Chapter 1116: Chaos
Could merchants really overturn the heavens?
Qi Xuansu did not know. In the past, probably not. But as commerce grew more prosperous, especially with the end of the era approaching, it was becoming a high possibility. But he absolutely would not allow such a thing to happen in Lion City.
However, he had underestimated these merchants’ methods.
This sudden upheaval was clearly premeditated—organized, planned, and executed. Not only were external forces stirring the waters, but there was also internal cooperation within the Daoist Mansion, creating an enormous tidal wave.
In less than half a day, all three districts of Lion City fell into chaos. Numerous unidentified individuals armed with weapons launched simultaneous coordinated attacks of indiscriminate destruction—smashing shops, looting property, attacking the patrolling Black Robes, and even committing arson, burning down Daoist temples.
By the time the news reached Tianfu Palace, Xie Jiaofeng was completely panicked.
This was precisely why he never dared provoke Mansion Master Wang, who had deep roots in Nanyang. Few could stop Wang Jiaohe from doing whatever he wanted. If Xie Jiaofeng refused to obey, all it would take was one such incident for him to be kicked out instantly.
Fortunately for Xie Jiaofeng, Qi Xuansu was taking the brunt of these attacks. All he could do now was watch how the Chief Deputy handled the situation.
This had also exceeded Qi Xuansu’s expectations, as he had not foreseen Marcheno’s disaster to arrive so abruptly.
However, Qi Xuansu was not panicking. He had seen far worse—the burning of Zhenwu Temple and the upheaval in Thanglong Prefecture—and had weathered them all. Such chaos could terrify Xie Jiaofeng, but not someone like Qi Xuansu.
However, Qi Xuansu also knew that handling such matters required great finesse. One wrong move, and what was a rumor could become real, just as Marcheno had warned. Merchants might flee en masse, damaging trade and worsening the Daoist Order’s already strained finances.
If things truly escalated to that point, someone would surely step forward to accuse Qi Xuansu of acting rashly and ignoring the greater good, which would directly jeopardize Qi Xuansu’s future career.