The swordsman stood in the courtyard, his tall, sturdy body bound with ropes. His face was full of menace, like a wild, untamed wolf. Even caged, he bared his teeth and let out threatening growls at anyone who came near.
Pang Jing circled him once. "Ha ha, now there's a character. Looking at him reminds me of the Ten Fierce Generals back home in the Central Plains."
The swordsman clearly didn't understand what "Ten Fierce Generals" meant. Confusion clouded his eyes, but his face grew even more savage. He bared a mouthful of yellow teeth, spitting through the gaps.
Old Man Mu leaped high and kicked the swordsman in the back of the head. "You big dummy, they called you a dog, and now you're acting like one?"
Pang Jing laughed even harder. It was hard to tell whether he was more interested in the crude swordsman or the refined old man.
"The Dragon King has arrived!" a guard in the courtyard announced loudly.
Pang Jing turned and went to meet him, pointing at the Dragon King as he walked. "Now that's the Dragon King for you—quick to act. I'd just heard who the killer was, and you'd already caught him. No fair! You have to tell me how you did it. Once I get back, I'll give my subordinates a proper scolding."
Indeed, Pang Jing acted like an old friend with everyone—and the kind who never stood on ceremony.
Gu Shenwei shrugged and replied offhandedly, "Luck."
The two were already close when Tie Linglong suddenly darted out and stood between them. Pang Jing hesitated, then realized he couldn't get around her and gave up trying to approach the Dragon King. He pulled the yellow-gold nugget from his robe and tossed it to the Dragon King. "Take a look. All