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

Shen Qing, regardless of the bloodstains on his body, picked up the wine cup and drained it in one gulp.

After eliminating the threats of Guan Yunjian and Uncle Shu, a hint of relief and ease appeared on his face.

"Good wine!"

"Brother Shen, what a bold spirit! Since it's good wine, should you not drink more?"

Dong Jing watched Shen Qing's unkempt appearance without any concern and even took the initiative to pour him another drink, the matter of the promised thousand taels from Guan Yunjian and Uncle Shu long forgotten.

Shen Qing stopped the wine cup and said, "It's enough to drink the wine for its taste, too much can spoil the pleasure."

"If not drinking, how about eating instead?" Dong Jing was not annoyed, "This Baihua Building has long enjoyed a renowned reputation in Yongzhou, and though the food can't compare to your Shen Ji's, it is still quite delicious. It's just that you've arrived a bit late, so only leftovers remain."

Shen Qing laughed heartily, "With this table of leftovers, how many people in Great Zhou would have the chance to eat them? Besides, I came here to commit murder, not to attend a banquet."

"Indeed, that's true." Dong Jing also laughed heartily with him.

Shen Qing made no pretense of politeness and wolfed down the food on the table.

The consecutive ordeals had indeed left him famished and with a ravenous appetite.

Dong Jing took a sip from his wine cup and quietly glanced at Shen Qing eating heartily, then cast a look towards the corpses beside them.

The eyes of Guan Yunjian and Uncle Shu were fixed on Shen Qing in death, while Shen Qing, who had slain them, ate as if nothing had happened, his appetite surprisingly hearty, which left Dong Jing marvelling.

"I wonder what these two did to offend Shen Chasi today?" Dong Jing asked.

Shen Qing recounted, "They found nine martial masters somewhere, attempting to take my life, which annoyed me, so I came over."

"Nine martial masters?"

"Merely mediocrities, their skills no match for mine."

Shen Qing, believing he and Dong Jing were not close friends, thus had little trust in Dong Jing and held back when speaking, not revealing the details about the martial masters from the Qi Hai Realm.

Furthermore, while speaking, he skillfully rested his hand on the hilt of his blade, casually casting a few glances at Dong Jing.

Should Dong Jing show any sign of odd behavior, he would not hesitate to strike and slay him, letting him join Guan Yunjian and the others in death.

In his view, killing two people was killing, killing three was no different.

Dong Jing, surprised by the statement, said, "They must have really exhausted their resources this time. I had long heard that Guan Yunjian had made many connections using his position at the Guardian Martial Department over the years, and it seems it wasn't just rumors. Now that you've killed them, what do you plan to do next?"

Shen Qing countered, "I wonder if Brother Dong has any wise insights?"

Dong Jing hadn't expected Shen Qing to throw the question back to him.

After pondering for a while, he said, "No wise insights. I just think that Shen Chasi should just wait and watch. Dead men tell no tales, and nobody will want to stand up for a dead man. In my opinion, they are just using the Guardian Martial Department's name in vain, and they are likely to die unavenged."

Shen Qing strongly agreed.

The status of two mere officers was indeed not high.

Moreover, after observing for so many days, he knew that Chief Officer Zheng Yuanqiu only had eyes for women and wealth and was even less likely to care about this matter.

Seeing Dong Jing's composed demeanor, showing no intent of plotting against him, a judgement formed in Shen Qing's heart.

At the very least, they were not enemies for the time being.

"Indeed, that's what I think as well."

Shen Qing ate quickly, swiftly clearing the table of its food as if a whirlwind had passed through.

He found a towel and skillfully wiped his greasy hands, then said to Dong Jing, "Thank you for your hospitality, Brother Dong. I have another favor to ask of you."

"What is it?"

Shen Qing pointed to the two corpses not far away and said, "I need to investigate the Wolf Demon matter and am a bit pressed for time. I hope Brother Dong can help me deal with these two. I'll owe you a favor."

Friends accustomed to killing people all know that it's easy to kill, but hard to dispose of the bodies.

Even in these times when human life is as cheap as mustard, killing people in the street is still a grave crime, one that the Military Department does not overlook.

Not to mention that the men Shen Qing had killed were officers, half belonging to the official estate, and that made the matter all the more serious.

If anyone discovered anything amiss, it wouldn't necessarily be life-threatening, but it would definitely be troublesome.

Shen Qing had thought this would be a difficult request, but to Dong Jing, it seemed to be of no concern at all. He simply said, "It's a trifling matter."

Dong Jing clapped his hands together.

Before long, a servant from the Baihua Building came to the door and knocked, "Dong Chasi, did you call for me?"

"There's been a small incident here with some bloodshed. Call two handymen and have them clean it up in the backyard," Dong Jing said casually.

"Understood."

Shen Qing didn't have to wait long before two sturdy handymen, each carrying a sack, came over.

When they saw the two officers' bodies on the ground, a flicker of surprise crossed their eyes.

Without a word, they skillfully packed the bodies into the sacks, and even a servant came with a bucket of water and a cloth to clean the bloodstains from the floor, bowing his head and saying respectfully, "Dong Chasi, please take your time."

After finishing, he silently closed the door, as if nothing had happened.

The cooperation was so practiced that Shen Qing was momentarily at a loss for words.

Dong Jing smiled and said, "This Baihua Building is the Dong Family's property. Often enough, some who do not know their place commit offenses here, and we at the Baihua Building have ample experience in handling bodies. There's no need for Shen Chasi to be so surprised. From today on, even if heaven and earth were turned upside down, no one could find these two again."

It was only then that Shen Qing half woke to the realization.

The Yongzhou Thirteen Lines were a colossal presence in the county town, each of them more formidable than the county government office.

For them, killing people and disposing of bodies were as common and routine as a daily meal.

"Thank you, Dong Chasi," Shen Qing said, moving toward the window. "Now that we've eaten and drunk, I'll come find you to set a table of good food and drink once I'm less busy. Please don't decline. I'll take my leave now."

"Take care."

Shen Qing's clothes were covered in blood, which wouldn't have been appropriate for openly strutting around the Baihua Building.

He leaped down from the window, used some hunting techniques to conceal his form, and vanished from the private room.

Watching Shen Qing's retreating figure, Dong Jing pondered thoughtfully.

"Just now, his True Qi was manifest, clearly showing he has broken through to the Qi Hai Realm."

"Hiss..."

Dong Jing inhaled sharply.

"A sixteen-year-old martial master of the Qi Hai Realm, this would be considered an extraordinary gift even among the noble families. Given time, his future might truly be boundless."

"In light of this, why not owe him a bigger favor? Complete the kindness thoroughly by taking care of the entire matter for him. Who knows, there may come a time when I need his assistance."