"Major Success for the Special Public Security Detachment in Vice Crackdown" "Special Public Security Detachment Bravely Apprehends S-Class Wanted Criminal" "Special Public Security Detachment Earns Cheers from Citizens"

The front-page headline—a space traditionally reserved in official newspapers for presidential decrees or parliamentary resolutions, and in tabloids for celebrity scandals or explicit photo leaks—was, for Tianbei City, unprecedented. Such news usually relegated to the inner pages of the official press, never even making it into the entertainment rags.

Han Jing looked down at the papers in his hands—both the official gazettes and the sensationalist tabloids—and saw that every single front page today was dominated by the Tianbei City vice crackdown.

"These young masters..." Han Jing tossed the papers onto his desk, shaking his head repeatedly. The members of the Special Public Security Detachment might be inept at many things, but when it came to causing a ruckus, they were top-tier. Leveraging the influence behind them, combined with their naturally rebellious disposition, they had managed to whip public opinion into a frenzy.

In this world, outside of a few supremely powerful Divine Beast martial artists, who wasn't afraid of public opinion? Even the President had to yield ground when facing the tide of public sentiment.

Seeing the methods employed by the Special Public Security Detachment, Han Jing could only raise his thumb in praise: "The military has ground, sea, and air forces; your propaganda has also deployed the internet, television, and newspapers simultaneously."

Ten days. It had been a full ten days since they shut down the Huajin Han Bathhouse. The young masters of the Special Public Security Detachment showed absolutely no sign of stopping.

Han Jing suspected that these men must have been far too idle over the years. Having finally found something entertaining, they were acting as if injected with adrenaline. Every moment outside of training was entirely devoted to this vice crackdown, and Tianbei City's media outlets were cooperating fully, transforming the operation into a true storm.

The impact of this affair had expanded beyond the city limits to the provincial level. Papers in the provincial capital were now beginning to report on it, dedicating full spreads to the story, usually positioned on the second page.

During this time, there were certainly protests.

Whenever he heard the sound of such resistance, Han Jing felt a deep pity for the protesting parties. The Special Public Security Detachment members might appear flippant day-to-day, but their influence should never be underestimated. Their channels for gathering intelligence were sometimes even quicker than his own as Director. A secret complaint filed would immediately trigger a sudden raid and inspection lasting three, five, or even seven days.

By yesterday, the ninth day, Han Jing realized the world had finally fallen truly silent. All sounds of protest had vanished. Everyone understood one thing:

These young masters were genuinely bored. Finding something enjoyable meant playing with it wholeheartedly. Choosing to use underhanded tactics was tantamount to offering themselves up as entertainment for the Detachment.

These young masters weren't afraid of covert maneuvers; what they feared was a lack of engagement.

Once everyone understood this reality, a collective silence fell. They all knew that if they simply remained quiet for a while, the young masters would eventually grow bored and quiet down on their own.

The protests ceased, but Han Jing felt no relief. The police department wasn't a profit-generating company; all funding relied on fiscal support.

Because of the current vice crackdown storm, the income of some Tianbei City officials had decreased. At the juncture of approving funds, all they had to do was subtly slow down the paperwork—no need to violate any principles—to cause a sharp contraction in the Tianbei City Police Department's finances, perhaps even leading to a shortage of operational funds.

Today was payday, yet Han Jing couldn't even gather the salaries for ten men. No amount of pleading or calling in favors helped. Those officials clearly held a grievance. Unable to confront those young masters directly, they naturally seized this opportunity to vent their frustration externally.

Ding ding ding.

A rhythmic knocking echoed on the office door, accompanied by the boisterous sounds of the crowd outside. Han Jing knew the young masters he’d called earlier had finally arrived.

"Come in."

Han Jing adjusted his posture, watching Wu Hui and the others file in behind him. These lads looked ruddy-faced and energetic, clearly enjoying themselves immensely over the past few days!

"Director," Qin Fen nodded slightly and sat on the sofa at Han Jing's gesture.

"Good day, Director!"

All twenty-two police officers of the Special Public Security Detachment shouted in unison, their sheer presence almost blowing the newspapers off the desk.

"Good what?" Han Jing swept his hand across the remaining sofa space. "I'm short on seating here. Whoever snags a spot gets it. For those left standing, I don't mind if you sit on the floor."

The room instantly dissolved into chaos as the twenty-two officers began a frantic scramble for the sofas.

Qin Fen quietly watched Han Jing's troubled expression, a wry, apologetic smile touching his own lips.

