novelapdf Chapter 102 Beating Up a Green Tea Girl in the Street
Chapter 102 Beating Up a Green Tea Girl in the Street
Chapter 102 Beating Up a Green Tea Girl in the Street (Bonus Chapter for Monthly Tickets, 7,000 words)
[Last night I discovered we were almost at 1000 monthly votes, so I stayed up half the night writing extra. I'll add an extra chapter today. Giving myself some motivation—an extra chapter for every 1000 votes!]
After Jiang Mu finished giving her statement at Qingshan, she went home.
The whole process was completely inexplicable.
He seriously suspected that the Demon Suppression General might have some mental issues.
As expected, the higher the cultivation level of a powerful figure, the more eccentric and unpredictable their temperament.
Before leaving, he specifically asked about the exact time Zai Qingshan would depart for Yancheng.
Even Qingshan didn't give a definite answer, only saying that they would decide after Deputy Director Tian arrived.
I estimate it will take another seven or eight days.
It is said that Old Tian should have arrived much earlier, but he was delayed by something on the way.
Jiang Mu understood that going to a dangerous place like Yancheng to exterminate demons would most likely require this veteran expert to lead the team and ensure everything went smoothly.
Time flies, and seven days have passed in the blink of an eye.
These past few days, Jiang Mu has been staying at home diligently, cultivating and ignoring everything else.
Deputy Director Tian still hasn't arrived.
However, the list of those to go to Yancheng to exorcise the demons has already been released.
Besides Jiang Mu's eighth session and Yan Fenghuo's fourth session being a foregone conclusion, there's also Wen He's third session.
Upon seeing this offensive name, Jiang Mu went to the company to protest.
In the end, Aoyama shrugged and said helplessly, "Wenhe was directly named by the headquarters, and I have no authority to change it."
Jiang Mu was at her wit's end.
Just treat this thing like a skinless swallow, out of sight, out of mind.
In the past few days, thanks to the terrifying efficiency of the three-core drive, Jiang Mu's cultivation level has advanced rapidly, reaching the Great Perfection of the Third Realm more than half a month earlier than expected!
The cost was that the reserves in the magic tank were once again nearing depletion.
Reaching the state of Great Perfection means that you are standing on the threshold of a breakthrough, just one step away.
That morning, Jiang Mu got up especially early.
Bai Xiang cooked her a soft-boiled egg, symbolizing "completeness," and she ate it slowly and deliberately before changing into a brand-new, sharp outfit.
Finally, he didn't forget to give Xiao Xiang'er, who was watering the flowers, a big hug.
It fully embodies the sense of ritual.
After all, his previous breakthroughs were too hasty, like playing around, and he didn't feel any sense of accomplishment.
This is a crucial juncture in entering the fourth realm, so it must be done in a grand manner.
Everything is ready.
Jiang Mu stood in the courtyard, facing the rising sun, and took a deep breath.
boom-
The surging spiritual energy within his body surged like a bursting dam, instantly breaking through the already weak bottleneck.
The Four Realms are complete!
Jiang Mu clenched his fist, feeling the surging power within his body.
The meridians become solidified, the bones are tempered and strengthened, and the dantian expands to accommodate more flowing spiritual energy.
Upon closer examination, this sense of improvement is not a qualitative leap.
It's more like the accumulation of quantity has reached a new level, the operation is more smooth and free, and the speed of star power recovery is also faster.
After all, the potential of a Earthly Fiend-level star is undeniable.
Each breakthrough is more a natural accumulation of effort.
"call----"
Jiang Mu exhaled a breath of stale air, then suddenly remembered something, "Counting the days, it seems that today is the last day of Zhang Damei's seclusion, right?"
'
"Hmm, let's go take a look."
Of course, he wasn't trying to show off; it was purely out of concern for his subordinates.
Well, that's all.
We arrived at the eighth hall of the government office.
Zhang Xiaokui paced back and forth outside the tightly closed door, his face full of anxiety and apprehension.
Upon seeing Jiang Mu, he quickly cupped his hands in greeting: "My lord!"
How is your brother doing?
Jiang Mu asked.
"It's still unclear; this is the fifth day."
Zhang Xiaokui was worried, "But as long as we didn't come out early, it means things went relatively smoothly."
Jiang Mu nodded, put his hands behind his back, looked up at the sky, and sighed, "Alas, breaking through is difficult."
