Three days can feel both long and short.

Having vented his anger, Li Ming was in a great mood.

I've been staying at home, exploring the Qi cultivation method called "Yi Mu Zhen Gong".

The Zhao family didn't cause him any trouble, which made Li Ming feel relaxed, but also a little disappointed.

At dawn, the first rays of sunlight fall upon the world.

After washing up and dressing, Li Ming slung his sword over his shoulder, opened the door, and headed towards the Six Doors in the city.

Before even entering, I saw a group of constables discussing amongst themselves.

Seeing Li Ming's gaze, one could even sense a hint of amusement and distance.

Some people even avoided him altogether, as if they had encountered some kind of monstrous flood.

This left Li Ming somewhat confused.

Did my previous actions expose me?

No way.

He considered himself to be clean-cut.

The only handsome constable who hadn't dodged explained with a smile:

“These people have received benefits from the Zhao family and are deliberately trying to isolate you.”

Li Ming frowned, but quickly dismissed it and asked:

"Why?"

"Zhao Youwei of the Zhao family was seriously injured a few days ago, and even though he has used up all the miraculous medicines, he has not yet fully recovered."

"For this, Zhao Changkong, the head of the Zhao family, was furious and secretly targeted almost everyone who had offended Zhao Youwei."

Upon hearing this, Li Ming was startled.

"However, it's not a big problem. Zhao Youcai didn't lose his life. The Zhao family has made a big fuss over this little thing, which has already caused a lot of dissatisfaction among many people."

"The reason why Zhao Changkong did so many things was not to avenge his son, but only to save face for himself and the Zhao family. It shouldn't be long before everything is fine."

"We are, after all, members of the Six Doors, so we don't need to be afraid of the Zhao family."

"So, I'm considered an innocent victim?" Li Ming said calmly.

"But it's okay, I'm upright and honest."

Lin Ping did not answer directly, but instead said:

“I heard from my father that you are exceptionally courageous and talented, and he even praised you as a prodigy who will one day be listed among the elite. He believes that given time, you will definitely achieve great things…”

“Father has never praised anyone like this before… But seeing him today, I can see that he truly lives up to the praise.”

Li Ming's gaze flickered before he looked away.

So he's Master Lin Qiancheng's son. No wonder he's not afraid of the Zhao family's power.

Out of respect for Lin Qiancheng, the Zhao family dared not openly target him, but they could probably sabotage him behind the scenes.

The police's alienation was to be expected; there are sycophants everywhere.

Li Ming glanced at Lin Ping and saw his profile, a hint of regret in his expression.

Name: Lin Ping

[Realm: Eighth Level of Body Forging]

[Entries: Innocent Heart (Blue), Bronze Bones (White), Passionate (White), Excessive Indulgence (Gray)]

【Pure Heart (Blue)】: 【Sincere and earnest in character, dedicated and focused in work, bringing good to those in need; if evil, they are truly wicked. However, if they dedicate themselves to martial arts with unwavering resolve, their future is limitless.】

This is an entry about mindset. If one wants to go far on the path of martial arts, talent, opportunity, and mindset are all indispensable. However, mindset is an extremely mysterious thing.

Some traditions highly value this, and even those with poor aptitude but excellent character can be their true disciples.

In this world, there are many poor but talented individuals who have ascended to the realm of Martial Saint.

Although this guy has a pure heart, he is also sentimental and deeply affected by matters of the heart, which has also affected his path of martial arts.

Seeing Li Ming's strange look, Lin Ping remembered his father's usual demeanor and quickly said:

"Ahem, Brother Li, I have some good news this time."

Since the head constable of your previous class died, a replacement is needed.

Unlike in the past, this selection will be made from within the constable force, primarily based on individual ability.

“All constables in Qing Shi City can sign up, but... well, you know what I mean.”

Li Ming nodded thoughtfully; he naturally understood.

Although there is no cultivation requirement for the position of head constable, it is generally agreed that one must be at least at the Qi Refining Realm, and many veteran head constables are even martial artists at the Condensing Qi Realm.

Unlike ordinary constables.

The head constable has much higher power and status.

The head constable has the power to build a team and can take on some internal tasks on his own, and his treatment is also much better.

Like the team Li Ming used to be in, the head constable was far more capable than the other constables, and he always pocketed the lion's share of the resources and credits.

However, because their team was weak and they had few tasks, they received the fewest resources.

In the past, each constable position was fiercely contested by people from powerful families, and there was rarely such open competition as today.

Many veteran constables at the Qi Refining stage are already restless. If they could become the head constable, their martial arts would have a chance to reach a higher level.

