Chapter 1344: The City Lords Scheme

Early the next morning.

Qinghe Town was as bustling as usual. The townsfolk, striving to make a living, had risen early and were already busy. The streets were filled with vendors and porters coming and going, while the surrounding fields were dotted with farmers.

The entire town was enveloped in a peaceful and serene atmosphere.

As the morning light began to shine, the taverns and teahouses along the streets had already opened for business. Gradually, the sounds of vendors hawking their wares and calling out to customers filled the air, mingling with the lively chatter of various merchants, creating a vibrant scene.

No matter what terrifying events had occurred the day before, they were but a momentary shock. After a few moments of gossip over tea and meals, life moved on. The simple, steady hustle and bustle of daily life was everything to the people of Qinghe Town.

However.

Not long after the streets had regained their liveliness, the sound of dense hoofbeats echoed from outside the town walls!

"Clip-clop! Clip-clop!"

Instantly.

The bustling street fell silent. It was as if everyone had been reminded of a deep-seated reverence, and they couldn't help but stop and look back. The entire town of Qinghe was plunged into a state of great panic.

Even the town mayor, who was still recovering from his injuries, was so frightened that he rushed out to greet the newcomers.

Under the watchful eyes of the crowd.

Only the increasingly dense and clear sound of hoofbeats could be heard, emanating from the quiet town gates. The sound grew closer and closer, as if a terrifying pressure was bearing down upon them!

As the leader, a towering black-maned spirit horse, galloped through the town gates.

All eyes were drawn to the rider!

The man had a long beard and sharp eyebrows, his middle-aged face exuding authority. He wore cloud-patterned boots and was dressed in luxurious robes. At a glance, he appeared to be of noble stature. Even Miss Chen, who had visited the town the day before, was riding closely behind him, her usual arrogance noticeably subdued!

Seeing such a figure, the townsfolk exchanged shocked glances, their faces filled with astonishment.

The town mayor, in particular, turned pale with fear and hurried forward, trembling as he bowed.

"I am Xu Da'an, the mayor of Qinghe Town. I pay my respects to the City Lord!"

Hiss...

A collective gasp rose from the crowd!

It was none other than the legendary City Lord himself! No wonder even Miss Chen was following so obediently behind him!

The ordinary townsfolk were so frightened that they dared not make a sound, bowing their heads and kneeling in respect. The entire street was as silent as death, with everyone's faces filled with worry and fear.

The demon-hunting cultivators also looked on with grave expressions. They had heard rumors that the City Lord was a legendary Martial King, a level of strength far beyond even the old clan leader's capabilities.

For such a formidable figure to personally visit Qinghe Town, something major must be afoot!

They didn't dare to imagine what might happen, silently praying to the heavens that Qinghe Town would remain unharmed and that everyone could safely weather whatever storm was coming.

At this moment.

The entire main street of Qinghe Town was plunged into silence, with everyone on edge and holding their breath!

Seeing the plainly dressed town mayor kneeling in the street, Chen Yuxin couldn't be bothered to pay him any mind and urgently issued an order.

"Enough with the pleasantries!"

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

Her tone was brisk and firm, as decisive as ever.

In their quest to find the Martial Emperor, the others had no time to spare. When dealing with lowly individuals, there was no need to waste words on formalities. This was only natural, but to onlookers, it still carried a hint of bullying.

The old mayor dared not show his anger and, without time to think, was about to respond with a bow.

But City Lord Chen Cangyun suddenly barked out a reprimand, publicly scolding his daughter in front of everyone.

"Outrageous!"

"Mayor Xu is a senior official under my jurisdiction in Yecheng. He has worked hard and contributed greatly over the years. He is practically your elder! How could you be so disrespectful!"

"Step back!"

His cold words left the entire crowd stunned and quietly watching.

Even the old mayor hadn't expected that the legendary City Lord would know his name and be so particular about etiquette?

Before anyone could react.

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

"Mayor Xu, please rise."

"Forgive my daughter. She has been spoiled and has grown a bit arrogant. It is my failure in teaching her. I apologize for the embarrassment."

The old mayor, helped up by the City Lord, was both flustered and honored, quickly stammering out a response.

"City Lord, you are too kind, too kind."

Hearing this, the townsfolk grew even more curious and surprised. Gradually, some dared to lift their heads and look, only to see the City Lord helping the mayor to his feet, a gentle smile on his face.

Instantly.

Many looked on with admiration, silently praising the City Lord's demeanor.

The previously tense and oppressive atmosphere dissipated somewhat, and the City Lord had already won over much goodwill.

Feeling the weight of everyone's gazes.

City Lord Xu Cangyun continued to speak with a smile, his tone growing even more amiable.

"Mayor Xu, there's no need to be nervous."

"I have come here today not on official business, but because I heard that there is a highly learned schoolteacher in Qinghe Town. I wish to pay him a visit. Would you be willing to introduce us?"

Hearing these words, the mayor was utterly baffled, and even the old clan leader beside him began to question reality.

Holy...

Standing before them was the City Lord, a figure whose word could decide the life and death of thousands, a legendary Martial King. Yet he was being so polite?

Upon hearing of Mr. Yi Feng's scholarly reputation, he had used the term "pay a visit." Wasn't that a bit too courteous?

By all rights, he could simply summon anyone he wished, and no one would dare refuse!

What was even more unbelievable was that not only had the City Lord come in person, but his tone also carried a sense of consultation, with no hint of overbearing authority?

This was truly infuriating.

What had he done to deserve such treatment?

Here was a man of such high status, yet he was so humble and polite.

This was the mark of a true great figure.

Instantly.

The mayor was even more overwhelmed with honor, his trembling hands unsure whether from excitement or nervousness!

"Ci-City Lord, you are too kind."

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

As the mayor led the way, the City Lord and his daughter followed steadily behind. The townsfolk watching from the streets were filled with awe, deeply moved by what they had witnessed, their eyes brimming with admiration.

"My goodness..."

"As expected of the City Lord, his demeanor is truly extraordinary!"

"Tsk tsk, this is the bearing of a great figure!"

...

The distant sounds of praise could still be heard. With just a few gestures, the City Lord had won over countless hearts. Chen Yuxin listened with a look of shame, finally understanding the gap between her and her father in handling people and situations.

This single act of winning over the people was something she would need half a lifetime to learn.

These ordinary folk were of little consequence, but once word spread, her father's reputation would surely grow even greater, bringing countless benefits to Yecheng. The Martial Emperor they sought must have already taken notice. Without even meeting him, her father had already earned his goodwill. What a masterful strategy!

With her father taking charge, success was all but assured.

As father and daughter exchanged expectant smiles.

The mayor came to a stop in front of a thatched cottage at the foot of the mountain, turning back to bow respectfully.

"City Lord, Miss Chen."

"This is where Mr. Yi Feng is currently staying."