CHAPTER 53: CHAPTER 53: SILVER PROVINCE COMMANDANT SUMMONS, HIDDEN NEWS

The onlookers all fell silent, staring at Nie Hu in astonishment.

Especially when they heard Nie Hu mention the name Mr. Qin, they were even more taken aback.

They were all copper state constables, having served in Lingzhou for many years, so they naturally knew of Nie Hu’s temperament.

Hot-tempered, dismissive of others, and fearless.

Just these traits alone were enough to explain Nie Hu’s character.

But now, Nie Hu was addressing the newly appointed copper state constable as "brother," prompting many to speculate in secret.

Either this Qin-named copper state constable had a strong background, or he possessed strength that commanded Nie Hu’s respect.

They leaned towards the latter.

If it were the former, Qin An wouldn’t be here alone.

Zhou Mo saw Nie Hu approaching, and especially when he was in Nie Hu’s line of sight, it felt as if he were being watched by a fierce beast, making him not dare to speak another word.

Although he was a veteran copper state constable and shared the same level as Nie Hu, there are distinctions even in Body Perfection.

Nie Hu had joined the Evil Extermination Bureau earlier than him, and with his expertise in body refining, his strength surpassed Zhou Mo’s.

But now, with everyone watching, how could he lose face?

"Nie Hu, you and I belong to different factions. You can’t suppress me!"

Zhou Mo shouted, "If you lay a hand on me, it would be disrespectful to Mr. Li... you!"

Nie Hu kicked Zhou Mo in the chest and cursed, "You’re full of nonsense, always trying to make yourself look good. Who doesn’t know about the matter between Mr. Cheng and Mr. Li? If there’s a bit of friction between us, you dare to bark?"

Zhou Mo sat on the ground, a stabbing pain emanating from his chest.

Nie Hu cupped his fists towards Qin An, "Brother, I came to find you for something. Seeing so many people around, I hurried over here. If this dog dares to cause trouble again, call me anytime."

The battle at Kao Mountain Village had long since made Nie Hu sincerely convinced by Qin An.

Today, stepping in for Qin An was something he was willing to do.

Qin An said, "It’s alright."

Nie Hu turned his gaze to Zhou Mo, "Scram!"

Zhou Mo gritted his teeth, but at this moment, both Qin An and Nie Hu could easily suppress him.

If he stayed any longer, he would only bring further humiliation upon himself.

Suppressing his anger, Zhou Mo awkwardly made his exit, taking his subordinate state officials with him.

Without any further drama, the copper state constables who were watching gradually dispersed.

Chen Chun also regained his composure, wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, and looked at Qin An with a complex expression.

They had left Ding County together not long ago, but in less than half a month, Qin An had already achieved such status, with formidable strength to boot.

Qin An patted Chen Chun on the shoulder, "Take a good rest."

After this incident, Zhou Mo would temporarily refrain from making trouble for Chen Chun.

After speaking, he shifted his gaze to Nie Hu.

"Is there a mission?"

Earlier, Nie Hu mentioned having something to discuss, likely related to a mission.

Nie Hu nodded, "Mr. Cheng has summoned you."

Qin An raised an eyebrow, "Now?"

Nie Hu nodded again, indicating it was indeed at this moment, "Mr. Qin, you can head there on your own; I won’t be going with you."

With that, Nie Hu left straightforwardly.

Qin An pondered for a moment, then walked towards Cheng Sufeng’s residence.

...

The courtyard was quiet, with only Cheng Sufeng seated on a chair, carefully studying a medical book.

Qin An stepped in and sat on another chair.

Cheng Sufeng put down the medical book and said, "Did you get into a conflict?"

Qin An nodded and explained what had happened.

Cheng Sufeng poured a cup of tea, "Zhou Mo is under Li Zheng’s command. Because of you, I also have a personal grievance with him."

No need for Cheng Sufeng to elaborate, Qin An already understood the reason.

Previously, Qin An’s assignment had been undecided for a long time because Cheng Sufeng had snatched him up.

