All of this was quietly observed by two men in a makeshift tea stall across the street.
They were both dressed like ordinary traveling merchants, their clothes plain and their faces weary from the road.
But a closer look revealed their straight-backed posture, clear eyes, and long, steady breaths. They were no ordinary merchants.
Unlike the other tea drinkers, each had a long object wrapped in coarse cloth leaning beside him. It looked like a sword.
"Senior Brother,"
The younger man took a sip of rough tea, then drew his gaze away from the hanging dog's head and the busy Liu Qian.
He lowered his voice and said:
"That head...
Its aura has faded, but the baleful demonic energy lingering on it is unmistakable. Was it really a demon at the Hidden Force level?
It looks... somewhat unstable?"
The man addressed as Senior Brother gave a slight nod. His gaze was more seasoned, and his tone was calm but certain.
"It was undoubtedly Hidden Force, but its power was impure. I doubt it came from any noble bloodline.
I also sensed something hollow in its aura, its foundation unsteady, as though some secret art had forcibly accelerated its growth. It wasn't the result of natural cultivation.
Still, even the shakiest Hidden Force is Hidden Force.
To slay it head-on, whatever means he used, Yang Ning's strength cannot be underestimated.
No wonder a man as proud as Gong Tian chose him as his successor, to serve as acting head of East Street."
The younger disciple pursed his lips.
"I thought he'd be another ruthless tyrant like Gong Tian, but now it seems this fellow...
has a little too much compassion?"
He was referring to Yang Ning's decision to distribute compensation and allow the Porter Guild to clear the alleyways.
At that,