Chapter 621: Slaughterous Opening [Two in One]

Chapter 621: Slaughterous Opening [Two in One]



Inside the White Mist Island Guardhouse.

Fang Che's expressionless gaze swept over the records before him as he spoke indifferently, "Is that all?"

"Captain Fang, it's better not to be too greedy," Wu Zhiyun advised.

Crack! Fang Che placed a Life and Death Token on the table and then slapped down a Golden Sword Order, followed by an official document.

"Before I arrived, Southeast Headquarters Chancellor Zhao Shanhe granted me the authority to make on-the-spot decisions. Wherever the Life and Death Token and Golden Sword Order reach, all personnel in the Guardhouse will be under my command!"

"Everyone, follow my lead!"

"All work will be carried out according to my orders!"

"All punishments, dismissals, and imprisonments, as well as rewards and penalties, will be decided by me!"

Fang Che's expressionless gaze lifted towards Wu Zhiyun, "Deputy Chief Wu, do you understand my authority? If not, please contact Chancellor Zhao Shanhe at Southeast Headquarters via the communication jade to confirm my authority!"

Wu Zhiyun's eyes deepened, and he said, "Captain Fang, I acknowledge your authority, and I will fully cooperate with your work. But this White Mist Island is truly no less dangerous than the inland regions."

Fang Che calmly replied, "I only need you to confirm that I have this authority. As for whether White Mist Island is as dangerous as the inland regions, that's for me to consider."

"Now, please hand over the Seal of Authority and Command Talismans to me."

Fang Che instructed.

He had come to take over the authority of the Guardhouse's Hall Master right from the start.

Countless people in the White Mist Island Guardhouse were filled with anger.

"Captain Fang, do you not trust us?" one of them asked angrily.

"Whether trust exists or not will be determined by the subsequent work," Fang Che pressed on, his gaze unwavering. "I am merely fulfilling my duties. Please cooperate, Deputy Chief Wu."

Wu Zhiyun's eyes locked onto Fang Che, and after a long while, he let out a light laugh and handed over the Seal of Authority and Command Talismans, saying with relief, "Since Captain Fang is taking over, I, Wu, will happily enjoy some leisure time for a while."

Fang Che held the Seal of Authority and Command Talismans in his hand and spoke indifferently, "Deputy Chief Wu, wanting leisure is not feasible. Starting tonight, we will begin our work."

"And Deputy Chief Wu, as the Hall Master of the Guardhouse, must lead from the front."

Wu Zhiyun frowned, displeased, "Captain Fang, in what capacity do you want me to lead from the front?"

"Naturally, in the capacity of the Guardian!" Fang Che's gaze was as cold as a sword, "Does Deputy Chief Wu wish to lead as a Guardian or in some other capacity?"

"..."

Wu Zhiyun harrumphed heavily.

"How dare you!" someone exclaimed angrily, "Captain Fang, how can you do this? This isn't how you show your authority! If this continues, I, Zhou, would rather resign!"

"Good!"

Fang Che declared, "I have the headquarters' authorization and the White Mist Island Hall Master's Seal of Authority and Command Talismans. Whoever wants to resign, just write a report and hand it over, and I'll dismiss them immediately! Not a second will be wasted!"

His gaze was like lightning as he fixed on the man who had just spoken, "You want to resign? Write the report! Now! Immediately!"

"We..."

"Not 'we,' just you! You want to resign? Write the report! I'm right here, and I'll dismiss you right now! No more stalling!"

Fang Che spoke sternly, "Threatening with resignation? Do you think the position of Guardian is yours for the taking? If you don't want it, then don't. What do you take the Guardian position for?"

Bang!

Fang Che slammed his palm on the table and said, "You want to resign? Why aren't you writing the report? What are you waiting for? Don't make me look down on you! If you have the guts, write it now! I'll approve it instantly!"

"I'll write it..."

The man's face turned red with anger, and he rushed forward, unable to hold back any longer.

He roared loudly.

But before he could finish, Wu Zhiyun turned and slapped him across the face, sending him flying out of the door with a loud boom!

"Get out!"

Wu Zhiyun shouted sternly, "What nonsense are you spouting? How dare you roar in front of your superior! What do you think you're doing?"

Fang Che stood with his hands behind his back, watching coldly.

