Chapter 842 - 398: Causing Havoc at the Government Office, Crushing the Enemy Single-Handedly—The Moment of Opportunity Has Arrived!

Chapter 842: Chapter 398: Causing Havoc at the Government Office, Crushing the Enemy Single-Handedly—The Moment of Opportunity Has Arrived!

Then he took advantage of the opportunity while traveling as a doctor to indirectly inquire about "the treatment of the Yamen Runners," "the Essence Treasure," "how to join the government office"... and so on.

The Yamen Runner was injured and his mind was weak. Initially, he was cautious and did not reveal anything about the office. But Li Xian’s conversational skills were exceptional, slowly and gently peeling away the layers to open his heart. Gradually, he began to gather clues.

The Yamen Runner was a minor official, considered a "Martial Officer." They must be citizens of Jade City, and possess two essential characteristics of Martial Arts. Yamen Runners patrol the streets with an air of authority. However, their power is quite limited, far less than that of a "doctor."

Even though Jade City occasionally experienced chaos, whenever there was disorder, the Yamen Runners usually worked together to make arrests. Ninety percent of the credit belonged to their superiors, with ten percent divided among the people. Typically, a banquet with a few pleasantries was enough to dismiss the matter.

Moreover, after decades of being a "Yamen Runner," even when reaching the pinnacle, the highest they could be appointed was "Chief Catcher," barely considered half a "muddy body." They would never become a "County Captain" in their lifetime.

The path of advancement was extremely narrow. Even if sons from noble families in Jade City were sent down to experience the world, they would not join as Yamen Runners. Yamen Runners usually came from modestly wealthy families, trained in Martial Arts from a young age, just barely able to dabble in Essence Treasures. Limited by their vision and knowledge, they ended up as Yamen Runners.

Yet being a Yamen Runner had one benefit. At the change of every season, the principal of the county would hold a feast to concoct the Essence Treasure. They would organize a grand competition for Yamen Runners, distributing Essence Treasures to them. The winner would receive a significant portion, enough to be digested slowly over several months. Even those who performed poorly would still receive a share of Essence Meat.

Hence, even though the future of a "Yamen Runner" was short-lived, they could still strive for advancement in Martial Arts. That Yamen Runner complained, "Magistrate Kong, you see how deferential he is to the principal, speaking quite politely with Doctor Yao. But in private, he either beats and kicks us or hurls verbal abuse."

Li Xian’s "Ghost Eye" confused, his "Ghost Words" guided, and his "Ghost Hand" applied acupuncture, all functioning invisibly. Coupled with the Yamen Runner’s long-standing resentment towards Kong Li, he couldn’t wait to vent and naturally became quite talkative. Li Xian said, "If you don’t mind, you can share a thing or two with me. In medical terms, harboring grievances in your heart for a long time can turn them into illness. Talk to me, I surely won’t spread it elsewhere."

That Yamen Runner’s body had suffered, leading to symptoms of "coughing blood" and "organ deficiency." His lungs suffered severe injury, leaving him short of breath; speaking triggered coughing. After Li Xian’s acupuncture treatment, his breath calmed, and he continued, "This Kong Li... pfft, is truly no good!"

The Yamen Runner said, "When this person first arrived at the West Gate Office to serve as County Captain, he used heavy-handed tactics to establish his authority. He beat several of our brothers to death outright, forcing us into submission to demonstrate his ruthless methods. Often, he gathers us in the middle of the night, and once assembled, we’re told there’s nothing to report."

"Many of us have wives and children. Under his authority, we live in fear, constantly being blackmailed. He says all Yamen Runners are short-sighted and shallow-footed. Even if he continues his misdeeds, we can hardly do anything about him either."

Li Xian glanced sideways, noticing this man’s rough complexion, thick lips, and large mouth, giving him a somewhat predatory appearance. The Yamen Runner said, "As for yesterday’s matter, it’s entirely Kong Li’s fault. The person captured yesterday was a young rogue who relied on Heaven. According to strength... he certainly surpassed us. But arranging the formation together, we could capture him."

"But Kong Li made a mistake in the arrangement, causing our formation to fall into chaos. Out of his own vanity, he tried to fight the thief alone. Inevitably, he made a careless mistake, letting the thief escape. He got extremely angry, cursing us as useless, venting his fury by injuring us!"

As he spoke, the Yamen Runner’s resentment was hard to quell; he pounded his fist, making a "thud" sound, followed by a violent coughing fit. Li Xian patted his back gently, helping him smooth out his Inner Qi.

The Yamen Runner suddenly trembled all over, lowered his head, his face turning deathly pale in an instant.

Kong Li, having dealt with Yao Baishun and Tian Sanfang, heard the noise at this point and met the gaze of the Yamen Runner. Narrowing his eyes, he walked toward them.

Kong Li put his arm around Li Xian’s shoulder from behind, tapped on Li Xian’s mask, and asked gently, "What might be the name of this divine doctor?"

Li Xian adjusted his mask, calmly saying, "My name is Li Xian. What guidance might Magistrate Kong have?"

Kong Li took the jade badge from Li Xian’s waist. The jade badge was "light green" with a drop of blood inside. The moment he grabbed it, the blood bead burst, instantly staining the jade badge blood red.

After returning it to Li Xian, the blood red coagulated back into a blood bead. This was the badge of identity for a "Yu People," worn by Li Xian. Once in contact with the owner’s bloodline, the jade badge condensed into a bead of blood, with a slight greenish tint, verifying authenticity.

Kong Li said, "I am also, in all honesty, a Yu People. That’s a legitimate status." His tone was very contemptuous.

Li Xian put the jade badge back in place. Kong Li grinned and curiously asked, "This Mr. Li... divine doctor, if I remember correctly, we haven’t met before, right? Someone like you, an ordinary Yu People, would probably never see me on a usual day."

Li Xian realized the visitor had ill intentions. This person’s words were deliberately cordial but full of contempt. His earlier gestures of patting the shoulder and the mask had concealed insulting implications. Now, with a sinister smile, he likely harbored hidden hostility.

He said, "Naturally."

Kong Li said, "If that’s the case, how do you know I am the ’Magistrate Kong’?" His tone suddenly changed, his expression turning cold as he looked at the Yamen Runner, and then continued, "Could it be this kid was discussing something with you? Did he mention anything related to me?"

Kong Li pressed on Li Xian’s shoulder, gradually increasing the Power in his wrist, continuing to say, "This fellow, on a regular day, loves to be lazy and cunning. When it comes to practicing Martial Arts, he exposes his weaknesses when catching thieves. After being beaten by thieves, it’s bad enough, but he still makes us work in vain."

"Regarding last night’s events, considering their injuries, I didn’t blame them. The matter, however, is not yet finished. I, Kong Li, am by no means a slipshod person and will pursue the source of the mistake afterward. This... this divine doctor, what exactly did this fellow say to you? Tell me."