The masked brute at the head flew into a rage, leaping before Qin Shaofeng in a single bound. The steel spear in his hand shot straight for Qin Shaofeng's throat.
"Just you?"
Qin Shaofeng's gaze sharpened. He unleashed Lingbo Weibu from the Nine Transformations of the Firmament, narrowly evading the ferocious, bone-crushing thrust.
At the same time, he struck back with a sword, piercing straight through the brute's chest!
"Splurt!"
Blood sprayed wildly. The masked brute let out a pained howl and crashed heavily to the ground.
The once-arrogant bandits immediately lost all morale and fled in panic.
"Too weak. That didn't even count as a warm-up."
Qin Shaofeng curled his lip and sheathed his sword.
Qing Daoxun had easily dealt with the thieves on her side as well. She hurried over and asked with concern, "Are you all right?"
"I'm fine. Mere petty thieves cannot harm me in the slightest."
Qin Shaofeng smiled, then suddenly furrowed his brow, deep in thought.
"These bandits were so brazen. There must be someone else pulling the strings behind them. It seems Huashan City is anything but peaceful."
Upon entering Huashan City, Qin Shaofeng and Qing Daoxun sensed an unusual atmosphere spreading through the air.
Armed patrols carrying sabers and swords could be seen everywhere, from the main streets to the back alleys. The commoners all looked terrified, hurrying along without even daring to breathe too loudly.
"There's something wrong with this city." Qin Shaofeng frowned tightly. "I wonder whether it has anything to do with those bandits."
Qing Daoxun was also lost in thought. Recalling the bandits' overbearing manner earlier, they had seemed to wield considerable influence within the city.
Just as the two were pondering, a patrol squad suddenly hurried over and surrounded them. Every soldier had a hand on his