Chapter 1: Gangs

Song Changming arrived at a small courtyard in the Patrol Armor Bureau.

The gate displayed a nameplate of Guard Chief Liang Chuanshan, marking this as the assembly point for the Patrol Guard under Liang Chuanshan’s command.

In general, unless there were special circumstances, members of the Patrol Guard needed to sign in here daily and turn over their tiles before Liang Chuanshan assigned their tasks for the day.

However, if Liang Chuanshan had important matters to attend to, the task assignments would be handed over to his deputy, Lv Gang.

"There’s nothing special today, let’s go patrol the streets first."

Upon Lv Gang’s words, everyone knew what to do without further questions. They acknowledged and left in pairs.

Daytime street patrols were considered routine tasks for the Patrol Guard.

Patrols mainly covered the bustling streets, serving as a deterrent to prevent major incidents and maintain order and security.

Unlike the Night Patrol, if something actually happened, the Patrol Guard would actively respond.

"Let’s go, Changming, you can come with me today," Lv Gang said finally to Song Changming.

He held a favorable impression of this new Patrol Guard, Song Changming.

Not only was his sword skill impressive, but his performance yesterday made Lv Gang appreciate this young man, so he intended to take him under his wing.

"Thank you, Brother Lv," Song Changming said, tightening the sword at his waist and nodding in agreement.

Yesterday’s meal and drinks had helped him initially integrate into the team, at least everyone now knew each other.

Especially with Lv Gang, as they had already exchanged a few words regarding sword skills, gaining some understanding of each other’s strength.

"No worries, the older always guides the new, it’s how we all started," Lv Gang said with a smile, and left the Bureau with Song Changming.

Patrolling the streets during the day was a first for Song Changming, who was used to the night shifts.

It was completely different from the solitude of night.

During the day, the bustling streets were filled with noise.

Song Changming and the others were technically patrolling, but it didn’t differ much from a casual stroll.

Even when seeing a quarrel between street vendors, as soon as they approached, the disputers would immediately fall silent.

The Patrol Guard’s official uniform held such a deterrent force over the ordinary populace.

Following Lv Gang around for the morning was easily done.

At noon, Lv Gang took Song Changming to a familiar restaurant for food and drinks.

"Doesn’t it seem like your Night Patrol duties, only swapped from night to day?" Lv Gang asked, taking off his helmet and sitting on a bench with a smile.

"There are some differences..." Song Changming said tactfully.

"There’s nothing to shy away from, that’s the reality. We catch criminals, but it’s not like there are criminals to catch every day. A day with no incidents is our daily routine.

Even if one wanted to earn merits, opportunities need to arise first. That’s why after you captured Chen Beihu yesterday, both Patrol Captains were so attentive.

Such significant merits are not commonplace."

As Lv Gang spoke, the waiter at the restaurant served two pots of wine and a few small dishes to the table.

"Sirs, please enjoy, the hot dishes will be up shortly," the waiter said courteously and smilingly.

"Got it, Brother Lv," Song Changming nodded and replied.

"Also, when encountering problems, don’t just rely on your official uniform for dominance. There are many martial arts experts in the Jianghu and provoking them inadvertently could lead to trouble for us.

Every year, some Patrol Guards are beaten to death by Jianghu experts, and it’s not worth it..." Lv Gang’s voice lowered as he said this, intended only for Song Changming.

He was most worried that being new and a bit reckless, Song Changming might provoke someone formidable and end up in trouble.

Just as Song Changming was about to speak, a commotion was heard downstairs.

Lv Gang immediately furrowed his brows, put his helmet back on, grabbed his sword, and stood up.

"Can’t even eat in peace," he said as he headed toward the stairs.

Seeing this, Song Changming immediately got up and followed.

So much for having nothing happen...

On the second floor of the restaurant, several tables had been overturned, and more than ten stools had been smashed.

Food and drink were spilled everywhere, and many diners had fled, leaving only two groups confronting each other fiercely.

"Broad daylight, what are you doing!" Lv Gang said sternly.

His presence caused the two groups to temper their hostility slightly, though they did not lower their weapons, maintaining their standoff.

Clearly, Lv Gang’s official uniform was not intimidating enough for these groups.

Song Changming’s eyes scanned over them—both groups had over ten members, showing no small numbers, with a roguish air as they glared menacingly at the approaching Lv Gang and him.

"Gang members."

It wasn’t hard for Song Changming to identify the identities of these two groups.

If he were still in the Night Patrol, he would have turned away without a glance under such circumstances.

But his role now did not permit him to retreat, at least not so openly turning a blind eye.

His right hand rested slightly on the hilt of his sword, ready to draw it at any moment.

"Brother Lv, sorry for interrupting your meal," said one gang leader in a low voice, evidently recognizing Lv Gang.

"Leopard Head, what is your Qinghe gang up to! And you, is the Nine Bends Association planning a rebellion in the city!" Lv Gang questioned harshly.

"Hmph, ask the Nine Bends Association. They dared to overstep; it won’t be easily resolved," Leopard Head, with several stripes on his face, crushed a wine bowl in his hand and said fiercely, showing no intention of backing down.

"Lord Official, it’s an injustice. We’re just here to have a meal, not refusing to pay, and don’t know what these gentlemen across are talking about. Is the restaurant not open for our business anymore?"

Hu Xiao’er spread his hands and sneered, showing disdain, which was close to setting off Qinghe gang.

Song Changming, on the side, had already gripped the hilt tightly.

"Want to fight? Go ahead, just think about the consequences," Lv Gang said, stopping Song Changming’s sword, and stepped back, not saying any more.

Leopard Head, upon hearing this, showed some apprehension towards Lv Gang, his expression shifting but, ultimately, not engaging in a fight.

"Hmph! Let’s go!"

With one side retreating, the Nine Bends Association gloated like victorious roosters, laughing arrogantly as they left.

"Unexpectedly, the newly founded Nine Bends Association at the start of this year is so arrogant. Two tigers cannot share one mountain, seems, sooner or later, it’ll be a matter of life and death with your Qinghe gang," Lv Gang squinted slightly, speaking calmly.

Seeing Song Changming’s look, he further explained.

"Both the long-established Qinghe gang and the newly-risen Nine Bends Association have greased palms up and down the Patrol Armor Bureau, including our Mr. Liang.

Under normal circumstances, as long as the two gangs don’t go too far, we leave their open and covert fights alone.

Today they crossed the line a bit, so I intervened, but that’s all, no need to interfere more. To lock them all up would not only incur the resentment of both gangs, but Mr. Liang might berate us as well, it’s a thankless task."

Lv Gang continued with the topic, advising the newcomer, Song Changming.

Many such hidden rules and the right way to handle things subtly needed to be learned and mastered by Song Changming quickly.

Song Changming nodded in agreement; drawing his sword earlier would have been a foolish move.

Since this was the way things were done, he would follow along.

Even if he disagreed, it was not something a small Patrol Guard like himself could change.

"Come on, let’s finish our meal."