Volume 11.5 Chapter 25

It was supposed to hurt, yet Hua Qing felt a wind billow all around him, unbalancing the constables around until they staggered back. He sat, bewildered as to why the constables looked as though they were face to face with a titan. Upon catching on, he covered an eye with one hand whilst tugging up the opposite corner of his lips. Ah, I wasnt planning to show my true power. Youve forced me to use 10% of my full power.

While the constables scuttled back, Long Zaitian remained staunch. If youre going to call for help, admit it. The hell are you acting tough for? Oi, kid, who are you?

You dont need to worry about this insignificant character. Arms crossed, Ming Feizhen said to Hua Qing, Hell know what to do when he receives word from his superior.

Long Zaitian squinted. Although there was no question that Ming Feizhen was an ally of Hua Qing, Ming Feizhen seemed to be acquainted with his superior. Accordingly, Long Zaitian couldnt determine what the best course of action was. Even though his superior was always smiling affably, his superior had a thing for bending rules or exploiting them, therefore making it hard to predict what hed do. Most importantly, his superior was His Majestys sworn brother. Everyone knew the second Emperor of the dynasty carried the Shen surname. As someone who entered employment via a back door, he knew better than anyone not to test his superior.

As expected, a messenger came running in to whisper in Long Zaitians ears. Thus, Hua Qing hurried to his feet and dusted himself off to smugly yell, Who said he hit me?! Huh?! Who?! Step out!

I did! Long Zaitian backhanded Hua Qing, spinning the latter nine hundred degrees. I thought you were some hot shot, but Capn Xins messenger just told me to lock you three up.

From the ground, Hua Qing looked up at Ming Feizhen. You lied to me.

Well I didnt expect a different messenger.

You three can chat all you want in prison.

Wait! Hua Qing cried. We helped you apprehend a group of criminals last night, yet this is how you treat us.

Long Zaitian showed his two rows of white pearls. You think Im avenging Capn Xin? Nah, Id still arrest you even if you didnt assault him.

Why?

Why? Hua Feihua, you know you have the biggest bounty on your head at Three Gorges Dam? In fact, even in your line of work, you fetch a higher price than the sicko, Zhong Ning, who stole Mount Lu Sword Sanctuarys ladys underwear. I never expected someone who looks as presentable as you to swing both ways, even disregard quality of appearances. Imagine being so desperate youd even bang Capn Xin.

You really want to get starched, dont you?!

You make it sound like thats even within your capabilities.

Wait right there! Hua Qing took a step back, then whispered, Brother Feizhen.

Present.

Get him.

Dont worry. Im here.

Give him hell.

Ill break a leg.

Hua Qing smirked at Long Zaitian. One on one, bring it

Long Zaitian lunged forward, then drove his fist straight into Hua Qings chest.

Once Hua Qing decelerated on the ground, still on his back, he looked up at Ming Feizhen. Brother, Hua Qing uttered, accompanying it with blood.

Ming Feizhen responded, You guys started too quick. I havent even finished my preparations.

Long Zaitian pontificated, You two can save your breath. We have you in a triple-layer encirclement. You know, prison life isnt that bad besides the louses, rodents and lack of baths. Dont worry too much about infections.

Ming Feizhen folded his arms, gaze on Long Zaitian.

Su Li helped Hua Qing up. Whats the plan? Sounds like prison is our only option.

Where did it go wrong? Ming Feizhen titled his head.

Who cares? Men, arrest them! Make sure to put in all the stops when it comes to Hua Feihua for Capn Xin. Bring me a spiked mace. Im going to cure his constipation permanently.

Su Li and Hua Qing looked to each other for help. Meanwhile, Ming Feizhen still looked puzzle over something.

Everyone get them on my count to three. One, two and th-

Stop!

The sonorous belt winded Long Zaitian. Who the hell was that?!

Me. Zhuo Fengru, in his ordinary grey robe, front tucked into the room, landing between Hua Qings group and Liu Shan Mens.

Hero Zhuo! effused Hua Qing.

Long Zaitian narrowed his eyes and, in a low voice, uttered, Zhuo Fengru, huh?

