Chapter 387: Half-Step Grandmaster Xiao Bieli, Imprisoned!

Chapter 387: Half-Step Grandmaster Xiao Bieli, Imprisoned!

At the entrance of the mansion.

"So that's what happened!"

After listening to Jiang Ning's account, Zhao Yulong nodded in understanding.

"Master of the Prefecture, can this matter be resolved?" Bai Luoyu was the first to speak up.

Zhao Yulong slightly nodded, "It's not particularly troublesome."

Then he turned to Jiang Ning, "However, Commander Jiang might need to stay in prison for a few days. We still have to follow the proper procedures."

Upon hearing this, Lu Yi behind them tightened her grip on her clothes.

Jiang Ning calmly nodded, "I'll follow your instructions, Master of the Prefecture."

Zhao Yulong looked at Jiang Ning and smiled, "Rest assured, I'll do my best for one of our own. Moreover, you and I have shared a drink twice before!"

"Thank you, Master of the Prefecture," Jiang Ning said with a bow.

Zhao Yulong smiled again and continued, "Next, I'll have the County Chief bring some people over. He's an acquaintance of mine, and he'll make sure you're taken care of, but it might require a few days of inconvenience."

"No problem!" Jiang Ning replied, "I'll follow your arrangements."

"Alright," Zhao Yulong nodded.

In less than the time it takes to burn a stick of incense, several figures appeared in the setting sun.

Dressed in dark robes, with a long sword at their waist, the leader among them had a robust build, a square face, and a blood-red robe.

Jiang Ning immediately recognized the man's identity.

County Chief, fifth rank, Xiao Bieli.

He was one of the few people in Dongling City that one must remember.

Assisting the County Governor, he was in charge of the entire county's military affairs, including maintaining law and order in the county town.

Except for the county's military camp and the newly established Inspection Office, all other military forces in the county were under his command.

In other words, before the establishment of the Inspection Office, this man was one of the two most powerful figures in Dongling County.

As a military officer, Xiao Bieli's strength was extraordinary.

Some said he had reached the peak of the fourth rank, with perfect Bone Marrow Refinement.

Perfect Bone Marrow Refinement earned him the title of 'Immortal Physique and Jade Bones'.

'Immortal Physique' referred to the external changes that occurred during Bone Marrow Refinement, where the body was repeatedly cleansed and strengthened.

'Jade Bones' indicated the casting of jade-like bones, achieved at the perfection of the sixth rank.

Together, 'Immortal Physique and Jade Bones' represented a martial artist's physical body reaching a state of near-perfection.

Xiao Bieli was at least of this caliber.

Many even claimed that Xiao Bieli had already attained the level of a Grandmaster.

Xiao Bieli had possessed the 'Immortal Physique and Jade Bones' for a long time, at least a decade.

With Xiao Bieli's talent, he should have achieved the Grandmaster level long ago.

However, after seeing Xiao Bieli, Jiang Ning felt that the second speculation was likely incorrect.

Xiao Bieli had not yet reached the Grandmaster level.

Jiang Ning's heightened senses allowed him to feel a faint sense of oppression emanating from Zhao Yulong, but he didn't sense the same from Xiao Bieli.

At that moment, Jiang Ning recalled another rumor about Xiao Bieli.

County Chief Xiao Bieli, with his extraordinary martial talent, refused to settle for an ordinary Grandmaster level. Instead, he aimed to reach the Heaven Human realm with his fourth-rank body.

What is a Heaven Human?

It refers to the highest-ranked Grandmasters, known as Heaven Human Grandmasters.

Compared to directly attaining the Heaven Human realm, it was undoubtedly simpler to first reach the Grandmaster level and then strive to enter the Heaven Human Grandmaster level.

Once one becomes a Grandmaster, the final hurdle for the human body is blood transformation.

Upon completing this transformation, the body and life essence undergo a significant metamorphosis, leading to a closer connection with the heavens and earth, enhanced senses, and a faster thought process.

In other words, reaching this stage brings one closer to the mythical, primordial beings and the natural world.

Furthermore, the speed of thought increases by several dozen times.

What once seemed complex becomes incredibly simple in the eyes of a Grandmaster.

As a result, achieving unity with heaven and humanity becomes much easier.

This is the path taken by most Grandmasters in the world.

However, those with exceptional talent and lofty aspirations have a different approach.

Starting from the fourth rank and directly entering the Heaven Human realm, their future path will be smoother and lead them further.

This was the ambition and goal of Xiao Bieli and his peers.

At that moment, Xiao Bieli strode forward with a majestic and awe-inspiring presence, heading towards Jiang Ning and Zhao Yulong's group.

"Master Zhao!" Xiao Bieli stopped and slightly bowed towards Zhao Yulong.

As the County Chief, he held a position half a rank lower than Zhao Yulong.

In formal settings, he should show respect.

In private, they could interact as peers.