"Yes, it's too difficult."
-
Zhang Xiaokui also sighed, deeply agreeing with the sentiment.
Jiang Mu glanced at him, and why did this scene seem so familiar?
It's as if I've experienced this before.
He shook his head and continued to sigh, "I only just broke through to the fourth realm myself. It hasn't been easy at all."
"Yeah, it's really not easy—hmm!?"
Zhang Xiaokui suddenly realized what was happening, his eyes nearly popping out of their sockets as he stared at Jiang Mu in disbelief.
Yeah.
That's the expression!
That's how your brother saw me back then too.
Jiang Mu felt incredibly relieved.
He patted Zhang Xiaokui's stiff shoulder and said earnestly, "Keep going, young man. I achieved what I have today through my own relentless efforts. You can do it too."
However, remember that cultivation requires a down-to-earth approach; never try to take shortcuts.
Zhang Xiaokui felt completely dizzy.
What a freakish hall master!
When I broke through, he broke through to the third realm first.
My brother was finally about to break through to the fourth realm, but he beat me to it again.
So you've come here specifically to torment us two brothers?
"By the way, I remember you saying before that your brother had a girl he liked? How's it going?"
Jiang Mu changed the subject.
Zhang Xiaokui barely recovered from his shock and nodded, saying, "My brother said the progress is going well."
"I knew it!"
Jiang Mu laughed, "If you like a girl, you should be bold and confess. With our current status and position, which girl would be blind enough to refuse?"
As soon as he finished speaking, Bai Xiang's beautiful image appeared in his mind.
Well----
Okay, there are indeed blind people.
Zhang Xiaokui frowned: "Actually—I don't really like that girl. I always felt she wasn't entirely innocent, and she was rather materialistic even when she was young. But my brother likes her, so I won't say anything more."
"Has your brother proposed yet?" Jiang Mu asked.
"Not yet."
Zhang Xiaokui shook his head, his tone tinged with helplessness, "That girl didn't give a definite answer, she kept being vague."
"Not sure?"
Jiang Mu raised an eyebrow and said half-jokingly, "Is it because your brother is too stingy and didn't treat him to a nice meal?"
"How is that possible!"
Zhang Xiaokui complained bitterly, "It's not just about treating people to meals; they've given me a whole bunch of gifts. My salary is almost gone!"
Today the girl said she liked a bracelet from a certain shop, so my brother went and bought it. Tomorrow she'll say she likes a certain brand of rouge and face powder, so my brother will go and buy that too.
The day after tomorrow, someone said that a certain fabric would make beautiful clothes, so my brother rushed over to cut some.
If this continues, I won't even have money for food next month. I'll have to take on some side jobs.
Jiang Mu's brows furrowed slightly: "You mean, that girl is accepting the gifts without hesitation, but she won't give your brother a straight answer on whether she'll marry him or not, right?"
"yes!"
Zhang Xiaokui nodded vigorously.
I!
This giant daemon is being kept as a fish!
Jiang Mu was speechless.
Zhang Daxiao usually seems like a steady and shrewd man, so how come he becomes such a traitor when it comes to women?
Is this the legendary childhood sweetheart filter?
Just then, the tightly closed door creaked open.
Zhang Dasui came out.
He was completely refreshed, his aura was refined, and he had clearly made a successful breakthrough.
"elder brother!"
Zhang Xiaokui shouted with delight and rushed over, "You did it?"
Zhang Daxiao smiled憨厚ly, nodded vigorously, turned his gaze to Jiang Mu, his expression excited, and quickly stepped forward, kneeling down with a "plop": "My lord! My successful breakthrough this time is entirely due to the resources you bestowed upon me in the past. Without your guidance, I would not be where I am today! I will never forget your great kindness!"
He was genuinely grateful.
Without Jiang Mu, he might never have even reached the threshold of the Fourth Realm in his entire life.
Jiang Mu smiled and helped him up: "Get up, we're all brothers, no need to be so polite. This is the result of your own hard work."
He paused, then added, "By the way, how did you know I broke through to the fourth realm before you?"
Zhang Daxiao: "————"
Seeing Zhang Daxiao's stunned expression, Jiang Mu was satisfied with completing her day's dose of showing off.
He waved his hand generously and said, "It's perfect timing since we've both broken through to the next level. It's a double celebration! Tonight, I'll treat you all to a good meal."
