County Government·Study
Luo Peiyun sat behind the desk, listening quietly to Luo Kezhao’s report.
Fang Zhixing and others were also present.
Without any surprise, Luo Kezhao’s report was very sloppy, mainly evading the important points.
For example, the part about slaying the centipede was briefly glossed over in just a few sentences.
Lv Peipei’s strategizing, unmentioned.
Ding Zhigang doing the toughest and most exhausting work, also unmentioned.
Fang Zhixing making a significant contribution, still unmentioned.
At first listen, the story became about everyone defeating the centipede under the wise leadership of Luo Kezhao.
Yet the way he outlined the general process, you couldn’t say he was making things up.
Luo Kezhao finished his report.
Fang Zhixing and the other two observers practiced self-restraint.
"Hmm, quite interesting,"
Luo Peiyun glanced at the people and commented lightly, "A small Three-fork Town actually had three demons appear at once, quite the event."
Luo Kezhao’s face was tight as he replied, "It was my oversight, I never expected someone to be secretly breeding demons. That Sun Jingchang was truly malicious; his death was well deserved."
Luo Peiyun glanced at Luo Kezhao with a meaningful expression, "What’s terrifying is not the demons, but the human heart."
Luo Kezhao heard this and seemed to understand but not fully, echoing, "Father is right, the human heart is unfathomable and indefensible."
After pondering for a moment, Luo Peiyun waved his hand, "Alright, you’ve all had a hard time these days, hurry back and rest well. I’ll reward your achievements in a couple of days."
Everyone stood up, bowed, and took their leave, each returning to their place.
"Little brother, are you busy tonight?"
Ding Zhigang and Fang Zhixing walked together when Ding suddenly asked with a grin.
Fang Zhixing looked at him; his injuries had already mostly healed.
He smiled, "No plans for now."
Ding Zhigang chuckled, "How about joining me to listen to some music tonight?"
Fang Zhixing instantly understood and replied, "Good, I’ll follow big brother’s lead."
Ding Zhigang was delighted, "Then let’s meet at Hanxiang Building tonight."
Afterwards, Fang Zhixing and Xigou returned to the separate courtyard.
They had been out for several days, mostly sleeping outdoors, and they both reeked.
Upon returning home, both bathed hurriedly.
Fang Zhixing lay in bed, relaxed his whole body, and finally could have a good night’s sleep.
While on mission outside, to guard against surprise attacks by demons, he and Xigou had kept watch in turns, not daring to sleep for long, and even when they did sleep, they couldn’t sleep deeply.
It was only at home that they dared to sleep without worry.
Xigou yawned and dozed off with a loud snore, unconcerned about anything else.
Fang Zhixing, who had been tense for many days, fell asleep as soon as his head touched the pillow.
He slept until the evening and felt extremely satisfied.
After waking up, Fang Zhixing ate some dinner.
Xigou ate a Meat Pill, its stomach quickly becoming round and full.
Together, they rode out against the evening glow, heading to Peace Street.
Looking around, the entire Peace Street was crowded and noisy.
Two drunken youths wrestled in the street, but they weren’t fighting, just frolicking.
Fang Zhixing’s gaze flashed as he suddenly noticed many familiar faces in the crowd.
There were Infantry, there were his Archers, and there were Government Officials!
All these people had gone out on demon-slaying missions.
And indeed, after being tormented in Three-fork Town for over ten days, they were eager for release.
Once they returned to the county town, like students on break rushing to the internet cafe, they all flocked to brothels to let loose and vent!
"What the hell, didn’t Luo Kezhao have those Infantry confined?"
Fang Zhixing frowned.
He had kindly reminded Luo Kezhao to isolate and observe the seven hundred Infantry for a while.
But it turned out Luo Kezhao had ignored his advice.
Seeing this, Xigou scoffed, "How could someone like Luo Kezhao possibly take your word for it? If it weren’t for your caution and tactics, do you believe he might have shifted the blame onto you and let you take the fall?"
Fang Zhixing curled his lips and said in a low voice, "Heaven’s transgressions can be forgiven; one’s own cannot be lived through. Luo Kezhao is stubborn and will eventually harm others as well as himself."
Without dwelling on it further, he tied up his horse and headed towards Hanxiang Building on his own.
"Little brother, come over here, we’ve been waiting for you!"
Ding Zhigang had arrived earlier and was sitting at a table in the hall, a young girl in his arms, leisurely drinking.
Fang Zhixing smiled and took a seat.
Soon after, the old madam arranged a young girl to attend to him.
"Is Su Niang free tonight?" Fang Zhixing looked up and asked.
The old madam, wiping her mouth with a handkerchief, laughed, "Miss Luo is coming tonight; Su Niang might not be able to accompany you."
Fang Zhixing raised an eyebrow, "You mean Miss Luo Qianqian?"
The old madam nodded repeatedly.
Fang Zhixing couldn’t help but be curious, "I haven’t seen Luo Qianqian for a while, what has she been busy with?"
Ding Zhigang laughed, "She’s preparing a suit of Armor, including armor and weapons. I’ve heard she’s been at ’Master Tao’s’ place."
Fang Zhixing suddenly came to a realization.
Indeed, the last time he encountered Luo Qianqian, she was thinking of using the "Dark Water Mysterious Snake" sinews to forge a Third Level weapon.
"A full suit of Armor, that’s quite pricey!"
Fang Zhixing murmured softly.
Ding Zhigang laughed, "I heard that Miss Qianqian is making this suit of Armor in order to participate in the ’Qinghe Martial Arts Tournament’. She’s planning to take the top spot."
"The Qinghe Martial Arts Competition?"
Fang Zhixing found the name familiar, and after thinking it over, suddenly realized its significance.
Cheng Tianen had once mentioned to him that he had participated in the Qinghe Martial Arts Tournament and achieved the excellent result of seventh place.
"Big brother, what is this Qinghe Martial Arts Tournament?" Fang Zhixing asked curiously.