Fang Xing swept his gaze over the men and continued, "Regarding the appointment of the next Chief Constable, I have already discussed it with the two lords. Xu Zhengxiong will take the position."

The moment he spoke, all eyes fell on Xu Zhengxiong.

"M-me?"

Xu Zhengxiong pointed to his own nose, a look of disbelief on his face.

Fang Xing nodded. "Yes, the matter is settled. You will be my successor."

Hearing this, Xu Zhengxiong could no longer contain his excitement. He bowed deeply. "Thank you for this opportunity, my lord."

"The peace and security of Qingshan are in your hands now. In a moment, go to the Inner Hall and meet with the two lords."

Fang Xing said.

Xu Zhengxiong nodded and sat down, but the joy on his face was plain to see.

’Chief Constable!’

’I’m actually getting this position...’

’It would be a lie to say I’m not excited.’

’Of course, the main reason for this is undoubtedly Fang Xing’s support.’

Xu Zhengxiong was well aware of this.

He never would have imagined that the support he’d offered Fang Xing in the past would yield such an enormous return.

Not only had he been given the position of Chief Constable, but Fang Xing had even helped him break through to the Dark Force realm.

Otherwise, he might never have crossed the Dragon Gate to Dark Force.

"Do any of you have an objection?" Fang Xing asked coolly when he saw the other three constables remain silent.

The three men immediately stood and bowed to Xu Zhengxiong. "Greetings, Lord Xu."

Xu Zhengxiong laughed and waved his hand. "No need for formalities. Please, sit."

"My lord, about the vacant position of North City Constable..." Xu Zhengxiong looked to Fang Xing.

"Xu Le has already reached the Late Stage of Bright Force, hasn’t he?" Fang Xing didn’t answer directly, instead posing a question of his own.

Xu Zhengxiong understood in an instant. He nodded with a broad smile. "My lord, Xu Le has indeed reached the Late Stage of Bright Force. The boy is a good, hardworking lad. I believe it won’t be a problem for him to reach the Peak of Bright Force in the future. Plus, he’s familiar with the duties in the North City guard house. I think he would be a fine choice to take over as the North City Constable."

At this, Fang Xing nodded. "Good, then it’s decided. When you make your report, you can mention that it was my suggestion as well."

Xu Zhengxiong’s face lit up with a smile, and he nodded gently.

"I understand."

With that, Fang Xing rose and left the General Guard Room.

The handover was complete.

At that moment, he had officially resigned from his post.

After stepping out of the County Yamen, Fang Xing headed straight home.

He needed to pack his things.

Once he went to the Observatory, he would likely have few chances to return.

He had to take care of what needed to be taken care of.

He planned on keeping the house, though.

It would serve as a place to stay.

He might even be able to come back and stay once in a while.

It wasn’t like he was short on money.

As for his other belongings, he would convert them into silver notes.

...

News of Fang Xing’s transfer quickly reached the ears of the Five Great Forces.

For them, this was absolutely wonderful news.

With an Iron-blooded Yama like him breathing down their necks, the Five Great Forces had been living in constant fear.

However, a transfer to the Observatory meant he was ascending to a higher echelon of power.

With Fang Xing’s potential, his future was undoubtedly bright.

The Five Great Forces jointly invited Fang Xing to a gathering.

Fang Xing didn’t refuse and brought Xu Zhengxiong along with him.

Inside a luxurious private room on the top floor of the Drunken Immortal Tower.

By the time Fang Xing and Xu Zhengxiong arrived, the five leaders were already there.

The seat of honor was empty, and Fang Xing took it without a second thought. Xu Zhengxiong sat right beside him.

In contrast to Fang Xing’s calm composure, Xu Zhengxiong was quite tense.

After all, in terms of both power and status, he was no match for Fang Xing.

Facing the leaders of the Five Great Forces, he was understandably a little stiff.

"Relax. If you run into any trouble in the future, just use my name," Fang Xing said, patting Xu Zhengxiong’s shoulder.

Hearing those words, Xu Zhengxiong’s racing heart began to calm.

"Congratulations on your promotion, Lord Fang!"

