Bang! Bang! Bang!

"Open the door quickly!"

The government officials, holding torches and weapons, urgently pounded on the door.

As for the Kong Family's Tribute and the elite from Mingde Academy, they were all dispersed around the periphery, full of murderous intent.

They were people of the pugilistic world, but more importantly, they belonged to the Kong Family, understanding what rules meant.

The significance of rules is not strictly abiding by them, but knowing when to follow and when not to.

They could exert pressure on the Jinan Prefecture government office, that was the influence of the Kong Family.

But when carrying out duties, they could only cooperate, not overstep their bounds, otherwise, it would break the rules and easily attract attention, especially at this moment.

Watching the government officials constantly pounding on the door, the middle-aged Confucian Scholar leading the Kong Family frowned.

These officials appeared fierce, making quite a spectacle, yet were very rule-abiding.

The copper lock, which could be twisted off by hand, remained completely undamaged.

The middle-aged Confucian Scholar instantly guessed the reason.

The Jiangzhe Chamber of Commerce is wealthy and influential, with significant impact throughout the Southern region, even in Jinan City, having a close relationship with the Prince De Mansion, and reportedly preparing to head out to sea together.

These officials do not wish to offend the Kong Family, nor would they want to anger the Jiangzhe Chamber of Commerce.

"Hmph!" The middle-aged Confucian Scholar sneered coldly, casually took out a copper coin, and flicked it with a finger.

Clang!

The copper coin whistled with astonishing power, directly breaking the copper lock with a clang.

The door swung open with a roar.

In the courtyard of the Chamber of Commerce, the Chamber's staff and Protectors stood bewildered with sticks and lanterns in hand.

And Manager Qian was just running over, wiping cold sweat from his forehead.

"Gentlemen, what is the reason for this?"

He expressed a hint of irritation, cupping his fists and bowing, "Our Jiangzhe Chamber of Commerce abides by the law, contributing monthly tax without fail, nor has it committed any crimes. Why the grand entrance?"

The black-faced arrest officer leading them eased slightly, looking troubled, yet spoke firmly, "Manager Lin, it's not that we don't give you face. Lord himself orders the arrest of the criminal suspect who kidnapped Manager Kong and their accomplices."

"Someone testified that the suspect is hiding within your Chamber of Commerce. My duty, I apologize!"

"A suspect?"

Manager Qian was dumbfounded, shaking his head hurriedly, "Constable Liu, surely there is a mistake..."

The middle-aged Confucian Scholar couldn't listen any longer, stepping forward, saying in a deep voice, "Do not waste words weaving connections! The court is arresting wanted criminals; if delayed, you, a mere merchant, cannot bear the responsibility!"

Manager Qian's face also changed to a gloomy expression, smiling without sincerity, "If I'm not mistaken, this is Mr. Zhao from Mingde Academy. You're right; I cannot bear responsibility."

After saying that, he bowed sideways, "Please!"

The Kong Family is indeed remarkable, but there are Southern Kong and Northern Kong in Divine State.

The Southern Kong is in Quzhou, and several Yan Sheng Gong were from Southern Kong, having good relations with the Jiangzhe Chamber of Commerce.

The court has been elevating the status of merchants, yet this person belittles them, which fuels his anger.

"Hmph!" 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝙚𝔀𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝒐𝒎

Mr. Zhao knew he had offended Manager Qian, but chose to ignore it, nodding to the side as numerous Tribute from Kong Mansion crashed through the Chamber's staff blocking the way and charged inside.

The government officials could only grit their teeth and follow.

"Search for me!"

"Guard the front and back doors, don't let the criminals escape!"

For a while, the courtyard, front hall, and workshops of the Chamber were filled with chaotic noises of rummaging through boxes, kicking doors, and smashing windows.

Silhouettes flickered, the torchlight danced wildly on the walls.

Within the Jiangzhe Chamber of Commerce, many other merchants who were staying were driven out.

Some hung their heads silently, not wishing to cause trouble, while others showed anger.

The Jiangzhe Chamber of Commerce is a leading force of the Sea Opening Sect, supported by many officials in court, having progressed smoothly since the court opened up to the sea, never facing such an ordeal.

Yet upon seeing Mr. Zhao, many immediately silenced themselves.

This instructor from Mingde Academy is Zhao Tong, one of the Direct Disciples of Grandmaster Lu Hongyuan, who cultivates Vast Energy and his Martial Arts Cultivation is astonishing, reportedly having stepped into Astral Force, famous in the Qi and Lu Martial World.

Most importantly, he is extremely rigid.

Once publicly declared, changing the hierarchy of scholar, farmer, artisan, merchant would shake the nation's foundation.

He looked down on merchants like them.

Unconcerned by the gazes of the crowd, Mr. Zhao walked with his hands held, tapping his toe, the ground's green bricks instantly shattering, as he sprang upright to the ridge of the Chamber's front courtyard rooftop.

The force that raided the government office prison was a master; his visit was to keep the peace.

Mr. Zhao performed Yang Jue, slightly closing his eyes as his clothes fluttered without wind, releasing a wave of energy.

Soon, he frowned and looked towards the wing room of the courtyard.

Applying strength, his clothes fluttered in the wind as he broke through the air and landed outside the wing room, saying coldly:

"Daoists inside, come out!"

Squeak~

Li Yan slowly opened the door, calmly asking, "What is it?"

Mr. Zhao's pupils contracted, "Who are you?"

He awakened the most mysterious Mind Divine Power among the six Divine Skills.

Compared to other divine skills, those who awaken this divine skill have the strongest Spiritual Sense, possessing many mysterious abilities, usually gifted in Divination, spirit summoning, and other spells.

Yet as a disciple under the Saint, how could he be involved in such inferior spells, focusing solely on cultivating Vast Energy, without related spells, yet his Spiritual Sense had become extraordinarily strong.

He could sense the inexplicable threat emanating from Li Yan.

Who is this young man?

Li Yan held no goodwill towards the Kong Family, and consequently, Mingde Academy's standing in his mind had plummeted. Thus, he showed no amiable expression, sneering, "While questioning others, you don't introduce yourself first. Is this the 'etiquette' of the Academy?"