Even Meng Shiwen’s gaze at Zhao Ya became much gentler.
At this moment, Shi Qingqing walked up to Zhao Ya and gracefully bowed to him.
"Thank you, Senior Brother Zhao, for avenging Aunt Xue and bringing the murderer to justice."
Although Shi Qingqing was older than Zhao Ya, she always addressed the people from Dingtai Martial Arts Hall as Senior Brother.
Zhao Ya quickly returned the courtesy, "Miss Shi, you’re too kind. This is simply what we martial artists ought to do."
"No, this is not just politeness; it’s my sincere gratitude. Without Senior Brother Zhao, not only would Aunt Xue’s spirit be filled with resentment in the afterlife, but even the other women harmed by Lu Jicheng would remain wronged." Shi Qingqing said earnestly.
Everyone nodded in agreement upon hearing this.
Miao Shaocheng was so excited that he suggested having a few drinks to celebrate.
The suggestion was met with enthusiastic approval from everyone.
It was already late, and it was raining outside, so they simply cooked a few dishes at Zhao Ya’s home.
The wine was temporarily ordered by Xu De, and though it wasn’t as good as the Feixian Brew from the Feixian Inn, it was quite nice.
The feast was enjoyed by all.
Miao Shaocheng kept insistently asking Zhao Ya how he came up with all those methods.
To this, Zhao Ya could only smile wryly.
He couldn’t exactly say that he learned it all from watching detective documentaries in another world.
Therefore, he could only make up an excuse to brush it off.
In the middle of the night, as the wine was finished and the guests departed.
Zui’Er also went to sleep after tidying up the leftovers.
After slightly sobering up, Zhao Ya took out a piece of Golden-spotted Black Eel and swallowed it, then began his training.
Just the day before yesterday, he consumed a Vajra Strength Pill, so the Qi Blood within him was still abundant.
Along with the boost from the Golden-spotted Black Eel, this round of training showed very significant results.
Especially the unlocking progress of his liver, which finally broke through the major barrier of ninety percent, reaching 91%.
Zhao Ya estimated that if he had a sufficient supply of flesh and blood, it wouldn’t take long to fully unlock his liver.
Moreover, after capturing the Jade Butterfly Lu Jicheng, Zhao Ya believed that at least in the near future, he wouldn’t have to worry about money anymore.
The next morning, Chief Constable Du Hu arrived at Zhao Ya’s residence.
Upon seeing Zhao Ya, Du Hu was all smiles.
"Master Zhao, congratulations! After returning last night, that Lu confessed everything. Lord Governor is very pleased and specially sent me to invite you over."
Zhao Ya was not surprised by this.
After all, with a malicious criminal like Jade Butterfly, the pressure on the Governor and the entire government office would not be small until he was eliminated.
Zhao Ya nodded, "Let’s go then."
Following Du Hu to the government office, Zhao Ya saw that many people had already gathered at the entrance.
People were talking, all discussing the capture of Jade Butterfly.
"Damn, who would have thought that the Jade Butterfly, who killed so many women, would turn out to be a lame old man."
"I heard this guy was the gatekeeper for the Chenfeng Martial Arts Hall. Does this have anything to do with the Chenfeng Martial Arts Hall?"
"Shush, do you want to die? You can’t blabber about things like that."
"Look, look, they’re coming!"
Someone noticed Zhao Ya following Du Hu from the distant street and quickly reminded others.
Everyone’s gaze instantly shifted to Zhao Ya.
Upon seeing the fabled Zhao Ya to be a young and handsome man, many people looked surprised, then quietly discussed among themselves.
"Oh my God, is he really so young? He looks at most eighteen or nineteen."
"Look at the imposing way he carries himself; he must be at least at the peak of the Third Rank. With such youth, it seems Dingtai Martial Arts Hall is about to produce another prominent figure."
Of course, there were also some who were envious and critical.
"Tsk tsk, it seems these days boasting beats actual skill. Bragging so much at such a young age, isn’t Dingtai Martial Arts Hall afraid of getting into trouble?"
"Let’s go, let’s go. I thought he was some remarkable person, but just this?"
