The Blade-Wielding Legend
Chapter 254 - 176: Tit for Tat

Chapter 254: Chapter 176: Tit for Tat

Li Yan took a step back, merging into the crowd, trying to be as inconspicuous as possible.

The recent chaos in the Captain Bureau had only ceased under the pressure from all sides, but its root causes remained unresolved.

Struggles in the bureaucracy could sometimes be bloodier than those in the pugilistic world, especially in a formidable government office like the Captain Bureau, where sometimes there was no way out.

The conflict between the two parties had escalated, and many had died as a result; there would have to be an outcome.

A momentary victory or defeat meant nothing.

For example, whether the new Seal of the Thousand Households could accommodate Chang Xuan was still in question.

Thus, the current peace could only be considered temporary.

Li Yan had already made inquiries—this Hundred Households, Feng Han, had a father who once led the Captain Bureau; he was from the direct line.

He bore considerable animosity towards Guan Wanche, regarding him as a sycophant who had climbed the ranks, and his previous break-in to arrest people indicated a thorough investigation of his relationship with Guan Wanche.

It was likely he would take this opportunity to cause trouble.

Indeed, even though Li Yan kept a low profile, that Hundred Households Feng Han still spotted him, but he didn’t rush to speak. Instead, he glanced over indifferently and said, "During the Lantern Festival, you all engage in private fights in the street, disregarding the law. Do you wish to taste the flavor of the great prison?"

Xiong Baodong had a domineering personality but was known to put on a friendly front. Hearing this, he immediately changed his expression and chuckled, "Hundred Households, sir, we are all following the rules here, just wanting to compete with them."

"Who would’ve thought these people would dare to strike first; they have no respect for the law. You must seek justice for us, the commoners!"

"Oh?"

Hundred Households Feng Han’s gaze turned icy, "If that’s the case, arrest them all..."

"Wait!"

Just then, Gu Chenzi pushed through the crowd and came forward, gave a Daoist bow, and said in a deep voice, "Sir, before the ritual is complete, you are indiscriminately arresting people. How great is your official power!"

The Taixuan Orthodox Sect’s Law Enforcement Hall...

Hundred Households Feng Han displayed a flash of apprehension in his eyes and said gravely, "These people are disrupting order, I am only here to..."

"The cause of the incident is not clear yet, why are you arresting people without reason!" Gu Chenzi interrupted impatiently and said coldly, "Even if it is a fight, that’s a matter for the Chang’an government office."

"Today, your job in the Captain Bureau is to stop the troublemakers from the pugilistic world, not to meddle in matters that you shouldn’t!"

Gu Chenzi had seen everything clearly from the outside. He had already taken a dislike to Xiong Baodong and Hundred Households Feng Han and consequently, did not mince his words.

"That’s right, it was they who provoked us first!"

"Everybody’s watching; we all have clear eyes!"

"It’s the festive season, and here you are, bullying others with your power..."

The people of Chang’an were well aware of the nature of the Fire Bear Gang, having suffered at their hands. Many started to shout in agreement.

Among them were also some individuals from the pugilistic world.

They didn’t want to clash with the Fire Bear Gang, but making sarcastic remarks and stirring the pot was no issue. They could spout incredibly offensive comments.

Seeing public anger rise to a boil, Hundred Households Feng Han’s face turned ugly.

"Let’s go!"

With a cold snort, he led his subordinates away on horseback.

"What’s all this noise!"

Xiong Baodong, fearless, shouted out and glared around him. The onlookers quickly dispersed wherever his gaze landed.

Seeing no one dared to talk nonsense anymore, he immediately looked towards Gu Chenzi, donning a grin, "Daoist Sir, we’re all following the rules here, if you show bias, and if something goes wrong with the ritual..."

"Are you threatening me?"

Upon hearing this, Gu Chenzi’s expression immediately darkened.

He was well aware of the situation—the demon in the City God Temple was extremely fierce. Even with the aid of the temple’s soldiers and the situation in Chang’an, it was hard to suppress.

Ever since it was brought back, each night at midnight, the coffin would rattle, as if the thing inside was trying to break out.

This was precisely why they had called in a large number of demon hunters and were relying on the Lantern Festival’s ritual to suppress it. Otherwise, there would be trouble on the way to Hua Mountain.

The success of tonight’s ritual was paramount!

What sort of audacity had this troublemaker eaten?

"Me? How dare I?"

Seeing the displeased look on Gu Chenzi’s face, Xiong Baodong quickly added with a laugh, "The rules set by your revered sect, competing for the incense and Magic Flag, are also part of the ritual, are they not?"

Manager Wan, standing to the side, also wore an exceedingly grim expression.

He knew this situation was unlikely to be resolved amicably. Even if they backed down today, the Fire Bear Gang would still come looking for trouble later on.

This gang was like bedbugs in Chang’an, impossible to shake off once they latched on, both disgusting and bothersome, sucking your blood dry before letting go.

It was precisely because of this shameless, persistent style that they had gradually risen to power, after all, their lives were cheap.

Either submit, be exploited.

Or use one’s strength to subdue them!

Thinking this, Manager Wan hesitated no longer and stepped forward, speaking with a heavy voice, "Since we are to follow the rules, then let us abide by them properly."

"If you do not wish to follow the rules, then let’s just forget about them!"

"Huh?"

A fierce-looking old monk beside them laughed and said, "What, without rules, are you planning to use spells to kill?"

"This Daoist seems to be from the Law Enforcement Hall, did you see that? He’s threatening us, he’s threatening us!"

"Enough nonsense!"

Gu Chenzi’s eyes narrowed slightly, "What temple’s monk are you, and where’s your Buddhist certificate? Show it to me!"

Hearing this, the large monk’s head shrank a little, "This... I forgot to bring it, tomorrow, tomorrow."

With that, he retreated back into the crowd, not daring to speak further.

"Of course, we should follow the rules."

Xiong Baodong quickly changed the subject and said with a smile, "It’s getting late today. If we go by the book, we might miss the timing."

"Let’s just get to the point and do it the martial way."

Without waiting for Manager Wan’s response, he turned directly to Li Yan and sneered, "Kid, you were quite impressive that night. Why are you hiding in the back, too scared to speak up now?"