Heading to Yunlu County

Qin Feng put shackles on Wang Meng and was about to escort him out when a man in armor with a sword at his waist hurried in from outside.

Seeing the newcomer, Qin Feng silently cursed his bad luck. He was about to undo the shackles when a sharp sting flared across his face.

"Qin Feng, you've got some nerve now, daring to lay a hand on my brother?"

The man struck without warning. Dazed by the slap, Qin Feng steeled himself and said, "Commander Wang, your brother went into the mountains and killed so many people. I'm just following Magistrate Li's orders to bring Captain Wang to the county for questioning. Please don't make this difficult for us."

"I'll send my own people to investigate. You go back and tell Li Song he doesn't need to bother with this."

Qin Feng hesitated, then said, "Commander Wang, about Captain Wang—someone filed a complaint in the county, and it's caused quite a stir. If you do this, it'll leave my men with nothing to report."

Wang Cong sneered at this. "Qin Feng, you're a county constable, but you're working for the magistrate? This time when I came, Lord Zhang made it clear: he won't get involved in the struggles of the Four Great Clans. Go back and tell whoever's behind this that they can fight among themselves all they want, but don't drag others into it."

"Alright, get lost!"

Hearing Wang Cong's words, Qin Feng thought of the tangled web of connections behind it all.

Sweat beaded heavily on his forehead. When he heard he could finally leave, he scrambled out the door.

The bailiffs waiting outside saw their boss slink out with a red handprint on his face. They didn't dare ask questions and quickly fell in behind him.

Luo Yi, standing at the mouth of the alley, watched the armored man enter Wang Meng's courtyard. Not long after, the arrogant bailiff who'd swaggered in came slinking out. He guessed the man was no simple figure.

Having no interest in prying into others' affairs, and satisfied that Wang Meng was safe, Luo Yi headed home.

Back at home, Luo Yi spent six Chen Hours each day practicing the Fierce Tiger Skin Refining Technique, using his free time to train in archery. Two days passed peacefully like this.

On the morning of the third day, Luo Yi stepped into the yard to train and opened his Panel to check his gains over the past two days:

Host: Luo Yi Age: 16 Realm: Skin Refining (Entry) Skills: Basic Archery (Mastery 79/400) Fierce Tiger Skin Refining Technique (Entry 172/200) Traits: None

Seeing that the Fierce Tiger Skin Refining Technique was only 28 points away from leveling up, and knowing Uncle Wang was busy recovering from his injuries while dealing with the mess of so many hunters dying, with three days left until month's end...

He guessed they'd wait until after paying the Autumn Tax at the end of the month before heading to the county to sell the Wolf Hides.

He'd just settled into his stance, ready to train, when Chen Liu's voice came from outside the yard:

"Brother Luo Yi, you home? Brother Luo Yi!"

Luo Yi opened the courtyard gate and saw Chen Liu looking excited.

"Brother Chen Liu, what's up?"

"Brother Luo, you're home—great! Captain Wang sent me to tell you we're heading to the county today to sell the Wolf Hides. Everyone's meeting at the Dongsheng Town gate at Chen Time."

"Thanks, Brother Chen Liu. I'll go pack up now."

After notifying Luo Yi, Chen Liu ran off to the homes of the other surviving hunters.

Back in the yard, Luo Yi saw Luo Xi standing at the door. He didn't know how long this trip to the county would take, and he worried about leaving his younger sister alone at home in danger.

"Xiao Xi, I'm going to the county today. Do you want to stay home alone, or come with us?"

Hearing her brother ask, Luo Xi was curious to see what the county was like compared to the town. But she also worried about causing him trouble.

After thinking it over, she said, "Brother, if you take me, will it be a hassle? And if we run into danger on the road, I'm afraid I'll hold you back."

Knowing his sister's thoughts, Luo Yi said, "Don't worry, Xiao Xi. We're going with Uncle Wang and the Hunting Team. It won't be too dangerous."

He led his sister into the kitchen, smeared her fair face with soot, had her change into their father's coarse linen clothes, and put a bamboo hat on her.

After all that fuss, Luo Xi no longer looked like a girl at all.

Satisfied, he tucked the Chopping Knife into his belt, stuffed the Wolf Hides into his backpack, and slung it on.

With a bow in one hand and Luo Xi's hand in the other, Luo Yi headed out of town.

When they reached the Dongsheng Town gate, he saw Wang Meng and the Hunting Team already assembled. Not wanting to keep everyone waiting, Luo Yi quickened his pace, pulling his sister along to join the group.

Seeing Luo Yi bring someone along, Wang Meng didn't pry into the matter. Instead, he addressed the group.

"Before we set out, I've got a few things to remind you of. I hope everyone keeps them in mind."

"Today we're heading to Yunlu County via the Official Road from Dongsheng Town. In broad daylight, the chances of running into a Demon or Evil Spirit are slim."

"But in recent years, Great Qi's corvée labor and taxes have gotten heavier and heavier, driving a lot of people into banditry on the roads."

"If we run into road bandits, I'll handle the talking. You all keep your mouths shut."

"I'll teach you a few hand signals later. Watch me and act accordingly."

"Once we enter the county town, you all need to be more cautious in your behavior. Don't stir up trouble."

"Any questions?"

Seeing everyone nod, Wang Meng taught them the gestures, then waved his hand. The group set off in a bustling procession toward the county town.

Luo Yi looked at the Official Road, paved with yellow mud mixed with crushed stones—only slightly wider than an ordinary dirt path—and felt deeply disappointed.

Perhaps because they were a large group, or maybe due to their hunter attire, no one ambushed them on the way to Yunlu County. They arrived smoothly at the town gate.

From a distance, the entire county town was encircled by walls about ten meters high, like an impregnable fortress.

On the walls, guards stood watch every few dozen meters. Outside the walls, a moat of unknown depth stretched wide.

The gate of Yunlu County was split into two entrances.

Before one entrance, a line of people waiting to enter stretched like a long dragon.

The other entrance stood completely empty.

Seeing everyone's curious looks, Wang Meng explained:

"The left entrance is for commoners. Each person must have their identity checked and pay ten copper coins to enter. They must leave before the city gates close at night. If caught hiding inside by the night patrol, they'll be treated as enemy spies."

"The right entrance is for Entry Realm Martial Artists. When Great Qi's Taizu founded the nation, he separated martial artists from commoners. Once you become an Entry Realm Martial Artist, you enjoy many 'privileges' in Great Qi."

After Wang Meng's explanation, everyone suddenly understood why no one was queuing at the right entrance.

Having said that, Wang Meng began observing the changes in everyone's expressions.

The hunters' faces lit up with longing at the mention of martial artist privileges.

Only Luo Yi showed no change in expression after hearing this. Wang Meng praised inwardly: "This kid will definitely achieve great things in the future."

Considering that he was the only martial artist and the others were visiting the county town for the first time, Wang Meng didn't take the right entrance reserved for martial artists. Instead, he queued up with everyone else.