After the young official in front of him opened his mouth, Xia Qifei's head exploded. The feeling of humiliation he had suppressed for a long time made his hands begin to tremble. After all, he was the master of the Jiangnan water bandits, a famous figure in the underworld. When had he ever been bullied like this?
However, he was a clever person. Although he was not sure of his own judgment, he already had a rough guess as to the other party's identity. If his guess was correct, then this young official was not simple. The child beside him was even more …
"Endure! I have to endure. "
Xia Qifei continuously told himself this in his heart. He knew that given the other party's power, he only needed to stretch out his little finger and he could completely wipe away all of the family property he had accumulated over the years. There was no need to mention his revenge, and the thousands of brothers under him who still had to support their families would probably all have their heads rolled. More importantly, the boundless reverence the Qing people had for the royal family bound his heart and made it impossible for him to have any thoughts of disobedience.
So, he could only endure. Although the men of jianghu were always a bit hot-blooded and hoodlums were also a bit ruthless, for the sake of the lives of his brothers and the wishes of his life, Xia Qifei suppressed the anger in his chest and said respectfully with a glimmer of humility, "I wonder what orders you have for me today?"
Fan Xian glanced at him and said, "I'll have to trouble you to first take care of the matter I ordered earlier."
Although he used the title of "Master Xia," his words were still light and without any force. There was not a trace of the respect commonly seen on the jianghu.
Xia Qifei didn't know what the other party was planning. With a heavy expression, he turned and left the hall to give a few orders to the trembling advisor.
Fan Xian sat in the hall drinking tea. He did not seem to be in a hurry.
The conversation began again.
"I have come today to ask you a matter," Fan Xian said warmly as he put down his teacup. Fan Xian put down his teacup and gazed at Xia Qifei warmly. "A few nights ago, on the Yingzhou dock, some guests came onto my boat. I asked them to stay. How is Master Xia prepared to explain this matter?"
Xia Qifei's expression darkened. He did not answer this question. Instead, he took the initiative to ask, "Sir, I will speak frankly. It is fine for me to deny this matter. It's just that the people of Jianghu can't do something like leaving their brothers behind. That's right, the people who accidentally boarded Your Excellency's treasured boat that night were all my brothers … Your Excellency came to the south incognito, and I was blind to have offended Your Excellency. Please forgive me, Your Excellency. I'll bear all the blame, and I hope Your Excellency can spare my subordinates. "
The Third Prince was tired of listening to him. He slammed the teacup on the table, and with a bang, the child coldly snorted, "You … can you afford it?"
He purposely lengthened the sentence, but it was still a child's clear voice, so it didn't seem strange. Instead, it revealed a strange chill.
A chill ran down Xia Qifei's back. He knew that if the crime was more serious, it would be the murder of a prince. Even if thousands of lives were buried in this pit, it might not be enough. However, since this person was able to escape the Ming clan's pursuit when he was young and successfully rise up in the underworld to become an important figure in the martial world of Jiangnan, his state of mind was firm, and his thinking was meticulous. He saw that these nobles did not mobilize soldiers to wipe them out. Instead, they "took the risk" to directly kill their way into the branch. Naturally, there was a deeper meaning behind this action.
Thus, he was not truly afraid. He just didn't know what exactly these nobles in Jingdou wanted.
Xia Qifei gritted his teeth and gave up the backbone that people of Jianghu valued the most. He knelt down on one knee in front of Fan Xian and said sincerely, "I know it is difficult for me to bear this crime. Seeing that Your Excellency is deep and that you have not been harmed in the slightest, I ask that Your Excellency cut me into a thousand pieces. You must also spare my reckless and ignorant brothers."
This was a superficial effort he made after he had some confidence. Fan Xian didn't know if he didn't see it or if he admired the other party's quick-wittedness. He nodded approvingly and said, "Master Xia is indeed a true hero who loves his subordinates."
The flowery sedan chair was carried by everyone. At this moment, Xia Qifei's way of referring to himself had already changed from "I" to "Xia" and then "Xia" to a commoner. His aura became lower and lower. However, Fan Xian went from directly calling him by his name to "Master Xia" until now, "Master Xia." Step by step, he was acknowledging that the other party had a certain speaking identity.
