At that moment, the house explodes, and the man inside bursts out in a leap.

  Tie Du in the courtyard also springs up, dashing off in another direction.

  But just as they jump, Lie Yu raises his palm and presses down from above. Instantly, everyone in the estate drops to the ground.

  Henwell, leaning against the wall, is affected too, propping himself up on one knee with his greatsword pnted firmly.

  Tie Du roars, “Kill Cao Mingzhi!”

  The man who nded back inside the house clenches a folding fan, which suddenly shatters. The metal ribs of the fan shoot toward everyone inside.

  Lie Yu frowns and snorts coldly, “How stupid!”

  With a light flick of his finger, a sword energy bsts out, instantly splitting into dozens of fine sword beams.

  Not only do they shatter the fan ribs, but the sword energy pierces through the chests of all the vilins, sealing their meridians and rendering them completely immobile.

  After finishing this, Lie Yu slowly descends from the air.

  At this moment, a rge group of officials arrives, carrying nterns.

  Their ranks are mixed, some from the Ministry of Justice, some from the Court of Judicial Review, others from the Military Affairs Department, Jingzhao Prefecture, the patrolling Forbidden Army, and even the royal secret Wind-Catching Guard.

  Upon seeing Lie Yu, they all salute in unison, “Greetings, Lord Lie!”

  Lie Yu’s official rank isn’t very high, just a fourth-rank officer, but he also leads the Divine Detective Department, which holds the same rank.

  Among those present, some hold the same rank, like the Right Deputy Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, also a fourth-rank official.

  They salute Lie Yu not just out of protocol, but because he is a top-tier Fifth Rank Martial Warrior.

  Moreover, Lie Yu has seniority, many present are his disciples.

  Many heads of departments in the criminal justice system once worked under Lie Yu, and some are his direct students.

  For example, the current Minister of Justice is one of Lie Yu’s disciples.

  Lie Yu nods to everyone, then orders the officers from the Divine Detective Department and the Evil-Catcher Department, “Take the two gang leaders away.”

  Done! No need to argue over credit for this one!

  Lie Yu continues, “Each department, take one prisoner. Whoever’s prisoner dies, I want an expnation.”

  Finally, Lie Yu looks at Henwell. “Your swordsmanship is impressive, it's a killing style, quite different from ours. Once this is all settled, if you have time, come find me. I’m very curious about the sword techniques from the Western Regions and would like to spar with you.”

  Henwell bows slightly. “I dare not speak of sparring. When the time comes, please, Chief Constable, kindly give me some guidance.”

  Lie Yu nods. “Are you interested in joining the Divine Detective Department? You’re smart and able to see the essence of cases, a promising talent.”

  The Junior Minister of the Court of Judicial Review steps forward. “Chief Constable, please don’t poach him. He’s a Gold Locksmith! It’s rare for me to find such a sharp mind. Leave some talent for the Court of Judicial Review, please!”

  Lie Yu waves his hand. “Alright! Handle it yourselves. I’m going to see His Majesty.”

  After Lie Yu leaves, everyone breathes a sigh of relief. With the “big shot” gone, it’s open season for shouting and snatching!

  Henwell turns to the Junior Minister of the Court of Judicial Review. “Sir, Young Master Cao is still inside. Hurry and rescue him. And don’t let the scoundrel who harmed Young Master Cao get away!”

  The Right Deputy Minister of the Court of Judicial Review quickly catches Henwell’s meaning.

  Rolling up his sleeves, he shouts, “Go get them! Young Master Cao is my beloved friend and brother. I will never let those who bring him harm go unpunished. That clerk and his family, none of them get spared. Bring them all to the Court of Judicial Review!”

  Everyone rolls their eyes as Huo Zi’an, Chief of the Evil-Catcher Department, speaks up, “Sui Luqing, aren’t you afraid of “overeating”? That clerk is from our Ministry of Justice. It’s only proper that we handle this, that’s the rule!”

  Sui Luqing, Right Deputy Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, replies, “How about this, sir: you hand over your gang leader to me in exchange? “

  ”Don’t be fooled by the number of people I have, they’re all small fry! Yes, the clerk belongs to the Ministry of Justice, but this case is serious. I’m just helping the Ministry avoid any conflict of interest.”

  ”Besides, as I said, Young Master Cao is my close friend. I’m just trying to give him some justice.”

  With that, Sui Luqing orders his men to seize the prisoners.

  Other departments start yelling and cursing, but Sui Luqing raises his hands helplessly. “Everyone, please understand! Our lord’s beloved son was killed, and there’s still no resolution. The pressure on me is immense! Give me some face so I can return to my lord with an expnation!”

  Hearing this, no one argues further.

  After all, the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review’s name has been invoked, and he is indeed the aggrieved party.

  If they fussed over something so minor, they’d risk offending the Minister, and that’s simply not worth it.

  So everyone can only gre at Henwell, who had spoken up.

  Seeing all eyes on him, Henwell shrugs. “Don’t bme me. After this, the ones who hate me most will definitely be the forces behind the thieves. Anyone who targets me must be part of that rebel gang, maybe even spies hidden within the court!”

  Pfft!

  What a sharp-tongued barbarian!

  Sui Luqing immediately steps forward. “This is our Court of Judicial Review’s seventh-rank Gold Locksmith, who’s done great work on this case. Anyone who messes with him is messing with me, Sui Luqing. That means messing with the Court of Judicial Review, and ultimately, messing with His Majesty!”

  Damn!

  Both of them have sharp tongues!

  Sui Luqing looks at Henwell. “By the way, what’s your name again?”

  Henwell smiles. “Qin Yu. You can also call me Henwell.”

  Sui Luqing waves his hand. “Henwell! From now on, stick with me! I promise you’ll rise through the ranks and get rich!”

  Henwell bows. “Thank you for your support, sir!”

  Sui Luqing is in high spirits. “Gd to hear it! How are your injuries?”

  “I’m strong and healthy, no major issues!”

  “Good! Let’s hurry back to the Court of Judicial Review and report this great news to the Minister!”

  It’s already afternoon when Cao Mingzhi finally stirs awake.

  After a long moment, he realizes he’s still alive.

  Upon receiving the news, Sui Luqing and Henwell rush over.

  Seeing Henwell, Cao Mingzhi asks excitedly, “Henwell, did you save me?”

  Henwell waves his hand. “Of course not. I don’t have that ability. It was Chief Constable Lie Yu who subdued all the vilins!”

  After hearing about what happened st night, Cao Mingzhi feels a bit overwhelmed.

  “Henwell, what exactly is going on? Have you been in contact with all the various departments this whole time?”

  Henwell shakes his head. “I’m not even sure how many spies the thieves have embedded. How could I dare to contact all the departments? “

  ”The higher-ups take this matter very seriously and have been watching our movements closely. After I found out, I kept quiet and left some signs to guide those experts, trying to stay as hidden as possible.”

  Cao Mingzhi still looks puzzled. “How did you find me? How did everyone arrive so quickly?”