The Lord's Cunning

Early the next morning.

Qinghe Town was bustling with figures as usual. The commoners had risen early to hustle for their livelihoods. Peddlers and pawns came and went on the streets, and the surrounding fields were filled with the figures of farmers.

The entire small town was filled with a peaceful and cozy atmosphere of everyday life.

As the morning light first shone, the restaurants and teahouses on the street had already opened for business. The sounds of vendors hawking and beckoning customers gradually rang out, mixing with the cries of various merchants, making it quite lively.

No matter what terrible things they had experienced yesterday, it was only a temporary shock. After clicking their tongues in awe over a meal or tea, the moment would pass. Life had to go on; the ordinary, grounded, and busy life was everything to the people of Qinghe Town.

However.

Not long after the long street regained its liveliness, the even denser sound of galloping hooves echoed from outside the town!

Clip-clop! Clip-clop!

Suddenly.

The long street abruptly fell silent. Everyone seemed to have their inner reverence awakened, unable to help but stop and look back. The entire Qinghe Town plunged into an immense panic.

Even the mayor, whose injuries had not yet healed, turned pale with fright and came out to wait respectfully.

Under the watchful eyes of the crowd.

Only the increasingly dense and clear sound of hooves echoed from the silent town gates. The sound drew closer and closer, as if accompanied by a terrifying sense of oppression sweeping in!

As the leading ten-foot-tall black-maned spirit horse dashed through the gates.

Everyone's gaze was firmly seized by the rider!

The man had a long beard and sword-like eyebrows. His seemingly middle-aged face was full of majesty. Wearing cloud boots and luxurious clothes, he looked incredibly noble at first glance. Even Miss Chen, who had graced them with her presence yesterday, rode closely behind him, not daring to act out of line, her arrogance dialed back significantly!

Looking at such a figure, the commoners were so startled that they lowered their heads and exchanged glances, their eyes full of surprise.

The mayor was even more frightened, his face turning pale. He hurriedly trembled forward to bow.

"I am Xu Daan, the Mayor of Qinghe Town. Greetings, Lord City Master!"

Hiss...

A chorus of gasps echoed through the crowd!

To think it was the legendary City Master descending in person. No wonder even Miss Chen obediently followed right behind him!

The ordinary folk were already too terrified to make a sound, bowing their heads and kneeling in respect. The entire scene was deathly silent, with everyone's face bearing worry and trepidation.

The cultivators of the demon-hunting squad also bowed with solemn eyes. They had heard that the Lord City Master was a legendary Martial King expert, someone even the old patriarch could not hold a candle to.

With such a terrifying figure personally visiting Qinghe Town, something major was bound to happen!

They didn't even dare to imagine what kind of situation would unfold. They could only secretly pray to the heavens to keep Qinghe Town safe and for everyone to peacefully survive the impending crisis!

At this moment.

The entire long street of Qinghe Town fell into a dead silence. Everyone felt endangered, keeping as quiet as winter cicadas!

Looking at the plainly dressed mayor kneeling on the long street, Chen Yuxin couldn't be bothered to pay much attention and urgently issued an order.

"Cut the idle chatter!"

"Quickly take us to find that schoolteacher from yesterday!"

Her tone was capable and forceful, maintaining her usual decisive style.

In order to find the Martial Emperor expert, she simply had no time to care about anyone else. Facing lowly ants, there was no need to waste breath on etiquette. This was understandable, but to onlookers, it somewhat carried the flavor of the strong bullying the weak.

The old mayor dared to be angry but not speak. Before he could think too much, he was about to comply and bow.

However, City Master Chen Cangyun shouted a reprimand, lecturing his daughter in front of everyone.

"Impudent!"

"Mayor Xu is a veteran under the jurisdiction of my Ye City. He has worked hard and achieved much over the years. He can be considered your elder. How can you be so disrespectful!"

"Step back!"

His cold words made the entire crowd look up quietly in surprise.

Even the old mayor hadn't expected that the legendary Lord City Master actually knew his name and cared so much about etiquette.

Before the crowd could react.

Chen Cangyun had already dismounted and stepped forward to help the mayor up.

"Mayor Xu, please get up quickly."

"Please forgive us. My daughter has been spoiled a bit too much and is quite arrogant. It's my poor teaching. I've made a fool of myself."

The old mayor was helped up with overwhelming trepidation and hurriedly returned the bow with a trembling voice.

"Lord City Master, your words are too heavy, too heavy."

Hearing these words, the commoners grew even more curious and bewildered. Gradually, some emboldened themselves to raise their eyes, only to see the City Master helping the mayor up, wearing a peaceful smile on his face.

Suddenly.

Many people's eyes revealed reverence, secretly marveling at the Lord City Master's demeanor.

The originally tense and oppressive atmosphere dissipated significantly. The Lord City Master had already won a lot of goodwill.

Feeling the various gazes gathering upon him.

City Master Chen Cangyun continued to speak with a smile, his tone becoming increasingly approachable.

"Mayor Xu, there's no need to panic."

"I have no official business for this trip. I merely heard that there is a schoolteacher in Qinghe Town with extraordinary talent and learning, so I've specifically come to pay a visit. I wonder if you'd be willing to introduce us?"

Hearing these words, the mayor looked utterly bewildered, and the old patriarch beside him even began to doubt life itself.

Holy crap...

The person standing before them was the Lord City Master! This was a big shot whose single word could determine the life and death of thousands, a legendary Martial King expert, and he was actually being this polite?

Hearing that Mr. Yi Feng was learned, he actually used the word "visit." Wasn't this a bit too courteous?

Logically speaking, if he ordered a summon, who would dare disobey!

What was even more outrageous was that at this moment, not only had the Lord City Master come in person, but his tone even carried a hint of consultation, without a single trace of domineering behavior?

This was truly too polite.

What virtues or abilities did he possess to deserve this!

The man held a high position, yet he was so humble and polite.

This was what a true big shot was like.

Suddenly.

The mayor felt even more overwhelmingly flattered. His hands, which were making a terrified bow, trembled slightly, not knowing if it was out of excitement or nervousness!

"L-Lord City Master, your words are too heavy."

"I will naturally lead the way. I will naturally lead the way!"

As the mayor walked ahead to lead the way, the City Master and his daughter followed steadily behind. The onlookers on the long street were filled with shock, sighing with deep emotion at what they had seen today, their eyes now full of admiration.

"Oh my goodness..."

"He truly is the Lord City Master. His demeanor is indeed extraordinary!"

"Tsk, tsk, this is the vision of a big shot!"

...

The faint sounds of praise drifted over from afar. With just a bit of superficial charm, he had won over countless hearts. Hearing this, Chen Yuxin's eyes revealed shame, finally understanding the gap between her and her father in handling matters and dealing with people.

Just this trick of winning people's hearts was enough for her to learn for half a lifetime.

These mediocre folks were completely insignificant, but once this matter spread, her father's reputation would definitely grow louder. It would bring a hundred benefits and no harm to Ye City. That Martial Emperor expert must have already noticed it too. To win the other party's goodwill before even meeting them—what a brilliant move!

With her father stepping forward on this trip, it was practically a sure thing.

Amidst the expectant smiles of the father and daughter.

The mayor stopped in front of the thatched cottage at the foot of the mountain and respectfully turned around to bow.

"City Master, Eldest Miss."

"This is Mr. Yi Feng's temporary residence."