39. A Combination of Favor and Severity

Even Zhang Lin was taken aback.

The last time Xie An had lifted seven hundred pounds in front of Tang Qingyun, he had appeared somewhat strained. Now, however, he performed the feat with ease. Such supernatural strength left Zhang Lin both intimidated and filled with awe. He decided then and there that he must cultivate a good relationship with this mysterious old man.

As for the other subordinates present, they had followed Zhang Biao and were accustomed to being idle and unruly. They had originally held the newly appointed old Deacon in low regard, but seeing him display such immense strength left them all speechless and terrified.

Seven hundred pounds!

Across the entire black market, only Grand Deacon Lin Yun and Incense Master Wei could lift that much with one arm. Zhang Biao certainly never could. Seeing the cold, ruthless look in Xie An’s eyes, they felt this old man was not someone to be trifled with. They would have to keep their heads down from now on.

Only Liang Zhi narrowed his eyes, lost in thought. Wang Xiang kept his head bowed, gritting his teeth, secretly thinking that the new Deacon sent by the higher-ups was indeed not to be provoked.

Xie An continued to feign ruthlessness. "I don’t care how you operated under Zhang Biao. From now on, under my command, you must work diligently and act with integrity. I have no tolerance for filth. If anyone does not agree with my philosophy, you may leave now and seek fortune elsewhere. I will not stand in your way."

Xie An knew that in these chaotic times, human nature was rarely virtuous, let alone within a pugilistic sect like the Tiger-Wolf Gate. The very name of the sect spoke volumes about its nature—vicious and predatory. Without resorting to firm measures, how could he keep his subordinates in check?

As expected, Xie An’s display had a powerful deterrent effect. However, to his surprise, no one stepped forward to object.

Finally, Liang Zhi spoke first. "Subordinate Liang Zhi is willing to offer my loyal service to the Deacon."

The others followed suit.

"Subordinate Wang Xiang is at your command."
"Subordinate Xiao Liu is willing to serve you."
"Me too..."

Xie An breathed a sigh of relief, his gaze lingering on Liang Zhi for a moment. "Everyone, return to your duties. Liang Zhi, stay behind."

Xie An realized that Liang Zhi was the leader of this group and held significant sway over the others. If he wanted to manage his subordinates effectively, winning over Liang Zhi was the key. A private conversation was necessary. Xie An did not want his new appointment to lead to trouble in the black market's business due to poor management; if Incense Master Wei or the Grand Deacon caught wind of such incompetence, it would reflect poorly on him.

At his age, Xie An was no longer hot-headed, but he knew that when a firm hand was required, he could not afford to waver. His actions and attitude on his first day were paramount.

The subordinates retreated, bowing. Seeing that the new Deacon had successfully cowed his men, Zhang Lin found an excuse to leave with Zhou Xing, promising to return later to take Xie An to lunch.

Once they were out of the courtyard, Zhou Xing couldn't help but whisper, "Boss, this new Deacon... he really has some tricks up his sleeve."

Zhang Lin nodded in agreement. "Indeed. He appears polite, but when it’s time to show his teeth, he doesn't hesitate. He’s a ruthless character. With Elder Tang Qingyun’s support, I fear he will soon solidify his position and perhaps even overshadow me."

Zhou Xing looked resentful and made a throat-slitting gesture. "Should we..."

*Slap!*

Zhang Lin smacked him hard on the head. "Is your brain waterlogged? He was promoted on my recommendation, and we have a decent relationship. If he succeeds, I benefit too. The pugilistic world isn't just about killing; it’s about human relationships and social navigation. Learn something, you idiot."

Zhou Xing hung his head. "I understand."

"You don't understand a damn thing."

...

In the reception hall, Xie An sat at the head of the table while Liang Zhi stood respectfully before him. Xie An studied him, but saw no fear in the man’s eyes—only calm. This composure suggested to Xie An that Liang Zhi was no ordinary man. If he had simply been terrified, he would have been easy to manipulate. This required more effort.

After a long silence, Xie An spoke. "How many years did you follow Zhang Biao?"

"Five years."

"I see. And the black market accounts were under your control during that time?"

"Yes."

"Bring the ledgers to me."

For the first time, the composed Liang Zhi showed a flicker of panic in his eyes. Yet, he dared not refuse. He bowed and left, returning shortly with a stack of ledgers nearly two feet high.

Liang Zhi had assumed the old Deacon was merely putting on a show, but to his dismay, the old man began to flip through them one by one, carefully inspecting the entries.

