```

"Drawing a blade in my presence?" Su Changkong's eyes flickered with cold light, naturally exuding a chill that only someone whose hands were stained with the lives of many could possess!

"This..."

The big man broke out in a cold sweat, unconsciously stepping back, his heart pounding.

"So... so strong!"

Yan Song admired inwardly. This tall man, named Jing Hong, was the leader of the guards responsible for protecting County Magistrate Wang Yun. His own strength was extremely formidable, no less than Yan Song's, yet in the presence of Su Changkong, he couldn't even draw his blade!

Yan Song quickly came to his senses and hurriedly stepped forward, saying, "Brother Wen, Lord Jing Hong is just eager to practice martial arts and bears no ill will."

"True... true, Mr. Wen's martial skills are formidable, I am no match!"

Jing Hong nodded repeatedly.

"Good... but I do not wish for anyone to draw a blade in my presence again."

Su Changkong said, gradually withdrawing his killing aura.

Jing Hong wanted to test him, which was exactly what Su Changkong had anticipated. He understood that to gain the respect and attention of others, he needed to show a certain level of power. With an effortless display, he subdued Jing Hong and took the opportunity to give them a warning, creating an image of himself as a cold, peculiar wanderer of the jianghu.

"Jing Hong is ignorant, I, on his behalf, apologize to Mr. Wen." And at this moment, County Magistrate Wang Yun also quickly rose and clasped his hands in salute, lowering his stance to show his respect and esteem for Su Changkong.

Jing Hong composed himself, whispering into Wang Yun's ear, "His skill is not inferior to Xu Jin's!"

Hearing this, a surge of excitement rose in Wang Yun's heart!

Xu Jin was the master of Clearwater City's largest martial art academy, Iron Cloth Martial Art Academy. He was well-known for many years, with a multitude of disciples, reputed to have achieved Body Refinement Great Achievement. People often referred to him as 'Iron Fist Invincible,' one of the most respected and preeminent martial artists of Clearwater City.

This young man before him had effortlessly suppressed Jing Hong, rendering him unable to draw his blade, and Jing Hong rated his abilities as equal to a figure like Xu Jin!

Immediately, Wang Yun said, "Yan Song, Jing Hong, would you please step outside for a bit, I have something I'd like to discuss with Mr. Wen."

"Yes."

Wang Yun's forthcoming conversation was not meant for others to hear, which is why he sent Yan Song and Jing Hong away. Both replied and left the room, with Jing Hong closing the door behind them.

Only Su Changkong and Wang Yun remained in the room.

"Mr. Wen, please take a seat," Wang Yun invited Su Changkong to sit down with great enthusiasm, pouring tea for him in person.

Su Changkong didn't stand on ceremony, taking a seat. Then he got straight to the point, "County Magistrate Wang, I heard from Yan Song that you are looking for a martial artist with some ability. May I know for what matter?"

Wang Yun's expression grew slightly serious, and after a slight hesitation, as if considering something, he realized he needed to tell Su Changkong the truth if he wanted his help.

Hence, Wang Yun tentatively asked, "Brother Wen, have you heard of the Black Lotus Sect?"

```

Wang Yun's heart grew slightly vigilant; the man before him, Su Changkong, who was introduced by Yan Song, possessed great strength, yet he had never heard of such a personage in Clearwater City's Martial World, and he couldn't help but worry whether Su Changkong was related to the Black Lotus Sect, or even a member of it!

Su Changkong was stunned for a moment. Seeing the wariness on Wang Yun's face, he probably understood the other's concerns.

Right then, Su Changkong said indifferently, "The Black Lotus Sect... a gang of cultists causing trouble wherever they go, I have indeed heard a bit about them."

Wang Yun let out a sigh of relief upon hearing Su Changkong's response; members of the Black Lotus Sect were a bunch of fanatics with strong beliefs, brainwashed to the core, and they would definitely not call the Black Lotus Sect an evil sect.