Fan Xian only said one sentence and then stopped. To the side, the Third Prince's heart chilled. He knew that his teacher didn't like him interrupting earlier, so he wanted him to play the role of the villain. However, as a prince, he would not be afraid of the so-called jianghu's grudges. In a clear voice, he said, "Master Xia's words came a bit too late. The bandits that night have all been killed by the guards and thrown into the river."
"Ah?" Xia Qifei was stunned. He hadn't thought that these Jingdou officials would be even more ruthless than bandits. They didn't even leave a single life behind.
It was as if he could see the bodies of Guan Wumei and his brothers floating in the river. His heart ached, and his anger rose wildly. However, his face only showed sorrow and no grudge. He was truly a skilled actor.
Fan Xian said evenly, "The way I do things is different from your rules. Since those people came on the boat and used knives, naturally, they cannot be left with their lives. If I truly softened my heart and let them go, once this matter gets back to Jingdou and the court is angry, I'm afraid their fates will be even worse. It will also bring disaster to their families."
Xia Qifei was silent and didn't say anything. A moment later, he repeated his initial words, "What orders do you have for coming here today?"
The other party's words had already been made clear. The matter of the robbery on the boat would temporarily be washed clean with the blood of a dozen brothers. This matter would be put aside, so naturally, they would discuss other matters.
Fan Xian waved his hand. All of his subordinates accepted their orders and left the outer hall. The Third Prince jumped down from his chair and also prepared to leave. Unexpectedly, he stayed behind.
… …
There were only three people left in the room. No one knew what kind of struggle and whispers were going on in Xia Qifei's heart. For a figure of the underworld like him, to be able to see two "princes" at the same time was a "blessing" he had never imagined.
"I am Fan Xian."
Fan Xian's expression was gentle as he openly revealed his identity.
Although Xia Qifei had vaguely guessed the other party's background, he still couldn't stop his heart from trembling and his legs from weakening.
The story of this young man had long become a kind of legend among the people of the Kingdom of Qing. He wasn't even 20 years old, but he was already the most powerful commissioner in the Overwatch Council. He composed poems in front of the palace, killed people on the streets, uncovered the scandal of the spring examination, went to Northern Qi to fight for begonias, collected books, and came back to bully the princes. In the short span of two years, this originally nameless illegitimate son of an assistant minister had become the most famous person in the world. Whether it was literature, martial arts, or power, he was already at the top.
Who knew how many idle conversations in the countryside, Fan Xian had already become the object of envy and longing for all young men. This included Xia Qifei. Furthermore, because of his past, Xia Qifei felt some admiration for the commissioner he had never met. But now, he had offended the commissioner. Xia Qifei knew all too well what would happen to those who offended Fan Xian.
Roughly speaking, those who had fallen to Fan Xian's hands included the former Minister of Rites, Guo You, the Minister of Justice, Han Zhiwei, and the Imperial Censor of the Left, Guo Zheng. Because of this young man, the Imperial Censor of the Imperial Censor had been beaten twice, the Second Prince had been placed under house arrest, and the Eldest Princess had been forced to hand over the palace treasury.
Fan Xian's identity became more and more bizarre with all these things. The son-in-law of the Prime Minister, the illegitimate son of the Emperor? For the people of the wilderness around the Qing Kingdom, the people and matters in the center of Jingdou always carried a natural air of mystery. For a person like Fan Xian, even his name was embroidered with gold, making it hard for people to look at him directly.
Regardless of what Xia Qifei was thinking, his face was still full of shock. He neatly straightened the front of his robe and knelt on the ground, giving Fan Xian a heavy bow.
"Commoner Xia Qifei greets the commissioner."
…
…
After a long silence, Fan Xian did not let him rise. He only looked at him with great interest. A moment later, he said quietly, "Seventh young master of the Ming Dynasty, I truly hope you can be more sincere. At least when you bow, it is best if you use your real name."
