Cultivating Immortality, Starting from Childhood Sweethearts-Chapter 469 - Xu Ming! If You Have the Guts, Don’t Let Me Out! (Two in One - )

“The Jinyiwei sure has some official arrogance!”

A man stepped down from the upper floor, one step at a time.

He held a folding fan in his hand, exuding the refined demeanor of a scholar.

Liu Jiading narrowed his eyes as he looked at the man descending the stairs.

By now, the reputation of the Jinyiwei had spread throughout the capital, and almost no one dared to obstruct their investigations.

For someone to utter such words so bluntly, it was clear that his status was extraordinary, and he must have influential backing.

Moreover, his sudden intervention on the other party’s behalf undoubtedly had a purpose.

Regardless of his reasons, one thing was certain—he harbored hostility toward the Jinyiwei.

“Our Jinyiwei acts strictly in accordance with the laws of Wu Kingdom. I wonder, sir, what do you mean by ‘official arrogance’?” Liu Jiading frowned but showed no sign of backing down.

The man sneered twice. “In accordance with the laws of Wu Kingdom? I fear that the Jinyiwei no longer respects the law at all.”

Liu Jiading calmly responded, “Young Master, you accuse us of disregarding the law—do you have any proof? On the other hand, you are making baseless accusations without understanding the situation. Shouldn’t you provide us with an explanation? Or do you think that the reputation of the Jinyiwei is of no consequence?”

“Explanation? Why should I explain anything to you? What qualifications do mere foot soldiers like you have?” The man’s eyes were filled with disdain as he spoke condescendingly. “But regardless, you will not be taking this man away.”

“Is Young Master attempting to obstruct our investigation?” Liu Jiading’s voice turned cold. Though he maintained a respectful tone, he clearly had no intention of backing down.

All this time, Xu Ming had been watching Liu Jiading with admiration.

Though he did not personally know Liu Jiading, he had likely been assigned during the large-scale personnel transfer.

Still, from beginning to end, Liu Jiading handled the situation with remarkable composure, never deviating from the principle of ‘enforcing the law regardless of statutes.’ No matter who the opponent was, he placed the laws of Wu Kingdom above all else.

That was the most important thing.

The Jinyiwei was a profession that naturally made enemies.

Their only true reliance was the law of Wu Kingdom and the authority of the Emperor.

As long as one acted within the boundaries of power and law, even if they made enemies, there would always be room to maneuver.

That was a means of self-preservation.

“Obstruct your investigation? That’s right. What if I insist on stopping you?” The young man’s gaze was arrogant—there was no doubt he had strong backing.

But Liu Jiading showed no fear at all. He simply drew the Tang Heng Saber from his waist and declared loudly, “Zheng Qiu, son of the Grand Justice of the Court of Judicial Review, openly abducted a young woman in broad daylight, showing blatant disregard for the laws of Wu Kingdom. The Jinyiwei is carrying out an arrest. Anyone who dares to interfere shall also be arrested!”

With that, Liu Jiading commanded, “Take them!”

“Yes, sir!” The four other Jinyiwei Guards shouted in unison, drawing their blades as they moved to seize the two men.

“You lowly ants! Who dares to lay a hand on my young master?”

Just as two guards stepped forward to apprehend the young man, a thunderous shout rang out.

A powerful palm strike descended, sending the two guards flying and crashing into tables and chairs.

“Ugh!”

The two guards propped themselves up from the ground and spat out a mouthful of blood.

The next moment, a figure flashed across the teahouse. The elderly servant unleashed another palm strike, this time aimed directly at Liu Jiading.

Liu Jiading tried to raise his blade to block, but it was too late—the opponent was too fast.

However, just as Liu Jiading was about to be struck, he saw a large hand reach out and firmly grasp the old servant’s wrist.

Liu Jiading was startled and looked up.

A man was standing beside him, his body slightly turned.

The old servant’s heart sank—his wrist felt as though it had been clamped by an iron vice, making it impossible to advance even an inch.

“Boom!”

Xu Ming delivered a powerful kick to the old servant, sending him crashing into the wall. The old man spat out a mouthful of blood.

Had Xu Ming not intended to leave him alive, the servant would already be dead.

On the other side, Tang Ningzhi’s almond-shaped eyes widened slightly when she saw Xu Ming.

She even doubted her own eyes for a moment.

How could she run into Xu Ming here?

Tang Ningzhi remained seated, not making a move. She was curious to see how this Commander of the Jinyiwei would handle these aristocrats and high-ranking officials.

“Thank you for your assistance, hero,” Liu Jiading cupped his fists in gratitude.

“No need for thanks,” Xu Ming replied with a smile before turning to the middle-aged man. “What’s your name?”

The man showed no sign of panic. “I am Mo Yuanshan, son of the Grand Pillar of the Nation!”

“So you’re the son of the Grand Pillar of the Nation—no wonder you’re so arrogant,” Xu Ming sneered before turning to Liu Jiading. “He’s the Grand Pillar’s son. Maybe you should just let this go. The Jinyiwei isn’t in a position to provoke him.”

