Green Mountain

Jin Zhu once said that when he left Wunian Mountain, he never looked back, and from then on, he no longer trusted anyone. This vast Ritual Supervision was like a breeding ground for poisonous insects, and what it raised was bound to be the deadliest of vermin.

Chen Ji never expected that Jin Zhu, a man of such astuteness, could be so careless just once and be pushed by colleagues into an abyss from which there was no return.

At this moment, the Tiger Armor Iron Cavalry had chained Jin Zhu by the ankles and were dragging him unconscious behind a horse.

Chen Ji’s expression was hidden behind his mask. "Mr. Feng, there are more than ten miles from here to the Liu Mansion. If we drag him alive to his death like this, I fear it might cause a delay in tomorrow’s drumming and flag ceremony."

Mr. Feng chuckled. "How could someone at the Innate Realm be so easily dragged to death? Don’t show misplaced compassion. If I show any sympathy for Jin Zhu, Official Liu’s discerning eyes will not miss it. All other Liu Family Army troops are stationed to the north of the city, merely waiting for tomorrow’s flag ceremony before setting out. Only this Tiger Armor Iron Cavalry remains with Official Liu, its military authority critical and not to be lost."

Chen Ji silently watched as Jin Zhu was dragged out of the city, all the way to the front gate of the Liu Mansion, over more than ten miles. Along the way, he gripped the handle of his knife, with his thumb gently pushing the blade slightly out of its sheath.

Mr. Feng glanced at him, speaking carelessly, "Don’t do anything rash. It’s good for a young man to be spirited; many things in this world are accomplished with such vigor. But if you mess up my plans, I will be the first to kill you."

Chen Ji took a deep breath and silently re-sheathed his knife.

By the time they reached the Liu Mansion, Jin Zhu’s clothes had been rubbed away on his back, leaving a long trail of blood on the official road.

The gray high walls of the Liu Mansion were like a fortress. After the armored soldiers atop the guard tower confirmed the identities of the arrivals, they raised a red flag as a signal to open the grand gates.

The creaking red lacquered gates opened, and a gaunt middle-aged man came out to greet them. He squatted next to Jin Zhu to check his face and wounds, then smiled and cupped his hands towards Mr. Feng, "Congratulations to Mr. Feng on another great achievement. Having the heads of the Twelve Signs to present at tomorrow’s ceremony is an auspicious sign."