Chapter 98: The Choice
Chapter 98: The Choice
Chen Mu watched Zhang Heng leave, giving him a deep glance before turning his attention to Xu Hongyu and offering a slight bow.
"Thank you, Sir Xu, for your assistance."
With a subtle gaze, he took in Xu Hongyu's appearance. Despite her plain attire and disheveled state, her fair skin and natural beauty remained as captivating as ever.
Xu Hongyu had also been observing Zhang Heng's departure with a cold stare, and only after he left did she turn to Chen Mu, her expression softening considerably. She nodded slightly and said, "You were merely implicated in the matter of He Mingxuan's death last night. Don't overthink it. This has nothing to do with the Yu Clan, and the He Family won't be able to cause trouble as they please."
No.
It wasn't just a matter of being implicated; the murderer was right in front of you, Deputy Commissioner.
A thought flashed through Chen Mu's mind: "The cargo from last night is still in the backyard. Zhang Heng probably came to retrieve it. I wonder how Sir Xu will handle this."
Xu Hongyu shook her head and said, "It's just a minor issue. Have someone escort it to the General Office, and I'll go there to rest as well. You should come with me to prevent anyone from the He Family from making another move."
"Alright."
Chen Mu waved his hand, ordering Shang Qinglai and the others to handle the carriage frame.
Shang Qinglai and his men, already drenched in cold sweat from the series of events, quickly retreated after receiving the order, leaving only Xu Hongyu, Xiao He, and Chen Mu in the main hall.
At this moment, Xiao He finally looked at Chen Mu and asked, "It seems like you're fine? When I received the news last night, I immediately sent an urgent message to Miss Xu. I was worried that the He Family might go too far, and Miss Xu rushed back."
"I'm fine, thanks to Sir Xu's timely arrival."
Chen Mu smiled.
Xiao He sighed and said, "I was just concerned that if we were late, things might have gotten out of hand. The He Family took advantage of this incident, and Miss Xu might be affected. She was likely to get a promotion after returning to the city, but now she might be transferred to some insignificant office. Staying in the Southern District might not be possible anymore."
As she spoke, she glanced at Chen Mu but saw that his expression remained unchanged, causing her to shake her head slightly.
Although she had limited information, she knew that He Mingxuan had been killed by someone who had mastered the Thunder Intent.
Thunder Intent?
That had nothing to do with Chen Mu.
The most likely scenario for Chen Mu was that he had comprehended the Gale Wind Intention, and even that was just a possibility. There were some clues pointing to Chen Mu, but most of it was her own speculation.
She didn't even mention this to Xu Hongyu because He Mingxuan's death by Thunder Intent had nothing to do with Chen Mu. With the situation already chaotic, there was no need to consider other matters.
"It seems like this person's death has caused quite a stir."
Chen Mu looked at Xiao He and then turned his gaze to Xu Hongyu.
A slight sense of apology arose within him. After all, he had killed someone and felt refreshed, but Xu Hongyu had taken on half the blame for him. However, it didn't matter; from now on, they would share the burden together.
Moreover, he guessed that Xu Hongyu was probably more pleased than upset about He Mingxuan's death.
Indeed.
Xu Hongyu casually said, "That person is dead, and he was despicable, being from the He Family. I've wanted to kill him with my sword several times before. Now, I don't have to deal with him anymore... As for promotions and official positions, in today's world, strength is paramount. If I'm transferred to an insignificant office, it'll be a good opportunity for me to cultivate in seclusion for a while."
In a prosperous dynasty like the Great Xuan, where all under heaven bowed to its might, the balance between power and strength was clear. The legendary 'Blood Robe Guard' and 'Heavenly Dragon Guard' struck fear into the hearts of all, even those who had reached the Sinew Transformation and Organ Realms. Anyone who dared to break the law within the Great Xuan's borders would face a thousand-mile pursuit.
In those times, power outweighed strength. Even a court official or local county lord, despite lacking personal strength, would not be challenged by any martial artist.
But now?
Even those who had reached the Meat Training Realm or Skin Refinement Mastery could cause chaos.
In Yu City, various offices, from the Demon Slayer Bureau, which valued strength, to the Miscellany Bureau, responsible for miscellaneous tasks, and the Salt Administration and Smelting Bureau, were all dominated by strength.
Upon reaching the Sinew Transformation Realm, one could easily become a Deputy Magistrate or even a Chief Magistrate. With the Bone Forging Realm, becoming a Deputy Director was effortless, and even the Governor's position was within reach.
