The ownership of the Night Patrol is a complicated matter between the Church Court and the Cabinet. It could just belong to the Church Court; after all, handling secrets still relies on them. But initially, Luthor pinned the ownership of the Night Patrol under the Cabinet, and currently, the Cabinet doesn’t want this force to be fully controlled by the Church Court. However, the Church Court is the actual controller, and they’re also unwilling to invest too much. But both sides need the Night Patrol. When Luthor’s influence was present, it was fine, but now no one’s taking responsibility, yet they’re exerting the most effort.

"Sir, this situation greatly affects the case handling of the Shadow Owl over time. Although the team members don’t complain, it’s really unfair to them. So I boldly thought of a solution," said Li Xin.

Complaining to the leadership about problems is useless. He’s aware of the Night Patrol’s situation, and Lei Qinglu pretends to be ignorant while understanding everything clearly.

"Oh, let’s hear it," Lei Qinglu smiled.

"According to jurisdiction, the Black Market belongs to the Night Patrol’s area. I’ve discussed it with other captains, so I want to collect a management fee from the Black Market. This way, it can solve the Night Patrol’s long-term funding issues, and heroes like orphan Tang Gao won’t end up on the streets without medical treatment," Li Xin said.

"The Black Market?" Lei Qinglu looked at Li Xin, "That’s bold of you, it’s a minefield the Church Court doesn’t like to touch."

"Sir, I don’t know about any minefield. The Night Patrol maintains the secret security of the entire Dragon Capital, ensuring the citizens live and work in peace, and that secret order operates smoothly. Every year, many Night Patrol members make sacrifices, so collecting this management fee is only right. Even if the King himself came, I’d say the same," Li Xin said respectfully but firmly.

Lei Qinglu looked at the young and energetic Li Xin without speaking.

Li Xin continued, "Sir, I don’t want to drag you into this. I’ll handle this myself. If it succeeds, it can resolve the Night Patrol’s current predicament; if not, it’s my personal issue. Anyway, I’m just an acting captain, being a bit reckless as a young person isn’t related to others."

When handling affairs, it’s not just about right or wrong or benefits. From Lei Qinglu’s perspective as the high-ranking Lord Metropolitan, this matter will definitely affect him.

Lei Qinglu looked at Li Xin unexpectedly, who at a young age has thought things through.

Even as the Metropolitan, every expense of the Great Cathedral has its purpose. What he can do is lend a hand when the Night Patrol is in trouble, but long-term it indeed leads to various issues. Tang Gao is just lucky; that’s not the norm. At least he has someone to adopt him, unlike many others.

The reason the Night Patrol has become like this is due to multiple factors, but as the actual primary manager, Lei Qinglu also doesn’t want the Night Patrol to collapse completely. At least for now, the Night Patrol’s force is still needed to maintain Dragon Capital’s basic secret security. Such hard and tiring work, the Church’s priests and clergy are willing to do occasionally, but not long-term.

"The Black Market in Li Long has a long history. With every major change, there’s actually been an agreement. Currently, a part is handed to the Cabinet, another part to the Church Court, and I’ve heard a small part is collected by the Hundred Martial Hall. You’re grabbing chestnuts from the fire; have you thought it through?"

"The Cabinet and the Church Court are legitimate, and perhaps the Hundred Martial Hall has its purpose, which I don’t concern myself with. The Night Patrol only takes the part they deserve and will use it all for their work. As long as you support me, I fear nothing," Li Xin said resolutely.

"The reason you’re acting captain is that your past merits show you work steadily and low-key. You should know if reason worked, the conflict wouldn’t be so big. If you move, the Hundred Martial Hall is your first enemy."

"Sir, I know. I heard of the Hundred Martial Hall’s reputation long ago in the Celestial Capital, but I work for the public good, not for personal gain. As for other issues, we handle them as they come. The Night Patrol doesn’t fear death, nor do they fear opponents."

"Alright, then give it a try." Lei Qinglu nodded.

He also wanted to see if this fearless youngster, Li Xin, was just boasting or if he truly had the ability to tackle such a tough problem.

"I heard the Knight Order has taken back the carriage. The Church Court’s Judgement Team has extras; take one back to use," Lei Qinglu said.

Li Xin thanked him and left, while Lei Qinglu silently watched Li Xin’s departing figure, lightly sighing.

The Moon God’s Court is also going through a turbulent time. The former Chief Red-robed Archbishop died mysteriously, and the new chief lacks authority. The power struggle between the Red-robed Archbishops has intensified. At the same time, the Governor election is happening, a crucial moment. Whoever takes office will directly determine the attitude towards the Church Court, and even within the Church Court, there are biases.

Kathy needs to quickly strike against the Hundred Martial Hall to establish authority, but that’s easier said than done. To attack without affecting the Church Court’s stance while grasping the right balance.

Using the Night Patrol seems to be the best way, and the Black Market is the only justifiable point.

The idea is good, but relying solely on the Night Patrol’s force to contend with the Hundred Martial Hall is unlikely. If the Hundred Martial Hall were that easy to deal with, they wouldn’t be where they are today. ... Li Xin might end up taking the blame.

In this matter, he’ll remain neutral and won’t provide direct help. In reality, he doesn’t have much help to offer.

Picking up the carriage from the Judgement Team, having been in the Dao Yuan Continent for so long, Li Xin finally had his own carriage, happily driving it.

In his mind, he went over what just happened. From what little interaction he had, he thought Lei Qinglu wasn’t just an old hand, but it’s good that things went smoothly. He didn’t expect any help from Lei Qinglu, and as long as he didn’t obstruct him, that counted as passing the first hurdle. He doesn’t judge the leaders of hidden powers merely by their eyes. These people’s true thoughts and positions can’t be known at non-crucial moments, but this time he indeed needs Lei Qinglu’s support.

Returning to Shadow Owl, Meng Po saw the carriage, her eyes lit up, "Captain, where did this carriage come from?"

"Given by the Lord Metropolitan. From now on, it’s our Shadow Owl’s carriage."

"Haha, that’s great! Snake Skin is best at communicating with animals; let him manage it. It’ll be easier to act. This is our Shadow Owl’s significant asset now."

Li Xin handed the carriage to Meng Po, "Things will keep getting better. Just let old Lu set the management fee rules for the Black Market and post announcements there."

"Got it, Captain, we’ll take care of it right away!" Meng Po knew Li Xin must have gotten the Metropolitan’s support, "Any other orders from the Lord Metropolitan?"

"None."

"None?" Meng Po paused, "Didn’t the Lord Metropolitan say he’d support us in the name of the Church Court?"

"No, he just told me to go ahead," Li Xin said, "Sister Meng, get some good forage, this is my first carriage."

Watching the cheerful Li Xin leave, Meng Po’s eyes filled with concern. These old hands are playing leader Li like a monkey, but seeing Li Xin so excited, she didn’t know how to stop him.