Chapter 304: Meeting Hong Jianglong Again

Chapter 304: Meeting Hong Jianglong Again

“Haha, it’s like this...” Ye Qing told Gu Suitang how he encountered the Water of Life.

“The Water of Life? And there was enough that you could guzzle it down like it’s cheap wine?” Gu Suitang could barely control his voice when Ye Qing reached the end of his story. His breathing grew heavy, and his eyes were bloodshot with envy. Oh, he was so envious he could wring his own neck.

“You... You truly are a lucky brat!” In the end, Gu Suitang could only let it all out as a deep sigh. What else could he do?

“Haha, I won’t deny that.” Ye Qing smiled and handed Gu Suitang a porcelain bottle.

“What’s this?” The deputy chief accepted it with a grunt.

“The Water of Life.”

“Say what?” Gu Suitang’s hand shook, and he nearly tossed the battle away like it was a Stranger. “Repeat yourself!”

You’re the deputy chief, bro. Stop jumping at everything like a kid, Ye Qing thought unkindly before clarifying, “The Water of Life. It’s filled to the brim with Water of Life.”

Gu Suitang uncorked the bottle and was immediately treated to a faceful of life force. Its sweet scent alone was enough to make him feel energized and refreshed to the core. He could even feel his invisible injuries tingling as if it was recovering.

“It’s definitely the Water of Life alright.”

Gu Suitang hurriedly corked the bottle and handed it back to Ye Qing. He then said seriously, “Next time, don’t show someone a treasure at this level willy-nilly. There’s a reason why we say that owning something valuable is a sin in itself.”

Ye Qing didn’t accept it, however. He said, “This Water of Life is yours, deputy chief.”

“You’re... giving this to me?” Gu Suitang was stunned for a second. Then, he grew enraged, “Who do you think I am? Do you think I’m the kind of guy to covet my underlings’ fortune? Or are you trying to bribe me?”

“Take it back and get out of my sight!”

Gu Suitang immediately tossed the bottle in Ye Qing’s direction after saying that.

“You misunderstand, chief! I don’t mean it that way!” Ye Qing hurriedly caught the porcelain bottle and explained himself, “Since I joined the Pacification Bureau, you’ve constantly had my back and even taught me your martial arts. I’ve always thought of you as my senior and my master.”

“This Water of Life is my way of thanking you for everything you’ve done for me. It is neither a bribe nor an underhanded method to garner your favor. Please don’t misunderstand, and please accept my good will.”

“Oh! That’s what you meant!” Gu Suitang exclaimed in realization and guffawed, “Sorry, sorry. For a second there, I thought you’ve picked up those political bullshit and what not.”

“But you said it yourself, didn’t you? I am your senior and your master. It is my responsibility to watch over you and teach you things. The Water of Life is your heaven-given opportunity and a priceless treasure, so you should save it for when you need it.”

“It’s okay. I still have plenty,” Ye Qing replied smilingly.

“Plenty my ass! The Water of Life doesn’t sprout on trees, boy!” Gu Suitang rebuked him jokingly. “Seriously, keep it. I’m the deputy chief of the Pacification Bureau. I’m hardly lacking in cultivation resources.”

“No really, I have plenty.” Ye Qing knew then that Gu Suitang thought that parts of his story were exaggerated. So, he pulled out a dozen bottles from his Nature’s Shell and said, “Take a look, chief...”

Gu Suitang grew displeased. This boy can be pretty stubborn when he wants to be. “I told you to keep it for yourself. Don’t make me—”

But when he saw Ye Qing producing over ten bottles from his Nature’s Shell, he completely forgot what he was about to say. His eyes widened like saucers as he stammered, “T-They’re all Water of Life?”

I’m just a brute, dude! I would seriously kick your ass if you tell me it’s a joke!

Funnily enough, Chu Ningge failed to recognize him despite spending the most time with him.

“Thank you for helping me at the Demon’s Tomb, my lord,” Ye Qing said.

