The moment he stepped out of the dungeon gate, Gu Zhan immediately felt the True Qi in his body surging and expanding, a terrifying heat radiating, as if burning within him.
With a single step, he became an Eighth Grade Martial Artist.
He briefly sensed the surge of inner strength in his body, then immediately allocated his remaining Experience Points to the Saber Technique.
The system's notification sounded in his mind:
[Wind-Breaking Saber upgraded to Minor Success Realm]
In an instant,
Gu Zhan felt as if he had practiced saber techniques in a closed space for many years, where he experienced life-or-death combat and moments of enlightenment.
In that moment,
The Wind-Breaking Saber Technique, which he hadn't advanced in for years, suddenly reached a masterful Minor Success Realm.
The system page changed accordingly:
Player: Gu Zhan
Realm: Eighth Grade
Cultivation Technique: Profound Yuan Skill (Second Floor 0/20)
Skill: Wind-Breaking Saber (Minor Success 0/10)
Experience Points: 0
...
After closing the system page, Gu Zhan went straight to the South City Hundred Households Office.
The Hundred Households Office held a distinguished position in South City,
in charge of security and order throughout the entire South City. Whether Martial World Gangs or commoners, any matter related to security, in theory, fell under their jurisdiction.
This was the power of the Embroidered Uniform Guard.
Within the Xia Kingdom, the Embroidered Uniform Guard, in theory, oversaw arrest and sentencing powers, similar to a police station in the twenty-first century—only, in this era, official power was much greater and far darker.
The Hundred Households Office was located in a massive manor, with clear-cut responsibilities. Above was the Hundred Households Commander overseeing everything, with direct ministerial departments like official records and treasury, and four separate branches supervising the various markets in South City.
Gu Zhan belonged to the East Courtyard.
His position as a Small Banner was not low, already a rank within the officialdom, though just Ninth Grade—the lowest in the hierarchy.
But still, an official is an official,
while most people in the Hundred Households Office were merely officials, and the difference in status was worlds apart,
This was why Cao Feng bore such hatred toward Gu Zhan for parachuting in and taking his spot.
As Gu Zhan entered the Hundred Households Office,
he drew his Horizontal Saber directly, the dried, congealed blood still not wiped off its blade.
The passing Embroidered Uniform Guards all noticed this scene,
but seeing Gu Zhan's fierce demeanor, and with Chen Fei and several guards behind him, no one dared provoke him now. The guards on duty saw Gu Zhan's token and all stepped aside without a word.
Soon,
Gu Zhan, filled with murderous intent, arrived at the East Courtyard. With a loud "bang," he kicked open the door, startling many Embroidered Uniform Guards in training inside.
Everyone here knew the new Small Banner, and were well aware that Gu Zhan was ostracized in the East Courtyard, publicly challenged multiple times by his own subordinates, losing all face. All along, Gu Zhan had been helpless and humiliated. Although a Small Banner, not many people took him seriously.
So, as they saw Gu Zhan like this, they all looked at him in confusion, not knowing what he was up to.
"Which one of you is Zhang Peng? Get your ass out here!"
Gu Zhan shouted loudly, scanning the people in the yard.
But no one paid him any attention, each busy with their own tasks.
Gu Zhan frowned,
He had slightly overestimated his predecessor's status here. A dignified Ninth Grade Official actually ignored by a bunch of officials—he truly had zero standing!
Following behind Gu Zhan, Chen Fei would never let Gu Zhan fall into such awkwardness. He stepped up, pointing at a burly man practicing his fists. "Lord, that's Zhang Peng."
Gu Zhan narrowed his eyes, dragged the Horizontal Saber, and strode towards him in large steps, his voice grave, "This officer is calling you, didn't you hear?"
At this, many in the yard were quietly watching the show, some with mocking smiles, waiting to see how Gu Zhan would embarrass himself.
Some even sighed—this Small Banner really doesn't know his place. Since he has no real power, why not just honestly be a mascot? Instead, he insists on butting heads every few days—just asking for trouble.
Zhang Peng merely glanced at Gu Zhan indifferently, continued practicing, and replied carelessly, "I heard you, but I'm busy right now, Lord Gu. If you have something, say it. If it's nothing important, don't bother me. I'm busy, you…"
"Pa!"
A crisp slap rang out, stunning everyone in the courtyard.
All eyes turned in shock,
Zhang Peng was glaring in anger, clutching his cheek, where several red handprints were visible.
No doubt, it could only be Gu Zhan who struck him.
Everyone was stunned,
When did Small Banner Gu get so tough? In the past, every time a subordinate challenged him, he could only rage helplessly. Did he have a few drinks today or what?
Zhang Peng, shocked and furious, shouted, "Gu Zhan, what do you want?"
"Pa!"
Gu Zhan backhanded him with another slap, coldly saying, "Defying your superior—shouldn't you be hit? Well? Want to hit back? Let's see if you've got enough lives to act so brazenly!"
"You…"
Zhang Peng pointed at Gu Zhan, but couldn't say anything,
The second slap had scattered his anger, leaving more shock and confusion. He couldn't figure out why Gu Zhan dared to do this today. Usually, he embarrassed Gu Zhan in public all the time, but Gu Zhan could only fume helplessly—so deep down he never saw Gu Zhan as anything.
But, deep down he knew well,
Gu Zhan was a Small Banner, and also his direct superior. If he really dared hit Gu Zhan in public, he'd lose his life several times over. The status gap between officials and clerks was insurmountable.
He could only grit his teeth, and said in a low voice, "What instructions does Lord Gu have?"
"Hmph!" Gu Zhan coldly snorted and said, "Your plot to hire an assassin to kill me has come to light. Now come with me to the Prefecture Government Office!"
As soon as Gu Zhan's words fell,
Zhang Peng's heart jolted in terror,
He knew exactly what he had done, deep down,
If this crime was confirmed, not only would he die, his whole family would be implicated.
"Nonsense! Lord Gu, even if you're a superior, you can't just pin crimes on me as you please, you…"
"Am I discussing this with you? Men, seize him! If anyone dares resist, kill without mercy!"
Gu Zhan waved his hand sharply,
Chen Fei, already prepared, brought his men forward to arrest Zhang Peng.
Zhang Peng panicked, wanting to resist, but meeting Gu Zhan's eyes, his heart trembled. He suddenly felt that this usually pathetic Gu Zhan would really kill him today.
Though he was a Martial Artist, facing Chen Fei and several Embroidered Uniform Warriors, he knew he stood no chance.
Just then,
A loud shout came from the inner courtyard, "Stop!"
A cold-faced middle-aged man led a squad of Embroidered Uniform Guards out, walking straight to Gu Zhan, and said in a deep voice, "Lord Gu, you may be a superior, but you have no authority to shout for slaughter in the Embroidered Uniform Guard!"
This man was none other than Captain Cao Feng.