Human Clan Defender
Chapter 65 New Official Takes Office

Chapter 65: Chapter 65 New Official Takes Office

The morning dew freshened the air considerably.

Due to the light rain that had fallen the night before, traces of water still lingered on the ground, making it somewhat muddy.

A carriage was slowly approaching, rolling over puddles and splashing a fair amount of mud, washing away much of the mottled bloodstains on the wheel axle.

"Lord, Lin’an City is just ahead!" the coachman, driving the carriage and looking towards the city ahead, called out loudly to the person behind the curtain.

With that, the curtain was lifted, and a man dressed as a scholar stuck his head out to look at the distant city. Then, he sat back down.

We’re finally arriving, huh!

Inside the carriage, Fu Moseng’s expression was complex. He felt somewhat anxious about this place where he was about to take office, but at the same time, there was a sense of reassurance.

Great Qin was anything but peaceful. Apart from Demon Evils causing havoc, there were also numerous bandits blocking roads.

During the journey here, all the soldiers escorting him to his new post had perished, leaving only him and the coachman as survivors. If they hadn’t managed to reach Lin’an City, Fu Moseng suspected he might have died on the way to his new position.

It’s bad enough for Demon Evils to cause havoc, yet these thieves take the opportunity to create chaos; they truly deserve to die!

Thinking about his difficult journey, a surge of anger filled him again. If not for the insufficiency of his own forces, Fu Moseng would have wanted to exterminate all the bandit dens along the way. But he could only entertain such thoughts.

In recent years, the bandit scourge within Great Qin had become increasingly severe, its connection to the rampant Demon Evils undeniable. As turmoil brewed under heaven, everyone wanted a piece of the spoils.

At that moment, the carriage slowly entered Lin’an City. Fu Moseng heard the noisy chatter of the common folk around him. He couldn’t help but lift a corner of the curtain to observe his surroundings.

Compared to other places, Lin’an City might be small, but from what I see now, it seems like a rather decent place.

Along the way, he had passed through many areas. In some places, Demon Evils caused such misery that the people were beyond endurance. Even if they seemed prosperous on the surface, a deeper understanding would reveal their suffering.

Observing the citizens of Lin’an City, they didn’t seem much different from those in other places at first glance. However, a closer look revealed a relative lack of fear on their faces.

Strange— Fu Moseng mused. As I understand it, Lin’an City has seen its fair share of Demon Evil havoc, yet now it seems as if there are no problems at all.

As he speculated, the coachman, having inquired about the direction to the Yamen, was now driving the carriage towards it. As the carriage moved, many onlookers paused to cast curious glances.

"This carriage seems unfamiliar. Could it be a noble from another place?"

"Heh, who knows."

"Seeing how the driver asked, it’s obvious he’s heading for the Yamen."

Some common folk couldn’t help but whisper among themselves. In those days, not everyone could afford to travel by carriage. For most commoners, the chance to even touch a carriage was out of reach. In Lin’an City, only members of a few significant families used carriages for travel.

While they were discussing, the carriage had already stopped at the entrance of the Yamen. The coachman got down and lifted the curtain.

"Lord, we’ve arrived at the Yamen."

"Mhm."

Fu Moseng ducked his head as he alighted from the carriage, then looked up at the Yamen’s signboard, his expression calm.

「—」

In the Inner Court of the Yamen.

A brazier was lit, with a large iron basin placed on top, filled with iron sand that was being heated.

Shen Changqing rolled up his sleeves. He continuously plunged his hands back and forth into the iron sand, not using True Qi for defense. Instead, he relied solely on the strength of his Flesh to endure the scorching heat.

WHOOSH!

WHOOSH!!

Each time his palms emerged from the iron sand, the skin was only slightly reddened; there were no significant issues.

The Thirteen Protectors’ Body Hardening Art has greatly enhanced my Flesh’s defenses, making practicing the Iron Sand Palm doubly effective!

Among his few Martial Arts disciplines, only the Seven Kills Blade Technique and Iron Sand Palm required his own arduous practice to improve; there were no shortcuts with Slaughter Value.

In comparison, the Seven Kills Blade Technique was a martial art that advanced through combat, improving rapidly in battle. Mere routine practice would not suffice for significant progress.

Therefore, Shen Changqing focused solely on practicing the Iron Sand Palm. Thanks to his robust physique, in just a few days, he managed to advance his Iron Sand Palm to a higher level.

The power of the third-level Iron Sand Palm was much greater than the second level. Besides, the skin on his palms had become even tougher. As he advanced in this martial art, Shen Changqing could feel a burning energy brewing within his palms. That energy, unlike the inherent heat from Heavenly Centipede True Qi, felt even more violent. It even had a tendency to backlash against him. However, Shen Changqing’s True Qi was profound and his Flesh formidable. Therefore, the slight backlash from the Iron Sand Palm’s heat had no effect on him.

Cultivation.

It never ceased for a moment.

At this time, several people entered from outside, led by a Government Official.

"Lord, someone has arrived!"

BOOM—

With a burst of True Qi, Shen Changqing’s reddish palms, scorched by the iron sand, smashed the iron basin into pieces. The scattered iron sand also extinguished the flames.

The sudden noise startled the Government Official. It also gave the two people following behind the Government Official quite a shock. They stood in place for a few moments.

