Chapter Nineteen: The City Lord's Audience
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Confronted with such a scene, Lu Qingyun naturally sensed the danger. The Zhao family’s influence in Bixiao City was immense; ordinary people were no match for them.
Seeing Han Man and Wang Pangzi trapped in crisis, Lu Qingyun refused to kneel easily. He spoke coldly, “Zhao Tuo, are you finished yet? All this started because of you. What does it have to do with us? What benefit do you hope to gain from this?”
“We’re newcomers here; we couldn’t possibly threaten the Zhao family’s status. Why do you make things so difficult for us? What exactly is your purpose?”
Lu Qingyun could not act rashly now. Wang Pangzi and Han Man were his sworn brothers with whom he had shared life and death struggles.
Their tacit cooperation in Fengyun Gorge had yielded many rewards.
Han Man and Wang Pangzi had no grand ambitions; the spiritual herbs and materials they acquired could have afforded them a comfortable life.
But they had come here to accompany Lu Qingyun, only to be put in jeopardy because of him. Naturally, this pained Lu Qingyun deeply.
Zhao Tuo looked at Wang Pangzi and Han Man with amusement before turning to Lu Qingyun with a smile.
“Aren’t you so capable? The news of my father being beaten has spread; the Zhao family is shamed because of you. Do you think Zhao Jiahui will let you off so easily?”
“I’m willing to admit my mistake now; at least don’t let those two die with me, or all three of you will perish here!”
Lu Qingyun shook his head slowly upon hearing this.
Before transmigrating, he had no friends; it was hard-won friendship here, and he would not let them fall into danger.
He spoke coldly, “The Zhao family is fond of refining pills, right? I have other secret formulas. If you release them both, I can give you these formulas.”
“Each person must take responsibility for their actions. The conflict is between you and me. If you have the ability, come at me alone. They have nothing to do with this!”
Lu Qingyun was always a man of responsibility and knew exactly what the Zhao family’s intentions were.
Wang Pangzi and Han Man struggled desperately, but with their mouths stuffed, they couldn’t speak.
They were anxious, hoping Lu Qingyun would leave quickly.
Upon hearing this, a greedy gleam flickered in Zhao Tuo’s eyes as he asked quickly, “Really? Do you really have such things? Are they more powerful than our Yangtian Pill?”
Lu Qingyun had already displayed terrifying power, especially with that mighty martial soul; few could compare.
No matter where, the Azure Dragon was always a sacred presence.
Moreover, being able to refine the Yangtian Pill was a rare talent across the continent.
The Zhao family’s strength and standing were built on such abilities, even becoming friends with the city lord.
In truth, Lu Qingyun was bluffing. He did not possess such formulas; although the system had given him rewards, none were godlike.
Now, he spoke such words as a last resort.
He spoke with firm conviction and an earnest expression, “Of course, what would I gain by lying? These two are my good brothers; I would never joke with their lives.”
Lu Qingyun’s demeanor was as if he spoke the truth.
Zhao Tuo’s eyes widened before he extended his hand slowly, “Hand over the formulas, and I’ll let them go.”
Lu Qingyun shook his head slowly.
“Heh heh heh, do you take me for a fool? Do you think I’d believe your words?”
“Release them, and I’ll go with you. Doesn’t your Zhao family have experts? Are you afraid of me meeting with them?”
Lu Qingyun’s primary goal was to get the two of them away first. As for what dire situation he might fall into, he was not yet sure.
Life or death no longer mattered; as long as others were not implicated, that was his ultimate intention.
After pondering for a moment, Zhao Tuo gestured to his men, “Bind him first, then release those two!”
If Lu Qingyun wanted to fight them head-on, breaking through was nearly impossible.
He had to buy time.
Lu Qingyun was bound, and Han Man and Wang Pangzi quickly spoke up.
“Qingyun, you are destined for great things. Why act on impulse? Our lives don’t matter!”
“Exactly. You have a long road ahead; we don’t deserve you to sacrifice for us!”
Lu Qingyun never expected to gain such precious friendship in so short a time, which made his heart skip a beat.
The more so, the more he respected this bond. He said seriously, “Don’t worry, I know what I’m doing. You’ll probably have to leave here temporarily. After I finish handling things, I’ll come find you.”
“If you make a name for yourselves, don’t forget everything we’ve been through!”
Lu Qingyun smiled at them as if nothing had happened.
That smile was reassuring.
Zhao Tuo impatiently said beside them, “If you want to leave, then hurry up. Stop dawdling; I might change my mind!”
Zhao Tuo was utterly unreasonable and prone to sudden reversals.
Lu Qingyun nodded to the two; after so much experience, they had developed mutual understanding.
They quickly left.
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Before leaving, they warned Lu Qingyun to be careful.
After they departed, Lu Qingyun finally felt some relief.
He said calmly, “Let’s go; let me see what tricks you have!”
Accompanying them away, Zhao Tuo led his men proudly at the front.
The news of the Zhao family’s recent beating had spread throughout Bixiao City. Within less than a day, they had captured the person — a big event indeed.
Zhao Tuo arrogantly declared, “See clearly? This is the fate for those who offend the Zhao family!”
“Anyone who dares provoke the Zhao family in the future will suffer even worse!”
As he flaunted his might, suddenly, a group appeared ahead — seventy or eighty men in all.
