“Lead the way,” Xu Qing said calmly.2

His actions caused the Justice Palace officers’ eyes to narrow. They looked him up and down suspiciously, then looked around with gritted teeth. Finally, they produced a set of vicious-looking restraints and walked toward Xu Qing.1

Xu Qing simply stood there thoughtfully.0

Meanwhile, the Captain observed with raised eyebrows. Based on how unreasonable these two officers were being, it was obvious to Xu Qing and the Captain what they were trying to do. The Captain smiled faintly.0

Xu Qing didn’t resist in any way. He let the officers place the restraints on him, and then he started walking. Because he wasn’t walking fast enough, one of the officers yelled at him to speed up. Xu Qing turned, looked him deeply in the eyes, but didn’t say anything. Then he left with them.17

Arch-Immortal Plumdark watched all this happening, and chose to trust that Xu Qing could handle the situation. However, she also sent messages to some friends of hers, and used her own methods to provide an added measure of protection.0

Chen Tinghao did the same. Though he wasn’t a very warm-hearted person in general, he was warm-hearted toward other swordsages. And because this matter now involved the Swordsage Palace, he needed to report it.0

“Everybody stay calm,” the Captain said. “They’re obviously trying to smear little Ah Qing. The evidence is too obvious, and their methods are simply clumsy. If their crude tactics actually work on little Junior Brother, then our years in Violent Crimes will have been a total waste. I’d say things will be cleared up in three to five days. When the time comes, just trust me and follow my lead.”1

The Captain watched Xu Qing go, and a fire burned in his heart. This was the first time he had ever been forced...64