Xia Qifei's pupils constricted. He suddenly raised his head and looked directly into Fan Xian's seemingly warm but actually aggressive eyes. His right hand had already unconsciously dropped down, ready to launch a thunderous strike at any moment.
Seventh young master of the Ming Dynasty!
These three words, which he had not heard in a long time, burrowed into his ears like two poisonous snakes tearing at Xia Qifei's brain. Amidst his incomparable shock, a ruthlessness grew in his heart. How could the other person know of his past? If this news got out, how could that large family that had been deeply rooted in Jiangnan for a hundred years let him go? Even if he had the Jiangnan water bandits, there was no chance of victory.
"There is no need to feel for the dagger in your boots." Fan Xian didn't know that Xia Qifei was thinking so many twists and turns in his heart. He only watched his movements and couldn't resist smiling. "Of course, Master Xia knows. What I am best at is this kind of thing."
Fan Xian made a gesture to help him up. Xia Qifei took the opportunity to stand, but his entire person was still in a completely alert state. His ears listened to the movements outside the room. He didn't know if the arrangements he had the advisor make earlier had been completed. In this dangerous situation, although he guessed that Commissioner Fan might be threatening him or something, he still had to plan for the worst and prepare for a life and death struggle.
It was as if the Third Prince did not sense the danger and watched the conversation between the two with great interest.
"Your mother was probably beaten to death by the old matriarch of the current Ming family." Fan Xian was combing through the intelligence reports in the Council.
Xia Qifei's eyes reddened. It was as if he was ready to charge forward and kill Fan Xian at any moment. As the head of the water bandits, he knew who he was facing. The ninth-level Commissioner Fan was a figure comparable to Northern Qi's Haitang. Even if he risked his life, he would not be able to kill him on the spot.
"Ever since you were a child, you were abused by that big brother of yours." Fan Xian looked at him and furrowed his brows. "Master Xia, please don't take offense. I don't want to bring up your sad past. I just want you to understand that I want to do business with you, and this business must be built on the hatred between you and the Ming family. If you didn't hate the Ming family enough, I wouldn't have come to find you."
Xia Qifei's aura relaxed. He closed his eyes and calmed his emotions. In a low voice, he said, "What business does Sir want to discuss with me?"
"The thing you want to do, I can help you." Speaking of business, Fan Xian's words became more direct. "I know that Master Xia has been short on silver recently, and I have silver."
Of course, Fan Xian had silver. The Danbo Bookstore, Baoyue Brothel, the Six Ministries of yamen, and people like Lao Dai in the Palace had all used the name of rectification to scoop up real money. Added together, it had already reached a shocking level. But, in the wealthy and populous land of Jiangnan, it was still a far cry from those large families that had been around for many years. However, everyone under heaven knew that Commissioner Fan's family had a father who was the God of Wealth. His family managed the national treasury and the internal treasury. If someone said that the Fan manor didn't have money, even someone like Third Sister-in-law wouldn't believe it.
Xia Qifei had guessed that Fan Xian would threaten him, but he hadn't guessed that Fan Xian was actually prepared to help him. For a moment, he didn't come back to his senses. In a daze, he asked, "Sir … are you talking about the matter of the palace treasury opening in March?"
"You and I are both people who do practical things, so let's be more direct," Fan Xian said calmly. "In March, the palace treasury will open its bidding. In previous years, it would certainly be the Cui and Ming families' possessions. However, this year, the Cui family has already collapsed. Naturally, there will be big changes. If Master Xia wants to intervene, then there is only one chance. Unfortunately, I will be presiding over this matter this year. I will give you the right to enter and enough silver to take over the relevant shares. "
In reality, no one knew that Fan Xian had a sum of silver in his hands. This was where his greatest confidence came from.
Xia Qifei furrowed his brows tightly. A moment later, he replied, "The commissioner is generous."
He didn't immediately reply because he knew what a terrifying organization the Overwatch Council was. Those who were hooked to the Overwatch Council could often only pay with their lives in the end. If Fan Xian knew what he was thinking, he would give him a more fitting description — making a deal with the devil.