Wu Zhiyun turned, "Captain Fang, this man has been spoiled by me... Please, Captain Fang, be magnanimous and forgive him this once. I and the others are willing to take responsibility for his offense."

"Spoiled...?" Fang Che smiled mockingly, "Deputy Chief Wu, during your tenure, how many have you spoiled?"

Wu Zhiyun's threatening gaze swept across the remaining faces before he turned and forced a smile, "Just... this one."

Fang Che's smile turned cold, "In that case, I'll give Deputy Chief Wu some face."

He turned and looked at the others, "Anyone else want to resign?"

The crowd struggled to catch their breath, each one silent.

"Since no one is speaking, I'll assume there are none."

Fang Che turned.

His black cloak billowed as he sat down on the Hall Master's seat and spoke indifferently, "I want the distribution records of all districts on White Mist Island. Records of all noble families. Records of all factions. Records of all lawbreakers. Records of all fugitives..."

He listed off seventeen or eighteen types in one breath.

"Please send someone to bring them here. I want records from the past hundred years. Sort them by category and place them in this hall. Then, assign someone to be in charge of each set of records. If any records are needed, they must be retrieved immediately."

"Additionally, set up a bed for me right here in this hall."

Over the past two to three months, I've been staying here."

Fang Che made the arrangements.

Seeing no one moving, he looked at Wu Zhiyun with a half-smile, "Lord Wu, these arrogant and fierce warriors of yours are indeed hard to command. It seems that Lord Wu has truly established his own kingdom here."

Wu Zhiyun's face turned pale with anger, and he turned around, saying, "Didn't you hear what Captain Fang said? Are you all deaf? Go and get them!"

"Everyone, wait outside."

Fang Che looked at Wu Zhiyun, still with that half-smile, "Lord Wu, have you arranged the shifts? There's no need for everyone to be tired. Just keep the people on duty today, and the rest can go."

Wu Zhiyun's face remained expressionless as he said, "Follow Captain Fang's instructions. The people on duty will stay, and the rest can go back."

Then, with a stern expression, he added, "Those who stay must be alert. If anyone disobeys orders again, Captain Fang will enforce the rules strictly, even if it's me!"

After saying this, he bid farewell to Fang Che and left.

A large group of people followed him out.

Only fifteen people who were on duty today, along with the original guardians and the duty officers of the Zhen Shou Da Dian, remained.

Fang Che watched as the crowd brought in piles of records into the Zhen Shou Da Dian.

He casually asked, "Lord Wu, how many shifts have you arranged to accompany me?"

"Fifteen shifts."

"Wow, that's quite a lot."

Fang Che chuckled, "Two shifts per month, the others can rest easy. I'll be here for at most two and a half months, so everyone will have five chances to die. That's really fair."

"What about the War Hall and the Executive Hall?"

"Normal shifts."

"Hey, it seems you are indeed Lord Wu's trusted men."

Fang Che spoke with an ambiguous tone.

White Mist Island.

Before coming to White Mist Island, Fang Che had never imagined that the island would be in its current state.

But as soon as he entered the city, he felt a surge of malice from all directions.

At that moment, Fang Che sensed thousands of malicious and murderous intentions.

And this was just one city gate.

In that instant, he knew that White Mist Island was probably doomed, already rotten to the core!

To give a clear example: regardless of whether it's Donghu Baiyun, Bai Xiang, or the Zhen Shou Da Dian, with so many people from the Jianghu suddenly flooding into the city, and they are all here with clear objectives.

Each one would be registered, closely monitored, and precautions would be taken.

If they don't obey, they would either be expelled, arrested, or killed.

But these people on White Mist Island obviously had no regulations.

What does this represent? From that moment, Fang Che knew that the people of White Mist Island had prepared to sacrifice themselves here.

All the way to the Zhen Shou Da Dian, where they were greeted by the guardians.

Although Fang Che saw their enthusiastic expressions, his spiritual sense also perceived their coldness.

So, when he entered the Zhen Shou Da Dian of White Mist Island, he didn't give them any face!

Everything would depend on the inspection results.

If there was indeed collusion between officials and bandits, these people might all be killed by Sun Wutian.

"This Wave Tide Alliance... with so many evil deeds, how could they be allowed to continue for so long?"

