Chapter 4, Superpowers

When Zhao Yongdang had someone prepare breakfast, he also conveyed the message to his wife. Soon, Mrs. Zhao and Zhao Anxiao came up with a strategy, allowing him to leave.

Madam Zhao furrowed her brows and said, "If they were truly the imperial hounds of the Holy Capital, how could they allow the fifth one and the others to leave"

Lianshan City can also be considered the territory of the Zhao family; in terms of strength, even the county magistrate is not a match for them, and conversely, he has to rely on them.

Zhang Tianliu was unconcerned and instead appreciated the morning exercises of the guards.

This startled Zhao Yongdang and his family

The next morning, Tang Jingcheng took Zhang Tian to bid farewell to Zhao Yongdang, citing the reason of escorting Zhang Tian to Shengjing as soon as possible

Wait a moment. Zhang Tianliu is currently watching two bodyguards sparring. As they engage in combat, their surrounding energy collides, manifesting as wolf heads on their fists. The power of a single punch is capable of shattering gold and stone, truly formidable.

Let it go

"If that's the case, let's not hesitate any longer; let's just kill him," the young man said.

Zhao Yongdang wishes to withdraw; as he ages, he gradually loses the sharpness of his youth

Tang Jingcheng glanced over and said expressionlessly: "If we are not going to fight, what is the point of just posturing? Let's go."

Perhaps we should have breakfast before leaving. Zhao has also prepared some small gifts for the young man, and hopes that the young man will not refuse them, otherwise Zhao will feel uneasy

In just one night, how much can he find out

Even in these past two years, he has been filled with doubts. With the bandits causing chaos outside the city and wealthy merchants falling one after another within the city, the Zhao family has also been robbed several times, yet they have only grown richer. It is obvious to even a fool that there is something amiss, but people do not speak out, simply because the Zhao family has a powerful backing

Tang Jingcheng took a cigarette out of his pocket, lit it with a lighter, took a deep breath, and slowly exhaled, saying: "Is there not a glimmer of light in your heart?"

"Go." Tang Jingcheng did not know when he had arrived beside him

The meal was consumed in a peaceful atmosphere, during which Zhao Anxiao could not help but feel a wave of sorrow, lamenting that Brother Tang did not keep his promise. The agreement to stroll together was broken, leaving her both angry and reluctant, as she continuously wiped away her tears

Thus, Lianshan City welcomed a brief period of peace. However, Lianshan County is situated amidst the mountains, surrounded by Lianshan on both sides, with the Kunlong Mountain Range in front. The mountains are rich in rare treasures and countless medicinal herbs, which naturally incite the greed of certain individuals, among whom the county magistrate is the most voracious, becoming increasingly ruthless year by year

Tang Jingcheng nodded in agreement; he was essentially broke and urgently needed a sum of money to alleviate his financial pressure

Regardless of the wind and rain, the Zhao family guards practice every morning. The techniques they practice appear to be some rudimentary martial arts, yet their bodies emanate a certain energy, some resembling smoke and mist, while others are delicate and thread-like. If one observes for a long time, Zhang Tianliu can even see a more robust energy surrounding their navels.

Zhang Tianliu exhaled a puff of smoke and, looking at the cigarette butt he was toying with in his hand, said: "For this thing, I am reluctant to part with you."

"Can't he see?" Zhang Tianliu seemed to understand why Tang Jingcheng dared to confront the bandits.

The clash of the Wolf Fist and Eagle Claw is inextricably linked to the books, and the waves of energy that surge forth during the subtle collision of true qi are truly magnificent

Luxi County is remote, located on the border of the Pilgrimage Kingdom. Lianshan City was a frontier fortress thirty years ago, defending against various tribes from the Kunlong Mountain Range. However, the Kunlong Mountain Range has now been designated as part of the territory of the Pilgrimage Kingdom, and a strong military presence has been stationed at the western pass of the mountains to guard against other ethnic groups

At this point, Zhang Tianliu shook off the ash from his cigarette and took another puff, saying: "It's a pity that under unusual circumstances, an ordinary girl witnessing someone being killed would inevitably suffer from nightmares for at least ten days or half a month. How thick-skinned must one be to have the leisure to invite you for a stroll? Moreover, I always feel that the robbers retreated too suspiciously. Whether they are horses or mules, they should be brought out for a look, yet they didn't even bother to do that. This is quite a game. Given the current situation, they will figure out your identity. If it's true, it could lead to a heroic rescue and a beautiful love story. If it's false, we will both end up in jail. I know you are used to it, but after the identity swap, I wonder if you will still be able to adapt?"

The Zhao family's spies are everywhere; as long as the information is disseminated, there is no need for tracking to be aware of Tang Jingcheng's movements. If an opportunity arises and the plan succeeds, it will have nothing to do with the Zhao family. If it fails, there will still be time to prepare for a family relocation.

