Chapter 510: Scheming, Calculations, and Confrontation (Part 1)

Chapter 510: Scheming, Calculations, and Confrontation (Part 1)



Everyone's gaze was fixed on Fang Che.

Fang Che sighed, "When they were alive, they suffered greatly, desperately wanting to escape this mortal world. They wanted to avoid all the filth and never see those demons who harmed them again."

"So, I specifically chose this place, Phoenix Slope. I hope the girls can rest in peace, and even more, I hope they will rise from the ashes like a phoenix, reborn from the flames! If there is a next life, may they live in peace, wealth, and happiness."

"If there is a next life, learn a skill, slay all demons, and exterminate all evil spirits!"

"Today, many parents have also come here to see you off. I want you to know that they love you very much, and they have been searching and trying to save you."

"So... don't hate them. They are actually... just as pained as you."

These words caused the crowd on the surrounding hills to shed tears, their sobs uncontrollable.

"There's something I want to clarify to the girls. There are many unfortunate beauties in this world, not just you. There is still much ugliness and filth in this world. So this time, I've built a large tomb with a passageway!"

"Rest assured, I will send people to guard it. No one will disturb your rest."

"In the future, if there are more unfortunate sisters who come here, I hope everyone will take care of each other and accommodate one another."

Fang Che's expression turned solemn as he said, "Bury them!"

The mournful music began, and the sound of crying shook the heavens. Countless incense and candles were lit, and countless paper figures, horses, and money were set ablaze, creating a raging inferno.

This was the perfect fulfillment of Fang Che's previous promise.

"Red cloth covering the top, red flowers lining the path, ten-mile candles, and a heaven-burning great fire. Sending the fragrant souls back to their graves."

The beauty and white bones were transported into the tomb, along with the clothes, jewelry, rouge, and powder that Fang Che had prepared.

The mournful cries filled the air.

The entire tomb's floor was padded with the red cloth that Fang Che had purchased, and the clothes he bought covered the white bones, concealing their sorrow.

Standing in the tomb, one could see piles of new clothes, all covered in a bright red hue.

It was as if numerous brides-to-be sat quietly in the tomb.

Jewelry and cosmetics filled the tomb.

Henceforth, eternity would reign, and there would be no more pain.

Finally.

The last box of rouge was sent into the tomb.

The tomb's door slowly closed.

Fang Che, Dong Yun Yu, Feng Xiang Dong, and Qiu Yun Shang worked together to erect a massive tombstone.

"Donghu Red Maiden Grave!"

"Protector Southeast Headquarters, established!"

On top was a poem written by Fang Che.

"Heaven envies the beauty who enters the mortal world, pure white garment keeps the soul pure; today the rain and wind blow away, and in the future, the phoenix cries, and spring arrives across the world!"

Countless people bowed in respect.

Fang Che and the others stood beside Zhao Shanhe, holding three incense sticks, which they lit solemnly.

They inserted the incense sticks into the incense burner.

Stepping back,

The incense and candles soared, and the paper money burned, creating a raging fire.

The white clothes on the ground bowed together.

The incense smoke, thick and heavy, rose straight up into the windless sky, traveling far into the distance. When the crowd turned to look back, the incense smoke was still gathered, as if countless souls were gazing at the mortal world one last time.

...

On their way back.

"Fang Che, what do you think about the Li family's ambush?"

"Six of them are already dead, and the rest are not my concern. It's a matter for the Southeast Headquarters now."

"You really have no thoughts on it?"

"None."

Fang Che's voice was indifferent. "Moreover... Zhao Chancellor has already taken care of it for me. And... the family's crime doesn't warrant death. I'm not that petty. Besides, if I were to take revenge or if the Southeast Headquarters were to raid their home, it wouldn't be appropriate. It's meaningless if it's too light, and it would have a negative impact if it's too heavy, after all, they weren't the ones who did wrong. And a secret ambush like this, they would never dare to..."

"After Chancellor Zhao's words, the Li family no longer needs our intervention."

Fang Che paused.

Zhao Shanhe's lips twitched.

Those words were indeed a way for Fang Che to settle the matter, but they also served as a warning to others.

"When we return, we'll also need to report Li Ping Sheng's actions within the Protector organization."

"Of course."

"Then we'll follow the legal procedures from now on."

"Good."

"What's the next plan?"

"Next is the White Dragon Gang, but currently, they are too scattered. So, I want to start with the Red Pavilion."

"The Red Pavilion... you should consider the implications, it's too big."

