Shadow Noble Ren Xiexing

It would appear that the city lord did not share Zhao Yunxiao's concerns. There was only a short pause before General Tie Huaheng's voice sounded out once again.

"City Lord Qiu invites all experts in the city for a public discussion in front of the city hall. Those who wish to attend, please be there in two hours' time."

This statement seemed simple enough on its own, but it was already enough to send shockwaves throughout the city. Almost immediately, people could be seen getting busy and shuttling all over the city. Every faction within the city started to prepare for the upcoming public discussion, arranging for key personnel to attend the discussion and preparing gifts to bring along. Luckily for the servants, the morning rain had stopped by now, making it easier to run such errands.

It was a strange phenomenon, considering how this was supposed to be a battle discussion – something that should be rather solemn in nature.

Unfortunately, people often did not feel the urgency of such matters until they started directly impacting their lives. Still feeling protected within the four walls of Thousand Autumn City, most factions focused their attention on something entirely different – establishing a connection with the participants who would be attending the public discussion.

Nobody knew for certain who would be the experts showing up later, but that did not stop the various factions from making necessary preparations.

After all, just the confidence and strength required to project their voices across the entire city was testament to the strength of the individuals who had participated in the exchange of words earlier. It was certainly not a bad idea for any faction to bring someone like that to their side, or at least try to do so.

From the window of his second-storey room, Zhao Yunxiao silently watched the people scuttling along the streets.

Just like everyone else, he had no idea about the exact list of attendees for the public discussion later. However, he did know a thing or two about the first person who had publicly responded – Shadow Noble Ren Xiexing.

Ren Xiexing was a rather famous unaffiliated cultivator, known for his superior combat capabilities. Specialising in hunting down unorthodox cultivators, some might not consider him a typical orthodox cultivator, but he did adhere to the general rules of the cultivation world.

And as a cultivator at the Dao Rune realm, his individual strength was without question.

Even if every other attendee ended up being rather unimpressive, which was also extremely unlikely, just the opportunity to befriend Ren Xiexing would have been worth the time and effort in preparing all sorts of gifts. In fact, if not for the fact that Zhao Yunxiao wanted to avoid getting involved in this matter with the Scarlet Leaf Sect, he would have been tempted to try and impress Ren Xiexing too!

Therefore, he could definitely understand why the numerous factions in the city were reacting in such a manner.

Rather than that, what he did not understand was why the city hall would agree to a public discussion in the first place.

Did they not care that key information might be leaked to members of the Scarlet Leaf Sect, allowing them to prepare for the upcoming strike?

Or was it intentional so that they could scare off the members of the Scarlet Leaf Sect, avoiding a confrontation altogether and achieving victory without shedding blood?

Regardless, he should not miss out on listening in to the discussion if he wanted to gain a better understanding of what was going on.

There was still some time until the time of the discussion, but Zhao Yunxiao did not intend to simply wait in his room. Instead, he quickly donned his usual shabby clothes and headed for the city hall ahead of time.

More often than not, there were benefits to be gained from arriving early. Not only would it allow for some time to speak to and network with the other attendees, but also allow one to observe the behaviours of others, which could in turn provide some insights on their thought processes.

Zhao Yunxiao was certainly not the only one who thought this way. By the time he arrived near the city hall, there was already a sizeable crowd gathered around.

However, the situation was not exactly as he had imagined. Instead of splitting up into smaller groups to allow for more intimate conversations, everyone's attention was currently drawn towards a single direction – a makeshift wooden platform erected right in the middle of the open square.

"Slavery is an outdated and unethical practice! Eliminate the slave trade! Poor people are human too! Stand up against exploiting the poor!" Fei Qing shouted from atop the wooden platform.

[Stand Up For Human Rights!]

Those words were written clearly on multiple white banners that could be seen around the area, held up by his female companions. Compared to Fei Qing's stage outside the slave market a few days ago, he was clearly a lot better prepared this time.

Yet in spite of all his preparations, all he received were looks of ridicule from the crowd.

"Get lost already! There is going to be an important discussion here later, so don't get in the way!" someone finally lost patience and shouted.