Zhao Yulong nodded and took the initiative to lower his stance, "Brother Xiao, what do you think should be done about this matter?"

As he spoke, Zhao Yulong pointed at the corpses on the ground.

Xiao Bieli's gaze swept across them.

He paused for a moment at the two distant corpses before settling on Xiao Qiuyue.

"Third Madam of the Lord!" he exclaimed, his eyebrows furrowing slightly.

Then, he turned to Zhao Yulong, "Please, Master Zhao, explain to me what happened here."

"Commander Jiang, you tell him," Zhao Yulong said.

"Alright!" Jiang Ning nodded.

A moment later, Xiao Bieli nodded, indicating his understanding. He then turned to look at Zhao Yulong.

"Lord Zhao, I need to take Commander Jiang to the county prison. This matter concerns Qinghe Commander, and it's of great importance. We must follow the proper procedures, and I hope you understand, Lord Zhao."

As he finished speaking, Xiao Bieli looked at Zhao Yulong.

Zhao Yulong was not only the Prefect of the Inspection Office, holding a fifth-rank official position, but also a Martial Grandmaster.

Although Xiao Bieli had lofty ambitions, his current status and martial arts rank were not on par with Zhao Yulong's. Being in the officialdom, he couldn't help but treat this matter with caution.

Zhao Yulong nodded, "I understand, but I hope you won't mistreat my subordinates, Brother Xiao."

"Rest assured, Lord Zhao!" Xiao Bieli replied with a bow.

Then, he waved his hand, "Please return, Commander Jiang."

As he spoke, two attendants dressed in dark black robes, with long swords at their waists, immediately approached.

"Commander Jiang, please forgive us!" they said respectfully.

Unlike Xiao Bieli, who only showed respect to Zhao Yulong, these two attendants dared not neglect Jiang Ning.

The fact that Lord Zhao himself had come forward already spoke volumes.

Moreover, the great figure, Inspector General Bai, was also present.

They knew that although they didn't recognize Jiang Ning, his status within the Inspection Office was undoubtedly special.

If it were an ordinary person, how could they have brought Lord Zhao and Bai Luoyu here?

Without Xiao Bieli's status and strength, their behavior would have been different.

"Lead the way, gentlemen!" Jiang Ning said calmly.

Then, he turned to Lu Yi and said, "Go back and tell my brother and sister-in-law not to worry about me. With Lord Zhao's help, I'll be fine!"

Lu Yi nodded repeatedly.

Just now, Jiang Li had heard the commotion outside.

He was also persuaded by Jiang Ning to return.

"Commander Jiang, please!" The two attendants gestured for Jiang Ning to follow them.

Seeing this, Jiang Ning started walking forward.

Although this was the county prison, he had no worries in his heart.

Firstly, with the help of Zhao Yulong and Bai Luoyu, it would be difficult for any major issues to arise.

Secondly, there was his own strength.

Although he hadn't fought, he already possessed the invincible heart of a Fourth Rank.

At the Fourth Rank, even a Grandmaster could be challenged.

In this situation, as long as he wasn't in the deepest part of the county prison, no one could keep him there.

According to his understanding, only the deepest level of the Dongling County prison was capable of holding a Grandmaster.

Ordinary prisons, even those made of the finest iron, could be torn apart by a Grandmaster's bare hands.

Behind him, Xiao Bieli watched as Jiang Ning's figure gradually disappeared.

Then, he asked, "Lord Zhao, who is this person that you value so highly?"

"He's someone worth getting to know!" Zhao Yulong smiled, his gray cloth robe and kind face exuding warmth.

"Worth getting to know?" Xiao Bieli pondered.

Seeing that Zhao Yulong didn't elaborate further, Xiao Bieli didn't press for more answers.

Instead, he quietly contemplated the meaning of Zhao Yulong's words.

At this moment, Zhao Yulong was also unwilling to say more.

The position of Deputy Inspector General was a highly confidential matter within the Inspection Office, and even now, only a handful of people knew about it. Naturally, he wouldn't go around publicizing it.

In fact, apart from Bai Luoyu, no one outside of Dongling County knew who the other Inspector General was.

Only he and Bai Luoyu had that information.

Normally, there would be two Inspectors General in a county, one public and one secret, working in tandem.

Xiao Bieli was surprised by Jiang Ning's candidacy for the Deputy Inspector General position. Even he didn't fully understand it.

But even he didn't have the qualifications to delve deeper into this matter.

"Forget it!" He shook his head inwardly, deciding not to think about it anymore.

"Gentlemen!" Zhao Yulong spoke up, "Now that this matter is settled, I'll be taking my leave as well!"

As he finished speaking, his figure flashed, and he instantly disappeared from the scene.

"Inspector General Bai, I'll be taking my leave as well!" Xiao Bieli said.

"Farewell, Inspector General Bai!" Xiao Bieli bid farewell.

