Fang Chen suddenly understood. This had to be the Day Walker God Du Yunxu talked about, the one who had gone to the Judge Division. Judging by his demeanor, he was dissatisfied with Fang Chen's appointment as the Day Walker Monarch. Otherwise, he wouldn't have accompanied Shentu Cang here.

While it might have seemed like he was reminding Fang Chen of the rules of the Day Walker lineage, it was more like a declaration—a clear expression of his stance.

Shentu Cang smiled faintly. "Fu Jin is a true talent of the Day Walker lineage. Among the 108 Day Walker Gods, he's undoubtedly the most gifted and experienced. Many of the Yin Monarchs in the capital thought he would be the next Day Walker Monarch. But as it turns out, the higher-ups still believe his qualifications are insufficient and that he needs more time.

"However... he's very familiar with the rules of the Day Walker lineage. Yin Monarch Fang, since you've just taken office, perhaps you should listen to what he has to say carefully? That might spare us all unnecessary debates."

You Fang laughed and chimed in, "Fu Jin has indeed been diligent over the years. However, the position of Yin Monarch is no trifling matter. If the higher-ups deemed Yin Monarch Fang worthy of the role, they certainly wouldn't make a mistake. Fu Jin, you mustn't hold any grievances. As long as you continue to perform well, I'm sure that in the not-so-distant future, the position will be yours."

The seemingly humble Fu Jin replied with measured words. "You flatter me. I must have fallen short in some way, which is why the Yan Monarch did not appoint me to this position. How could I dare harbor the slightest resentment?"

His tone was polite and deferential, but the subtle coldness and veiled defiance beneath his words were unmistakable to everyone present.

Fu Jin chuckled lightly and said with an air of detachment, "At present, I only hope that the Nether Guards Division and the Judge Division can cooperate well and avoid any unnecessary conflicts. For countless years, the two divisions have maintained an excellent relationship. It would be a pity if we were to fall out over something trivial."

Fu Jin turned toward Fang Chen. He cupped his hands and said, "Day Walker Monarch, since the City Lord of Baiyue City was thrown into the Forgotten River under your orders, it would be inappropriate for you to personally retrieve him. That would undermine your dignity. Why not leave this matter to me? I will personally retrieve him. This way, we would have assuaged the grievance with Baiyue City. Furthermore, it would resolve any misunderstanding with the Judge Division while preserving your dignity. This way, we could have the best of both worlds."

The subordinate officials discreetly observed Fang Chen, curious about how he would respond to this predicament. If he insisted on his stance, it would undoubtedly offend the Judge Division entirely. More than that, at least half of the Day Walker Gods would likely distance themselves from him.

Without the support of half the Day Walker Gods, Fang Chen's position as Day Walker Monarch would become precarious. If he accepted Fu Jin's proposal, Fu Jin would gain significant influence within the Day Walker lineage.

Backed by the Judge Division's Monarch and friendly with numerous Day Patrol Gods of substantial standing, Fu Jin might even succeed in sidelining Fang Chen entirely, rendering the Day Walker Monarch a mere mascot.

It appeared to everyone present that the Day Walker Monarch was in a deadlock, an impossible choice between advancement and retreat.

You Fang and Jing Xue clearly recognized the dilemma as well. After exchanging a glance, they remained silent, watching Fang Chen intently.

Shentu Cang also stayed quiet, evidently awaiting a satisfactory response.

"How about this?" Fang Chen exhaled softly and said, "Is Du Yunxu here?"

Du Yunxu stepped forward. "I am present."

The crowd was curious as to what Fang Chen would do.

Fu Jin froze momentarily before revealing a knowing smile.

Fang Chen said, "Go to Baiyue City."

Du Yunxu slowly nodded in acknowledgment.

"Now that's better. Everyone has taken a step back and—"

Before You Fang could finish his sentence, Fang Chen interrupted, "Find the City Lord of Baiyue City and exterminate his Yin soul."

Du Yunxu was stunned. "Find and exterminate his Yin soul!?"

The Day Walker Gods nearby exchanged incredulous glances.

Is he trying to completely sever ties with the Judge Division?

