Chapter 13: One Man Holds 360 Steps!

In the main hall, silence pervaded among the crowd.

For the twelve sub-commanders under Liang Hu, the newcomer had, in a single encounter, overwhelmed the Flag Commander Liang Hu and usurped the host's position.

Liang Hu himself had been the Flag Commander of Qing Shan Fang, and for the past three years, he had been in charge of two districts, showcasing his extraordinary ability.

As for this Flag Commander Wu Chang, rumors within the district suggested that he had reached the second major stage of martial arts.

However, when he joined the Observatory, he was only at the peak of the first major stage of martial arts, having honed the four realms of skin, flesh, tendons, and bones.

Within just over two years, this man should be at the blood-refining level of the second stage, most likely not yet having undergone marrow cleansing, and still far from the third stage of internal strength.

This is why Liang Hu harbored thoughts of repression against this man, planning to hand over power overtly, while secretly trying to control him.

But now it seemed the outside rumors had underestimated the other party.

At this moment, Liang Hu had also recovered from the murderous intent imbued in the knife strike he had experienced moments before.

"The Qi Mechanism that burst forth from him just now doesn't seem to be stronger than mine."

"It's just that he has killed too many recently, leading to strong murderous intent, making him appear sharp and dominant, surprisingly outdoing Liang in that respect."

"It seems that since my arrival in High Willow City, my comfort and ease over the years have dull my edge, and I have been suppressed by his killing aura."

"However, in reality, with my ability, I should be much stronger than him."

Thinking this, Liang Hu gathered his energy, his gaze sweeping across the room.

He noticed that the Master Wu Chang, who sat in the chief seat, while strong and full of killing intent, did not seem to have Qi-Blood quite as powerful.

He immediately concluded that the other party's martial arts cultivation was still within the second stage, and he might not even have undergone marrow cleansing yet.

Feeling reassured, he took a step forward, slightly placed his hands behind his back, and said, "As Flag Commander Liang of Qing Shan Fang, who has been overseeing Linjiang Square for the past three years, ensuring peace and stability, I have gained some insights. Considering Master Wu Chang is new here, I fear he may not maintain the current situation, therefore I have come for a proper handover."

Lin Yan's expression remained unchanged as he said, "Flag Commander Liang is thoughtful, but since Wu Chang has taken over the Linjiang banner, he indeed has the ability to manage Linjiang Square. There's no need for others to worry!"

"Master Wu Chang is young and full of vigor, and may be too confident. He is unaware that Linjiang Square, being the first square in the southern district of the outer city, has a complex situation."

Liang Hu sighed as he said, "Not to mention the intertwined interests of various factions within the city, but just the foreign merchant caravans entering through the southern gate, their first stop is Linjiang Square."

"If it hadn't been for the help of the Liu Family from the inner city over the past three years, balancing things out, Linjiang Square wouldn't have been this stable."

The Liu Family, one of the six major families of the inner city.

By bringing up the Liu Family, was he planning to use his influence to pressure others?

In the information provided by Han Commander, Liang Hu was originally from Qifeng Prefecture City and had been transferred thirteen years ago to serve as a member of the outer city for the Observatory.

Ten years ago, he was officially promoted to Flag Commander, assigned to the Outer South Bureau.

But six years ago, Liang Hu's younger sister married into the direct lineage of the Liu Family.

Three years ago, Liang Hu was able to take on the role at Linjiang Station, and this was not unrelated to his connections with the Liu Family.

Lin Yan did not respond and his expression remained cold.

Seeing this, Liang Hu glanced at the side.

Immediately one of the sub-commanders came forward, and with a clasped fist said, "Master Wu Chang, Linjiang Square's powers are too complicated to be suppressed by a single person's strength!"

"Our duty is to monitor all parties. As you are new here, without Flag Commander Liang's guidance, it will be difficult to delve into the different factions and understand the various insider information."

"If we know nothing, we can't fully manage Linjiang Square, and it will also be hard for us to serve Master Wu Chang."

"Please consider the bigger picture, and the well-being of the people of Linjiang Square, and do not let personal interests lead to chaos in Linjiang Square."

All twelve sub-commanders stepped forward, bending over to salute.

Chief Clerk Yang's face showed a slight change, but he did not step forward.

Lin Yan's gaze swept over them, and he suddenly let out a laugh.

"Without Flag Commander Liang, Linjiang Square will be in chaos?"

"Without the help of the Liu Family, will it be difficult for you to do your job?"

"If that's the case..."

Lin Yan, holding his knife, slowly stood up from the chief position.

