Taking a life on the street is no small matter. The neighbors who were watching just moments ago scattered far away, but with the yamen runners arriving, I couldn't just slip away. I offered Cheng Susu a bitter smile and pushed her gently, "You should go. Hurry back and change into dry clothes so you don't catch a cold. There are some medicines in the room where I'm staying, including ten life-saving injections. Take them with you; you never know when they might come in handy."

Cheng Susu still wanted to say something when Chun Tian rushed over. "Miss, are you alright? Madam is having a fit because we snuck out. Let's go back quickly. Leave the rest for Head Constable Sun to handle."

Chun Tian hurried Cheng Susu away. Even after walking a long distance, she looked back at me through the rain. A profound comfort washed over me; the pain in my wounds seemed to vanish, replaced by an almost blissful feeling, as if I were about to ascend to immortality.

Smack! Someone’s slap pulled me back from that near-celestial state. "Brother Zhao, we finally found you! What happened? Oh, and that thing called the Escape Pod—the door sealed shut again. The County Magistrate has been looking everywhere for you. We’ve been fiddling with it all day, and it won’t open."

Head Constable Sun wasn't a bad sort. I explained, "What else could it be? These three ruffians were trying to cause trouble for Miss Feixian. I couldn't stand by, so I taught them a lesson. Who knew the three of them were so pathetic? I just tapped them lightly, and they..."

A yamen runner stepped forward and reported to Head Constable Sun, "Head Constable Sun, all three are dead. They’re a group known as the Three Sages from the city gate area. See what you make of this..."

Head Constable Sun stepped forward to examine the bodies. "Hmph, you certainly are ruthless. Two died instantly from a single blow, and this big brute’s back of the head is completely smashed in. Brother Zhao, you’re in big trouble. The Three Sages were protected by Advisor Gou. Even the County Magistrate usually treats him with courtesy. I fear he won't be lenient this time."

Advisor Gou? Who cares what he is; he must be one of the three fellows drinking rainwater on the ground. I held up my hands. "Bind me up. I'll go with you; I promise not to make things difficult for you."

Head Constable Sun patted my shoulder. "Don't worry, Brother Zhao. Since they offended the Young Miss, I trust the Magistrate won't play favorites. There’s no need to bind you; do you think I don’t trust you? Still, your methods are vicious. I've never seen fighting like that before. Impressive, truly impressive."

I managed a wry smile. "Come on, Head Constable Sun, you're just teasing me. If they hadn't died, I would be the one dead now. It's raining this hard; we should head back to the yamen. Let's not delay the Magistrate's proceedings."

To my surprise, regardless of the outcome, once I entered the county yamen, nobody interrogated me. They simply threw me into the jail cell for several days, and not a single soul came to see me. By rights, with a proper defense, this would be justifiable homicide, yet they wouldn't even grant me a chance to state my case. Could that so-called Advisor Gou wield so much power that he could bypass everything and push for my immediate execution?

That day, bored, I sat on a pile of straw, counting the sparrows in the yard. There weren't many birds here, and they didn't look like the sparrows from Earth; they resembled seabirds more. It was probably because the area was surrounded by the sea, leading many species to evolve from marine life.

Rattle! The cell door opened. I looked up to see Head Constable Sun. Could it be time for the beheading? I’d truly be wronged if I died before rescuing the other seven maidens.

"Brother Zhao, I’ve come to see you!" Head Constable Sun instructed the jailer to open the door and entered carrying a food container.

"Heh heh, Big Brother Sun, why so formal? I thought you were here to drag me out for execution."

Head Constable Sun already had a ruddy complexion, and excitement made it even redder. "What nonsense are you speaking, Brother Zhao? We brothers are all deeply grateful for your righteous rescue of the Young Miss. As for Advisor Gou, he wants your head, but the County Magistrate won't allow it! We all know who is right and who is wrong. It’s just that..."

I gestured to the side. "Big Brother Sun, sit down and talk. I have no idea what the situation is here. Tell me about it."

