The intelligence reports delivered over the past two days had multiplied severalfold, almost all of them related to the city lord's martial contest. Zhong Heng, having completed the negotiations, remained at the Dragon King's side to help him review the documents.
"Nothing of value." Zhong Heng rubbed both temples and stared at the stack of papers three or four feet high, wondering how he had managed to finish reading them. "Everyone's just making guesses. The Dragon King certainly gave Jade City a shock."
Zhong Heng had actually learned the news only three hours before everyone else, so he was just as surprised. He had been hoping for an explanation, but the Dragon King had kept silent for days, merely having him read through stack after stack of intelligence reports.
"What kind of impression does everyone have of Long Fanyun?" Gu Shenwei asked.
"An excellent one." Zhong Heng knew the Dragon King was finally about to reveal his true thoughts. "Over the past month, he has won deep support among the people in the Protector General's Residence. Quite a few genuinely think he's the best candidate for city lord."
"How did Pang Jing react?"
"He was furious. But he seemed even more furious that the Dragon King had revealed his real name. He tried to hide it, but it was obvious. Everyone was interested in the Dragon King's name, while he pretended not to care at all. Heh, Pang Jing truly lost his composure on the day registration opened."
"So he knew my background long ago."
Zhong Heng nodded. Regarding the Dragon King's obsession with revenge, he preferred to keep his distance. He would not oppose it as openly as Fang Wenshi, nor would he encourage it from the sidelines like the assassins. "It seems so. After being a moderate for