"They all deserve to die!"
"Good!"
Since the killing spree had already begun, Zhao Ya didn’t mind killing a few more.
After all, no one would feel sorry if these scums of society, who bullied others, died.
At the same time, those green-skinned thugs realized the situation, and with cries of "Mama!", they turned to flee.
Zhao Ya sighed softly, "Why not just stand still and wait for death? Why make me put in the extra effort?"
As he spoke, Zhao Ya strolled forward, gently swinging the Meteorite Iron Saber in his hand. Though he seemed careless, he always appeared at the most appropriate position at the right moment, mercilessly reaping their lives.
When Zhao Ya reached the door, all around him lay corpses; every one of Bai San’s subordinates was dead.
A drop of blood slowly dripped from the blade of the Meteorite Iron Saber before the long saber was sheathed.
Zhao Ya smiled slightly at Shang Jingchuan, "Alright, the task you asked me to do is done."
Smelling the intense scent of blood, Shang Jingchuan felt as if last night’s meal was stuck in his throat, ready to come up as soon as he opened his mouth.
But he gritted his teeth, nodded, and forced out a word.
"Good!"
"Now it’s in your hands because killing is easy, but cleaning up afterward is hard. If we just leave like this, Bai San’s brother and the Four Seas Gang certainly won’t let them go," Zhao Ya said.
Shang Jingchuan nodded again, then took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the discomfort in his stomach, and spoke in a deep voice.
"My name is Shang Jingchuan, appointed by the current Emperor as the new Capital Prefect. This gang of villains bullies the market, doing all sorts of evil. I’ve ordered them to be executed on the spot. If anyone dares to retaliate, let them come to the Capital Prefecture to find me; it has nothing to do with you!"
After saying this, Shang Jingchuan turned and left.
Zhao Ya nodded in approval.
Although not perfect, Shang Jingchuan’s response was simple and effective.
The critical point is that the Capital Prefect is indeed responsible for social order, which makes his statement impeccable both legally and emotionally.
The reason Zhao Ya helped Shang Jingchuan was mainly for two reasons.
First, out of respect for Shang Luoluo, as Shang Jingchuan is her father, he couldn’t turn a blind eye.
The second, and most important reason, is that Zhao Ya believes Shang Jingchuan should take this position as the Capital Prefect.
Do not underestimate this official position; although it’s not high-ranked and easy to take the blame, it holds significant actual power.
Especially since his jurisdiction happens to target the Four Seas Gang.
This invisibly gives him a considerable advantage.
Because no matter how arrogant the Four Seas Gang becomes, they wouldn’t dare openly to assassinate a government official.
Unless they truly intend to rebel.
Thus, if Shang Jingchuan performs well in this position, it will greatly benefit Zhao Ya in the future.
As soon as they left the tavern, Shang Jingchuan couldn’t hold it any longer and found a corner to vomit.
Zhao Ya stood at a distance watching.
When Shang Jingchuan finally ran out of things to vomit, Zhao Ya asked, "Have you made up your mind?"
"Yes, once I go home and tidy up, I will assume office today," Shang Jingchuan said, wiping his mouth and taking a deep breath.
"You should think it through. Once in this position, you’ll be under pressure from all sides. One wrong step could lead to eternal ruin," Zhao Ya said indifferently.
"So what?" Shang Jingchuan laughed boldly.
"I’ve been studying for many years, thinking myself wise and perceptive, but it wasn’t until Luoluo scolded me a few days ago that I realized I had been living in a dream."
"I once thought that only by entering the cabinet as a minister, holding great power, could I save the people. But the experiences of the past few days taught me not to love a world that exists in dreams, but to love each concrete person. Only then will I have lived up to all the years I’ve spent studying the sages’ teachings."
"So I’ve made up my mind. I am determined to be the Capital Prefect! Great Yan is too large, beyond my capability, but I can manage this Yan Capital City. I believe that if I try, at least people like Bai San will have nowhere to hide, and those oppressed common people will have hope!"
When he said these words, Shang Jingchuan’s eyes shone with a peculiar light.
Zhao Ya burst into laughter, patting Shang Jingchuan on the shoulder, "Good, since you have this ambition, I will assist you."
"Thank you!" Shang Jingchuan expressed his sincere gratitude.
"No need for thanks. Let’s head home first."
"Has Luoluo been staying with you while I was away?" Shang Jingchuan suddenly thought of something and asked.
"Uh... she’s been staying with Zui’Er. I sleep separately."
Shang Jingchuan waved his hand, "No need to explain. I’m not blaming you. From today, let her stay with you. I may not care about my own safety, but I can’t risk Luoluo. And with you protecting her, I’m relieved."
Zhao Ya gave Shang Jingchuan a deep look, then seriously nodded, "Alright!"
"But I have a question for you."
"Hmm? What question?"
"You have a three-realm strength, right? Why didn’t you fight back when those thugs attacked you?" Zhao Ya asked.
Shang Jingchuan looked embarrassed, "Actually, my three-realm strength was forcibly improved by the court, but I’ve never had real combat. It’s good for bluffing, but not so useful in a real fight."
"Moreover, I never expected those guys to actually dare to attack. My mind went blank, and it was only after being beaten that I remembered I had some strength."
Zhao Ya nodded in understanding.
Strength isn’t just about realm; it’s also about combat experience. Shang Jingchuan, as a civil servant, is all show and no substance.
When Zhao Ya returned home with Shang Jingchuan, the anxious Shang Luoluo was finally relieved.
Then Shang Jingchuan bathed and changed. Once ready, he prepared to head to the Capital Prefecture with his letter of appointment.
Zhao Ya asked, "Do you need me to go with you?"
"No need. I’m just assuming office, not going to battle. I can’t have you follow me everywhere."
"Alright."
Zhao Ya and Shang Luoluo escorted him to the door, watching Shang Jingchuan leave.
Shang Luoluo was a bit surprised, "Why does my father seem different?"
"Really, how is he different?"
"My father never used to do such practical work. Even when he was the Commander, he left many tasks to his subordinates or me. That’s why he reacted so strongly to being appointed Capital Prefect. But today, he seems eager."
Zhao Ya smiled, "Maybe he’s figured things out! By the way, your father said you should move your things here and stay."
Shang Luoluo was caught off guard, and her face flushed red as she answered quietly.
"Oh!"
Zui’Er appeared out of nowhere, happily saying, "Really, Brother Ya? Does that mean we can sleep together from now on?"
Shang Luoluo wished she could bury her head in the ground.
Zhao Ya was amused, "Don’t talk nonsense. You two can stay in one room, and I’ll sleep in another."
"Oh!" Zui’Er was somewhat disappointed.
Just then, someone arrived, breaking the awkwardness.
"Young Master Zhao!" A clean-cut young boy said, somewhat muttering.
"Rao Mingyue?" Zhao Ya was slightly surprised, then quickly understood and went down the steps to meet him.
"What brings you here?"
"My master asked me to tell you that the items are ready!" Rao Mingyue said.
Zhao Ya was overjoyed.
He had been focusing on studying saber techniques lately, so he hadn’t visited Mo Qi.
He didn’t expect the two Beast Pearls to be ready.
This meant Zhao Ya’s advancement was imminent.
He nodded, "Good, I’ll head over there now."
Then, after informing Zui’Er and Shang Luoluo, Zhao Ya hurried with Rao Mingyue to Mo Qi’s place.
Sure enough.
Upon arrival, Mo Qi looked proud and motioned to the two boxes on the table.
"Mission accomplished. The two Beast Pearls are refined and ready for Realm-Breaking use at any time."