Volume Three: How a Crooked Merchant Is Made - Chapter Fourteen: Back in Prison (Part One)

Luo Qian had meant that His Majesty the Immortal Emperor would issue a decree pardoning him. Lu Xiaofeng misunderstood, thinking Luo Qian had arranged for someone to break him out of prison again. He flew into a rage—this was nothing less than a challenge to the entire Immortal Realm's justice system! "Luo Qian, don't get cocky! Evil has never triumphed over good. Don't think your money can buy everyone! Guards, lock him up!" Lu Xiaofeng shouted. "Yes, sir!" His subordinates had long disliked Luo Qian. They seized him, opened the cell door, and kicked him inside.

With a clang, three iron gates dropped behind him. These were solid gates, not bars, each more than a hand's breadth thick. The Immortal Apprehension Office had spared no expense this time, using vast quantities of rare materials to make them. Once the gates fell, twelve Restrictions activated, cutting Green Mound Prison off from the outside world. Not even a sliver of light could enter. Lu Xiaofeng's voice came from somewhere beyond: "Luo Qian, reflect on your crimes. If you think you can escape Green Mound Prison, you're dreaming. Hmph!"

Luo Qian looked around. The cell was newly built, clean and orderly, far better than his previous one. Since he was here, he might as well make himself comfortable. He still had a fine performance planned for when he refused to leave prison, and he needed his strength to spar with Lu Xiaofeng. He took off his coat, folded it beneath his head, and closed his eyes to rest. Before long, he drifted off to sleep on the stone bed.

He had no idea how long he had slept when a tremendous force suddenly tugged at him from nowhere. It felt like a slime-coated hand pulling at his soul, causing him unbearable pain. He