Water Ink Panel: Starting with Bow Technique to Hunt the Sun and Patrol the Skies

The tall, vermillion gate tower stood towering in front, with a gilded plaque hanging above it, inscribed with the words "county government" in forceful and vigorous characters.

At this time, the two thick wooden doors were tightly closed, with a pair of bronze beast heads with exposed fangs hanging on the door rings.

At the gate, a pair of majestic stone lions stood guard.

As if aware that Shen Qing had arrived at this moment, the doors slowly opened.

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Behind the door stood a middle-aged man with a smile on his face, dressed in official robes.

His face was resolute, exuding a calm and restrained air like jade, his eyes deep as pools, and his forehead conveyed a sense of majesty even without anger.

This person was none other than the County Magistrate of Taiping County, Du Yuntong.

County Magistrate Du Yuntong had already been waiting inside the government office for a long time, and when he saw Shen Qing's figure, his eyes revealed admiration for Shen Qing.

He personally walked out from inside the door, descended the steps, swept his gaze over Shen Qing, and said with full praise, "Mr. Shen, truly a remarkable youth!"

While Du Yuntong was sizing him up, Shen Qing was also continuously taking measure of Du Yuntong.

Du Yuntong's figure was tall and straight, making him appear particularly imposing.

At this moment, he wore a deep blue official robe with exquisite patterns embroidered on it; golden threads adorned the cuffs and collar of the robe, and he wore a broad jade belt around his waist, set with several transparent jade stones.

At first glance, he truly exuded a richness and nobility, and held a king-like demeanor.

However, Shen Qing knew that the gorgeously dressed middle-aged man before him was not just for show; he was one of the few martial artists in Taiping County who had reached the Qi Hai Realm, his cultivation reaching to the heavens.

Even ten Bosses of Mi Gang put together wouldn't be able to touch a finger on this man.

Shen Qing gathered his thoughts and humbly responded, "Lord County Magistrate is too kind. Ridding the people of evil is merely my duty as a man of the martial world."

County Magistrate Du Yuntong laughed heartily, patted Shen Qing's shoulder, and said, "Mr. Shen is being modest. That demon tiger has brought disaster for months, and countless commoners have suffered. Today, your slaying of the tiger demon has lifted the siege of the county—how could I, as an official, not acknowledge this feat? I have ordered a banquet to be prepared. If Mr. Shen does not mind, perhaps you could come in and share a few drinks?"

"Then I shall respectfully comply," Shen Qing said.

"After you!"

"After you!"

Shen Qing stepped aside to let County Magistrate Du Yuntong go first, and this display of manners improved Du Yuntong's impression of him by several degrees.

County Magistrate Du Yuntong led Shen Qing into a secluded and elegant rear hall.

This place was Du Yuntong's special hall for entertaining guests, set aside specifically for distinguished visitors.

Upon entering the hall, Shen Qing immediately smelled the faint fragrance of sandalwood permeating the air.

The floor of the hall, paved with green bricks, was covered with a soft carpet, and a round table made of rosewood was placed in the center.

At this time, the table was already set with delicate tea sets and pastries, and two guests sat at the seats, leisurely enjoying tea and conversation.

They were dressed in finery and had an extraordinary demeanor, engaged in relaxed chatter over tea.

Behind them, two pretty maids dressed in simple and elegant gowns stood quietly, their behavior showing well-trained deference.

Besides the slight sound of tea being poured into cups and the occasional conversation of the guests, the hall was extremely quiet without other noise, giving it a peaceful atmosphere.

When the two guests heard the noise and looked towards Shen Qing, they both got up and said, "Ah, here comes the guest of honor,"

County Magistrate Du Yuntong walked forward and unceremoniously took the main seat, gestured with his hand to tell the others to sit down.

"Mr. Shen, please sit here."

Hearing this, Shen Qing sat down in the seat of honor.

