“Fine, we’ll see about that!” Lu Yurong turned to walk away. “I will personally clarify to the princes about Mayor Chang’s impartialness.”

　　“Please do.” Chang Gui cupped his hand and smiled. “I hope you do so!”

　　Lu Yurong coldly smirked and turned to vault away.

　　Chang Gui stroked his beard and smiled. He was happy with the way he reacted.

　　There was no doubt King Jing would be the next emperor but his vision would change once he ascended the throne. He would not be furious over his rejection and instead would think highly of him.

　　Surely, he dared to oppose others if he dared to defy King Jing. He had proved to be a loyal subject.

　　Chang Gui’s thoughts left him curling his lips to a heartier smile.

　　As for Chu Li, he sneered coldly, that was the way the cookie crumbled. No matter how talented he was, he was useless with his crippled martial arts. Chu Li had to obey his every order now that he was in his territory.

　　This was a rare opportunity. The chance he was waiting for finally arrived!

　　Chang Gui laughed out loud.

　　He took care of a few paper words with delight before getting up to leave the main hall. He arrived at the garden in the backyard and asked a maid listlessly, “Where’s the young master?”

　　“He went with the madam to have fun downtown.”

　　“Mm, they should be back by now?”

　　“Yes,” the maid answered in a low voice and nodded.

　　Chang Gui frowned at the sky. The sun was setting, turning the garden into a rosy shade. This grandson and daughter in law should be home by now.

　　His son died venturing into the martial arts world. This grandson was an only child and the last heir to the Chang family.

　　This only child was his life. His daughter in law was well-behaved and gave a lot of thought in taking care of his grandson. They would make haste home every time they went out.

　　Just then, hurried footsteps were heard.

　　A beautiful young lady in brocade and vigorous strides barged in. It was obvious she was proficient in martial arts.

　　Her refined face was pale and restless. Her eyes welled up with a cloud of mist, foreshadowing tears at any given time.

　　“Xiu Yun, what happened? Chang Gui frowned and got up.

　　“Father!” Xiu Yun called out, “An Er was taken!”

　　“Taken?” Chang Gui’s face scrunched up. “How many of them? How was he taken?”

　　“I was walking back with An Er together with Chang Er and Chang San when we were ambushed and left unconscious in an alley. When we came to, An Er was gone.” Xiu Yun gritted her teeth and grudgingly added, “We didn’t even see who attacked us! The martial arts was too strong!”

　　“A Grandmaster?”

　　“It must be a Grandmaster!” Xiu Yun immediately said, “Father, please send people to look! I’m afraid if the longer it takes, An Er, he…”

　　Chang Gui was shaking in anger. An Er was his life. Who would dare to beard the lion in his den? What lawlessness! He would seek these thugs even if it meant digging three feet underground to find his grandson!

　　“Anyone!” Chang Gui yelled.

　　“Master!” An old servant went up to fist salute.

　　This old servant was older than Chang Gui by a decade. Although his beard and brows were white all over, he was in great spirits. His eyes sparkled like cold lightning and were filled with inauspicious power.

　　“Chang Da spread the message. Close the town gate and search every home!” Chang Gui solemnly snorted.

　　“Yes!” The old servant, Chang Da responded with a fist salute. “Master, the perpetrator might have left town!”

　　Xiu Yun chimed in. “It’s possible they have fled the town!”

　　“Search the town first!” Chang Gui snorted with a scowled look on his face.

　　“Yes!” Chang Da answered and went on his way.

　　Xiu Yun fell onto her bottom by the stone table and whimpered.

　　Chang Gui glowered as he stood still, thinking who could have apprehended his grandson.

　　A while later, a thought flashed through his mind. Chu Li came into mind.

　　Chu Li once asked who he cherished the most among his family before changing the topic. Now that he thought about it, that single question carried profound meaning. He harbored ill intention from the start and planned this out!

　　He ordered in a low voice, “Chang Er!”

　　“Yes, master.” A middle-aged man came close and greeted in fist salute.

　　“Bring me Chu Li!”

　　“Yes!”

　　Chu Li quickly appeared in the Town Defense Prefecture’s main hall. He looked honest and reeked heroism clothed in green.

　　Chang Gui who was sitting on an armchair kept an eye on him without saying a word since his entrance.