You Fang and Jing Xue were caught off guard by Fang Chen's bold decision. Before they could voice their objections, Fu Jin, whose anger was palpable, said in a low voice, "Day Walker Monarch, if you do this, the Yan Monarch might immediately strip you of your position. I strongly urge you to rescind this order, or else—"

Before Fu Jin could finish his warning, Fang Chen emitted a flash of light, revealing a battle armor. His aura surged a hundredfold in an instant.

He reached out and forcibly tore the battle armor off of Fu Jin, who stood frozen, his face blank with shock. Before he could react, a terrifying surge of Yin energy plunged into his forehead.

Fu Jin stiffly turned toward Shentu Cang, his eyes filled with a desperate plea for help. "Monarch Shentu..."

However, as Shentu Cang opened his mouth to speak, Fu Jin's Yin energy exploded violently. His soul shattered, scattering into countless fragments like stars before dissipating into nothingness across the bridge.

A profound silence engulfed the scene.

Du Yunxu and the others could hardly believe their eyes.

A Day Walker God has died… just like that? Gone?

While a Yin Monarch held unspeakable authority, it was utterly outrageous to handle a Day Walker God in this manner. This was bound to incur the wrath of the Yan Monarch.

You Fang's smile slowly disappeared, replaced by an extremely grave expression. He instinctively took two steps back, putting some distance between himself and Fang Chen.

Jing Xue mirrored his actions.

The two exchanged astonished glances. They could see the confusion and apprehension in each other's eyes.

Shentu Cang was in disbelief. "You... just now..."

"I just dealt with a Day Walker God," said Fang Chen with a smile. His gaze turned from the golden battle armor in his hand to Shentu Cang. "He is a member of the Day Walker lineage, yet he overstepped his bounds and challenged my authority. To prevent this from becoming a recurring issue, I had no choice but to take decisive action to set an example."

Shentu Cang remarked flatly, "You might not keep your position for much longer."

The crowd exchanged uneasy glances.

They thought this would likely be the shortest-serving Day Walker Monarch in history.

Everyone tilted their heads toward the sky, as though waiting for something.

Time ticked by, second by second.

After a while, Shentu Cang's previously calm expression showed a flicker of uncertainty, and doubt flashed in his eyes.

Fang Chen smiled faintly. "It seems the Yan Monarch has no objection to the way I handle my matters."

The Killing Spiritual Division's benefactor truly lived up to their reputation. Fang Chen even suspected that this benefactor might be none other than the Yan Monarch of the Underworld.

Not only had they granted him the position of Yin Monarch, but this small test also revealed a significant leeway in authority.

With this, Fang Chen felt somewhat confident about clearing out the Spirit Blood Sect's influence in the underworld.

Shentu Cang suddenly chuckled lightly. "So it turns out the Yan Monarch holds you in such high regard; I was truly presumptuous. I'll take my leave for now. We'll meet again if the opportunity arises."

With that, he turned and left with the officials of the Judge Division.

Once he left, You Fang forced a smile and stepped forward. "Lord Fang, today has truly been an eye-opener for me. Please don't take what Monarch Jing and I said to heart. Since the misunderstanding has been resolved, why not visit my residence for a drink?"

Fang Chen replied with a faint smile, "You're too kind, Monarch You. Let's save the drink for another time. Since I've only just arrived, I'd like to explore the capital a little."

Seeing Fang Chen decline, You Fang didn’t insist. After exchanging a few polite words, he also took his leave.

Once he was gone, Jing Xue naturally departed with her people, leaving only Fang Chen, Du Yunxu, and a few others on the bridge.

Du Yunxu seemed more at ease as he had interacted with Fang Chen before. However, the other Day Walker Gods appeared uneasy, their minds haunted by Fu Jin's fate, which had left them thoroughly shaken.

Fang Chen said indifferently, "Show me around."

Du Yunxu immediately nodded. "As you wish."

Fang Chen asked, "By the way, does this bridge have a name?"

"My lord, this is the Bridge of Helplessness."

"Oh, the Bridge of Helplessness. But why is Meng Po nowhere to be seen?"

𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝚠𝕖𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝕖𝚕.𝚌𝗼𝗺

"Who is Meng Po?"