Teach me how to do things?

Wang Chengen had never imagined that Jiang Che would dare to seal his goods. He certainly couldn't stand by and watch, or he'd face dire consequences later.

So, he stepped forward.

So what if Jiang Che was the Deputy Commander of the West City?

As the foremost gang in Yanggu County, the Cao Gang was deeply entrenched with a complex network of connections. Normally, no one dared to provoke them, which had fostered Wang Chengen's arrogant nature.

Earlier, it was only because Jiang Che was a minor official that he had spoken courteously.

He had given Jiang Che plenty of face.

But now that the other party wasn't giving him face, he didn't need to be so deferential anymore.

Then, with a look from Wang Chengen, the surrounding Cao Gang members quickly gathered, forming a circle with swords and sabers in hand. Their numbers were slightly fewer than Jiang Che's men.

But they weren't afraid of the officials at all.

"The Cao Gang, so powerful?"

Jiang Che's lips curved into a smile. He suddenly flicked the arm holding his scabbard, directly slapping Wang Chengen across the face and sending him sprawling. Jiang Che then stepped on his face.

"Do I need you to teach me how to do things?"

Arrogant!

Domineering!

Jiang Che showed no regard for the other party whatsoever. A deadly feud had long been forged between them. Setting aside the past grievances from his memories, the fact that Wang Chengen had called him Deputy Commander Jiang by name was enough to know that Wang Chengen had investigated him thoroughly.

Since that was the case, there was nothing more to say.

The atmosphere around them became stagnant, and the Cao Gang members were all stunned.

No one had expected Jiang Che to resort to violence so readily, even going so far as to stomp on Protector Wang's face in humiliation.

"Jiang Che... you're asking for death!"

Wang Chengen had been dazed by the slap. Now that he had just regained his senses, a surge of anger rose in his heart. He glared at Jiang Che with a ferocious expression, simultaneously reaching out to try and remove Jiang Che's leg from his face.

But...

His strength was completely insufficient.

With mediocre martial arts talent, the only reason he could become a Protector was because his brother-in-law was the Hall Master of Blackwater Hall. Jiang Che, on the other hand, had undergone a transformation after several sacrifices.

"Kill them! Kill them all for me!"

Wang Chengen, having nearly lost his mind, roared.

Jiang Che scoffed. With a single glance, all the soldiers around him drew their long sabers. If the other side dared to make a move, he would charge them with rebellion today.

This was also the true purpose of him humiliating Wang Chengen by stepping on his face.

Wang Chengen lacked prestige and had no confidantes. However, according to the Cao Gang's rules, if they didn't act, they would face severe punishment upon their return. Thus, under his command, Even though they were unwilling, the surrounding Cao Gang members still drew their weapons, preparing to fight.

Seeing that the situation was about to erupt, all the laborers and common folk retreated, clearing a large open space.

"The Cao Gang intends to rebel, illegally stockpiling weapons, and defying the authorities. Pass my order... kill—"

Before Jiang Che could finish the word "kill," a shout was heard:

"Stop!"

More than a dozen yamen runners swarmed in. Captain Chen, at the forefront, frowned deeply and tried to push his way in, but Geng Dabiao and Xu Chenghu blocked his path, making his expression even more grim.

"Let Captain Chen in,"

Jiang Che said sternly.

Captain Chen, his face grim, walked into the inner circle. He glanced down at Wang Chengen, who was struggling with a look of humiliation, took a deep breath, and then looked at Jiang Che, asking, "Brother Jiang, what are you doing?"

"I, Jiang, am acting under orders to search. This Wang Chengen dared to defy the authorities and attempt rebellion, so I, this Commander, apprehended him. The matter is as simple as that."

Jiang Che's expression was fearless.

"Acting under orders to search? Whose orders? Brother Jiang, this is Cao Gang territory."

Captain Chen stepped forward and lowered his voice to remind him.

At the same time, he was puzzled.

At the previous banquet, Jiang Che and Kou Yuansheng had gotten along famously, almost to the point of becoming sworn brothers. How could they have fallen out so completely in just a few days? It was truly strange and out of character.

"Captain Chen, if you said that outside, it would be a capital offense. What do you mean, Cao Gang territory? All under heaven belongs to the King; any place in this world is the Imperial Court's territory."

Captain Chen opened his mouth, realizing he had misspoke. He quickly tried to backtrack.

"I meant..."

"I understand what you mean. However, I am handling matters for the West City Martial Camp today. Brother Chen, it would be best if you didn't interfere."

"As for the Cao Gang..."

Captain Chen's brow furrowed deeply. He had a vested interest in the Cao Gang, so when he heard Jiang Che was heading straight for the docks with his men, he had a premonition that something was amiss and rushed to stop him.

"The matters involved here are too significant, Brother Chen. I'll give you a word of advice: it's best not to get involved."

Jiang Che looked at him with a half-smile.

Captain Chen's pupils contracted, and he immediately understood.

"It's Zhu..."

He swallowed the rest of the word as soon as it left his lips.

He was a man of Magistrate Zhao's faction, but he was a direct subordinate of Captain Zhu. In their power struggle, he would be the first to be caught in the crossfire and the first to die. He had been worried for a long time.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have deliberately tried to get close to Jiang Che and build a relationship before.

It was all to have a backup plan.

"Take your men and go back," Jiang Che said, patting Captain Chen on the shoulder.

Technically, by official rank, he was lower than Captain Chen, but his powerful backing made all the difference.

"You can confiscate and take the goods. But whether you can take the people... if not, I won't be able to explain myself, brother." Captain Chen, having guessed that Jiang Che was acting on Zhu Sheng's orders, no longer dared to stop him and could only try his best to keep the people.

"This..." Jiang Che smiled down at Wang Chengen.

Of course, it wasn't possible.

"Deputy Commander Jiang, aren't you being a bit too arrogant? Coming here to arrest someone directly. It seems you don't have any respect for our Cao Gang."

A low shout echoed, and everyone turned to look.

A middle-aged man in brocade robes was moving with incredible speed. Using the surroundings to propel himself, he crossed several yards in a few leaps and landed steadily in front of Jiang Che, his eyes gloomy.

Not far away, more than ten Cao Gang members quickly surrounded them.

"Brother-in-law..." Wang Chengen cried out, seeing the newcomer as if he had seen a savior.

"Hall Master Yu," Captain Chen cupped his fists, clearly recognizing the man.

Yu Zongping nodded slightly, his gaze fixed on Jiang Che. "Deputy Commander Jiang, do you have an explanation for me?"

"You dare?!" Jiang Che snorted, showing no respect for the man. He even stomped his foot down in front of him. If he had landed the blow, Wang Chengen would have surely died given Jiang Che's strength.

The next moment, Yu Zongping attacked. His palm transformed into a claw, like a black tiger pouncing on the heart, and lunged towards Jiang Che's chest.

"Bang!"

Jiang Che retaliated. His opponent used a claw, so he countered with a fist. His internal breath flowed through his body, concentrating in his right arm, and they clashed head-on, resulting in an immediate muffled groan.

Under the powerful recoil, both men retreated.

Jiang Che took one step back, while Yu Zongping staggered back two.

The difference in strength was obvious!