I Can Strengthen Everything

"However, one thing is certain: there is definitely an Evil Cult causing trouble within Black Mountain County. It’s just that we are short-staffed and know very little. I have no solid leads at the moment."

"Is that so..."

Hearing this from Yang Wanli, Fang Xing gave a slight nod.

Yang Wanli looked at him and said, "My Lord, Lord Lin might know more about the Evil Cult. He has been personally overseeing the investigation, so I’ve been mostly unable to get involved."

"Lord Lin..."

"Heh."

Hearing Yang Wanli’s words, Fang Xing sneered inwardly.

’Personally overseeing it... what a convenient excuse!’

This was like a thief crying "Thief!"

’It would be a miracle if he actually found anything.’

"Do you think there’s anything wrong with that?" Fang Xing asked Yang Wanli, his expression unreadable.

Yang Wanli thought for a moment, then said, "As things stand, your subordinate sees no issue. Lord Lin is in charge of the specifics, so you would have to ask him."

"I was unaware of Your Lordship’s arrival and failed to welcome you from afar! Forgive me, forgive me!" Just then, a figure strode quickly into the main hall. Fang Xing’s gaze fell upon him.

He was a middle-aged man of about forty, with a dignified appearance, dressed in brocade clothing, and possessing a Cultivation at Neutralizing Force Perfection.

The County Magistrate of Black Mountain County, Lin Xiong!

The moment Fang Xing saw the man, information about him surfaced in his mind.

’The bait has appeared!’

"You seem very busy, Lord Lin," Fang Xing said coolly.

Hearing this, a slight change crossed Lin Xiong’s face. He stepped forward with a smile. "Please forgive me, My Lord. I was just out on patrol and was unaware of your arrival."

"Sit," Fang Xing said, taking charge as if he were the master of the house.

Lin Xiong dared not show the slightest displeasure and immediately sat down.

"We were just talking about it. Lord Lin, what do you know of the Evil Cult situation in Black Mountain County?"

Fang Xing looked at Lin Xiong and asked nonchalantly.

At these words, Lin Xiong’s pupils couldn’t help but contract, but his expression remained perfectly calm. He smiled and said, "My Lord, there are indeed traces of an Evil Cult in Black Mountain County. I have investigated, but there has been no significant progress so far. The Evil Cult is hidden very deep."

"Oh? Is that so?"

A hint of "surprise" appeared on Fang Xing’s face.

Lin Xiong nodded without batting an eye. "My Lord, I am pursuing the investigation vigorously. If there is any news, I will report it at once."

Fang Xing nodded lightly, picked up the teacup from the table, blew on it, and took a sip. "As it happens, I know a little something about this Evil Cult. It seems this Black Death Sect is hiding in Qingshan County. And what’s more, it seems someone is colluding with the Evil Cult, conspiring to murder for profit."

Hearing this, the corner of Lin Xiong’s eye twitched slightly. He smiled and said, "My Lord, I have also received news regarding this matter. However, we haven’t been able to lock down a target yet. We will need some time. I ask that Your Lordship grant me some time."

"Time? Of course, that’s not a problem."

Fang Xing nodded with a radiant smile.

Lin Xiong looked at him and cupped his hands. "Thank you, My Lord. However, I have one more question. How many people from the Observatory have come this time?"

"I came to investigate by myself. It’s just me," Fang Xing said.

"Just one person..." A glint flashed in Lin Xiong’s eyes. He then smiled and said, "In that case, please rest assured, My Lord. In one day’s time, I will certainly give you a satisfactory answer."

"You can clear up the investigation in just one day, Lord Lin?"

Fang Xing looked at Lin Xiong with an expression of "amazement."

Lin Xiong nodded. "Please rest assured, My Lord. We already have some clues. Another day should be enough."

"Then I shall await your good news," Fang Xing said with a smile.

As he spoke, he "inadvertently" released a sliver of his aura.

Lin Xiong’s expression tightened for a moment, but he quickly smiled again. "Rest assured, My Lord. I will definitely give you a satisfactory answer."

Fang Xing then stood up and looked at Lin Xiong. "Well then, I won’t disturb you any longer."

With that, Fang Xing started to walk out of the hall.

Seeing this, Lin Xiong immediately stood up and said, "My Lord, this is your first time in Black Mountain County. The Post Station must be uncomfortable. Why don’t you move to my humble residence to await the news?"

’This bait is quite enthusiastic...’

Hearing this, Fang Xing smiled to himself, but his expression remained unchanged. He looked at Lin Xiong. "If I go, won’t I be a bother?"

Lin Xiong smiled. "Not at all, not at all. I have a quiet courtyard house. It will be a perfectly fine place for you to rest, My Lord. And this way, it will be more convenient for me to report to you."

Fang Xing pretended to think for a moment before saying, "Very well. I’ll leave it to your arrangements."

"This way, My Lord!" Lin Xiong immediately stepped forward with a smile.

Fang Xing strode briskly out of the hall. Seeing this, Yang Wanli also rose to his feet and saw Fang Xing off.

...

After leaving the County Yamen, it wasn’t long before Lin Xiong led Fang Xing to the gate of a quiet courtyard house.

"My Lord, what do you think of this place?" Lin Xiong asked with a beaming smile.

Fang Xing nodded. "It’s acceptable. I’m not picky about where I stay."

With that, Fang Xing walked into the courtyard. Lin Xiong followed close behind. After a brief look around, Fang Xing turned to Lin Xiong. "Lord Lin, I’ll be counting on you. If you can eliminate a few of the Evil Cult members, I will not disappoint you."

"You are too kind, My Lord. Cooperating with your investigation is my duty."

"Please rest here for now, My Lord. I have arranged for men to stand guard at the gate. If you need anything, you only need to call."

Lin Xiong said with a respectful expression.

Fang Xing nodded lightly. "Mm, I understand. You may go about your business, Lord Lin. I am also a bit tired and will rest for a while."

Lin Xiong cupped his hands in a salute, bowed, and then turned to leave.

Watching Lin Xiong’s departing back, the smile on Fang Xing’s face vanished instantly, replaced by an icy glint in his eyes.

’I hope this bait brings in a decent catch...’

The thought flashed through Fang Xing’s mind as he stepped into the house.