The Overlord of Puluo

Tang Shijiang controlled the screws, dumping a full carload of grain beside the tracks. He then emptied the rest of the train, unloading the remaining grain, coal, clothing, medicine, and assorted goods.

Once everything had been unloaded, Brother Tang flicked his hand. Two rivets flew out of the locomotive and slipped into his coat.

Those two rivets had caused the train to run out of control. Once they were removed, the train slowed, allowing Tang Shijiang and Li Banfeng to jump off together.

As they walked, Li Banfeng took a careful look at the senior beside him. Everything about Tang Shijiang, from the way he spoke to the way he carried himself, made one thing perfectly clear. He was the land deity of Blackstone Slope.

Unlike the other land deities, Tang Shijiang showed no trace of ghostly fire. Even when Li Banfeng pushed Keen-Eyed Perception to its limit, he could not detect so much as the faintest flicker around him.

That meant Tang Shijie was not dead. His flesh-and-blood body was still intact.

Before long, they reached an abandoned factory. Tang Shijiang walked over to an old machine tool and picked up a parcel lying beside it.

Inside were two metal lunch tins. One held rice and the other held several dishes.

Tang Shijiang divided the rice and dishes between the two lunch tins, then handed one to Li Banfeng. "Hope you don't mind. Come share a meal with me."

Li Banfeng had once worked on construction sites, and for some reason, the sight of the lunchbox gave him a strange sense of familiarity.

There was only one pair of chopsticks, so Tang Shijiang gave them to Li Banfeng. He found two twigs for himself and used those instead.

As they ate, Tang Shijiang said, "Little Bro, those birdbrains from the Outer Provinces will probably keep this fight going for a while. We can't back down."

Li Banfeng nodded. "Brother Tang, as long as you don't back down, I will fight them to the end."

Tang Shijiang laughed. "You don't need to worry about me. I was born without a cowardly bone in my body!"

Old Mister Yao had said that Blackstone Slope originally belonged to Grandpa Train, who later handed it over to his disciples.

This Brother Tang must be one of Grandpa Train's disciples, right? Li Banfeng thought.

The two of them happily finished the meal. Afterward, Tang Shijiang handed Li Banfeng a box of screws. "Here, brother. Take these. You may not practice the same cultivation path as I do, so you won't be able to use them the way I can, but they are still excellent concealed weapons."

Li Banfeng didn't actually need concealed weapons, but since Brother Tang had offered them, he couldn't refuse.

Brother Tang reminded, "Those birdbrains from the Outer Provinces must be like a pack of starving wolves by now. They will definitely try to take everything by force, and I expect that they will resort to a few dirty tricks as well. I am not worried about an open attack. The people of Blackstone Slope have guts, and if it comes to that, you must stay out of it. Whatever happens, don't interfere.

"It's the dirty tricks that worry me. You can dodge a spear coming straight at you, but it is very hard to guard against an arrow from the shadows. Keep your eyes open and be very careful."

***

Tang Shijiang had been quite right. Everyone in the Border Control Office, from the highest official to the lowest clerk, was as ravenous as a pack of starving wolves.

The canned food was gone, and so were the biscuits. Everyone had been waiting for that trainload of grain, but something happened to the train and not a single kernel made it back.

The next day, Cheng Mingke held an important meeting at the Border Control Office and delivered a speech in which he used the words “fear and in awe" more than nine times.

He wanted Puluo Province to be afraid and in awe of the Border Control Office. He wanted Puluo Province to be afraid and in awe of the Border Controller. Most importantly, he wanted them to be afraid and in awe of the Chief Border Controller.

Several people fainted from low blood sugar during the speech, which displeased Cheng Mingke greatly.

"We have only been in this meeting for five hours, and they already can't stay in their seats. This is clearly a matter of weak willpower."

His secretary, Tong Lingzhu, tried to explain. "Border Controller Cheng, many of them have barely eaten all day. They collapsed because their bodies couldn't take it..."

"Don't give me excuses! They should be asking themselves why they couldn't endure it. Look at the Deputy Border Controllers. Did any of them faint?"

Tong Lingzhu was quiet for a moment, then looked him in the eye. "That's because what little food we had left was given to the Deputy Border Controllers. Of course they didn't faint. They had eaten their fill."

Cheng Mingke stared at Tong Lingzhu in shock. Tong Lingzhu was attractive, capable, and had always been one of his most trusted secretaries. He had never expected her to challenge him so openly.

However, Tong Lingzhu had been holding back for a long time. This newly appointed Border Controller knew next to nothing about the situation at Blackstone Slope.

She only found out about Cheng Mingke's background today. He did not merely know nothing about Blackstone Slope. He barely understood Puluo Province itself.

This was his first posting in Puluo Province, yet he had simply taken the methods used in the Outer Provinces and tried to impose them on Blackstone Slope.

Cheng Mingke wanted to lose his temper. If this had happened in the Outer Provinces, he would have scolded the secretary until she no longer knew what to say. But this time, he kept quiet.

