Chapter 77: Beacon of Justice?

Fang Che arrived at the Hall of Protectionists very early in the morning to apply for a plaque.

Approval had to be secured for plaques bearing the endorsement of the Hall of Protectionists, but this was a very simple administrative matter that didn't even require the hall master's approval.

Given Fang Che's popularity in the Hall of Protectionists, the plaque was made according to his specifications in double-quick time.

"The plaque for the Unmatched Escort Agency is done, Administrator Fang."

"Thanks."

"Congratulations on becoming a second-rank administrator, Administrator Fang. I heard a promotion ceremony is going to be held for you this afternoon, is that right?"

"That's what I've heard as well," Fang Che confirmed.

"Alright, we'll definitely be there!"

"Thank you! I'll see you then."

***

Fang Che made his way down the street, followed by the plaque-carrying Tang Zheng.

In order to liven up the atmosphere, he had even called up Zuo Guanglie and his band of brothers, and they formed a grand and imposing procession as they made their way to the Unmatched Escort Agency together.

Along the way, countless curious bystanders with nothing better to do began to follow them, and before long, it had turned into a full-blown march.

Fang Che wore a wide smile as he loudly declared, "The Unmatched Escort Agency has provided our Hall of Protectionists with significant assistance in the fight against the demonic churches! Their reports have led to the identification of many demonic church members, and the entire agency is filled with extremely heroic and capable warriors.

“They should be a role model for us all! Our Hall of Protectionists has decided to express our gratitude to them by presenting them with a plaque of honor, and we hope that everyone can learn from their stellar example! If everyone on the continent rises up against the demonic churches like they have, victory would be well within our grasp!

“The Unmatched Escort Agency has set a brilliant example and is worthy of our respect! I wish the Unmatched Escort Agency prosperity, happiness, and good health!"

The crowd of accompanying bystanders erupted into thunderous cheers.

Demonic church members were sorely detested by everyone, so the purported actions of the Unmatched Escort Agency instantly earned them the support and admiration of the public.

"Long live, the Unmatched Escort Agency!"

The procession grew larger and larger, and by the time they reached the Unmatched Escort Agency, it had snowballed to several thousand people!

Zhao Wushang and Zheng Yunqi came out to greet everyone with smiles that were more hideous than even the most bitter of grimaces.

Never had they imagined that Fang Che would act so swiftly!

Fang Che removed the piece of red cloth concealing the plaque, revealing a series of large gilded characters that read: "Beacon of justice, an example for us all!"

On either side of the text was a saber and a sword, representing Xue Fuxiao and Bing Qianshan, the most powerful warriors on the side of justice.

The plaque was signed off by the White Cloud Prefecture Hall of Protectionists, and Fang Che raised it up high with the help of Zuo Guanglie, Zhao Wushang, and Zheng Yunqi to present it to the crowd.

Everyone instantly erupted into thunderous cheers and applause, and amid the excitement, Fang Che yelled, "Our Hall of Protectionists genuinely hopes that more people will follow the example set by the Unmatched Escort Agency, and we will be sure to strengthen our collaboration with the Unmatched Escort Agency going forward!

“We have been informed that the Unmatched Escort Agency has developed an effective scheme for identifying demonic church members, and we will be adopting this scheme in our daily patrols. Rest assured, everyone, we will not spare even a single demonic church member that has infiltrated our White Cloud Prefecture! We will pluck them out one by one and make them regret ever coming here!

“As I'm sure many of you have already heard, I was able to catch fifteen demonic church members in just a single day with the help of the Unmatched Escort Agency yesterday, and that fills me with immense confidence for the future! Here, I must mention that the escorts of the Unmatched Escort Agency are actually all disciples of the Mountain Moving Sect.

“The Mountain Moving Sect has made the heroic and selfless choice to take part in the battle against the demonic churches, and they will be another powerful ally for our Hall of Protectionists from here onward!"

This declaration was met with another chorus of thunderous cheers.

The bystanders had no idea what the Mountain Moving Sect was, but the concept of a sect never failed to evoke a sense of awe and mystique among the general public.

Surely all sects had to be extremely powerful if they could survive as individual entities in a world that had the Protectionists, the Guardians, and the demonic churches! With such a powerful ally joining the fight against the demonic churches, everyone was instantly instilled with a sense of hope and joy.

"Long live, the Mountain Moving Sect!"

"Long live, the Unmatched Escort Agency!"

Fang Che raised his hands up high as he yelled, "Please give a warm round of applause to the Unmatched Escort Agency!"

