620 The Mysterious Lord Li
“Who hasn’t heard?” Gou Jie remarked, “The story’s all over East Qingzhou’s ten counties. I heard it was some vendetta.”

The robust man, introducing himself as Hu Hualiang, chuckled. “We hail from Sun Returning City. That’s how we know.”

Gou Jie feigned superiority, his nose in the air. Beside him, Qin Huai was more observant, scrutinizing Hu Hualiang. He noticed the muscled man’s robust physique and the sachets on his waist, likely to mask a lingering scent of blood.

The aroma seemed deeply entrenched, making Qin Huai suspect Hu Hualiang’s past deeds weren’t too noble. Additionally, Hu Hualiang’s strength was apparent — he stood out, even in this bustling place.

Leaning in, Hu Hualiang whispered, “I’ve got some inside information.”

Gou Jie leaned forward, clearly intrigued.

“The recently deceased vice city lord had a powerful supporter. Those two who took out Gao Jie’s men? They’re in hot water now.”

Gou Jie, still feigning ignorance, asked, “Who’s powerful enough to challenge those two? Rumor says they’re top of the bone pattern realm.”

Hu Hualiang laughed heartily. “Even a visceral prefecture realm expert would fall if they crossed this mysterious lord.”

Realizing the gravity of their situation, Qin Huai calmly said, “Seems we’ve been spotted.”

Hu Hualiang smirked. “From the moment you left Guiyang City, we’ve been watching. And you two, with your obvious confidence, made no attempt to disguise yourselves.”

He continued, “The truth is, this lord is impressed by your audacity and strength. Join him, and the past can be forgotten.”

Gou Jie raised an eyebrow, “But we killed a vice city lord. Can that be overlooked?”

“Peace is profitable, isn’t it?” Hu Hualiang laughed, implying that the past with the deceased deputy was not an issue anymore. “Besides, he wasn’t the deputy for long, right?”

Qin Huai questioned, “And if we decline your offer?”
Suddenly, many in the restaurant glared sharply at him. Hu Hualiang confidently replied, “Our net has been cast, and we can claim your lives whenever we want.”

Qin Huai, trying another angle, asked, “If the emperor is stirring things up, won’t the empress intervene?”

Hu Hualiang smiled contemptuously. “The empress went into seclusion half a year ago. It’s a well-kept secret, known to only a select few in Lingjiang.”

Qin Huai exchanged a glance with Gou Jie, who gave a shrug, clueless about this piece of information. It was evident that the empress’s retreat was well-hidden, but some leaks had occurred.

Growing curious, Qin Huai pressed on, “So, who’s the real power behind you? If we’re to align, shouldn’t we at least know who’s in charge?”

Hu Hualiang declined to answer, saying, “All you need to understand is, if you join us, you’ll have wealth and power. Refuse, and East Qingzhou will be your grave. Even your abilities won’t save you. Our patience, and our lord’s goodwill, has its limits.”

Tension built in the restaurant as cold glares came from all sides.

Noticing the changing atmosphere, the patrons began shifting uncomfortably, although none of them left. Most present were either influential in Lingjiang or possessed commendable strength. They believed that no real chaos would break out in such an elite setting.

But Qin Huai had a different plan. “I’m really eager to meet this mysterious lord of yours,” he stated, his voice icy.

Suddenly, as Hu Hualiang was about to make a move, excited voices from the entrance interrupted the tension, “Lord Li! Welcome, Lord Li!”

“Lord Li, long time no see. You still look as elegant as ever.”

The surrounding compliments rose and fell. Both Qin Huai and Gou Jie turned their attention to the entrance of the Seven Heroes Restaurant.