Head Constable Sun put down the food container and took out wine and dishes. "Let's talk over a drink. I should have come sooner, but the yamen has been in an uproar these past two days; I haven't had a spare moment."

Over drinks and food, Head Constable Sun quickly explained the situation in Feiyu County. All political, military, and administrative power was completely concentrated in the hands of the County Magistrate, An Deshan. However, the local military consisted only of fifty yamen runners, who were responsible for defense, taxation, and public security.

This highly centralized political system wasn't unique to Feiyu County; all county-level units in the Shuāngchéng Nation operated this way. However, the prefectural level was structured more soundly. Besides the Prefect holding overall authority, there were three separate departments—Judicial, Industry/Agriculture/Labor, and Military/Political—to share administrative power. Advisor Gou was, in fact, an advisor to County Magistrate An Deshan. He was a native of Feiyu County, but his backing was considerable: he had a distant cousin who served as the Director of the Judicial Department under Prefect Wu of Feiying Prefecture. This Judicial Department had vast jurisdiction, covering not only the laws within Feiying Prefecture but also the promotion and evaluation of officials, as well as anti-corruption efforts.

Advisor Gou could have secured a respectable official post through this connection, but he disliked officialdom, preferring a free-spirited, rustic life. Thus, he held a nominal advisory position in Feiyu County, drawing a monthly salary from the yamen while spending his days wandering the streets with nothing to do.

He had a following of loyal lackeys, led by the three men living near the city gate, who called themselves the Three Sages. In reality, these three couldn't read a single character of official script; they were the sort of scum who lived by robbery and wickedness. But with Advisor Gou protecting them, these three lived comfortably, and no one in the county dared provoke them.

That day, Cheng Susu was quite disheveled due to the rain, and since she was the Magistrate's adopted daughter, she wouldn't normally expose herself so easily. Consequently, the three ruffians didn't suspect she was the Magistrate's adopted daughter and boldly proceeded to harass her. Had they known who she was, they might have shown some deference. Now that things had escalated this far, Advisor Gou was using every connection he had to prepare for the severe punishment of the murderer. Killing the Three Sages had caused him to lose face in front of his followers; as their leader, if he couldn't even protect his own brothers, how could he maintain authority?

After listening to Head Constable Sun’s account, I laughed. "So, Advisor Gou is determined to have my life so he can reassert his authority in front of his men. Magistrate An, on the other hand, feels that branding a hero for upholding justice a murderer goes against his conscience. That’s why the two sides have been at an impasse these past few days."

Head Constable Sun looked anxious. "You’re still smiling! Death is looming—think of a way out quickly! The Young Miss has been crying her eyes out daily. The County Magistrate wants to let you go, but murder demands a life for a life. Even though they were villains and they attacked first, Advisor Gou can twist black into white. Furthermore, the Prefectural Judicial Department has already sent official notice ordering the Magistrate to punish the culprit. Magistrate An is in a bind."

I also felt a rising sense of urgency. I hadn't realized the outside situation was so complicated. Advisor Gou wanted me dead—in his dreams! Since he had that intent, he shouldn't blame me for showing no mercy. However, how should I strike back? It’s not like before when I had superpowers and could kill anyone with ease. Now, I need another plan.

Seeing my silence, Head Constable Sun added, "Brother Zhao, all of us at the yamen despise that Advisor Gou. He usually never sets foot in the office, and when he does, he bosses us around as if we’re less than human. You previously helped us retrieve Divine Egg from the pit and successfully transported it back to the yamen, saving us a lot of trouble. We are all grateful. As for the Three Sages—those three thugs—we’ve long disliked them. If not for Advisor Gou backing them, we would have apprehended them long ago. For you, a seemingly frail man, to slay three fierce fighters is something we all admire immensely. If there's anything we can do to help you, please just ask."

I asked, "Big Brother Sun, can I see your Young Miss?"

Head Constable Sun looked troubled. "Well... the Master strictly forbade the Young Miss from going out. And Advisor Gou has sent men to monitor the jail. But I will certainly do my utmost to fulfill Brother Zhao's request. Just wait for news."

