Li Yun looked at the ashen, humiliated faces of the Sky Peak Hunting Group members, his expression indifferent. He had no intention of paying them any mind.
Without breaking stride, he stepped around the man blocking the doorway, pushed open the old wooden door of Baichuan Bookshop, and walked in. He did not spare them a second glance.
Left standing there, the Sky Peak Hunting Group members trembled with rage. They ground their teeth, their eyes brimming with venom.
Their leader glared at the bookshop door, his clenched knuckles turning white. In the end, he forced down the urge to attack and shouted a threat into the shop.
"Lin Zishan! You've got guts!
"Just you wait! Cross the Sky Peak Hunting Group, and you won't get away with it!"
"Before long, we'll make sure you learn just how steep a price you'll pay!"
After that, staying any longer would only invite more humiliation. They swept their sleeves in fury and hurried away from Baichuan Bookshop, seething with anger.
Inside, the bookshop was quiet and peaceful, a world apart from the drawn swords and taut bows outside.
The scent of ink and old books lingered in the air. Zhao Baichuan had been sitting behind the counter, leisurely leafing through an ancient volume. He had heard every word of the dispute outside and seen it all.
When Li Yun walked in, calm as ever, Zhao Baichuan slowly closed his book and looked up. He gave Li Yun an interested once-over, amusement in his eyes.
"Young man, you've got some nerve."
Zhao Baichuan chuckled, his tone teasing.
"I've run this bookshop in Carter City for years," he said, "and I've never seen anyone show the Sky Peak Hunting Group so little respect or stand up to them so directly. You're the first!"
"That's