Among those following Shi Chengyan, a few with booming voices shouted his words again at the top of their lungs.
The faces of everyone in the main hall changed when they heard Shi Chengyan's shouts.
"We've done nothing but faithfully worship our deity. How does that make this an illegal den of thieves?" Though they already knew the court would not spare them, many were furious to hear the Golden Feather Shrine called a den of thieves. Some tried to rush outside, but the shrine master stopped them.
"Don't act rashly!" the shrine master said gravely, leading them outside.
Someone capable of serving as master of the Golden Feather Shrine and directing its people was no ordinary man. At the very least, he had more courage and judgment than those behind him.
But Shi Chengyan had already lost patience. After his announcement, the shrine remained silent as the grave, while people peered through cracks in the doors of the surrounding shops. He flew into a rage and roared, "Brothers!"
"Here!"
"Break down the gate!" Having said that, Shi Chengyan gave another order. "Archers and crossbowmen, ready!"
"Yes!"
He intended to storm the shrine. If those inside resisted when his men entered, there would be no need to persuade them to surrender. They could simply be wiped out.
With a crash, the gate burst open. The space behind it was empty, with no one in sight. Shi Chengyan led the constables inside and ordered in a low voice, "If anything stirs, don't hesitate. Strike immediately."
Shi Chengyan gritted his teeth. During the siege of the Water Cloud Shrine, a moment's reluctance to deal a ruthless blow had cost his nephew his life. Though Shi Chengyan himself had benefited, attaining Subordinate Ninth Rank and finally reaping the fruits of his efforts, his