Let's invite Xu Fu and Yan Fenghuo as well, so everyone can have a good time."
"It's all up to you, sir." Zhang Daxiao's feelings were complicated.
Oh, right.
As she was leaving, Jiang Mu suddenly stopped and turned back, saying, "Bring that childhood sweetheart you've been pursuing recently along too, I'll also give her my opinion."
Zhang Daxiao paused for a moment, then nodded, somewhat embarrassed, "Yes."
News of Jiang Mu's breakthrough spread quickly.
Upon learning that Jiang Mu had achieved two breakthroughs again, the members of the Demon Slayer Division had already habitually gone from shock to numbness.
When Zai Qingshan heard this news, he was speechless.
Others overcome countless difficulties, but for you it's as easy as eating and drinking.
Could this kid be the legendary "Blessed Dao Body"?
It was evening.
Jiang Mu, along with Xu Fu, Yan Fenghuo, and several trusted confidants from their respective gangs, went to the restaurant together.
"Where's your childhood sweetheart?"
Jiang Mu glanced around and, not seeing Zhang Daxiao bring a girl, asked in confusion, "What? Do you think we grown men are too rude and are too scared to come?"
Zhang Daxiao scratched his head awkwardly and said with a wry smile, "She caught a cold and isn't feeling well. She's resting at home and can't come over."
"Oh, I see."
Jiang Mu narrowed her eyes, seemingly lost in thought. "Then let me ask you, aside from when you buy her gifts or give her things, if you simply ask her out at other times, does she come?"
Zhang Daxiao was taken aback upon hearing this, and scratched his head as he tried to recall the events carefully.
"Okay, I understand."
Jiang Mu waved her hand, "Let's drink first, don't think about it anymore, I'll tell you the details tomorrow."
Zhang Daxiao was completely confused and didn't dare to ask any more questions.
Perhaps it was Jiang Mu's personal charm that made the Demon Slayers, who usually had some competitive relationship with each other, put aside their differences at the dinner table, toasting each other and enjoying a harmonious atmosphere.
Yan Fenghuo, who is usually cold and serious, had a constant smile on his face.
Those who know him are amazed.
really.
Only the most ruthless can truly subdue the most ruthless.
After several rounds of drinks...
The group, reeking of alcohol, staggered out of the restaurant.
Night had fallen, and a bright moon hung high in the sky, its gentle light casting a hazy silver veil over the gradually quieting streets.
Whether Xu Fu was stunned by Jiang Mu's rapid breakthrough or simply drunk, he hadn't walked more than a few steps out of the restaurant when he suddenly started singing a folk tune he'd heard somewhere, muttering and wailing.
The language is quite explicit.
The others, caught up in the spirit, also put their arms around each other and started shouting, their voices echoing down the street.
Passersby turned away and made way.
After a while of commotion, Xu Fu suddenly waved his hand and suggested, "Let's go, brothers, let's go to the brothel to listen to some music!"
My treat!
"good!"
"Let's go together!"
The crowd responded enthusiastically, their excitement rising.
Jiang Muben hesitated.
After all, he had already resolved to change his ways.
But then I thought, if we just listen to some tunes and cultivate our minds, as long as we don't actually do anything, it won't be considered going against our original intentions, so I didn't spoil everyone's fun and agreed.
Zhang Daxiao originally didn't want to go, but his younger brother Zhang Xiaokui dragged him into the group.
The group, making a lot of noise, arrived at Yanchun Tower.
It was the same family where Jiang Mu had killed the fish demon last time.
As they approached the vicinity of Yanchun Tower, Zhang Daxiao suddenly stopped, his gaze fixed on a magnificent carriage not far away.
Jiang Mu followed his gaze.
Beside a magnificent carriage, a man and a woman were seen boarding together.
The woman was slender with delicate features, and wore a light green dress.
The man was a handsome young gentleman in fine clothes, holding a jade folding fan, and his demeanor exuded the arrogance of a noble family scion.
As they boarded the carriage, the young man naturally supported the woman's slender waist and held her small hand with his other hand, their posture intimate.
Looking at Zhang Dasui's gloomy and complicated expression, Jiang Mu was speechless.
How could he possibly run into such a melodramatic scene on the street?
However, considering what Zhang Xiaokui had said before, it seemed like this situation was bound to happen sooner or later.
"Never mind, no need to wait until tomorrow."
