The martial contest remains undecided.

But...

If it's a tie.

For Lin Shao, how is it any different from 'defeat and retreat'?!

"Well, Song Chai Xin, you...!"

In an instant, Lin Shao's blood surged backwards; he was caught between advance and retreat, while Song Chai Xin punched through the air like a cannonball, producing a 'boom' sound, and sneered:

"Commander of the Military Department, according to the Great Zhao's rules, I am the Prefecture Venerable, you are sixth rank; you should show respect when you see me."

"According to Jianghu etiquette, you and I are equals; if you continue to fight to the death in this confrontation, how can the Prefecture Venerable fear you?"

"You stand on neither of these grounds."

"So, will you follow the rules of the Jianghu Martial Artist, disregarding everything and fight to the end, and solidify a reputation for 'insubordination' or will you abide by the Great Zhao's rules and do what you ought to do?!"

"I...!" Lin Shao gritted his teeth, blood reversed within him, and his vision almost blacked out; he stumbled back several steps, eyes like a wild wolf staring for a long time, finally...

He lowered his head:

"Subordinate Lin Shao, on behalf of the Military Department, has overstepped the Prefecture Venerable, spoke disrespectfully; the fault is mine."

"I... accept my punishment!"

Song Chai Xin coldly spoke:

"No one is perfect."

"But the world has its own rules; if you make mistakes, you must accept punishment."

"Considering it your first offense, relinquish your 'Commander of the Military Department' duties, and go to the 'Demon Hunting Department' to receive thirty lashes of the 'Demon-Slaying Rod', without using blood or True Qi; are you willing?"

A commotion!

These words caused an uproar among the crowd.

Even Xiang Zhulu, the Demon Hunter who had been listening silently, couldn't help but click his tongue, thinking Song Chai Xin was indeed ruthless; is such a punishment...

Too excessive?

The Demon Hunting Department's Demon-Slaying Rod?

That is specifically used for beating the 'heinously sinful' on the Demon Hunting List of Primordial Pill level!

One strike, without Primordial True Qi, would likely cause immediate wounds, thirty strikes...

Half a life would be lost!

This is more than just punishment.

This beating isn't meant for a person.

This beating is the 'Commander of the Military Department' Lin Shao's very face!

If he truly takes thirty lashes in the Demon Hunting Department, calling out thirty times, then after recuperating, he certainly can't continue mingling in this Wutong Prefecture...

"Song... Prefect Song truly wants to thoroughly tear the face?!" Lin Shao was stunned; he seemed not to have expected that, even when he was like this, Song Chai Xin still held onto it, unwilling to let go.

Instantly, his gaze changed, like a fierce wolf, unable to hold back.

"Watch your status, Commander of the Military Department." Song Chai Xin's expression was icy, refusing to yield, stern and emotionless.

As someone who crawled out of the mire.

He knew one truth.

That is,

Once someone has formed a grudge against you, it is extremely difficult to change their impression in day-to-day interactions.

Rather than this, it is better to use every means to remedy it!

Lin Shao wanted to oust Song Chai Xin, to sit on this seat himself, and on the first day, he had revealed his dagger, leaving him with evidence and leverage.

Song Chai Xin learned of it, how could he let it slide?

"You are welcome to try!"

The young man in red robes raised the 'Mansion Venerable Order', waving his hand, instantly revealing the means of 'Divine Soul Manipulation', along with the Flashing Gold Treasure Sword engraved with the character 'Zhao' on the hilt pulled out before the hall:

"See if my Great Zhao's sword for slicing insubordinate and disrespectful is still sharp?"

In an instant, the blade pointed straight at Lin Shao's brow!

Lin Shao's gaze was like it could devour, but dared not move an inch!

If he dared to move...

Tomorrow!

It wouldn't be Prefect Song Chai Xin controlling him.

But the whole Baoping State, and even the Great Zhao, would strip him of his position as the Commander of the Military Department! 𝚏𝕣𝐞𝗲𝐰𝕖𝐛𝐧𝕠𝕧𝚎𝚕.𝐜𝚘𝗺

He reached where he is today,

How could he be willing?

"Subordinate..."

"Accept punishment!"

Against the sword tip, Lin Shao forcibly restrained, looked down at the floor, and nearly spat out each word.

Then, without looking back, he headed to the Demon Hunting Department!

Following this!

At quarter past one!

With the sounds of screams echoing, resonating within the Demon Hunting Department!

Alerting all of Wutong Prefecture's Primordial Pill...

To truly realize,

The decisiveness of the 'New Guardian'!

Meanwhile, afterward.

Originally, due to an incident years ago, causing 'unattended', being jointly ostracized by several Primordial Pill level forces within the Prefecture City, Xie Mansion.

Suddenly, welcomed carriages and visits from various sects and factions, endlessly!

Treasure Pills, Two-Step Treasure Soldiers, rare and precious materials, ancient paintings...

All these items, as if tailored to preferences, were sent to Xie Qiaoxuan without cost!

But surely, they weren't sending them to Elder Xie of Xie Mansion!

They sent them to...

The person standing behind Xie Qiaoxuan!

From 'unnoticed' to 'in hot demand'.

The distance turned out to be so close.

The poor in the bustling city are ignored,

The wealthy in the deep mountains have distant relatives!

It is just like that!

...

At the same time.

With Song Chai Xin taking office as 'Wutong Prefecture Venerable', and the news of breaking through to 'Top-grade Primordial Pill' spreading...

Quite a few people!

Also turned their attention to this previously unnoticed area!

And within the mansion!

There was a force, like an earthquake.

That is...

Yunluan Mountain!