As the crimson color on his palms faded, Shen Changqing lowered his sleeves and looked coldly at the Government Official.

"Since when can anyone enter and leave the Yamen as they please? Do I need to teach you how to do your job?"

"My Lord, forgive me!" The Government Official’s face turned pale in an instant.

As panic rose in his heart, Shen Changqing waved his hand, "Forget it. You may leave."

While speaking, his eyes had already fallen on the two men.

"This humble official shall take his leave!" The Government Official bowed and hurriedly stepped down.

As the Government Official retreated, Shen Changqing spoke indifferently, "Who might you two be, and what business brings you suddenly to the Yamen?"

He was silently assessing the two men before him as he inquired.

"I am Fu Moseng, the newly appointed County Magistrate authorized by the Imperial Court. You must be the Demon Hunter from the Demon-Subduing Division, Lord Shen Changqing?" Fu Moseng cupped his fist, also sizing up Shen Changqing.

Even before arriving to take office, he had received some information. He understood that the current interim County Magistrate of Lin’an City was a Demon Hunter from the Demon-Subduing Division.

Oh, the new County Magistrate? Shen Changqing raised an eyebrow, and a smile suddenly appeared on his cold face.

"So it is Lord Fu who has arrived! Your timing is perfect. I have been eagerly awaiting your arrival. Please, come inside and take a seat."

When he finished speaking, he glanced out of the corner of his eye at the person beside Fu Moseng and asked, "May I know who this is?"

"This is just one of my attendants," Fu Moseng replied, clearly having no intention of making introductions.

Seeing this, Shen Changqing did not press further. However, in his eyes, the man exuded a somewhat hidden, battle-hardened aura, even just standing there. It was clear that the man was definitely not the mere coachman Fu Moseng claimed, but likely an expert accompanying him for protection.

However, Shen Changqing had no interest in getting to know so-called experts.

The three men entered the inner hall and seated themselves.

"Attendant!"

"Lord, what are your orders?" a Government Official responded at once.

Shen Changqing instructed, "Immediately inform Shi Qingsheng and Zhang Yue to come here. Tell them that the new County Magistrate assigned by the Imperial Court has arrived!"

"Yes!" The Government Official obeyed and withdrew.

The inner hall quieted down.

In less time than it takes to drink a cup of tea, Shi Qingsheng and Zhang Yue arrived together.

"This humble official pays his respects to My Lord!"

"Principal Clerk Shi, Constable Zhang, you’ve come at the right time. This is the newly appointed County Magistrate, Lord Fu Moseng," Shen Changqing said, gesturing towards Fu Moseng.

Upon hearing this, the two men’s expressions subtly changed. Then, they too bowed. "Shi Qingsheng (Zhang Yue) pays respects to Lord Fu!"

"You are both too kind," Fu Moseng nodded slightly.

Shen Changqing said, "I am only acting as the interim County Magistrate. All affairs, large and small, within the Yamen are managed by Principal Clerk Shi and Constable Zhang. If there is anything Lord Fu wishes to understand, feel free to ask them. As for other matters, please forgive my non-involvement. Furthermore, I shall be moving out of the Yamen today and will depart for the Demon-Subduing Division to report back early tomorrow morning."

"Lord Shen, why such a rush?" Fu Moseng smiled, though inwardly he was surprised.

Shen Changqing’s straightforwardness was completely unexpected. He had anticipated running into resistance when taking office, or that Shen Changqing might cling to the position of County Magistrate and refuse to relinquish it. On his way here, he had even been considering how to handle things appropriately if they came to a confrontation. However—Shen Changqing’s current straightforwardness was the complete opposite of his initial speculation. For a moment, Fu Moseng didn’t know what to say.

"My mission was to come to Lin’an City to exterminate Demon Evil. I only assumed the role of acting County Magistrate because I happened to discover that the previous County Magistrate, Zhao Fang, was colluding with such forces. Now that Lord Fu has arrived, the position should naturally be restored to its rightful occupant. I have been delayed in Lin’an City for quite some time; I need to return to the Demon-Subduing Division to report back." Shen Changqing shook his head.

He had long been hoping for the new County Magistrate to arrive sooner. If the new magistrate didn’t come, he couldn’t return to the Demon-Subduing Division to report. And if he couldn’t return to the Demon-Subduing Division, how could he seek higher-level Martial Arts to study?

Besides, the Eternal Alliance had suffered considerable losses in Lin’an City and was unlikely to make any moves in the short term. Consequently, with no Demon Evil to slay, there would be no Slaughter Value to earn. From any perspective, staying in Lin’an City was a waste of life for Shen Changqing.

Seeing his resolute attitude, Fu Moseng felt it inappropriate to persuade him further.

"In that case, if I ever return to the Capital City, I will make sure to seek out Lord Shen for a long, in-depth conversation!"

"Good. When the time comes, I will welcome you with open arms. Farewell!" Shen Changqing bowed lightly and promptly left the inner hall of the Yamen.

Watching his departing figure until it disappeared completely, Fu Moseng finally withdrew his gaze. He then turned to Shi Qingsheng and Zhang Yue, a gentle smile on his face.

"I am newly arrived. In the future, I will have to trouble you both with many matters."

"Lord Fu, you are too kind!"