Qingfeng, although nominally the junior disciple of Gu Changge, was in reality more like his Daoist acolyte, always following him around.

"Senior Brother!"

The moment Qingfeng saw Gu Changge, his face lit up with joy.

Gu Changge glanced at Qingfeng and gently flicked his forehead. "Now you see how dangerous the outside world can be?"

His voice was gentle and calm, without a hint of reproach.

Earlier, he had already understood the situation from outside the crowd. Qingfeng hadn't done anything wrong, and Gu Changge even appreciated his actions.

This little fellow, though mischievous at times, didn't lack responsibility when it mattered.

"Who are you?"

The young nobleman closed his folding fan and stared intently at Gu Changge.

Gu Changge's earlier display had truly startled him. What kind of strange wind could so easily blow away his men? Only when he caught a glimpse of the swordsman he had hired did he secretly breathe a sigh of relief.

This swordsman was someone he had spent a fortune to recruit, possessing a 2nd Rank martial prowess. If not for an urgent family matter requiring money, he wouldn't have been able to hire him.

Gu Changge looked up at him, his expression calm and indifferent as he countered, "Does it matter who I am?"

Though his name was well-known in the Fusu Kingdom, fame was one thing; whether anyone knew he was Gu Changge was another.

He had always kept a low profile, rarely appearing outside the Gu Family. Hardly anyone had seen his face, and in a world without the internet or similar means of spreading information, even if the emperor of the Fusu Kingdom came here, no one would recognize him.

The young nobleman's face turned a mix of blue and white.

Suppressing his anger, he said in a low voice, "I've been quite courteous to you, but aren't you being a bit too rude?"

Gu Changge patted Qingfeng's head and smiled faintly, "Rude or polite, it's better than being heartless."

"If a person is heartless, they're no different from livestock. Livestock have no wisdom, so how can they talk of etiquette?"

Gu Changge's words were powerful, resonating in the hearts of everyone around.

Someone recognized Gu Changge and exclaimed, "Isn't he the young Daoist from Lingyin Temple outside the city?"

Lingyin Temple?

The young nobleman quickly searched his memory for any recollection of this temple.

Ha!

He suddenly sneered, staring at Gu Changge.

He had thought Gu Changge was some high-ranking figure from somewhere, but it turned out he was just a stinky Daoist relying on his good looks to attract attention.

"So, what do you mean?"

The young nobleman regained his composure and looked at Gu Changge, "She took something from my estate. Is it wrong for me to punish her?"

"You say she took something from your estate. Where did she take it from?"

"The back alley of my estate!"

Gu Changge chuckled, "Since it's the back alley of your estate, it's not really your estate, is it? Why claim it as such?"

"Hmph!"

The young nobleman snorted coldly, "It's food for the stray dogs my family feeds. She took it from the dogs. Isn't that theft?"

Hearing this, the surrounding crowd exchanged glances.

Though they disdained the young nobleman's actions, they couldn't say he was wrong.

It was rather clever.

Gu Changge found it amusing and calmly said, "Alright, let's go with your story. But it's just half a steamed bun. How about I compensate you a hundredfold?"

"Or perhaps..."

He picked up the dusty piece of steamed bun from the ground, looked at the young nobleman, and said meaningfully, "Do you insist on eating this piece?"

The young nobleman's face turned even worse.

"So that's it. This guy really wants to eat it!"

"I was wondering why this young master wouldn't let go of this matter. Turns out that's what he was thinking!"

"Hahaha!"

The onlookers burst into laughter, watching the young nobleman's reaction with interest.

"What do you mean!"

The young nobleman gritted his teeth, glaring at Gu Changge, feeling an urge to tear him apart.

This sharp-tongued Daoist!

"What do you mean?"

Gu Changge countered.

The young nobleman's gaze turned cold, "She stole from my estate. I must punish her."

Gu Changge looked at him calmly, "According to Fusu Law, those who commit crimes are dealt with by the authorities. You don't have that right."

"Are you here to cause trouble?!"

