Proofreader & Editor: Lotas
Li Changqing took in everything he heard.
He seemed to grasp the unfolding events.
In several areas of Zhenguo Mansion, the White Snake Path was the most chaotic, and it was guarded by the son of an official from the North Cold Country. The governor of Zhenguo wanted to make things convenient for his people from the North Cold Country, so he swapped the location of Black Tiger Pool, which originally had good public order and belonged to Dao Mountain Ancient Land.
Thus, when his son arrived, it was like starting in hell.
His own son was already so pitiable, and yet, upon arriving in such a place, there were still dark secrets to be uncovered!
Every day, the intelligence he gathered from the locals mostly concerned Zhenguo Mansion, and Li Changqing had a clear understanding of what kind of place it truly was.
Separated by a river and across several mountain ranges from Zhenguo Mansion was an even more chaotic city, a true lawless land.
And deeper within those cities lay the vast wilderness.
It was obvious, then, that the public order in a place like Zhenguo Mansion couldn't be good.
Many of the Ghost Clan who infiltrated the human race came through Zhenguo Mansion.
Places like this were numerous in the Cangyuan Realm, typically guarded by disciples from various sects, yet there were still those with ulterior motives who let the Ghost Clan in.
"Mr. Changqing."
After serving the dishes, Zhang Fuguang returned and said to Li Changqing, "If you're worried, sir, I can make a trip to Zhenguo Mansion myself and eliminate anyone who poses a threat to the young master, ensuring his safety."
"If it really comes to that, I might as well go myself," Li Changqing said with a smile.
Then, sitting behind the counter, Li Changqing began peeling garlic and said, "If possible, I'd rather the boy not struggle outside anymore. It would be better if he came home obediently to inherit the family business and take over the Changqing Trading Company, wouldn't it?"
"Sir, are you thinking of giving Li Hengsheng a trial?"
Zhang Fuguang pondered for a moment before asking.
"Sigh," Li Changqing said in a low voice while picking at the garlic skin with his fingernails. "He chose this path; what can be done? You saw the situation before. He endured betrayal, faced setbacks, and wept in my arms."
"At the end of the day, he's still just a child."
"If we don't let him experience more, how can he grow into a man? Assigning him as an Inspector is certainly dangerous, but it's also beneficial for his growth. He should grow up soon. Those who have been betrayed tend to temper their hearts more easily. With the trials of Zhenguo Mansion, he should mature quickly. In the future, he'll have the capital to survive in the Cangyuan Realm."
"That makes sense," Zhang Fuguang agreed, nodding. He vaguely remembered his own journey from childhood to the present.
But he wasn't as fortunate as Li Hengsheng, who had such a powerful father to protect him.
Though it was called a life-and-death experience, Li Changqing, of course, wouldn't let his son actually die in Zhenguo Mansion.
The main thing was companionship.
As the saying goes, a good wine needs no bush. The tavern was located in a remote place, but the business was very good.
Unfortunately, there were few tables in the small establishment, and many people who arrived late had no place to sit. They could only wait at the door, wanting to buy wine to take home, but Li Changqing flatly refused.
He said it was the rule of the house.
Even when someone tried to cause trouble, the outcome was predictable. They were promptly thrown out by Li Changqing and forever banned from entering the tavern.
***
After a month of travel.
Li Hengsheng and his two companions finally arrived at the borders of Zhenguo Mansion.
"Young master, we've reached Zhenguo Mansion," Xu Kui's voice came from outside.
Li Hengsheng lifted the curtain and saw a stone stele not far ahead with the words "Zhenguo Mansion" inscribed on it, indicating they had arrived at the territory of Zhenguo Mansion.
The surroundings were quite desolate, hardly resembling a bustling place.
"Head to the governor's mansion," Li Hengsheng instructed.
He needed to report there first, then officially take over from his senior brother Ye Qingchen and become the Inspector.
The carriage kicked up dust as it went.
It was literally kicking up dust, stirring up sand and stones, all dust.
But as they delved deeper into Zhenguo Mansion, they found the environment improved, streets appeared, and the surrounding area became lively, as if the carriage had entered a city.
Li Hengsheng's mood improved slightly as he observed the street scene, thinking that the situation here wasn't as bad as he had imagined.
Seeing the local people living happily and contentedly, he thought perhaps his time here wouldn't be so difficult.
