Chang Silang wore a smile that never reached his eyes as he cupped his hands and bowed to Qing Chen, his words carrying a hidden barb.
Only then did Qing Chen seem to notice Chang Silang. He immediately said in a ringing voice:
"Oh, isn't this the head of the Chang Household? Didn't your steward say you were ill? What a rare visitor."
Chang Silang's expression did not change as he replied calmly, "My subordinates didn't know any better. It was merely a minor cultivation mishap. I'm quite all right now.
"With Inspector Qing honoring us with his presence, wouldn't people laugh at the Chang Household for having no manners or understanding of hospitality if I failed to welcome you?"
At that, Qing Chen said nothing more and simply led his sizable party into the city.
Chang Silang was left standing alone, the smile vanishing from his face in an instant and giving way to a dark expression.
Once Qing Chen's party had receded into the distance, Chang Household elder Chang Zhichong hurried to Chang Silang's side and said quietly:
"Household Head, this fellow flaunts his dominance and comes on strong. He dared to draw blood the moment he entered the city. A few fucking spirit stones won't be enough to send him away."
After a brief pause, Chang Zhichong asked indignantly, "Should we strike first?"
Chang Silang drew a deep breath, slowly exhaled, and waved a hand to tell Chang Zhichong to remain calm:
"No hurry. Let's play with him."
Meanwhile, Su Zixuan gazed at a building ahead of the party, disbelief written all over her face:
"Young Master, what is this place? Why is it so dilapidated? Where is even a trace of the grandeur befitting a Condensed Jade Sect Inspector's Manor?"
The building looked as though no