Frank Murong's polite greeting was well received by Mister Qi and Mister Zhang. After all, Frank hailed from the prestigious Murong Clan, a Catcher-God Constabulary House. Of the Empire’s one hundred and eight Six-Cauldron Catcher Kings, twelve bore the Murong name, and dozens more owed favors to the Murong Clan in one way or another.
"No need to be so formal, Chief Murong. By the way, how strong are those outsiders inside?"
Mister Qi asked.
Frank Murong replied, "With my ability, I’m not even a match for that leading young man’s single move. So, he’s at least at the Saint Sea Realm. As for the other six, they’re nothing to worry about."
Hearing this, both Mister Qi and Mister Zhang’s expressions grew serious.
Although Frank Murong was only at mid Law-Phase Realm, he came from the Murong Clan and cultivated one of their ten Sovereign-grade scriptures—the Iron Eagle Canon. Limited by his talent, but still nearly invincible within the Law-Phase Realm.
Even if both of them attacked together, it would be impossible to defeat him in a single move.
In other words, that outsider youth in the inn probably has strength beyond theirs.
Still, they weren’t afraid. The two of them were experts in joint attack formations. Working together, their power multiplied—enough to shake a Demigod.
"Chief Murong, shall we go in together?"
After a brief pause, Mister Qi spoke.
"Alright!"
The three of them strode into the inn, their gazes landing simultaneously on Ian Song, who was sitting there leisurely sipping his tea.
Seeing who it was, Frank Murong couldn't help showing delight. This young master was none other than Luke Tanner, from the Tanner Clan—one of Skywind City's twelve great families. Years ago, Skywind had thirteen, but the Hua Clan was mysteriously destroyed, leaving twelve.
Mister Zhang asked courteously.
They were: Drake Tang, Gavin Tanner, and Luke Tanner. This finely dressed young master was Luke Tanner, the third son, whose cultivation had already reached the Demigod Realm.
"So, Young Master Chu, may I ask why you broke the Empire’s laws?" Mister Zhang pressed, his tone questioning.
Ian’s face cooled slightly. "Naturally, it’s because you Central Domain people look down on outsiders like dogs. It pisses me off!"
Mister Zhang looked a bit embarrassed at that. He was well aware that Central Domain natives viewed outsiders as inferior, treating them with contempt both in words and actions.
So he braced himself and said, "With Young Master Chu’s cultivation, why bother stooping to their level?"
Ian laughed. "Heh, your seat decides your mind. You don’t have to reason with me. The Central Empire’s fist is biggest, so people from the Nine Domains naturally have to tuck their tails here. But that doesn’t mean everyone has to grovel before Central Domain folk. I’m not that kind of person. If you piss me off, I’ll piss you off even more. I know why you’re here, so let’s skip the nonsense—if you want to fight, get on with it!"
"Aren’t you a bit too arrogant?" Mister Qi said, somewhat annoyed.
"I’ve earned the right to be arrogant!" Ian scoffed, unconcerned.
"In that case, let us see your skills!" Mister Qi snorted coldly, his eyes growing sharper.
Ian shook his head at them. "You two aren’t enough! Is there really no one in all of Skywind City who can put up a fight?"
Being looked down on by an outsider, Mister Zhang and Mister Qi couldn’t accept it. Without another word, they charged forward together.
Smack! Smack!
Seeing the two rush at him, Ian sneered, raised his hand, and slapped out. Instantly, both were sent flying out of the inn, crashing hard onto the street outside.
"What the—?"
Frank Murong, who knew Mister Zhang and Mister Qi’s backgrounds, was stunned. These were the prefect’s personal bodyguards—together, they could shake a Demigod. Yet even such experts were sent flying with a single slap.
"Chief Murong, do you need any help?"
Just then, a richly dressed young master entered the inn, followed by two middle-aged men in black.
"Young Master Tanner!"
Seeing who it was, Frank Murong couldn't help showing delight. This young master was none other than Luke Tanner, from the Tanner Clan—one of Skywind City's twelve great families. Years ago, Skywind had thirteen, but the Hua Clan was mysteriously destroyed, leaving twelve.
The Tanner Clan had three dragons.
They were: Drake Tang, Gavin Tanner, and Luke Tanner. This finely dressed young master was Luke Tanner, the third son, whose cultivation had already reached the Demigod Realm.
As for the two black-clad middle-aged men with him, they were also top Tanner Clan experts—both Demigod-level fighters.
Luke Tanner glanced coolly at Ian, not taking him seriously, and smiled again at Frank Murong. "How about it, Chief Murong? Want my men to help?"
"Much appreciated, Young Master Tanner. I owe you one!"
Frank Murong said.
Luke Tanner laughed heartily. "Chief Murong, you’re too polite! It’s a small matter—no need to owe me. But when this is over, you’ll have to treat me to a drink!"
Seeing Luke Tanner so agreeable, Frank Murong’s fondness for him grew. "It’s settled then. We’ll drink till we drop!"
"Drink till we drop!"
The two laughed together, as if with Luke Tanner’s men involved, capturing Ian would be a breeze.
"Why are you two still standing there? Go help Chief Murong catch him!"
Next moment, Luke Tanner impatiently barked at the two black-clad men behind him.
"Yes, Third Young Master!"
The two black-clad men responded and strode forward, reaching out to grab Ian.
But just then, their faces suddenly turned black. Before their hands could touch Ian, both collapsed to the floor, lifeless.
"What happened?"
Luke Tanner was shocked. These two guards may have only been first-rank warriors, but they were battle-hardened veterans—how could they be killed so silently?
Wei Le and the others were also confused. None of them had seen Ian make a move, so how did the two men die?
Ian remained calm, looking at Luke Tanner. "Drake Tang—is he your brother?"
"He’s my eldest brother," Luke Tanner replied gravely.
Luke Tanner said in a low voice.
"I see," Ian nodded.
Then Ian looked at a corner of the inn. "Flora Thrall, show yourself!"
As soon as he spoke, the air in one corner twisted, and a woman in a black skirt appeared out of nowhere. She stepped forward, bowed respectfully, and said, "Flora Thrall greets you, Young Master!"
"Flora Thrall—you’re really Flora Thrall! Did you kill those two?"
Luke Tanner’s face changed drastically as he pointed at Flora Thrall and shouted in shock.
"Everyone from the Tanner Clan deserves to die!"
Flora Thrall said coldly, her eyes burning with intense hatred.
Luke Tanner’s face changed again. "Chief Murong, I have urgent matters—excuse me!"
He threw out the words and tried to leave.
But just as he moved, he collapsed to the floor with a thud, his face turning a strange gold. Seeing this, Frank Murong shivered in fright.
He found himself completely unable to move. Terror welled up in Luke Tanner’s heart as he pleaded, "Flora Thrall, don’t kill me! My brother planned everything back then—it had nothing to do with me! Please, spare me!"
"Heh!"
Flora Thrall sneered, "Back then, my Hua Clan had thousands of people. Did your Tanner Clan show any mercy?"
Luke Tanner’s heart sank. Unwilling, he said, "If you want revenge, go find my brother. Don’t take it out on me!"
"Don’t worry. I won’t kill you until I’ve killed Drake Tang." Flora Thrall said coolly, then looked at Frank Murong. "Young Master, should I kill him too?"