“Haha, I was just at the right place at the right time.” Hong Jianglong waved him off with a smile. “Plus, you did me a huge favor as well, so we do not owe each other anything.”

“I did?” Ye Qing looked confused. I’m pretty sure I would remember doing a Grandmaster a favor.

“Er... It’s nothing. No need to dwell on it.” Hong Jianglong laughed off the question. He could hardly tell Ye Qing that he had emulated his strategy and one-upped the fuckers who tried to rob his men as they left the Graveyard of Demons, could he? That kind of behavior was unbecoming of a Chief of Bureau after all.

“Looks like you’re a Spirit Purifier now! You must have gotten a lot out of the Graveyard of Demons, eh?” Hong Jianglong changed the subject before anyone could dwell on it.

Ye Qing replied in a humble tone, “I did, yes.”

“Good, good! Considering your age, your accomplishments are truly praiseworthy!” Hong Jianglong complimented him.

It was at this moment Chu Qingge finally exclaimed in realization, “It’s you, Ye Shi?”

Ye Qing shot her a friendly smile and said, “We meet again, Miss Chu. I am Ye Qing, the Patrolman of the Luo Shui Pacification Bureau. My apologies for concealing my identity back at the Demon’s Tomb. I hope that you and your colleagues won't mind my deception.”

Chu Qingge nodded understandingly. She was aware of Ye Qing’s exploits and conundrums and understood exactly why he needed to conceal his identity.

“It’s you! I was wondering why you look kinda familiar!” Gao Ningan also exclaimed in realization before showering at Ye Qing with a passionate gaze. “What did you call yourself again? Ye Qing? Would you happen to be Joyless Ye?”

Ye Qing felt a little unsettled by his passionate gaze, but he still answered, “If you’re referring to Ye Qing of the Luo Shui Pacification Bureau, then yes.”

“It really is you! Hahaha!” Gao Ningan exploded with excitement, though his outburst only confused Ye Qing even more. Is he alright? Does he need to see a doctor?

“You know me, Brother Gao?”

“Know you? You’re practically my idol, brother!” Gao Ningan explained, “It seems you’re not aware of this, but you’re famous throughout Tian Yong. They call you the ‘Wiseman Who Outwitted the Way of Taiping’, the ‘Fearless Hero Who Is Undaunted By Numbers’, the ‘Jester Who Played the jianghu Like a Fiddle’ and more. Storytellers have compiled tales of your exploits and spread it to every street and alley of Tian Yong for the people’s pleasure.”

“Do you understand now why I’m so excited? You’re a living legend, my man!”

Ye Qing frowned a little. I didn’t know I was so famous.

He rubbed his nose and replied in a helpless tone, “Er, it was really just a series of lucky coincidences and unfortunate circumstances.”

The coincidence referred to how he accidentally upended the Way of Taiping’s conspiracy, and the unfortunate circumstances referred to the jianghu warriors coming after his head and forcing him to take action.

I didn’t want any of this, I swear!

“Regardless, it is an immutable fact that your exploits have greatly bolstered the Pacification Bureau’s reputation!” Gao Ningan said.

“Indeed! You did well, Joyless!” Hong Jianglong was guffawing. “It was about time we took these idiots down a peg anyway. Give them an inch, and these bastards would not hesitate to ruffle your fur like you’re a pet cat or something! The nerve!”

“If you ask me, you should’ve been more ruthless. If I were you, I would have mustered everyone in the Pacification Bureau and the garrison and massacred these so-called warriors, their families, and their sects. I would be very surprised if anyone else would dare to challenge our authority after we’ve annihilated ten or twenty sects or so!”

Ye Qing wiped some non-existent sweat from his shoulder. I thought I was pretty ruthless, but I’m practically a chick before this guy!

At the side, Gu Suitang sneered approvingly, “I agree, my lord. In fact, once our immediate business is over, I’m going to pay a couple people a personal visit and settle the score.”

“It seems that some parts of the world have forgotten that Strangers aren’t the only things our blades can cut down. I’m going to remind them all why the Pacification Bureau is untouchable!”