"This young man knows how to read the situation." 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝙬𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝒎

Chen Zhao was quite surprised—he hadn't expected a disciple of Ninghai Zen to be so astute, not only calling him "Martial Uncle" but also actively visiting and inviting him for a feast.

"Could it be that someone else killed my Red Blood Qilin Horse? Who else in Black River County holds a grudge against me?!"

The meat being stewed in the large pot was close to tender perfection; the rich broth was enough to awaken the appetite.

Bai Qi served a bowl and casually handed it to Chen Zhao:

"Junior Martial Uncle Chen, why not give it a try? A large buffalo fell at the village entrance, slaughtered just last night—very fresh."

Horse meat is quite coarse, with a slightly sour taste, but through culinary craftsmanship, it was still a feast for the senses.

Xiaotou Ah Xie devoured hungrily; his body was warm, with his Qi Blood flowing tirelessly, permeating every inch of his flesh.

"This meat is rather tender."

Chen Zhao ate elegantly, chewing carefully, unlike Xiaotou Ah Xie, who gobbled like a wild boar eating fine grain.

After a moment, Chen Zhao praised:

"Bai Qilang, you have a good cook in your household—comparable to a restaurant in the Prefecture City!"

Bai Qi smiled without saying a word. Having used someone else's beloved horse for his seventh blood transfusion, he couldn't just take advantage, sharing a bowl or two of meat broth was considered fair exchange.

"As long as Junior Martial Uncle is satisfied."

Could he be aware of my connections in Zhechong Prefecture and intentionally seeking favor?

Chen Zhao's eyelid twitched; his mother had always told him, "A favor offered for no reason must be either crafty or deceitful."

Internally, Chen Zhao smirked coldly—Ninghai Zen was obstinate, but his disciple showed some insight, understanding the necessity of seeking alliances for a promising future.

In Celestial Water Prefecture, numerous opportunities abound, but none compare to Grand General Zhao, whose trusted military generals include Pei Yuanqing, destined to excel in the Six Border Towns—a hero of the era. Aligning with Brother Pei is far more advantageous than lingering in a poor rural area.

Thinking of this, Chen Zhao's lips curled into a smile:

"Bai Qilang, bring me another bowl. I don't know why my appetite is so large today—this meat broth is truly wonderful!"

Bai Qi refilled the broth, adding two more ladles of large chunks of meat:

"Eat and drink well, Junior Martial Uncle Chen."

Holding the steaming bowl, Chen Zhao found Bai Qi's demeanor quite different from Ninghai Zen's—he seemed more amiable, prompting Chen Zhao to speak:

"I heard that you opened a fish stall recently, but yesterday Tao Rong from Yihai Prefecture detained your staff, even confiscating your boats, forbidding you from going downriver?"

Bai Qi raised an eyebrow:

"That seems to be the case."

Chen Zhao chuckled:

"Tao Rong is the Captain of the Brave Guard, someone who originated from Zhechong Prefecture with me; he should be willing to give me some face. How about I host a banquet and help resolve this issue for you?"

Bai Qi waved his hand:

"Why trouble my Martial Uncle with such trivial matters? I stand firm against any shadow; let Captain Tao thoroughly inspect. Dragon Court's strict laws will neither wrong the good nor spare the wicked, ensuring my innocence."

This young man doesn't follow common sense?

Don't you realize how much silver coins those dozens of boats docked might have lost?

Chen Zhao's smile slightly stiffened; it was no easy task convincing Tao Rong to cooperate, with everything set up for a show, just waiting for him to take center stage.

"Tao Rong is new to Black River County; he might not be targeting you specifically, possibly just establishing authority."

Chen Zhao spoke earnestly:

"Let's turn big trouble into small and put small trouble to rest. Since you call me Martial Uncle, being of the same sect, it's only natural for me to offer you help."

Bai Qi still shook his head:

"No need to worry, Junior Martial Uncle—you've traveled far to Black River County, enduring the fatigue of journeying. Allow me to host you for two days before taking you to Tongwen Hall to meet Master."

Chen Zhao's eyes twitched—it seemed this act wouldn't go on.

