Chapter 1247: Justice

Chapter 1247: Justice

The Pu Family.

“Officer Han Meng, the Family Head requests your presence.”

Under a peach tree outside a side wing, a figure in a black enforcement officer’s trench coat stood silently, gazing at the distant azure sky. The gentle breeze rustled the hem of his coat, as if lost in thought.

A respectful voice from behind pulled Han Meng's thoughts back to reality.

“...Lead the way.”

He replied coolly.

The Pu family estate was vast, with an intricate layout of Chinese-style side wings, covered bridges, and gardens, resembling an ancient princely mansion. Every flower and tree exuded refinement and elegance. Combined with the spring-like climate of the South Sea Domain year-round, it was undoubtedly an excellent place for peaceful living.

Han Meng followed the Pu family member, walking through one garden after another. Occasionally, Pu family members noticed the black-clad man, who seemed out of place in the estate. Their brows furrowed in surprise, and they began to quietly inquire about his identity.

The Pu family had designated guest rooms for visitors, making it rare for someone to be directly accommodated within the inner quarters of the estate.

“Is the Pu family head the Books God Dao demigod?” Han Meng suddenly asked.

The guide shook his head.

“No, that demigod is our Pu family's ancestor. He has lived in seclusion beneath the cliff for many years and rarely leaves, unless Lord Nanhai himself comes to invite him... The daily affairs of the Pu family are primarily managed by his son, the current Family Head.”

Han Meng nodded slightly.

Everyone in the world knew that the Pu family of Nanhai had a demigod overseeing them, but information about this demigod was scarce. Even Han Meng had never seen him in person, only hearing rumors of his existence within the Pu family...

However, Han Meng was somewhat puzzled. He had almost no interaction with the Pu family, so why were they treating him with such care?

A few minutes later, Han Meng was led to the entrance of an elegant study.

“Officer Han Meng, please come in.”

Han Meng raised his hand decisively and pushed the door open.

Bright sunlight streamed through the exquisitely carved windows, illuminating the calligraphy scrolls hanging throughout the room. The paper-thin pages fluttered like cicada wings in the breeze, creating a remarkably soothing rustling sound.

Among the countless scrolls, a figure in a dark ink-colored long gown sat behind a rosewood table, intently writing something with a brush in one hand.

As Han Meng stepped inside, he was immediately enveloped by a profound sense of accumulated wisdom from the texts, as if wrapped in an invisible force that made his shoulders feel heavy.

“Mr. Han is here.”

The middle-aged figure immediately put down his brush, a smile appearing on his lips. He gestured for Han Meng to sit.

Han Meng walked through the 'white waves' of calligraphy scrolls, politely nodded to the middle-aged figure, and then calmly sat on the guest chair, saying, “It’s our first meeting. Thank you for your hospitality.”

“It is indeed our first meeting, but I've long heard about you,” the Pu family head said with a leisurely smile. “The genius enforcement officer of the Aurora Domain, the youngest Chief Inquisitor… and the formidable individual who single-handedly judged thirty-six council members.”

At the mention of the last phrase, Han Meng's expression remained unchanged. After a moment of silence, he still asked:

“My current status is essentially that of a prisoner… The Pu family's supervision of me seems rather lenient.”

The Family Head smiled slightly.

“Indeed… What you did, at best, was challenging the Alliance Council. At worst, it was an attempt to assassinate thirty-six high-ranking human officials… If it weren't for Hong Xiu's unwavering protection, you would likely be facing life imprisonment right now.

However, what does your challenge to the Alliance Council have to do with our Pu family?

The Alliance Council was established under Lord Nanhai's initiative, and our ancestor wasn't particularly interested in it. In fact, after hearing about what you did, he praised you highly. He thinks very highly of you.”

“The Pu family's demigod thinks highly of me?” Han Meng was surprised.

“That’s right.”

The Pu family head solemnly took a black wooden box from beneath the table and presented it to Han Meng.

“Upon hearing that you were transferred to the South Sea Domain, our ancestor instructed me to treat you well. He even personally inscribed some characters for you, as a welcoming gift from our Pu family…”

Han Meng looked down at the wooden box and, after a moment of hesitation, opened it on the spot.

Inside the box was a rolled-up calligraphy scroll.

Han Meng slowly unrolled the scroll, and two upright, powerful characters seemed to break free from the paper, suddenly leaping into his vision!

—Justice.

Every stroke was sharp and piercing. Beneath their seemingly stable structure, a bold and unyielding pride lay hidden. For some reason, even though Han Meng only saw two characters, he seemed to vaguely perceive a figure standing upright before a multitude of beings, amidst their anger and accusations, standing like an unyielding sword, a fearless spear.

Han Meng’s gaze was completely drawn to the two characters. He felt a part of his heart begin to resonate with them, an ineffable sensation…

During this process, his judgment path seemed to become clearer, taking a significant step forward.

After a long while, he somewhat dazedly put away the scroll…

Was this the power of the Books God Dao demigod?

“...Thank you,” Han Meng said sincerely. “I truly appreciate this gift.”

“I’m glad you like it,” the Family Head nodded slightly. “Although it’s a form of detention, our Pu family will not restrict your freedom. You may move freely within the compound. However, if you wish to go outside, it would be best to have Chun Shu or Xia Chan accompany you… just to ensure those council members don’t find any excuse.”

The Family Head pondered for a moment before adding:

“There’s one more thing I should remind you of… Even here in the Pu family, it’s best not to get too close to other unfamiliar Pu family members, apart from myself, Chun Shu, and Xia Chan.”

Although Han Meng was already disinclined to interact with others, the Family Head’s warning made him somewhat puzzled:

“Why?”

“The Pu family is a large clan with many direct and collateral branches. Many years ago, a collateral branch committed a wrongdoing and was expelled from the Pu family. They later traveled to the Aurora Domain… I heard you two might have had a conflict.”

Han Meng paused, immediately recalling the Pu family members he had encountered in the Aurora Domain who were affiliated with the Stellar Merchant Guild… At that time, Chen Ling had apparently killed a young Pu family member in the Ancient Tomb of Military Dao. Later, a Pu family elder arrived and ended up being beaten by Han Meng himself. Afterwards, Chen Ling even annihilated the entire Pu family, leaving almost no one alive.

“Yes, that happened.”

“A few elders from that collateral branch are still in the Pu family, and they’ve flourished and expanded well over the years… You should be wary of them. While they wouldn’t dare do anything openly, it’s hard to say what they might do behind the scenes.”

Han Meng wasn't worried about this. He simply replied indifferently:

“Thank you for the warning, Family Head… The Pu family has already helped me enough. I can handle these minor matters myself.”