The origin of this vice crackdown storm was Hua Jin Han. Qin Fen had expected the matter to be resolved in a day, but that very night, Yang Ruoruo’s home had been vandalized by a group of sudden intruders. Simultaneously, he received an order from Major General Zhao Huzi... no! Now Lieutenant General Zhao: Well done, keep pushing it!

A General from the Military Department calling in the dead of night, demanding a police precinct chief continue a vice crackdown operation—while this was somewhat bewildering, Qin Fen decided to follow Zhao General's command.

Firstly, it was for the sake of the two sisters, Yang Ruoruo and the other. A major crackdown had just concluded during the day, yet someone dared to provoke them that night. If the two sisters hadn't been moved beforehand, who knew what might have happened?

Qin Fen understood clearly, based on Squad Leader Hao's insights into psychology: if such rampant arrogance wasn't suppressed immediately, it would only lead to greater trouble, pushing the two sisters into a far more dangerous predicament.

For the sake of these two sisters, he had to continue this operation! Since there was an order from above, he might as well go all out! Although it was a General’s order, not the Chief Superintendent's, following military command seemed correct, especially since his roots were still in the military, being only temporarily seconded to the police force.

Ten days passed, and General Zhao had never called to order a stop, so Qin Fen continued leading the Special Public Security Detachment in their work.

As a result, although they offended many, they also gained considerable respect and support. In the past, when the Special Public Security Detachment officers walked through the police station, other officers would actively avoid them, viewing them with a hint of disdain reserved for spoiled rich kids.

Now, everywhere Wu Hui and the others went, they were met with looks of admiration! Citizens even came by the station every few days with gongs, drums, flower baskets, fruit, banners, and an uncountable number of silk banners of commendation.

Fearless and Diligent in Pursuing Vice, Guardians of Justice, Conscience of Society, Serving the People, Pioneers of Law, Upright and Unyielding, Law Enforcers as Immovable as a Mountain, Sentinels of the Law, Conscience of Society.

Banners with various slogans completely covered the walls of the Special Public Security Detachment's office. One banner was even being used as a mop.

Heaven Three Feet High! This ironic banner, meant to mock those who "scrape the ground clean" (embezzle), was now serving as the Special Public Security Detachment's mop. They had received so many banners that they couldn't recall who sent this mocking one.

Heaven Three Feet High? The thought of that banner brought a wry, helpless smile to Qin Fen's face. That banner probably came from the management of the bathhouse! Currently, in Tianbei City, the only people who viewed the Special Public Security Detachment as nuisances were the owners of those bathhouses.

"Cough... cough..."

Han Jing coughed deeply, drawing everyone's attention back to him. He rubbed his temples and spoke slowly, "Your performance during this period has been excellent. The department is preparing to recommend commendations for you. Especially you, Little Qin; you've caught so many wanted criminals, you absolutely deserve the highest honors."

"It is all due to the Director's brilliant leadership."

Qin Fen quickly recited the line he learned from Squad Leader Hao. Squad Leader Hao and the others had called frequently these past few days, offering advice and strategy. Squad Leader Hao had specifically instructed him, during this gathering, to repeat this phrase at the appropriate moment.

Brilliant leadership? Han Jing wasn't sure whether to be happy or on the verge of tears. He steadied his emotions before continuing, "I called you here today not only to affirm your excellent work but also to discuss another matter. I won't hide anything from you: due to this vice crackdown, I believe everyone understands we have offended quite a few people."

Wu Hui and the others nodded frequently. Their families often mentioned the crackdown at home, though usually with only mild chiding. Beneath the scolding, they could hear the pride in their family members' voices; they had at least done something genuinely beneficial for the public.

"Alas!" Han Jing leaned back, sighing repeatedly. "Many people outwardly don't oppose you, but they are deeply dissatisfied internally. Look, payday is fast approaching, but when applications for funds are submitted, the answer is always the same: 'Funds are tight!' Some of these people you offended directly; others are linked through various connections... In short!"

Han Jing forcefully clenched his fists and lightly thumped the desk, murmuring, "For the sake of the department's finances, for the overall good of the precinct! There are things you should know how to handle!"

Silence descended upon the Director's office. Qin Fen frowned slightly. In this world, vice, gambling, and drugs were never truly separate. The ten-day comprehensive sweep hadn't just captured wanted criminals; it had also incidentally shut down two bathhouses involved in drug trafficking. Furthermore, during the crackdown, they discovered many women involved in this industry, most of whom had entered through coercion or semi-coercion.

The brazenness of the bathhouses was entirely hidden in the shadows; one wouldn't know unless they delved deep. If one did investigate deeply, many findings would send shivers down the spine!

