Water Ink Panel: Starting with Bow Technique to Hunt the Sun and Patrol the Skies

These two men were Prefecture Chief Dou Wenxi and County Supervisor Yan Xushou, the only two remaining Innate Martial Masters among the five in the Yongzhou County Office, high in position and influential, second only to the Prefectural Governor.

Now, both men were over a hundred years old, their cultivation stuck in the Innate Realm for seventy to eighty years, their ambition eroded, with little zeal left for advancing in Martial Arts.

Moreover, they came from humble origins, without any powerful backers, so after being dispatched to Yongzhou, they had always been in a state of detachment, muddling along without much presence.

This time, when such a major event occurred in Yongzhou City, both chose to stand by and watch.

Shen Qing's impression of them was quite mediocre.

At this moment, when Dou Wenxi and Yan Xushou came to visit, he was somewhat puzzled, not understanding the purpose of their visit.

After Prefecture Chief Dou Wenxi had spoken, County Supervisor Yan Xushou immediately followed up, "Lord Dou is absolutely right. Chief Officer Shen's decisive actions are fair and impartial, removing harm for the people. To say that he is our Yongzhou's upstanding great official is no exaggeration at all."

County Supervisor Yan Xushou's words were filled with flattery, playing off Dou Wenxi's remarks.

From many of their words and actions, there seemed to be no ill intentions. Shen Qing couldn't figure out their motives; he kept his composure and quietly observed, "The two Lords flatter me too much, I am merely fulfilling my duty loyally."

"Eh, Chief Officer Shen is still too modest," said Yan Xushou, his chunky cheeks jiggling twice as he pretended to be annoyed.

Shen Qing didn't want to beat around the bush any longer and directly asked, "May I know the purpose of the two Lords' visit?"

"It's not really any advice," Prefecture Chief Dou Wenxi stroked his goatee, slightly lowering his stance as he said, "With such a major event happening in Yongzhou, we have already reported to the court. If all goes well, in a few days the court will dispatch an envoy to stabilize the situation. During this period, we need to work together, so we came especially to communicate this."

County Supervisor Yan Xushou also said with a smile, "Now the county office is riddled with problems. What does Chief Officer Shen intend to do?"

After a few exchanges, Shen Qing began to discern their intentions.

At the moment, with Yongzhou in turmoil, it was a time filled with trouble; they harbored concerns, and their visit was to probe his stance, seeking to protect themselves.

Indeed, just as he had thought, Dou Wenxi and Yan Xushou were genuinely alarmed by Shen Qing's aggressive tactics, their cultivation not necessarily a match for his.

They were worried that Shen Qing, in a fit of passion for so-called justice, would disrupt their stable lives and endanger their lives.

So their visit this time was specifically to negotiate with Shen Qing and understand his true intentions.

If it was just a token action, and afterwards everyone continued as before without changes, naturally, that would be best and everyone would be happy.

If he wanted to use his reputation to cause trouble, strictly regulate the government office, and stretch his hands towards them, then they couldn't just sit by and wait for death.

Shen Qing looked at them, seeing their warm smiles like a spring breeze, treating him extremely well.

This made him inwardly cautious, careful in his heart.

He thought to himself that although they might not be a match for him, if they were willing to risk their lives, they could still force him to pay a price.

Moreover, both were officials dispatched by the court; he didn't have a particularly good reason to confront them at the moment.

As long as they didn't cause trouble for him, it's better to address fewer issues than more, and not prudent to recklessly make enemies.

Having thought through this, Shen Qing understood in his heart, but kept the same calm demeanor on his face, saying warmly, "Since the two Lords have already reported to the court, the matter should naturally be left for the court to decide. During this period, we should indeed work together with the two Lords, to overcome difficulties and maintain order in the city."

Hearing Shen Qing's words, Prefecture Chief Dou Wenxi and County Supervisor Yan Xushou looked at each other and smiled, their doubts instantly dissipating.

They couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief, very pleased with this outcome.

It was clear that the Chief Officer of the Guardian Martial Department was not so unreasonably tyrannical.

"Hahaha, indeed, Chief Officer Shen understands the greater good," Prefecture Chief Dou Wenxi said with delight: "After spending some time together, Lord Shen will definitely see our true nature. We won't cause any difficulties for Lord Shen."

County Supervisor Yan Xushou looked around and said, "Now that the chaos in the city has initially settled, we also have plenty to attend to. After we've handled everything in the coming days, we can join you, Mr. Shen, for a drink and a pleasant conversation. We will take our leave first."

"Both of you, take care. No need for me to see you out."

Watching the departing figures of Prefecture Chief Dou Wenxi and County Supervisor Yan Xushou, Shen Qing noted their lack of any martial artist's bearing.

"It truly is might that speaks in this world. The stronger the martial power, the louder one can talk. Two high-ranking county officials seem to be regarding my words as orders, which is quite lamentable."

Shen Qing felt even more disdain towards Prefecture Chief Dou Wenxi and County Supervisor Yan Xushou.

As dusk approached, Yongzhou was destined for a sleepless night with bustling noises prevalent throughout the city streets.

...

In the vibrant heart of the Capital City stood the imposing and magnificent residence of the Xue Family of Great Zhou.

At this moment, a young man of elegant demeanor, dressed in magnificent attire, approached the Xue Mansion with brisk steps.

He gave a slight bow to the gatekeeper and said, "Zhou Su of Yongzhou's Zhou Family has come to visit Old Xue. Please inform him of my arrival."

Zhou Su's voice was clear and his attitude sincere, revealing an extraordinary valor between his brows.

Upon hearing this, the gatekeeper dared not delay and quickly bowed before hurrying inside the mansion.

Soon, the gatekeeper returned and said, "Lord Zhou, please follow me."

"Thank you."

Zhou Su lightly swept his sleeve and followed the gatekeeper through the winding corridors, entering a tea room adorned with a simple and scholarly ambiance.

After bringing him there, the gatekeeper silently withdrew, leaving Zhou Su alone.

He was in no hurry and patiently waited inside the tea room.

After a while, a fit young man came out quickly and appeared at the door. When he saw Zhou Su, he joyfully said, "Brother Zhou, what wind has blown you here today?"

The Xue Family Patriarch took step by step towards the highest seat, his figure lengthened by the sunlight at the door, with a continuous echo of footsteps in the serene guest hall.

Zhou Su looked up to see only a pair of handsome, youthful eyes.

This person was none other than the Lord Xue of the Great Zhou's Xue Family, Xue Bai.

"Please have a seat," said Xue Bai.

Zhou Su hurriedly bowed his head as he and Xue Bai, the Family Head of the Xue Family, took their respective host and guest seats.

Inside, the room was filled with the aroma of tea.

Standing up, Zhou Su took the initiative and said, "I've come here daringly this time to report an important matter to Lord Xue."

"Speak."

Zhou Su paused slightly as if bearing a great pressure.

He took a deep breath to steady himself, and said, "The Prefectural Governor Bai Mu had sent a memorial to the court, and surely Family Head Xue is already aware of the large number of demons appearing in Yongzhou, bringing disaster to the lives of the people. However, there is one thing the Bai Prefecture Governor has not yet disclosed. The changes in Yongzhou consist of more than this."

"Oh? What else has happened in Yongzhou?"

Zhou Su's expression turned solemn as he said, "A Spirit Essence has descended in Yongzhou, its scale no less than that of Jinzhou, and there are even rumors of Outer Domain Treasures appearing. I hope Family Head Xue can decide on this matter!"