Chen Ping's Sword

"Brother Tian, you must be careful. The Seven-Colored Law Enforcement Hall is ruthless, claiming to revenge their grudges inevitably. This time, you made a big splash, and with a life involved, both openly and secretly, there will probably be many who want your life."

Zhuo Yunfei said sincerely.

"These poor girls, Zhuo will find a way to settle them one by one. Those with families will be sent home; those without will be placed in a good household..."

Seeing Miss Xiaoyuang still clinging to Zuo Duanshou and sobbing uncontrollably.

Zhuo Yunfei further said, "This Brother Zuo is a true man. I will send his little sister to the Primordial Martial Arts Hall. My junior sister may appear grand, but her heart is the purest and most kind. With her shelter, nothing will happen."

He bowed deeply and sincerely said, "I haven’t yet expressed gratitude for Brother Tian’s assistance."

So that’s how it is.

Chen Ping suddenly realized.

The news in the government office is well-informed.

Last night during the Lantern Festival, the incident of Primordial Martial Arts Hall’s second sister Han Xiaoru being plotted against and kidnapped couldn’t be hidden from others, nor from Zhuo Yunfei, who works in the government office.

Perhaps Han Wushang even looked for him before leaving the city.

Being from the Primordial Sword Sect, their relationship is amicable, which is not surprising.

"Just a duty, not worth mentioning."

Chen Ping shook his head and walked to Zuo Duanshou’s side, gently patted Xiaoyuang’s shoulder, said nothing. He tidied Zuo Duanshou’s clothing, closed his still bulging eyes, sighed, and retrieved a note from under his collar, feeling a pang of compassion as he looked at the crookedly written two words with black strokes.

"Wu Mansion."

In Xingqing Prefecture, there are not many households that can be described as a mansion; just a little inquiry could tell.

Zuo Duanshou left information during the last pursuit for a reason.

Chen Ping gave Xiaoyuang a few words of reassurance and left without looking back amidst the tear-filled gaze of the young girl.

Zhuang Hongyi is completely dead, which counts as the justice served.

The kidnapped girls have been rescued as well... Chen Ping looked at the Spring and Autumn Silkworm attribute panel with Tribulation +4, Fortune +10, yet felt no joy.

He couldn’t stay here for long and could only entrust some follow-up matters to Chief Constable Zhuo Yunfei.

This place having such a major incident will soon become crowded and complicated.

Earlier, as he searched all the way, he had already heard about his name being listed on the Hidden Dragon List.

Knowing he’s somewhat a celebrity now.

Not so easy to conceal himself.

The key is, nothing should go wrong with Hua Lian’er.

As the ancient saying goes, fortune does not come twice, calamity does not come alone.

It’s making him a bit insecure.

Rushing on foot, he chose the streets with fewer people, weaving through alleys and lanes, Chen Ping hurried towards Brocade Street.

Upon reaching Brocade Street, before entering Fireworks Alley.

He saw the alley was packed with people.

Mostly idle wanderers carrying swords and knives, and various city folks, some peddling their goods, some in fine clothes, others barefoot and ragged...

Watching the excitement is human nature.

In Xingqing Prefecture, known as the Capital of Fish and Rice, more peace means more idlers.

Seeing the crowd, Chen Ping felt a slight tremor in his heart.

He recalled Fireworks Alley being known for its tranquility due to its residents being fairly wealthy or noble; even fallen households have some remaining foundation.

Ordinary folks avoid coming here, not wanting to face cold stares.

But now...

He quietly approached, not yet seeing what was happening inside the alley, but ears caught snippets of conversation.

"How dare Hu People cause chaos here, doesn’t Prefect Pei care? We thought the new prefect would be iron-willed and upright... But facing Hu People, he’s bowing and scraping, truly disappointing."

A man carrying a sword said angrily, visibly upset.

"Brother, watch your words. The Court is negotiating peace; skirmishes stop and start. Heard the Four out of Seven Great Families of Jiangnan are leaning towards Beizhou, mind you don’t keep shouting ’Hu People.’ Otherwise, if trouble comes, don’t blame me for not warning you."

The companion quickly tugged his sleeve, advising earnestly.

"Besides, whether Beizhou or Nanli, we’re still living the same wretched life. Brother, if you’re determined, it’s better to join the Rebel Army, rather than forever being dissatisfied."

"Ah..."

Someone sighed, covering his face.

"What did common people do wrong? After Beizhou’s Rushing Wolf Cavalry stormed Soul-Breaking Pass, thought it’d be stopped at Qiuluo City, but it fell after three days, followed by a three-day slaughter, leaving no one alive."

An old man looked at the scene ahead, trembling with anger, appearing as if he didn’t want to live, continuing to shout, "Look, Beizhou Barbarians are so wolf-hearted, yet some believe they will coexist with us. The officials on the court are just confused, confused..."

The old man’s words were filled with poignant anger.

But few responded around him.

Most just silently watched the violent scene unfolding ahead.

No one dared to step forward.

Someone couldn’t bear listening, painfully said, "Government treats Hu People envoys as honored guests, what can we do? Besides... Don’t you recognize who those few are? Even if all of us charge forward, it would be seeking death."

"Who are those few? So reckless."

"You may not know the names, but if mentioned are his elder sister Murong Xue, you’ll know."

"Earth List Thirteen, Sun-Shooting Bow."

Suddenly it went quiet around, most lowered heads, fearing that the braided, deep-eyed, high-nosed man would glance over.

He carried a bow and arrows, being Murong Xue’s brother, likely trained in Sun-Shooting Bow, possibly also practicing the Great Sun Heart Scripture.

Chen Ping, listening to these comments along the way, felt his heart sinking further.

’Hua Lian’er and the others.’

At that moment, he heard horrific screams, saw further into the alley, an old court.

The courtyard wall half-collapsed, revealing the scene inside.