Fang Che looked at a record, tapping his finger on it, puzzled, "So many things are done by the Wave Tide Alliance, and the Zhen Shou Da Dian has turned a blind eye?"

"This Wave Tide Alliance... is said to be a local Fourth Rank Clan, established by the second young master of the Wang Family... Although it seems to have no connection with the Wang Family, everyone knows that it's the Wang Family's weapon and a place for them to make money..."

"Captain Fang, the Wang Family is a Fourth Rank Clan, with countless experts... You..."

With good intentions, this person reminded him, "If we can coexist peacefully, that's the best. Moreover, the Wave Tide Alliance occasionally does some good deeds..."

"Good deeds?"

"They never prohibit fishermen from going out to sea... and most of the fish they catch can be sold to the Wave Tide Alliance at the harbor..."

"Haha..."

Fang Che laughed in anger.

Fishermen going fishing is a natural and righteous act. Relying on the sea for food, going out to fish is indeed dangerous, but if they don't fish, what will they eat?

The fact that the Wave Tide Alliance doesn't prohibit this has become a good deed?

As for buying fish at the harbor, Fang Che could easily see through this situation.

For them to be considered doing good deeds... it's truly a reversal of the Sword Aura to the extreme.

"Gather everyone, we're leaving now! Tonight, we'll annihilate the Wave Tide Alliance."

Fang Che stamped the seal of authority on the order.

"Issue the command! Depart immediately!"

A moment later.

Fang Che led the people of the Zhen Shou Da Dian of White Mist Island, and they rushed towards the Wave Tide Alliance.

This action caught the people of the Zhen Shou Da Dian by surprise.

They never expected that Captain Fang would be so decisive and efficient.

Arriving at White Mist Island just a moment ago, and before midnight, they had already started their first action.

Moreover, the target of this action was the Wave Tide Alliance, which had been entrenched by the sea and was difficult to deal with!

The headquarters of the Wave Tide Alliance was completely unprepared.

Upon arriving at their destination, all eyes in the guardhouse were on Fang Tu, waiting to see how he would initiate the operation.

To everyone's surprise, Fang Tu didn't even pause for a moment.

He leaped into the air, and his long blade suddenly unleashed a dazzling flash of sword light in the night sky.

A thunderous boom echoed as the main entrance of the Wave Tide Alliance was reduced to rubble, and countless bodies were transformed into brilliant sprays of blood in mid-air!

"Eradicate bandits! Those who resist will be executed on the spot!" Fang Tu roared, shaking the very heavens and earth. With that, he set the tone for the operation: Eradicate bandits!

Without hesitation, he led the charge, sword in hand, becoming a harbinger of death as he stormed into the alliance's headquarters.

Wherever he passed, heads rolled, and severed limbs were flung in all directions.

At that moment, numerous figures from the Wave Tide Alliance suddenly appeared, shouting, "Who dares to challenge us...?"

In response, a bright flash of sword light flew towards them.

"Puh!" One of the alliance's experts managed to utter a few words, asserting his presence, before meeting his end.

The sword danced like a flying dragon, and in an instant, seventeen or eighteen of the alliance's experts were drenched in blood, falling in all directions.

Amid the bloodshed, a black-clad figure soared into the sky, shouting in a stern voice, "Today, the guardhouse will eradicate the Wave Tide Alliance! Those who surrender, kneel and bow your heads! Those who resist will be left with no survivors!"

His voice thundered like an exploding thunderbolt, reverberating through the sky.

A towering figure rushed over, his face filled with anger and urgency. "Is there a misunderstanding here...? I'm talking to you, Fang Tu?"

Fang Che slashed his sword, and the man stumbled, nearly falling. Before he could recover, three more slashes followed in quick succession, and a head flew off, rolling away.

"Dare to insult the guardian! Everyone, speed up! Within two hours, end this battle! The Wave Tide Alliance will be struck from the records of White Mist Island!"

"Kill! Kill! Kill!"

At Fang Che's urging, everyone in the guardhouse also began to fight with all their might.

They weren't just following orders; the Wave Tide Alliance was counterattacking fiercely, each member filled with extreme malice. Fang Che's team had no choice but to engage in the fight.

Even if they didn't want to, they had to follow Fang Che's lead.

