"I've had enough, your Mingde Academy won't hear the end of this!"

"You..."

Feeling Li Yan's ruthless aura, ready to burn everything to the ground, Mr. Zhao was momentarily speechless.

He suddenly remembered, Li Yan also held the title of a living Yin messenger.

What if this madman really unleashed yin soldiers at the Academy...

"Good! Such boldness from the Twelve Primordial Spirits!"

Mr. Zhao suppressed his anger, his words squeezed through clenched teeth, "Let's see how you clean up this mess!"

Having uttered his threats, he ultimately dared not order a forceful attack, angrily flicking his sleeves as he retreated back to the formation.

"Hmph! No need for you to worry..."

Li Yan rolled his eyes, standing guard with his sword outside the Chamber of Commerce's entrance.

Meanwhile, Sha Lifei and Lv San, along with Kuai Dayou and Fatty Lin, quietly slipped out through a secret passage at the back of the Chamber of Commerce, intending to procure spiritual materials within the city.

However, they underestimated the influence of the Kong Family.

Soon, someone sent word, secretly tipping them off.

"Heh, naive!"

Zhao Tong, whose reputation had been tarnished multiple times today, felt a malicious fire rising within him and deliberately retaliated, "Order this: all shops and markets in Jinan involved with Mystical Sect goods or rare spirit wood must be strictly monitored!"

"Anyone who dares to trade with the rebels will be treated as accomplices!"

"Once the government signs the wide-ranging arrest documents, let's see how long you can remain arrogant!"

Li Yan's pupils contracted, gripping the knife handle tightly.

With such a huge commotion at the Chamber entrance, it naturally attracted many onlookers.

All the street corners around were already blocked by the Jinan Prefecture Government, the common folk clueless about the unfolding events, spreading wild speculations.

Yet all the major and minor forces in Jinan City had already received news.

Li Yan made a bold showing of strength outside the Jiangzhe Chamber of Commerce, his threat "any intruder will die" thunderous, instantly igniting the tense situation in Jinan Prefecture. The news spread swiftly through streets and alleys, officials, and mansions alike.

Inside the Captain Bureau, the Households Commander furrowed his brows, pacing back and forth with hands behind his back.

On the desk lay two urgent reports: one was an accusatory document from the Magistrate Office from the Kong Family, vehemently demanding dispatch of troops to attack the "brazenly lawless, jail-breaking and official-offending" Li Yan and his group.

The other was an informant's secret report, detailing the events at the Jiangzhe Chamber of Commerce.

"Trouble... really blown it this time!"

The Households Commander sighed and glanced at the similarly grave-faced Daoist of the Law Enforcement Hall, Xu Cangsong.

"This Li Yan... truly a harbinger of chaos."

"Previously at the Academy workshop, he forced Grandmaster Huo Yin's hand, entangled Zhao Qingxu and such demons, nearly tearing the skies apart. Now, just having arrived in Jinan, he's already clashing with the Kong Family and Mingde Academy, even daring to pull out a blade to threaten..."

Old Daoist Xu Cangsong's eyes flickered with uncertainty and unease, "The tricky part is that we stayed out of this matter."

"The Kong Family sought help, we dismissed it as 'family affairs', 'inconvenient to interfere', thinking they would handle it themselves. Who knew Li Yan would be so brave, bringing things to light and overturning the table!"

"Though the Kong Family is powerful, they couldn't do anything to him, and now this hot potato is back in our hands."

"If we really send troops to attack, the casualties would be immense. A living Yin messenger, offending Fatty Lin and Jiangzhe Chamber of Commerce, plus the face of Qingcheng Wudang, and it's said they're favored by Your Majesty... just thinking about it gives me a headache."

"But if we sit back and do nothing, how do we explain to the Kong Family?"

"If the court holds us accountable, we can't escape involvement."

The two exchanged glances, both seeing the bitterness and hesitation in each other's eyes.

At this moment, they could only hope the matter wouldn't escalate beyond control...

......

Compared to the government's anxiety, the pugilistic world in Jinan City presented a completely different picture.

The news reached the ears of Qingyu Association and other small gangs in the city's west and South City, sparking waves of excitement.

In bars and tea houses, discussions buzzed.

"Hey! Did you hear? That condescending Mr. Zhao from the Kong Family ate humble pie at the Jiangzhe Chamber of Commerce entrance! Got cursed back with a knife pointed at him!" A man with a face full of flesh downed a drink, his voice loud.

"Really? Who's bold enough to challenge the Kong Family?" A tablemate widened his eyes.

"Who else could it be? It's that 'Li Yama'—Li Yan, who's been making waves in the pugilistic world recently!"

A well-informed skinny man nearby leaned over, speaking animatedly, "He's a ruthless character! From Xianyang to Ezhou, from Sichuan to Luoyang and even the Capital, he's been involved in many major events!"