　　The main hall was filled with silence and the tension in the air grew thick.

　　Seeing him holding his tongue, Chu Li casually sat in an armchair and broke the silence. “Is there anything I can do for you, mayor?”

　　“It’s you, isn’t it, Chu Li?” Chang Gui retrieved his sharp gaze. Zip! He flipped open a fan and asked with a smile.

　　It was late autumn, not the right season to be waving a fan.

　　Chu Li answered, “I don’t understand what you mean by this, mayor.”

　　“You stole my grandson, didn’t you?” Chang Gui smiled. “I’ve got to give it to the famous Chu Li. What a gutsy move. To do such a thing upon your arrival, you’re crossing the line!”

　　His grin made him look as though he was joking. He was showing no signs of fret and worry as if he was unconcerned for his grandson.

　　Chu Li replied, “I have no idea what you’re talking about, mayor. Your grandson has been taken? It’s no wonder there’s a scene in town.”

　　“Chu Li, why play ignorant?” Chang Gui shook his head. “Isn’t it all for changing a commission? Alright then, I’ll change it for you.”

　　“What job are you planning on giving me, mayor?”

　　“How about just a position by name in the Town Defense Prefecture?” Chang Gui added, “There’s no need for you to come in.”

　　“Thank you, mayor.” Chu Li motioned a fist salute.

　　Chang Gui smiled. “Now can you hand over my grandson?”

　　“I really did not take your grandson.” Chu Li shook his head. “How can I possibly commit such a crime?”

　　Chang Gui frowned. He may still carry a smile but his eyes gave out a deadly stare.

　　Chu Li sighed. “Perhaps you got it wrong. Your grandson might still be in the residence while you thought he was taken away.”

　　“Mm?” Chang Gui frowned.

　　He raised his voice. “Anyone!”

　　Chang Er came in.

　　“Go search the young master’s room!” Chang Gui ordered.

　　“Yes!” Chang Er went out.

　　Soon, Chang Er dashed in like a surge of wind. “Master, the young master was resting in his bed. He’s awakened. He’s okay!”

　　“Good!” Chang Gui waved his arm. He let out a sigh of relief within.

　　Chu Li smiled. “It looks like you have got it all wrong. Is the job still mine to keep?”

　　Chang Gui stripped off his smile. His round face was shrouded with a layer of frost as he glared at Chu Li.

　　He wished he could kill Chu Li with a punch!

　　Chu Li went too far by involving his grandson!

　　How could he live if anything happened to his grandson? He would have no one to pay their last respects to him! How could he face his ancestors when he dies! D*rn this Chu Li! He should not be forgiven!

　　Chu Li grinned back at him.

　　Chang Gui coldly said, “You can return and wait!”

　　Chu Li burst into laughter. “Mayor, aren’t you changing your mind too soon?”

　　Chang Gui eerily answered, “At most I’ll only be forced to retire back to my hometown if I kill you with one hit!”

　　Chu Li shook his head and got up in fist salute. “If that’s the case, I will excuse myself!”

　　“Get lost!” Chang Gui slammed the armrest of his chair. “Never step a foot into the Town Defense Prefecture!”

　　Unfazed, Chu Li shook his head before turning to leave.

　　“Wham!” Chang Gui smacked the table, smashing it to a pile of rubble.

　　He glared at Chu Li’s receding figure. His teeth gnashed to a creaking sound. He had the impulse to smack Chu Li to death in overcoming this scourge.

　　He was held back by reason. Chu Li, this man of irreversible fortune was part of the Public House. Nothing would happen to him nor would anyone speak up if he tormented him with work. In fact, he would be praised for being bold. However, trouble would come if he were to kill him. The Public House would hold him accountable!

　　“Chang Da!” He shouted. “Have every Protector in this residence protect An Er. An Er is not to be let out for a few days!”

　　“Yes!” The old servant, Chang Da answered.

　　Chang Gui gritted his teeth. His eyes spewed fire. How dare he do such a thing! Time would tell who had the upper hand. This was his territory after all!

　　He took a deep breath before he solemnly ordered, “Send a few dark guardians to teach Chu Li a lesson. Break all his limbs!”

　　“Yes!” Chang Da responded before turning to leave.