Chapter 29: Tian Fuliang

The voice behind him was deep and resonant, a sound Chen Pingan was all too familiar with. He heard it often during the daily pre-shift briefings. It was Head Constable Zheng!

"Head Constable Zheng."

Chen Pingan turned around and hurriedly bowed.

Head Constable Zheng had a square face, thick eyebrows, large eyes, and a drooping mustache.

"What is your name?"

Head Constable Zheng frowned, looking at Chen Pingan with considerable displeasure.

"Replying to Head Constable Zheng, this boy is Chen Pingan," Chen Pingan said, sounding apprehensive.

However, his heart was incredibly calm. Aside from his exceptional temperament, this composure came from the confidence gained after entering the second level of Blood and Qi. This inner tranquility was a natural reaction, not something he was forcing.

With his "cheat" panel, his mindset was sufficient to view Head Constable Zheng as an equal, or even from a position of superiority.

Of course, that was only in terms of mindset; on the surface, he still needed to act humble and subservient for the time being.

"Chen Pingan?" A flicker of thought crossed Head Constable Zheng's face. "Are you Chen Tian'an's boy?"

"That is correct," Chen Pingan replied hurriedly, a flash of panic crossing his face. Chen Tian'an was his father, also known by the name Old Man Chen.

There were other matters to attend to today, so Head Constable Zheng had no intention of lingering with Chen Pingan. Furthermore, Chen Pingan's attitude was standard; aside from his earlier actions, there were no other violations worth reprimanding.

"In the Zhenfu Division, everything must follow the rules. No one likes a person who doesn't follow the rules."

After scolding Chen Pingan, Head Constable Zheng ignored him and walked straight into the Zhenfu Division.

The rules of the Zhenfu Division dictated that constables should arrive before the Head Constables, and temporary constables should arrive before the regular constables. There was no reason for an unregistered temporary constable to make the regular constables or the Head Constables wait.

"Head Constable Zheng is right to teach me; this boy Chen Pingan understands," Chen Pingan said with his head lowered, his eyes calm, his thoughts unreadable.

Although he had left home late today, he had rushed all the way and still hadn't been late, but...

It no longer mattered!

Because Head Constable Zheng had arrived earlier than him, that was enough!

By that logic, he *was* late.

"Head Constable Zheng!"

"Good morning, Head Constable Zheng."

"..."

Greetings rang out from time to time within the Zhenfu Division; these were the constables showing their respect to Head Constable Zheng.

A Head Constable was merely middle management in the Nanquan Lane Zhenfu Division, but he possessed an authority and power beyond most people's imagination.

"Head Constable..."

Chen Pingan stood in place with his head bowed. It was only after ten or so seconds had passed since Head Constable Zheng entered the building that he finally walked inside.

Many constables had witnessed what had just transpired at the entrance of the Zhenfu Division.

Seeing Chen Pingan enter, some constables wore gloating expressions, looking as if they were waiting for a good show. Some remained aloof and indifferent, while others showed signs of sympathy.

Walking to his usual spot, he found that not only were Hou Tou and Da Shan there, but even the rarely seen Qin Tou was present.

"Qin Tou."

Chen Pingan greeted him first.

Qin Tou gave a slight nod, acknowledging the greeting.

"Ping'an, are you alright?" Hou Tou asked with a look of concern.

"I'm fine," Chen Pingan said, waving his hand slightly to indicate it wasn't worth mentioning.

"Ping'an, did something happen today? Why are you so late?" Da Shan asked gloomily.

"Mhm, I ran into some trouble this morning and left home a bit late," Chen Pingan replied. Seeing the concern on the faces of Hou Tou and Da Shan, he added, "But everything has been resolved successfully. Don't worry."

"Resolved? Heh! Then I've lost my chance to lend a helping hand. Ping'an, you know me—I'm the most warm-hearted guy around," Hou Tou said with exaggerated gestures.

Chen Pingan knew the other man was intentionally acting silly to distract him.

In the eyes of a regular constable, being reprimanded by a Head Constable—especially Head Constable Zheng—was no small matter. At the very least, one would be upset for several days.

In other trades, if you offended a manager, you could switch jobs or work your way up. But in the Zhenfu Division, that was impossible! If you offended a Head Constable, you either had to apologize until they were satisfied, or be crushed into the dust.

However, Chen Pingan's situation today wasn't quite as bad as having offended Head Constable Zheng; he had simply left a bad impression. There was still room for reconciliation.

Even so, it was still not a good thing.

"Speaking of which, why did Head Constable Zheng arrive so early today? And the other Head Constables are here too?" Chen Pingan's gaze swept around, discovering that besides Zheng, Head Constables Yan, Li, and Huang were also present.

Of the five Head Constables of the Nanquan Lane Zhenfu Division, four had actually shown up today.

"Yeah, it is strange," Hou Tou also looked puzzled. "Could there be something special happening today?"

"Qin Tou, do you old timer know anything?" Hou Tou asked.

"You'll know soon enough," Qin Tou grinned, revealing deep wrinkles.

While they were whispering among themselves, another person walked through the entrance of the Zhenfu Division.

"Head Constable Liu is here too?" Hou Tou was stunned.

Including Head Constable Liu, all five Head Constables were present. What was going on today?

It was extremely rare for all five Head Constables to be present, except for the bi-monthly duty assembly. And according to the schedule, the assembly wasn't due yet.

Within the Zhenfu Division, besides Hou Tou and Chen Pingan, many other constables were filled with the same confusion.

By now, the pre-shift briefing should have started. However, the five Head Constables stood on the high platform, and not a single one had stepped forward to speak.

On the platform, the Head Constables faced the main entrance of the Zhenfu Division, none of them seated. Below the platform, the constables waited in silence.

"Could it be..."

Watching the scene unfold, a realization flashed through Chen Pingan's mind.

He looked at Hou Tou and saw that a look of understanding had also appeared on the other man's face.

"It seems something truly important is happening today," Hou Tou whispered.

Chen Pingan nodded slightly.

The only people in the Nanquan Lane Zhenfu Division capable of making the Head Constables wait like this were likely the two Division Officers.

The Nanquan Lane Division Officer, Lord Shen Shikang, and the Deputy Division Officer, Lord Tian Fuliang.

Inside the Zhenfu Division, the five Head Constables and over a hundred constables waited in silence.

Under the gaze of everyone, a man walked through the entrance of the Nanquan Lane Zhenfu Division.

The newcomer wore black fish-scale armor, a goose-feather saber at his waist, and leather boots. Every step he took was firm and powerful.

The fish-scale armor was a deep black, as if plucked from the depths of the ocean. The scales were meticulously crafted by master artisans. Under the sunlight, the scales shimmered with a profound, dark luster.

In the entire Nanquan Lane Zhenfu Division, only two people were qualified to wear fish-scale armor.

"Greetings, Lord Tian!"

A thunderous roar erupted within the Zhenfu Division. As the shout rang out, the constables bowed in unison.

Amidst the bowing and the thunderous greetings, Tian Fuliang remained composed as he walked up the platform and took his seat in the central large chair.

"All rise," he said calmly.

He was met with a deafening, synchronized response.

"Yes, Lord Tian!"

The constables rose, and Chen Pingan was among them.