Were they to stand idly by and wait for death?

"Kill! Kill! Kill!"

Instantly, the sound of slaughter shook the heavens.

In an instant, the entire headquarters of the Wave Tide Alliance became a massive battlefield.

Amid the chaos, countless oil lamps and lanterns fell to the ground, and soon, flames erupted everywhere, soaring into the sky.

Thick smoke billowed, rising towards the azure sky.

The news had startled numerous aristocratic families on White Mist Island.

Various powers were trying to uncover what had happened.

By the latter half of the night, most of them had already learned the truth.

Everyone's faces turned grim.

Fang Tu had initiated the operation on his very first day, and his first target was the Wave Tide Alliance.

According to their records, the Wave Tide Alliance was only of medium rank on White Mist Island.

Yet, they had been chosen as the first to be dealt with.

What did this signify? Emergency meetings were being held one after another.

Upon receiving the news, Wu Zhiyun immediately rushed to the scene. By the time he arrived with his men, the battle had already concluded.

They were in the process of inspecting the loot.

The air was thick with the blood of the Wave Tide Alliance members. Countless corpses were being thrown out of the fiery ruins, one by one, forming three large piles on the ground.

The personnel from the guardhouse were busy moving all the alliance's wealth and possessions outside and piling them up.

Countless pearls, white jade, and gold...

Pile after pile, they shimmered and shone, dazzling the eyes.

No more than two hundred members of the Wave Tide Alliance had escaped; the rest were either captured or killed.

Six or seven hundred captives were lined up, bound tightly with ropes.

When Wu Zhiyun arrived, he witnessed Fang Tu interrogating the prisoners.

It was unclear what he had asked, but in the flickering firelight, they could see the captives' faces contorted with malice as they spoke.

Then, Fang Tu slashed his sword, and a head rolled, kicked away to join the pile of corpses.

He questioned the next captive, kicked them aside, sparing their life for the moment, and then moved on to the next, asking a question before beheading them.

Fang Tu's killings were as casual as a diligent farmer harvesting watermelons, picking them up, checking their ripeness, and then chopping them down.

He tossed the heads into the pile...

It was all so commonplace.

Wu Zhiyun felt a surge of anger rising from his chest, nearly causing him to vomit blood. He leaped forward and roared, "Fang Che! What are you doing?"

Fang Che turned, his eyes cold and sharp in the firelight, as he glared at Wu Zhiyun.

"With the arrival of Wu Zhiyun, it's perfect timing to work overtime. The Wave Tide Alliance has committed countless atrocities, and their crimes are too numerous to record!"

"Fang Che, you..."

"Pa!"

The golden sword order and the Southeast Headquarters badge were revealed, and Fang Che's voice turned as cold as ice. "Wu Zhiyun, here and now, I'm in charge! What are you shouting about?"

Wu Zhiyun was speechless.

"On White Mist Island, you turned a blind eye to these scoundrels harming the people. I haven't punished you for that yet, and now you dare to question me?! What gives you the right?!"

"And you dare to wear the uniform of a guardian?!"

Fang Che's voice was stern. "I have the authority of these badges, and full control over White Mist Island! Wu Zhiyun, I don't need your interference! Since you're here, get to work and see if you can atone for your crimes in the end!"

"Otherwise... your death will be insignificant, and your reputation will be tarnished..."

Fang Che grabbed Wu Zhiyun's collar, his eyes as cold as a knife's edge. "Don't blame me for not giving you a warning!"

Letting go, he returned to his interrogation and killing.

Wu Zhiyun trembled all over, his face turning deathly pale.

After a long while, he waved his hand and said, "Get to work!"

After a whole night of slaughter and clearing out, no one from the Wang Family had shown up.

Fang Che, covered in blood, wielded his sword and marched into the Wave Tide Alliance headquarters.

The flames soared into the sky.

Everyone watched him enter, their faces filled with complex emotions.

This man had truly reached the pinnacle of boldness.

No one noticed that a faint, indistinct shadow followed Fang Che into the blazing headquarters.

A loud rumble shook the entire headquarters.

The entire building trembled.

Even if there were survivors, they would have perished in that single tremor.

Sun Wutian appeared.

His appearance, physique, and demeanor were now identical to Fang Che's.

