’The fish have taken the bait.’

Without further delay, he summoned Xu Shenzhi, Zhao Changqiu, and a squad of elite Jingwu Guards. Traveling light, they left the city and headed straight for the Xu Family estate on Yuquan Mountain.

The Xu Family estate was located at the foot of Yuquan Mountain, over thirty li from the Prefecture City.

The group galloped onward, their hoofbeats shattering the morning tranquility.

The scenery grew more serene, with rolling hills and lush forests. After covering more than half the distance, they reached a fork in the road in the middle of nowhere. By the roadside stood a simple tea stall, its cloth banner fluttering gently in the breeze.

Chen Sheng suddenly reined in his horse, raising a hand to signal for the group to halt.

"Let’s rest here for a moment. We’ll have some tea before we continue."

Xu Shenzhi was slightly taken aback. He glanced at the sky and estimated the remaining distance. They were less than ten li from the Xu Family estate now; at a full gallop, they could be there in the blink of an eye. There was really no need to delay here.

But he didn’t dare question Chen Sheng’s decision and quickly replied:

"Yes, Captain."

Everyone dismounted.

The stall was run by an old couple who looked simple and honest. Seeing officials stop by, they hurried over enthusiastically to greet them.

"Bring us some hot tea, and give the horses some fodder and water," Yan Ming said, casually tossing the owner a piece of broken silver.

"Ah, right away! Please have a seat, sirs, the tea will be out in a moment." The owner accepted the silver, his face wreathed in smiles, and quickly called to his wife to tend to the horses.

Chen Sheng led Xu Shenzhi and Zhao Changqiu to a slightly worn wooden table. He sat down with a leisurely air, as if he were truly just taking a short break from his journey.

He picked up the crude porcelain teacup, gently blew aside the floating leaves, and took a sip. Shaking his head, he remarked:

"This tea is coarse. When we get to the Xu Family estate, Shen Zhi, you must find me some good tea to try."

Seeing that Chen Sheng appeared to be in a good mood, Xu Shenzhi quickly puffed out his chest and promised, "Rest assured, Captain. I have a stock of the finest Yuquan Cloud and Mist tea at home. I guarantee you’ll be satisfied."

Zhao Changqiu chimed in with a joke, and the atmosphere seemed relaxed and congenial.

However, as the men were chatting, Li Huai Sheng, who had remained vigilant on perimeter watch, suddenly strode to Chen Sheng’s side and reported in a low voice:

"Captain, we have company approaching from the front and rear. Their auras are hostile. It seems they’re not here on friendly business."

Hearing this, the expressions of Xu Shenzhi, Zhao Changqiu, and the others shifted, their eyes immediately scanning their surroundings.

On the road ahead and behind them, six figures had appeared out of nowhere. They were slowly closing in, subtly forming an encirclement. Their gazes were ice-cold, locked openly on Chen Sheng as a palpable Evil Qi emanated from their bodies.

The surrounding Jingwu Guards reacted instantly. With a chorus of SHIINGS, they drew their sabers, tightening their formation to shield Chen Sheng in the center. Their sharp gazes were fixed on the intruders, and the atmosphere instantly became charged with tension.

Yet Chen Sheng, at the center of the storm, acted as if he had noticed nothing. He continued to sip the coarse tea in a slow, deliberate manner, even furrowing his brow slightly as he commented again:

"This tea really is quite ordinary."

"You won’t be drinking fine tea for the rest of your life," the leader, Elder Liu, snorted. His sinister gaze locked onto Chen Sheng, his killing intent completely undisguised.

Gao Yuanzhao, especially, stared daggers at Chen Sheng, his eyes burning with bone-deep hatred and the thrill of imminent revenge. His voice was distorted with excitement as he spoke:

"Chen Sheng, do you have any idea who I am?!"

Hearing this, Chen Sheng finally set down his crude porcelain teacup. He looked up, his calm gaze falling upon the crazed-looking Gao Yuanzhao. The corner of his mouth curved into a ghost of a smile, and his tone was as cold as ice:

"I do. A dead man."

————