novelraw Chapter 52: Cui San... Third Sister
Chapter 52: Cui San... Third Sister
"Master, are you really going? We don't even know their identity. What if it's a trap for you?"
"Others may need to be cautious, but Elder Tang has worked with me many times. Aside from mentioning the Dark Police Inspector issue last time, he has rarely said much and only provides intelligence. He's a man of action. Besides, as a vigilante who has killed over twenty wanted criminals, I’m more of a benefit to them than a threat."
"So, you're really considering accepting the Dark Police Inspector position?"
Ji Qinglin nodded:
"I want to investigate the President’s matter. This is a rare opportunity. Besides, becoming a Dark Policeman is like having one foot in the righteous path."
The next afternoon at 2:30 PM, Ji Qinglin went to the Bitter Realm Café alone.
The café was located in a unique spot, perched on a high point at the corner of a bustling city intersection, with a building separating the dazzling lights of the left side’s commercial district and the quiet, affluent residential area on the right.
Ji Qinglin entered the café, feeling slightly nervous. Although it wasn’t the same era anymore, the feeling of meeting an online acquaintance still made his heart flutter.
Would he meet a burly man with a foot-long chest of protective hair? Or perhaps a kindly old man with wrinkles covering his face?
With mixed feelings of anticipation and caution, Ji Qinglin glanced around the hall as he entered. At first glance, he didn't see his target. To be honest, even after looking again, it was the same because everyone in the hall was wearing sunglasses!
Is this some sort of visual association team-building event?
Is Elder Tang playing tricks on me?
Just as he was about to scan the room again, Ji Qinglin noticed a lone woman standing by the café’s glass window, dressed in tight denim overalls and a work shirt, staring at him from a distance.
Ji Qinglin hesitated but walked straight over.
She wore a police work shirt but had a casual style. The upper two buttons of the shirt strained under her mature figure.
She appeared to be about his age, with black short hair, and wore a single eyepiece over her right eye, which looked more like an eye patch but exuded a commanding presence.
As Ji Qinglin approached, she smiled, her expression turning fresh and pleasant on her strikingly handsome, masculine face.
"I didn’t expect Lord Huang to be so young."
Her voice was sharp and concise, but her tone was soft.
Ji Qinglin was about to greet her when he suddenly remembered an awkward thing — he had given her the nickname "Elder Tang," and for a moment, he had forgotten what her original nickname was.
However, Ji Qinglin responded quickly, sitting down and replying:
"Good thing you suggested meeting, or I would have missed such a pretty face."
"Seems like Lord Huang is quite the flirt when he’s not killing people."
"Haha, let's get back to business. If you want me to take the position of Dark Police Inspector, you at least have to be upfront about your identity."
Elder Tang slightly frowned and looked up:
"With my appearance and nickname, Lord Huang really can’t guess?"
Well said, but he couldn’t admit he had forgotten the nickname.
"I can guess, but that's not the same as you telling me."
Elder Tang sighed lightly:
"My surname is Cui. You’ve probably heard of the name 'Cui Ancheng'?"
In the era of technology-based cultivation, personal power advanced much faster than moral development. During the time of Southeast Asia's rampant crime, there emerged a police chief with the surname Cui.
With iron-fisted policies, he and his officers tackled major cases and captured numerous wanted criminals. As a master-level Qi Refiner, his courage and determination brought peace to the region.
People began calling him "Cui Ancheng," meaning "Stabilizing the City-State."
It was said that the current police chief was also a descendant of the Cui family... Although this young woman in front of him wasn’t the police chief, she must still be someone significant.
So, Ji Qinglin had underestimated her position, no wonder she wanted to schedule a meeting.
"I see now. My apologies."
Elder Tang waved her hand and pulled out a jade token, handing it to him:
"Lord Huang needn’t be so polite. To be honest, I also oversee all the Dark Police in Bangkok. So, according to our agreement, you can accept this token now, right? If you need a title, I’m third in the family."
Ji Qinglin hesitated for a moment before taking the jade token that represented his Dark Police status:
"Cui San... Third Sister, is this it? I can now access the police data?"
Third Sister explained:
"Of course, this is an exceptional level of trust. But if you misuse it for personal gain, I’ll revoke your status at any time. Trust is paramount among the Dark Police. Since we have a gentleman's agreement, I won’t investigate you unless absolutely necessary."
"Haha, I really appreciate the trust. Do the other Dark Police also track down wanted criminals?"
Third Sister pushed a cup of coffee toward him:
"Of course, but honestly, not many people have your terrifying speed and success rate in capturing wanted criminals."
Ji Qinglin waved his hand:
"During my captures, I noticed a problem: merely catching these wanted criminals won’t intimidate Qi Refiners into stopping their crimes. After all, we’re only catching scattered thugs."
At these words, Third Sister's interest was clearly piqued:
"Oh? So, do you have a better idea?"
"Have you heard of the big incident that happened recently on Xindong Street?"
"Ah, you mean the Commerce Guild president was severely injured?"
Ji Qinglin nodded:
"Exactly, a clear case of home invasion and robbery. The key part is that the victim was a master-level figure. If we could arrest the perpetrator, I believe that would make all the Qi Refiners in Bangkok think twice before committing crimes for quite some time. It would be much more effective than catching a few wanted criminals."
Third Sister's eyes lit up at his words.
"Do you think you can find them?"
"At least it's worth a try."
"Then, do you think you can defeat a Qi Refiner strong enough to injure a master and bring them to justice?"
Ji Qinglin smiled:
"Why rely on strength? I’m a Dark Policeman now. Gang fights and pulling out guns are nothing to be ashamed of. Bringing criminals to justice is what matters most."
"Hahaha, now I understand why you’ve been able to kill so many wanted criminals. Alright, I’ll fully support you on this."
Ji Qinglin took a sip of his coffee and asked:
"By the way, Third Sister, don’t we have a police-exclusive Soul Refining training system and servers? And police cultivation techniques, could I borrow a set?"
"If I can’t arrange this kind of resource, I might as well quit my job. Just give me a location, and I’ll have someone send it to you."
Ji Qinglin, wary of staying too long and exposing his identity, stood up:
"Thanks for the trust, Third Sister. Since I’m a Dark Policeman, let’s keep in touch via the dark web. I’ll be leaving now."
"Alright, take care. Stay safe."
As Ji Qinglin left, Third Sister stretched and tapped the table:
"Pay up, pay up! Bet that he wouldn’t dare come alone, lose 30. Bet he wouldn’t accept it, lose 50! Bet he wouldn’t drink coffee, lose 100. Hurry up and pay!"
As she finished speaking, most of the Dark Police in the café, who were wearing sunglasses, stood up, grumbling as they handed over their money:
"Dammit, didn’t expect him to be so young!"
"Could he be a decoy? I’m thinking of checking his background."
"Hey, hey, hey! Don’t try to back out! Dark Police value trust above all. Besides, Third Sister just gave her guarantee."