The evil deeds committed by certain bathhouse owners meant that even execution would be too lenient for them. Yet, such scum still had many protectors operating in the darkness.

After ten days of sweeping, Qin Fen had transitioned from merely following orders from above to undertaking the mission voluntarily. Wearing this uniform meant honoring it! It was respect for the police profession, and respect for himself.

Funding blocked? Qin Fen’s expression grew shadowed. Wu Hui, however, broke into a cheerful laugh and quickly stood up, positioning himself between Qin Fen and the Director.

"The Director is absolutely right; we understand. Don't worry, we truly understand this time."

"That's right, that's right!" Lin Feng also stood up, smiling. "We aren't people who can't distinguish between high and low. You can rest assured, Director."

Han Jing let out a long breath. His anxious heart finally settled back into place. With these young masters' assurances, even if Qin Fen wanted to cause trouble, he couldn't stir things up much; he couldn't exactly rush into the bathhouses alone, could he?

The twenty-two surrounded Qin Fen, nodding repeatedly and saying, "We understand," as they quickly filed out of the office.

Once outside, Qin Fen looked at his twenty-two subordinates, who were grinning broadly. The moment Wu Hui spoke, Qin Fen knew exactly what these lads intended to do, and he felt a surge of unexpected emotion. Thinking about what he had witnessed these past few days, his feelings were somewhat heightened, and he almost lost control of his composure right there.

Strange? Qin Fen knitted his eyebrows together again. Since reaching the Ten-Star level, his temper seemed less stable than before; he felt a slight tendency toward excitability. Was this a lingering side effect of the unsuccessful Blood Replacement Rebirth?

Qin Fen shook his head vigorously. According to the Master’s explanation, although achieving Blood Replacement Rebirth became significantly harder at the Ten-Star level, the benefits gained upon success far outweighed those achieved by rebirth at the Nine-Star level.

"Branch Commander, let's go!" Yu Xiao stretched his arms wide and ambled toward the exit of the office building. "Time to clock in."

"Clock in?" An older passing police officer looked at Yu Xiao curiously. "Gentlemen, where are you planning to 'clock in' today?"

Lin Feng clapped the older officer on the shoulder. "Senior, we are going to apply for salaries and operational funds for you all today! Ah, it's not easy for us. As police officers, we not only have to catch criminals but also manage the operational funds and salaries of our colleagues!"

"You're applying for funds?" The old officer repeatedly shook his head, secretly wondering: What? Does the Director value them so highly now? That he's letting them handle the fund applications?

Twenty-two magnetic levitation vehicles soared high into the air, rapidly disappearing above the Tianbei City Police Station. The Special Public Security Detachment did not reappear in the police station compound for the entire morning.

It wasn't until noon that the members of the Special Public Security Detachment returned! The twenty-two officers followed Qin Fen directly to the Director's office.

"You all are...?" Han Jing looked at Qin Fen with great surprise. "Weren't you supposed to be training? How did you..."

Qin Fen quietly placed a black satchel he was holding onto Han Jing's desk, signaling him to open it and look inside.

"This... inside here..."

Han Jing stared at the sizeable black bag, and a very, very bad premonition churned in his mind.

The zipper opened, and Han Jing's eyes went wide with shock...

Inside the dark leather bag were stacks upon stacks of cash, along with stacks of retained copies of fine receipts.

"Director," Wu Hui’s head popped out from behind Qin Fen, sporting a joyful smile. "This is the fruit of our morning's labor. We conducted another thorough, city-wide inspection. We fined almost a million. I believe that should be just enough to cover the brothers' salaries..."

Han Jing's vision went black, and his legs gave way. He sank heavily into his office chair, staring blankly at the young man behind Qin Fen. These young masters were ruthless! They were clearly signaling an attitude: solid support for Qin Fen! No matter what anyone else did, these twenty-two would decisively support Qin Fen! If anyone dared to cause trouble or make things difficult for Qin Fen, they would meet the fiercest retaliation.

"If the money isn't enough," Yu Xiao said dismissively, "then we'll just conduct three surprise inspections a day." The other young men nodded in agreement. Following Qin Fen these past few days, they realized how much they had coasted before. This young Deputy Branch Commander, while not expressing his emotions intensely, acted with absolute fairness. Even toward the women in the specialty trade, he showed no contempt or disdain; he only took action against those who truly deserved hatred.

Justice? Yu Xiao didn't know if following Qin Fen in these actions constituted dispensing justice, but he knew this: following Qin Fen in these actions felt immensely satisfying to his soul! His entire being felt a sense of fulfillment!