"I know it's a big deal, so in previous actions, although they involved the Red Pavilion, we pretended not to see it. But that doesn't mean the Red Pavilion can't be investigated!"

Zhao Shanhe furrowed his brows tightly.

Red Pavilion.

As the name suggests, it is a brothel.

Moreover, it is the largest brothel on the entire continent, with official and Protector backing. It has branches in almost every city on the continent.

The women there come from various backgrounds. Some are unable to support themselves, some are forced by circumstances, some enjoy their work, and many are from originally wealthy families that suddenly faced misfortune...

For example, officials' families who were raided, families of rebels who were raided, families who faced sudden deaths, families who faced revenge killings...

Of course, there are various types of women inside. Some sell their talents, some sell their bodies, some neither sell their bodies nor talents but just play games inside... It's a complex mix.

It's a massive industry with various elements.

In this kind of society, it's inevitable, because accidents happen everywhere. For many beautiful women, after their families face misfortune, struggling to survive at home is even more miserable than coming to a place like the Red Pavilion.

Because... at home, it's even more dangerous!

Thugs, bandits, warriors, hooligans, gangsters, rebels, lawbreakers...

In such situations, beauty is not just a resource, not just capital, not just goods, but a source of trouble.

For this, Protectors have no solution.

You can't take care of them all, right? Even gods can't do that.

So, the existence of places like the Red Pavilion becomes inevitable.

What Protectors can do is establish an order: all women, whether entering or leaving, need to be listed.

In other words... they need identification.

Under various levels of control, they try to minimize forced prostitution.

But for those without the means to support themselves or those unwilling to work, there is no solution.

Of course, it's also because there's a huge demand.

(I won't go into detail here, and please don't project modern society onto this. Saints, please move along, thank you.)



In a place like this, the interests involved are complex to the extreme.

It can be said that moving this place is almost like moving the cake of many people.

"Fang Che, I know you're passionate, but in a place like Spring Pavilion, even the Ninth Young Master wouldn't dare to act rashly!"

Zhao Shanhe's face turned completely serious, "This involves the livelihood of over a billion people! Among them, it even includes some of the financial sources of the Protectors."

"This is a truly earth-shattering matter! It's life-threatening!"

Zhao Shanhe was so anxious that his lips blistered.

Fang Che, being so bold, was indeed a good thing for the southeast, but... suddenly moving against Spring Pavilion? Do you have a few heads?

"Do you really think Spring Pavilion is just a brothel? Within it, there's a whole world. There are even spies from the Protectors, connections to the Only Righteous Sect, lines to various underworld organizations, and connections to the official court... It's truly a mix of fish and dragons..."

"You also shouldn't think that after becoming a martial artist, money becomes unimportant. In this world, people like you who have the wealth of the world at your fingertips are still few. Even if you're a high-level martial artist, it's impossible to support an entire family solely with Spirit Crystals!"

"Even high-level Protectors can't live their entire lives solely on Spirit Crystals!"

"There are a thousand billion people on the continent, but how many can use Spirit Crystals? The masses are still the majority."

"Moreover, if you do this, do you think those brothel women will be grateful? Wrong! They'll only hate you for taking away their livelihood, destroying their way of making a living!"

"Fang Che, this idea of yours must be abandoned!"

Since the topic of Spring Pavilion came up, Zhao Shanhe directly suggested, "I want to give you independence from the Sixth Patrol Team."

Zhao Shanhe said.

"Hmm? What do you mean by that?"

"In the First Squad, other small squads don't have your authority. They won't be envious, but nominally being under the First Squad isn't good."

"It is indeed a bit... not quite right."

Fang Che pondered.

"So I want to rename it as the 'Life and Death Patrol Team'. List it separately, and in the southeast, it will only be accountable to me and Vice Chancellor An. Then I'll give you a decree from the Chancellor, granting you the authority to reassign personnel."

Zhao Shanhe said.

"So, power has increased?"

"It's necessary."

Zhao Shanhe's face was filled with worry, "You, a small patrol officer, have been giving me a hard time, making me want to rip my hair out. You also need to have some shame."

"That's true, Zhao Chancellor's words are important."

Zhao Shanhe couldn't tell if this was praise, agreement, or sarcasm.

He rolled his eyes.

"Then we'll follow the Chancellor's suggestion."

"Hmm, although the position is still low, but that can't be helped, given your lack of experience. However, with increased authority, you're practically a trusted minister. Many things will be easier to handle.

"Do you know what they’re calling you outside now?" Zhao Shanhe asked, turning to Fang Che.

Fang Che asked with a hint of infinite hope.

"Ha ha ha... tui! What are you thinking, really? How can you say these three words out loud?"

