Translator: 549690339 |
As the provincial governor of Qing Province, Liao Yuan naturally recognized that the Seal of the Roaming Cloud Crane was the Level 1 Calling Order of the Imperial Astronomical Bureau.
With this seal, all members of the Imperial Astronomical Bureau within a hundred-mile radius must drop everything and hurry to this location.
Liao Yuan could clearly sense that several powerful auras had already started converging rapidly from the direction of the provincial capital, even including a large number of Essence Refining Stage cultivators.
The Imperial Astronomical Bureau, currently the only department in Great Xia that oversees Spirit Energy Tidal Surge affairs, far exceeds the provincial government office in both authority and power. Yet, aside from the superintendent, no one knew how many powerhouses the Imperial Astronomical Bureau truly had.
And today, Liao Yuan finally got a glimpse of the tip of the iceberg that was the power of the Imperial Astronomical Bureau.
Liao Yuan hadn’t even fully processed what had happened when Liew Yuansong grabbed his sleeve and asked:
“Where did the Liu Family take Hoe Yao?”
Liu Yi and others did not take Hoe Yao to the prison, instead heading straight for the largest building in the military area.
As soon as they entered the hall, an imposing middle-aged man had been waiting there for a long time. At his side, the inspector of Qing Province, Liu Yu, was respectfully reporting something.
Seeing everyone enter, the middle-aged man raised his hand to stop Liu Yu from speaking, instead asking Liu Yi:
“Is this Hoe Yao?”
With respect, my lord, this is the one who slandered the Liu Family, claiming we are trading with the Fubo Dragon Monarch...”
“Don’t bother with such verbal tricks in front of me, I know the dealings between our family and the Fubo Dragon Monarch much better than you.
The head of the Liu Family walked up to Hoe Yao and gazed at him, saying to the wretched-looking Hoe Yao:
“I had them bring you here just to ask one question: was my son Liu Yao truly killed by the Fubo Dragon Monarch over a dispute about the Natural Spirit Pool?”
Hoe Yao lifted his swollen face and looked at the head of the Liu Family, his eyes filled with mockery:
“Your son was asking for death by recklessly trying to take what belonged to the Fubo Dragon Monarch. Since you, an old thing, can’t kill the Fubo Dragon Monarch yourself, you want to take your anger out on me?”
“Slap him.” The patriarch of the Liu Family spoke indifferently, and upon hearing his words, Liu Yi slapped Hoe Yao in the face again. The crisp sound of broken bones echoed around the room.
“My son Liu Yao was well aware of the Fubo Dragon Monarch’s strength. Even if he did have a way to control the Natural Spirit Pool, he would never recklessly seize it.
There’s undoubtedly someone scheming behind the scenes in this matter.”
“I’ve already sent people to inspect the scene of the Dragon Monarch banquet and confirmed the information with others. The cultivator surnamed Shen who was with you has also previously shown the ability to control the Natural Spirit Pool.
The one who actually took the Natural Spirit Pool was him. My son was completely an innocent victim!”
As he finished speaking, a fierce murderous intent flickered in the eyes of the Liu Family’s head.
“That man who was able to kill the Fubo Dragon Monarch obviously possesses immense strength.
But once his identity is uncovered, I assure he’ll realize that in this modern society, one’s cultivation doesn’t decide everything!”
The voice of the Liu Family’s head gradually became chillingly cold.
“Every drop of water he drinks may contain deadly poison. Every bite of food could be infested with gu insects that secretly erode his mana.
Once he leaves the city, he will face large-scale firepower coverage. When he enters the city, countless assassinations and wanted orders will leave him constantly on the run.
Even if under these circumstances he is still able to protect himself, how will he protect his family and friends?”
“Tell me everything there is to know about him, and I can make your death a bit less painful.”
Hoe Yao felt a shiver run down his spine. Struggling, he yelled fiercely at the Liu Family’s head:
“Don’t think for a moment that you’ll get any information from me.”
The Liu Family’s head continued to scrutinize Hoe Yao, his fingers slowly moving toward Hoe Yao’s head.
Just at this moment, a foot kicked open the closed door, and following it, Custodian Liew of the Imperial Astronomical Bureau and the Qing Province Governor Liao Yuan strode into the living room.
“For the case handled by the Imperial Astronomical Bureau, all non-related personnel step out now!”
Seeing Liew Yuansong, the Liu Family’s head finally showed a change in his complexion, halting his action and said:
“Did my Liu Family offend Custodian Liew in anyway?
If there was any misunderstanding, I will send someone to visit and apologize at your earliest convenience.”
“Enough with the pleasantries!” Liew Yuansong said indifferently, maintaining an all-business attitude.
“The Liu Family abruptly detained Hoe Yao, who is an important figure of the Imperial Astronomical Bureau. I need a reasonable explanation.”
The Liu Family’s head looked unsightly: “Explanation? Hoe Yao conspired with that Shen to harm my son; what else should I explain?”
Liew Yuansong waved his hand dismissively,response dismissively:
“So, you have evidence that Hoe Yao plotted against your son?”
The Liu Family’s head glanced at the strong members of the Imperial Astronomical Bureau behind Liew Yuansong, already aware of Liew Yuansong’s hostile intent.
Let alone the fact that he had no evidence, even if he did, Liew Yuansong could distort the facts and stubbornly deny them.