The young nobleman's face darkened as he glared at Gu Changge.

Though Fusu Law stated so, everyone knew that powerful families were above the law. Not to mention a little beggar, even if it involved exterminating a clan, as long as one had the power, no one would cause trouble.

Besides, who would take someone to court over half a steamed bun?

Especially when it involved him. If word got out, he'd become the laughingstock of Rising Dragon City.

Gu Changge smiled kindly, "I'm just reasoning with you. Of course... you can interpret it however you like."

"Lianshan, kill this damned Daoist for me!"

Unable to hold back any longer, the young nobleman pointed at Gu Changge in a fit of rage.

The swordsman beside him glanced at Gu Changge, a hint of hesitation flashing across his mature and steady face. Finally, he sighed softly, reached for the hilt of his sword, and said in a detached voice, "Friend, I'm sorry. I've taken his money, so I must solve his problems."

Gu Changge's smile remained unchanged as he looked at the swordsman, "Friend, I'm always amicable and never seek disputes."

"But that's how the world is. Even if you don't seek trouble, trouble will find you!"

Gu Changge pondered for a moment, nodding in agreement, "You're right. That's why one needs strength to protect oneself."

"You must be strong! Go ahead!"

The swordsman drew his weapon, his gaze wary of Gu Changge. He hadn't forgotten Gu Changge's earlier entrance!

This seemingly harmless Daoist was definitely a master!

Gu Changge looked at the swordsman and softly asked, "Do you really want me to strike first?"

The swordsman's expression turned serious.

For some reason, when Gu Changge said those words, he felt a chill in his heart, a strong sense of danger emerging.

He trusted this feeling.

It was an intuition honed through countless battles, helping him survive many crises.

The swordsman hesitated no longer. His long blade swiftly drew and fell, its speed astonishingly fast, precise, and fierce!

Ah!

The onlookers gasped in surprise.

Many even closed their eyes in fear, especially the young girls drawn by Gu Changge's looks, their faces turning pale.

The blade's light fell like a galaxy!

Just as it was about to strike Gu Changge, it suddenly halted, suspended in mid-air, unable to advance further.

Hmm?

Hmm!!!

The onlookers watched in bewilderment.

What was happening?!

The swordsman's face turned grim as he gripped his sword, a trace of fear creeping into his eyes as he looked at Gu Changge.

The young nobleman, unable to see the swordsman's expression, assumed he had softened and angrily shouted, "Lianshan, what are you doing! Cut him down!"

"I can't move!"

The swordsman gritted his teeth, forcing out the words with difficulty.

What?

The young nobleman frowned.

Suddenly, Gu Changge slowly extended his hand towards the swordsman, "You swung at me. Isn't it fair for me to cripple one of your arms?"

No!

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The swordsman's eyes widened as he looked up at Gu Changge.

Gu Changge casually tapped the swordsman's immobilized weapon with his right hand, producing a crisp sound.

Ding!

The metal shattered.

The gleaming blade instantly fragmented into countless pieces, suspended in mid-air.

Time seemed to slow.

Everyone watched in stunned silence, finding the shards' glint in the sunlight both beautiful and terrifying.

Gu Changge waved his hand.

The weapon fragments flew towards the swordsman's arm like moths to a flame, blood blooming in the air.

Splurt! Splurt!

The swordsman pressed his lips tightly, his face pale, but he gritted his teeth, refusing to cry out in pain.

The young nobleman stared in a daze.

Only when he noticed Gu Changge's gaze on him did he feel a deep-seated fear.

"You, what do you want to do?!"

Before Gu Changge could respond, the sound of hooves came from outside the crowd, followed by a stern shout.

"What are you all doing blocking the way here!"

The crowd parted.

Several armored figures on warhorses approached, dispersing the people.

Though the onlookers were displeased, none dared to resist or speak up.

The young nobleman, still in shock, saw the leader and suddenly stood up, exclaiming in delight, "Brother Changyun!"

Gu Changge looked up, his expression shifting slightly.