This was because Tong Lingzhu was looking straight at him. From years of experience, he knew it was better to stay calm when a subordinate met his eyes like that.

He turned away, picked up his teacup, and gazed calmly out the window as he always did.

Then he dismissed Tong Lingzhu. He could no longer keep her as his secretary and he decided that he would find an opportunity to transfer her elsewhere.

She was worried about running out of food and she was worried that Blackstone Slope might fall into chaos.

With so little judgment and so few ways to deal with a problem, she was clearly not suited for the job.

Furthermore, she refused to follow orders. No matter how capable or attractive someone was, a person like that could never be trusted with an important position.

Cheng Mingke immediately ordered Du Chaohui, the Border Controller in charge of logistics, to take a group out and buy grain.

His orders were clear. They were to bring the grain back by any means necessary. To make sure they succeeded, he sent two level-five cultivators with Du Chaohui.

The meaning of the order was obvious. Du Chaohui would have to force the locals to sell, or he would return empty-handed. However, forcing a sale in Blackstone Slope was easier said than done.

The rice shop owner called all his clerks together, armed them with whatever weapons they could find, and faced Du Chaohui outside the shop.

The difference between the two sides was enormous, both in cultivation and equipment. The men from the rice shop were no match for a Border Controller and his forces.

Even so, the owner showed no fear, and not one of his clerks backed down.

The onlookers crowded closer, all eyes fixed on the rice shop owner.

He called out to them, "My family has run this little shop here for decades, and we have all of you to thank for keeping us in business.

"Today, there isn't a grain of rice left in the shop, but these men insist on buying some anyway. They have forced an old man like me to put his life on the line.

"I have lived long enough, so even if I die right here today, I won't have lost out. All I ask is that everyone here bear witness. If anyone asks about this later, please tell them what really happened and say a fair word for me."

The crowd kept growing, and Du Chaohui felt more and more nervous. His men stepped forward to drive everyone away, but it did no good. No one paid any attention to their shouts.

With the situation on the verge of getting out of hand, one of the cultivators beside Du Chaohui spoke up. His name was Chen Yusheng, a level-five Martial Cultivator.

Chen Yusheng was a clever man, and he could see exactly how the situation was developing.

There was no hope of driving the crowd away now. The quickest way to end this was to take down the man at the center of it all, the rice shop owner.

The attack had to be subtle. He couldn't let the other side sense any of his movements.

It also had to be decisive. If the two sides became locked in a standoff, the crowd might join the fight, and then the situation would truly spiral out of control.

And the beating had to be vicious. Once the shopkeeper went down, Chen Yusheng intended to beat him half to death on the spot, so badly that he could not even cry out. That would frighten everyone else into submission.

Chen Yusheng crept up behind the rice shop owner without making so much as a whisper. His eyes narrowed.

Li Banfeng reached out from the side, caught Chen Yusheng by the hair, and shoved him flat onto the ground.

The attack had to be subtle, and subtle it certainly was. Chen Yusheng had not noticed a thing.

It also had to be decisive. The moment he went down, Li Banfeng started kicking him.

And the beating had to be vicious. On that point, Li Banfeng and Chen Yusheng were not quite in agreement as Li Banfeng used his feet instead of his hand.

The moment Li Banfeng made his move, the rice shop owner joined in. Then the onlookers piled in as well. They had been holding back for far too long.

Li Banfeng kicked Chen Yusheng. Chen Yusheng struggled to get up, only for Tang Shijiang to kick him straight back down.

Tang Shijiang lowered his voice. "Brother, didn't I tell you to stay out of this?"

Li Banfeng gave Chen Yusheng another kick. "I am not getting involved. I'm just standing here as an onlooker."

Tang Shijiang kicked him again. "Don't worry. They can handle this themselves."

The two men kicked far too hard. Chen Yusheng was barely breathing after the few kicks.

Meanwhile, Du Chaohui and his men were surrounded on all sides, and their situation was growing more dangerous by the moment.

There was still a Physique Cultivator beside Du Chaohui. The man stepped forward and easily shielded him from the crowd. "Let's see which one of you dares come any closer!"

Brother Tang walked over, forced the Physique Cultivator to the ground, and called to Li Banfeng. "Come on."

The two of them kicked the man while they talked.

"Brother, you should get going. Leave this to me."

"I will do what you say then."

Li Banfeng gave the Physique Cultivator two final kicks and left the rice shop.

***

By dusk, Du Chaohui returned to report to Cheng Mingke with a bruised and swollen face. He had still failed to buy any grain.

Cheng Mingke set his teacup down on the table. "What happened to the guards I sent with you?"

"They were all badly injured. They are being treated in the infirmary."

"Both level-five cultivators were injured? Then this was no ordinary dispute. Someone unusual is involved. Fu Botai's disappearance must have something to do with these people. Tear the place apart if you must, but find them!