Zhao Shanhe spat out, his mouth twisted in disdain.

"What is it?" Fang Che asked curiously.

Zhao Shanhe looked at Fang Che’s face, then calmly spat out two words, "Fang Tu!"

Fang Che’s face turned as black as charcoal, enraged, "I’m dedicated to the people, why should I be called Fang Tu?! Who gave me this nickname? I’ll find him and beat him up!"

"If you really want to find him, you might end up killing everyone at the Southeast Headquarters."

Zhao Shanhe’s words were like he had spat out a vile breath, his entire body seemed to radiate with a glow.

Especially Fang Che’s disheveled appearance made Chancellor Zhao extremely pleased.

Fang Che, head hanging low, finally lifted his head, filled with hope, and said, "Then, what about Dong Yunyu and Feng Xiang Dong,Feng Xiang Dong), Qiu Yun Shang (Qiu Yun Shang)?"

"... Uh, they don’t have any nicknames."

Zhao Shanhe said.

Fang Che’s forehead veins bulged, "So it’s just me with a bad reputation? This is unfair!"

"What can you do about it?"

Zhao Shanhe took pleasure in his misfortune.

"Think of a way, give them nicknames like Dong Tu, Feng Tu, Qiu Tu."

Fang Che was enraged, not even using the respectful 'you', but directly 'you'.

"I can’t think of anything. You think about it."

Zhao Shanhe directly refused.

He turned and left.

Fang Che’s facial muscles twisted. Looking at Dong Yunyu, Qiu Yun shang, and Feng Xiangdong, he suddenly felt anger rise from his heart, and malice grow from his gallbladder.

Why the hell! I’m a Qingtian, and I end up with a butcher’s nickname! These three bastards have killed fewer people than me, and nothing happened to them!

The three felt the malicious glare behind them, turned to look, and saw Fang Che’shooked eyes, so they stopped and waited, "What’s up, boss?"

"Nothing..."

Fang Che spat out a vile breath from his chest and said with a grimace, "Yesterday’s practice, I accidentally broke through to the next level. Let’s go back and practice together to solidify it."

"No problem!" The three didn’t realize Fang Che’s sinister intentions.

Anyway, everyone felt they had improved a lot recently and wanted to test their progress. If they could pin down Fang Da and beat him up... hehehe, Mo Gan Yun and others would be envious!

"Go ahead, I need to think about something. I’m really tired these days, and it’s a good chance to rest."

Fang Che lowered his head.

He directly found a horse and rode away, head down, seemingly about to fall asleep.

The three knew how much pressure Fang Che had been under recently, and it was really more than what the three of them had experienced just following orders.

They immediately nodded.

One followed behind Fang Che’s horse, two on either side.

They slowly followed the squad, moving forward.

This way, their speed was much slower, and by the time Zhao Shanhe and the others had returned to theSoutheast Headquarters to start working, Fang Che and the three were still on the road.

But for the townspeople walking together, Fang Che was simply accompanying everyone, and everyone felt incredibly at ease.

Even a sense of happiness.

Some who would have turned back halfway to go home, but to accompany Fang’s patrol, they walked all the way to the Donghu Zhou city gate before reluctantly turning back.

Fang Che had thespace to report hiswork.

He had been so busy these days, not even contacting the Imprint Palace.

This couldn’t go on.

"Master, these days have really worn me out. I couldn’t imagine the Protector city would be this dirty and dark, it’s shocking. I feel that this world is filthy and dark, and there’s nothing special about it. A crow on a pig, and no one would laugh at another’s darkness."

"Black Tiger gang was dealt with by me, unfortunately, I didn’t get the chance to collect the bounty. In the guardian, I killed twenty-two; my reputation is now in shambles."

"The missing lady’s case was handled very appropriately; it was truly tragic. This time, I’m not doing it for fame, but genuinely to help, it was too tragic, too heartbreaking."

"Pity, the Qinglonggang had vanished without a trace. This matter is a bit difficult."

"Today, I proposed to take action against the Spring Pavilion, but Zhao Shanhe vetoed it. The old bastard, he’s really ruined my plans. Once the Spring Pavilion moves, the entire continental guardian would be in chaos. Theoldbastard tried his best to prevent it and even warned me. Hmph, do I listen to him? I’ll find an opportunity to secretly take care of these guys and make them regret it!"

"By the way, there’s something to report to Master. It’s about Ye Meng. Our lifeanddeathsquadlacksclerks,soItooktheinitiativeandgot Ye Meng in as a clerk."