Xu Hongyu had never been interested in promotions, preferring to cultivate in seclusion and advance to the pinnacle of the Sinew Transformation Realm. That way, she could rise through the ranks based on her strength alone.
Furthermore,
He Mingxuan's death had indeed brought her great satisfaction. She had long been tired of the Deputy Magistrate position and was pleased to use this incident as an excuse to step down. The Yu Clan would only take a small step back, allowing someone else to take the Chief Magistrate position, but the Deputy Magistrate position left vacant by He Mingxuan's death would undoubtedly go to the Yu Clan.
As they spoke, Xu Hongyu suddenly turned to look at Chen Mu, sizing him up from head to toe. Chen Mu felt a bit strange at this.
Just then, Xu Hongyu said, "This time, I will likely resign as the Chief Magistrate, and perhaps someone from the He Family will take over the position. However, if you are willing, I can recommend you for the job. With your abilities, you should be sufficient... but I have another option, which is to abandon this official position and go to the Inner City for a while."
Upon hearing Xu Hongyu's words, Chen Mu understood that she was already considering his future. In Xu Hongyu's opinion, even if Chen Mu stayed in the Wutongli City as the Patrol Commander, the situation would be difficult, and even if the Yu Family were to send someone to take over as the Deputy Magistrate, it's unlikely that they could protect him.
Unless Chen Mu were to take over as the Deputy Magistrate, with his abilities and strength, he might be able to withstand the challenges. However, in Xu Hongyu's consideration, this was not the best option.
After all, as she saw it, Chen Mu needed a period of quiet meditation to focus on breaking through to the Sinew Transformation Realm. Once he succeeded, the difference would be like heaven and earth. It was not suitable for him to disperse his energy into fighting the He Family.
The Main Hall fell into a brief silence.
Xiao He didn't speak, but looked at Chen Mu with a hint of a smile, knowing that he had only one choice.
"Everything will be done according to the master's instructions."
Chen Mu barely had time to think before rushing towards Xu Hongyu, who was lightly smiling.
Xiao He looked at Xu Hongyu and said, "Look, sir, I'm saying he's not a person who covets power."
Xu Hongyu had analyzed everything and discussed it with Chen Mu, including his future arrangements. She suggested that Xu Hongyu directly assign Chen Mu to the Inner City for a period.
Xu Hongyu thought for a moment, but still decided to let Chen Mu choose for himself. In her opinion, men often liked power, and Chen Mu had reached the position of Patrol Commander, perhaps he could look forward to even more, rather than giving up power to meditate in the Inner City.
Looking at Chen Mu's reaction, Xu Hongyu was slightly startled.
She then turned to Xiao He, who was still smiling, and gently pinched her cheek: "Well... you... said... it's settled."
Xiao He was pinched but didn't dare to resist, looking pitifully at Xu Hongyu.
Chen Mu appreciated this scene, which was the first time he had seen Xu Hongyu like this: although it was almost imperceptible.
"Ow, ow, ow, mistress, I was wrong..."
Xiao He was pinched and didn't dare to resist, looking up at Xu Hongyu with tears in her eyes.
Xu Hongyu saw this and let go of her hand, her face expressionless. She then spoke calmly and walked out.
Xiao He rubbed her cheek, looking at Chen Mu and saying: "Let's go, mistress is still waiting for us to go to the Demon Slayer Bureau."
Xu Hongyu rarely showed a lack of dignity in front of others, only occasionally when she was alone with Xiao He.
In fact, she knew Xu Hongyu's personality, Xu Hongyu was also playful and laughed with her when she was younger, but after her father, Xu Yi, disappeared, Xu Hongyu gradually lost her smile and became cold and determined.
She knew that Xu Hongyu wanted to investigate Xu Yi's disappearance, but the entire Yu Family couldn't find any results, and she could only practice her sword and cultivate her martial arts day after day.
Only by constantly climbing the path of martial arts, step by step, could she have a chance to stand out and possibly surpass others.
And so, Xu Hongyu, although still the main line of the Yu Family, had to rely on herself after Xu Yi's disappearance. Everything had to be fought for, and her efforts would eventually be useful, even if she couldn't reach Xu Yi's level, but in the fourth generation of the Yu Family, she was still a leading figure, and in the girls' hall, she was the first.
Therefore, the Yu Family's martial arts hall, whether it was Yu Yan or Yu Ru, all respected Xu Hongyu, calling her "Sister Hongyu".
Thus, Xu Hongyu's hard work paid off,although she hadn't reached Xu Yi's height, she was still a leading figure among the fourth generation of the Yu Family.
(End of Chapter)
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