"Explain what I need you to do." Fan Xian didn't care about the other party's retreat. He smiled warmly and laid out his price. "The water bandits are yours. If you succeed in the future, the Ming family will also be yours. I won't even directly ask for the relevant profits."
Xia Qifei's brows furrowed even tighter. There was no such kind Overwatch Council official in the world.
As expected, after Fan Xian took a sip of cold tea, he very naturally said, "What should be yours is yours, but you … this person must be of the Overwatch Council."
After Fan Xian said this, he took out a seemingly simple looking token from his clothes and gently placed it on the smooth surface of the black wood table. In a quiet voice, he said, "The Fourth Bureau of the Overwatch Council stationed in Jiangnan Road, the rank is not high. Don't feel wronged."
Wronged? A jianghu bandit leader suddenly became a court official, and a supervisor who held the power to supervise the governance of officials. Wronged? Only an idiot would feel wronged.
Xia Qifei was shocked by the price Fan Xian had laid out. Although he knew that after he entered the Overwatch Council, regardless of whether he controlled the Ming family or the Jiangnan water bandits, he would never be able to break away from this organization. In the future, how the large profits related to the palace treasury would be distributed would still be up to the Overwatch Council … no, perhaps it would only be Commissioner Fan's personal word!
To be able to obtain a large amount of money, have a secret official identity, and obtain the approval of Commissioner Fan, the head of the palace treasury, to participate in the competition, for the first time, Xia Qifei had the confidence to defeat that rusty large family. He knew that in this life, he would never again encounter such a good opportunity, but he was still hesitant. First, it would be difficult for him to be free in the future. To become a loyal dog under Fan Xian, for someone who was used to wandering the jianghu, it was not something he was willing to do. Furthermore, he did not completely trust Fan Xian. Second, the Overwatch Council's reputation was too bad. If the news that he had secretly taken a position got out, even if he had great power in the future, his reputation would be completely ruined.
Thus, he made his last struggle. Perhaps he wanted to preserve the thread of bravery in his heart. He stared somewhat rudely into Fan Xian's eyes and said, "Sir, I truly do not know why I should accept this deal."
"Oh?" Fan Xian asked curiously. "Does Master Xia not want to take back the Ming family? That family originally belonged to you. According to what I know, in the old Ming master's will, the first name on the list was Ming Qingcheng. "
Ming Qingcheng was Xia Qifei's original name. He shivered slightly and gritted his teeth. "It is not that I do not understand the situation, it is just that there are too many ways to take revenge. I am now the head of the Jiangnan water bandits. If I want to defeat the Ming family, there are many ways … as for the matter of the palace treasury, perhaps I have thought wrongly. The Ming family has great wealth and power. How can I win against them on the surface?"
Fan Xian narrowed his eyes and smiled. "The night is dark and the wind is high. Kill people? I believe you have this ability and decisiveness. However, the facts of these years have proven that you are not such a crazy person. You want to risk the destruction of the Jiangnan water bandits to burn down the Ming Family Manor. Putting aside whether or not you have this ability, even if you did, how would you convince yourself? The water bandits are wanted by the government, and the orphan and widow are homeless in the world. Is this a scene you want to see? Or do you think that with this kind of ending, after you die happily, you will still have the face to see the old bandit master who saved you, helped you to your position, and treated you with kindness as heavy as a mountain? "
He spoke in an orderly manner. His imposing manner was not very aggressive, but it was precisely like this that he gently pointed out the weak spot in Xia Qifei's heart. His powerful persuasiveness began to invade Xia Qifei's thoughts along with his analysis, causing his expression to darken.
