Chapter 102: Chapter 98: Choice

Chen Mu watched Zhang Heng leave, casting a deep glance at his retreating figure before shifting his gaze to Xu Hongyu and lightly bowed to her.

"Thank you, officer, for your assistance."

His gaze faintly swept over Xu Hongyu, even though dressed in plain clothes and dusty from travel, without having had a chance to freshen up, her skin was as white as jade and her beautiful, unadorned face remained as cold and stunning as before.

Xu Hongyu had also been watching Zhang Heng leave with a cold gaze, but then she turned to look at Chen Mu, her expression much softer, and slightly nodded, "Last night, He Mingxuan was assassinated and died; you were merely caught up in this incident—don't worry too much about it. It has nothing to do with the Yu Family, and I won't let the He Family act recklessly."

No.

It wasn't just being caught up, but the perpetrator was right in front of you, Chief Constable.

A thought flashed through Chen Mu's mind, "The batch of goods from last night is in the backyard; Zhang Heng probably came to retrieve it. How would you like to handle it, Officer Xu?"

Xu Hongyu shook her head, "These are minor matters. Just send someone to escort it to the Chief Officer's headquarters. I need to go there to rest anyway. You should come with me to avoid any further attempts on you by the He family."

"Alright."

Chen Mu immediately waved his hand, ordering Shang Qinglai and the others to deal with the transport of the cart.

Shang Qinglai and the others, already drenched in cold sweat from the series of sudden changes, hurriedly left on hearing the orders, leaving only Xu Hongyu, Xiao He, and Chen Mu in the hall office.

Only then did Xiao He finally turn to Chen Mu and ask, "You seem to be alright? I received sudden news last night and immediately sent an urgent message to Miss, fearing that the He Family might be driven to desperate acts. Miss rushed back all the way."

"I'm fine, thanks to Officer Xu's timely arrival."

Chen Mu smiled.

Xiao He sighed, "I was worried that if it were a little bit later, it might have been irreversible. The He Family took the opportunity to erupt, and it might affect the miss. Originally, upon returning to the city, she might have been promoted, but now she'll probably be reassigned to some clean-water bureau, and she probably won't stay in the South City District."

As she spoke, she couldn't help but steal a glance at Chen Mu, but seeing that his expression remained unchanged, she shook her head slightly.

Though the information was scarce, she knew that He Mingxuan was killed by someone possessing the Thunderclap Artistic Conception.

Thunderclap Artistic Conception?

That had nothing to do with Chen Mu.

The biggest possibility for Chen Mu was that he had grasped the Xun Wind Artistic Conception, and that was merely a possibility, just some traces pointing towards Chen Mu, coupled with much of her own conjecture.

She didn't even mention these thoughts much to Xu Hongyu, because He Mingxuan's death by Thunderclap Artistic Conception clearly had nothing to do with Chen Mu, and with the situation already very chaotic, there was no need to consider other matters.

"It seems that his death has indeed had a significant impact."

Chen Mu looked at Xiao He, then turned his gaze back to Xu Hongyu.

He felt a slight sense of apology; after all, in his act of killing, he felt rejuvenated, but Xu Hongyu had ended up carrying some of the burden for him, although it really didn't matter much; he wouldn't share the blame in the future.

And he guessed that Xu Hongyu was more or less relieved by He Mingxuan's death.

Indeed.

Xu Hongyu casually remarked, "He deserved to die, using his status in the He Family to act so despicably and detestably. I had thought of drawing my sword against him several times before. Now, there's no need to deal with him anymore... As for promotions and the like, in the current world, strength is respected. Martial Arts is the foundation.

If they assign me to a clean-water bureau, it allows a good opportunity for quiet cultivation."

Power and martial force, which is heavier or lighter, depends on whether the Imperial Court is flourishing or declining.

During the flourishing period of the Da Xuan Dynasty, the empire commanded respect far and wide. The highest martial force was almost all in the hands of the Imperial Court. The legendary Blood Garment Guards and Heavenly Dragon Guards were feared by all under heaven.

Even those who had stepped into the Tendon Changing and Bone Tempering Realms, if they dared to act recklessly within the bounds of Da Xuan and violated the laws, they would face relentless pursuit by the Imperial Court.

Then, power was of greater significance than strength: an Imperial scholar or even a local County Magistrate, though lacking in personal strength, faced no challenges from any Martial Men.

And now?

Not just those in the Tendon Changing and Bone Tempering Realms, even those in the Skin Toughening and Body Refinement Realms could act wildly. S~eaʀᴄh the nôvel_Fire.ηet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

In Yu City, from the powerful Demon-Slaying Office to the various departments handling mundane affairs such as the Miscellaneous Affairs Bureau, as well as the Salt Affairs Bureau and Smelting Bureau, strength ruled.

Stepping into the Tendon Changing Realm ensured a position as Deputy Head Officer or even Chief Constable, and stepping into the Bone Tempering Realm made taking the post of Deputy Governor effortless, and even becoming the Governor wasn't difficult.

Therefore, Xu Hongyu wasn't particularly interested in promotions; rather than relying on merits and background to get the Yu Family to push her up, she would prefer to cultivate quietly for a while, reaching Tendon Changing Perfection, and naturally rise through her own strength.