Zhao Ya ignored both the praise and criticism.
At this moment, government officials dispersed the crowd at the entrance, and Zhao Ya followed Du Hu into the government office.
They did not enter the main hall, but went to the study behind.
This also signified the Governor’s esteem for Zhao Ya.
Because usually only important guests or close friends would be invited to meet in the study.
Upon entering, Yunxiao County’s Governor, Shang Jingchuan, was already waiting there.
This was Zhao Ya’s first time seeing the Governor of Yunxiao County.
He wore informal attire, appeared to be in his forties, had a fair complexion, and had a wisp of beard under his chin, giving him a scholarly appearance.
But Zhao Ya could clearly feel the Qi Blood aura from Governor Shang Jingchuan.
He was also unexpectedly a martial artist of the Third Rank.
This shows that in the Great Yan, even a civil servant needs to have a significant level of martial ability, otherwise, they can’t maintain authority.
After all, the power gap between ordinary people and martial artists is quite vast, and one who is truly defenseless could never command martial subordinates.
"Zhao Ya, pay respects to the Governor!"
Even though Shang Jingchuan was the nominal highest official of Yunxiao County, Zhao Ya merely performed a simple fist salute.
Shang Jingchuan didn’t mind at all. Instead, he laughed heartily and walked up, giving Zhao Ya a pat on the shoulder.
"Good, indeed a young hero! Truly outstanding!"
"Lord Governor, you’re too kind. I was just lucky, by coincidence."
"No need to be so modest. Consider how Jade Butterfly evaded capture for years, thwarting the efforts of numerous veteran constables in the government office, yet Young Hero Zhao identified the culprit straightaway. If that isn’t capability, what is?"
Shang Jingchuan laughed, then gestured away.
"Bring it over."
Someone brought a tray, on which lay a pile of gold notes.
Shang Jingchuan picked up the gold notes and handed them to Zhao Ya.
"These are gold notes amounting to eight hundred taels, the reward for capturing Jade Butterfly. In addition, I personally award you another hundred taels. Don’t refuse, this is purely my personal gratitude, for as long as Jade Butterfly remained at large, I could not live in peace." Shang Jingchuan lamented.
The previous major cases committed by Jade Butterfly were related to the noble families in the Commandery, thus there was constant pressure on the government office from these powerful groups, much to Shang Jingchuan’s distress.
Upon hearing this, Zhao Ya did not decline further, thanked him, and put the gold notes into his pocket.
Then Shang Jingchuan chatted amicably with Zhao Ya.
Just then, someone reported from outside.
"Sir, people from the five major families are here to see you."
"Let them in."
"Yes!"
Momentarily, a group entered the study, the leading man greeted Shang Jingchuan, then turned to Zhao Ya with a smiling face.
"This must be Young Hero Zhao. I have been instructed by my master and several elders to come and express their gratitude."
As he spoke, he produced another stack of gold notes.
"This is six hundred taels of gold. Five hundred taels is the reward amount, and the remaining one hundred taels is additional thanks from my master and the other elders. Please accept it."
It was what Zhao Ya deserved, so he did not refuse.
After Zhao Ya accepted, the man chatted briefly before departing.
After the group left, Shang Jingchuan could not help but comment, "Ya, achieving such feats at such a young age is truly impressive. I believe after today, your name will spread throughout the Commandery."
Now even Shang Jingchuan addressed Zhao Ya familiarly as ’Ya,’ indicating closeness.
Zhao Ya didn’t say much, only nodding and smiling while pondering how to take his leave.
At that moment, a Chief Constable hurriedly entered the study to report.
"Sir, that Lu Jicheng started causing a ruckus in the cell, insisting he wants to see Young Hero Zhao. He claims he won’t confess the details unless he meets him."
Shang Jingchuan’s expression darkened, "Nonsense. Can’t even handle something so simple? For people like him, severe punishment should suffice if he doesn’t confess."
The Chief Constable appeared troubled, "But we have already used all the tools at our disposal; any more and we fear he won’t survive to stand trial."
"I’ll go!" Zhao Ya stood up and said.