...

After watching for a long time, Chun Tian finally seized an opportunity to slip out of the county office. She ran without stopping to that winding little alley. Before even entering the door, she shouted at the top of her lungs, "Something terrible has happened! Zhao Qian is in trouble! Everyone, come out quickly!"

Everyone was gathered in the dining hall, discussing plans to repair the roof after the rain stopped. Hearing Chun Tian’s call, they rushed out. "What is it? Zhao Qian only just left a moment ago; what could have happened?"

Chun Tian burst into the house, tossed her umbrella onto the floor, and explained, "A short while ago, the Miss and I left here. It started raining, and we took shelter under an eave. Then we ran into those three ruffians from the city gate. They harassed the Miss and tried to assault her! Fortunately, Zhao Qian arrived in time and killed those dogs. But murder demands a life for a life—Zhao Qian has been arrested and thrown into jail! The Miss asked me to run back and bring you the news. We must find a way to save Zhao Qian."

Linglong immediately sprang to her feet, returned to her room without a word, strung her bow, and prepared her arrows. Dali Wan strapped his heavy cudgel to his side, slung it over his shoulder, and declared, "We're going to save Lord Bird God! Anyone who dares harm him, we won't forgive!"

Riske quickly stopped the two of them. "Hold it!"

Dali Wan roared, "Brother! Brother Zhao Qian saved you and Wahaní. He's in trouble now. Do you intend to stand by and watch him die? Is this what we hunters do?"

Linglong added, "If you’re scared, you don't have to come. Dali Wan and I will go! We’ve fought wolves and hunted tigers along the way; are we afraid of a few yamen runners?"

Riske became quite angry. "Who said I wouldn't save Zhao Qian! I will never forget the kindness he showed to me and Wahaní. But saving someone can't be done rashly. We need a plan, or why would Chun Tian risk the rain to bring the news? Miss Feixian hopes we can devise a sound plan for a successful rescue. Right now, we know nothing about the county yamen. If we just rush in, do you even know where to find him? And once rescued, where will you go?"

Dali Wan slapped his forehead. "I'm naturally slow-witted, and I get even more confused when I'm anxious."

Linglong flushed slightly. "I was too hasty. But Zhao Qian truly is a good person, and we must save him."

Riske asked Chun Tian, "This involves your Young Miss. Does the County Magistrate really intend to punish Zhao Qian? He saved your Miss's life, after all."

Chun Tian replied, "Madam has no children and dotes on the Miss. The Master fears his wife and listens closely to her opinions. Normally, the Magistrate would just turn a blind eye and let this pass. But you all don't know—the Three Sages worked for Advisor Gou. Advisor Gou has a distant cousin who is the Director of the Judicial Department in Feiying Prefecture. Advisor Gou received word that the Three Sages were killed and immediately went to the yamen to cause trouble. That's why Zhao Qian was locked up as soon as he was brought in, without even being questioned. Advisor Gou sent someone out in the rain to relay the news to his cousin in Feiying Prefecture, asking for support from his authority. The Master is worried about this and dares not release Zhao Qian. So, this matter is a bit complicated."

Wahaní said, "Zhao Qian only killed three bad people. How much trouble could that cause even the Feiying Prefecture?"

Linglong chimed in, "Sister Haní, you don't understand. The laws of the Shuāngchéng Nation mandate that a life for a life. It doesn't matter if you kill a good person or a bad person; only the government has the right to execute. Even a commoner who kills a villain will be severely punished by the law!"

Wahaní, naturally less informed than Linglong, whose father had seen much of the world, retorted angrily, "How can there be such a rule? So, if we see a villain committing a crime, we can only stand by and watch?"

Linglong explained, "You turn them over to the authorities. Commoners cannot carry out executions on behalf of the government. The state does this to maintain its absolute authority. If people could just kill any villain they see, the populace’s propensity for violence would increase over time, which is bad for public order."

Wahaní exclaimed, "That's unfair!"