"Gather every Dark Ability User in the Border Control Office. Any Deputy Border Controller who isn't out on assignment will lead a team. Go to the rice shop first, recover the grain, and bring back everyone working there.

"No one behaves this boldly without someone behind them. Question them thoroughly tonight. I want answers before morning. Anyone else who took part will be treated as an accomplice, whether they were involved from the beginning or joined later. Bring them all back to the Border Control Office."

Cheng Mingke finished giving his orders, only to find Du Chaohui still standing beside him with a stunned expression.

He frowned. "What are you waiting for? Get moving."

Du Chaohui hesitated. "Border Controller Cheng, aren't you coming?"

Cheng Mingke shot him a glare. Du Chaohui took the hint and hurried out of the office.

The sun was nearly below the horizon. Cheng Mingke stood by the window, gazing at the evening scenery with his usual air of perfect calm.

He lifted his teacup and took a small sip just as Tong Lingzhu pushed open the door and walked in.

Who had indulged her until she thought she could barge in without even knocking? Cheng Mingke frowned slightly. He did not turn around, but he could see her reflection in the glass.

Cheng Mingke turned around and set down his teacup, intending to use the opportunity to teach Tong Lingzhu a lesson.

Tong Lingzhu spoke before he could begin. "The Commissioner of the Border Control Office is here."

Cheng Mingke failed to set the cup down properly, and it slipped from his hand and fell to the floor. He did not even stop to pick it up before hurrying out to receive the commissioner.

Strange, Cheng Mingke thought. When did the commissioner arrive? Why didn't I receive any news about it beforehand?

Cheng Mingke had barely reached the door when Liao Zihui, the chubby commissioner, walked straight in with a warm smile.

Cheng Mingke quickly told Tong Lingzhu to make tea, but Liao Zihui waved and said, "Don't trouble yourself. I won't be staying long. Tong, go take care of your work. I have a few words to say to Mingke in private."

Once Tong Lingzhu had left the office, Liao Zihui settled onto the sofa. "Mingke, you've only just begun working in Puluo Province. I imagine there are still many things you haven't grown accustomed to."

There was more behind Liao Zihui's words than simple concern. After all the years Cheng Mingke had spent clawing his way up the ranks, he obviously heard it.

He hurried to explain. "Commissioner Liao, there has been a minor disturbance at Blackstone Slope, but I dealt with it promptly..."

Liao Zihui nodded. He already knew exactly how Cheng Mingke had handled the matter, though he gave no opinion on it.

"Mingke, you mustn't be too hasty when working in Puluo Province. I don't know whether you have read the newspapers lately, but rumors are spreading everywhere. People are linking us to the Jiangxiang Gang, and some have even gone so far as to connect us with human traffickers. It reflects very badly on us."

Cheng Mingke had prepared for this question. "Those claims are completely unfounded. We have always maintained a clear boundary between ourselves and the Jiangxiang Gang. I have already shut down the newspapers responsible for spreading such falsehoods."

Liao Zihui fell silent for a moment. "Mingke, you might be able to shut down every newspaper office at Blackstone Slope, but do you think you can shut down every newspaper in Puluo Province?"

Cheng Mingke considered his tone before answering. "Commissioner Liao, I believe these newspapers with no scruples should be dealt with severely."

Liao Zihui sighed. "You are still far too impatient. Here is what we will do. Get yourself ready and come with me to Greenwater City. I have some work there that I need your help with."

Cheng Mingke froze for a moment. "Wouldn't it be rather inappropriate for me to leave Blackstone Slope at a time like this?"

"Mingke, someone else has already been assigned to take over your work here in Blackstone City."

Cheng Mingke shook his head. "Commissioner Liao, I don't understand. Where exactly have I failed in my duties?"

Liao Zihui smiled. "This decision was made with your safety in mind as well. Your record says that you are a level-two Dark Ability User, but from what I understand, you only reached level one recently. Is that not so?"

Cheng Mingke's expression did not change. It was quite common for Border Controllers to exaggerate their level, and he neither confirmed nor denied the accusation.

Instead, he replied with perfect composure. "Combat strength and competence don't necessarily go hand in hand. I feel..."

"You feel?" The smile vanished from Liao Zihui's face, and his tone didn't feel as warm as before.

Cheng Mingke realized at once that he had chosen the wrong words. There were certain things one had to be careful about saying in front of the commissioner.

Liao Zihui asked, "Do you know just how powerful and tough Puluo Province really is?"

Cheng Mingke paused to choose his words more carefully. "In my opinion, they only appear tough and powerful on the surface. In reality..."

"That's enough!" Liao Zihui cut him off. "It doesn't matter if you don't understand how powerful and tough they are. What matters is that they must never realize it themselves. If you keep making trouble like this, they will soon figure it out."

Author's Note:

PS: Liao Zihui appeared previously during the fight between Lu Chunying and Lu Maoxian, where he brought the vicious fight to an end.