Zhuo Fegru conveyed, It is a pleasure to meet you all. These three are this ones guests. Please let them go on account of this one. Please do not make things hard for them.

Now thats funny. Youre one to talk about acting on account of someone else. Last year, when Qilin Guards sent you an invitation to the banquet, you responded with just two words in your response letter: not going.

The constable next to Long Zaitian softly reminded, Cap, were Liu Shan Men.

I know! I was just listing one example! You must be going senile. This fellow is the notorious rapist. I hate two types of people most: the first type is scumbags who play women. The other is good-looking men. Hes guilty of both. Im going to finish him. Besides, whats the law to you? You the lawmaker?

I take you do not intend to respect this one?

Long Zaitian gripped his broadsword hilt by his belt. What are you going to do?

Nothing. A smile came to Zhuo Fengrus lips. When this old one was younger, he was rather morose, resulting in him offending would-be friends at every turn, including the three law enforcement offices. Thankfully, they were kind enough to not cripple this old man. Out of gratitude, this old one would not dare to give you trouble in case you capture him, as well. That would only make both of us look bad. In saying that, if that leads to people thinking that this old one is a coward, would that not be coming home shorn when going for wool?

In other words, you insist on sheltering these three?

Zhuo Fengru turned to Ming Feizhen. May this one ask, how many of them would you be able to immobilise at 50% of your full power?

Mijng Feizhen glanced up at Zhuo Fengru. Indoors, fifty people.

Thats impressive. This old one has had a longer time to train than you, so he can knock out seventy people at once.

Oh. Ming Feizhen murmured, If you count the people I kill in the process, Id drop a hundred, refusing to resign himself to defeat.

Zhuo Fengru and Ming Feizhen could see their blatant dislike for each other in the others eyes. Those watching and listening were already shuffling their toes in their shoes, ready to zip through the door.

Zhuo Fengru cancelled the confrontational staredown with a smile. In that case, this one would like to learn from you.

Stop! Long Zaitian raised his hand. You cant use us as training dummies. What do you think we are? Were just lowly civil servants well-versed in the eighteen arms. Fighting you two would be pushing it. Just you wait. Ill ask for reinforcements.

Another messenger arrived on the scene during the back and forth.

What? Cant you see Im busy? Upon hearing what the messenger said, Long Zaitian flapped his eyelids in disbelief. Higher ups said to let you go, he notified, eyeing Zhuo Fengru and Ming Feizhen. You can go.

***

Ming Feizhen kept fiddling with his chin on the way out of the government office, mumbling, Who was that mister? His timing is impeccable.

Young Hero Ming, what were you saying? Zhuo Fengru amiably questioned.

Nothing. By the way, Hero Zhuo, you sure keep your ears to the ground, huh? You sure found us quick.

You are mistaken, Young Hero. This old one is highly influential in this region. If he did not catch wind of you three assisting Liu Shan Mens operation, this old one would be deaf, no?

I see.

Is something the matter?

Nothing. Im just impressed with you. Weve only met you once. You are said to hate being at government offices, yet you personally rushed to our aid and almost got into a scuffle with Liu Shan Men for our sake. I feel bad about dragging you into this mess. The ignorant mightve thought we ran off with your title deed.

You speak in jest. Although we have only just got to known each other, it feels as if we have been friends for a lifetime. Young Master Hua escorted this old ones niece all the way here; if anyone owes anyone, it would be this old one who owes you. As such, this old one cannot let you suffer.

By the sounds of it, you really do dislike being at government offices, then?

You speak in jest again.

Ming Feizhen bobbed his head repeatedly.

Is something the matter?

Not at all. Ming Feizhen placed his hands behind his head, smiling. He strolled forward, ostensibly not concerned with giving his back to Zhuo Fengru. I heard you are a man who will repay debts and take revenge wherever it is right to do so, a man who wears his emotions on his sleeve. You are rumoured to be a man who does not bend to anyones will, which is the quality most people admire you for. Howbeit, it seems that you are very friendly. You have never once made things hard for me. My shifu always says, a man who puts up with triggering things is either plotting something or has a corrupt mind. Which one would you happen to be?