Jiang Mu patted Zhang Dasui's stiff shoulder and said calmly, "Did you see that clearly? This woman is stringing you along, using you as a backup plan—no, she might not even be considered a backup plan."
If she encounters someone with better prospects, like this young master in front of her, she'll immediately throw herself at him. If she can't find anyone better, she might reluctantly consider you as a last resort.
Zhang Daxiao stared intently at that spot, his lips trembling, but he remained silent.
The others also realized what was happening, after all, Zhang Xiao Kui had complained quite a bit at the dinner table earlier.
For a moment, everyone looked at Zhang Daxiao with pity.
It's too awful.
A dignified demon slayer was completely fooled by a scheming woman.
"Damn it! You want a promiscuous slut like that?"
Xu Fu, reeking of alcohol, spoke without restraint, grabbing Zhang Dasui's shoulder and saying, "Little Zhang, listen to your brother's advice. I've seen plenty of women, and this kind of woman is really not good enough for you. Don't be so stubborn! I'll find you a better one later. With your looks, you can pick any you want."
The younger brother, Zhang Xiaokui, had a fiery temper. When he saw the young master touching his brother's beloved woman's hand and hugging her waist, his anger flared up instantly.
Without saying a word, he rushed forward.
He grabbed the richly dressed young man by the back of his collar, who had just stepped onto the carriage and hadn't even fully entered the cabin yet, and with a sudden burst of strength, pulled him down!
The man cried out and was pulled to the ground.
"what!"
The woman in the car screamed in surprise, her face turning pale.
Upon recognizing Zhang Xiao Kui, her face turned deathly pale, and she exclaimed, "Xiao—Xiao Kui? What are you doing here?"
She then subconsciously looked up.
He spotted Zhang Daxiao not far away at a glance, and his face flushed red and then turned pale, filled with embarrassment and guilt.
"Get down here right now!"
Zhang Xiaokui pointed at her and shouted angrily, reaching out to grab her.
But halfway through reaching out, he remembered that this was the person his brother cherished most, and ultimately refrained from using force.
The elegantly dressed young man, dazed and confused from the fall, struggled to his feet, roaring in fury: "Who are you? How dare you be so disrespectful to me!"
Zhang Xiao Kui completely ignored him, only glaring fiercely at the woman in the car: "I told you to get out! Didn't you hear me?!"
The woman was terrified by his fierce appearance and dared not get off the train. She huddled in the corner of the carriage and said in a trembling voice, "Xiao Kui, you—you mustn't misunderstand, let me explain. Young Master Zhao was just giving me a ride on his way—"
"Get down!"
Zhang Xiaokui roared, his voice like thunder.
The woman's face was deathly pale. She looked at Zhang Daxiao with pleading eyes, her eyes brimming with tears.
Zhang Daxiao turned his head away.
Completely ignored, Young Master Zhao was enraged and pointed at Zhang Xiao Kui's nose, cursing, "You bastard! Do you know who I am?!"
Zhang Xiao Kui sneered, flashed his Demon Slayer Division badge, and shouted, "Demon Slayer Division is handling cases. Bystanders, get lost!"
Young Master Zhao stared at the token, stunned.
Demon Slayer Division?
His gaze swept over the group of burly men behind him, dressed in ordinary clothes but exuding a menacing aura, and he realized that he had kicked a hornet's nest.
However, standing in front of the Yanchun Pavilion, under the watchful eyes of everyone, he didn't want to lose face.
So, with his neck stiff, he sneered, "So what if you're from the Demon Slayer Division? You think you can just beat people up like that? Let me tell you, my uncle is the newly appointed prefect. Do you really think I'm afraid of you?"
"Your Excellency the Prefect?"
Jiang Mu walked over and glanced at him.
Thinking back to the incident a few days ago involving Madam Han, the previous prefect was dismissed and taken away for investigation, and a new prefect was demoted.
They seem to be birds of a feather.
He ignored the blustering but cowardly spoiled brat and walked straight to the carriage. Looking at the woman huddled inside, he said indifferently, "Tomorrow, return all the gifts Zhang Dasui gave you, untouched."
From now on, you go your way, he goes hiss, and neither of you owes the other anything. Don't bother him anymore.
Did you understand?
The woman glanced at Jiang Mu, then at the silent Zhang Daxiao in the distance.
Perhaps it was Jiang Mu's calm tone that gave her the illusion that the other party was easy to talk to. Or perhaps she felt that with Young Master Zhao present, these people wouldn't dare to really do anything to her.