At the entrance of the governor's mansion, numerous guards looked imposing and exuded a heroic air.
"Senior brother, it seems it's not as bad here as we imagined," Wu Santong said from inside the carriage, also feeling reassured.
"Yes, rumors are always somewhat biased. Don't worry, seeing is believing," Li Hengsheng said with a smile.
Upon reaching the governor's mansion.
Li Hengsheng got out of the carriage and entered the mansion with Wu Santong.
Since Li Hengsheng was dressed in the attire of Dao Mountain Ancient Land, the guards at the door did not give him a hard time.
After notifying the governor of Zhenguo Mansion, Li Hengsheng and Wu Santong waited in the guest hall.
After waiting for nearly half an hour, a hearty laugh came from outside: "Sorry to keep you waiting."
Then, a tall and thin man entered, dressed in the official uniform unique to the North Cold Country, looking to be in his forties. He greeted Li Hengsheng politely: "This must be the genius disciple from Dao Mountain Ancient Land, Li Hengsheng, right?"
"Greetings to the governor," Li Hengsheng bowed with a fist.
"Too polite, too polite. You don't need to be so formal here, Mr. Li. We're all family," the governor of Zhenguo said with great courtesy and humility.
Li Hengsheng had heard this more than once.
It was often said.
But for some reason, hearing the governor of Zhenguo say it this time felt different from when Yan Botao and the others said it.
It was as if he could sense a subtle insincerity.
Completely lacking the sincerity of the Yan family and Yan Botao.
"Please, have a seat."
"You must be exhausted from the journey, Mr. Li. You must rest well tonight," the governor of Zhenguo said with a smile. "Let me take good care of you."
"You're too kind, governor," Li Hengsheng replied. "I've already delayed too much time on the road. I hope the governor will issue the inspection order. I'll go to Black Tiger Pool to take up my post. Black Tiger Pool has been unmanaged for almost a month now, and I'm afraid problems will arise."
Although Ye Qingchen had previously said that he had beaten the people of Black Tiger Pool into submission, Ye Qingchen had been gone for over a month, and who knew what trouble they might cause.
Hearing this, the governor of Zhenguo waved his hand and laughed: "No rush, no rush. You've just arrived and are already taking up your post. If Dao Mountain Ancient Land hears about this, they'll think I'm not a good host. Listen to me, have dinner first, then I'll take you out to have fun, take a tour, and see the sights of Zhenguo Mansion's canal."
"Really, it's not necessary."
Li Hengsheng was insistent, and he wasn't in the mood.
"The situation is urgent. I'll definitely come to visit the governor later when I have time," Li Hengsheng stood up and said with a bow.
"This…"
The governor of Zhenguo hesitated for a moment, but eventually nodded: "Well, if that's the case, Mr. Li, you're just too anxious."
Then the governor of Zhenguo smiled and waved to someone outside.
At this moment, an old man came in and handed over a box.
Opening the box, inside was a shiny golden token.
The governor of Zhenguo handed the token to Li Hengsheng and said with a smile, "Then I hope Inspector Li will maintain public order well in the future. If there's anything you can't handle, feel free to come to me."
"Thank you very much, governor."
Li Hengsheng took the token and frowned upon inspection.
It was indeed the Inspector's token.
But not for Black Tiger Pool.
It was for White Snake Path.
"Governor, did you give me the wrong one?" Li Hengsheng handed back the token and said, "The disciples from Dao Mountain Ancient Land have always been stationed at Black Tiger Pool. This is the token for White Snake Path."
"Is that so?" The governor of Zhenguo took it back with a look of surprise, then examined the token carefully. At this moment, the old man beside him reminded, "Governor, how could you forget that White Snake Path has now been allocated to Fang Zhiliu from the North Cold Country."
"Oh, right, right!" The governor of Zhenguo quickly slapped his forehead and then said with a laugh, "How could I be so forgetful, forgetting such an important matter."
"That's the situation."
The governor of Zhenguo explained to Li Hengsheng, "Some time ago, after Ye Qingchen from Dao Mountain Ancient Land left, Black Tiger Pool was headless and the local powers started to cause chaos. So, I ordered the Inspector of White Snake Path, Fang Zhiliu, to go to Black Tiger Pool to suppress them."