Fang Che removed his black cloak and smiled, saying, "Master, I'm sorry to trouble you."

Sun Wutian couldn't wait and said, "It's no trouble. This is fun. In White Mist Island, watch as Master sets things straight for you!"

"Remember to put the people first. Kill when necessary, but only kill the wicked. We must maintain a good reputation!" Fang Che instructed with concern.

"I understand. Being a bloody-handed official is nothing to boast about," Sun Wutian impatiently replied, "But be careful yourself."

Fang Che asked, "Do you all understand? Do you recognize me?"

"Are you looking down on me?" Sun Wutian blew his beard and glared.

"You don't know how much effort I've put in since the afternoon. I even memorized the names of the guards at the Zhen Shou Da Dian," he said.

"Do I need your reminder? Since it's like this, the next act should begin. I'll come out after Master has shown his skills," Fang Che laughed.

"Get lost! Just don't mess up your own performance!" Sun Wutian was impatient.

Just as Fang Che was about to leave, Sun Wutian hurriedly said, "Leave me a few of your black cloaks."

"I have a black cloak, but not one with starlight-reflecting embroidery like yours," Sun Wutian said anxiously.

"Okay," Fang Che said as he grabbed ten cloaks and asked, "Is this enough?"

"It's enough, it's enough," Sun Wutian replied.

"Anything else?" Fang Che asked.

"No, get lost," Sun Wutian said.

With a silent smile, Fang Che's figure faded in the flames and disappeared without a trace.

Outside, Wu Zhiyun and the others cleaned up, sighing as they worked.

It had begun.

This time, it was truly the beginning.

It seemed that Fang Tu was determined to turn White Mist Island upside down. If Fang Che continued on this path, his death on White Mist Island might be just a matter of time.

Just then...

A loud boom, and a sword light pierced through the roof.

With a single swing, all the buildings of the Wave Tide Alliance collapsed into the raging fire.

Fang Che's tall and handsome figure emerged from the flames, striding forward with his sword.

His face was solemn and icy.

The black cloak with starry embroidery shimmered in the blazing fire, reflecting mesmerizing light.

Fang Che strode like a dragon and walked on the flames, surveying the surroundings.

Suddenly, the area fell silent.

The only sound was the crackling of the burning fire.

The silence persisted, and no one else arrived.

"Prepare to retreat!" Fang Che ordered coldly.

"Loot and resources of lesser importance can be left behind. Leave half of the Zhen Shou Da Dian! List the top treasures separately for my inspection. The rest will be handed over to the Southeast Headquarters!"

Wu Zhiyun was shocked. "Captain Fang, didn't you say we could keep half of the Zhen Shou Da Dian? Why is it now half?"

Fang Che glared and scolded, "You dare to question me after what you've done? Being beheaded is too good for you! Half is more than enough. You still want to keep two-thirds?"

Suddenly, he slapped Wu Zhiyun, spinning him around three times, and yelled, "I only give orders! You only follow them! Understand?"

Wu Zhiyun was furious. "You...!" He was about to stand up and fight.

But Captain Fang took a step forward.

The black cloak shimmered with starlight, and with a kick, he pinned Wu Zhiyun's head to the ground. "You still dare to defy me? Do you want me to split you in two?"

"If I split you, it's to weed out the corrupt! You good-for-nothing! What kind of job are you doing?"

Wu Zhiyun, with a foot on his head, couldn't move an inch, as if a mountain was pressing down on him.

Sensing the clear killing intent, Wu Zhiyun's mind was in chaos. He... he dares to kill me!

Captain Fang had arrived in the evening and was not polite, but he still had some restraint.

But why did his attitude change after the night's actions? I have no ties with the Wave Tide Alliance... They won't find out anything about me, right?

"I admit my mistake," Wu Zhiyun hurriedly said.

"Hmph!" Sun Wutian was truly about to stomp on him.

The Zhen Shou Da Dian's master was pleading for mercy... and he still called himself a good official?

With great effort, he lifted his foot and shouted, "This is your example! No more next time!"

"Yes!"

Seeing that even the master had submitted, everyone in the Zhen Shou Da Dian fell silent, bowing their heads. They worked harder, but with more caution.

Captain Fang patrolled back and forth, urging them, "Faster! Faster, damn it!"

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end