Liu Jiading frowned, his voice firm. “Thank you for your concern, but even if he is the Grand Pillar’s son, the Jinyiwei must carry out the arrest!”

“How much is your monthly salary?” Xu Ming asked.

Liu Jiading was momentarily stunned by the unexpected question, but he still answered, “As a squad leader, I earn ten taels of silver per month.”

Xu Ming chuckled. “Ten taels a month—not bad, but not exactly a fortune either. Is it really worth risking your life?”

Ten taels of silver, when converted to Blue Star’s currency, was about twenty thousand yuan—a decent salary.

But considering Liu Jiading was a squad leader in the Jinyiwei of the Wu Kingdom’s capital, and factoring in the cost of living there, it wasn’t particularly high. It was enough for a respectable life with some savings, but nothing extravagant.

Liu Jiading spoke with resolve. “Young Master, this is not about money. The Jinyiwei often clashes with court officials and nobility. If we cower before power today, what about tomorrow? What purpose would we serve then? What would His Majesty think?”

“Well said.” Mo Yuanshan smirked. “Then go ahead, try arresting me!”

“Hmph! You think I don’t dare?” Liu Jiading drew his blade and personally moved to apprehend Mo Yuanshan.

Mo Yuanshan was also a martial artist. Instead of retreating, he threw a punch at Liu Jiading.

Liu Jiading met the strike head-on with his own fist. Both men staggered back two meters.

“So, he’s at the Martial Courage Realm—not just some spoiled noble relying on his family’s influence,” Xu Ming assessed internally.

Even so, Xu Ming found him lacking.

The Grand Pillar of the Nation was a Limit Realm martial artist, a warrior capable of battling against Ascension Realm cultivators in the Immortal Dao.

Any Limit-Realm martial artist was a highly valued asset to a human dynasty.

Yet, as the son of such a powerful figure, Mo Yuanshan was already in his thirties or forties and had only reached the Martial Courage Realm. That was underwhelming.

After regaining their footing, Liu Jiading and Mo Yuanshan clashed again.

Meanwhile, the old servant, now seething with fury, launched a deadly palm strike at Xu Ming.

Mo Family’s old servant wasn’t holding back—this was a killing blow.

Xu Ming didn’t bother with pleasantries either. He met the attack with a single punch.

“Ahhh!”

A miserable scream rang out.

Xu Ming’s punch shattered the old servant’s left arm, rendering it completely useless.

Moreover, Xu Ming’s martial qi, infused with sword energy, surged into the old man’s energy core, shredding his spiritual veins to pieces.

Though still alive, the old servant was beyond saving—he would be nothing more than an ordinary mortal for the rest of his life.

“You dare?!”

Mo Yuanshan was furious when he saw his servant crippled.

This wasn’t just an attack on his servant—it was an attack on his own dignity!

Roaring in rage, Mo Yuanshan struck Liu Jiading aside with a punch before channeling all his strength into another punch aimed directly at Xu Ming.

Xu Ming effortlessly neutralized the attack.

Then, in an instant, he stomped Mo Yuanshan to the ground.

Xu Ming’s martial qi pressed down on him like a towering mountain, rendering him completely immobile.

No matter how hard Mo Yuanshan struggled, he couldn’t move the foot crushing his chest.

“Who are you? Are you not afraid of death? Dare to report your name!”

Mo Yuanshan’s face flushed red.

In all his years, he had never suffered such humiliation!

He could also tell that Xu Ming was a Martial Courage Realm warrior like himself, but the solidity of Xu Ming’s martial energy far surpassed his own.

Compared to him, Mo Yuanshan felt as if his own cultivation was as fragile as paper!

“Xu Ming, of the Xu Mansion,” Xu Ming said calmly.

“Xu Ming! Fine, so your name is Xu Ming! I will remember this—”

Suddenly, Mo Yuanshan’s voice cut off abruptly.

Xu Mansion... Xu Ming.

That name echoed repeatedly in Mo Yuanshan’s mind.

There might be several people named Xu Ming in the capital, but there was only one Xu Ming from the Xu Mansion.

“I may not know how intimidating the Jinyiwei’s authority is,” Xu Ming said with a smirk, “but I do know that my authority is quite considerable.”

With that, he retrieved a jade token engraved with “Commander of the Jinyiwei.”

Holding it up for all to see, he announced loudly, “Xu Ming, Commander of the Jinyiwei. While drinking tea, I witnessed Zheng Qiu, son of the Grand Justice, harassing an innocent woman and even attempting to abduct her. Mo Yuanshan, son of the Grand Pillar of the Nation, interfered with an official investigation. As such, I am arresting them on the spot and will have them imprisoned in the Jinyiwei’s dungeons for trial!”

Then, Xu Ming turned to Mo Yuanshan and added, “Don’t worry. I’ll be waiting for your father at the Jinyiwei headquarters whenever he wants to come find me.”

The moment Xu Ming finished speaking, everyone in the teahouse immediately bowed.

