Two bombshells exploded among the various gangs and factions of Nanquan Lane, like a giant stone dropped into a pool of murky water, sending splashes everywhere.

Shen Shikang, Inspector of the Nanquan Alley Town Patrol Office, was promoted to Supervisor of the South Town Garrison Command’s Task Room for his meritorious service in meticulously planning and effectively commanding the annihilation of a Ten Thousand Demons Sect stronghold.

Chen Ping’an, a Constable from the Nanquan Alley Town Patrol Office, was promoted to Candidate for Deputy of the Nanquan Alley Town Patrol Office for being bold yet meticulous and highly competent in his live capture of a Ten Thousand Demons Sect leader.

Most people had anticipated Inspector Shen Shikang’s reward. After all, Shen Shikang had deep seniority and hadn’t just become an Inspector yesterday. He was already just one step away from a promotion, so with the merit of destroying a Ten Thousand Demons Sect stronghold, his promotion to the South Town Garrison Command was perfectly reasonable.

In comparison, Chen Ping’an’s reward left everyone rather incredulous.

This was the Candidate for Deputy!

Within the Nanquan Alley Town Patrol Office, that was a position in the true upper echelon.

A position like that was given to such a young man!?

It was simply unbelievable!

But regardless of what outsiders thought, Chen Ping’an’s promotion was set in stone and irreversible.

As the news spread within the Nanquan Alley Town Patrol Office, the many constables became even more respectful in their tone and posture whenever they saw Chen Ping’an.

Even Constable Li, Constable Liu, and the others who usually interacted with Chen Ping’an as peers now spoke with an extra note of caution when they saw him.

Candidate for Deputy! He was their future superior. Who would dare be so tactless as to joke around with him as casually as before?

A few days after the news was announced, the official appointments for Shen Shikang and Chen Ping’an were finalized.

Shen Shikang was to be transferred to the South Town Garrison Command on a chosen date to assume the position of Task Room Supervisor.

Although the Supervisor of the South Town Garrison Command’s Task Room didn’t wield the same absolute authority as the Inspector of Nanquan Lane, the jurisdiction was larger and the responsibilities deeper. It was definitely a good opportunity for advancement.

Besides liaising with the various lords of the South Town Garrison Command, the Task Room Supervisor also had many opportunities to interact with people from the Outer City Garrison Command. A bigger stage and more connections meant a higher ceiling for future development!

Upon his promotion to Candidate for Deputy, Chen Ping’an was granted Fish Scale Armor, and his Monthly Allowance increased to eight taels of silver.

Of course, at his level, he no longer needed to live on his Monthly Allowance. If he wanted to rake in money, there were far too many opportunities for graft.

The ones who reaped the biggest rewards from the operation against the Ten Thousand Demons Sect were Shen Shikang and Chen Ping’an. However, there was another person whose actual gains were not much smaller than theirs.

After Shen Shikang’s transfer, the South Town Garrison Command did not plan to send a new Inspector. Instead, they had Vice Inspector Tian Fuliang temporarily assume the duties of Inspector for the Nanquan Alley Town Patrol Office.

In other words, after Shen Shikang’s departure, Tian Fuliang would be the one calling the shots in the Nanquan Alley Town Patrol Office for the foreseeable future.

The position of Acting Inspector!

It was called "acting," but in reality, it was a probationary period.

If nothing unexpected happened during his tenure, after a certain period, Tian Fuliang would be able to be legitimately promoted to the official position of Inspector.

Of course, to reach that step smoothly, Tian Fuliang would still need to work his connections.

In addition, the constables and squad leaders of the Nanquan Alley Town Patrol Office all received various degrees of commendations and rewards.

With the shake-up in the upper ranks and the change in the power structure, the new division of authority was completed in the shortest possible time.

After his promotion to Candidate for Deputy, the number of constables under Chen Ping’an’s command increased to eight squads. A full forty men—it was an impressive force. Furthermore, he was now nominally in command of all the squad leaders.

Chen Ping’an’s ability to achieve this was not only due to his promotion but also to Tian Fuliang’s deliberate efforts to get on his good side. During this incident, Tian Fuliang had gotten a clear look at the backing Chen Ping’an possessed. As the acting Inspector, Tian Fuliang’s own position was not yet stable, and he urgently needed the support of those under him.

At a time like this, Chen Ping’an’s attitude was crucial.

Regarding Chen Ping’an’s promotion, the happiest people in the entire Nanquan Alley Town Patrol Office weren’t him, but rather Monkey Head, Da Shan, and Zeng Jihe. As the saying goes: when one man succeeds, all his associates rise with him.

Da Shan was immediately placed in the position of acting Squad Leader by Chen Ping’an. As for Zeng Jihe, Chen Ping’an also gave him an official title.

The current Chen Ping’an was now the legitimate second-in-command of the Nanquan Alley Town Patrol Office. With such a high status, he naturally needed trustworthy people at his disposal.

He selected two temporary constables and assigned them to Zeng Jihe. These three would now serve as his personal constable aides.

With the division of power finalized, the date for Shen Shikang’s transfer was set. On the night before his departure, the key figures had a proper feast at the largest restaurant in Nanquan Lane.

As cups and glasses clinked, their conversation was enthusiastic, and the atmosphere was harmonious.

Slightly tipsy, Shen Shikang began reminiscing about the old days, savoring the memories of his time at the Nanquan Alley Town Patrol Office.

"I started as a temporary constable and climbed all the way up, from official constable to Preparatory Constable, and then to a full Constable..."

"Back in the day, I also had to fight my way out of a pile of corpses. I established illustrious achievements before I was finally promoted to the position of Inspector."

"..."

In response to Shen Shikang’s reminiscing, everyone naturally showered him with praise and flattery.

"Lord Shen, congratulations on your continued rise. I toast you with this cup," Tian Fuliang said, holding up his cup with a look of utmost sincerity.

Shen Shikang laughed heartily. The two clinked their cups and downed the wine in one go.

Chen Ping’an also took part, toasting Shen Shikang and Tian Fuliang with two cups each. During the banquet, however, it was mostly the various Constables under him who came to toast him.

"Lord Chen, this cup is for you."

"My Lord is truly young and promising. This subordinate is filled with admiration."

"Lord Chen, to you."

"..."

The group drank until the early hours of the morning before reluctantly bidding farewell and leaving the restaurant.

Shen Shikang and Tian Fuliang were both immensely satisfied and in high spirits.

Chen Ping’an was also immensely satisfied, but a part of him remained perfectly clear-headed. He knew exactly how he had attained his current position. It wasn’t by relying on some so-called background or connections, but on tangible Martial Dao strength.

’I must keep cultivating!’

Late that night, Chen Ping’an was in his courtyard, circulating his Qi Blood as he practiced the Thirteen Grand Protectors’ Horizontal Training.

Shen Shikang had transferred away, but for Nanquan Lane, it was as if nothing had happened. Life went on as it always had.

After his promotion to Candidate for Deputy, Chen Ping’an was also moved to a larger office. It was half again as large as his previous one, and the decor and layout were a clear step up.

It was worth noting that once news of Chen Ping’an’s promotion spread, an endless stream of representatives from various factions came to visit. Each one brought valuable gifts and silver.

The most extravagant of all was the Red Bear Gang, who directly gifted him a large courtyard mansion.