Linglong also grew angry. "It is unfair! Hmph, I don’t care for these rules. If they dare sentence Zhao Qian, we'll tear down the entire yamen!"

Dali Wan slammed his cudgel onto the ground and shouted, "Tear it down! I'll hold off forty yamen runners by myself; the rest of you can split the difference!"

Chun Tian cautioned, "For now, Zhao Qian’s safety is not in immediate danger. I was sent here so you would all be mentally prepared. A jailbreak now would only give Advisor Gou a perfect excuse. We absolutely cannot resort to that unless it’s a last resort. If we break him out, we become imperial fugitives, and your families will suffer consequences. A single misstep could lead to many deaths."

Riske acknowledged, "Your Young Miss's consideration is very thorough. Everyone, let's discuss what we should do."

Three heads are better than one. Following the instructions conveyed by Cheng Susu, Chun Tian quickly finalized the plan. For the moment, everyone would hold position but prepare for a jailbreak, mapping out routes and methods. If Advisor Gou truly dared to twist right and wrong and demand a life for a life, they would break him out and flee.

"The Young Miss said Zhao Qian has a knife and a gun, and she asked me to bring them back for her. She will find an opportunity to get these two weapons into the jail. That way, Zhao Qian will be safe from any assassination attempts by Advisor Gou while incarcerated."

Riske said, "We know about the knife; that blade of his is formidable—it once cleanly snapped our clan leader’s divine blade. What is this 'gun'?"

Chun Tian used her hands to gesture, "It has a handle you can grip, and a long tube shape at the front..."

"Is it this?" Linglong, without anyone noticing, had already returned from her room and brought back the items: a military-style knife and a laser gun.

Chun Tian's eyes lit up. "Yes, yes, those are the ones! I'll take them back so the Miss can figure out how to deliver them to the jail."

Chun Tian reached out to take them, but Linglong spun around and pulled them back. She stated, "These are Zhao Qian's personal effects. How am I supposed to trust that what you say is true? What if you’re working with the villains?"

Riske also hesitated. Linglong’s concern was justified. Although Zhao Qian claimed Cheng Susu was his girlfriend, that was in the past, and the current Cheng Susu didn't recognize Zhao Qian at all. Could they really entrust such important items to her?

Chun Tian became very angry. "You! Hmph! If it weren't for the fact that he saved my Miss, I wouldn't waste my time on him! If you don't trust me, fine. I'm leaving."

Riske decisively told Linglong, "Give them to her. Right now, we must cooperate completely to save Zhao Qian. Naturally, we must trust each other. Besides, Zhao Qian is in jail precisely because he saved her Miss. I trust they won't harm him."

Linglong reluctantly handed the items to Chun Tian. As Chun Tian walked toward the door, she turned back to remind them, "Do not act rashly. If you decide to break him out, you must inform us first. Then we can coordinate our efforts, and there will be hope of success."

Riske replied, "Please tell your Young Miss that if we take any action, we will draw a bird-shaped symbol on the back wall of the county yamen. When you see this signal, contact us immediately so we can exchange information."

Chun Tian nodded. "Understood. I'm leaving."

...

I had never been so idle. I spent another two days counting sparrows by wiggling my toes. That morning, the jail door was opened again. The jailer shouted sternly, "Who is it? No unauthorized personnel allowed in this vital area!"

"Are you blind, dog-eyes? It's Miss Feixian coming to visit her savior. Get out of the way!" Chun Tian deliberately put on an air of seniority and harshly scolded the jailer a couple of times.

The jailer looked up and saw that the visitor was indeed the alluring and beautiful Miss Feixian. He bowed slightly. "My apologies, Young Miss. I cannot make decisions on this matter. Advisor Gou gave strict orders that no one is to enter or disturb the prisoner. Until the case is concluded and the murderer is punished, I dare not slacken my vigilance."

Cheng Susu took out several iron coins and slipped them into the jailer’s hand. "Have this for tea. I am just a weak woman; how could I possibly cause trouble? He saved my life, after all. It’s only proper that I come to thank him. You wouldn't want me to be seen as an ungrateful wretch by everyone, would you?"