Without waiting for Xia Qifei to come back to his senses, Fan Xian continued warmly, "What Master Xia wants most is not just revenge, but to take back the Ming family and then stand proudly in front of your older brother who is over 50 years old … if killing people could solve the problem, you wouldn't have waited so many years and used brute force to do things. The Jiangnan water bandits have been destroyed. Even if you killed all of the Ming family, where would the Ming family be? Would the things you want to take back still exist? "
Fan Xian looked calmly into his eyes. "From my standpoint, I advise you not to make this choice. The goal you've worked so hard for for so many years will disappear like smoke in front of your eyes. That feeling must not be good. Preserving the Ming family in one piece is presumably the old Ming master's last wish. Although the Ming family has treated you detestable and sinister, your father did not owe you and your mother anything. "
Xia Qifei stood silently where he was, motionless. It was as if he was still digesting Fan Xian's words. This man, who was used to being on the edge of a knife's edge, suddenly thought of a reality. The young man in front of him had many similarities to his own experiences. Was he also seeking to take back what originally belonged to him? For example, the palace treasury. That was originally the Ye family's property. Did he want to completely take it back?
Fan Xian was not angry because of his tactful refusal earlier. Rather, he patiently waited for the result of his thoughts. He had confidence in his words. More importantly, he had confidence in the seventh young master of the Ming Family. Their similar backgrounds allowed Fan Xian to clearly capture the other's true thoughts.
"Master Xia, what you want is the Ming family's property, not a few hundred heads."
After a long silence, Xia Qifei threw out his last question. "Commissioner, there is one thing I do not understand."
"Please speak."
"Naturally, your trip this time is to prepare to take over the palace treasury. The Cui and Ming families have controlled the external supply channels for a long time. They are too deeply connected to that side. Naturally, you have to deal with them." Xia Qifei forcefully swallowed the words "Eldest Princess." His face flushed slightly. "But, why do you think so highly of me? Given your power and position, you can easily destroy the Cui family. Getting rid of the Ming family would not be a difficult matter. You can completely do this yourself and do not need me to do anything. "
"The Cui family." Fan Xian shook his head. "Their situation is different from the Ming family. As for why I have not appeared, it is not convenient for me to do so. "
The word "not convenient" was the true meaning of officialdom. He was the commissioner of the Overwatch Council, and now he also had to manage the palace treasury. The rules of the court were strict. The palace treasury was only responsible for the production, but the export had to be obtained by private merchants. Whether it was Council business or private business, it was impossible for Fan Xian to stand on the stage. Thus, he needed to find a trustworthy and convenient spokesperson.
For Fan Xian, the situation of the Cui family and the Ming family were not the same. When he was dealing with the Cui family, he had made long and solid preparations. After a long period of silence and false civility, he had Yan Bingyun take the lead and strike like lightning. Naturally, he had succeeded in every endeavor. Now that the Ming family had learned from their mistakes, they had long made sufficient preparations. It was already a difficult task to catch those unscrupulous merchants from their shipping channels and accounts.
Of course, the biggest difference was that Fan Xian had an absolutely valiant helper in the Cui family. That person had the most powerful power other than the Qing royal family — the young Emperor of Northern Qi.
However, the people related to the Ming family were concentrated in Dongyi and overseas. Fan Xian had once killed two of Sigu Jian's female grand-disciples. The Qing court, including him, had made Dongyi bear the blame countless times. The grudges between the two sides were too deep. If he wanted to join hands with Dongyi to topple the Ming family, Fan Xian knew that he did not have this ability.
Fan Xian stood up and used his finger to gently tap the token on the table. "Leave this token here for now. Before tonight, give me a reply. Of course, you should know what you need to prepare if you decide."
Xia Qifei respectfully moved to the side and did not directly answer his words. He only said, "Sir coming today is like a god descending from the heavens. Although you do not like to disturb the people, the momentum is already there. I'm afraid it will not be easy to hide."
It was unclear if these words were flattery or if there was some other meaning hidden within. Fan Xian glanced at him and said, "At the moment, Master Xia … is still someone who accidentally kicked an iron plate. You play this role well first. As for my whereabouts, why do I need to hide them? There is a boat on the river. I will have to trouble Master Xia's subordinates to escort it along the way. I have a chest of silver with me. I don't want to be remembered by thieves again. "
Xia Qifei lowered his head firmly and said in a low voice, "Thank you for your kindness in not killing me."
