Jiang Wang's challenge rang out like a stone striking the ground, stern and fierce.
The guards outside the city gate were so startled that their hearts trembled, and they nearly fell to their knees.
As an imperial envoy, he carried the Son of Heaven's might.
Jiang Wang stood here alone, yet behind him stood the entire Great Qi Empire!
Of course, the Great Qi Empire included this little Ji City.
Who could remain calm before the Son of Heaven's wrath?
Only Tian Anping, standing inside the city gate, tilted his head, seeming somewhat puzzled.
Then he said, "You have an edict? Come in and proclaim it."
At that moment, he and Jiang Wang faced off across the city gate.
One was inside the city, the other outside.
He was inviting Jiang Wang into the city!
Jiang Wang looked into his eyes. After a flicker of confusion, all he saw deep within them was a tangle of indifference and madness!
Even the wind in Ji City felt oppressive, languidly circling near the city gate.
The straight street behind Tian Anping was empty of pedestrians.
The shops on both sides seemed to have all shut their doors for the day.
Jiang Wang's expression remained impassive. "I have already proclaimed the edict. Whether you accept it is up to you. Now, I'm taking Liu Xiao back to the capital under arrest. If you intend to defy the edict, come out and test your sword!"
He drew Longing at once. Its blade was like a pool of autumn water, glinting in the sunlight.
The rope suspending Liu Xiao above the city gate silently snapped. Liu Xiao dropped, and Jiang Wang caught him with his left hand.
Holding Liu Xiao in one hand and his sword in the other, he stared coldly at Tian Anping.