"Fang Zhiliu used thunderous methods to settle the situation there. Now, the people there are completely obedient to him and dare not defy him. Later, I thought that since this was the case, it would be better to let Fang Zhiliu manage Black Tiger Pool. Fang Zhiliu agreed, so he returned the token."
"I've been too busy recently and completely forgot about this. Black Tiger Pool was very chaotic before, and with your strength, Mr. Li… I'm afraid it would be difficult, so I made this decision. But it's okay, White Snake Path is also a treasure land. The environment there is beautiful, and the public order is very good. Once you go there, Mr. Li, you can just enjoy yourself!"
"Ha ha ha."
The governor of Zhenguo said cheerfully.
Li Hengsheng frowned and said sternly, "Was Dao Mountain Ancient Land informed about this change of location?"
Hearing this, the governor of Zhenguo's smile slowly faded.
Before he could speak, the old man raised his voice and said, "Mr. Li, what do you mean by that? Our lord is considering your best interests. Could it be that you doubt his motives? Also, I must remind Mr. Li that Zhenguo Mansion is ultimately within the territory of the North Cold Country. Whether it's Dao Mountain Ancient Land or the Great Yuan Dynasty, you are only here to assist in defense."
"How to deploy is our decision in the North Cold Country. You came to be an Inspector, not to take a vacation, right? Are you choosing your post?"
"Old Hu," the governor of Zhenguo said indifferently, "What kind of talk is that? This is a genius from Dao Mountain Ancient Land, you're being too harsh."
"Alright, Mr. Li, since you're here, have dinner before taking up your post. I've already arranged for someone to prepare the food and drinks," the governor of Zhenguo said with a forced smile.
"No need."
Li Hengsheng had clearly seen through the act these two were putting on.
Taking the token, Li Hengsheng left with Wu Santong.
Watching Li Hengsheng's departing figure, the governor of Zhenguo's smile disappeared, revealing a look of disdain: "Hmph, not much skill, but quite the temper."
"This person comes to take up his post in Zhenguo Mansion without bringing anything, empty-handed, just like his senior brother Ye Qingchen."
"No, no." The governor of Zhenguo quickly said, "Old Hu, although I don't like this kid, saying he's the same as Ye Qingchen is going too far."
"Hmm." Old Hu fell silent.
That Ye Qingchen, just a few words in conversation could infuriate someone to the point of smoking.
Li Hengsheng obviously hadn't reached that level yet.
"Anyway, both he and his senior brother are not likable, so let those people in White Snake Path teach them a good lesson."
After the governor of Zhenguo finished speaking, a cold light flashed in his eyes.
***
"Senior brother, I think they're deliberately targeting you," Wu Santong said indignantly as they left the governor's mansion.
"It's obvious," Li Hengsheng said, looking at the token in his hand. "That White Snake Path must be no good, probably very troublesome, so they handed this mess to me."
"Senior brother, why don't we write back to Dao Mountain Ancient Land and ask the sect leader to resolve this," Wu Santong suggested eagerly.
"Forget it."
"I'm not a child anymore, running to adults when there's trouble," Li Hengsheng said with a smile. "Let's face whatever comes our way. First, let's go to White Snake Path and see what's there, then consider what to do next."
"Young master, are we going to White Snake Path?"
Xu Kui, hearing this, also furrowed his brow.
"Uncle Xu, do you know about White Snake Path?"
Li Hengsheng asked curiously.
"Yes, I visited many years ago," Xu Kui said. "White Snake Path has a complex terrain with continuous mountain ranges. The Caohe Manor controls the water transport, and several cities are manipulated by the local government. Among the four areas of Zhenguo Mansion, White Snake Path is the most troublesome."
"That old man really had no good intentions!" Wu Santong cursed.
"Since it's come to this, let's go take a look," Li Hengsheng said, his brow furrowed as he entered the carriage.
He sensed the peril of the journey, but retreating without a fight was not in Li Hengsheng's nature.
Return to Dao Mountain Ancient Land?
Even if the sect leader agreed, Li Hengsheng didn't really want to go back.
Recent events had given Li Hengsheng the desire to find a place to purify his soul.
Or perhaps, it was a form of escape.
He needed to find a place to vent.
And Zhenguo Mansion seemed to fit Li Hengsheng's needs perfectly.