Fan Xian turned around and pulled the Third Prince down from the chair. Only now did Xia Qifei realize that during this conversation, he seemed to have slightly neglected this little noble. He couldn't help feeling a little nervous, but he didn't have time to do anything to make up for it. His mind suddenly jumped and he hesitantly said, "Sir, if the people open up in March and I challenge the Ming family, they will certainly become suspicious … at that time …"
"You stand on my side, so naturally, I will stand on your side." Fan Xian smiled slightly at him. Holding the Third Prince's hand, he walked outside and threw down his last words. "Master Xia, you make your decision quickly. I admire you very much."
— — —
The Shazhou branch of the Jiangnan water bandits was completely silent, deathly silent. The chief had already given the strictest order to keep their mouths shut. Although he didn't say anything explicitly, the brothers all knew something big had happened. They only dared to guess and didn't dare to randomly spread it.
Xia Qifei sat in the chair that still had some warmth. His expression was dark and uncertain. No one knew what he was thinking.
The advisor walked in from outside and leaned close to his ear to say, "The navy has already sealed the camp. I don't know what has happened."
Xia Qifei's expression darkened. In a low voice, he said, "No matter. As long as this matter is settled, Old Shen should be fine."
The advisor said slowly, "They have already detained many of our boats. Following your orders, there have been no conflicts … however, after those masters in Jingdou left, our boats were also released."
Xia Qifei lowered his head and said, "This is the other party showing their strength." He smiled coldly. "In their eyes, we are nothing more than ants."
"Chief, everything has been prepared … the servant is currently washing his sword in the back room, waiting for your order."
Xia Qifei still didn't give the order. His brows were furrowed deeply. A moment later, he suddenly said faintly, "Advisor Qian, do you think this should be done?" His hand gently stroked the Overwatch Council token. The token was very smooth. No one knew how long it had been made.
The advisor said in a trembling voice, "Everything is according to the chief's orders. I … don't dare to speak out of turn."
Xia Qifei closed his eyes and said, "The people from Jingdou seem to be used to doing things this way and overestimate their own strength … even if they have those seventh or eighth-level ace guards by their side, if we turn out in full strength, we still have a chance …"
The advisor cursed in his heart. You clearly know that is impossible, yet you still say this. You just don't want to carry that bad reputation and want me to help convince you. He said, "That leader of the guards' strength has already reached the peak. If he was placed in the Jiangnan martial world, he would be able to establish his own sect. Chief must think carefully."
"The key is that person himself." Xia Qifei opened his eyes and said. In reality, the conditions Fan Xian had given him were enough to move him. However, he was a master of a region. Now, he was going to become someone else's subordinate and would never be able to rise again. For a moment, it was difficult to accept. Earlier, he had been speaking humbly with Fan Xian. On the other hand, he had made preparations through the advisor to kill. Because the most profound and unfathomable servant of the water bandits was coincidentally at the Shazhou branch, the Jiangnan water bandits had the ability to fight back.
However, he also knew in his heart that the so-called kill was just to comfort himself so that he wouldn't appear too useless.
Xia Qifei sighed and felt strangely sad. He knew that the Jiangnan water bandits were going to become the court's dogs in his hands. This kind of feeling was very embarrassing and uncomfortable. He stood up and looked at the advisor's face that looked like he wanted to cry. He knew that he was afraid he would make an extremely unwise choice. He couldn't help but unconsciously pat his back, wanting to comfort him.
Everywhere his hand touched was wet and cold. After a moment of shock, Xia Qifei realized that the advisor had broken out in a cold sweat from the people coming from Jingdou in this cold winter. He couldn't help but laugh bitterly at himself. It seemed that the pressure of imperial power and the Overwatch Council was not something he, a common tyrant, could resist.
He finally made up his mind. With a serious expression, he said, "Immediately disperse all the arrangements. On the surface, watch that ship. In secret, protect the safety of that ship. We must ensure that Jingdou ship arrives safely in Suzhou!"
"And on land? By that person's side. "
"There are many strong people by his side. We don't need to be meddlesome."
