Chaotic Battle

Whoosh—

Dang Wanxing's Returning Wind Blade swept through the air, as if a gale had truly risen, causing the surroundings to howl with the sound of rushing wind.

Qi Lin showed no fear. As he unleashed his fist techniques, the Wisdom King within his Concentrated Spirit Realm simultaneously threw out a set of punches, striking directly at Dang Wanxing's own Concentrated Spirit.

Bang—

Blade and fist collided, and as their true power clashed, Dang Wanxing felt not only his body shudder, but his Concentrated Spirit was also shaken incessantly.

Maitreya Descended truly lived up to his reputation!

It was impossible to kill Liu Zhixie today!

Dang Wanxing could not help but feel a sense of admiration, and a realization dawned upon him.

In passing, he felt even more respect for Guo Xuchu, who had defeated Qi Lin within ten moves.

In the past, he had always felt that Guo Xuchu's reputation was unearned and had been quite unconvinced. After testing his own strength today, he realized that the rumors about the Star-Pulling Sword in the outside world had clearly understated his power.

While Dang Wanxing and Qi Lin were locked in a great battle, Chen Wu hoisted the young heir onto his shoulder and took off running.

The remaining few men on both sides drew revolvers and began firing at their opponents.

Bang, bang, bang, bang—

Bullets flew wildly for a time, while Chen Wu scrambled and rolled while carrying the heir.

Bang—

Chen Wu's entire body jolted; he had been hit.

Fortunately, before coming, Chen Wu had worn a breastplate beneath his clothes. The revolver's power was low, and the bullet struck the armor, causing him no harm.

The two remaining men saw Chen Wu approaching and hurriedly rushed up to shield him and the heir behind them.

The heir had taken a slap to the mouth, and although it was swollen, he kept muttering something indistinctly.

"Miss Cong'er..."

Chen Wu steadied himself and heard the name. Following the heir's gaze, he discovered that the young man was staring fixedly at the girl who had brought him over, unable to look away.

Chen Wu was incensed; this second-generation wastrel was still thinking about chasing girls in this situation!

Truly hopeless!

Chen Wu shook his head, picked up a horn, and blew it with all his might!

Wooo—

The horn's sound was melodious, echoing in all directions.

Qi Lin, who had been holding the upper hand, saw his expression shift slightly upon hearing the sound.

"An ambush? How shameless—"

With that, he unleashed another move to force back Dang Wanxing and shouted to his own men.

"Retreat—"

Hearing this, those men stopped firing and immediately took their people, leaping away to escape.

Seeing this, Dang Wanxing did not pursue, instead landing lightly beside Chen Wu.

"Uncle Dang—"

The heir saw Dang Wanxing approach and shouted, "Where are the ambushers? Go and capture them all!"

Dang Wanxing frowned at the sight. "What ambush? It was merely a bluff to scare them off! Do you think this exchange could be done in the light of day?"

"If we had gathered a large force and made it known to everyone—even the Emperor—that your father had bent the law for your sake and let a major bandit go free, would you be satisfied then?"

Dang Wanxing's tone grew increasingly stern, and the heir became frightened, falling silent.

"Enough, let us return first!"

"My son—"

Seeing the heir return safe and sound, Duke Chen rushed forward on the spot.

Slap—

He gave the heir a fierce slap, causing the other side of the heir's face to swell up as well.

"I have spoiled you too much in the past; you must remember today's lesson!"

"Father—" The heir's eyes welled with tears, but he lowered his head.

"Little Brother Chen, many thanks to you for this!" Duke Chen turned his head and said to Chen Wu.

"Not at all," Chen Wu declined modestly. "I merely ran an errand and delivered a message; there is no merit in that."

"I have heard everything from others; you protected the heir at the critical moment and took a bullet for him." Duke Chen apologized, "I suspected you before; that was my fault!"

"It is only human nature for a Duke to be suspicious; had I been in your position, I would have done the same." Chen Wu said, then shifted the topic. "Actually, I only risked my life like that because I wanted to take a look at that Martial Canon."

"That is easily done. Take my token. Once you reach the capital, go to the Imperial Clan Court and find the newly appointed Grand Patriarch; he will assist you."

As he spoke, Duke Chen handed over a token.

Chen Wu took the token and took his leave.

"Lord Dang—" Duke Chen watched Chen Wu's receding figure and asked Dang Wanxing, who stood beside him, "What do you make of this man?"

"He is truly a lucky general!" Dang Wanxing replied. "I saw that shot clearly with my Concentrated Spirit Realm senses; it was truly perilous. It is fortunate that this man is meticulous and wore a breastplate in advance."

"Indeed!"

"You've been shot—"

Qi Lin looked at the wound on Liu Zhixie's back and hurriedly pressed his vital points to stop the bleeding.

"It is nothing! This shot will not take my life; I only need some time to recover." Although Liu Zhixie's voice was weak, his spirits were high. "Now that I have escaped that cage, I will certainly give the Great Shun Dynasty its retribution."

"You focus on recovering first. We will discuss other matters once your wounds have healed."

Qi Lin turned to the others and ordered, "You lot, take the Primordial Heavenly King away to treat his wounds. I have other matters to attend to, so I will not be accompanying you."

"Yes—"

The subordinates replied in unison.

"Tomorrow! Little Chen, remember, it is tomorrow!"

As soon as Chen Wu returned to Jinheng Watch Shop, Old Wang spoke up.

"Is this fellow really in such a hurry?"

"He is anxious beyond measure; he specifically sought out the contact person to send word."

"Hmph—" Chen Wu laughed. "That old fellow really thinks he has it in the bag!"

Old Wang laughed as well. "We shall just give him a surprise tomorrow!"

"What did you say?" Li Zheng shouted. "Who escaped from prison?"

"Liu Zhixie. The 'Primordial Heavenly King' Liu Zhixie!"

Chief Constable Wu Ze sat behind his desk, speaking as if he were discussing a trivial matter that had nothing to do with him.

"That is Liu Zhixie!" Li Zheng felt like knocking some sense into Wu Ze's head; had his brain turned to mush? "Once he escapes, what will happen when the imperial court investigates?"

"Sigh—" Wu Ze sighed. "I will take the fall for this; I am retiring early next year anyway. You had best look after yourself."

"What exactly is going on?"

"You had better not ask. It is a blessing to be ignorant."

"Chief Constable, you must at least let me die with my eyes open!"

Li Zheng was furious, staring into Wu Ze's eyes as if trying to peer through his clouded gaze, but Wu Ze merely shook his head.

"My grandson has no talent for martial arts. Even if he barely managed to enter the Constabulary Office, he would have no future." Wu Ze did not answer directly, speaking instead of his grandson. "Duke Chen is willing to recommend him for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs."

"You mean... Duke Chen?"

"Shh—I said nothing."

"It really is Duke Chen. What a Duke Chen he is!" Li Zheng turned and walked away.

"Where are you going?" Wu Ze asked, somewhat flustered.

"To write a report!" Li Zheng's voice drifted back. "If Liu Zhixie has escaped, it must be reported to the Police Department, must it not?"

"Let me see it once you have finished." Wu Ze relaxed.

It was another night, with a crescent moon hanging in the sky and the stars shining as brightly as ever.

Chen Wu sat cross-legged on the open ground, holding a paperweight in his hand.

The paperweight was made of gilded bronze with enamel painting; any connoisseur would know at a glance that it was a high-quality piece.

Chen Wu, however, had no heart to admire it; he put it into his mouth and began to bite down.