The Patriarch of the Ning Family was the first to raise his cup, and the other family heads followed suit, all raising their cups with beaming smiles.

Fang Xing raised his cup as well and drained it in one go.

After he sat down, the five leaders also took their seats.

"Gentlemen, I have already stepped down from my post. From now on, the governance of Qingshan will rely on Lord Xu. I hope that stability can be maintained, which will require all of your full support."

Hearing this, another wave of emotion washed over Xu Zhengxiong, but he did his best to remain composed.

"We will take Lord Fang’s words to heart. If Lord Xu needs anything in the future, we will certainly do our utmost to assist."

The five leaders all voiced their agreement.

No one dared to show disrespect.

Although Fang Xing had been transferred, it was a major promotion. Moreover, he was entering one of the most powerful organizations in the Great Jing.

The power wielded by the Observatory was not something a mere county could compare to.

Once inside the Observatory, one’s power and backing became Heaven-Reaching Level.

The Five Great Forces understood this better than anyone.

With Fang Xing’s patronage, Xu Zhengxiong wouldn’t have any trouble in the future.

His own strength might be somewhat lacking, but he had a powerful backer with an immense background.

As long as that backer stood tall, no trouble would arise.

...

The gathering soon came to an end.

Attending the five leaders’ banquet was merely to pave the way for Xu Zhengxiong.

Otherwise, he wouldn’t have needed to attend at all.

He didn’t mind giving a little support where he could.

It was also a warning to the Five Great Forces, reminding them to stay in line.

When the gathering concluded, the Five Great Forces presented their congratulatory gifts, all of which Fang Xing accepted without refusal.

Leaving the Drunken Immortal Tower, he returned home.

「Three days passed in a flash.」

Fang Xing was well-prepared. Aside from a few enhanced items he carried with him, the vast majority of his other belongings were converted into silver notes.

It would be much easier to buy whatever he needed once he reached the Prefecture City.

Spirit Ginseng, Exotic Beast Flesh... the goods available in the Prefecture City were on a completely different level from what a small County Town could offer.

Dawn broke, and the morning sun climbed into the sky.

「Outside the gates of Qingshan County.」

Fang Xing appeared, carrying a travel pack and the Demon Suppression Treasure Saber. He had arrived at his appointed meeting place with Shen Ye.

Heishi Slope.

The Profound Armor Army, once stationed here, had already departed for other posts.

When he reached Heishi Slope, Fang Xing saw Shen Ye’s figure.

"My lord."

Approaching Shen Ye, Fang Xing cupped his fist in salute.

"Finished settling your affairs?" Shen Ye glanced at him.

Fang Xing nodded. "Yes, everything is taken care of."

"Then mount up. Let’s be off." Shen Ye swung himself onto a tall, strapping horse.

Fang Xing immediately mounted the other tall horse.

Shen Ye handed Fang Xing a riding crop, then squeezed his legs against his horse’s flanks.

"HYA!"

The magnificent steed beneath him shot forward. Fang Xing spurred his own horse on, following close behind.

The two riders quickly disappeared from Heishi Slope.

They hit the main road, galloping at full speed.

Leaving Qingshan County for the first time, Fang Xing glanced back one last time before following Shen Ye.

...

「Several days later.」

「Jiang Province City.」

One of the Nine Prefectures of Jiang Province, this city was far larger in scale than any other Prefecture City.

It was a city with over a thousand years of history.

It existed even before the Great Jing Foundation.

Ancient and timeless.

It was also one of the most prosperous cities in all of Jiang Province.

Outside the city, on the main road, Fang Xing and Shen Ye rode their fine steeds toward the city gates.

"The Prefecture City... it’s truly magnificent!"

Fang Xing couldn’t help but sigh in admiration as the city came into view.

The black city walls stood over a hundred feet high, bearing the mottled scars of time.

Compared to Qingshan County Town, it was on a completely different level.

The tall, thick walls stretched out as far as the eye could see.

Majestic and imposing.

The entrance to the city gate featured wide passages.

People came and went in an endless stream!

In addition to the pedestrian walkways, there were dedicated lanes for horse-drawn carriages and other vehicles.

The black city stood upon the land like a crouching dragon, exuding an aura of majestic power.