The constables gradually reached their destination, where the portly magistrate had been waiting for some time.
Aside from welcoming the group, his main purpose was to deliver lofty formalities, though he only received scattered responses in return.
The corner of Ren Qing's mouth twitched. Not a single Restraint Officer was present, suggesting the magistrate held rather low status within the yamen.
Neither Song Zongwu nor even Huang Ziwan could be bothered with him, the fat magistrate had likely grown accustomed to this treatment.
After the magistrate's lengthy speech left him parched, practical rewards were finally distributed, with each person receiving at least several dozen taels of silver.
Ren Qing's reward was slightly more substantial, though not excessively so.
Xiao Wu and other Unofficial Runners received promotions, their positions now becoming hereditary.
The magistrate continued his endless monologue.
Though somewhat exasperated, Ren Qing had no choice but to patiently endure until the magistrate finally concluded with satisfaction nearly two hours later.
Ren Qing and the others then proceeded to the Corpse Burners' Hall.
Bo Feng and the Li brothers had prepared a table laden with dishes, even purchasing several jars of expensive liquor.
Several Corpse Burners from Hexing Street were cleaning the courtyard nearby.
It appeared Bo Feng had thoroughly disciplined them during Ren Qing's absence.
Bo Feng hurried forward and couldn't resist patting Xiao Wu's shoulder: "You've filled out. Learned a lot from Runner Ren, eh?"
"Of course, though we almost..."
Xiao Wu abruptly remembered the prohibition against disclosing information and hastily sealed his lips.
"Nowhere's safer than the city. Just glad you returned unharmed."
Bo Feng sighed nostalgically, having accompanied Restraint Officers beyond the walls several times himself, each trip inevitably saw some constables perish mysteriously.
"Come, eat first."
Ren Qing eagerly picked up a piece of tender braised pork trotter, savoring the rich flavors instantly coating his mouth and teeth.
While wilderness excursions never lacked meat, water rationing limited cooking to roasting, which had long grown tiresome.
Bo Feng smiled: "If it's not enough, I'll have Xiao Zhu prepare more."
Hexing Street Corpse Burners nearby shot resentful glances.
Forced to work without eating, all because they'd offended Bo Feng?
After eating and drinking his fill, Ren Qing didn't rest immediately, instead deciding to visit Butcher Zhang.
Upon entering Sanxiang City earlier, Ren Qing had noticed braised food stalls lining the streets, far too many of them.
The Blood Dog Gang seemed to be expanding recklessly.
Yet Ren Qing believed business thrived on quality over quantity, this behavior seemed abnormal.
Arriving at Butcher Zhang's residence, formerly a butcher shop now converted to private quarters, with offal braising relocated elsewhere, Ren Qing knocked but received no answer.
Frowning, he waited briefly before giving up when Butcher Zhang failed to appear.
Ren Qing headed back toward the alley exit, planning to have Bo Feng investigate during daylight hours regarding potential Blood Dog Gang activities.
But upon reaching the street, nearby pedestrians scattered like startled birds, leaving only a few braised food stalls still operating.
Ren Qing snorted coldly and stood firm with arms crossed.
Soon, a group of Blood Dog Gang members approached rapidly, led by Chen Ben.
"Ren Qing, long time no-"
Ren Qing expressionlessly interrupted: "What do you want?"
Chen Ben hesitated mid-step, feeling like he faced a starved wolf eyeing him hungrily.
His confidence waned as he cautiously replied: "Knowing you just returned to Sanxiang City, we wished to host a welcoming feast. Would you honor us with your presence?"
"Busy. The Restraint Officers have many matters requiring my attention."
Beads of sweat formed on Chen Ben's forehead. Invoking the Restraint Officers suggested Ren Qing had substantial backing.
He recalled the protector's warning, should Ren Qing establish Restraint Officer connections, he must not be provoked.
Ren Qing cut straight to the point: "This is about the braised food business, isn't it?"
Chen Ben's fleeting look of surprise confirmed Ren Qing's suspicions.
"So the recipe leaked."
Clearly the Blood Dog Gang knew the breach came from within, hence their frantic stall expansion to protect market share.
Chen Ben's approach likely followed higher orders to scapegoat Ren Qing for the recipe's exposure.
Chen Ben said hesitantly: "Let's pretend this never happened. My apologies for today's disturbance."
"Where's my uncle Zhang the Butcher?"
Chen Ben retreated several steps: "Shopkeeper Zhang went to the western districts for supplies. We don't burn bridges after crossing them..."
"Very well. I'll take my leave."
Ren Qing wanted no part in Blood Dog Gang affairs. Even if pig eyeball supplies ceased, other animal eyes could substitute.
With Song Rong dead, he needn't exercise caution anymore.
Fish or chicken eyes could be purchased in bulk, though smaller size meant inferior effects.
Chen Ben watched Ren Qing depart with mixed feelings.
This man clearly wasn't ordinary, why provoke him? He'd report truthfully to the protector.
He told subordinates: "No more surveillance on Li the Loudmouth. Especially when Ren Qing appears, keep your distance."
Returning to the Corpse Burners' Hall, Ren Qing remained uneasy and sent Li Mian to verify Butcher Zhang's situation.
Zhang warmly received Li Mian, who replenished their pig eyeball supply.
Over subsequent days, the Blood Dog Gang indeed ceased causing trouble.
As Ren Qing's lifespan steadily increased and his Ghost Envoy Realm breakthrough approached, restless anticipation grew.
Then Song Zongwu arrived regarding Restraint Officer recruitment.
Progress proved slower than expected, currently no positions were available, with the next batch opening next year.
But months of waiting introduced too many variables.
Song Zongwu said gravely: "Actually, Restraint Officers have reserves similar to Unofficial Runner roles."
"Senior Song, any drawbacks?"
"Reserves exist for cultivators connected to Restraint Officers. The yamen naturally prioritizes certain candidates."
Ren Qing asked: "Is joining the reserves difficult?"
Song Zongwu smiled: "You'll compete against a few cultivators. With your strength, it's just formalities."
Before Ren Qing could ponder further, Song Zongwu added: "They're all gang-trained cultivators. With me here, why fear offending them?"
Ren Qing cautiously inquired: "I sense there's more to this?"
Song Zongwu laughed: "Truthfully, gangs don't actively compete for reserve positions. The yamen mandates it."
Understanding dawned on Ren Qing.
Gang life meant restrictions, how could it compare to Restraint Officer freedom? And Restraint Officer resources far surpassed gang offerings.
Essentially, gangs feared losing cultivators but couldn't refuse the yamen. Those competing for reserves were likely misfits nobody wanted.