Water Ink Panel: Starting with Bow Technique to Hunt the Sun and Patrol the Skies
Chapter 136 - 60 First Meeting with the Taiping County Magistrate

The towering vermilion gate stood solemnly, with a gilded plaque hanging above the lintel, engraved with the two characters "Government Office" in bold, strong strokes.

At this moment, the two heavy wooden doors were tightly shut, with bronze animal-head knockers showing their fangs.

On either side of the entrance, a pair of imposing stone lions stood guard.

As if aware that Shen Qing had arrived, the doors slowly opened.

Behind the doors stood a middle-aged man in official attire, his face adorned with a smile.

His face was rugged, exuding a steady and restrained aura like jade, with eyes as deep as a pond and brows conveying an inherent authority.

This person was none other than the County Magistrate of Taiping County, Du Yuntong.

County Magistrate Du Yuntong had been waiting for some time inside the government office, and upon seeing Shen Qing's figure, his eyes revealed admiration for Shen Qing.

He personally walked out from inside the gate, descended the steps, and looked Shen Qing up and down, full of praise as he said, "Young Master Shen, truly a young talent!"

While Du Yuntong was surveying him, Shen Qing was also constantly evaluating Du Yuntong.

Du Yuntong's posture was upright, appearing particularly tall.

At this moment, he wore a dark blue official robe, embroidered with intricate patterns, with gold thread edging on the cuffs and collar, and a wide jade belt at the waist inlaid with several gleaming gemstones.

At a glance, he seemed exceptionally wealthy and possessed the demeanor of a king.

However, Shen Qing knew that the elegantly dressed middle-aged man before him was not merely putting on a façade, but was one of the few Martial Artists in the Qi Hai Realm in Taiping County, with cultivation reaching the heavens.

Not even the Boss of Mi Gang could lift a finger in front of him.

Shen Qing collected his thoughts and humbly replied, "Lord County Magistrate flatters me, eliminating harm for the people is the duty of those in the Jianghu."

County Magistrate Du Yuntong laughed heartily, patting Shen Qing's shoulder, and said, "Young Master Shen, you are modest. That demon tiger wreaked havoc for months, causing countless suffering among the surrounding people. Today, you slew the demon tiger and relieved the siege on the county town. How could this official not acknowledge such a feat? I have already ordered a banquet to be prepared. If the young master does not mind, why not come in for a few drinks?"

"In that case, I'd better accept your kind invitation."

"Please!"

"Please!"

Shen Qing stepped aside to let County Magistrate Du Yuntong pass, this perceptiveness elevating Du Yuntong's impression of him.

County Magistrate Du Yuntong led Shen Qing into a serene and elegant rear hall.

This was Du Yuntong's special reception area, reserved for distinguished guests.

Upon entering the main hall, Shen Qing smelled faint sandalwood lingering in the air.

The floor made of blue bricks was covered with a soft carpet, with a round table made of rosewood placed in the center.

On the table, exquisite tea sets and snacks were already laid out, with two guests seated at their places.

They wore luxurious clothing and had extraordinary dispositions, leisurely sipping tea and conversing.

Behind them, two maids with delicate features, dressed in elegant garments, stood quietly, exuding well-trained deference in their demeanor.

The entire hall, aside from the subtle sound of tea being poured into cups and the occasional conversation of the guests, was devoid of other noise, appearing especially tranquil.

While the two were chatting, they heard the movement and looked towards Shen Qing, standing up, "Oh, the main guest has arrived."

County Magistrate Du Yuntong stepped forward, unabashedly sat in the main seat, and gestured for the two to sit down.

"Young Master Shen, sit over here."

Shen Qing took a seat at the guest seat upon hearing this.

His gaze wandered over the two middle-aged men opposite him and found that the aura of these two was surprisingly on par with Du Yuntong.

Shen Qing's heart involuntarily tensed, not daring to be presumptuous.

Du Yuntong pointed to the middle-aged man on the left, who wore embroidered clothing and had a rounded figure, and said, "This is the Family Head of the Wang Family, Wang Sanbao."

Is this one of the Four Great Eastern Families, Boss Wang?

Shen Qing was somewhat surprised.

The Wang Family in Taiping County operated pawnshops and banks, holding several money houses.

It was also rumored that this person had already achieved Qi Hai Realm cultivation, dominating Taiping County.

Unexpectedly, County Magistrate Du Yuntong had invited him to accompany the reception today.

Wang Sanbao had a warm smile on his face, exuding kindness, without a hint of mercantile sense.

He was dressed in a richly embroidered robe, adorned with complex patterns, appearing both luxurious and dignified. He cupped his hands towards Shen Qing and said, "Mr. Shen, a pleasure to meet you."

Du Yuntong then pointed to the middle-aged man on the far right, who wore a blue robe and had a tall, majestic figure, and introduced, "This is the Family Head of the Li Family, Li Heqing."

Li Heqing's face was rugged, with a heroic spirit between his brows, akin to a seasoned General.

He cupped his hands and greeted Shen Qing loudly, "Mr. Shen, renowned for a long time, seeing you today confirms that heroes emerge from the young!"

Is this the Li Family, specializing in maritime transport?

Shen Qing's expression remained unchanged, but his heart rippled with waves.

Another Martial Artist in the Qi Hai Realm.

County Magistrate Du Yuntong pointed to Shen Qing and said to the two middle-aged men, "These two, this is the hero who slew the tiger today, Young Master Shen Qing."

Shen Qing cupped his hands in acknowledgment, humbly saying, "Not at all, it is all due to the wise guidance of the lords."

"Enough polite words, Wang, bring up the tiger demon! Let's see what kind of demon this tiger is," County Magistrate Du Yuntong called out to the door.

As soon as he finished speaking, Wang Yanjun and other members of the Guardian Martial Department brought the tiger demon's corpse to the entrance of the hall, surrounded by the crowd.

The enormous body, even in death, still exuded an intimidating presence that sent shivers down the spine.

The maids in the hall couldn't help but stir uneasily, stepping back, their faces pale.

Family Head Li Heqing got up and walked over to inspect it, exclaiming, "Tsk tsk, I've seen countless tigers while traveling, but such a large one is a first."

Wang Sanbao laughed heartily, "Otherwise, why call it a demon tiger?"

"Lord County Magistrate, do you know how you plan to deal with this tiger demon?" Li Heqing patted the tiger demon's body and asked.

County Magistrate Du Yuntong replied noncommittally, "Since this demon was hunted by Young Master Shen, the decision for its disposition should be left to him."

Shen Qing, having lived two lives, understood Du Yuntong's hint.

Although his strength was now considerable, it was still far from meeting the standards of these prominent figures.

Claiming ownership of the tiger demon was impossible.

Besides, he had already obtained the most important tiger treasure, giving it away wouldn't be a loss.

As they say, knowing the times makes one a hero.

Shen Qing quickly bowed his head respectfully and said, "This area being under the jurisdiction of the Lord County Magistrate means that any valuable discoveries rightly belong to the Lord County Magistrate."

Seeing Shen Qing so insightful, County Magistrate Du Yuntong smiled and said, "I never expected such eloquence at your young age. Let it be this way, this tiger is unique, and since you slew it, let the two Heads see what they desire from this tiger, and compensate Young Master Shen accordingly."

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