Saber-wielder Gao Yang had become a rising little celebrity in Jade City. He had killed a bounty hunter, setting off a series of sensational incidents that ultimately led to the Meng clan's complete downfall. Yet he had somehow survived without even being punished. It was nothing short of a miracle, like the aftershocks that followed a great earthquake.
"Both the Dragon King and the Unrivaled King think I'm somebody, so they jointly pleaded with the Western Regions Protectorate Official and our City Governor, earning me a special pardon." Gao Yang stood beside the wine table and once again recounted his escape, delighted that someone was listening and treating his words as drinking snacks.
"Yesterday you said nobody paid you any mind and that you walked out on your own. How did that turn into a special pardon today?"
"Wait until tomorrow. Maybe Saber Gao fought his way out of North City all by himself."
Everyone burst out laughing.
Gao Yang laughed with them, having surprisingly remembered what he had said the day before. He soon realized the laughter around him was not particularly friendly. With a smack, he threw his wine bowl onto the floor, baring a ferocious expression. "You two lads are tired of living, aren't you? Come on, let me chop you across the neck. Then you'll know whether what I said is true."
One saber-wielder shut his mouth and shook his head, indicating that he had no intention of stooping to Gao Yang's level. The other, emboldened by the liquor, staggered to his feet. "You and Wu Xuan never accepted the Order of No Killing, which is why nobody's come looking for trouble with you. I have an order from the Protectorate Army's commandery. If you dare kill me, you'll be digging your own grave."
Gao Yang's