Start with acting, and you'll achieve immortality!

Three days later, the official documents from the prefecture arrived in Xiyun County.

In front of all the officials and servants of the county government, Song Ming read out the appointment of Prefect Chen Boyong.

"...Li Ping was meritorious in defending the city, possessing both wisdom and courage."

He was promoted to Assistant Magistrate of Xiyun County, temporarily acting as the County Magistrate.

"Overseeing all affairs in the county"

"Also, a reward of one hundred spirit stones."

"Ten bottles of Qi Gathering Pills, as encouragement..."

After the document was read aloud, the hall was completely silent.

All the officials and servants kept their heads down and dared not utter a sound.

They looked at the young man standing in front of the hall, dressed in his brand-new county magistrate's robes.

His eyes were filled with awe and fear

From a lowly clerk who could be executed at any moment, to the acting magistrate who now holds the power of life and death over a county.

Li Ping only took less than half a year.

They had all witnessed the bloodshed and carnage that had taken place.

"Many thanks to the Prefect for his assistance, and many thanks to Lord Song for his kind words."

Li Ping cupped his hands and accepted the official seal.

Calm

Song Ming looked at him, a hint of a smile flashing in his eyes.

"Magistrate Li, this Xiyun County..."

"I'm leaving it to you from now on."

"I must return to the prefectural city tomorrow to report back. You'd better take care of yourself."

"This humble official respectfully sees Lord Song off."

Li Ping bowed again.

Song Ming nodded and turned to leave.

He knew that his mission was complete.

As for Li Ping's future, that depends on his own destiny.

After Song Ming left, Li Ping held the heavy official seal of the county magistrate.

Ascend to the main seat in the lobby

He looked at the trembling officials below and said calmly.

"Raise your heads, everyone!"

Upon hearing this, everyone dared to raise their heads.

"Past events should be forgiven."

Li Ping's voice echoed in the lobby.

"From this day forward, who will be diligent in their duties?"

"I have a mental record of who's been cheating or shirking their duties."

"Those who deserve a reward will not be shortchanged by a single penny."

"Those who deserve punishment, don't blame me for being ruthless."

"We will heed your teachings!"

The crowd below responded in unison.

"Uncle Zhou"

Li Ping shouted

"I am here."

Uncle Zhou stepped out of the crowd, his face beaming with joy.

"From this day forward, you will be the registrar of the county government."

"In charge of the county's finances, grain, and household registration"

Li Ping said

"Thank you for your kindness, sir!"

Zhou Bo was so excited that he trembled all over and knelt down to kowtow.

"Shigan"

"Your subordinate is here!"

Shi Gan stepped forward, his voice booming like a bell.

"You are appointed as the county commandant, in charge of all the soldiers and civilians in the county."

"Responsible for urban security"

"This subordinate obeys!"

Shi Gan responded excitedly

"Dazhuang, you're the patrol inspector."

"Responsible for maintaining order in the mountains and forests, and eliminating any remaining monsters."

"Lots of money..."

Li Ping paused, looking at the person whose face was still somewhat pale.

But the young man who can already walk

"Your injuries haven't healed yet, so please rest and recover properly."

"After he recovers, he will be reassigned."

A hint of gratitude flashed in Qian Duo's eyes, and he cupped his hands in thanks.

"Thank you for your consideration, sir."

After arranging his team members, Li Ping looked at the surrendered bandits and mountain people.

"Brothers of Black Wind Stronghold, though you were once bandits..."

"But he was meritorious in defending the city."

"I promise you that you will be freed from bandit status and incorporated into the militia."

"No different from ordinary people"

"Thank you, sir!"

The surrendered bandits cheered in unison, some even weeping with joy.

"Fellow villagers of Yefuling, your fields..."

"I will have someone remeasure and redistribute the land."

"Those who have rendered meritorious service in defending the city will be rewarded."

The mountain people also erupted in enthusiastic cheers.

Looking at the diverse expressions of the people below, Li Ping was filled with mixed emotions.

He finally gained firm control of the small town.

People, money, food, and weapons—everything is under my control.

As evening fell, Li Ping was alone.

Arrived at the gate of the government office

He gazed at the familiar vermilion gate, his thoughts drifting back to a few months ago.

He was standing here that day too.

Holding a short knife, he took a woman hostage.

He screamed himself hoarse, pretending to be a thief.

At that time, he felt like he was walking on thin ice.

He only wanted to survive by sheer luck, despite Hu Guan's machinations.

And now, he stands here.

He is now the rightful master of this small town.

"Sir, it's getting cold."

"It's time to go back."

A gentle voice sounded from behind.

Li Ping turned around and saw his brother and sister-in-law, Zhang, holding a cloak.

Standing not far away, his eyes were full of concern.

"Sister-in-law, what brings you here?"

Li Ping smiled.

"I saw you standing here alone in the cold wind, I was worried you'd catch a cold."

Zhang stepped forward and draped the cloak over Li Ping's shoulders.

Your older brother is still waiting for you at home for dinner.

"Okay, let's go home."

Li Ping nodded, a warm feeling welling up inside him.

Everything he did was to protect this hard-won peace.

Li Ping and Zhang walked side by side on their way home, the setting sun casting long shadows of them.

That night, Li Ping sat cross-legged in the room.

He circulated the "Small Heavenly Circuit Qi Guiding Technique" to consolidate his cultivation.

His Qi Refining stage had stabilized, and the spiritual energy within his body was more condensed than before.

He slowly finished his practice and took out the cyan communication jade talisman from his pocket.

This was left to him by his senior brother Ren Jun, and it remained there ever since that day.

Then there was no further movement.

Li Ping channeled a wisp of spiritual energy into the jade talisman, but the talisman still showed no reaction.

He chuckled self-deprecatingly, perhaps in his senior's eyes...

This piece has already fulfilled its mission.

It's no longer of any use.

He was preparing to put the jade talisman away.

Suddenly, that cold jade talisman

Without warning, a slight warmth spread through his palm.

Li Ping's heart skipped a beat, and he suddenly looked down.

A faint bluish light emanated from the surface of the jade talisman.

A line of small characters slowly appeared.