The Black Book: Seven Deadly Sins

Stepping into the Door of the Anti-theft Bureau, all the subordinates along the way bowed sincerely in salute from a distance. The gaze they cast upon him was full of fiery gratitude, making Zhu Haomiao sigh lightly with emotion.

How deprived of upward mobility are the common people in this world?

Just giving them a glimmer of hope is enough to excite them so much?

Their look implied they'd go through fire and water at a mere word!

Upon arriving at the main hall, seeing the bulky figure of Yan Yunsheng sitting in the main seat, Zhu Haomiao slightly furrowed his brow.

"If you're injured, take a good rest. Don't push yourself."

Upon hearing this, Yan Yunsheng noticed the young man and hurriedly stood up to greet him.

"Sir!"

After respectfully greeting him, Yan Yunsheng explained with a smile.

"They're just flesh wounds, they don't affect my ability to sit in and attend to work."

"You can temporarily pass on the work to others to share. You should focus on your recovery."

You are such a useful tool, you can't have an accident!

If something happens to you, I'll have to go to work myself!

Noticing the young man's reproachful look, Yan Yunsheng nodded with gratitude.

"Yes, Sir."

"By the way, did you announce the matter of the 'Constant Star Melting Furnace Body Tempering Technique'?"

"Uh... yes."

When this matter was brought up, Yan Yunsheng seemed a bit uneasy. After hesitating for a moment, he spoke up.

"Sir, I've already drafted the preliminary regulations for redeeming the cultivation technique, but now there's a problem..."

"What problem?"

"Should this merit be counted from the day they entered the service, or starting from now?"

"..."

"Many brothers have worked for the Anti-theft Bureau for over a decade, their merits outstanding. Now they are injured and disabled, their combat strength nowhere near what it used to be. Putting them on the same starting line as newcomers seems somewhat unfair."

"Moreover, they are experienced, their state of mind more stable, and they align more with the characteristics of the 'Constant Star Melting Furnace Body Tempering Technique'.

Stroking his chin, Zhu Haomiao waved his hand broadly and said heartily,

"Count from the start of service!"

He was eager for his belief anchors to multiply as much as possible, so why be stingy?

If it weren't for fearing significant disturbances in fate, potentially messing up the entire Illusion Realm, he wished he could print ten thousand copies of the Secret Manual and distribute one to everyone on the streets!

On the other side, feeling once again Li Lin's selfless mind, Yan Yunsheng respectfully clasped his fists.

"Thank you, Sir!"

Zhu Haomiao indifferently waved his hand, suddenly remembering something and changing the topic.

"By the way, have the identities of the prison attackers been found out yet?"

When the matter was brought up, Yan Yunsheng's expression turned solemn and he shook his head gravely.

"They're not from the Imperial City; it seems like they came from a southern province. We're seeking help from colleagues in the outer provinces for the investigation."

Hearing this, Zhu Haomiao couldn't help but frown deeply.

A person from a southern province traveled such a long way to the Imperial City to break someone out of prison?

"Is this attack frequency... normal?"

He had only been here for a month and had already encountered a prison break twice, which seemed a bit too frequent.

Yan Yunsheng also furrowed his brow. After pondering for a moment, he cautiously said, "It's not very normal."

"Unless there's a 'Famous Martial Artist of Jianghu' locked up, with disciples, descendants, friends, and relatives rushing forward one wave after another to rescue them. But there're only a bunch of nobodies in our jail..."

Suddenly recalling that presently not even the nobodies remained in the dungeon, only some small-time thugs, Yan Yunsheng shut his mouth with a strange expression.

Meanwhile, Zhu Haomiao recalled that a broker had previously asked him to swap Huo Hong out, and he had a vague suspicion.

Could it be that the soft approach didn't work, so they paid someone to take a hard stance?

And to bring someone in from an outer province, are they afraid of being exposed if they use locals?

No wonder they waited nearly half a month before taking action...

Catching a hint of inspiration, Zhu Haomiao scratched his chin, furrowing his brow in deep thought.

If that's the case, then they were misled by outdated information.

Without me, the Anomaly, Yan Yunsheng, the strongest in the Lechang Square Anti-theft Bureau, is just an Eighth Rank. A seventh-rank setup should be quite secure.

With this lesson learned, will they give up?

Or will they find stronger people to break the prison?

Even at the risk of exposure, mobilizing direct forces to take action themselves?

For someone to be able to find him through a broker in the Imperial City, whoever's behind it has considerable local power. However, their identity might be sensitive, making them reluctant to step in personally...

Thinking about this, Zhu Haomiao couldn't help but feel a hint of regret. I should have spared Huo Hong's life; that guy must have some secrets.

Why couldn't I restrain my hand?

He smacked the back of his hand, lamenting for a moment before bringing his thoughts back to the present.

"If it really is a series of prison breaks, the opponent might not give up easily. They may send stronger experts, so you guys need to stay on alert."

Upon hearing this, Yan Yunsheng nodded solemnly.

"Yes, Sir."

But seeing the bandages peeking out of this guy's collar, Zhu Haomiao sighed helplessly.

"Go get two bowls."

The sudden order left Yan Yunsheng puzzled, but he quickly found two bowls.

Taking out a soup pot from the pouch at his waist, Zhu Haomiao poured out a meat broth radiating crystal-clear spirit light into the two small bowls under Yan Yunsheng's astonished eyes.

"One bowl is for you, eat it directly."

"The other one should be diluted with hot water and given to the injured brothers. If there's still any left, give it to those who perform outstandingly."

Looking at the extraordinary broth in front of him, Yan Yunsheng's breath quickened, swallowing in disbelief.

"Sir, this is..."

"Qilin Soup."

"Royal cuisine?!"

Having long heard of the renowned royal delicacy, Yan Yunsheng exclaimed with excitement.

Our old Yan family is on the rise now!

We can eat the same thing as the Emperor!

Shooting a disdainful glance, the contempt in the youth's eyes made Yan Yunsheng realize his blunder, causing him to lower his head awkwardly.

"What's so special? You aren't as composed as a child!"

Upon hearing this, Yan Yunsheng couldn't take it.

This is Qilin Soup!

A royal secret medicine!

Even many nobles haven't seen this delicacy in their entire lives!

"Which child would be more composed than me seeing this..."

Keenly catching Yan Yunsheng's faint muttering, Zhu Haomiao chuckled, curling his lips into a smile before replying.

"Zhao Nuo."

"Ah? Who's that?"

"Princess Jinglan."

"??!"

"I just fed her Qilin Soup this morning, and she was very calm."

That's different, isn't it?

She is the Emperor's most beloved princess!

Of course, she's had this stuff!

We ordinary people haven't even seen it in our lives!

With that complaint stuck in his throat, Yan Yunsheng, after his excitement subsided, suddenly noticed that Li Lin's tone wasn't quite right when discussing Princess Jinglan.

There was no reverence for a royal princess, rather, it sounded casual—perhaps even with a hint of fondness.

That kind of attitude didn't seem like he was talking about someone high and mighty, like a princess, more like boasting about a beloved pet at home.

No way!

Sir, have you reached such a level now?

Treating a princess like a pet?