"Your discussion is definitely important, but so is the message that I am trying to convey!" Fei Qing retorted. "We put so much emphasis into eliminating external threats, but perhaps it is time to also look at what we ourselves are doing to harm others!"

"What are you trying to say? That we are all sinners and you are the only saint here? Give us a break!" another one yelled. "Leave before we force you to!"

"I am no saint as well, but those who engage in slavery are definitely sinners!" Fei Qing said. "I am more than happy to leave as long as everyone can agree to abolish the slave market!"

"Abolish the slave market? Just because you don't like it? The world doesn't work this way, you idealistic kid! There's more to this world than your little utopian bubble!"

"One last chance! Either get lost now, or we will force you to scram!"

"Is that all you know? To forcibly quell any opposition that does not fit your narrative?" Fei Qing scoffed. "If you choose to keep doing this instead of handling matters in a peaceful manner, it will only be a matter of time before things go south for you!"

"What? Are you threatening me now? Why don't you show me just how things can go south for me, Mo Lianjie?" the member of the crowd could not restrain himself any longer, directly stepping up onto the wooden platform to confront Fei Qing face-to-face.

It was a young-looking man who looked to be in his late twenties. In huge contrast to Fei Qing's lean build, he was built like a bull, with bulging muscles that could be seen even from beneath his clothes.

"That kid is in trouble. He shouldn't have offended Sir Mo of all people," an old man sighed beside Zhao Yunxiao.

"By Sir Mo, is Senior referring to the man who just went up?" Zhao Yunxiao asked curiously.

"You don't know Sir Mo? You must be new around here," the old man said in surprise. "But you are right; that's Mo Lianjie of the Mo Clan. He is not just someone who looks strong – he is strong. Years ago, he had the chance to leave the city to learn under cultivators, eventually managing to achieve some great attainments of his own. Riding on his return to Thousand Autumn City, the Mo Clan quickly grew to become one of the strongest factions. Unfortunately, he is not someone who would let things go easily once he is angered!"

"So, that's it. Thank you for the information, Senior," Zhao Yunxiao clasped his fists towards the old man before turning his attention back to Fei Qing.

Now then, how would this guy handle the situation?

"I am not here to fight," Fei Qing said as Mo Lianjie approached.

"Hahaha! What? Are you scared now? Weren't you talking big just a moment ago? So you are the kind who only knows how to talk with nothing to back it up!" Mo Lianjie laughed as he continued to walk towards Fei Qing. "Unfortunately for you, it's too late to regret it now. Since you have dared to threaten me earlier, there is no way that I am going to let you leave here unscathed!"

"Wait a minute," Fei Qing's male companion leapt onto the stage at this point, landing directly beside Fei Qing. "Let's talk things out instead of resorting to force."

"And you are?" Mo Lianjie stopped in his tracks and narrowed his eyes warily. With that leap, he could sense that the other party was a cultivator as well.

"Cong Liexian," Fei Qing's companion said. "But my identity is not important. More importantly, we are all on the same side. You are here to eradicate the evil that is the Scarlet Leaf Sect. We are here to eliminate the evil of slavery. There is no need for us to fight among ourselves."

"Don't put us in the same category. The evil of slavery? What big words!" Mo Lianjie snorted in disdain. "How dare you compare the common employment of servants to the evil actions of the Scarlet Leaf Sect? Your words make me suspect if you are actually trying to subtly speak up for the Scarlet Leaf Sect!"

"Don't try to malign us!" Fei Qing retorted.

"Malign who? You? Don't make yourself sound so important. I can't possibly be bothered to waste time on the likes of you. Let's just end this quick with my free lesson to you that the world is not all a bed of roses!" Mo Lianjie sneered before turning towards Cong Liexian. "And if you were to interfere, I don't mind teaching you a lesson as well!"

"...Let's leave for now, Brother Fei," Cong Liexian said.

"Like I said, it's far too late for that!" Mo Lianjie shouted while leaping towards Fei Qing, his right fist raised in the air.

Fei Qing and Cong Liexian frowned. It was clear that the other party had no intention to de-escalate this matter.