The jailer had already accepted a bribe from Head Constable Sun; he was merely putting on a show now. Seeing a few more iron coins placed in his palm, he chuckled. "Rules are rigid, but people are flexible. How could this humble servant allow the Young Miss to become ungrateful? However, this is a restricted area, so the Young Miss should speak quickly and not make things difficult for me. Also, all items must be left outside; do not bring anything into the jail, or I won't be able to explain myself to the Prefectural Judicial Department. Advisor Gou specifically instructed me that this case has been transferred to the Judicial Department, and I bear inescapable responsibility until the felon is handed over to them."

Cheng Susu asked, "Then, Jailer, do you need to inspect me to ensure I’m not carrying any contraband?"

The jailer secretly glanced at her incredibly alluring, flowing figure. He wanted to inspect her, but no matter what, this woman was the County Magistrate's adopted daughter. Although he relied on Advisor Gou, he still had to respect the Magistrate’s status; otherwise, if the Magistrate were to subtly make things difficult for him, he’d suffer consequences he couldn’t handle.

"How dare I! This is just routine procedure. Young Miss, please come in."

The jailer opened the cell door and let the two women in. Chun Tian stayed at the entrance to keep watch. Cheng Susu, unruffled, walked to my individual cell and we stared at each other for a long moment across the thick wooden bars, each as wide as a bowl.

"You've lost some weight," Cheng Susu observed.

"Heh heh, you too."

"I'm sorry; I caused this trouble for you." Cheng Susu looked very guilty.

I replied, "It has nothing to do with you. This was a matter of a man's pride. If I hadn't killed them, I wouldn't have been able to soothe the anger in my heart."

"Am I really that important to you?"

I didn't answer Cheng Susu's question. Instead, I smiled as I looked at her. Cheng Susu blushed. "You're not a good person at all."

"?" Regardless of whether Cheng Susu remembered our past, I had risked my life to save her that rainy day. How could she speak to me like that?

Cheng Susu dared not look up. "So... so you treated me like that before... How embarrassing."

Her disjointed words confused me for a moment, but seeing the shame on Cheng Susu’s face, I suddenly understood. "Susu, did you watch the video file on the phone?"

Cheng Susu refused to look at me but vehemently denied it. "No, no! I would never watch such lewd things!"

Isn't that admitting it without saying so? If she hadn't watched it, how would she know it was lewd? Cheng Susu was clearly not angry now, which meant she had acknowledged our past relationship. Heaven has favored me! I should really thank those Three Sages; without them, how could my sincere feelings for Cheng Susu have been revealed?

"Stop laughing! What are you smiling at? You’re about to die, and you still have the mood to laugh!" Cheng Susu suddenly became angry with me.

I said, "If Heaven wanted to take my life, it would have done so already. The auspicious always have good fortune. Alright, a mere Advisor Gou can't do anything to me. It’s just that my weapons aren't with me. I’ll kill that corrupt official and then take you far away."

"Pah!" Cheng Susu spat at me, her face crimson, then moved close to the cell bars, blinking rapidly at me. "I've only known you for two days; who would run away with you?"

I didn't understand her actions, but she kept blinking at me, pressing her body tightly against the cell door until her ample breasts squeezed through the gap between two wooden posts. Did she want me to enjoy one last pleasure before I died? What large breasts! These used to be my favorite playthings, but now I could only look and yearn.

Cheng Susu suddenly started to unbutton her clothes, and my heart hammered against my ribs. Had she gone too far watching those videos? Even if she wanted intimacy with me, this wasn't the place; the jailer was watching nearby, and Chuntian was standing quite close too. Although they couldn't hear what we were saying, if we were to do that, he would surely be an audience for the whole performance.

"Hurry up and take it, it'll be disastrous if the jailer sees," Cheng Susu pulled her clothes aside and said to me.

Take it? Take what? Take her body? My brother downstairs was certainly powerful, but trying to penetrate through two thick wooden pillars seemed like an impossible feat.