*Drip.*

Sweat began to bead on Liang Zhi’s forehead. Even in the bitter cold, tiny droplets of sweat rolled down his face. He had served as the accountant for five years; how could he not have skimmed a little? But he was skilled, and he had kept it hidden. Zhang Biao had been a coarse man who never checked the details, allowing Liang Zhi to get away with it. He hadn't expected this new Deacon to be so difficult to handle.

The problem was, Xie An was thinking the exact same thing. Since raw strength hadn't completely broken Liang Zhi’s spirit, he would attack through the accounts. Having lived through the information age in his past life, Xie An had a far greater understanding of human nature than most in this world. He had that much insight at least.

However, Xie An didn't actually understand the accounting...

For an entire hour, Xie An scrutinized five volumes without finding a single issue. The accounts were far too complex compared to the simple ledgers of a pawnshop. They recorded the prices and commissions of various weapons and medicinal supplements—things Xie An had never heard of, let alone understood the market value for. Prices fluctuated with time, making it nearly impossible to verify.

He truly couldn't find a flaw. But the deterrent effect had already taken hold. Seeing the sweat pouring off Liang Zhi, Xie An knew there were discrepancies. He decided to bluff. "Liang Zhi, you’ve played quite a few games with these books. If I were to report this to the Incense Master and the Grand Deacon, I fear... your life would be forfeit."

Liang Zhi was instantly thrown into a panic. How could he know that Xie An couldn't understand the books? Or that he was being bluffed?

A man with a guilty conscience is easily shaken. Combined with Xie An’s earlier display of peerless martial arts, his grim, ruthless expression, and the fact that he had spent an hour studying the books before threatening to report him, Liang Zhi was terrified to the point of collapse.

*Thud.*

Liang Zhi knelt on the floor and confessed everything. "Please, Deacon, have mercy! I have made some small adjustments, but I have never committed major theft, nor have I violated the rules of the black market. My mother is gravely ill, and the medicine is expensive. That is why I succumbed to greed!"

Xie An exhaled inwardly. It had worked!

But Xie An did not show it. He slowly set the ledger down and looked down at the kneeling man with cold indifference. The more he acted this way, the more panicked Liang Zhi became.

*Bang, bang, bang!*

Liang Zhi began to kowtow violently. "I was wrong! I will never be greedy again. Please, Deacon, do not report me to the Incense Master or the Grand Deacon. I am willing to follow your lead from now on."

Xie An’s gaze remained stern. "Are you lying to me about your mother's illness?"

Liang Zhi gestured toward the heavens. "I swear every word is true. If I lie, may I be struck by lightning and meet a miserable end."

Xie An nodded, his attitude softening slightly. "Given your filial piety, I can be lenient. But to ensure this never happens again, I need you to write a letter of guarantee, detailing your transgressions and promising it will not happen again. I will keep this document. As long as you work diligently, I will not tell anyone."

Liang Zhi slumped to the ground. He was no fool; he knew this was Xie An’s way of ensuring he remained under his thumb. With this written confession, he would have to do whatever Xie An demanded in the future.

But he had no choice. He had hoped he could outmaneuver the new Deacon, but he hadn't expected such a shrewd hand. On his very first day, he had been completely cornered.

In the end, Liang Zhi dejectedly wrote the guarantee and, at Xie An’s insistence, pressed his thumbprint upon it. Xie An pocketed the paper and finally felt satisfied. This wasn't because he was cruel; it was because in this world, if you didn't have a bit of leverage, you would eventually be played to death by others. Survival in chaotic times required a wary heart.

Truth be told, Xie An didn't intend to use this to threaten Liang Zhi; he only wanted to ensure he could manage the black market effectively and establish his footing. Having a sword in one's hand and not using it was entirely different from having no sword at all.

This was the art of combining grace with authority. The authority had been established; now, it was time to show grace.

Xie An rose from his seat and personally helped Liang Zhi to his feet. "Although you tampered with the books, you kept them in perfect order, which shows you are a talent worth using. It is a pity that Zhang Biao was a man who could not distinguish talent, allowing you to be buried. As long as you perform well from now on, who is to say you won't be promoted to Deputy Deacon one day?"

Liang Zhi looked up, staring at Xie An in disbelief, his eyes stinging. Under Zhang Biao, he had been constantly scolded and humiliated, never treated as a human being. This new Deacon, though stern and ruthless, recognized his worth.

They say a scholar will die for one who truly understands him. While Liang Zhi wasn't quite at that point, being appreciated stirred a deep sense of excitement within him. He suddenly felt that this new Deacon had a grand vision, and that following him held promise.