Shaoxing Prison.
A nauseating stench of mildew and filth hung in the dark, damp space.
Cao Jinxing sat with his legs crossed in a grand armchair in the middle of the corridor. Xuan Yuan Fourteen crouched on the floor close against his left side, while a square table stood to his right, bearing the latest military reports Fan Zikun had just sent over.
A small reddish-brown falcon was also eating pork belly, utterly unconcerned with anyone around him-it was none other than the Vulture Yinghuo, who had just returned from roaming free to being kept at home.
Cao Jinxing stroked Fourteen's head, his gaze sweeping over the three cells before him.
Zhu Lu, Kitahara Ryusei, and Wu Shixun.
All three hung suspended, their limbs bound with iron chains. Some were utterly despondent; others wore cold expressions.
Bailiffs kept carrying large chests over and setting them before Cao Jinxing. In moments, three enormous chests stood there. Rich herbal fragrances drifted through their seams, and even a light sniff refreshed the mind...
"My lord, it's all here."
A bailiff spoke respectfully.
"Open them."
Cao Jinxing's voice was indifferent.
"Yes."
The bailiff hurried forward and pried the chests open one after another. A rich fragrance washed over them-inside were exceptionally precious heavenly materials and earthly treasures: thousand-year-old ginseng, centuries-old fleeceflower root, lingzhi, tai sui, and countless other spiritual plants. Every last one was a rare treasure capable of increasing cultivation and extending life!
"Heh. You certainly plundered plenty..."
Cao Jinxing glanced over them and sneered.
The bailiff quietly swallowed and respectfully stepped back.
Fourteen's and Yinghuo's eyes lit up at the pile of treasures. The three prisoners wore differing expressions, and killing intent flashed in Kitahara Ryusei's eyes!
"Not yet."
Cao Jinxing smiled and patted Fourteen, then told the bailiff, "Leave one clerk