https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-33-Invitation-from-the-Government-Office-the-Hero-s-Scroll-/12984545/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-35-The-Monk-of-the-Temple-of-Rebirth/12984547/
Chapter 34: The Underlying Power of Black Yan City!
Chapter 34: The Underlying Power of Black Yan City!
"Brother Qin, what's wrong?" Qi Yan approached with concern, his face etched with worry.
Qin Zheng shook his head, putting away the invitation, and said, "It's nothing. I'll go out and buy some food first."
After speaking, he took a step and walked out of the ruined temple.
The government office made no attempt to hide its intentions and plans.
They widely distributed hero invitations, summoning various factions and martial arts experts within Black Yan City.
The purpose was to address the current crisis of bandit raids.
However, the various factions were hesitant, as they had already taken root in Black Yan City and had become an integral part of it.
Now that Black Yan City faced such a crisis, if the bandits broke into the city, these factions would also suffer.
If the county office offered incentives and promises, they might agree to leave the city and suppress the bandits.
But Qin Zheng didn't see the need to take that risk.
He hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to do.
Forget it!
He still wasn't clear about the county office's intentions, and everything was just his speculation for now.
Don't think too much about it for now; deal with the issue when the time comes.
Qin Zheng shook his head and cleared his thoughts.
Then, he headed towards the western part of the city.
Black Yan City was currently under blockade by bandits, and after a round of looting, only the western area had food available for purchase.
On the streets, there were only a few scattered pedestrians, most likely those forced to venture out for their livelihoods. It was evident that the citizens of Black Yan City were reluctant to leave their homes.
However, just as he was about to exit the eastern district, he noticed a crowd gathered in one corner of the street.
A group of poorly dressed, pale, and emaciated people, obviously malnourished and impoverished, were sitting around a young monk in white robes.
Their faces were filled with piety as they recited sutras along with the monk.
These citizens, unable to satisfy their material needs, turned to worship and sought spiritual solace.
But no matter how many times they recited the Buddhist scriptures, a thousand or ten thousand, food would not materialize out of thin air.
And the gods would not appear to protect them in times of danger.
Qin Zheng shook his head, then withdrew his gaze and quickly walked towards the west, where he bought a substantial amount of food at a high price.
His generous spending caught the attention of the citizens loitering in the west, who kept turning back to look at him.
During this time, there were also some with ill intentions who secretly followed Qin Zheng, hoping to rob him of his food and money.
But before they could make a move, their companions would warn them in hushed tones, "Are you courting death? That's Qin the Head-Chopper, who even the Canal Gang dares not provoke!"
In addition to these individuals, there were also factions who recognized Qin Zheng and sent him food.
Among them was the Canal Gang, one of Black Yan City's top factions.
This situation scared the grain merchants who had sold food to Qin Zheng at a high price, and they hurriedly came forward to refund the silver.
As a result, Qin Zheng not only spent very little money but also acquired a substantial amount of food.
This was one of the benefits that came with enhanced strength.
The fist is might, and power!
Qin Zheng gained some insight from this experience.
He brought the food back to the ruined temple in the eastern part of the city.
Qi Yan efficiently prepared dinner.
After the meal...
Night fell.
Qin Zheng stood up, turned to Qi Yan, and said, "I have to go out for a while. Take care of them."
The county office was located in the north, and the timing was perfect for his departure.
Qi Yan nodded and, as always, reminded him, "Brother Qin, be careful."
Qin Zheng slung the Ghost Head Saber over his shoulder and left the temple, quickly disappearing into the darkness.
The night in Black Yan City became even quieter and more profound.
Especially after entering the northern part of the city, the atmosphere grew even more eerie.
If not for the occasional voices coming from the houses on either side of the road, Qin Zheng would have thought he had arrived in a ghost town.
Upon reaching his destination, he felt a sense of unease.
It was as if someone was secretly watching him, causing a faint sense of irritability to arise within him.
His brow furrowed slightly, and his heart beat twice.
This situation made Qin Zheng more cautious.
Not long after, Qin Zheng arrived at the government office.
At this moment, a few people had already gathered at the office's entrance.
When Qin Zheng's figure appeared, it immediately drew the attention of many.
This was because the Ghost Head Saber behind Qin Zheng was exceptionally unique.
Ordinary warriors would not use such a wide saber.
Therefore, Qin Zheng's identity was easily recognizable.
As soon as Qin Zheng reached the office entrance, several figures approached him.
"Brother Qin, you're here too!"
The Grand Master of the Canal Gang, Zhang Wei, was the first to greet Qin Zheng with enthusiasm.
His words and tone were quite friendly, as if Qin Zheng were a close brother rather than a recent opponent.
Qin Zheng nodded.
It's said that one shouldn't strike a smiling face.
The other party had kept their promise, not bothering him again, and even sent him a substantial amount of food during the day.
Naturally, Qin Zheng wouldn't ignore them, causing them to lose face in front of the crowd.
"Come, come, come, let me introduce you to Wei Bangzhu of the Black Tiger Gang."
"This is Xing Bangzhu of the Vermilion Bird Gang, and this is Xiong Bangzhu of the Three Origins Gang."
Grand Master Zhang Wei introduced the warriors beside Qin Zheng.
They were mostly around fifty years old and were Muscle Refinement Realm warriors.
Qin Zheng learned for the first time about these gang forces in Black Goose City and the Muscle Refinement Realm warriors who secretly controlled them.
He didn't act superior but greeted each of them with a fist salute and introduced himself.
Thus, in front of the government office, to ignore the gang leaders who secretly controlled Black Goose City.
Apart from them, there were also some independent warriors.
Among them were Muscle Refinement Realm warriors who had broken through two major gates, and Sinew Forging Realm warriors who had broken through three major gates.
The hidden power within Black Goose City was indeed formidable.
At least, so many Sinew Forging Realm warriors were beyond Qin Zheng's initial expectations.
Among those who had gone to suppress the bandits, only Ji Changyin and Xu Weisan were Sinew Forging Realm warriors.
If all the Sinew Forging Realm warriors present agreed to help, perhaps resolving the banditry wouldn't be too difficult.
As this thought unconsciously emerged in Qin Zheng's mind, a figure hurried out from inside the government office, shouting loudly, "Everyone, please come in! The banquet is ready inside. Don't keep everyone waiting any longer!"
"Master Liu!"
Zhang Wei and the others fist-saluted the newcomer.
Qin Zheng's gaze followed, and he saw a lean man with a goatee, bright eyes, and an air of shrewdness.
"Please, please, it's my fault for making you wait so long at the door. Grand Master Zhang, Bangzhu Wei, Bangzhu Xing, and Young Hero Qin, please come in!"
Master Liu enthusiastically ushered everyone in.
After entering the office, he led the group through a winding path to a garden.
At this moment, the garden was brightly lit, with singing girls and dancing maidens, fine wine, and delicious food.
Everyone was surprised to find such opulence within the government office.
Qin Zheng's gaze, however, was fixed on a white-robed monk sitting not far away.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
