Daily life of a cultivation judge

Chapter 1223: Introductions (2)

Within seconds, the figure behind the powerful presence appeared before them.

He was a slender man with long black hair that flowed smoothly down his back, and a handsome appearance that looked as though it had been sculpted from autumn marble. He had the same dark grey eyes as the middle-aged man with the mountain-like presence, and the fierce-looking woman with the saber.

There was no denying it, with just one look, it was clear they shared a bloodline, especially him and the woman. Their similarity went beyond just the eyes. Even the symmetry of their features bore a striking resemblance.

Yang Qing was inclined to believe that those two had an even closer relationship than either did with the middle-aged man. The way the woman immediately reined in her fierceness, adopting a more subdued demeanor, along with the look of veneration in her eyes as she gazed at the newcomer, seemed to support his theory.

“Sorry for the delay. My name is Wan Li, an elder of the Wan family. To my right is Wan Feng, also an elder of the family,” the newcomer announced as he gestured to the mountain-like middle-aged man, who silently cupped his fists in greeting.

“And to my left is Elder Wan Ling,” he continued, motioning toward the saber-wielding woman, who had already put her weapon away upon Wan Li’s arrival.

She cupped her fists toward Yang Qing. But despite the polite gesture, Yang Qing could still see the suspicion in her eyes. And though Wan Feng concealed it far better, Yang Qing could still sense the same guarded wariness from him as well.

Yang Qing couldn’t help but wonder whether Wan Li had been called simply because he supposedly knew Zou Wen better than Wan Feng did—or if that had just been a pretext to call for reinforcement. Or perhaps it was a combination of both.

Either way, Yang Qing didn’t mind. It wasn’t like he had lied.

Without wasting any time, he cupped his fists in return and reintroduced himself, along with his reasons for being there.

Wan Li showed no visible reaction to the introduction. Yang Qing figured Wan Feng had already briefed him on the situation when he was calling him.

Once the introductions were done, Yang Qing asked, “With the formalities out of the way, may I call Branch Chief Zou Wen?”

Wan Li nodded and gestured politely. “Please do.”

Yang Qing activated the gold eagle medallion, which connected him to the Hunan Branch. The call was first received by an inquisitor, who then transferred it to Zou Wen after verifying Yang Qing’s identity.

Although the medallion alone would have sufficed, with it being linked to his spiritual essence and imprint, there were still additional secret codes required to fully confirm his identity. Yang Qing provided them while concealing the contents from the others, for obvious reasons.

It didn’t take long before he was connected to Zou Wen.

“Judge Yang Qing, I am informed you need my assistance. What is it? If it’s to speak on your behalf with Lei Weiyuan, I’m not doing it… Well, not for free, of course.”

The voice that came through was soft and steady, like a slow river flowing over smooth rocks. However, despite its softness, it seemed to carry the power to quiet an entire environment without even trying.

Lei Weiyuan? Why is that old fiend being mentioned? Is he spying on me?

Yang Qing’s heart skipped slightly, though he masked it with a calm countenance and a warm smile, all while secretly probing his surroundings for the silver fiend. It was a pointless action, and he knew it. Given the disparity in their cultivation realms and how many times he’d been caught already, there was no way he could sense the ma. Still, he couldn’t help himself. Despite knowing Old Lei could effortlessly evade all his senses, he still had to check.

Only after confirming that he wasn’t around, and layering on a dash of blissful ignorance, did Yang Qing have the presence of mind to respond.

“No, it’s not that,” Yang Qing said, with a slight awkward strain in his tone. “I need you to vouch for me. I’m currently at the border of the Azure Sapphire Kingdom, and there’s something I need to investigate within the Wan noble household’s territory for a case I’m working on.

I need you to verify my identity,” he explained.

“Did they do something?” asked Zou Wen.

Though his tone remained as soft spoken as before, the temperature around the three Wan clan elders seemed to drop noticeably.

Wan Li, who had been the perfect picture of calm poise since arriving, instantly turned pale at the remark. It looked like he almost wanted to reach out for Yang Qing’s medallion and start defending himself and the clan.

Luckily, he didn’t have to, as Yang Qing stepped in.

“No, it’s not that. I’m just here crossing a few dots and eyes,” Yang Qing vaguely explained. Though inwardly, he gave Zou Wen a big thumbs up. Thanks to that veiled, intimidating statement—and Yang Qing playing the role of savior—the Wan clan was bound to be more helpful in his venture, should he need it.

As expected of an old fox, thought Yang Qing in praise of the branch chief’s moves.

“Oh, well then if that’s the case… who’s there?”

“Elder Wan Li.”

“Oh, him,” Zou Wen softly muttered. “Elder Wan Li, are you there?” he called.

“Y-yes, I am, Senior Zou Wen,” the elder announced, bowing slightly even though the person addressing him wasn’t physically present.

“Yang Qing is a promising junior of mine who will no doubt exceed me in the future. Extend him the same courtesy as you would me,” said Zou Wen.

“I will,” said Elder Wan Li, wearing a solemn look.

“Good… and thanks,” said Zou Wen. “How’s Wan Cheng?” he suddenly asked.

“Progressing smoothly,” answered Elder Wan Li.

“That’s good. I hope he makes it through. He’s always been better to deal with compared to the rest,” said Branch Chief Zou Wen as he sighed lightly before turning the conversation back to Yang Qing.

“Judge Yang Qing, if there’s nothing else, I’ll have to excuse myself. I have other matters waiting to be handled. Though, if you do come across anything troublesome, please don’t hesitate to reach out.” That final part was as much a message to Yang Qing as it was to the rest.

“I will, and thank you for your assistance,” said Yang Qing before ending the call.

“Please,” Elder Wan Li announced as he made a welcoming gesture. The blue-grade formation on the wall powered down, allowing Yang Qing and the rest safe entry.

While reservations and wariness were still very much present, the earlier hostility had been thoroughly subdued.

“I hope you can forgive our earlier rudeness,” said Elder Wan Feng as Yang Qing crossed over, throwing a slight glance at the first-stage palace realm expert.

“Sorry,” said the saber-wielding elder, her earlier sharpness replaced by a soft, almost whisper-like tone.

“I understand you were doing your jobs. I would do exactly the same in your position, so there’s nothing to forgive. I didn’t take any offense at your actions,” Yang Qing replied with a warm smile.

“In fact, had you been more welcoming, I would have been more hesitant to pass through,” he added with a slight chortle.

“Is that so?” said the mountain-like Elder Wan Feng, smiling in return. “Thank you for understanding,” he added with a cup of his fists.

“It’s nothing,” said Yang Qing as he returned the gesture.

With the awkwardness smoothed over, though Elder Wan Ling still looked ill at ease, Yang Qing departed with Elder Wan Li, while the two other elders remained behind to guard their posts.

Yang Qing’s destination was already set. It was the border shared between the Wan Great Noble’s territory and the Huang noble family’s, which was where the ferry was rumored to have disappeared.

Whatever happened, that place was likely to hold a clue. Or so Yang Qing hoped.