They wore black armor and black-and-gold helmets; all had black masks covering their faces, each carrying a uniform tiger-head broadsword at their waist.
They exuded grandeur and formidable strength; every one of them was terrifyingly powerful.
Under such pressure, everyone felt breathless.
Zhao Tuo quickly concealed his arrogance, jumped down from his horse, and hurried forward like a lapdog.
His voice trembled as he said, “I didn’t know the commander was coming here. This is all my fault. I will immediately take a detour and leave...”
Before he finished, a burly man atop a black stallion spoke in a deep and commanding voice.
“Zhao Tuo, hand over the person, and you may leave!”
Lu Qingyun had no idea what identity this man held, but these people were likely connected to the city lord.
He felt no nervousness, only anticipation.
Their plan to first go to the auction house to find the key’s whereabouts was because the city lord was difficult to see.
That was why they made such a choice.
Now, having the chance to meet the city lord was excellent!
Lu Qingyun had no chance to speak now, and Zhao Tuo was puzzled.
He was unwilling to give up, especially after Lu Qingyun revealed such important information.
Such a secret formula was rare and precious.
Zhao Tuo had no choice but to grit his teeth and say, “Commander, I think this matter deserves discussion. He beat my father...”
Before he finished, the commander wearing a black-and-gold mask spoke in a low voice.
“Young Master Zhao, I am carrying out the city lord’s orders. Does the Zhao family intend to defy the city lord?”
The city lord’s authority was not to be taken lightly.
Though the Zhao family was strong, they were no match for the city lord.
Zhao Tuo’s voice trembled as he said, “Yes...”
Though unwilling, he had no choice.
He immediately ordered his men to hand over Lu Qingyun, who was taken away by the black-armored men.
Of course, Lu Qingyun struggled fiercely to break free, but escaping here was no easy feat.
He certainly did not want to be a helpless lamb, but now was not the time for rash actions.
The consequences would be unimaginable!
The man called the commander spoke slowly, “Untie him!”
Lu Qingyun was puzzled.
Once freed, his body felt much lighter.
The commander dismounted and approached him.
“Young man, the city lord wishes to discuss an important matter with you. Will you meet him?”
Lu Qingyun nodded slowly; at least he was no longer facing the Zhao family’s threat.
He believed that after entering the Zhao family, he would have no good outcome.
Especially with the Zhao family’s elder, a formidable figure. With Lu Qingyun’s current strength, he was no match.
“Very well. The city lord has invited you; how could you refuse?”
“But... the Zhao family is still waiting to see me?”
The commander snorted coldly.
“Hmph, the Zhao family?”
“If you want, we can make them disappear at any time!”
Lu Qingyun sensed there was more to this than met the eye. He believed this matter was far from simple.
Meeting the city lord now seemed even more dangerous.
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[Ping!]
A familiar sound rang out.
What would the system say now?
Lu Qingyun was puzzled, waiting for the system’s prompt.
But the damned system only dinged once and then fell silent.
“Hey... what’s going on?”
Lu Qingyun always tried talking to the system, but gained little.
The system often mocked him but never responded.
The commander, a strong figure, spoke in a low voice.
“What’s the matter?”
He was also puzzled by Lu Qingyun’s earlier words.
Lu Qingyun cleared his throat awkwardly.
“Ahem... nothing. Let’s go...”
Who cared who they were? Better to meet first, decide later.
As for the consequences, now was not the time to think about them.
Lu Qingyun was placed on a carriage and slowly left the scene.
Zhao Tuo hurried back to the family to report.
Soon, Lu Qingyun was brought to the city lord’s mansion!
As the continent’s center of medicine trade, the city lord’s mansion was lavish — a grand palace.
Though not glittering with gold and jade, it exuded solemnity and awe, inspiring fear.
It had to be this way; if anyone could enter casually, it wouldn’t command respect.
Lu Qingyun followed them inside; no one spoke along the way.
Soon, he was led to a small palace, where in the center sat a burly man.
This man was imposing, standing at least two and a half meters tall.
His broad figure was like a mountain standing there.
Even seated, he commanded others’ respect.
The commander knelt respectfully and reported, “City lord, the person has been brought!”
The city lord’s eyes shone like lanterns, emitting a fearsome light.
He spoke in a booming voice that chilled the blood.
“You must be the boy with the Azure Dragon martial soul. How did you obtain it? Why have you come here? What is your purpose?”
“What did those two from Fengyun Gorge say to you?”
Lu Qingyun thought the city lord might only be interested in his martial soul, but this man knew far more.
At Fengyun Gorge, one was a mysterious old man in black, the other a high priest.
The city lord even knew of their existence, making Lu Qingyun tense.
“Why have you brought me here?”
Everyone present was stunned.
Even the city lord looked at him in surprise.
In this city, no one dared question the city lord.
Yet Lu Qingyun had such boldness!
The commander quickly stepped forward.
“Watch your tone!”
Lu Qingyun was puzzled.
“Why? I’m brought here without reason and can’t say a word?”
Their shock grew at his attitude.
Suddenly, the city lord laughed heartily.
“Hahaha, what an interesting young man! It’s been a long time since I’ve seen one like you.”
He slowly rose and approached Lu Qingyun.
After sizing him up, he waved his hand.
“Very bold, but a pity...”
“Kill him!”