His gaze wandered over the two middle-aged men opposite and found that the aura emanating from these two was actually comparable to that of Du Yuntong.

Shen Qing couldn't help but be awestruck and dared not act rashly.

Du Yuntong pointed to the middle-aged man on the left dressed in brocade robes, with a plump figure, and said, "This is the Family Head of the Wang Family, Wang Sanbao."

Is this the Wang Family from the Four Great Eastern Families?

Shen Qing was somewhat surprised.

The Wang Family in Taiping County was known for its pawn brokerage and owned several money shops.

Furthermore, rumors suggested that this person had also reached the Qi Hai Realm of cultivation and dominated Taiping County single-handedly.

Unexpectedly, today he was brought by County Magistrate Du Yuntong to keep company.

Wang Sanbao had a warm smile on his face that gave a sense of cordiality, with not the slightest hint of mercenariness.

Dressed in brocade with intricate patterns embroidered on his clothing, he looked both luxurious and dignified. He cupped his hands towards Shen Qing and said, "Mr. Shen, it's a pleasure to meet you."

Du Yuntong then pointed to a middle-aged man on the far right, who was dressed in a blue robe, tall and with a majestic presence, and introduced, "This is the Family Head of the Li Family, Li Heqing."

Li Heqing's features were firm, and his eyebrows exuded an air of valiance, reminiscent of a general who had been through many battles.

He greeted Shen Qing with a fist and palm salute and said in a resonant voice, "Mr. Shen, I have long admired your name. Seeing you today, truly a young hero!"

The ship transportation business run by the Li and Dong Families?

Shen Qing's expression remained unchanged, but ripples of emotion were spreading through his heart.

Another Martial Artist in the Qi Hai Realm.

County Magistrate Du Yuntong pointed to Shen Qing and said to the two middle-aged men, "Gentlemen, this is our hero who hunted the tiger demon today, Shen Qing, Shen Shaohua."

Shen Qing returned the gesture modestly, neither overbearing nor servile, and said humbly, "I dare not claim credit, it was all due to the Magistrate's excellent command."

"Let's dispense with the formalities, Team Leader Wang, bring the tiger demon up! Let's see what kind of demon craft this tiger used," the County Magistrate Du Yuntong called out to those outside the door.

As his words fell, Wang Yanjun and others from the Guardian Martial Department escorted the body of the tiger demon to the front of the living room amidst the surrounding crowd.

Its massive body, even in death, still exuded an intimidating presence that sent a chill down the spine.

The maids in the hall couldn't help but cause a stir, stepping back, their faces pale with fear.

Li Heqing of the Li Family rose from his seat and walked over to observe, saying, "Tsk tsk, I've seen countless tigers in my travels, but such a large one—it's my first time."

Wang Sanbao laughed heartily, "Otherwise, how could it be called a demon tiger?"

"Lord County Magistrate, what do you plan to do with this tiger demon?" asked Li Heqing, patting the body of the tiger demon.

County Magistrate Du Yuntong noncommittally responded, "This demon was hunted by Shen Shaohua, so its disposal should be decided by him."

Shen Qing, having lived through two lifetimes, sensed County Magistrate Du Yuntong's hint.

Although his strength was no longer what it once was, it was still not enough to be considered significant in the eyes of these prominent figures.

It was impossible for him to claim the tiger demon for himself.

Besides, he had already secured the most important part, the tiger treasure—giving the rest away wouldn't be a loss.

As the saying goes, "The wise adapt to circumstances."

Shen Qing quickly bowed and respectfully said, "Taiping County is under the Lord County Magistrate's jurisdiction, and all the natural treasures found here naturally belong to Lord County Magistrate."

Seeing how tactful Shen Qing was, County Magistrate Du Yuntong smiled and said, "I did not expect someone of your young age to be so articulate. Well, since this tiger is extraordinary and you were the one to slay it, why don't the two Family Heads see what they would like from this tiger and convert it into equivalent goods for Shen Shaohua."