious.

.....

After noon, An Jing carried a small medicine chest and made his way to the county government to treat the injured.

Inside the back hall, Zhao Qingmei stood with her hands behind her back, frowning as she stood before the steps.

"Lady, what should we do now that Jiang Sanjia has been rescued?" Tan Yun asked in a low voice.

"Who exactly is this supreme swordsman?" Zhao Qingmei asked.

"Daring to oppose our Demon Sect, this person truly has the audacity of a wolf," Tan Yun said with a cold smile.

"Woof... woof..."

Little Blackie barked from beside them, seemingly supporting Tan Yun.

"This person disrupting my plans by rescuing Jiang Sanjia doesn't necessarily mean they are against our Demon Sect," Zhao Qingmei said calmly. "Now that both the Cao Gang and the Court are searching for him, it could be both a good and a bad thing for us. Yu State City is under curfew lately, so remind the Ghost-faced Buddha to be cautious and not to let any information slip. While our Demon Sect is returning to Great Yan, now is not the time to expose ourselves."

"We need to investigate this supreme swordsman as well. I won't allow any unexpected people or events to ruin my plans."

"Understood,"

Tan Yun said respectfully, clasping her fists. "By the way, the Ghost-faced Buddha has another piece of news for me."

"Speak."

"Master is coming."

"Oh?"

Zhao Qingmei's tone lifted, indicating a hint of surprise at the master's arrival.

"Master said he wants to personally see who the man our Hierarch has married is," Tan Yun whispered.

"Tell him not to come," Zhao Qingmei said expressionlessly.

"Hierarch, you know as well,"

Tan Yun said with a bitter face, "...Moreover, it seems that Master has already entered Great Yan."