Tang Jingcheng, upon hearing this, threw the cigarette and lighter to Zhang Tianliu. Zhang Tianliu took one out, lit it, and took a deep, satisfying puff, exclaiming: "The people here exhibit a full display of Han culture in their behavior and demeanor. However, therein lies the problem. After being saved by you, they should have first reported their identity, yet they initially remained silent. Perhaps they are wary of you, or maybe our presence has confused their thoughts and plans. Regardless, he is contemplating how to treat us. Zhao Yongdang's first step is to show you a box of gold! This is quite interesting. Zhao Anxiao's affection for you seems too feigned, perhaps a beauty trap. From another perspective, a clever person would realize that in such a situation, gaining her not only means acquiring both people and wealth but also securing the full support of the Zhao family, which would not harm them in terms of feelings or reason."

As for Zhang Tianliu, he naturally could not take a seat; at this moment, he was squatting in the courtyard, gnawing on a steamed bun. The guards of the Zhao family around him occasionally cast glances in his direction, seemingly curious about Zhang Tianliu's short hair and attire, but in reality, they were keeping watch over him

"Everything is temporary," Tang Jingcheng said before lying down on the bed

Zhang Tianliu was taken aback upon hearing this

Zhao Anxiao said: "Brother, do not think that anyone can be killed. There are tens of thousands of hawks and hounds in the Holy Kingdom. Killing one will surely attract a swarm. I do not wish to see a scene filled with eagles in the sky and dogs on the ground"

Madam Zhao pondered for a moment, then looked at Zhao Yongdang and said, "Why don't you say something?"

The other three spoke in unison

"What? Are we only worthy of being used for practice?" The young man was furious

The other person is also quite capable; with his claw technique, his energy surprisingly resembles three blades of wind, capable of injuring someone from a distance with just a single claw strike

Does madam mean to fight to the death? Zhao Yongdang felt somewhat worried

Zhao Anxiao shook her head and said: "I had considered it before, but Tang Jingcheng is indeed not simple. Not a trace of true energy is revealed, yet he can carry a person and move swiftly, which shows how profound his skills are! Therefore, my daughter and *Tushu* have confirmed that he has come for the Zhao family, with a clear purpose, and naturally, we do not wish to create unnecessary trouble. We have always maintained a hawkish approach."

However, he did not show any expression on his face and naturally got up to follow Tang Jingcheng

Madam Zhao ignored her son, took a sip of tea, and looked at Zhao Yongdang, saying: "Tang Jingcheng should be a scout, the kind that is least to be provoked. However, we must not act rashly; it does not mean that the stronghold cannot function."

Some guardians exude a faint aura, almost transparent, gentle like water vapor. Others, however, resemble flames; they may appear light, yet they are extremely volatile, their strikes and movements embodying a fierce intensity

At this moment, Zhao Anxiao had lost her previous delicateness, but had gained the cunning demeanor of a clever little fox

Is there still a choice in the current situation? The eagle dogs are sweeping through, and it is us, the common people, who will die. It will not affect the county governor at all. If we die, he will instead be able to breathe a sigh of relief, recuperate for a few years, and then continue to exploit a new batch of people. In the end, it is all theirs, while we face the annihilation of our nine clans, deserving of death and more.

Even so, it seems that he still managed to find out!

Can it be greater? Can it surpass the Holy Capital Imperial Court?

Leave it

No one lives near the room where Tang Jingcheng resides, and the Zhao family is also concerned that Tang Jingcheng is too powerful; any slight movement or disturbance cannot escape his notice. Therefore, they have arranged for servants to keep watch around the outer courtyard.

After a moment of silence, Zhao Yongdang noticed that no one spoke. His children and wife were all staring at him. He sighed deeply and said, "Over the years, we have profited quite a bit from the counterfeit goods. In my opinion, that should be enough."

The beautiful woman spoke first: "What on earth is going on with the book? How could it have been brought home?"

Just give me a pen and it will be done

Zhao Anxiao smiled lightly and said: "Mother does not know, Tang Jingcheng is very likely to be a hound of the Holy Capital. I am worried that he might use the excuse of catching thieves to investigate the Zhao family. If that is the case, avoiding him is absolutely not an option. It is better to confront him directly and observe his every move, which will be more reassuring."

Meanwhile, in a secret chamber of the Zhao family, four individuals were seated: a beautiful woman, a handsome young man, and the other two were Zhao Yongdang and Zhao Anxiao

foolishness

Madam Zhao said: "It is unlikely that the hawks and hounds would waste their manpower on small characters like us. The real targets they aim to deal with are those sects; the ones that come after us will only be fledgling hawks and pups"

Did he see through it

Zhao Yongdang found it difficult to make a decision deep down in his heart

Tang Jingcheng shot a glare at Zhang Tianliu and said: "Stop trying to fool me. You understand lip reading; I don't believe you didn't notice that the robber's words seemed to dissuade us but were actually a ruse. As you said, it is clear to anyone paying attention. Therefore, regardless of the truth, we will find ourselves in danger, yet you present it as a multiple-choice question, which suggests you are plotting a way to escape from me."

Now it is settled, even the Holy Capital cannot bear to see it, and I plan to send the hawks to restore the prestige of the Holy Kingdom

Unfortunately, Officer Tang used tea instead of wine, completely disregarding the courtesy.

The perpetually silent Zhao Yongdang shook his head and said, "An Xiao has already seen through it, I have nothing more to say"

Zhao Yongdang and Madam Zhao both shook their heads and sighed, while only Zhao Yongdang's son, Zhao Anning, smiled and toasted to Tang Jingcheng, even calling him brother.