The reason Cheng Renjing was so nervous was that although there were many people accompanying them to the banquet tonight, besides Chen Ping'an himself, there wasn't even one Inner Qi Realm expert.
The Liusha Gang's leader was already an expert at Inner Qi First Level Perfection, and Chen Ping'an was already at a disadvantage dealing with him alone. If he didn't bring the Zhenfu Division's Internal Energy experts, wouldn't he be even more disadvantaged?
Besides Cheng Renjing, there were also voices from the various Squad Leader department heads within the Zhenfu Division. Even the Chief Warrant Officers from various major urban areas specifically came to see Chen Ping'an. But the final result was still as seen with the people brought tonight: no Inner Qi Realm experts accompanied him.
The Liusha Gang members were densely packed around the Drunken Immortal Pavilion, each one fierce and malevolent, looking like murderous villains from afar. But as Chen Ping'an approached, these people seemed to have made a tacit agreement, stepping aside one after another, clearing a Dao for him.
Countless gazes converged on Chen Ping'an, but he seemed oblivious to them, not even sparing them a glance as he directly stepped through the main entrance of the Drunken Immortal Pavilion.
Except for a small portion who followed Chen Ping'an inside, the rest of the Zhenfu Division stood outside the Drunken Immortal Pavilion, confronting the Liusha Gang members.
Watching Chen Ping'an enter as if no one else was there, some Liusha Gang members discussed in hushed tones.
"Iron Head, didn't you say you'd make him wet his pants on the spot? Why did you give way when he came?"
"You gave way too!"
"I'm different, I didn't say anything about wetting pants just now!"
"I..."
"'I what I'? Aren't you just a kid who hasn't even grown all his hair? What are you afraid of? Just stand out and confront him!"
"Stand out and confront him? Look at my face!"
"What?" The ruffian who spoke actually seriously went to look at Iron Head's face.
"Look at my face, does it look like I'm missing a screw?"
It's fine to talk big, but don't take it seriously. The Zhenfu Division's Deputy Commander, if he really had to face him, even with ten times the guts, Iron Head wouldn't dare to truly stand out and confront him.
Confront him? Is he tired of living!?
Does he really think a Deputy Commander is just a common cabbage that anyone can step on?
The last one who dared to step on him like that, his head is still kept in the gang!
...
"Lord Chen, I've long admired you! I heard that after you took office in Baishi City, I always wanted to find time to meet you, but alas, gang affairs are complicated, and I've never been free, so my wish hasn't been granted!"
As soon as Chen Ping'an reached the top floor of the Drunken Immortal Pavilion, the voice of the Liusha Gang leader, Yin Zisheng, rang out, but he remained seated, not moving an inch.
Chen Ping'an swept his gaze around. Besides the Liusha Gang leader, Yin Zisheng, there were over ten people in the room, but most of them were standing. Only two people were truly seated.
Chen Ping'an didn't respond to Yin Zisheng's words, calmly walking forward and taking a seat at the table. Cheng Renjing followed closely, but did not sit down, instead standing ramrod straight behind Chen Ping'an. The other Yamen Runners filed in, occupying the surrounding space, their gazes focused on the Liusha Gang members.
Seeing Chen Ping'an's lack of reaction, a momentary flash of annoyance crossed Yin Zisheng's face, but he quickly returned to his original composure.
"Lord Chen, to meet you, I had this banquet tonight meticulously prepared. Look at this pot of tea in front of you..."
Chen Ping'an directly interrupted Yin Zisheng's speech: "Gang Leader Yin, there's no need for pleasantries. This official came tonight not to listen to you say these things."
"Lord Chen is truly straightforward!" Yin Zisheng narrowed his eyes: "Come, let me introduce you, this is Shen Taiyuan, my Liusha Gang's Deputy Leader!"
"Lord Chen!" Shen Taiyuan looked at Chen Ping'an with an unfriendly expression. "My Protector, Uncle Gu, was killed for no reason, and I want an explanation!"
When Chen Ping'an came up just now, he had already noticed Shen Taiyuan.
One at Inner Qi First Level Perfection, and one close to Inner Qi First Level Perfection!
"An explanation?"
Chen Ping'an smiled, unhurriedly picking up the teapot in front of him and pouring himself a cup.
"Deputy Leader Shen, this explanation should be what this official demands from you!"
"At last night's welcoming banquet, your Liusha Gang not only ruined this official's mood but also gave this official a good slap in the face! How do you intend to account for this matter?"
What's going on?