Filled with shame and anger, she suddenly found her courage and retorted, "Why should I? I didn't lie to him! He gave me those things willingly; I didn't force him! Why should I return them?"
Jiang Muqi laughed.
He looked up at the woman intently: "You didn't lie to him? So you're willing to be his wife?"
The woman's eyes flickered: "I—I haven't made up my mind yet. Marriage is a big deal, how can I decide so easily? I should do more research first."
"Then why did you accept those expensive gifts?"
He insisted on giving it to me.
"Don't you have any idea why he gave you a gift?"
'
'
The woman was speechless, her face turning bright red.
Jiang Mu said calmly, "There are two kinds of people I hate the most in my life. One is those who treat others like fools, and the other is those who want to have their cake and eat it too."
I don't usually hit women, especially my subordinates' "white moonlight" (ideal woman).
So I'm giving you one last chance.
"Promise to pay me back, get lost, and let's call it even. Okay?"
The woman clutched her skirt tightly, biting her lip and muttering, "I—I didn't say I disagreed, I was just testing him—testing his sincerity—"
"Test your grandpa!"
Jiang Mu finally lost her patience.
He turned and pointed at Zhang Daxiao, saying coldly, "Daxiao, if you dare to stop me today, or even utter a single word of pleading for this woman, then you can forget about ever coming to the Eighth Hall again! I can't afford to lose face like that!"
As soon as he finished speaking, he flashed away.
"what!"
A scream.
Jiang Mu reached out and grabbed the woman's hair, pulling her out of the carriage like a chick.
"Slap! Slap!"
He delivered two crisp, resounding slaps with his other hand.
The woman was stunned by the beating.
His cheeks were swollen, blood was trickling from the corner of his mouth, and he looked at Jiang Mu in disbelief.
"Damn it, they're so ungrateful!"
Jiang Mu shook her hand, looking disgusted.
Upon seeing this, Young Master Zhao instinctively wanted to protect the flower and was about to speak angrily.
Jiang Mu whirled around, her eyes piercing him like knives: "This is none of your business! I don't care what kind of prefect or magistrate your uncle is, you'd better stay out of the way today, or I'll beat you up too!"
Young Master Zhao was startled by the fierce aura in his eyes. His heart skipped a beat, and he subconsciously took two steps back, the words stuck in his throat.
The woman then came to her senses.
The excruciating pain and humiliation overwhelmed her, and she sat on the ground, wailing and crying, "Murder! The Demon Slayers are beating people in the street! Is there no law?! Help me—"
This area was originally a red-light district, with a dense flow of people.
His shout immediately attracted a crowd of onlookers, who pointed and whispered among themselves.
"Get lost, all of you!"
Yan Fenghuo frowned, immediately pulled out his token, and unleashed a murderous aura. "The Demon Slayer Division is handling a case. All bystanders, please step aside! Anyone who dares to meddle will be treated as obstructing official business!"
Several other close associates were also driven away.
Upon hearing that it was the infamous Demon Slayer Division, the passersby dared not watch the spectacle any longer and scattered like birds and beasts.
The woman was filled with despair upon seeing this.
Even passersby didn't dare to interfere, and Zhang Daxiao, the backup boyfriend, didn't dare to utter a sound either; she was truly terrified now.
Fueled by alcohol, Xu Fu staggered forward, pointed at the woman, and cursed, "Cry? You still have the nerve to cry?"
If you don't want to get married, then spit out what you've already eaten! I despise people like you the most—"
He reached out to grab the woman's hair.
"stop!"
A powerful shout suddenly rang out!
Before Xu Fu could react, a dark shadow rushed towards him with a strong gust of wind.
He instinctively tried to block, but when he saw the person's face clearly, he froze and stood there dumbfounded.
"Bang!"
A solid kick landed squarely on Xu Fu's chest, sending him staggering backward and crashing to the ground.
Upon seeing this, Yan Fenghuo and the others were both shocked and furious, and instinctively wanted to take action.
But when they saw who it was and the group that followed, their expressions changed drastically, and they stopped moving, frozen in place.
It was as if I had been frozen in place.
The one who made the move was a middle-aged, burly man with a full beard.
He was around forty years old, with a leopard-like head and piercing eyes, clutching a glossy black riding crop in his hand, exuding a fierce aura.
