Xiao Yanliâs tone was still fairly polite and euphemistic, carrying a hint of negotiation.
But in fact, given his status and background, when making such a request, who would dare not give face and refuse casually?
"Of course, itâs possible." Song Changming didnât hesitate and agreed directly.
If thereâs a need to demonstrate strength, then just show it openly.
He never intended to hide his own abilities.
"Good!" Xiao Yanli appreciated Song Changmingâs confidence, and pointed out one person among the sparring household generals.
This personâs physique was like a tiger or wolf, with robust muscles, wielding a broad and thick saber, his eyes cold, staring at Song Changming.
He didnât seem to underestimate Song Changming because of his young age.
"Xiao Shengping."
"Song Changming."
Sparring isnât about life or death, so before starting, both were rather courteous. After standing firmly, they clasped hands as a sign that the spar began.
The household generalâs saber weighed at least several dozen pounds, with a blade length exceeding one meter and fifty centimeters, swung with one hand, creating a whirlwind, full of intimidation.
Song Changming watched the approaching opponent with long strides, drew his long blade, and also stepped forward towards him.
The household general shouted, swung the saber, and cut down heavily.
A storm swept, and this slash was as powerful as if weighing a thousand pounds!
The other household generals thought Song Changming would choose to avoid the edge, yet Song Changming neither dodged nor retreated, instead raised his blade to strike upwards.
A dull thud was heard, with the Qi vortex scattering everywhere.
Song Changming not only parried the opponentâs saber but even forced the opponentâs upper body to tilt backward with stronger force, the saber forcibly flung aside.
The eyes of those household generals revealed expressions of astonishment.
Undoubtedly, this first clash was beyond their expectations because of Song Changming.
Song Changming then pressed forward with his blade, unveiling the sword momentum.
A gust of eerie wind wrapped around the blade, enveloping towards the opponent together.
"Indeed, itâs the martial arts of the Ghost Blade Faction, and it has reached the Perfection Realm!" Xiao Yanli sipped tea handed over by a maid, eyes shining, nodding his approval.
"This person should have had no previous interactions with the Ghost Blade Sect." At this moment, an old servant Xiao Gu spoke up.
"Naturally, his Light Body Skill does not originate from the Ghost Blade Faction; heâs just a vagabond martial artist who learns whatever martial arts are available," Xiao Yanli casually said.
He clearly understood that low-born martial artists often didnât get many choices; training with what they have is already considered fortunate.
"Additionally, his Bone Forging Skill might have reached the Third Realm. His Root Bone aptitude should be excellent, and to have mastered a Perfection Realm sword skill, his comprehension must be equally outstandingâa talent worth cultivating! Not bad!"
In the eyes of an expert, a brief performance was enough for Xiao Yanli to estimate Song Changmingâs general level of strength.
"Shengping is completely no match."
Before his words fell, they had already exchanged ten strikes in the field. That seemingly ferocious household general was being driven back by Song Changming.
Under Song Changmingâs impenetrable attack and defense, this household general couldnât form a single effective counterattack.
He was completely suppressed; after twenty attacks, with the eerie wind sweeping past, the tip of Song Changmingâs long blade had already reached the household generalâs throat.
Subsequently, Song Changming stepped back, slid the blade back into its sheath.
"My thanks for this bout."
The household generalâs face couldnât hold it together, such a humiliating defeat, especially in front of the Third Young Master, would most likely greatly lower his impression score.
But he was helpless; against Song Changming, he truly stood no chance at all.
He even vaguely sensed that Song Changming showed restraint, not using his full strength.
If it were a real life-and-death battle, he feared he wouldnât have lasted even those twenty strikes.
"Song Guard Captain truly didnât let me down." Beside them, Xiao Yanli put down the teacup, clapped his hands with a smile towards Song Changming.
"It was just a spar, slightly better, thatâs all," Song Changming clasped his hands and replied.
"With such strength, if Song Guard Captain is still serving at the Houli Street Patrol Armor Bureau, it feels somewhat wasted. In my opinion, the General Department there is urgently in need of talents like Song Guard Captain. I wonder if you would consider going there..."
Xiao Yanli had already made up his mind, so he spoke directly without any suspense.
He had already taken a liking to Song Changming, intending to promote him to be a Patrol Captain at the Public Security Bureau.
Song Changming felt a stir in his heart; although still the role of Patrol Captain, being in the General Department meant a promotion for him.
If he continued to stay in the Houli Street Patrol Armor Bureau, he would have effectively reached the peak in his current position unless Liang Chuan Mountain moved.
Trees die when they stay put, people thrive when they move.
Having a chance to work at the General Department is what all the Patrol Captains in the city dream of.
Before coming, Liang Chuan Mountain had once advised him that if he could gain the favor of the Third Young Master, it would be a great opportunity for him, one he must seize and not miss.
This was also an additional benefit brought about by apprehending the Night Traveler, a benefit others did not have.
However, correspondingly, if Song Changming accepted Xiao Yanliâs invitation, he would formally align with him, just like when he chose to join Liang Chuan Mountainâs Patrol Guard among the six Patrol Captains at the Patrol Armor Bureau.
United in glory, united in loss.
Liang Chuan Mountain successfully became Director, and his position in the Patrol Armor Bureau naturally followed suit and improved.
Had Liang Chuan Mountain failed to become Director, his situation in the Patrol Armor Bureau wouldnât be as favorable as it was now.
Whether to accept Xiao Yanliâs invitation now is a similar reasoning.
However, unlike before, this time Song Changming essentially has no choice.
Presented before him, apart from aligning with Xiao Yanli, there were no other options.
He definitely wanted to go to the General Department and not limit himself to just being influential in the Houli Street district.
"Even if you havenât made up your mind today, itâs no problem; you can come to me another day to discuss. My door is always open to you." Xiao Yanli smiled, showing no sign of coercion; his tone carried a genuine sincerity.
Ordinarily, for any Patrol Captain in the city, there wouldnât be much hesitation with this offer.
Why not take the opportunity to develop at the General Department and have Xiao Yanli as a backing? Itâs a win-win.
Just then, a servant came quickly.
"Master, the Fourth Miss is here," the servant reported in a low voice.
"Hmm?" Xiao Yanli was a bit surprised, turned to look.
A woman clad in a hundred-flower patterned dress with gold and jade ornaments on her head approached slowly, followed by two skilled and lovely white-dressed maids behind her.
Upon the Fourth Missâ arrival, Song Changming noticed she glanced at him first.
In his memory, he had never met this Fourth Miss of the Xiao family, but she seemed to pay attention to him.
The two maids accompanying the Fourth Miss frequently observed him as well.
"Today is indeed an event; how come you have the interest to visit Third Brother?" Xiao Yanli smiled brightly, his tone gentle like a soft breeze.
"Third Brother, if I didnât come today, you would quietly take away the person I want," Xiao Shuyun expressed a bit of displeasure.
"Oh? The person you want?" Xiao Yanli quickly caught on, then asked.
"Little Sister, are you referring to Song Guard Captain?"
...