Originally, he was supposed to be under the command of Silver State Constable Li Zheng.

However, Qin An hadn’t realized Zhou Mo was also a copper state constable under Li Zheng.

Cheng Sufeng took a sip of tea, "Let’s set this matter aside and discuss the main issue."

The typical disputes among copper state constables naturally didn’t catch Cheng Sufeng’s attention.

There was another reason for summoning Qin An today.

Cheng Sufeng said slowly, "Are you interested in the secret treasure?"

Qin An nodded slightly, not hiding his interest.

He was indeed interested, but he guessed the matter was significant and likely not within his usual scope.

Cheng Sufeng put down the teacup, "Upon hearing of this, the Jinzhou constable has already issued an order. When the Tiger Race’s secret treasure is uncovered, they will oversee it completely, and all items will be publicly owned."

Every word carried an air of authority.

This was the Evil Extermination Bureau; what they declared public was public, and no one could dispute it.

Qin An asked, "When?"

Cheng Sufeng said, "We don’t know the time; our informants will tell us, so we just need to wait."

"When the time comes, even the Silver State Constable will bring his copper state constables over, and rewards will be given based on merit."

"Don’t miss the opportunity."

Cheng Sufeng had many thoughts about this newly appointed copper state constable.

Initially, out of interest, he recruited him casually, but he hadn’t expected Qin An to have considerable strength and decent talent.

Given that, it was better to inform Qin An early, allowing him more time to prepare.

Qin An nodded in agreement.

Cheng Sufeng took out a piece of white cloth, "Would you like to try blindfolded medicine recognition again?"

Qin An stood up, "I have other matters to attend to, so I’ll take my leave."

Cheng Sufeng watched Qin An’s departing figure and shrugged helplessly, "Quite an interesting fellow."

...

In a luxurious mansion far from the Evil Extermination Bureau.

A plaque on the mansion read "Lin Mansion."

Zhou Mo entered the inner courtyard with injuries on his face and pushed open the door.

The room was elegantly furnished, with a young woman quietly embroidering.

Noticing Zhou Mo enter and seeing the wounds on his face, the young woman was slightly startled.

"Husband, who did this to you?" The young woman put down her embroidery and gently wiped Zhou Mo’s wounds with a handkerchief.

Zhou Mo’s expression was sullen as he recounted the entire incident, gritting his teeth, "Let that bumpkin be arrogant for now; his time of suffering will come!"

The woman, Lin Yue, looked at Zhou Mo with concern. She took out a wound medicine and applied it while saying, "Husband, there’s no need to be concerned with a country bumpkin."

Zhou Mo slammed the teacup in his hand to the ground and clenched his fists, "Such a woman’s perspective. First, there’s Tang Lingwei, causing your relatives to die in a monster disaster, and now Qin An humiliates me, leaving me utterly disgraced. If I let this go on, how can I still function in the Evil Extermination Bureau?"

Lin Yue released her hand and stayed silent.

The Lin Family was a prominent family in Lingzhou, and she was the eldest daughter. Marrying Zhou Mo, linked to the Evil Extermination Bureau, had brought many benefits to the Lin Family.

But if today Zhou Mo endured humiliation without retaliation, he would inevitably lose his position in the Evil Extermination Bureau, and the Lin Family would also see their reputation decline.

Lin Yue asked, "What does husband intend to do?"

Zhou Mo took a deep breath, shaking his head, "I haven’t thought of a plan yet. If necessary, I may seek help from Mr. Li."

Lin Yue hurriedly gestured with her hand, "Husband, Mr. Li is a noble Silver State Constable. If we bother him with such a minor issue, he’ll think you’re not capable."

Zhou Mo pondered for a moment and felt Lin Yue’s words made sense.

But if he didn’t take this step, how could he regain his standing?

In terms of strength, he was inferior to Qin An.

In terms of influence, Qin An also had Nie Hu behind him.

Zhou Mo felt increasingly troubled.

After some thought, Lin Yue said, "Do you know about the Lin Family ancestral estate?"