Reunion with an Old Acquaintance

Zhang Chen's abacus had been clattering away nicely, but plans never kept pace with change. Before he could handle the transfer of the estate, a burst of knocking rang out beyond the main gate. "Open up! Open the gate, now!"

The knocking was deafeningly chaotic. Torches blazed outside, and dozens of people shouted over one another.

Hearing the commotion outside, Zhang Chen could not help but freeze. He turned to look at Fox Immortal NanNan, whose face was equally blank with confusion. She had no idea why anyone had come knocking.

"Is anyone in there? If you don't come out now, I'll burn this whole courtyard down! We checked the official documents today and know this estate got a buyer today. We're here to collect taxes. If you don't open up, don't blame me for setting your manor ablaze!" angry curses rang out from outside.

Zhang Chen's eyelids twitched when he heard the shouting. "So it's Yellow Heaven Dao scum. They knew anyone who could buy an estate had to be filthy rich, so they came to shake us down."

He turned to Fox Immortal NanNan. "Go send them away."

Fox Immortal NanNan rolled her eyes at Zhang Chen's words. Just as she was about to turn and leave, Zhang Chen stopped her. "No need. They've already come in."

Through the mist in the air, Zhang Chen had already sensed someone scaling the courtyard wall and jumping inside.

A thread of killing intent flickered through Zhang Chen's eyes. "There is a road to heaven, yet you refuse to take it; hell has no gate, yet you throw yourselves in!"

Since Yellow Heaven Dao had delivered itself into his hands, there was no possibility of a peaceful end. Besides, they had climbed over the wall—clearly, they would not let matters rest