Chapter 71: Passion

Suddenly, a deep sword mark appeared on the main gate. Everyone in the City Lord’s Mansion, including the lord himself, stared at the mark with astonishment, their gazes toward Lin Hao turning grave. The city lord’s eyes widened, then sparkled with delight.

He recognized this technique—it was a move from the Azure City Sect’s Azure City Manual, one rarely seen even within the sect itself. Normally, he would never have had the chance to witness it, as only high-ranking inner disciples were permitted to train in such an advanced art. By a twist of fate, he had once glimpsed it before, so to see Lin Hao use it now filled him with immediate trust—there was no longer a shred of doubt in his mind that Lin Hao was a disciple of the Azure City Sect. How could anyone capable of such a skill not be?

With newfound enthusiasm, the city lord hurried to Lin Hao’s side and extended a welcoming gesture. “Young friend Lin Hao, please come inside with me. If you have any questions, I’ll answer them at once. By the way, does the Azure City Sect have any instructions for us this time? We’ll give our full cooperation.”

As if awakened from a trance, the other officials and elders of the mansion quickly gathered round, crowding enthusiastically around Lin Hao. “Young friend Lin Hao, what brings you from the Azure City Sect this time?” “Young friend Lin Hao, does the Clear Breeze Sect have any directives for us on this occasion?” In an instant, Lin Hao found himself surrounded, bombarded with questions, all circling back to the Azure City Sect.

Still bewildered, Lin Hao was swept along into the mansion by the eager group, barely able to respond except with vague hums and nods. He didn’t know anything about the so-called Clear Breeze Sect, nor did he truly understand what the Azure City Sect was—he could only muddle through for now. Feeling a pang of guilt, Lin Hao could only muster a strained smile and feigned composure, which in the eyes of the onlookers, seemed cold and aloof.

The more reserved his demeanor, the more convinced everyone became that Lin Hao’s status in the Azure City Sect must be quite high. Their enthusiasm only grew.

When Lin Hao was ushered into the main hall, the city lord immediately offered him the seat of honor. “Please, young friend Lin Hao, have a seat.”

Lin Hao hesitated. “City lord, isn’t this a bit inappropriate?”

“Nonsense! Please, sit. All that we have achieved here is thanks to the Azure City Sect’s support. You represent the sect, and deserve this place.”

“Yes, yes!” the others chimed in. “Please, young friend Lin Hao.”

Thus, Lin Hao found himself bewilderedly seated at the head of the table. Looking down at the city lord and the others, he felt a sudden sense of elevation, and could not help but feel a bit proud, the corners of his mouth lifting in a subtle smile.

But when he noticed the city lord and the others glancing his way, he quickly composed himself, taking on a serious expression. Thinking for a moment, he began, “Well, city lord, about this matter—”

He was just about to mention the fight that had taken place in the shop, but before he could finish, the city lord cut him off, his tone grave, “Rest assured, young friend Lin Hao, I will handle this matter immediately.”

“Someone, summon all those involved in the incident at once!” he barked toward the door.

“Yes, sir!” came the reply from outside, followed by the sound of hurried footsteps.

About ten minutes later, the group led by Master Xiong arrived. Still unaware that Lin Hao was from the Azure City Sect, Master Xiong was fuming with anger over Xiao Xiao’s death at Lin Hao’s hands. Since the city lord had summoned all those involved, he had come at once, only to freeze in astonishment upon entering the hall. He rubbed his eyes as if to make sure he wasn’t seeing things: Lin Hao was seated in the place of honor, while the city lord sat as a subordinate.

Completely baffled, Master Xiong looked at the city lord and asked, pointing at Lin Hao, “City lord, what is the meaning of this?”

Before Lin Hao could speak, the city lord strode over and slapped Master Xiong hard across the face.

The crack resounded through the hall as Master Xiong staggered, clutching his cheek in disbelief. “City lord, what is going on? Who is this man?” he asked, eyes full of anger and confusion.

The city lord snorted coldly, “You’ve got nerve! This honored guest is here on behalf of the Azure City Sect, and you dare treat him with such disrespect—first ordering a citywide manhunt, now pointing at him so rudely!”

Each word struck Master Xiong like a blow. Though he understood every syllable, the reality was so far removed from his expectations that it felt as if his whole world had turned upside down.

“What? He’s from the Azure City Sect? Impossible!” he muttered, still in disbelief. “He must be lying.” Master Xiong glared at Lin Hao, his eyes full of suspicion.

Lin Hao felt a chill at that look, but steeled himself, slapping the table and rising to his feet in indignation. “City lord, there are still those who doubt my identity!”