Seeing that Li Ming was interested, Lin Ping smiled and said:

"Brother Li's strength is outstanding, capable of fighting against Qi Refining cultivators. It's not impossible for him to compete for the position of head constable."

"When I actually become a constable, I'll treat you to drinks at the Yanyun Tower in the south of the city. The girls there are all young and beautiful."

Li Ming shook his head and said helplessly:

"Not interested."

They were all courtesans, and to be honest, Li Ming wasn't really that interested.

Although he is a normal adult male, he wants high-quality products; why be indiscriminate in his pursuit of anything?

This world is vast.

Let's talk about it when we're stronger.

Lin Ping just chuckled and didn't say anything more.

Stepping inside the Six Doors, it was unusually quiet. The usual clamor of the constables and officers was absent. When Li Ming and Lin Ping arrived, they were only glanced at before being ignored.

Li Ming and Lin Ping exchanged a glance, choosing not to break the eerie silence. They casually picked up a file and stood aside.

"So many people?"

"Many people are probably just here to watch the excitement."

"Indeed, this selection process seems to be quite difficult."

The two were talking quietly when a middle-aged man with a smile stepped forward:

"Li Ming, how is your recovery?"

"Officer Wu, he's mostly recovered," Li Ming said calmly, glancing at the newcomer.

This constable, whose real name is Wu Shiting, is a key member of a powerful constable team and has basically no dealings with Li Ming.

When Li Ming's predecessor came to the Six Doors for assessment, this was the person in charge. At that time, seeing that his strength was not good and his talent was average, he did not recruit him to join.

Li Ming spent his days organizing files, and eventually he was recruited by the new constable who had died earlier to work as a hoodlum.

Previously, Lin Qiancheng had given Li Ming the reason for asking for leave, which was to go home to recuperate, making everyone think that he had injured himself while fighting to reach the Qi Refining Realm and was recuperating.

"Don't be so formal. I was your examiner when you first entered the Six Doors," Wu Shiting said with a smile.

As Lin Ping listened to the conversation between the two, he couldn't help but look up at Officer Wu. His face was gentle, his lips were smiling, and his eyes were bright. He didn't seem to be there to cause trouble.

"So Officer Lin is here too, my apologies." Wu Shiting squinted and nodded to the two of them.

"Both of you are highly capable. How about this: if I were to become the head constable, you would serve under me?"

"We will never treat you unfairly."

Wu Shiting had heard that Li Ming had recently had some opportunities, that he was quite capable, and that he was valued by the chief constable. He was confident that he would get the position of chief constable this time. If Li Ming could join him and work for him, he thought that it would make his position even more secure.

Unexpectedly, Lin Ping, the son of the chief constable, was also there; it was a pleasant surprise.

It seems that Li Ming is indeed highly regarded by the Chief Constable.

Wu Shiting was overjoyed.

This time, he wasn't the only one eyeing the position of head constable; there were several other experts as well, so naturally, he needed to recruit some of them.

Although Lin Ping's abilities were not outstanding, his status meant that other constables had to give him some face.

Lin Ping and Li Ming exchanged a glance, and Lin Ping spoke first:

"We appreciate Officer Wu's kindness, but the position of head constable is still far from being secured, so there's no need to rush."

Wu Shiting frowned, glanced at Li Ming, and nodded slightly: "Since you two are unwilling, I will not force you."

After saying that, he turned and left.

Lin Ping watched Wu Shiting leave and asked in a low voice:

"That's it?"

"This Constable Wu doesn't seem to want to offend us, so he hasn't pressured us. However, if he really takes this position, things will get complicated. He's a very difficult person to deal with," Li Ming said slowly.

Lin Ping smiled and said, "But I always feel that Brother Li can win the position of head constable."

Li Ming glanced at Lin Ping, then smiled without saying a word.

I don't know how this guy can trust me so much.

Although he was very confident, he doubted that many people would believe him if he told them.

Li Ming was determined to get the position of head constable, not for any other reason than the freedom it offered.

After becoming a constable, most people will build up a team, cultivate confidants, and accumulate resources, all in an attempt to seize the position of chief constable.

Li Ming, on the other hand, valued the freedom that came with becoming a constable, which meant he wouldn't have to come to the Six Doors every day for attendance, and could come and go as he pleased, only obeying the orders of the chief constable.

There's no rule that he has to form a large group, so he can act alone. This way, his strength can increase by leaps and bounds, and others won't be able to figure out what's going on.

Suddenly, the scene fell silent.

Chief Constable Lin Qiancheng strode into the main hall with an imposing air.

All the constables stood up and bowed, saying:

"Greetings, Your Excellency."

