Chapter 89 - 76: Rising to Prominence
He addressed her as Miss Shen, not Lord Shen, a choice with subtle implications. His gaze was fiery, making no attempt to hide his adoration for Shen Qingshuang. It was a declaration of loyalty to the Shen Family that also hinted at his personal infatuation with her.
Shen Qingshuang seemed long accustomed to Yan Jian’s behavior. Her expression remained cold and unruffled as she gave a slight nod. "Very good," she said faintly.
Greatly encouraged, Yan Jian glanced at Chen Cheng, his tone shifting to the condescending one of an expert instructing a novice. "Chen Cheng, since you are also under Miss Shen’s patronage, you must practice your Cultivation diligently. You cannot be a burden to Miss Shen.
Since we have the opportunity today, I shall instruct you in a few Saber Techniques. How about it?"
’Chen Cheng could see it clearly now. This Yan Jian was just as Ding Mo had described—a lapdog of the Shen Family. He fawned over Shen Qingshuang endlessly while posturing like a grandmaster before the other constables. He even seemed to enjoy belittling and marginalizing others to make himself look "superior."’
Those who flatter their superiors will inevitably bully their subordinates, and those who make promises lightly cannot be trusted. Yan Jian was the living embodiment of these adages.
’Yan Jian’s character was contemptible, but Chen Cheng couldn’t be bothered to argue with him. After all, the man was the so-called expert Shen Qingshuang had assigned to protect him. There was no reason to make an enemy of him.’
With this in mind, Chen Cheng smiled humbly and replied:
"Thank you for your kind offer, Chief Yan, but I’m already exhausted from my battle with the South City Thirteen Thieves. On top of that, I’ve been working all night. I’m too tired to even think about touching a saber right now."
Yan Jian had offered to instruct Chen Cheng, but his real intention was to show off a few moves. He wanted Chen Cheng to witness the brilliance of his Swordsmanship, hoping to awe him into submission and make him admit his inferiority.
But since Chen Cheng refused to take the bait, there was nothing Yan Jian could do. He could only wave a dismissive hand, affecting the posture of a magnanimous expert. He let out a long sigh. "Very well, I won’t insist.
You got lucky taking down members of the South City Thirteen Thieves this time. You might not be so fortunate in the future. You’d best watch yourself."
When you don’t see eye to eye, even a single word is too many. Chen Cheng simply gave a faint smile, not bothering to engage with him further.
How could Shen Qingshuang fail to notice? While Chen Cheng and Yan Jian were polite on the surface, they clearly disliked each other and seemed to be subtly competing.
’In her eyes, both Chen Cheng and Yan Jian were Martial Dao prodigies she had personally recruited and cultivated. Their squaring off in her presence was like subordinates eagerly competing for their master’s favor.’
As their superior, Shen Qingshuang was naturally pleased to see this rivalry. A brilliant smile bloomed on her face. "Alright, you two have been busy all night and must be tired. Go home and get some rest.
Yan Jian, since you injured Ding Mo, the Zhou Family likely won’t make another move against Chen Cheng for the time being. You may return to Dongyue District. I’ll summon you when something comes up."
"As you command." Yan Jian bowed to Shen Qingshuang, his back bending to nearly a ninety-degree angle.
’We’re both under Miss Shen’s patronage. With Yan Jian acting so sycophantic, a simple, perfunctory bow from me would look bad.’
’This guy’s brown-nosing is making things ridiculously competitive!’ Sighing to himself, Chen Cheng also gave Shen Qingshuang a slight bow before striding out of the small courtyard.
Xiaoxing saw the two men out. Just as she was about to turn back, she saw Yan Jian take an exquisite hairpin from within his robes. It was inlaid with a vibrant, jade-green gemstone.
"I happened upon this hairpin not long ago. Miss Xiaoqing, your elegant disposition is a perfect match for its gemstone."
"Is this for me?" Xiaoxing’s eyes lit up with delight.
Yan Jian beamed. "A fine jewel for a fair lady. Of course it’s for you, Miss Xiaoqing. Please, don’t refuse."
Xiaoxing glanced back toward the courtyard. After a moment’s hesitation, she quietly accepted the hairpin.
"Thank you, Chief Yan. That’s very thoughtful of you."
Yan Jian flashed a charming, hearty smile. "My pleasure, my pleasure."
Seeing this, Chen Cheng quickened his pace. As he exited the garden path, he saw Liu Yunfeng standing at his office door, waving him over.
Chen Cheng nodded slightly and strode toward Liu Yunfeng’s office.
Once inside, Liu Yunfeng closed the door and chuckled. "Ah Cheng, you really did our Ruyi Square Sub-Department proud last night, cutting down two leaders of the South City Thirteen Thieves."
Chen Cheng smiled, then adopted a look of lingering fear. "An honor like that is far too dangerous. I’d rather not have too many more experiences like it."
"Mm, it’s good you’re aware of that, kid. That’s a good mindset." Liu Yunfeng nodded, then clapped Chen Cheng soundly on the shoulder. "I heard that the South City Thirteen Thieves and that assassin from the Wind and Rain Tower, Ding Mo, both came after you. I was really sweating for you."
Chen Cheng’s expression turned serious. "Thank you for your concern, Mr. Liu."
Liu Yunfeng said, "You’ve taken care of the South City Thirteen Thieves. As for the Wind and Rain Tower, they’re an underworld assassin organization from the Black Market. After failing and causing such a commotion this time, they’ll probably lay low for a while.
By the way, you just came from Lord Shen’s. I assume you know that Yan Jian is one of her subordinates now."
"Yes. If Yan Jian hadn’t stopped Ding Mo last night, I would have been in grave danger." Chen Cheng had been meaning to ask about him anyway. "What’s his story? How strong is his Martial Arts Power?"
Liu Yunfeng let out a long sigh. "Yan Jian is a Chief Constable in Dongyue District, here in the South City District. He comes from an ordinary gentry family.
Two years ago, when Lord Shen was serving as a Chief Constable in Dongyue District, she discovered his exceptional talent for the Martial Dao. She recruited him to serve the Shen Family and has been investing heavily in his training.
At only nineteen, Yan Jian had already reached Skin Grinding Realm Perfection and been promoted to Chief Constable. He’s made quite a name for himself throughout the entire South City District.
With the Shen Family’s patronage, he’s certain to break through to the Muscle Strengthening Realm in the future. When that happens, it’s a straight path to becoming the top Chief Constable, the number one authority in an entire district."