Bai Luoyu nodded and was about to take a step when he paused.

"Inspector General Xiao, please take good care of Brother Jiang! He's my closest friend!"

As he finished speaking, Bai Luoyu bowed.

Seeing this, Xiao Bieli was slightly taken aback and then nodded seriously.

"Inspector General Bai, rest assured. I won't let Commander Jiang suffer any injustice in prison!"

"With those words, I can be at ease!" Bai Luoyu bowed again, "Thank you!"

Then, he watched as Bai Luoyu's figure disappeared into the distance.

Xiao Bieli's expression turned thoughtful.

After a moment of contemplation, he looked in the direction where Jiang Ning had disappeared.

"I was a bit neglectful just now!"

"Never mind!" He shook his head slightly, "It's in the past now. No need to lower my dignity!"

The thought that had just arisen in his mind dissipated.

The County Prison.

Also known as the Jail.

It is the place where criminals from the county city are imprisoned.

The County Prison in Eastling City is also divided into four levels.

On the first level, ordinary criminals are held, and their strength is generally not formidable. The cells are made of cast iron.

The second level houses dangerous criminals, either extremely vicious offenders or exceptionally skilled martial artists.

For martial artists, ordinary cells are ineffective, and they can easily escape.

This level is dimly lit, with little to no sunlight reaching it.

The third level is for those sentenced to death, awaiting execution, as well as truly powerful martial artists.

It is not only dark but also damp and much more filthy.

Due to its depth, it is difficult to clean, and the guards rarely have the time or inclination to do so unless instructed by their superiors.

The fourth level is even more unique.

Known as the 'Labor Prison' or the 'Water Prison,' it uses mercury as water, which is highly toxic, and is reinforced with cold iron to imprison grandmasters.

This level has only one purpose: to hold criminal grandmasters.

It is only activated when imprisoning grandmaster-level offenders.

Inside the County Prison.

Led by the two men, Jiang Ning entered the underground prison.

As they opened the main gate, a putrid smell of mold assaulted their noses.

"Commander Jiang, according to the rules, you are accused of murdering the Qinghe Commander's wife, making you a significant offender. With your formidable strength, we must detain you on the third level!"

As he spoke, the two men expressed their apologies.

"Please forgive us, Commander Jiang!"

Jiang Ning nodded slightly, "I understand!"

"Thank you for your understanding, Commander Jiang!" the two men said again.

As the light dimmed, Jiang Ning soon arrived at the first level of the prison.

On both sides were cells made of fine iron, with torches hanging along the path, their flames flickering in the faint light from above. The air was heavy with the smell of mold and putrefaction.

Their arrival caused a slight commotion among the high-profile prisoners in the cells on either side.

But it was only a slight disturbance, unlike the dramatic wailing and cries of injustice from the movies of his past life.

Suddenly, a surprised voice came from the right.

"It's you!" Jiang Ning scanned the area and recognized the speaker.

Liu Boming, the favored son of the second branch of the Liu family.

He was the only one in his cell.

Jiang Ning stopped in his tracks, "Where's the other person?"

"That's the Young Master. His father is a sixth-rank official, so he was released long ago!" Liu Boming laughed bitterly, "Unlike me, from a small branch of the Liu family, not of the main lineage. No one will pull any strings for me."

"I see!" Jiang Ning nodded.

He recalled the effeminate face of the Young Master.

"Forget it!"

He shook his head inwardly.

"If they want to release him, let them!"

"After all, it's only because of Bai Luoyu's face that they're giving me this much leeway."

"If I want more respect, I'll have to earn it myself!"

Ignoring Liu Boming, Jiang Ning continued on his way.

Seeing Jiang Ning resume his journey, the two men fell into step behind him, one on each side, half a step back.

This was the standard posture for escorting prisoners.

"Commander Jiang, have you been arrested too?" Liu Boming called out from behind.

Seeing Jiang Ning's lack of response and the posture of the two men behind him, a gleeful voice echoed from Liu Boming's cell.

"So, you've been caught too! Looks like your connection with the Inspector General isn't helping you now!"

"And from your appearance, you'll be locked up in an even deeper prison."

". . ."

Laughter echoed from behind.

"Commander Jiang, do you want us to teach him a lesson?"

"Do as you wish," Jiang Ning said indifferently.

"Understood!" The two men behind Jiang Ning immediately complied.

Soon after, they reached the entrance to the second-level cells.

One of them summoned a guard.

"Sir!" The guard showed respect upon seeing their attire.

"Teach that man a lesson!"

"Yes, sir!" The guard understood immediately.

The heavy clanking of iron chains echoed as they slowly opened the gate to the second-level prison.

A putrid stench and dampness filled the air, like the smell of something rotting for days, almost unbearable.

At that moment, cries for mercy and screams came from behind.

"Commander Jiang, please!" The two men behind him spoke up again.

Jiang Ning lifted his leg and continued downward.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end