"Yes, yes, yes! According to those running in the pugilistic world up north, not only is Li Yan highly skilled in martial arts, reaching the level of Master of Red Power, but he's also proficient in spells! The Chengdu Demon King and Beimang Ghost Emperor were all subdued by him!"

From time to time, someone would add to Li Yan's "battle achievements" circulating in the pugilistic world.

"Tut, this is going to be a good show!"

"Exactly, the Kong Family, relying on their Holy Descendant status, have monopolized so many businesses? Usually, they never miss an opportunity to trip us up. This time they've kicked the iron board, right? Serves them right!"

The words were spoken with a hint of schadenfreude.

Although the matter had nothing to do with them, watching a big shot get a setback inevitably brought joy.

Amid the undercurrents and fervent discussions in Jinan City due to the Chamber of Commerce gates, a different scene unfolded within the northern Prince De Mansion.

The Prince De Mansion occupied almost half of the Jinan Prefecture, its residence extraordinarily grand, with vermilion gates and high walls, gold nails, and beast heads.

Massive steps of Han white jade led to the main hall, "Chengen Hall."

Inside the hall, a grand banquet was being held.

Red carpets were spread on the ground, colorful lanterns hung high, exquisite palace lanterns emitted soft and bright light.

The main seat in the hall naturally belonged to the current Prince De, Xiao Hong. Though smiling, his eyes revealed an almost imperceptible weariness and depth.

On the lower left and right rows of long tables sat high-ranking officials such as the province's Governor, Inspector, Commander, as well as the most esteemed elder of the Kong Family, Kong Zhenyuan, several great Confucians and scholars closely associated with the mansion, and wealthy merchants.

On the tables were an array of delicious dishes, golden cups, and jade utensils sparkling.

The sound of silk and bamboo instruments was melodious, with dancing girls in feathered clothing and rainbow dresses gracefully dancing, water sleeves fluttering.

Among the mingling of cups and cheers, officials exchanged flattering words while merchants cautiously echoed, creating a harmonious atmosphere.

Lu Xiaowu was also among them, having drunk to a point of mild intoxication.

Looking at this lavish banquet, he maintained a normal expression, but was internally filled with excitement.

Although it cost him a great price, he had finally squeezed into this place.

As long as he managed well, he could truly establish himself.

At that moment, a Chief Historian from the Prince Mansion quietly approached Prince De Xiao Hong, leaning down to whisper a few words.

The Chief Historian reported the conflict occurring at the Jiangzhe Chamber of Commerce's entrance.

Prince De's smile faded slightly, his fingers unconsciously rubbed the rim of a agate cup.

At the same time, Kong Zhenyuan also received a message, and his expression suddenly turned gloomy.

He suddenly stood up from his seat, angrily saying, "Your Highness, a demon in the city has audaciously raided a prison, injured government officers, and unlawfully established a forbidden zone, openly resisting the court's decree. I implore Prince De to order the mobilization of Jinan Guard troops to encircle and suppress the Jiangzhe Chamber of Commerce to uphold the national law!"

Upon these words, the hall fell into a dead silence.

Prince De Xiao Hong momentarily paused, still holding the golden cup, falling silent.

"Your Highness?"

Kong Zhenyuan was somewhat disappointed, but without overthinking, continued his vehement request for military action.

Gradually, however, he realized something was amiss.

Prince De merely frowned and hesitated without responding, while the other officials kept their heads down, seemingly unaware.

And seated at the end, Lu Xiaowu's eyes gleamed with a trace of insight.

The saying goes, "The one in the game is confused." Kong Zhenyuan focused only on contesting for the title of Yan Sheng Gong without understanding the city's situation.

Firstly, Prince De Xiao Hong held an intimate relationship with the Jiangzhe Chamber of Commerce and the Sea Opening Sect; the maritime taxes post-sea opening of Qi and Lu depended largely on them, and they had agreed to jointly form a fleet to venture out to sea.

Secondly, Li Yan was no ordinary rogue.

He was notable in the pugilistic world, a tribute of the Academy, valued by many key figures in the Capital; he shouldn't be dealt with rashly.

More importantly, Lu Xiaowu had gathered information that Prince De, having missed out on the first taste of the Steam Engine due to overseeing the vassal land, felt dissatisfied, and this banquet aimed to cooperate with the Jiangzhe Chamber of Commerce, unite other forces in Jinan City, and strive for this matter.

And now, with the Jiangzhe Chamber of Commerce encircled, Li Yan and the Kong Family were butting heads.

Prince De did not want to miss this opportunity nor offend the Kong Family, hence the dilemma.

This was an opportunity!

Lu Xiaowu gritted his teeth and immediately stepped forward from the crowd, bowing deeply:

"Your Highness, please allow me to report! This matter is complex and requires careful handling. Despite my limited abilities, I am willing to go persuade!"