C16 It Was about to Change!

Green Stone Town got its name from the large green stone that lay at the crossroads of the town. Carved out years ago, this stone eventually formed the foundation of the town's main street. The townspeople revered the stone so much that they have identified themselves as the people of Green Stone Town for generations.

On the edge of Green Stone Town, far from the residential area, there was a grand estate. It was reminiscent of the luxurious mansions of ancient courtyards, as grand as the residence of a government official. However, this once-imposing estate had been usurped by a gang of local toughs.

The estate was the residence of Third Master, and at this moment, Cao Bao, looking quite disheveled, arrived at the gates of the mansion. Third Master's name alone was enough to strike fear into the hearts of everyone in the old district. He was infamous for his complete disregard for the rules.

For generations, the residents of the old district had lived there, their world seemingly disconnected from the one just a street away. In the past, even the most influential figures in the old district never dared to extend their reach. This unwritten rule had been respected for generations, and no one dared to cross the line—except for Third Master. Since his rise to power, he had been marked as an outsider. He not only engaged in dealings with groups beyond the town but also traded in goods from the outside, effectively erasing the once-clear boundary between the two worlds.

Those who broke the established rules were not looked upon favorably. The traditional powers despised Third Master's tactics, and tensions soon escalated into outright conflict. Remarkably, Third Master emerged victorious, overthrowing the old guard and cementing his control. By the time Third Master's name and actions became widely recognized, he was already beyond reproach.

Having taken over nearly half the old district, Third Master had become the de facto ruler of the entire area. In recent years, he had enjoyed an unbroken string of successes. Although a small faction continued to oppose him, they were inconsequential, like grasshoppers after autumn, unable to make any real impact.

Today, Third Master's mood was even more buoyant upon learning that Han Feihu, a persistent rival, had been trapped with no escape. After dispatching his men to handle the matter, Third Master reveled in his ongoing dominance.

When Cao Bao's woeful face appeared before Third Master, his expression immediately darkened.

...

The grand hall was adorned with a retro flair. Third Master, portly and commanding, was seated in an armchair with two rows of stern-looking individuals standing on either side. Their gazes swept over the kneeling Cao Bao with a hint of scrutiny.

With a somber countenance, Third Master fixed his gaze on Cao Bao, who was too frightened to lift his head, and spoke sharply, "Are you telling me that over twenty men went to apprehend Han Feihu, and yet he managed to slip away?"

Cao Bao remained kneeling, head bowed, feeling the weight of the stares around him, his forehead slick with sweat.

He was already filled with regret for heeding the advice of others, but now, with his life on the line, he had no choice but to follow through. A lowly figure like Cao Bao, when fighting for survival, could often muster incredible strength.

"Third Master, please, calm your anger... I beg of you. I am telling nothing but the truth. I had Han Feihu cornered, but unexpectedly, a group emerged and laid waste to all my men, leaving me severely wounded as well."

Third Master's piercing gaze briefly swept over Cao Bao as he said deliberately, "So, you're the sole survivor out of the twenty-odd men. Where are the others?"

Cao Bao replied in a hushed tone, "Well, in the heat of the moment, I didn't pay any mind to my brothers. I reckon they're still lying there."

Although Cao Bao was a minor figure, he had a certain cunning about him. Knowing that Chen Mo wanted him to lie, he surmised there must be a scheme behind it. Since there was a scheme, he was sure that Chen Mo would take care of the aftermath. Thus, he wasn't the least bit worried about his brothers.

It was precisely because of this demeanor that Third Master gave a slight nod of approval but continued to probe, "So what you're saying is, someone intervened to save Han Feihu, and not only were there many of them, but each one was skilled. You and your men didn't stand a chance and were knocked to the ground in an instant. Am I right?"

"Yes, yes, yes, you're absolutely right, Third Master!"

Third Master was naturally suspicious and never took anyone at their word, so he was dubious about Cao Bao's account.

Frankly, he didn't believe anyone in the old district had the audacity to confront him. Han Feihu might be a nuisance, but he posed no significant threat. And those old-timers up north? Third Master didn't mean to belittle them, but with age often comes caution. He doubted they'd risk offending him at such a pivotal time.

That made the sudden appearance of those strangers all the more intriguing and worthy of careful consideration.

Despite his contemplation, Third Master's face quickly turned stern again. To Cao Bao, who was covertly observing him, his calm demeanor now seemed particularly menacing.

"Cao Bao, you do realize the consequences of deceiving me, don't you?"

"I wouldn't dare deceive Third Master, truly, I wouldn't. You must believe me, Third Master."

Cao Bao was in a panic, fearing that Third Master had picked up on a slip in his story and uncovered a lie. He hastily bowed his head, pleading for safety and hoping for Third Master's trust.

Yet Third Master remained unmoved, his commanding presence rising effortlessly. The authority he wielded was not something a minor character like Cao Bao could withstand. Suddenly, Cao Bao's head, which had been bowing, flushed red, and he found himself unable to rise.

"You're lying!" The accusation struck Cao Bao like a bolt from the blue, shrouding him in confusion. He felt all his worries and fears materialize, his face paling under Third Master's piercing gaze. He nearly confessed his wrongdoing and begged for mercy from Third Master.

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