“This humble citizen greets the Commander!”

Xu Ming glanced around and said, “Why are you all bowing to me? Stand up.”

“Thank you, my lord.” Only after receiving Xu Ming’s permission did the others cautiously rise.

“Liu Jiading, bind these three and take them to the Jinyiwei’s dungeons. Also, have the clerks draft letters to the Grand Pillar of the Nation and the Grand Justice, informing them that their sons are now in my custody!”

Xu Ming’s voice was not loud, but the authority woven into his tone sent chills down everyone’s spine.

It was not just his official rank that made them tremble—it was the sheer weight of imperial fortune and destiny that had begun to settle upon him, despite having only recently assumed his post.

“Understood!” Liu Jiading nodded firmly.

“As for our injured brothers, the Jinyiwei has compensation policies. Don’t forget to claim your due,” Xu Ming said, patting Liu Jiading on the shoulder.

“Thank you, my lord!” Liu Jiading was deeply moved.

Never in his wildest dreams had he expected to meet the Commander of the Jinyiwei in person!

If he told his colleagues about this, they probably wouldn’t believe him.

“Why thank me? You are enforcing the law impartially and fearlessly. The Jinyiwei needs men like you. No matter how much time passes, I hope you will always hold fast to your principles.”

Xu Ming’s gaze was steady as he reassured them, “As long as you enforce the law justly, the entire Jinyiwei stands behind you!”

“Yes, my lord!” Liu Jiading’s chest swelled with pride.

Straightening his back, he waved his hand at his comrades. “Take them all to the Jinyiwei’s dungeons!”

“Yes, sir!”

Now emboldened by the Commander’s support, the other four Jinyiwei Guards moved with even greater resolve.

Before long, Zheng Qiu, Mo Yuanshan, and the Mo Family’s old servant were all taken away.

“Xu Ming! If you have the guts, don’t ever let me out!”

“I dare you to put me on trial!”

As he was being dragged away, Mo Yuanshan kept shouting.

“Shut his mouth,” Liu Jiading said coldly.

A guard grabbed a filthy rag from a nearby table and shoved it into Mo Yuanshan’s mouth.

“Mmmph!!”

Finally, silence.

After the chaos settled, the storyteller and his granddaughter fell to their knees before Xu Ming.

“This old servant/this humble girl thanks my lord for saving our lives!”

Xu Ming quickly helped them up. “There’s no need for that. This is simply my duty as a member of the Jinyiwei. Rest assured, I was here drinking tea and personally witnessed everything.”

“Thank you, my lord.”

The storyteller and the blind young woman stood up. But just as the storyteller straightened, he discreetly slipped a small piece of paper into Xu Ming’s sleeve.

“If there’s nothing else, you both may return home for now,” Xu Ming said with a smile. “However, if we require your testimony in the future, I trust you will cooperate.”

“Of course,” the storyteller nodded. “We reside at 203 Guihua (Osmanthus) Street. My lord may summon us at any time.”

“Good to know.” Xu Ming chuckled before asking, “But, sir, where did you get that tale you were telling? You were recounting things that never happened. I visited the Dragon Palace myself—yet somehow, I don’t recall doing any of those things.”

“Please forgive me, my lord!”

The storyteller immediately fell to his knees again. “This story has been circulating among the common folk recently. I found it intriguing and decided to adapt it for my performance. I had no intention of offending you in any way!”

“It’s fine. I’m not holding it against you,” Xu Ming reassured him. “However, this tale is false. Since you are well-connected among storytellers, I would advise against spreading it further. This matter concerns the reputation of the North Sea Dragon Empress—it would be best not to let rumors run wild.”

“Of course, of course! I will inform my fellow storytellers and ensure that such tales are no longer performed.” The storyteller hurriedly nodded in agreement.

Xu Ming cupped his hands in gratitude. “I appreciate it.”

“You are too kind, my lord,” the storyteller replied, returning the gesture.

Once the storyteller and his granddaughter had left, the teahouse owner quickly approached, bowing deeply before Xu Ming.

Xu Ming instructed him to prepare a detailed list of damages and send it to the Jinyiwei headquarters.

The teahouse owner quickly waved his hands. “It’s really not a big deal, my lord! There’s no need to trouble yourself over such a small loss.”

Xu Ming chuckled. “It is within your rights to seek compensation. There’s no need to refuse. Just wait—you’ll receive the reimbursement soon enough.”

“Understood!” Seeing how insistent the Commander was, the teahouse owner dared not argue further.

By now, the second floor had emptied, leaving only Tang Ningzhi still seated alone.

Xu Ming turned toward her and gave a polite bow. “If the Jinyiwei needs to summon Your Highness to our headquarters in the future, I hope you will be able to make time.”

“I understand,” Tang Ningzhi replied, turning her head away.

Without saying more, Xu Ming descended the stairs.

Watching him leave, Tang Ningzhi suddenly felt as if she had been completely ignored.

She bit her lip, hesitated for a moment—then, after some thought, stood up and followed him downstairs.

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