The entrance of the Unmatched Escort Agency instantly became a sea of joy and celebration, but celebrating was the last thing on the minds of Zhao Wushang and Zheng Yunqi.

They ushered Fang Che and the others into the escort agency with sullen expressions, then complained, "This is too sudden, Administrator Fang! We still haven't even had a chance to report back to our sect yet!"

"It's not too sudden at all! The longer we delay, the more demonic church members will successfully infiltrate into the White Cloud Prefecture! The lives of countless people are on the line! I'm sure a heroic sect of justice like yours would be more than happy to form a collaborative relationship with our Hall of Protectionists. I may have been a little hasty, but I can assure you that I bear no ill will!"

"I can vouch for that," Zuo Guanglie supported. "Administrator Fang is an extremely diligent and admirable man who does everything for the sake of the people. I can assure you that bears no ill will toward your escort agency!"

Ever since becoming acquainted with Fang Che, Zuo Guanglie had been raking in merit points, so he was naturally eager to back up and praise him.

Zhao Wushang heaved a forlorn sigh as he took a glance at Zuo Guanglie. Not only had Fang Che come here to screw them over, he had brought a helper with him!

"Haven't you always been curious about where I've been receiving my tips from?" Fang Che asked with a smile.

"You mean it's all from the Unmatched Escort Agency?" Zuo Guanglie exclaimed.

"That's right! It's all thanks to Brother Zhao, Brother Zheng, and his fellow sect disciples!" Fang Che confirmed, and Zuo Guanglie instantly turned his gaze back to Zhao Wushang and Zheng Yunqi with glowing eyes, looking as if he had spotted two mountains of merit points!

He sprang forward eagerly to shake Zheng Yunqi's hand as he said in a warm and enthusiastic manner, "I'll be in your care from now on, Brother Zheng, Brother Zhao!"

Zhao Wushang and Zheng Yunqi could only nod in response, looking as if they were suffering from constipation.

"Is your head escort not here?" Fang Che asked as he followed Zhao Wushang and Zheng Yunqi into the escort agency.

"He's out on an escort assignment," Zhao Wushang lied.

The reality was that their head escort had been furious at them for causing this mess, so there was no way he would be willing to show up for the plaque presentation!

Zhao Wushang could already envision the furious diatribe from Starlight waiting for everyone later that night.

Everyone sat down in the main hall, and after exchanging some pleasantries, Fang Che smiled and asked, "I believe you have some new leads for me, is that right, Brother Zheng?"

Zheng Guanglie immediately perked up like a bloodhound that had caught a whiff of a suspicious scent.

"I do, but it's still yet to be confirmed," Zheng Yunqi replied.

"Oh? Can you elaborate?"

"At this point, there's a blood vendetta between us and those people, so we've been searching far and wide for them over the past few days. In doing so, we noticed that some of them have been frequently visiting some rather strange places. We suspect that those places may be the branch helms of the demonic factions, but further confirmation is still required."

Zuo Guanglie's eyes instantly began to glow like a pair of searchlights upon hearing this.

"How many of these suspicious places have you discovered?" Fang Che asked.

"Quite a few, and one of them is particularly noteworthy as we sensed the aura of a very powerful warrior inside. At the very least, they had to have been a King, so we didn't dare to get close," Zheng Yunqi replied.

Zuo Guanglie's excitement was palpable at this point.

A King? That's a massive fish!

"What are the addresses?" Fang Che asked.

Zheng Yunqi rattled off a list of locations, then concluded, "However, we can't be certain if they're actually branch helms or not."

"Leave the investigation to us. You've already done more than enough by providing us with these leads."

Shortly thereafter, Fang Che and Zuo Guanglie departed with radiant smiles on their faces, while Zhao Wushang and the others stared at the plaque of honor, looking as if they had each swallowed a fly.

Every time they walked into this hall, they felt a sense of unease, as if they were working under the supervision of Protectionists.

***

There was still a massive crowd outside, and everyone was offering congratulations and praise to the Unmatched Escort Agency.

"I was here at the grand opening, and I immediately knew that this escort agency was destined for great things! How noble and courageous of them to be willingly taking on such a heavy burden!"

Celebrating was the last thing that the armed escorts wanted to do, but they had to put up a cheerful front, setting off fireworks and firecrackers to the elation of the crowd, and it was as if they were celebrating a festive occasion.

Meanwhile, all of the armed escorts inside were slumped in their chairs, looking utterly depressed.