"This way, she’s always with me, and doesn’t have to be lonely at home. I’m quite pleased."

"Next, I’ll start investigating the Green Dragon Gang. Once that’s done, I’ll start patrolling the OnlyRighteous Sect."

"Regarding the Heavenly Deity Sect, Zhao Wushang has already started buying land, and the procedures are almost complete. He’ll start leveling and renovating after buying the land. For now, I’ll just occasionally show my face."

"TheDivine Weasel Sect has made no progress, and the disciples are getting anxious, but there’s nothing we can do but wait."

"Master, if there’s anything inappropriate or anything the disciples need to do, please give me instructions."

Fang Che communicated with the Five Spirit Toad, sending a long message.

From the last hint from the Imprint Palace, it was clear that all information was being monitored by the upper echelons, including the Deputy Sect Master of the Yan Vice Sect.

So, Fang Che’s report nowconsiderednotjusttheImprintPalace, butalsotheupper echelons of the Only Righteous Sect.

Onecouldsay, theImprintPalaceonlyoccupiedasmallpart.

So now, he was also trying to reveal the ‘real self’ to let the higher-ups ‘delve’ understand him better for future reappointment.

But he also needed to show his flaws, to let the other side know his ‘young and eager to prove himself’ mindset, thus lowering their guard.

Although he had guessed that the one responsible for long-range command was Yan Nan, he had to act as if he didn’t know until confirmed, or until Yan Nan had explicitly instructed by the Imprint Palace.

Because the Divine Weasel Sect's leader had previously mentioned 'Yan Vice Sect Master' but did not explicitly say 'Yan Vice Sect Master allows you to know.'

In this situation, Fang Che had to feign ignorance. When dealing with such high-level figures, the slightest mistake could be disastrous!

He had to comprehend the meaning of every word!

If Yan Nan found out that Fang Che already knew his identity, he might immediately become suspicious: "You, a mere low-ranking member of the sect, are already trying to guess the thoughts of the Vice Sect Master? What are you up to?"

This would be a huge taboo!

At that point, explaining whether the Divine Weasel Sect's leader had made a mistake or not would become utterly insignificant. Because everything would be over.

After sending the message, Fang Che didn't wait for a reply from the Divine Weasel Sect's leader. Instead, he felt a wave of drowsiness and fell asleep right there on his horse.

These past few days had been exhausting, both physically and mentally. Finally, as he relaxed, the fatigue from his body overwhelmed him, and even with his cultivation, he couldn't resist the urge to sleep.

Fang Che knew he wouldn't have much time to rest, so he decided to take advantage of this drowsiness and sleep.

At the city gate, many townspeople wanted to bid him farewell. But as they approached and saw Fang Che, exhausted, sleeping on his horse, everyone's hearts ached.

"Captain Fang, you're too tired."

They silently bowed, their hearts filled with emotion, and quietly left.

A large portion of the people hurried into the city.

They still had things to do.

"We heard that the Donghu Zhou Li Clan sent six experts to assassinate Captain Fang! Humph! The Li Clan is asking for trouble! Their actions must be made known, and they must be punished!

Otherwise, what if they come after Captain Fang for revenge? Moreover, Captain Fang is such a good person and an excellent official. How dare they attempt to assassinate him? Where is their conscience? The Donghu Zhou Li Clan must be held accountable!"

Inside Donghu Zhou City, the news spread like wildfire. Countless people gradually became aware of the situation and shared the information, and a surging public opinion was rising.

However, Fang Che was unaware of all this.

He slept soundly, and Feng Xiangdong carried him back to Patrol Team Six's headquarters.

Seeing Fang Che being carried back, Ye Meng was startled, her face turning pale. The nine little ones immediately had tears welling up in their eyes.

Ren Dong almost burst into tears.

Only after learning that Fang Che was merely exhausted and asleep did everyone relax.

But the little ones insisted on staying by Fang Che's bedside, lingering, hoping to stay a little longer. If they could see their big brother wake up... they would be truly reassured!

"The Night Demon actually dares to target the Spring Pavilion!"

Upon receiving the news, the Divine Weasel Sect's leader was shocked: "This is too reckless! Do you think you can mess with the Spring Pavilion? You're asking for trouble! Creating minor troubles for the Protectors is useless; you're just throwing your life away!"

He immediately wanted to reply with a reprimand.

But he stopped.

He was going to forward the message to Yan Nan, and if he scolded first, what would be left for the Vice Sect Master to reprimand? So, he forwarded the message to Yan Nan without any changes.

"Vice Sect Master, this Night Demon is indeed bold. This is the latest news. Please take a look, Vice Sect Master."

