Twenty-six

Duan Mingyu took two deep breaths and asked, "Master, why is this not feasible?"

Yang Yanguang replied, "You have reached the age of eighteen, have you not?"

"Just this year."

Yang Yanguang sighed, "Martial arts practice relies on one's innate constitution. At your age, you have already missed the golden opportunity to begin. To force it now would likely do more harm than good."

Duan Mingyu instantly wilted like a deflated balloon, his head drooping. My life is over!

Yang Yanguang extended his calloused right hand. "Give me your hand."

Duan Mingyu stepped back and gritted his teeth. "I would rather die than sell my chastity."

Yang Yanguang lowered his head, smiling silently. "A poor constitution prevents one from practicing internal martial arts, but it does not hinder the practice of external styles. I only wish to examine your physique so I can prescribe the right training and teach you suitable techniques."

Duan Mingyu’s eyes lit up. "Many thanks, Master Yang, for your generosity!" He then resolutely extended a hand. "Please, sir, feel free to abuse me as you see fit!"

Yang Yanguang: "..."

As Yang Yanguang felt Duan Mingyu’s pulse, a tempest surged within his heart. His expression flickered between doubt and realization. The pulse was powerful and steady, and the underlying constitution was exceptional, seemingly unaffected by his age. His dantian was deep as an abyss—it was clearly the mark of a master who had spent years in rigorous cultivation.

After a long moment of shock, Yang Yanguang asked, "Have you practiced internal arts before?"

Duan Mingyu was bewildered. "What? Internal arts? No, never! Never in my life!"

Yang Yanguang pondered for a moment, then suddenly slapped the table and stood up. "A brilliant method, a daring spirit! To actually destroy years of cultivation to clear the major meridians, reshape the constitution, and transfer decades of power... Mingyu, you have been blessed by a noble benefactor."

Following this cryptic guidance, Duan Mingyu cried out, "Right, right! I remember now! A monk once gave me thirty years of cultivation. I never thought it was real, but I could never figure out where that power had gone!"

Yang Yanguang said, "That is simply because you didn't know how to use it. It seems you have bypassed the most arduous stage. Now, you need only learn to control it to become a formidable master of this age. Anyone under forty who has practiced since childhood will be no match for you."

Duan Mingyu shrieked, "Wow! That’s awesome!"

Yang Yanguang suddenly grew serious. "Mingyu, once you practice martial arts, remember never to kill the innocent, never to bully the defenseless, and never to commit evil or cause chaos in the world. I see that you are not a villain and possess a righteous character. I am willing to teach you."

Duan Mingyu bowed respectfully. "Thank you, Master. I will take your words to heart!"

"Good. Stay tonight. I will teach you the methods of breathing and energy circulation. After tonight, you will have a glimpse of the path. With diligent practice, it won't be long before you can control it at will."

"You’ve got to be kidding me, an all-nighter?"

The next day, the door to Yang Yanguang’s room remained shut. After Xu Zuye woke up and opened his door, Yang Zhaoniang did the same, and both stretched simultaneously.

Just then, the unexpected happened.

Yang Yanguang’s door flew off its hinges with a loud "bang."

A figure leaped out, laughing heartily, "Hahaha! I did it! I finally succeeded!"

It was Duan Mingyu, who had spent the entire night in grueling practice.

Xu Zuye and Yang Zhaoniang stared at each other. "Is he going to defy the heavens?"

Yang Yanguang felt a sense of relief. Not only was Duan Mingyu’s constitution excellent, but his comprehension was top-tier. In one night, he had mastered far more than expected. Though pleased, Yang Yanguang felt a pang of bitterness: "My door!"

"Newly appointed Deputy Chief Constable of the Prefecture, Duan Mingyu, reporting for duty. Awaiting your instructions, sir!"

Cheng Zhiyuan smiled slightly and set down his documents. "My brother is truly an outstanding talent. Although I am known for my elegance and for being invincible throughout Bian Prefecture, you look even sharper in this constable’s uniform. Look at this headscarf, leather belt, boots, and matching Tang sword—you look spirited indeed! Chief Constable Xing, wouldn't you agree?"

Xing Datou lowered his head, his ears twitching as he struggled to bite his tongue. "If the Magistrate says he looks spirited, then he is surely spirited."

Duan Mingyu said, "Forget it, it’s not like I don't know you, but... am I really that handsome?"

"You really are that handsome!" Cheng Zhiyuan nodded firmly. To get this kid to investigate the case, what does it matter if I tell a few white lies? This is called enduring humiliation for a greater cause. I must endure!

Duan Mingyu adjusted his headscarf with satisfaction, then suddenly tossed aside the Tang sword. "This sword won't do; it’s not flashy enough. Can I use that great halberd standing by the gate?"

Cheng Zhiyuan felt a sting of pain. "That... technically, it is not allowed. But since you asked, brother, take it. Just remember to return it after your shift." Seeing Duan Mingyu’s expression darken, Cheng Zhiyuan quickly changed his tune. Fine, you’re the boss now!

Duan Mingyu grabbed the halberd. It was heavy—a hundred pounds or so. Now that he could use his internal energy, this weight was nothing to him.

He shouldered the halberd and strode toward Cheng Zhiyuan. "Sorry, just borrowing it. I promise to return it by the end of the shift."

"Yes, yes, whatever you say. Chief Constable Xing, arrange a few men to accompany my brother to the residence of Mr. Wan to carry out official duties," Cheng Zhiyuan said helplessly.

"Understood! Zhang San, Li Si!" Xing Datou’s massive frame shook as he called out.

"What are your orders, Chief?" Zhang San and Li Si appeared from nowhere and hurried over.

Xing Datou walked up to them, his belly wobbling. "From today on, you two will follow Deputy Chief Duan and serve him well. Understood?"

Zhang San and Li Si exchanged glances. It’s over! Heaven is destroying us! The memory of them digging a pit in front of Xu Zuye’s house to bury Duan Mingyu played clearly in their minds. Although they had assumed he was unconscious at the time, those two ghostly cries they heard haunted them. Yet, they dared not speak of it, forced to swallow their bitter pills and bow in agreement.

Duan Mingyu had seen these two lackeys when he last visited the office. Though he knew the truth, he also had his own reasons for staying silent—revealing it might expose the secret of his transmigration. He pretended to be ignorant and said, "You two, lead the way!"

Seeing Duan Mingyu’s nonchalant attitude, a heavy stone in Zhang San’s heart finally dropped. "Young Master Duan, after you!"

Duan Mingyu, carrying the great halberd, swaggered out of the office.

"That menace, he’s finally quieted down!" Cheng Zhiyuan slumped to the floor, drawing stares from everyone in the office.

"What are you looking at? Get back to work!" Xing Datou barked. As he watched Duan Mingyu’s retreating figure, his eyes turned slightly cold.