Chapter 77: Settling into Lin Manor, the Overbearing City Authorities

Chapter 77: Settling into Lin Manor, the Overbearing City Authorities (Please Subscribe)

Hong Ming didn’t elaborate on specifics, as others soon arrived.

Those summoned appeared confused about why they’d been gathered.

“When everyone’s here, we’ll begin!” Hong Ming declared once the room filled.

Liu Fang cautiously interjected, “Master, Senior Apprentice Sister Fang Rou hasn’t arrived yet.”

Hong Ming shook his head dismissively. “I didn’t call her this time.”

The crowd exchanged glances, their curiosity deepening.

Without preamble, Hong Ming revealed his purpose: “Starting today, you’ll accompany me to Lin Manor to await orders from the City Authorities.”

“What?”

“Huh?”

They’d expected a farewell gathering, but Hong Ming’s words stunned them.

Moving to Lin Manor? Waiting for City Authorities’ orders?

Hong Ming sighed. “You heard correctly. Every martial cultivation faction in White Stone City, large or small, has been conscripted by the City Authorities.”

He explained the situation. Yesterday, County Magistrate Tao Wenxuan had invited him—and over ten other martial arts institutes, clans, and gangs—to the County Courthouse. There, Tao proposed uniting all cultivators to counter Lianyun Fortress, demanding financial contributions or manpower quotas.

This decree sparked outrage. Why should they empty their treasuries for a war not of their making?

Ning Yuan, head of the Ning Clan, politely refused first. But the Han Clan unexpectedly supported Tao, creating division.

Before tensions escalated, a man named Tao Dingfang strode forward. “Leave if you can defeat me,” he challenged arrogantly.

Ning Yuan attacked—only to be crushed in three moves. Seeing this, dissenters reluctantly complied.

Tao Dingfang then replaced Tao Wenxuan as commander, ordering all listed cultivators to relocate to Lin Manor.

“We’re all on that list?” Wei Ping asked, realization dawning. Though he’d heard rumors, Hong Ming’s confirmation solidified his suspicions.

Ning Yuan nodded. “Precisely.”

Zhou Tao frowned. “Who’s this Tao Dingfang? Related to Magistrate Tao?”

“His nephew,” Liu Fang replied.

Qin Hao scoffed. “Why mobilize the entire city against Lianyun Fortress? That’s overkill.”

“Wei Ping’s right,” Hong Ming said grimly. “Lianyun likely colludes with the Pure Land Sect.”

Gasps echoed. Hong Ming briefly explained the Pure Land Sect’s recent rebellion in Huangshi Citadel, which had halved the city’s population and flooded White Stone with refugees. Now, facing a similar threat, inaction wasn’t an option.

Yet the City Authorities’ authoritarian methods left bitterness in their mouths.

As Hong Ming prepared to discuss tactics, heavy footsteps interrupted.

“Master Hong, time to go!” two soldiers barked outside. Their bloodstained auras marked them as killers, not mere enforcers.

“May we pack?” Hong Ming asked.

“No need,” one snapped. “Everything’s prepared at Lin Manor. Move.”

Su Chen followed silently, carrying nothing but a hidden stash of Dreamweaver Powder. Steel Saber and short sword remained at home. “They won’t let us leave soon,” he mused. “Better retrieve more supplies later.”

At Lin Manor, guards lined the gates. The soldiers assigned them rooms labeled with names, then warned, “Stay inside. Meals will be delivered. Await further orders.”

Outside, patrolling soldiers blocked exits. Though not imprisoned, their freedom vanished.

Inside the main hall, Tao Wenxuan and Tao Dingfang plotted their next move.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end