Behind him, several men dressed in similar tight-fitting clothes and with sharp eyes led several tall horses.
They were surrounding an elderly man.
The old man was about sixty years old, with white hair and beard, but he was in good spirits.
He was dressed in a simple blue robe, with his hands behind his back. Although he carried no weapons, he exuded an aura of authority without anger simply by standing there.
The burly man with a thick beard surveyed the entire area.
Looking at the group of Demon Slayers reeking of alcohol, glancing at the suggestive signboard of the Erotic Spring Pavilion not far away, and finally settling his gaze on the woman sobbing on the ground—
His face was extremely gloomy.
He walked up to Xu Fu, who had just gotten up, and stared at him coldly: "As demon slayers, you're gathering crowds to drink, frequenting brothels, and even beating up civilians in the street! What are you doing?!"
Xu Fu was mostly sober.
Looking at that familiar face, he stammered, "I—we—"
"Snapped!"
Before he could finish speaking, a loud lash of the whip struck him hard.
The sound of tearing cloth rang out, and Xu Fu groaned in pain, but he gritted his teeth and did not dare to dodge or fight back.
The bearded man snorted coldly and walked up to Yan Fenghuo, whip in hand.
Yan Fenghuo glanced at the gray-robed old man subconsciously, his lips moved, but he ultimately lowered his head.
"Snapped!"
Another lash.
Yan Fenghuo was also hit, but he didn't dare to utter a sound either.
Next came several other close associates—
The bearded man wielded a whip, striking cleanly and decisively without any hesitation.
Those who were beaten stood with their heads bowed, not daring to even breathe loudly, let alone resist.
At last.
The bearded man walked up to Jiang Mu.
He sized up Jiang Mu, then glanced at the woman on the ground, who was crying her eyes out, and the clear handprint on her face.
A flash of disgust crossed his eyes.
"Looks unfamiliar, are you new here?"
The bearded man said calmly, "What, just because you're wearing this Demon Slayer's skin, you think you're some kind of king? You think you can bully men and women in the streets?"
Jiang Mu said, "In fact, you should investigate this."
The bearded man sneered, raised his whip, and lashed it directly at Jiang Mu's handsome face!
This whip strike was incredibly powerful.
If the injection is too strong, disfigurement is certain.
However, the whip came to an abrupt halt in mid-air.
A long, strong hand firmly grasped the tip of the whip.
"Um?"
The bearded man was taken aback, clearly not expecting the other party to dare to resist. He immediately flew into a rage and forcefully pulled back, yelling, "Let go!"
He used seventy percent of his strength, trying to pull Jiang Mu off balance.
The whip remained completely still.
Jiang Mu remained calm and uttered a single word: "Oh."
next moment.
He loosened his grip.
The bearded man was pulling back forcefully when he was caught off guard and stumbled back several steps, almost falling.
Before he could even steady himself, everything went blurry before his eyes.
A large foot kicked him hard in the stomach.
"Bang!!"
A muffled thud.
The bearded man flew backward like a cannonball and crashed directly into a garbage bin by the roadside.
"Splash!"
Swill was splashing everywhere, and a foul stench filled the air.
The entire room fell silent.
Everyone was stunned.
Xu Fu, Yan Fenghuo, and the others gaped wide-eyed, their eyes nearly popping out.
Even the usually indifferent old man was slightly taken aback and somewhat stunned.
"Old Jiang!"
Xu Fu then realized that Jiang Mu didn't seem to recognize these people, and was terrified. He rushed over and grabbed Jiang Mu, urgently saying, "Who are they—"
3
"What's your name?"
An aged yet authoritative voice interrupted Xu Fu's words.
The old man slowly walked forward.
He didn't look at his disheveled, bearded subordinate, but stared directly at Jiang Mu with sharp eyes, exuding a suffocating sense of oppression.
Jiang Mu retorted, "And who are you?"
In fact, he already had a guess in his heart.
To make even a troublemaker like Yan Fenghuo obediently take a beating without daring to retaliate, coupled with his age and imposing manner—
Who else could it be but the deputy director who is said to have just returned from the capital?
Sure enough, a guard in tight-fitting clothes shouted sternly, "How dare you! Standing before you is Lord Tian Wenjing, the deputy head of the Demon Slaying Division of Huzhou City!"
"What's your name? Tell me!"
Jiang Mu said calmly, "My name is Ma Guocheng."