The Liu Family’s head’s breathing became a bit hurried as he said in a low voice:
“Custodian Liew, my Liu Family has a close connection with the left auxiliary. My son Liu Yao even had an engagement with the left auxiliary’s second daughter. I fear the left auxiliary might investigate this issue as well!”
“The left auxiliary? What does that have to do with my Imperial Astronomical Bureau?”
However, Custodian Liew only chuckled coldly, swaggering forward to untie Hoe Yao’s binding ropes.
“Are you alright?”
The gentle tone of Custodian Liew immediately left Hoe Yao feeling surprised and flattered.
He didn’t understand why such a significant figure like Custodian Liew would save him, considering that even Liao Yuan, the Governor of Qing Province, would have to defer to the Liu Family.
The head of the Liu Family had a gloomy expression like a rainy storm, but he could only watch over Custodian Liew without daring to make any moves.
His threats to Liao Yuan, the Governor of Qing Province, were completely due to the Liu Family having more authority than the Governor of Qing Province. If the Liu Family didn’t give their approval, the Governor’s orders wouldn’t even be able to leave the provincial government office.
However, the Imperial Astronomical Bureau, controlled solely by Emperor Xia, was not subject to anyone’s control. Naturally, under these circumstances, there was no need to consider the influence and connections of the Liu Family.
“As the person has now been rescued, we will forgive any discourteous farewells.”
The head of the Liu Family said with an indifferent tone.
However, Custodian Liew had no intention of leaving and smoothly changed the subject:
“I heard that in the midst of this flood disaster, Inspector Liu Yu, Lord Liu, did not manage the refugee rescue immediately. Instead, he chose to protect the ore veins with the provincial government’s military zone.
Such negligence of duty, what should be the punishment?”
The head of the Liu Family angrily said:
“Liew Yuansong, don’t go too far! I respect the Imperial Astronomical Bureau only because it stands behind you. Don’t assume that my Liu Family is frightened by you!”
Liew Yuansong spread his hands and appeared helpless:
“Calm down, head of the Liu Family. As the situation involves the flood disaster, my Imperial Astronomical Bureau has the right to investigate Qing Province, it’s just due process.”
The head of the Liu Family realised that Liew Yuansong had certainly planned to confront them when he first arrived. He wished to profit from the Liu Family by exploiting this situation.
Liu Yu’s previous actions had already given the Imperial Astronomical Bureau leverage, and Liew Yuansong intended to use this opportunity to seize the position of Inspector and weaken the Liu Family’s influence.
At this point, Liu Yu was panicked. He didn’t know why he had suddenly become the sacrificial pawn between the Imperial Astronomical Bureau and the Liu Family’s struggle.
He could only look anxiously at the head of the Liu Family and whispered, “Lord of the family... ”
“Your neglect of duty, at most, is dismissal. We will try our best to protect you.”
The head of the Liu Family had already made a decision, with a cold tone, not wanting this matter to involve much.
With a smile on his face, Liew Yuansong nodded and gestured:
“Inspector Liu, please!”
A few strong representatives of the Imperial Astronomical Bureau seized Liu Yu. This dignified inspector was as embarrassed as Hoe Yao was when he had just stepped into this place.
Surrounded by the people from the Imperial Astronomical Bureau, Liew Yuansong was about to leave with Hoe Yao. At that moment, a battered Hoe Yao suddenly spoke up.
“Sir from the Imperial Astronomical Bureau, could I trouble you with a matter?”
“Just say it.”
Hoe Yao pleaded sincerely: “The Liu Family intends to use underhanded methods to discover the identity of a Daoist companion of mine, and then use the power of the Liu family to plot against him.
I’m wondering whether the Imperial Astronomical Bureau could help, asking the Liu Family to drop this matter?”
Liew Yuansong’s expression changed abruptly. Before he could ask any questions, another voice resounded.
“Are you referring to a Daoist companion who possesses a tiger demon of yellow and white, and has the power to command the wind?”
An elegant and handsome middle-aged man in a moon white robe had suddenly appeared in the hall. He seemed to have been standing there for a while, but no one had noticed him.
Not until he spoke did everyone become aware of his presence.
Hoe Yao lit up, saying: “Yes, yes, yes! You even know that he has a tiger demon, do you know him?”
The handsome middle-aged man had an indescribable, strange look on his face as if mocking himself:
“Know him? I might not even be qualified.”
At this moment, Liew Yuansong finally came back to his senses and quickly knelt down and bowed in respect:
“Disciple pays his respects to Teacher Superintendent!”
Other members of the Imperial Astronomical Bureau also paid their respects to the superintendent.
“Pay respects to the Superintendent!”
The Superintendent of the Imperial Astronomical Bureau glanced at Liew Yuansong expressionlessly, then shifted his gaze towards the pale-faced head of the Liu Family.
“What crime did my Liu Family commit to merit the personal attention of the Superintendent?”
The Superintendent’s expression was indifferent:
“His Majesty tolerates the Liu Family, not because of how influential your family is, but for the stability that the Liu Family brings.
However, some people cannot be touched. Furthermore, some matters should not even be pondered over.
Fortunately, it’s still early. If you really did certain things, even risking all of Qing Province may not be enough to redeem the situation.”
The Superintendent turned and left, his plain words echoing in the hall.
“The Liu Family? Execute them!”
“It’s about time for a change of voices in this Qing Province.”

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