Qing'an County lay in the southwestern region of the Nanli Kingdom. Its county town had a population of only several tens of thousands, but it was far from war and natural disasters, and the people had lived fairly peaceful lives in recent years.
Yet the massacre at Wangchun Tower instantly shattered the tranquility of this county town, setting off towering waves.
When Qing'an County's chief constable, Sun Huai'an, arrived at the scene with several constables, the sight in the private room left even this seasoned veteran of the martial world dumbstruck.
Fortunately, he had seen much of the world. Though his mind had suffered a tremendous shock, he did not lose his composure.
On one hand, the chief constable sent someone to report to the yamen. On the other, he sealed off Wangchun Tower and forbade anyone from entering or leaving.
But the news could not be contained, for before Sun Huai'an arrived, quite a few people had already seen the scene.
Cao Jin'an's identity could not possibly be concealed.
Thus, the news spread through the entire town as swiftly as if it had grown wings. By the time Cangshui Gang leader Cao Xiong rushed to Wangchun Tower with his men, Qing'an County Magistrate Yu Heqian and County Assistant Magistrate Ye Xiangming had already arrived.
Though his heart was filled with rage and grief, the ever-proud and unruly Cao Xiong did not dare act recklessly before Qing'an County's two great powers. Tears welled in his bear-like eyes as he bowed. "My son has suffered such a misfortune. I beg the two of you, my lords, to uphold justice."
The Cangshui Gang leader had already seen Cao Jin'an lying on the ground, unable to close his eyes in death. The sight of his son's furious, wide-open eyes and twisted face made