Chapter 479 - 461: Zhenwu Mansion and Martial Examination

Inner City, the drill ground of the City Lord’s Mansion.

Riding the Crimson Flame Dragon Scale Horse, Su Yu looked strikingly heroic as he swung himself out of the saddle and dismounted.

Leading the Dragon Scale Horse into the drill ground, he found an empty space and tied the horse securely.

Just then, a heavy RUMBLE echoed from the drill ground entrance.

An Exotic Beast, standing over two meters tall and entirely covered in thick, gleaming white Rhino Armor, stampeded inside.

A White Barbarian Rhinoceros!

A high-tier Exotic Beast comparable to the Profound Bone Realm, possessing astonishing defensive capabilities!

Riding on the back of the White Barbarian Rhinoceros was Grand Master Liu Longyu. She wore silver armor, though it only covered her vital areas, exposing large expanses of her voluptuous skin.

Carrying that eye-catching Heaven-piercing Halberd on her back, combined with her towering figure of over two meters, the visual impact was truly pushed to the absolute limit.

However, Su Yu hurriedly lowered his head and deliberately hid behind the Crimson Flame Dragon Scale Horse.

The White Barbarian Rhinoceros was already highly intelligent and possessed human-like awareness. If it saw him, who knew what kind of commotion it would cause.

According to the gossip Liu Wu had shared earlier, Liu Longyu was actively searching for the little thief who had gotten her White Barbarian Rhinoceros drunk. Naturally, he needed to stay as far away as possible.

The White Barbarian Rhinoceros quickly charged past the Crimson Flame Dragon Scale Horse. Its eyes glanced in his direction, a hint of confusion seemingly flashing in its gaze.

It seemed to detect a somewhat familiar scent.

But just as it was about to stop, Liu Longyu heavily patted the single horn on the top of its head. "Old buddy, go stay over there in the front. Don’t waste time."

The White Barbarian Rhinoceros shook its massive head, dismissing the thought of stopping, and continued galloping toward the largest open space ahead.

Seizing the opportunity, Su Yu immediately slipped out of the drill ground and strode into the City Lord’s Mansion.

The Conference Hall of the City Lord’s Mansion.

It was quite lively here today. Pavilion Master Qian was holding the first joint meeting of the newly merged Public Security Bureau and Inspection Bureau. Almost all the experts of the City Lord’s Mansion had arrived.

Inside and outside the Conference Hall, hundreds of beautiful maids in red dresses served with graceful postures, their smiles carrying a trace of excitement.

They whispered among themselves as they waited to welcome every distinguished guest.

"Did you hear? Everyone attending this time is at least at the Captain Level. If we can form a connection with any of them, our futures will be boundlessly bright."

These maids were no ordinary women. Every single one was at least a Martial Artist Apprentice, proficient in the four arts—zither, Go, calligraphy, and painting—and hailed from wealthy and prominent families within the city.

After all, to stay in a center of power like the City Lord’s Mansion, even as a maid, was no easy feat.

"A Captain? Heh, this assembly is personally hosted by Pavilion Master Qian. Captains don’t even have the right to a seat."

"What are you bragging about, you shameless hussy? Do you really think a big shot above a Captain would even spare you a glance?"

"You’re the shameless hussy! Your whole family is—"

"Stop talking, a lord is here!"

The maids immediately hushed and put on practiced smiles.

A squad of Captains entered. Each of them possessed an extraordinary aura. Some carried long sabers on their backs, exuding murderous intent. Some wore full armor, looking majestic and domineering. There were also female Captains, looking valiant and heroic, not losing out to the men in the slightest.

Several red-clad maids stepped forward in order, leading the way one by one.

"My lords, this way, please. Commanders may proceed directly to the inner hall to wait. Captains are required to wait in the outer hall for now."

These Captains, who usually held great power and commanded awe, had absolutely no complaints at this moment. They obediently followed the maids into the outer hall.

There were already quite a few people in the outer hall. Most had gathered in groups of twos and threes, chatting in low voices. These people did not even have seats.

The moment Su Yu entered the area, a red-clad maid’s eyes lit up, and she quickly walked over.

"My lord, please come this way."

The red-clad maid spoke gently, wearing a sweet smile. She turned around, swaying her hips, leaving Su Yu with a graceful view of her back.

"Such a handsome lord. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him before. Did he just get promoted to Captain? If only he would take a liking to me and make me his concubine!"

In the distance, several maids caught sight of the maid leading Su Yu, flashes of envy appearing in their eyes.

"My lord, those at the Captain Level need to wait here, while Commanders may enter directly. If you have any orders, just instruct Qing’Er."

The red-clad maid, Qing’Er, gazed at Su Yu with spring in her eyes, her look carrying a clear hint of seduction.

Su Yu merely nodded calmly. Then, passing through the throngs of Captains, he headed straight for the inner hall.

"Ah, my lord! Captains must wait outside!"