Then he waited.

Currently, the Vice Sect Master had agreed to let the Night Demon eliminate the Black Tiger Gang and the Green Dragon Gang and investigate but not engage with the Divine Weasel Sect.

But the Divine Weasel Sect's leader had been in the Only Righteous Sect for many years; how could he not understand certain things?

Although there was a significant gap in their statuses, the Divine Weasel Sect's leader was still a superior and the leader of a sect.

Yan Nan's intention was to reward the Night Demon for his achievements, and this was not false.

However, this was also a test for the Night Demon.

Whether the Night Demon could secure this achievement, the results he achieved, his subsequent actions, and his responses after obtaining the achievement, all these would determine if he could satisfy Yan Nan. This was equally crucial!

If the Night Demon couldn't meet Yan Nan's expectations, it would be a significant problem!

The Night Demon was indeed impatient, reporting so hastily without waiting for the task to be completed.

"He's still young," the Divine Weasel Sect's leader sighed, feeling somewhat disappointed. Why couldn't he be as calm as me? Unmoved by joy or anger, unbothered by life and death, and unperturbed by praise or disgrace—these are the qualities of a great leader!

Soon after, a message from Yan Nan arrived.

"The Night Demon is indeed impatient; he's too young!"

This was Yan Nan's first sentence.

A proud smile appeared on the Divine Weasel Sect's leader's face, feeling vindicated that the Vice Sect Master shared his thoughts.

Yan Nan also felt a bit annoyed at the headquarters.

The Night Demon's actions in the southeast had already reached Yan Nan's desk.

Regarding the first task of eliminating the Black Tiger Gang, up until the Night Demon's latest message, Yan Nan was extremely satisfied! The Night Demon was indeed talented.

But with this message, the Night Demon's tone, which carried a hint of self-satisfaction, reduced Yan Nan's satisfaction from twelve points to eight.

The exam isn't even over... and you're reporting already?

I haven't even started grading, and you've already given up halfway, then proudly report that you got a perfect score?

"The Black Tiger Gang matter is handled well, but your stinginess and meanness in refusing the reward money are not what I taught you! Teach him properly!"

The Divine Weasel Sect's leader went into self-imposed silence.

This is not what I taught him...

Mainly, that guy has been poor since childhood. Initially, the incident with the noble-minded Fang Da was also because this little bastard was poor and caused trouble...

But how can I explain this now? I can only endure it: "It's my subordinate's fault."

"Tell the Night Demon that the world has always been impure and never clean. As long as power, interests, beauty, and pleasure exist, the world will never be clean!"

"His reputation and public image are excellent; these things still work with the Protectors. There's no bribery involved, and he's done well."

"Helping the missing woman is genuinely commendable. The Only Righteous Sect isn't entirely heartless. We can kill, but we can also save lives. We kill because we want to, and slaughtering millions is not a problem. But when we want to save, it's because we genuinely want to help. It doesn't matter if we get bored and kill them afterward, but we can't deny that we were compassionate when we saved them.

"Moving against the Spring Pavilion is completely insane. If they dare, they'll have no place to be buried!"

"Having Night Meng enter the Protectors as an administrative assistant and keeping her by his side is a brilliant move. It's fine for now, but it won't work in the long run."

Yan Nan commented.

However, not a word was mentioned about the Green Dragon Gang and the Divine Weasel Sect.

"Night Demon's abilities are acceptable, and being cautious is also good. But this pettiness and youthful arrogance need to be tempered."

Yan Nan put down the communication jade, furrowing his brows in thought.

Night Demon's current performance, whether it's strengths or weaknesses, is actually quite satisfactory.

The weaknesses are evident, making control easier. Moreover, Night Demon is so young yet so powerful, and both sides currently view him as a perfect fit, highly valued.

If he didn't have a bit of self-satisfaction, that would be strange.

So, being a bit arrogant isn't a big issue.

But he needs to be constantly reminded.

This reminder... First, it won't completely change him, and second, it will make him aware.

That's perfect.

For the future, to assist his granddaughter, leaving this character flaw is very necessary.

Yan Nan understands this perfectly.

Yin Shen Gong received the message and pondered it carefully.

He was considering the Vice Sect Master's attitude, not Night Demon's actions.

After reading it carefully, he breathed a sigh of relief.

"Vice Sect Master Yan still attaches great importance to Night Demon's line, even providing a detailed analysis. His evaluation of the methods is almost the same as mine, just with a bit more insight and understanding of the world."

"He didn't mention anything about the future.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end