Lin Qiancheng, his face grim, scanned the nearly one hundred constables present, spotting Li Ming among them. A hint of satisfaction flashed in his eyes as he loudly proclaimed:

“A few days ago, one of my constables from the Six Doors led ten men to apprehend a criminal, but in the end only one was left, which disappointed me greatly.”

"In our Six Doors, the position of head constable has always been reserved for those who possess both seniority and ability."

“You are still far from adequate… I was originally thinking of transferring a master from the county town to take on this role.”

"However, I am thinking of giving you a chance. Even if you are not qualified, if you are capable enough, you can be promoted to head constable."

"Today, in the Martial Hall, whoever can subdue all competitors with strength will become the head constable of my Qing Shi City."

The constables below whispered among themselves; rumors of this had circulated for some time, but they hadn't expected it to be true.

For many constables, this was exciting news, but many others secretly regretted that if they had trained more in their daily lives, they could have gone up now to subdue the others and gained both fame and fortune.

Cultivation resources are extremely important for ordinary people. As long as there are enough resources, even a pig can increase its cultivation level.

"Although there are no restrictions on cultivation level, and even those who have undergone body tempering can sign up, I advise you to act according to your abilities. Swords have no eyes. Although you should not intentionally attack, if you are injured, you cannot blame others."

"Now, anyone who wants to compete may step forward."

Lin Qiancheng stood with his hands behind his back, gazing at the crowd before him with neither joy nor sorrow.

Before long, five people stepped forward. They were all top-notch experts among the constables, and all of them were Qi Refining Realm martial artists. Wu Shiting was among them.

Li Ming observed these people and found that they were all at the third level of Qi Refining, except for Wu Shiting, who was at the sixth level of Qi Refining. No wonder he was so confident.

Is there anything else?

Lin Qiancheng finished speaking.

Li Ming rushed out calmly, cupped his hands and said:

"This humble servant is willing to give it a try."

When Li Ming said this, most of the constables present were quite surprised, especially Wu Shiting, who looked completely bewildered. How could a mere body-tempering martial artist dare to compete for the position of head constable?

Do you really think you've gotten so cocky just because you accidentally defeated a Qi Refining martial artist?

It's like a student who was originally an average student, got a high score in a mock exam, and then suddenly said during the college entrance exam...

I'm coming clean; I'm actually number one in the class.

Moreover, this is no joke.

Lin Qiancheng squinted at Li Ming for a moment, then said with slight surprise:

"You actually broke through to the Qi Refining stage?"

He then offered a slight compliment: "In that case, I have high hopes for your performance."

"yes."

Li Ming was neither humble nor arrogant.

Everyone was shocked by these words.

None of them expected Li Ming to be so well hidden. Just a few days ago, he was still hovering in the Body Tempering Realm like them, but today he has quietly reached the Qi Refining Realm.

However, it would be unwise to challenge veteran constables who have been breaking through for many years after only recently achieving a breakthrough.

Many constables shook their heads, feeling that Li Ming had become too arrogant.

While they admired Li Ming's courage, most of them were not optimistic about his chances.

The constables who dared to sign up for the martial arts competition all had more than 10 years of experience in the Six Doors. They had the qualifications and strength, but they just hadn't found the opportunity or the right connections.

Most of them are just unwilling to submit to a certain family or be controlled by others, but that doesn't mean they are really incompetent.

The fact that he has survived to this day means that his years of accumulated martial arts skills and combat experience are not to be trifled with.

Of course, this is also because the truly outstanding individuals have already been transferred.

If a genius emerges from such a remote town, they will most likely be courted by various parties and allowed to remain in the Six Doors. At most, they will be transferred to a higher position after a year or two of honing their skills.

They were even transferred to the state capital, or even to the Xuandu City of the Great Xuan Dynasty. Being a constable under the sage's command was much more prestigious than being a local constable.

The benefits and treatment are on a completely different level. If you happen to be recognized by some influential person, you can rise to the top in no time.

Wu Shiting's face darkened as he stared at Li Ming's retreating figure, a cold glint in his eyes.

Do you really think that just because you have some power, you can take advantage of others?

This mere young constable who has just begun to cultivate Qi is ungrateful. Wu Shiting originally intended to train him to become his confidant, but now... if given the chance, Wu Shiting wouldn't mind teaching him a lesson and then taking him under his wing.

The other veteran constables who signed up for the competition didn't seem to care at all. In their view, Li Ming just wanted to show off.

Young people are often impetuous and reckless; everyone goes through that phase.

The more you walk around, the smoother the edges become.

They will naturally step in and teach the young people to experience more things.