Seeing Lin Hao angered, the city lord turned on Master Xiong with a fierce glare. “Why must you always meddle? Apologize at once. Today, you’ll submit to whatever punishment our honored guest deems fit. If you cannot earn his forgiveness, there’s no place for you in the City Lord’s Mansion.”

Hearing this, Master Xiong’s eyes flashed with resentment. He looked at the city lord, as if to confirm whether these were truly his words. The city lord, however, didn’t spare him a glance, remaining seated beside Lin Hao.

The city lord then turned his gaze to Master Xiong and his twenty-some subordinates, all of whom, though now changed into clean clothes, still bore fresh wounds on their faces. Meeting Lin Hao’s gaze, a flicker of fear passed through their eyes.

At the city lord’s command, they immediately knelt and begged for mercy. “Brother Lin Hao, we are truly sorry! We failed to recognize your status; please forgive us!”

But mere words were not enough. Kneeling, they pleaded for Lin Hao’s forgiveness. Seeing his own men humbling themselves so, Master Xiong’s anger only grew, and he continued to stand, his neck stiff with defiance.

Lin Hao narrowed his eyes, a glimmer of admiration for Master Xiong’s backbone flashing through his mind, but he turned his attention back to the city lord.

The city lord frowned, his brows knitting. With a sudden motion, he smashed the teacup on the table and looked at Master Xiong with displeasure, coughing pointedly.

Only then did Master Xiong lower his head, avoiding Lin Hao’s gaze. In a disgruntled voice, he muttered, “Apologies. This was my failure to investigate properly. It was our mistake. Please, Brother Lin Hao, forgive us.” The final words were spoken through gritted teeth.

Anyone could see that Master Xiong was still reluctant and unconvinced, despite his words.

Lin Hao, seeing so many apologies and the city lord’s sincerity, felt a wave of satisfaction. He knew to leave well enough alone, especially as he still had his own secrets to hide. Maintaining his composure, he took a sip of tea and cleared his throat. “Very well, let’s put this matter to rest. I was unfamiliar with the customs here, which led to this unfortunate misunderstanding.”

As soon as Lin Hao relented, those kneeling on the floor breathed a collective sigh of relief. The city lord, seeing Lin Hao’s magnanimity, signaled for the entire group to be escorted away.

Yet Master Xiong lingered in the hall, refusing to leave, his eyes still fixed on Lin Hao. Lin Hao returned his gaze, feigning innocence and puzzlement. Their eyes locked, and in that moment Lin Hao caught the enmity in Master Xiong’s eyes and flashed a fleeting look of challenge—so brief that only Master Xiong could catch it.

Master Xiong stepped forward, fury in his eyes. The city lord immediately struck the table. “What are you trying to do? If you don’t want to stay, leave at once!”

Master Xiong snapped to attention, resentment still written on his face, and turned to depart.

The city lord’s expression softened as he looked at Lin Hao. “Rest assured, young friend Lin Hao. Even though you have chosen to forgive them, they were in the wrong, and I will see to it that they are punished according to our rules.”

“Oh, yes, of course,” Lin Hao replied, eager to move on.

The city lord’s eyes glowed with anticipation as he regarded Lin Hao. “May I ask what mission the Azure City Sect has entrusted you with this time, or what task you would have us perform?”

Lin Hao’s heart skipped a beat—he had no idea how to answer. Thinking quickly, he adopted a solemn tone. “There’s no specific task. I was merely sent to inspect your situation here and observe how things are developing.”

“I see! Well, you may inspect as long as you wish. Tomorrow, I’ll personally accompany you on your rounds. Everything here is run strictly in accordance with the rules and standards set by the Azure City Sect. There’s absolutely no disorder or misconduct,” the city lord promised, thumping his chest for emphasis.

Lin Hao nodded awkwardly. “Yes, yes, that will do.”

Sensing Lin Hao’s fatigue, the city lord quickly added, “Young friend Lin Hao, you must be exhausted after your journey. I’ve prepared the finest guest quarters for you. Why not rest for now and begin your inspection tomorrow?”

“Very well. Thank you, city lord,” Lin Hao replied, not bothering to refuse.

The city lord personally led Lin Hao through the garden to a luxurious two-story building in the rear courtyard. The house was magnificent, surrounded by gardens and a pond, its construction grand and imposing.

Once inside, Lin Hao marveled at the lavish furnishings on the first floor—every detail exquisite, even the unassuming vases turned out to be defensive spiritual artifacts. The entire residence seemed to be protected by an array, and the spiritual energy within was particularly abundant.