…

…

In the Inner City, a luxurious manor specifically built for hosting tax collectors.

Tao Rong rubbed his furrowed brows, still worried about last night's events.

Chen Zhao's Red Blood Qilin Horse was priceless, yet it was brazenly beheaded and displayed in the main hall.

"The fish stall workers were detained, but the others showed no reaction, as if watching a spectacle…Black River County's waters are too deep; I shouldn't have rashly agreed to help Chen Zhao become the scapegoat—now I'm riding a tiger and can't get off."

In other poor rural areas, a tax collector could easily pressure local gentry, forcing them to tread carefully.

However, Black River County was home to many deeply-rooted forces, leaving him, as Captain of the Brave Guard, unable to establish authority.

"Master, the Sitting Hall Masters of the Inner City Martial Arts Association have all sent their invitation cards."

The attendant respectfully handed over the embossed invitation cards.

"These old foxes are quite aware of hierarchy."

Tao Rong reclined back, feeling slightly relieved.

Serving as a lackey for Chen Zhao, while considering Bai Qi, and caught between both positions, was very uncomfortable.

Now, the invitations from the Sitting Hall Masters of the Inner City Martial Arts Association finally restored his sense of authority and command.

"What do the invitations say? Did they indicate where they'd host the banquet?"

He gestured for the attendant to read the content aloud.

"Master, these here…"

The attendant opened the invitation, then closed it repeatedly.

"Can't you read? Stammering like that—what does it look like!"

Tao Rong's expression was displeased.

"Reporting to Master, these Sitting Hall Masters are petitioning for Bai Qi. They state Bai's Fish Stall affects nearly a hundred people's livelihoods in Black River County, supplying many restaurants.

Bai Qi has a reputation for benevolence; when the Red Eyebrow Bandits attacked the city, he bravely killed the bandit leader… Therefore, they've jointly sent a petition, hoping Master can quickly clarify this matter and return Bai Qi's innocence."

The attendant replied with his head down.

"These local bullies gang up to force me to release individuals?"

Tao Rong's forehead veins throbbed; he pressed against the armchair and raised his robust body:

"Does a Captain of the Brave Guard like myself submit to such coercion? Unless Chen Zhao speaks up, all requests for leniency will be ignored!

I refuse to believe Bai Ahqi can remain seated for so long without revealing himself…"

Before he could finish, the two large doors crashed to the ground, raising spirals of dust, echoing thunderously throughout.

"It doesn't end! The Red Blood Qilin Horse was killed last night! Now my door is smashed today!

Does Black River County not hold Dragon Court's laws in regard at all?"

Tao Rong slapped the table, taking a step like a serpent slithering on the ground; in an instant, he crossed a distance of two Zhang, his fiery palm striking with force!

Like tumbling waves, it stirred the dense air within a hundred steps, fiercely pressing towards the uninvited guest barging into the manor.

"Tao Rong! We haven't met for years, but your courage has grown, daring to strike at me!"

The robustly resonant voice was powerful, complemented by the mighty figure, akin to a magnificent mountain crafted from solid iron.

"Li…"

Tao Rong recognized the visitor, his complexion shifting drastically; clawing at his attendant beside him, like a solid projectile, he flung him towards Li Yuan standing at the entrance.

Thus using him as a shield against his own furious strike.

The attendant suffered from unwarranted disaster; his body resonated with the deep sound of shattering bones, blood spurting from his seven orifices as he collapsed to the ground.

"Master Li! I was planning to bring gifts to Wagang Village to pay you a visit…"

Seeing he had nearly harmed Li Yuan, Tao Rong broke out in a cold sweat; this was the Master Craftsman in the General's Mansion, famed for creating Pei Yuanqing's pair of Eight-Edged Plum Blossom Shining Silver Hammers.

Damned Chen Zhao, who could call Pei Yuanqing "Brother,"

That alone commands respect from the forces within Celestial Water Prefecture.

While Li Yuan served at the General's Mansion, the Silver Hammer Grand Protector called him "Uncle,"

Clearly, the connection runs deeper.