Zhao Yunxiao narrowed his eyes as well.

He already knew that the two of them were cultivators. Now then, just how strong were they exactly?

Unfortunately, he did not get to find that out.

A black circular shadow suddenly appeared on the surface of the wooden platform, from which a young man leapt out to end up between the pouncing Mo Lianjie and the wary duo of Fei Qing and Cong Liexian.

He looked to be in his early twenties, with a high ponytail that reached down to his waist. His facial features were soft and gentle, giving a feminine touch to his handsome looks. His physique was thin and small as well, so he could probably pass off as a beautiful lady if he were to just put on some makeup and change his wardrobe.

He flicked two fingers with a relaxed smile, and a black tendril shot up from the shadow beneath him, wrapping around Mo Lianjie's oncoming punch.

"Wha-?!" Mo Lianjie exclaimed in shock as the black tendril swung him around in a circle, effectively removing the momentum behind his punch before gently placing him back down on the wooden platform.

This sudden development caught everyone by surprise. A moment of silence fell upon the entire square as everyone tried to process what had just happened. Even the trio on stage froze in place, unsure of what was going on.

"That's Ren Xiexing! Shadow Noble Ren Xiexing!" someone finally exclaimed, breaking the silence.

"What? Have you heard of him?"

"Of course! You really need to brush up on your knowledge of current affairs if you haven't! He could be considered the bane of unorthodox cultivators!"

"As impressive as expected! Even Mo Lianjie seemed to be no different from a kid in front of him!"

Those in the crowd who had heard of the famous unaffiliated cultivator did not bother hiding their admiration, which, in turn, also allowed those who had not heard of him to learn more about his past achievements.

The hunter of unorthodox cultivators. Holding such a title, it was almost like his presence here at this time had been guided by the hand of fate.

"So, it's Senior Ren. Mo Lianjie pays my respect to Senior," Mo Lianjie was initially enraged about being made to lose face, but dared not pursue the matter after hearing of the other party's identity.

"Everyone is here to talk, so let's not resort to violence," Ren Xiexing replied – his voice calm and soothing. "In any case, their words are not completely without merit. There is value to the lives of slaves as well."

"I shall heed Senior Ren's words," Mo Lianjie dared not decline and could only reluctantly lower his fists.

"I'm glad that someone shares the same sentiments," Fei Qing said gladly. "In that case-"

"Wait a minute, good sir," Ren Xiexing interrupted. "While I understand your wish to share your thoughts with everyone, the public discussion here has already been arranged beforehand. What do you say about waiting a little? Would it be all right if we proceed with the public discussion first, and address your concerns after?"

"By then, would there even be anyone left to liste-"

"Brother Fei!" Cong Liexian reminded.

"This... fine," Fei Qing said reluctantly. "Let's raise this matter after the discussion then."

The clear reluctance in his tone made the crowd feel speechless. In their eyes, it was already a great honour for Ren Xiexing to be asking him so nicely. Anyone else would have happily accepted the suggestion!

"Thank you for understanding, good sir. Don't worry, I will make sure to address your concerns later," Ren Xiexing said with a smile before looking towards the city hall. "Well then, it might still be a little before the appointed time, but why don't we start since almost everyone is already here?"

Hmm?

His words drew everyone's attention in the same direction.

"Hahaha! Fellow Cultivator Ren truly lives up to your name!"

The door to the city hall opened, and General Tie Huaheng appeared with more than a dozen soldiers behind him. Following along was the group of six who had returned after joining the Righteous Coalition. Right now, they looked a little better than before, probably having already received some form of medical attention.

But this time, none of them actually drew the most attention. Instead, everyone's focus instantly fell upon a man at the back of the group, being carried out of the city hall on a luxurious sedan chair that rested on the shoulders of four soldiers.

The obese man looked to be in his sixties, and wore clothes and accessories adorned with numerous precious gems.

Zhao Yunxiao quickly committed the man's appearance to memory.

From the looks of it, this person had to be the infamous lord of Thousand Autumn City that he had heard so much about – City Lord Qiu Yeming.