Chapter 130: Betrayal As soon as the sun

As soon as dawn broke, the people from the Six Doors Authority came to collect the corpses.

After Chen Ming had killed, he summoned Gu Junrong and told him to report to the Six Doors Authority.

The Six Doors Authority arrived quickly, without the slightest delay. Leading them was a Seventh Grade Patrol Envoy, who displayed a particularly friendly and courteous attitude. Once the matter was handled, they left immediately—there was no trouble at all, and they even refused the housekeeper’s gift.

This surprised the Chen Residence’s servants. Since when had the Six Doors Authority become so easy to deal with?

They still remembered a few months ago, when another Seventh Grade Patrol Envoy had arrived with a group of Black-Clad Officers, fierce and overbearing.

"Must be because last time they realized how formidable Second Master is. They wouldn’t dare act rashly again," someone naturally said.

The others agreed wholeheartedly and felt proud.

Second Master was simply too formidable, able to suppress even the monsters and demons of the Six Doors Authority.

In truth, it was because word of Chen Ming’s relationship with Du Caiyue had spread within the Six Doors Authority, and it just so happened that the Patrol Envoy who came today was a subordinate of her subordinate. Naturally, his attitude was extremely pleasant.

Very soon, the Six Doors Authority confirmed the identities of the deceased. They were all pirates listed on the wanted list. As such, they sent people to beat gongs and drums through the streets, publicly proclaiming that Chen Residence’s Ah Ming had slain a band of pirates, and personally delivered the reward money.

This was an old tradition of the Six Doors Authority: as long as someone captured or killed a wanted criminal, they would be treated to such recognition—loud public announcements along the streets and a hefty bounty.

It brought fame and profit, greatly motivating martial artists to hunt down wanted criminals. It even gave rise to a profession—bounty sabers.

...

Inside the study of the Qi Family, a deathly silence lingered.

The core members of the Qi Family had all gathered. No one spoke, and the atmosphere was stiflingly heavy.

On the grand armchair in the center, Qi Yanhong wore a blank expression. Only those closest to him could tell, from the bulging veins on the back of his hand, just how furious he was at that moment.

"What a fine Ah Ming of the Chen Family!"

He finally spoke. His tone was cold, but his eyes fixed on his disappointing son.

The death of Qi Laosan had truly brought him heart-wrenching pain.

He had poured endless effort into Qi Laosan, and just when the third had gained a foothold with the Red Sea Lord, becoming one of the Thirty-Six Generals—

With the third stationed at sea, the Qi Family could advance or retreat at will, remaining invincible.

This was the Qi Family’s final backup plan.

Now that this path had been cut off, how could he not grieve?

In his heart, Qi Yanhong even regretted not having killed that unfilial son earlier, which led to today’s calamity for the Qi Family.

"Elder Brother, I fear Chen Ming has powerful experts by his side. What should we do next? You must make a decision."

"I heard this Chen Ming has a close relationship with Inspector Du of the Six Doors Authority. Perhaps it was she who struck last night..."

"If Inspector Du is backing him, we cannot afford to provoke him."

"......"

The several people present all began to voice their opinions.

Judging from their tone, they were already showing signs of retreat. To put it plainly, this trouble was caused by Qi Xingdong, and they only wished to sit and watch the show.

To offend Du Caiyue of the Six Doors Authority for the sake of Qi Xingdong would be unwise.

From this, it was clear that Qi Xingdong was not well-regarded within the family. Even the most core figures did not support him.

At this moment, Qi Xingdong stood to the side, listening to the elders’ conversation. His face grew darker and darker, finally turning the color of pig liver.

Judging from their words, they intended to sacrifice him to appease Chen Ming’s fury.

At this point, Qi Yanhong spoke. "That Ah Ming of the Chen Family is narrow-minded and always repays grievances. Sending people to kill him last night means things cannot be settled peacefully. Between him and our Qi Family, it is already a matter of life and death."

One sentence plunged the study into silence once again.

He paused, then declared resolutely, "We have no way out now. Either he dies, or we perish."

The others quickly exchanged glances. Finally, the eldest among them spoke. "Eldest Brother, what do you plan to do?"

A chilling, murderous intent surfaced on Qi Yanhong’s face. "We ask the two Devotees to make a move. Strike with thunderous force and eliminate him."

The two Devotees of Jinyuan Prosperity Trading were both Fourth Grade experts, the strongest force they could mobilize.

The elder still had concerns. "But what about Inspector Du..."

Qi Yanhong cut him off decisively. "Zhao Shouchang took his daughter away—that speaks volumes of his stance. He won’t get involved. This is the life-and-death moment for our Qi Family. I hope everyone will unite."

This time, no one voiced any objections.

The Qi Family’s present prosperity owed much to Qi Yanhong’s efforts. Over the years, he had amassed great prestige, and the others trusted him deeply.

With their minds aligned, Qi Yanhong immediately ordered, "Dong’er, take my seal and personally invite the two Devotees."

"Yes!"

Qi Xingdong responded and took the seal to find the two Devotees.

...

Chen Residence.

When Chen Ming accepted the six thousand taels of bounty money delivered by the Six Doors Authority, what he thought of was how vicious the person who established this rule must have been.

Such grand and public fanfare, as if afraid others wouldn’t know who killed those wanted criminals. No matter how vile a person was, they still had family, friends, and sect brothers.

When those people came for revenge, they’d know exactly whom to target.

