Report it to the authorities? Liu Cheng's expression stiffened.
If Prince Kang's Residence insisted on auditing the Silver Hook Gambling House's accounts, Heaven-Bearing Prefecture and the Martial Prohibition Bureau certainly would not stop it. They might even lend a hand.
You officials all shield one another, and you're telling me to report it to the authorities?
Seeing that Guard Fan beside Guard Ding was clearly hesitating, Liu Cheng put his genial smile back on.
"Gentlemen, better to untie a knot of enmity than tighten it. None of us has it easy out in the world. Why must we draw swords and bend bows over this?
"It's not that I refuse to let you audit the gambling house's accounts, but I can't make that decision on such short notice. How about this: Guard Fan, you return to the residence and bring over the accountants, while I send someone to inform our gang leader.
"One of you is a disciple of the Xiaoming Sect, the other an heir to the Shadow-Killing Sect. How long can you remain at Prince Kang's Residence? You'll leave sooner or later, and we're bound to meet again in the martial world. Wouldn't it be better to let harmony bring us wealth?"
His words offered both overtures and concessions, yet concealed threats and pressure. What he truly meant was:
You aren't even Prince Kang's Residence's own people. Why risk your lives for that little bit of cultivation resources and money?
While you're at Prince Kang's Residence, I can't do anything to you. But the day will come when you leave. Would Prince Kang's Residence really go to war over an "accident" that happened to you?
"I'll leave the residence in two years at most." Ding Songyan's smile faded as he looked at Liu Cheng. "But in two years,