Wang Yun's expression became even more serious, "I don't mean to hide from Brother Wen, but lately the Black Lotus Sect has been wreaking havoc, doing more and more inexcusable things in the Clearwater City area, leading to many innocent civilians losing their lives and livelihoods, their families broken, their lives lost.

As the local official of Clearwater City, tossing and turning each night, unable to eat or drink, I truly can't stand by and watch these things happen."

These words took Su Changkong by surprise, to hear Wang Yun speak like this, it seemed he intended to deal with the Black Lotus Sect!

Of course, what amazed Su Changkong even more was that he was well aware of what kind of person Wang Yun was, certainly not the kind of benevolent official who hates evil and has the people's best interests at heart.

As far as Su Changkong knew, the Black Cavalry Gang had been rampaging around Clearwater City for years, yet he had never heard of any action by the Clearwater City government to suppress the bandits, and Su Changkong had seen with his own eyes Black Iron Manor being exploited by the Black Cavalry Gang these past few years.

Yet the overall power of the Black Lotus Sect was spread across several states in the Great Flame Empire, far beyond comparison with a mere Black Cavalry Gang; so, he disregarded the actions of the Black Cavalry Gang but seemed to have the intention to move against the Black Lotus Sect?

But Su Changkong was no fool, after careful thought, he understood the key points!

The Black Cavalry Gang and the Black Lotus Sect were fundamentally different.

The Black Cavalry Gang was a gang organization, at most a group of bandits; such gangs and bandits were countless in the Great Flame Empire, and even if they eradicated the Black Cavalry Gang, in a few years a second Black Cavalry Gang would emerge.

It was better to turn a blind eye, as the Black Cavalry Gang would, in order to maintain their position, wage wars with other gangs, restraining each other; they just needed not to go too far.

Just like the current strife between the Black Cavalry Gang and the White Jade Gang!

No matter who prevailed, neither would threaten Wang Yun. In the Great Flame Empire, killing an imperial official was a grave crime, attracting the attention and investigation of the Divine Detective Department. Those involved in killing officials would be subjected to the most cruel punishment, death by a thousand cuts, dismemberment by five horses!

No matter how vicious the Black Cavalry Gang was, they wouldn't dare touch Wang Yun. Though they were desperados, they were not fools; if there were no conflicts of interest, both sides could live in peace.

But the Black Lotus Sect was different; essentially a cult intent on rebellion, on overturning imperial authority, even offering bounties for the heads of certain officials within the sect!

If they tolerated the development and growth of the Black Lotus Sect in the Clearwater City area until it spiraled out of control, not only might they be held accountable by the authorities, losing their official hats, but they might also face real danger to their lives.

Since the Black Cavalry Gang posed no threat to Wang Yun, he wouldn't risk eradicating them; if successful, it was merely his duty, and he would be praised as a benevolent official. Beyond that, there were no other benefits, and if he failed, the consequences would be disastrous, and he would have to bear responsibility.

Whereas the Black Lotus Sect was a real threat to both Wang Yun's position and life, leaving him no choice but to take it seriously!

Having understood the key points, Su Changkong's heart grew somewhat cold; in the current state of internal strife and external threats within the Flame Empire, such "astute" local officials like Wang Yun were probably not in the minority!

The Black Cavalry Gang posed no threat to Wang Yun; he didn't care how they ravaged the civilians, as it was none of his concern, while Wang Yun's intention to deal with the Black Lotus Sect was not for the civilians but merely for himself.

In a tone that was neither salty nor bland, laced with subtle sarcasm, Su Changkong said, "I truly admire the official Wang's hatred of evil, ensuring that the common people of Clearwater City live peacefully and happily, prospering day by day! If Official Wang were to take a walk in the streets, surely everyone would have endless praises for you!"

Whether he didn't detect the sarcasm in Su Changkong's words, or he did but deliberately pretended not to, Wang Yun responded with a sheepish smile, "These are all duties within my official role."