Chapter 68: Running Up Against a Brick Wall

At that moment, a group of riders began to pursue Xiao Yang.

“Hey kid, stop right there.”

A voice rang out behind him, causing Xiao Yang to frown. With Hao Wenlong beside him, he paused, wanting to see who was calling him.

He turned around, and both sides were stunned—because they recognized each other.

Standing across from him was none other than the Young Master Bai, who had mocked him as a country bumpkin that very morning.

Bai Yunchen was momentarily taken aback, and asked his guards uncertainly, “Are you sure you didn’t make a mistake? This pauper could afford the Nightshine Pearl?”

He didn’t even try to hide his disdain, speaking loudly.

The guard hurriedly assured him, “We’ve checked thoroughly. It was him in the private room.”

With this confirmation, Bai Yunchen was forced to believe it. It was indeed this country bumpkin who had spent two hundred thousand to bid for the Nightshine Pearl.

“Kid, if you know what’s good for you, hand over the item. You’ll suffer less that way.”

Xiao Yang glanced at the group, holding back Hao Wenlong who looked ready to fight, and replied calmly, “And if I refuse?”

“Hah! You’re welcome to try. Not just you—your family too. I’ll make sure they’re well taken care of.”

He emphasized the word “taken care of,” hinting at something sinister.

Xiao Yang’s eyes narrowed, a murderous aura radiating from him.

This caused Bai Yunchen to pause; he never expected this country bumpkin to dare show him such killing intent. Clearly, he was courting death.

“What are you all waiting for? Go on, kill him—and the credit will be mine!”

Almost simultaneously, Bai Yunchen’s men surged forward.

“You Bai family are playing with fire.”

Just then, another voice echoed.

Bai Yunchen cursed irritably, “Who’s the blind fool saying my Bai family is playing with fire?” He turned to see who it was.

A white-haired elder was gazing at him.

When Bai Yunchen recognized the man, his body trembled. “Z-Z-Zhao Patriarch…”

It was Zhao Wude.

Yet Zhao Wude ignored him and strode directly to Xiao Yang, kneeling before him.

“Young Master, your humble servant Zhao Wude is late—please forgive me.”

The scene nearly scared Bai Yunchen out of his wits.

He stammered uncertainly, “Z-Zhao Patriarch, you must be mistaken. This guy’s just a country bumpkin.”

“Courting death!”

Almost instantly, a wave of pure murderous intent surged forth.

Bai Yunchen shuddered, retreating step by step, until he collapsed onto the ground.

“My young master is not someone you can speak of so lightly,” Zhao Wude said, adopting the demeanor of a loyal servant.

During this time, Zhao Wude had thought it through completely. If he relied on his own efforts, the Zhao family’s limit would be to reign as the top family in Beimo City. But if he followed Xiao Yang, everything would change—first family of the Northern Dipper Kingdom, perhaps even the premier clan of the Lingwu Continent.

His heart raced at the thought.

After deep contemplation, he’d finally taken this risky step. Whether he rose as a dragon or fell as a worm depended on Xiao Yang’s abilities. But Zhao Wude had absolute faith in him: a Martial Marquis of the first tier, able to condense a hundred-foot martial idol—such talent was unmatched in the world.

His only task now was to follow in Xiao Yang’s footsteps without hesitation.

“What a Bai family—daring to assassinate my distinguished guest.”

Another voice sounded.

A man, weary from travel, approached.

Upon seeing his face, Bai Yunchen felt a sudden urge to urinate; he couldn’t hold it back, and a foul odor spread.

“C-C-City Lord!”

He never dreamed that the man he wished to kill—a supposed country bumpkin—was the City Lord’s honored guest.

“Forgive me for startling you, my young friend. It was my negligence as City Lord,” Jin Buhuan said apologetically.

Xiao Yang merely nodded, his expression unchanged.

This made Bai Yunchen squeeze out a few more drops in terror. His body seemed to lose all support; no matter how he tried, he couldn’t stand.

“Guards!” Jin Buhuan roared.

In an instant, hundreds of fully armed guards surrounded them.

“Seize him and throw him in the dungeon. Await judgment!”

“No, please! I didn’t mean it, City Lord. I truly didn’t know he was your honored guest!” Bai Yunchen’s face turned ashen at the mention of the dungeon.

Every city’s dungeon was reserved for death row prisoners; entering meant one’s days were numbered.

“My father is about to break through to Martial Marquis, City Lord. For his sake, please spare me!” Bai Yunchen knew his only hope for salvation rested with his father, whose breakthrough was imminent.

At these words, Jin Buhuan frowned.

Simultaneously, Zhao Wude’s aura became murderous.

“City Lord, I suspect the Bai family of treason. I request a thorough investigation,” Zhao Wude declared suddenly.

Almost at once, a voice responded, “Granted!”

In that moment, Bai Yunchen seemed to have his bones and sinews ripped out, collapsing like a pile of rotten mud, gazing hopelessly at the sky.

He knew he was finished; the Bai family was finished, and so was his father.

Just then, two guards approached Bai Yunchen, hoisted him up, and carried him toward the dungeon.

“The rest of you, follow me to investigate the Bai family!” Jin Buhuan commanded sternly.

A large force marched toward the Bai family estate.

At that moment, the Bai family was immersed in celebration.

The head of the Bai family sat in the main hall, accompanied by an elder.

“Rest assured, senior. My son has already gone to retrieve the item you desire. It won’t be long now,” he promised.

Anyone witnessing this would be shocked; after all, the Bai family head was a prominent figure in Beimo City, yet he addressed the elder with such humility—something few could imagine.

“Good,” the elder nodded.

Suddenly, a servant rushed in, panic-stricken.

“Master, the City Lord is here!”

Seeing the servant’s anxious demeanor, Bai Qiuen frowned slightly, clearly displeased.

“If the City Lord is here, so be it. Why panic?” he snapped.

The servant regained his composure, shuddered, and knelt to explain.

“The City Lord brought the whole guard squad, and it seems they’re not here on friendly terms.”

Hearing this, Bai Qiuen’s frown deepened. He had no choice but to address the elder, “Senior, I’ll go see what’s happening. Please wait here for a moment.”

Just as he was about to rise, a voice came from outside the door.

“No need—we’re here.”

Almost simultaneously, a middle-aged man entered, followed by hundreds of well-equipped guards.

“City Lord, that elder is suspicious,” Zhao Wude immediately remarked, having noticed the old man’s presence.

He could clearly sense the elder’s aura—similar to his own past self: murderous intent condensed, evidently someone who had killed many.