Chen Changsheng turned and entered a pawnshop.

Seeing a customer, the manager asked, “Sir, here to pawn something? Or redeem?”

The manager looked about thirty years old, but the shop itself seemed much older. Inside, an elderly man sat nearby. The two were likely father and son.

Chen Changsheng inquired, “Do you know Old Huang, selling tea on Silin Street?”

The manager clearly paused. “Y-yes.”

Chen Changsheng spoke, “I am giving you a chance. Bring out the silver. You have one quarter-hour. Best not keep me waiting.”

So saying, Chen Changsheng sat down nearby.

The old man inside seemed to hear the conversation.

The manager’s face changed. “What silver?”

The elderly man’s steps were unsteady. He approached and asked, “What is the matter?”

The manager pretended ignorance. “Father, no idea. This man just demands silver.”

The old man glanced at his son, then looked at the Man in Blue Robe sitting there.

He thought for a moment, then walked over.

“Esteemed guest.”

The old man smiled. “We angered you somehow? Please explain clearly.”

Chen Changsheng stated, “I only wait one quarter-hour.”

He said nothing more.

“This…”

The old man didn’t know how to smooth things over.

Of course, the man might just be causing trouble.

But what trouble could one find in a pawnshop?

Was he after money?

The old man felt wrong. That Blue Robe alone suggested wealth.

He looked at his son, the pawnshop Manager.

Softly, he asked, “Anger anyone lately?”

The Manager shook his head. “No, Father. He must want money. Kick him out.”

Chen Changsheng’s gaze shifted to the Manager.

Drawn to that look, the Manager met it—and instantly felt a chill down his spine. He quickly looked away.

Guilt stirred inside him.

“Who did he come for?” pressed the elderly man.

The Manager replied, “Said it’s for that Old Huang.”

“Him.”

The old man seemed to know the tea seller of Qingshan City.

The Manager peeked at the seated figure.

A rush of panic hit him. Harshly, he yelled, “Dare cheat me? Leave now, or I’ll strike!”

Chen Changsheng merely glanced at him.

The Manager faltered slightly, but still stood firm. “What are you staring at? Get out!”

The old man instantly frowned. He stopped his son. “Congzhi! Be polite!”

“Father,” the Manager pleaded. “He is cheating!”

“You stay quiet,” the elder commanded.

He approached Chen Changsheng again.

“This elder is Shi Zainan, Old Manager of Shi Family Pawnshop. Young sir, you sit saying nothing. This elder knows not what to do. If there’s a matter, speak clearly. Agreed?”

Chen Changsheng met the old man’s eyes. “Elder, this concerns you not. I advise you stay out. I said I wait one quarter-hour. Nearly done.”

Shi Zainan questioned, “Concerns me not? So it concerns my son?”

Chen Changsheng remained silent.

Shi Congzhi bristled. “Father, why bother talking to him?”

Shi Zainan called once more, “Young sir?”

Still, no reply.

Shi Zainan sighed softly. “If you truly steal money, this elder has none to give.”

He returned to the inner room.

Shi Congzhi breathed easier inside yet showed nothing. He only scowled at the Blue Robed one. “Leave, or I’ll report you to the authorities.”

Chen Changsheng stated coldly, “Half a quarter-hour remains.”

Shi Congzhi snorted. “Trying to scare me?”

“Congzhi, speak less,” came the old man’s voice from inside.

Shi Congzhi simply humphed and fell quiet.

Yet in truth, his nerves were fraying.

What if…?

Shi Congzhi stole another look at the man—so frail looking. His worry faded.

“Drag it out. Wait for the officers. We’ll see then.”

Shi Congzhi sent someone to report the matter.

And Chen Changsheng? He kept his seat in utter silence.

Through it all, the two shopkeepers avoided further talk.

A half-hour passed.

At last, the seated Chen Changsheng rose.

Shi Congzhi eyed him. “Giving up? Officers are coming.”

Chen Changsheng stated, “Know this? That silver took Old Huang forty years to save.”

Shi Congzhi’s brow furrowed. “Accusing me of stealing? Don’t slander me!”

Chen Changsheng shook his head, calm. “It matters not now. I gave you your chance.”

Outside on the street, Ouyang Feng watched it all.

He saw the Man in Blue Robe lift a single hand.

Bang!

The pawnshop doors slammed shut.

Ouyang Feng froze. “How…did the doors shut?”

He moved toward the shop to see.

Step by careful step.

Not a single sound escaped within. No voices. Nothing.

As Ouyang Feng’s hand touched the pawnshop door…

It swung open by itself.

The sight inside sent Ouyang Feng’s eyes wide.

Two severed palms lay upon the floor. Blood stained everywhere: the ground, the tables, even the walls.

The Manager lived, but both hands were gone. He looked only half-conscious.

The old man lay nearby—staring blankly, struck dumb by shock.

Of the Man in Blue Robe? Not a trace remained. 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝐰𝚎𝕓𝐧𝚘𝘃𝗲𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝕞

Ouyang Feng’s breath caught frozen.

He tore his gaze away and hurried off.

“Mad! Utter madness!”

Who in Qingshan City would commit such brutal daylight violence?

Moments after Ouyang Feng fled…

Shouts erupted down the street.

“Murder!!”

Officers swiftly arrived. The Manager carried to a clinic—fate unknown.

The old man taken by the authorities.

Such an event meant chaos.

Within mere half an hour, more Patrolling Officers flooded Qingshan City. The crime was too severe.

A direct challenge to justice itself.

—

Deep into night, Chen Changsheng returned to that clay home beyond the city walls.

Yan Huanglou still sat, deadwood still and waiting.

Thump.

Chen Changsheng tossed a heavy sack at Yan Huanglou’s feet.

“Seventy-eight silver taels, three hundred twenty-nine coppers. Not one coin more. Not one coin less.”

Yan Huanglou looked up, stunned.

In Yan Huanglou’s memory, Chen Changsheng’s robe never bore a single stain.

Yet tonight, that Blue Robe… carried splashes of blood.