Six thousand taels seemed like a lot. For an average household, it might be an unattainable lifetime sum.

However, a Fifth Grade pirate only fetched a three-thousand-tael bounty. The other three Sixth Grade pirates were only worth one thousand taels each. It felt downright stingy.

Compared to other wanted criminals, it was pitifully little.

There was, of course, a reason. When those who went out to sea met with misfortune—even if they were killed by pirates—it was hard for land-bound family members to track down which pirate gang did it.

Thus, many pirates never made it onto the wanted list.

Wan Laosan had made the list because of his strength and reputation. Being appointed one of the Thirty-Six Generals by the Red Sea Lord added to his notoriety, which earned him a three-thousand-tael token bounty.

After sending off the Six Doors Authority’s people, Chen Ming met his elder brother’s anxious yet faintly hopeful gaze and said, "I’ve troubled you, Big Brother. I will resolve this matter as soon as possible."

Chen Rui opened his mouth but ultimately said nothing. He only reminded, "You must be very careful."

"I will."

Chen Ming nodded and turned to leave.

It was time to settle the Qi Family.

……

Jinyuan Prosperity Trading was located at the city center, on the most bustling Zhuque Avenue.

Behind the trading company was a tranquil courtyard where one of the old Devotees resided.

Qi Xingdong rushed over at the fastest speed, holding his father's seal, seeking an audience with one of the two strongest Devotees in the trading company.

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Ever since his father took charge of Jinyuan Prosperity Trading, he had always been cautious and rarely made enemies. These two Devotees had not taken action for many years.

Many people had probably already forgotten the prestige these two Devotees once commanded.

Even when pirates ran rampant in the city two years ago, his father had not summoned the two to take action.

"This time, I’ll make sure you die without a grave."

As Qi Xingdong waited outside, hatred flickered in his eyes.

The attitudes of those elders earlier, along with his father’s disappointed gaze, made him realize that he would no longer have the chance to inherit his father's position.

"It's all that little bastard’s fault."

Qi Xingdong was seething with resentment. At that moment, he only wished to tear Chen Ming into pieces, the one who had caused him to lose everything.

As long as the two Devotees took action, even if Du Caiyue protected him, Chen Ming would still be doomed.

Creak—

The door opened, and a young servant said, "Third Young Master, please come in."

Qi Xingdong soon met the old Devotee. After saluting, he respectfully said, "Senior Pang, my father wishes to invite you over for an important matter."

Devotee Pang squinted slightly and asked blandly, "What matter?"

"My father wants to ask you to kill someone."

As he spoke, Qi Xingdong took out the seal his father had given him.

Devotee Pang glanced at it and said, "Understood."

"Then I shall take my leave."

Qi Xingdong didn’t mention who needed to be killed. Matters like this would surely be discussed between Devotee Pang and his father directly.

……

Then, Qi Xingdong went to meet the other senior Devotee and delivered the same message. Upon returning home, he reported back to his father.

Not long after, the two Devotees arrived together.

Standing to the side, Qi Xingdong clenched his fists, already fantasizing about how to deal with that little bastard’s family once he was dead, to vent the hatred in his heart.

He heard his father say, "The reason I’ve asked the two of you here today is to have you kill someone. His name is Chen Ming. He’s young but possesses extraordinary talent. He has past grievances with Jinyuan Prosperity Trading. If we don’t eliminate him now, he will become a dire threat in the future."

Then, he heard Devotee Pang say, "This matter—I'm afraid I must refuse."

Eh?

Qi Xingdong froze, needing a moment to process what had just been said. He was utterly shocked.

Refuse?

They actually refused?

What was going on?

He wasn’t the only one. Everyone present was equally stunned.

Qi Yanhong’s gaze instantly turned grave, but he managed to keep calm. "What does Devotee Pang mean by this?"

Before Devotee Pang could answer, a voice suddenly came from outside the door.

"Some people serve as housekeepers for too long and start to harbor an illusion—they actually think they’ve become the master."

Everyone present turned pale.

Those words spoke directly to a truth none of them wanted to admit.

One of the more hot-tempered men slammed the table. "What audacity! Spouting nonsense in this place—show yourself!"

A tall, handsome young man then strode in, flanked on either side by two imposing middle-aged men, protecting him like a pair of wings.

Devotee Pang and Devotee Gao stepped aside and even bowed respectfully to the young man.

This scene made Qi Yanhong’s heart sink.

"It’s you—"

At this moment, Qi Xingdong suddenly let out a sharp scream. His face twisted with hatred, as if he wanted to rush forward and rip that young man to shreds.

He had recognized the man.

It was Chen Ming. They had met a few times before, but Chen Ming had changed so much in recent years that he hadn’t recognized him at first.

Chen Ming smiled slightly and said, "Third Young Master Qi, it’s been years. I trust you’ve been well?"

Qi Xingdong’s body trembled uncontrollably—not only from hatred but also from fear. Just moments ago, he had seen the two Devotees bow to Chen Ming.

These two were supposed to be their final trump cards. Now, they had sided with the enemy. How could he not be afraid?

PS: It takes me more than two hours to write a single chapter. After finishing three, my brain feels empty—I don’t want to do anything. For the next two days, I’ll slow down and recharge. I started reading Old Wang’s Restarting Life, but then my head began to ache this afternoon. I really can’t write anymore for now. Just two chapters for these two days. Let me take a breather.

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