Seeing Su Yu actually walking inward, Qing’Er grew anxious and blurted out.

The surrounding Captains immediately shot glances over. Seeing how young he was and realizing that none of them recognized him, they felt a bit surprised.

"A newly promoted Captain? What a reckless rookie."

Some flashed mocking looks, shaking their heads in disdain.

Watching Su Yu reach the entrance of the inner hall, a Captain behind him suddenly sneered. "What an idiot. Whose subordinate is he? He’s about to get a harsh dressing-down!"

Many people began to gloat, waiting to watch Su Yu make a fool of himself.

"Please show your token."

Guarding the door was a female Captain with delicate features and her hair tied up in a neat ponytail.

Although she didn’t recognize Su Yu and assumed the young man had gone the wrong way, she still acted strictly by the book and asked him to present his token.

Su Yu unfastened his Great Commander token from his waist and handed it over.

A look of astonishment flashed through the female Captain’s eyes. She took it and examined it carefully for a moment. Upon confirming that it was indeed a Great Commander token, her attitude instantly became respectful.

"Lord Su, please come in!"

Su Yu nodded and calmly entered the inner hall.

In the outer hall, the group of Captains instantly burst into an uproar.

"That guy is a Great Commander? Isn’t he a little too young?!"

"Captain An must have made a mistake. Could that guy’s token be a forgery?"

Someone who still refused to believe it sidled up to the female Captain, An Yu, and whispered, "Commander An, under which Grand Master does that person serve?"

"Under Mansion Master Pang of the Outer City. He is Commander Su Yu."

The tokens of the Public Security Bureau were currently still different from those of the Inspection Bureau. An Yu had recognized it and didn’t hide the truth.

"So it’s the Outer City’s Great Commander, Su Yu!"

The man repeated the name. His voice wasn’t loud, but it spread throughout the entire outer hall. Strange looks flashed through the eyes of many Captains as they gazed curiously toward the inner hall.

The number one person of the Outer City, Su Yu—he was indeed just as ridiculously young as the rumors claimed.

Inside the inner hall.

Su Yu hadn’t waited long before the rest of the Great Commanders had mostly arrived.

At a glance, every single one of them possessed an extraordinary aura, filling up over a hundred seats.

In contrast, there were only a mere six Great Commanders from the Outer City. Su Yu and the others sat by themselves in a corner on one side, looking somewhat out of place.

This was especially true when the gazes of many Inner City Great Commanders swept over. Their auras were oppressive, clearly carrying a sizing-up intent.

Acting as if there was no one else around, Li Jingxuan minded his own business, eating the pastries on the table and drinking Spiritual Tea.

After eating for a while, he put down his pastry, stretched out his chubby hand, and beckoned the others to join him.

"Come, come, everyone, eat up. Ignore their stares; most of them are cowards anyway."

Zhao Sen immediately snorted coldly. "Li Jingxuan, stop embarrassing us and just sit properly."

Although they were originally from the Inner City, they were currently representing the Outer City’s Public Security Bureau. Being scrutinized by so many Great Commanders from the Inspection Bureau put them under considerable pressure.

Speaking of which, the only one actually born in the Outer City was Su Yu.

He was currently bearing the brunt of the pressure. However, his expression remained perfectly calm. With a faint smile, he also picked up a pastry from the table and began to eat.

A short while later, Pavilion Master Qian strode in with a majestic and commanding presence, followed closely by several Grand Masters.

The numerous Commanders rose to their feet one after another to offer their greetings.

"Hahahaha, sit down, everyone, sit down."

His gaze swept across the hall. When he saw Su Yu’s group, he gave them an extra nod of acknowledgment.

As he took his seat, the several Grand Masters beside him also sat down in succession.

Pang Xuan from the Outer City, and Gudu Zui, Mo Guhong, Liu Longyu, Jin Fugui, and Jiang Wen from the Inner City. The aura radiating from each of these individuals was as fathomless and vast as the ocean, instantly turning the atmosphere in the entire inner hall oppressive.

The entire hall fell silent.

Pavilion Master Qian’s burly figure stood up, and he announced in a loud, clear voice, "With the merger of the Inspection Bureau and the Public Security Bureau, today marks our first joint meeting. Everyone, take a moment to get to know one another.

"Next, I have a few matters to announce. First, starting today, the City Lord’s Mansion will be renamed Zhenwu Mansion, which will oversee both the Inspection and Public Security Bureaus. Following this, the positions and jurisdictions for many of you will be reallocated.

"Second, during the Black Lotus Sect’s attack on Black Stone City the day before yesterday, many Great Commanders performed exceptionally well, successfully repelling the invasion. The defense of the Celestial Mirror River, in particular, merits rewards based on your contributions!

"Third, to select new talents, we have decided to hold this year’s Martial Examination next month! With the Inner City and Outer City unified this time, it will be a momentous grand event, and the rewards will be exceedingly generous."