All Heavens and Worlds Starting from the Night Watchman
Chapter 20 - Huang Langzhong of the Ministry of Justice

Chapter 020: Huang Langzhong of the Ministry of Justice (Requesting Flowers and Collections)

Lin Qiye’s sudden display of the Grand River Sword Intent caught everyone off guard, leaving them in awe. Some even mistook him for an immortal.

The crowd was utterly shocked, regarding Lin Qiye with reverence as if he were a celestial being, unable to shake off the amazement of what they had just witnessed.

Xu Lingyue’s eyes sparkled like tiny stars. She had always known Lin Qiye to be talented in literature, but who would have thought that his swordsmanship was just as dazzling?

As a young woman, she found herself unable to resist Lin Qiye’s powerful charm, her heart pounding like a restless deer.

“Are you alright?” Xu Qian stood behind Lin Qiye, his concern evident. Unlike others, he did not see Lin Qiye as someone merely showing off—he saw him as a true brother.

In the face of danger, Lin Qiye had stepped forward without hesitation. Having just exerted all his strength, he was naturally feeling weak.

Xu Qian quickly supported Lin Qiye, understanding that while the Grand River Sword Intent was impressive, Lin Qiye’s cultivation level was still too low, and such a technique must have drained him significantly.

“I’m fine,” Lin Qiye took a deep breath, shifting his gaze toward the old man ahead.

The elder steadied himself, his piercing gaze fixed on Lin Qiye, brimming with anger and resentment.

“A mere Refining Essence cultivator dared to injure me? You’re dead!”

His voice was hoarse and low, as if squeezed through clenched teeth.

Hearing this, Lin Qiye smirked faintly, a hint of disdain flashing in his eyes.

“Old fool, do you think we’re pushovers just because we’ve been patient? It was Zhou Li who harassed Xu Lingyue first and then ordered his subordinates to assault us. Now, you want to kill us in the county yamen?”

“Tell me, under the emperor’s rule, do laws still exist? Or does your Zhou family truly believe you can do as you please?”

His voice was clear and resolute, each word striking like a heavy hammer upon the hearts of everyone present.

Xu Qian chimed in, “That’s right! Zhou Li rampaged through the streets on horseback and bullied an innocent girl, and you, old man, rely on your strength to oppress the weak.”

“You are unworthy of being a cultivator! Though we may not be as strong as you, we will never bow to a scoundrel like you!”

His words were filled with righteousness and unwavering resolve.

The old man’s expression darkened, as if his sore spot had been struck.

He roared in fury, “You two brats! Today, I will show you what true power is!”

With that, he lunged at Lin Qiye and Xu Qian once more, his attacks even fiercer than before.

This time, however, Xu Qian stepped forward. With swift movements, they both dodged the elder’s strikes and counterattacked, each leveraging their unique strengths.

Xu Qian’s fists were incredibly forceful, each punch seemingly capable of shaking mountains and rivers.

At that moment, Xu Pingzhi arrived without hesitation, immediately joining the battle.

To him, it didn’t matter whether they were right or wrong—bullying Xu Qian was simply unacceptable, regardless of whether their opponent was at the Spirit Refining stage.

Yet, as the fight dragged on, Xu Qian and Xu Pingzhi gradually found themselves at a disadvantage. This realization only made the elder more furious. What he had expected to be an easy victory had turned into a prolonged struggle.

Roaring, he unleashed his full strength, desperate to turn the tide in his favor.

However, as time passed, his attacks grew more erratic, and his openings became increasingly apparent.

Then, suddenly, the crisp sound of a finger snap echoed through the air.

Everyone turned toward the sound, spotting a man dressed in white. His deep, serene gaze seemed to see through everything.

“Stop.”

The young man’s voice was not loud, yet it carried an undeniable authority that sent a shiver through everyone present.

Even the old man found himself halting involuntarily.

The young man walked toward Lin Qiye and Xu Qian, gently patting their shoulders with a smile.

“Well done, both of you. Facing a formidable foe without fear—that is the true spirit of a warrior.” His tone was full of praise and encouragement.

The elder’s expression grew even darker. He glared at the young man and demanded, “Who are you to interfere in the Zhou family’s affairs?”

The young man smiled slightly and introduced himself, “I am Xu Qing from the Directorate of Celestial Surveillance. I happened to witness this scene by chance. Though I usually refrain from meddling in others’ business, I cannot ignore such blatant injustice.”

His voice was calm yet firm, as if he were merely stating the obvious.

A flicker of apprehension crossed the old man’s eyes.

He had, of course, heard of the Directorate of Celestial Surveillance, but he couldn’t fathom how these two had any connection to it.

As the elder pondered his next move, both Xu Qian and Lin Qiye furrowed their brows. The involvement of the Directorate of Celestial Surveillance meant they now owed a favor.

Xu Pingzhi spoke up, “Senior, I acknowledge your high cultivation, but your actions today have gone too far.”

“Zhou Li first harassed my daughter and then ordered his men to attack us. Now, you intend to silence us permanently? How can such a thing be justified?”

His voice was sonorous and forceful, each word striking deep.

“So many witnesses here can attest that Zhou Li ordered these attacks. Does being the son of a minister give him the right to act lawlessly?”

The old man’s face turned ashen, but he had no rebuttal.

He knew he was already in the wrong. Continuing to argue would be pointless.

At that moment, Magistrate Zhu spoke up. “Senior, as the magistrate of Changle County, it is my duty to maintain peace. I will report today’s events to the court and let them decide.”

His tone carried both authority and determination.

The old man’s eyes flickered with malice, but he knew there was no point in escalating the situation further.

Just then, a man in a cyan robe entered, leading a group of people.

Upon seeing Zhou Li, he rushed over like an eager lapdog and asked, “Who hurt Young Master Zhou? Arrest them immediately!”

Lin Qiye and Xu Qian were left speechless. They hadn’t expected Zhou Li to have so many lackeys.

Zhou Li pointed at Lin Qiye and Xu Qian. “It was them! Not only did they try to kill me, but they also injured my subordinates. The Ministry of Justice should handle this matter accordingly!”

The cyan-robed man waved his hand. “Arrest them!”

Immediately, officers from the Ministry of Justice drew their blades, placing them against Lin Qiye and Xu Qian’s necks.

Meanwhile, the young man from the Directorate of Celestial Surveillance remained silent, simply watching the drama unfold with amusement.

Magistrate Zhu hurriedly stepped forward. “Sir, you’ve got this all wrong…”

The cyan-robed man shoved him aside and coldly snapped, “Step aside!”

“This matter falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Justice. Zhou Li has already explained the situation.”