With the matter settled, Wang Yan voiced everyone's biggest question.
"Right... other than a Divine General, we can't think of anyone this powerful. Is he a hidden ace from the capital?"
"With strength like this, he'd be respected anywhere. How could he be just a hidden ace?"
Hearing their speculation, Zhao Huan let out a sigh. "Today I learned we're nothing but frogs at the bottom of a well. There's always someone stronger."
A Yao chuckled. "But you're wrong. He's not a Divine General."
Zhao Huan froze. "He's not? Then just how strong are the Divine Generals?"
Everyone was stunned by how deep the capital's hidden strength ran. They had actually sent someone this terrifying over without any warning.
Seeing their confusion, A Yao explained helplessly, "He really isn't a Divine General. His name is Chen Xiao."
Zhao Huan nodded absently. "Alright, so he's not a Divine General. I was overthinking it. His name is Chen Xiao... he ca—"
"WHAT DID YOU SAY HIS NAME WAS?!"
Zhao Huan and Wang Yan shouted in unison, staring at each other in horror. Their minds went blank.
"Chen Xiao... isn't that the name of the guy next door? Is it him?!"
"Holy shit! It's the Mad Ghost Butcher in the flesh!"
"No way! The legendary terror of Huaxia is standing right in front of me?!"
"He's my idol! He wiped out those bloodsucking Upper Three Clans all by himself!"
"Shut up! Your idol might be amazing in the news, but I don't want to meet him face-to-face! What if he takes a liking to you and—"
"Ahem—watch your mouth!"
Not just Zhao Huan and Wang Yan. The entire military district erupted into whispers, then quickly straightened their posture, eager to make a good impression.
Not far away, Liu Zihao, who had just gotten back to his feet, froze the moment he heard the name. His legs went weak.
Chen Xiao?
He's Chen Xiao?
Fuck!
He had just gotten beaten up by the Mad Ghost Butcher!
Though he was still frustrated, he instantly felt relieved too—at least he was alive. That was a win.
Chen Xiao smiled faintly. "So you're all interested in me?"
Zhao Huan waved his hands frantically. "Chen Xiao... uh, Mad Ghost Brother! It's a case of 'water flooding the Dragon King Temple'—we're on the same side! The military district and the Triad are both Jiangbei's pride! We're all in the same boat!"
Chen Xiao laughed. "You won't curse me behind my back? The Jiangbei Triad poached most of your best talent."
Zhao Huan laughed awkwardly. "Nonsense! Jiangbei is full of talent—this is a good thing!"
Chen Xiao pressed on. "I founded the Jiangbei Triad and squeezed you this hard. Do you hold a grudge against me?"
Wang Yan stepped forward at once. "Absolutely not! We always stand with Jiangbei! When Jiangbei prospers, we prosper!"
Chen Xiao glanced at Liu Zihao, who had gone pale. Liu Zihao stammered, "It was a huge misunderstanding! I thought it was just a normal new officer taking office—who would've thought..."
No one had expected the Mad Ghost Butcher to personally escort a girl to take up a military district post.
Then Zhao Huan, Wang Yan, and Liu Zihao exchanged a look.
So A Yao was his person?
And very close to him?
In other words—the Jiangbei Triad was making a move inside the military district!
Zhao Huan's hands trembled with excitement. Instead of being upset, he was overjoyed.
The Jiangbei Military District was struggling precisely because its power structure was unlike that of other cities. In most places, the military was the dominant force, with civilian factions at most on equal footing. But in Jiangbei, the Triad had become unstoppable—endless resources, top-tier talent, and the Mad Ghost Butcher as its banner had drained the surrounding talent dry.
If the Mad Ghost Butcher was willing to back the military district and protect it, Jiangbei's fortunes would turn around overnight.
Even if it meant becoming subordinate to the Triad, that was far better than their current situation.
Chen Xiao smiled at their stunned silence. "I've wanted to visit you neighbors for a long time. I just never had the time."
Zhao Huan was ecstatic. "Great! We're honored that you thought of us! It's a privilege to have you here!"
"Zihao, go get my bottle of Daughter's Red! Today I'm treating—"
Chen Xiao cut him off calmly. "No need. Since we're all in Jiangbei together, is it okay if I call you Xiao Zhao?"
Zhao Huan nodded vigorously. "Of course! Absolutely!"
Chen Xiao said seriously, "A Yao is my person. If I hear that any of you make her unhappy, I'll use my own rough way to make sure she feels better."
The entire military district panicked instantly.
"Don't worry, Officer A Yao is like my own sister! We'll take perfect care of her!"
"I swear! No one will ever bully her!"
"Anyone who says a bad word about her will have to answer to me!"
Zhao Huan, Liu Zihao, and Wang Yan nodded frantically, making solemn promises.
With the Mad Ghost Butcher's warning hanging over them, who would dare mess with A Yao? They'd be lucky if she didn't end up bullying them.
A Yao grinned. "Chief Zhao, does that mean I'm officially on the job now?"
Zhao Huan glanced at Chen Xiao nervously. "If you want it official, then it's official."
Chen Xiao sighed. "You're now the Second Executive Officer of the Jiangbei Military District. I'm counting on you to look after my Triad's interests here."
A Yao smiled. "I can't do that. Wait until Zhang Longqi and the others get here—let them handle that."
Zhao Huan asked timidly, "More people? Are they connected to you, Brother Xiao?"
Chen Xiao corrected him. "I've wanted to say this for a while—I hate that nickname. Call me Xiao Ge from now on."
Zhao Huan and the others quickly agreed. "No problem, Xiao Ge!"
A Yao spoke for him. "Zhang Longqi is an SSS-level awakener, now a dual-animal awakener."
At that, the entire military district exploded.
"Are you serious?!"