Chapter 97 - 79: Such a Cushy Job

"Even Yan Jian might not be able to defeat her. Forget Yan Jian—even the talented disciples from the Shen Family’s branch families might not be a match for her."

Praised by Shen Qingshuang, Xiaoxing’s heart swelled with joy, and a smile spread across her face.

"Miss, I’m not nearly as amazing as you say."

Shen Qingshuang chuckled and said, "Chen Cheng is no outsider, so why be so modest? How about this: you and Chen Cheng can spar for a few moves. It’s a good chance to show off your Martial Arts Power."

"As you command!" Xiaoxing, who had been eager for a chance, quickly agreed. She walked to the center of the courtyard, came to a stop, and looked at Chen Cheng with a smile. "Chief Constable Chen, why don’t we exchange a few moves?"

’To be honest, if I could go all out and spar with a Martial Artist at Skin Grinding Realm Perfection with Sword Technique Perfection, I would jump at the chance.’

’But I can’t expose my true Martial Arts Power. This spar would force me to hold back, which would be incredibly frustrating.’

"What’s wrong? Did Chief Constable Chen defeat the South City Thirteen Thieves only to be afraid of a mere handmaiden like me?"

Xiaoxing smiled when she saw Chen Cheng hesitate.

Although she was a handmaiden, she was pretty and charming. Having cultivated the Martial Dao alongside Shen Qingshuang since childhood, she had a slender and agile figure, not the least bit inferior to the young ladies of the great families in the Outer City.

Moreover, she had a proud personality, and ordinary talented young men couldn’t catch her eye.

’This eighteen-year-old Junior Constable before me might not match my Martial Arts Power, but he’s handsome and sincere. He’s also highly regarded by my Miss, a fine young man indeed, and one of the few who has captured my heart at first sight.’

’With such a great opportunity, I naturally have to put on a good performance.’

"It would be rude to refuse." Chen Cheng agreed readily and stepped forward with his saber.

’Even though I can’t reveal my true Martial Arts Power, there’s no harm in witnessing the combat prowess of a Martial Artist at Skin Grinding Realm Perfection with Sword Technique Perfection.’

"Chief Constable Chen, be careful!"

With her longsword in hand, Xiaoxing’s entire demeanor changed as she lunged at Chen Cheng with a single sword strike.

Her Body Technique was swift and agile, and her Sword Technique was exquisitely precise—it was unmistakably a Perfect Level Sword Skill.

Chen Cheng’s eyes narrowed. He could see that Xiaoxing was putting her full power into this first move, not holding back in the slightest. He knew he had no confidence in blocking it with just his Great Success Level Saber Technique.

’This girl is really something else. She has no tact at all. Forget it, this spar is a bust!’

Sighing inwardly, Chen Cheng remained completely still.

Xiaoxing’s longsword flashed forward, stopping just short of Chen Cheng before she instantly retracted it.

"Chief Constable Chen, why didn’t you make a move?" she asked, feigning ignorance.

Chen Cheng cupped his hands and replied honestly, "Miss Xiaoqing’s swordsmanship is exquisite. With my Great Success Level Saber Technique, I couldn’t have blocked even a single one of your moves."

There was nothing wrong with this statement; he had specified his Great Success Level Saber Technique. If he were to counter with his Perfect Level Saber Technique, the outcome would be anyone’s guess.

Naturally, Xiaoxing didn’t catch the hidden meaning in his words. She just thought Chen Cheng knew his own limits.

She chuckled and said, "It’s quite rare for a Chief Constable to have such keen perception. I’m sure you will achieve Saber Technique Perfection before long."

"That’s enough." Seeing that Xiaoxing had displayed her strength and convinced Chen Cheng of it, Shen Qingshuang raised a hand. She then addressed Chen Cheng, "Chen Cheng, you have been promoted to Preparatory Chief Constable. Your salary and benefits will be the same as a full Chief Constable. You will wear the black, cloud-patterned uniform of a Chief Constable, and your monthly salary will be ten taels of silver.

In a little while, you can go to the Government Office to collect your Chief Constable uniform and waist token.

There are no squad vacancies in the Ruyi Square Sub-Department, so for now, you won’t be leading any constables... Hmm... No, not having any constables under you won’t do. How about this: pick one of the Preparatory Constables to be your subordinate. That way, someone can find you when you’re needed.

As for the rest of your time, you’ll be like the other Chief Constables. After the daily morning roll call, you are free to manage your own time.

If a matter arises, I will send someone to find you.

Also, since you won’t be leading a squad, you must be on standby at all times and cannot stray too far from the Ruyi Square Sub-Department. If any of the other squads’ constables need support, you may assist them at your discretion."

As much freedom as the other Chief Constables, but without the responsibility of leading a squad—it was truly a cushy assignment. Chen Cheng’s eyes lit up. He quickly cupped his hands and said, "Your subordinate obeys!"

"Mm." Shen Qingshuang gave a slight nod, then waved her hand dismissively. "You may go. After you’ve chosen your Preparatory Constable, just have him come and report to me."

After Chen Cheng departed cheerfully, Xiaoxing said with a smile, "Miss, you’re being a little too good to Chen Cheng."

"Chen Cheng’s talent for the Martial Dao is exceptional. If he continues to cultivate diligently, his future accomplishments will be no less than Yan Jian’s."

Shen Qingshuang said lightly, then gave Xiaoxing a meaningful look. "If you were to choose a husband, would you pick Yan Jian or Chen Cheng?"

"Ah..." Xiaoxing’s face flushed slightly. She pondered for a long time before finally saying, "I will listen to whatever Miss says."

Shen Qingshuang snorted. "Tell me the truth."

Xiaoxing thought it over carefully once more before saying softly, "Chen Cheng’s Martial Arts Power is weaker, but he’s a sincere person and should be completely loyal to you, Miss. Plus, he is well-liked by his colleagues in the City Guard Department.

Yan Jian’s Martial Arts Power is greater, and he is also devotedly loyal to you, Miss, but he isn’t very popular among the other Chief Constables and constables."

Shen Qingshuang smiled faintly. "I understand what’s in your heart now."