Yin Zisheng's heart sank a little; Chen Ping'an's reaction was not quite what he had expected.
Is he planning to confront them to the very end?
Bang!
Shen Taiyuan slammed the table fiercely, rattling the dishes on it. He stood up, glaring angrily.
"Lord Chen, what do you mean by that?"
At this moment, the teacup was full, and Chen Ping'an slowly put down the teapot in his hand. He glanced at Shen Taiyuan.
Shen Taiyuan was naturally prone to fits of rage, and seeing Chen Ping'an act as if he didn't care about him, his heart was filled with even greater fury.
"If you don't give an explanation today, don't even think about walking out that door!"
As Shen Taiyuan's words fell, a long saber at his side was slammed heavily onto the table, shattering countless bone dishes, showing a clear intent not to let the matter rest.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
The Zhenfu Division Yamen Runners standing behind Chen Ping'an all drew the sabers from their waists.
The Liusha Gang members present also picked up their weapons, showing no weakness.
"My Lord!" Cheng Renjing also drew the saber from his waist, ready to act as soon as Chen Ping'an gave the word.
The situation in the room was on the verge of breaking out. It seemed as if a disagreement could lead to a major fight at any moment.
Yin Zisheng sat to the side, observing with cold eyes. He had no intention of stopping Shen Taiyuan. At the moment, Chen Ping'an's attitude was somewhat unfathomable to him.
There was no harm in letting Shen Taiyuan test him. Shen Taiyuan was impulsive, which was perfect for probing and seeing if Chen Ping'an was just putting on an act or truly meant it.
With both sides at daggers drawn, Chen Ping'an seemed oblivious. He slowly and leisurely picked up the teacup in front of him and took a delicate sip.
"Good tea!"
Putting down the teacup, Chen Ping'an's gaze for the first time met Shen Taiyuan's directly.
"Shen Taiyuan, are you trying to rebel?"
Swish!
An incredibly condensed saber light sliced towards Shen Taiyuan.
Gale Quick Saber Slash!
Shen Taiyuan's expression changed. He grabbed the long saber on the table, and the Internal Energy in his body surged wildly, intending to parry.
But compared to Chen Ping'an, his speed... was too slow!
Like a howling gale, the saber light flashed past.
The next moment!
A trail of blood appeared on Shen Taiyuan's brow.
Then...
His entire body fell straight down, split into two.
Liusha Gang Deputy Leader, Shen Taiyuan, dead!
The moment Chen Ping'an made his move, Yin Zisheng reacted. His face was filled with disbelief; he saw clearly that in this Drunken Immortal Pavilion, only Chen Ping'an, an Inner Qi Realm expert, from the Zhenfu Division had come!
He hadn't expected that under such circumstances, Chen Ping'an would still dare to strike so decisively!
How bold!
Before Yin Zisheng could think further, in his line of sight, Shen Taiyuan's swift counterattack suddenly froze.
Bang!
Shen Taiyuan's body fell to the ground with a thud, and it also struck Yin Zisheng's heart.
Without giving him any time to breathe, *swish*! The saber light illuminated again!
A bright white line of light, incredibly condensed, suddenly flared in front of Yin Zisheng's eyes. He parried with his sword at the first instant, and in a flash, it collided with the bright white light.
Almost simultaneously, Yin Zisheng's sword flew out of his hand.
Then...
Inner Qi Second Level Perfection!
Yin Zisheng's expression turned incredibly horrified. He wanted to scream loudly, but his throat wouldn't obey him, as if something was caught in it, or as if something had gone wrong.
He wanted to lower his head but found he couldn't, instead, his vision kept rising.
He strained to look down and suddenly discovered an incredibly familiar body.
Hmm? Where's the head?
Oh! There it is!
Bang!
His head hit the ground, and Yin Zisheng's last shred of consciousness completely vanished.
Liusha Gang Leader, Yin Zisheng, dead!
"Leader!"
"Deputy Leader Shen!"
The Liusha Gang members' eyes widened, their eye sockets about to split, their faces filled with disbelief.
Chen Ping'an stood holding his saber, its blade stained with blood.
"Liusha Gang Leader, Yin Zisheng, and Deputy Leader Shen Taiyuan, attempted to assassinate this official. The evidence is conclusive, and they have been executed on the spot! The Liusha Gang has preyed upon the local people, committing heinous crimes that Heaven cannot tolerate. My Baishi City Garrison Command shall encircle and suppress them! Any who resist shall be killed without mercy!"