Chương 63: Before Departure

Rage... Fury... And just a tiny bit of excitement... In the past, Fang Cheng would have lost control completely. But after reaching the Fifth Level, he could manage his emotions better and had stronger command over the demon sword. He suppressed his anger and excitement, steadied his breathing, and withdrew the demon sword. He asked Squad Leader Zhang for the details. Squad Leader Zhang replied, "I was patrolling the city gate today as usual when I spotted a suspicious guy.

With my sharp eyes, I could tell right away he was no good. But you told us, Brother Fang, to smile at everyone coming to White Flower City and never use violence. So I pretended not to notice and let him in. Hmph. He thought he got away with it. But with my sharp eyes, I followed him from a distance, all the way to a secluded alley, where I saw him secretly pasting this portrait. He knew how to pick his spots, hiding in corners where no one would see him, secretly posting a wanted notice.

No, it was a rumor-spreading flyer. With my sharp eyes, I could tell it was all slander! So I went up and beat him until he cried for his parents. He is locked up in the Yamen's prison now, waiting for you to question him, Brother Fang."

"Haha. Good work." Fang Cheng patted Squad Leader Zhang's shoulder with approval.

"No need to question him. He is just a lackey. The real mastermind is Hu Tong, the City God of Dongyang City. I will settle accounts with him." Squad Leader Zhang nodded.

"Exactly. He is just an errand boy. When I was beating him, he begged for mercy and said someone from Shuili City hired him to spread rumors. They have people posting flyers in White Flower City and the surrounding cities too." Fang Cheng frowned.

"How did the people react to the flyers?" Squad Leader Zhang replied, "This guy only managed to post one before I caught him. The people of White Flower City have not seen them yet. But I think he is not the only one. There must be others sneaking in to post flyers. So I have sent my brothers to patrol the city and catch them all. Brother Fang, you do not need to worry. The people trust you. You are the most beloved City God.

You have given everything for White Flower City, providing benefits and welfare for everyone. They all see it. If anyone dares to distribute such flyers in public, the people of White Flower City will be outraged and beat them to a pulp. Our great City God will not be slandered by such lowlifes!"

"Haha. Well said." Fang Cheng patted Squad Leader Zhang's shoulder again, pleased.

"Rumors stop with the wise. The people of White Flower City are all smart. They will not believe these rumors. But if you find any citizen who has lost their mind, send them to Li Shuyan. He will help them regain their intelligence."

"Got it, Brother Fang. I will get on it." Squad Leader Zhang agreed, then asked, "What should we do with the guy in prison?" Fang Cheng thought for a moment.

"Take him to the wasteland outside the city, put a collar around his neck, and have him plow the fields like an ox. That will give our old ox and donkey a rest. Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more. The same goes for any future criminals. They cannot just sit in prison eating for free. They need to reflect on their mistakes through labor. But make sure to keep an eye on them. Do not let them escape." Squad Leader Zhang clasped his hands.

"Don't worry, Brother Fang. White Flower City has marshes to the west and the sea to the east and south. It is a natural prison. No one can escape."

"Right." Fang Cheng nodded approvingly. Then he remembered something and warned Squad Leader Zhang, "As the captain of the city patrol, you should not read trashy novels like The Abai Detective Files anymore. Read something more positive. Spread truth, goodness, and beauty to the people."

"Huh, Brother Fang, how did you know I was reading Abai?" Squad Leader Zhang was surprised.

"Obviously. You keep saying 'with my sharp eyes.' That is the spirit bird Abai's catchphrase." Fang Cheng rolled his eyes. Squad Leader Zhang scratched his head sheepishly and explained, "I cannot help it. The Abai Detective Files is so addictive. Especially the spirit bird Abai. Nothing escapes its sharp eyes. If only I had eyes like that."

"Enough, enough. Stop your nonsense." Fang Cheng waved his hand and urged him to get to work. Squad Leader Zhang left. Fang Cheng burned the wanted poster, then turned back to Xu Yongchang.

"Old Xu, as you can see, I do not have time for you right now. I am about to leave White Flower City for Shuili City and Dongyang City to clear my name. You can go to the Everlasting Mountains to see your old friend on your own. I will not be joining you."

"No. Who asked you to join? Cough, cough, cough..." Old Xu choked on his pipe smoke. He knew this kid's words could not be trusted. He talked about truth, goodness, and beauty, about keeping promises, but he was sneaky behind the scenes. With Fang Cheng's Heavenly Eye, it would not be hard for him to track Old Xu. But for now, Hu Tong was the main problem. Old Xu could wait. He was not going anywhere.

"It is settled, then. You clear the road through the Everlasting Mountains for me. I will not hold your past misdeeds against you. We will call a temporary truce." Fang Cheng left those words and turned away, not waiting for Old Xu's agreement. He left Harmony Wine Shop, flew back to the City God Temple, and wrote a letter to his superior, Pei Tang. He said Hu Tong had gone too far by sending people to spread rumors everywhere. The impact was severe and threatened the people's safety.

He asked for permission to punish this unforgivable criminal. He placed the letter in a flying sword and sent it off. He waited for a long time, but no reply came.

"Pei Tang must have given his silent approval. Haha." Fang Cheng was delighted. But before leaving, he had some things to take care of. He went to the textile workshop and found Qin Hao. He told him he would be away for a while and that Old Xu was handling the Everlasting Mountains road. It would be ready soon. He also gave Qin Hao a portion of Immortal Crystals. White Flower City's textile industry was on track and did not need more investment for now.

He wanted Qin Hao to absorb the crystals and raise his cultivation level. After saying goodbye to Qin Hao, Fang Cheng found Li Shuyan and gave him the remaining Immortal Crystals from his storage ring. He told him to focus on his cultivation, but not to forget about education in White Flower City.

"Increasing literacy is one thing. But we also need to improve the people's moral character. Truth, goodness, and beauty. Understand?" Li Shuyan thought for a moment and asked, "Does this 'truth, goodness, and beauty' have a specific standard?" Fang Cheng pointed at himself.

"I am the standard. My thoughts are truth, goodness, and beauty. So everything I do is a good deed. Understand?"

"Oh. I understand." Li Shuyan nodded, a thoughtful expression on his face. After giving Li Shuyan his instructions, Fang Cheng went to the Yamen and found Li Sanshui. He told him about the flyers and asked him to coordinate with the magistrate of Greenwood City to capture the rumor-spreaders and clarify the truth to the people. Li Sanshui nodded in agreement, then said, "City God, the one behind this is definitely Hu Tong, the City God of Dongyang City. His evil deeds are well known. No one will believe his rumors.

However, Hu Tong's father-in-law is an elder of the Hall of Eternal Life. No one dares to oppose him." Fang Cheng knew Li Sanshui was about to chicken out again. He slapped him twice and warned, "Just follow my orders. As for Hu Tong, no matter how strong his backing is, it cannot stand against the justice in my heart!" As he said this, his blood surged with passion. The demon sword appeared from between his legs, its blade humming with killing intent.