Moreover.

The death of He Mingxuan had indeed pleased her greatly, and she had already grown tired of the position of Chief Constable. Now, seizing this opportunity to relinquish the position suited her intentions. Although the Yu Family might take a step back, they would still ensure that the position of Deputy Head Officer, left vacant by the death of He Mingxuan, would fall into their hands.

At this point, Xu Hongyu suddenly turned to look at Chen Mu, thoroughly sizing him up.

While Chen Mu was slightly puzzled.

He heard Xu Hongyu say, "This time, I will most likely leave the position of Chief Constable. Perhaps someone from the He Family will succeed me, but the death of He Mingxuan also leaves a vacancy for Deputy Head Officer. If you are willing, I could recommend you for the promotion. Xiao He mentioned that your strength should be sufficient...

However, I have another option, which is to relinquish this official position and stay in the Inner City with me for a while."

Upon hearing Xu Hongyu's words, Chen Mu understood that Xu Hongyu was already considering his future options.

In Xu Hongyu's view, once she left, the position of Chief Constable of the South City District would fall into the hands of the He Family, and keeping Chen Mu in Wutong Grove District as Prefecture Chief was clearly untenable; his situation would become increasingly difficult even if someone from the Yu Family took over as Deputy Head Officer.

Unless Chen Mu took up the role of Deputy Head Officer himself, with his methods and strength, he might be able to contend. However, in Xu Hongyu's consideration, that wasn't the best choice either.

After all, as she saw it, what Chen Mu needed most now was some time for secluded cultivation, to focus all his energy on breaking through to the Tendon Changing Realm. Once he passed that threshold, it would be a world of difference, and it was not suitable for him to dissipate his energy in conflict with the He Family.

A brief silence fell in the Hall Office.

Xiao He didn't speak either, just quietly looking at Chen Mu, but she knew there was only one choice he would make.

"I will follow your instructions, my lord."

Without much thought, Chen Mu bowed gently to Xu Hongyu.

Xiao He pursed her lips and smiled, looking at Xu Hongyu, "See, Miss, I told you he's not a man greedy for power."

On the way here, she had analyzed various matters and discussed them with Xu Hongyu, including Chen Mu's subsequent arrangements, and suggested that Xu Hongyu temporarily place Chen Mu in the Inner City.

Xu Hongyu thought about it but still decided to let Chen Mu choose. In her view, it was normal and very common for men to covet power. Having made his way to the position of Prefecture Chief, Chen Mu might aspire to go even further rather than giving up power to seek solitary cultivation in the Inner City. Your adventure continues at m v|l-e'-NovelFire.net

Observing Chen Mu's reaction, Xu Hongyu was slightly startled.

Then she turned to look at Xiao He, noticing Xiao He was still smiling, she reached over and gently pinched Xiao He's cheek, saying, "You… were... right..."

Her voice was still cool, but the delicate, rosy lips slightly curled up, like the chilly winter air thawing slightly, insignificant yet presenting a completely different scene.

It turns out she could also smile.

Chen Mu appreciated this scene; it seemed to be the first time he'd seen it, although it was nearly imperceptible.

"Ouch, ouch, ouch, Miss, I was wrong…"

Xiao He, her cheek being pinched, did not dare to resist, looking pitifully at Xu Hongyu.

Seeing this, Xu Hongyu released her hand in annoyance, considering Xiao He was also in the Tendon Changing Realm, surely pinching her cheeks couldn't hurt that much, then suddenly realizing Chen Mu was also there.

This had let Chen Mu see these not-so-dignified actions of hers as Chief Constable.

"Let's go."

A slight awkwardness crossed Xu Hongyu's face, but she quickly regained her usual cool composure, and calmly spoke, then turned and walked away.

Xiao He rubbed her cheeks, watched Xu Hongyu walking away, covered her mouth to sneak a laugh, then looked at Chen Mu, "Let's go, the Miss has to report to the Demon-Slaying Office later."

Xu Hongyu only showed such undignified behaviors when she was alone with her.

In fact, she knew it was not Xu Hongyu's nature to be like this; Xu Hongyu used to play and laugh with her when they were children, but ever since the year Xu Yichuan, her father, disappeared, Xu Hongyu gradually lost her smile and became increasingly cold, decisive, and resolute in her actions.

She knew Xu Hongyu wanted to uncover the truth behind Xu Yichuan's disappearance, but when even the entire Yu Family could not find a clue, what could she, a mere ten-year-old girl, do? She could only practice swordsmanship, train in martial arts, day in and day out.

Only by continually climbing the ladder of martial arts and rising step by step could she have the chance and possibility.

Moreover.

With Xu Yichuan gone, although she was still a legitimate member of the Yu Family, she had to rely on herself for everything thereafter; she had to fight, struggle, and snatch to secure her position – and her efforts were fruitful.

Although she hadn't reached the heights of Xu Yichuan, she was still among the foremost of the fourth generation of the Yu Family, and even more so, she was the top among the women of her generation.

Thus, in the women's section of the Yu Family martial arts school, whether it was Yu Yun or Yu Ru, all the Yu Family girls respected and revered Xu Hongyu, always addressing her as 'Sister Hongyu'.