Comprehending Myriad Techniques as Woodcutter

The person who wants to see Yu Chunsheng fall from power the most... is the County Magistrate.

Hearing this, Xie Yuan was instantly lost in thought.

Yu Chunsheng started out here in Yunzhao County. He came from the Vajra Sect, one of the county’s major powers, and now holds the position of County Captain. His influence is actually immense, allowing him to handle many matters with ease.

’Has his influence grown so great that even the County Magistrate can no longer tolerate it?’

Seeing the look of dawning comprehension on Xie Yuan’s face, Shen Longteng chuckled.

"You’ve probably figured some of it out. This County Magistrate was transferred from another region and has no foundation in Yunzhao County. When he first took office several years ago, his understanding of the area was limited, so he had to rely on Yu Chunsheng for many things. The County Captain is supposed to assist the County Magistrate in managing government affairs, but the county government here—especially the government officials and constables—listens to practically no one but Yu Chunsheng. Any official with an ounce of competence would find that situation intolerable."

"The County Magistrate has privately expressed his dissatisfaction with Yu Chunsheng’s excessive power for some time, but Yu Chunsheng refuses to relinquish it. Although his position as County Captain isn’t high-ranking, his appointment comes from the prefecture. Therefore, without a concrete reason, the County Magistrate can’t really do anything to him."

Xie Yuan nodded.

"So that’s why the County Magistrate said nothing today and let Yu Chunsheng conduct the investigation himself. Because... the evidence isn’t conclusive enough?"

"That’s right. As long as there’s no direct evidence against Yu Chunsheng, he can distance himself from the situation, even if it were the Vajra Sect Leader, Xu Jie, colluding with bandits. If things go as expected, in three days the county government and the Vajra Sect will issue a joint notice declaring that Xiang Zhuo colluded with bandits of his own accord and has been expelled from the Vajra Sect. The matter will end there."

Xie Yuan sighed, a hint of regret in his voice.

"And here I thought we could deal them a serious blow this time. It’s a shame it’s all ending so hastily."

Shen Longteng roared with laughter and clapped Xie Yuan on the shoulder.

"No, this is already a great outcome! No matter how they try to spin it, Xiang Zhuo was a member of the Vajra Sect, and we still have two witnesses. This is now set in stone. The reputations of the Vajra Sect and Yu Chunsheng will hit rock bottom, and a great deal of pressure will be lifted from our shoulders. Xie Yuan, you did a fine job. Another meritorious deed."

The Escort Agency had been under considerable pressure after being framed for the murder of Landlord Chang. But with this incident, the Vajra Sect’s own hands are dirty. If they continue to shout about the Escort Agency killing for profit, their credibility will be greatly diminished.

Besides, after a stir like this, Yu Chunsheng is bound to be more subdued at the county office. He won’t dare to casually use the government’s power to target the Escort Agency.

The conflict between two major local powers is all-encompassing; even the war for public opinion is indispensable. After the battles on all fronts have been fought, the final contest of hard power—of real swords and real spears—will begin.

Xie Yuan nodded slightly. Recalling that Shen Longteng had just mentioned the County Magistrate "privately" revealing his thoughts, he asked tentatively,

"Chief, you have a personal relationship with the County Magistrate?"

Shen Longteng smiled faintly.

"It’s not a personal relationship, really. Yu Chunsheng has the backing of the government. Even though no one in the Vajra Sect can match my strength, this isn’t a one-on-one duel in an arena. When he wants to make things difficult for the Escort Agency, I often find my hands are tied."

"However, the County Magistrate feels that the power of Yu Chunsheng and the Vajra Sect is already great enough, and he doesn’t want them to become the sole dominant force. So, whenever Yu Chunsheng uses the government’s authority to apply pressure, the County Magistrate deftly steps in to resolve the matter."

Xie Yuan had a sudden realization. So the Longteng Escort Agency had the County Magistrate backing them. No wonder the Escort Agency had managed to keep the Vajra Sect in check, despite them having a County Captain.

Shen Longteng sized up Xie Yuan, his expression full of praise.

"Xie Yuan, your skills are truly impressive! You completed this mission reliably and even finished off Xiang Zhuo. That Xiang Zhuo broke through to the Third Training many years ago; his cultivation was nothing to scoff at. Killing him is an absolute, heavy blow to the Vajra Sect."

"Now that we’ve completely torn away all pretenses with them, I was inclined to use drastic measures, but I’m hesitant. For one, they have the County Captain’s status to hold over us. For another, Xu Mo’s son is still in their hands..."

As Shen Longteng spoke, his expression darkened.

Xie Yuan was a bit confused. He hadn’t been there at the time, and he hadn’t heard anyone speak of it later. Back then, he wasn’t yet an escort leader, so he couldn’t have been involved in such things.

But now Xie Yuan’s status was different. He had performed one great service after another, proving his reliability. So Shen Longteng explained the whole story of Xu Mo’s affair to him.

After listening, Xie Yuan heaved a long sigh. ’So that’s how Xu Mo came to betray the Escort Agency...’

’He had done wrong and caused the deaths of so many of his own people. The sin was his, and it was right that he atone for it with his life. But at the root of it all were Yu Chunsheng and the Vajra Sect, with their unscrupulous and vicious methods. Another debt was added to the blood feud.’

Xie Yuan snorted coldly.

"The Vajra Sect must be wiped out, and I will kill Yu Chunsheng with my own hands!"

"Chief, Xu the Head of the Escort’s son..."

"I’ll risk this old life of mine to save him."

Shen Longteng said in a grave voice.

「Three days later.」

Just as Shen Longteng had predicted, the results of Yu Chunsheng’s investigation were released: "Xiang Zhuo acted behind the Vajra Sect’s back, colluding with mountain bandits for his own profit. This matter is unrelated to the Vajra Sect."

Even so, the people of Yunzhao County were abuzz with gossip. They began to view Yu Chunsheng and the Vajra Sect with suspicion, putting them under even greater pressure than what the Longteng Escort Agency had previously endured.

After all, a wealthy man like Landlord Chang was of little concern to most commoners. A County Captain colluding with bandits, however, was a threat to everyone’s safety.

Yu Chunsheng had been on the verge of complete exposure. Under the watchful eye of the County Magistrate, he had no choice but to lie low for a while, not daring to devise any more schemes to harass the Escort Agency.

The pressure on the Escort Agency eased significantly. The Darts Masters had an easier time on their jobs, and business began to flow more smoothly.

As for Xie Yuan, this incident allowed him to completely win over the Escort Team with his strength. The older members, led by Niu Dachun, were now much more deferential. He had finally, truly become the leader of this Escort Team.