"Yes." The advisor nodded his head in agreement. He then furrowed his brows and said, "But … the old servant … he is preparing to make a move."
…
…
Xia Qifei fell silent. He knew that this matter was complicated. The matter of secretly defecting to the Overwatch Council could not be exposed too early in the jianghu. Otherwise, he would not be able to control it, and the pressure outside would also increase. As for the old servant … that was even more troublesome. This servant was the most mysterious ace of the Jiangnan water bandits. In terms of seniority, he was the uncle of the old bandit master and his own grand-uncle disciple. He rarely made a move, but he was the secret treasure of the Jiangnan water bandits.
If that old-fashioned and stubborn old servant knew that he, an outsider master … wanted to completely rely on the government?
Xia Qifei suddenly shivered. Only now did he realize that he seemed to have underestimated the complexity of the matter. After a moment of silence, a ruthless expression suddenly appeared on his face. In a low voice, he said, "Go summon the personal guards of the inner hall."
The advisor's heart chilled. He knew that the master of the Jiangnan water bandits was preparing to get rid of the old servant because of that matter, but … could they do it?
An hour later, the head of the Jiangnan water bandits, Xia Qifei, carried a bowl of chicken soup and respectfully came to the back garden, preparing to offer it to the most special person in the water bandits, the old servant. Behind him hid his most trusted assassins, hoping to finish the job in one fell swoop.
He stood outside the door for a while, but no one came to open the door.
The courtyard was deathly silent.
…
…
Xia Qifei pushed open the door and walked in. His face was calm. "Grand-Uncle disciple?"
No one answered him. Xia Qifei's gaze swept around, and his heart suddenly froze. His hand loosened, and the chicken soup fell to the ground, dripping everywhere.
He saw an old man with silver hair and a beard sitting on a praying mat next to the bed. The old man's hair was tied into a tight bun. He wore a sword robe, and a long sword was tied to his waist. His entire body emanated a murderous intent. It was clear that this old servant had already adjusted his breathing to the most perfect state and was ready to draw his sword and kill at any moment.
But the old servant could no longer kill. His round eyes shone with a strong sense of unwillingness and anger. If looks could kill, then it would truly be a shocking sight.
A terrifying and delicate wound split open his throat and went straight to the back of his neck. After the wound, fresh blood flowed down the old servant's back and onto the ground.
The old servant was already dead.
…
…
The assassin who killed the old servant had a shocking sword intent, so there was no blood in front of the old servant's body. All of the blood had been forced behind him by the power of the sword.
Xia Qifei trembled as he walked towards the body of the elder. He looked at the scene in front of him with some disbelief. He was prepared to betray his master and kill his ancestors, but when it really happened, he felt that it was a bit inconceivable. He was prepared to put dozens of lives on the line, but who could kill this old man in such a silent manner?
A note floated down.
Xia Qifei glanced at it with a panicked gaze. He only saw that it said, "You had that thought, but I still gave you a chance. He had a murderous intent, so I killed him. "
The body of the Jiangnan water bandit leader began to tremble uncontrollably. It was not until now that he truly understood the power of the Overwatch Council. It was not something a gang could contend against. The other party was helping him clear the last obstacle to his surrender. It was also a final invitation and warning to him.
(The following does not count as text: After I woke up today, there was a power outage. My mother and my retired colleagues went out to play. Only my father, brother-in-law, and I were left at home. The three men stayed in the quiet room in a daze. I didn't know when the electricity would come back. I was worried … It was not until the afternoon that someone finally thought to ask the property management. They were shocked to find that the entire area had electricity. Our unit also had electricity. Even the door opposite had electricity! The three men were shocked but also happy. They thought that there was a problem with the wiring in the house. They could use this opportunity to show off their skills, so they began to work everywhere. In the end, after a long time, the three fake electricians still could not figure out what was going on. It was not until the end that they discovered … that the power outside had been cut off by the electricity bureau … that their home … owed electricity.)
You've already exceeded your reading limit for today. If you want to read more, please log in.
Login
Select text and click 'Report' to let us know about any bad translation.