The twelve sub-commanders exchanged glances, interpreting his actions as a sign that he was about to relinquish his seat.

But they saw him lift the knife, and slowly said, "Difficult to manage? Then don't bother!"

"All twelve of you, hand over your flags and go back home,"

"As for this Linjiang Square, I'd like to see how it descends into chaos under my blade!"

"Scram!"

The voice of Lin Yan resounded through the great hall in an instant.

All present changed color.

Even Chief Clerk Yang took an involuntary step forward, as if he had something to say but held back.

Driving away Liang Hu and truly taking over Linjiang Square, he naturally understood.

But removing these twelve flags and staying alone, how could he stabilize the situation?

More so, since Liang Hu and his subordinates had heavy dealings with all factions in Linjiang Square, now that they were all removed, it is like being cut off from one's senses.

Without senses, how could one know the movements in Linjiang Square and the undercurrents surging beneath?

"Leave!"

It was at this moment that Liang Hu waved his hand slightly and said, "Since this Master does not appreciate our kindness, let's see how he can stabilize Linjiang Square by himself!"

Turning around, he sneered and said, "Barely taking control of Linjiang Station and you've already ruined a great situation, not even Han Commander will be able to protect your position!"

With that, he abruptly left with a flick of his sleeve.

The twelve small flags hesitated slightly before ultimately deciding to follow him.

They had been promoted by Liang Hu himself.

Now standing behind Liang Hu and directly facing the new Flag Commander, they were virtually at a standoff with drawn swords and crossbows, with no chance of switching allegiance.

However, as they were about to leave, they looked towards Chief Clerk Yang, who had remained still to the side, their expressions growing more complex.

There was hostility, annoyance, resentment, and even, perhaps, a hint of envy.

After all, Chief Clerk Yang had been directly appointed by the Outer South Bureau and could stay on.

He didn't need to pick sides; remaining neutral was enough for him to retain his position.

"In the past three years, these twelve flags probably felt they had become members of the Observatory, believing that even if the new Flag Commander arrived, they couldn't just be dismissed without reason, or it would not sit well with the people,"

Watching their receding figures, Chief Clerk Yang slowly said, "But they forget that small flags do not belong to the formal membership of the Observatory, and every Prefecture City's Flag Commander has the authority to decide whether they stay or go."

At this, Chief Clerk Yang looked up and added, "Perhaps they were emboldened, thinking that without them, Master alone could not possibly stabilize Linjiang Station!"

Lin Yan laughed and said languidly, "So, at first, all of you thought this was merely a struggle between me and Liang Hu?"

"Exactly so,"

Chief Clerk Yang replied, "Including Liang Hu himself, everyone thought this was a contest where Master could be easily controlled! Even if Liang Hu had to give in eventually, the twelve flags he left behind would trip you up in future affairs... forcing you to bow down to Liang Hu!"

No one expected that this Master had such decisiveness, or perhaps such reckless impulsiveness, to make himself become a bare Flag Commander.

He looked upwards, hesitated, then said, "At noon today, the Liu Zun Temple's Observatory Tower within the inner city has issued the 'Mysterious Light Order'... starting tonight, the city's defenses will be strengthened."

At this, Lin Yan's brows lifted, as if he had understood something.

Meanwhile, Chief Clerk Yang rubbed his brows and continued, "According to past practice, Linjiang Station is responsible for assisting with the protection of the southern city wall, where twelve positions for defense will become available!"

He paused briefly before emphasizing, "I am not a martial artist; I am only responsible for documentation and managing the arsenal, and those under me are not martial artists either."

Normally, city defense is arranged with one person every hundred steps.

But increasing the city defense symbolizes a change in the situation, usually one person every fifty steps.

However, when the Observatory Tower issues a 'Mysterious Light Order,' it indicates an even more urgent situation.

Hence tonight, there should be one person stationed every thirty steps.

Lin Yan must defend a section of the city wall that extends for "three hundred and sixty steps" on his own.

"Would you like me to..."

Chief Clerk Yang hesitated, "Shall I ask them to come back?"

A smile appeared on Lin Yan's face as he said, "So Liang Hu and the other thirteen are still lingering outside the Linjiang Station because they're waiting for you to inform me of this matter and then for me to invite them back?"

As his voice fell, Lin Yan stroked the blade of his sword and spoke in a measured tone, "Lately, various characters consider Linjiang Square a treasure trove! If I cannot hold this 'three hundred and sixty steps' of city wall with my blade in hand, how can I retain the position of Linjiang Station's Flag Commander?"