Evening sunlight cast long shadows, painting the horizon with a golden glow. The autumn wind rustled the last withered leaves clinging to the branches, sweeping over the city streets. Carriages rumbled through the bustling marketplace, weaving between the throng of pedestrians.

As members of the Overlord Saber Camp rode up to the carriage, Ning Yi sat inside, discussing the day's operation with Liu Xigua, Liu Tiannan, and others. Chen Fan, still recovering from his injuries, had joined the gathering to add his two cents.

The primary target for today was Bao Dao-yi's White Deer Temple. For days, many believed Bao Dao-yi and Liu Xigua would remain rational, preventing a large-scale conflict. However, Liu Xigua knew Bao Dao-yi was one to hold grudges, and this conflict wouldn't wait until nightfall. Instead, they would strike Bao Dao-yi's lair before dark, rescuing the many women held captive there, all under the watchful eyes of the public.

To wage war, one needed a pretext. With the Overlord Saber Camp already holding the moral high ground, they needed to capitalize on it.

In contrast, the women at the Ancient Elm Temple were either discarded toys of Bao Dao-yi or those seized by his men. Only the White Deer Temple truly represented Bao Dao-yi's harem. Striking there would be like tearing a piece of flesh from his heart. With this act, the Overlord Saber Camp would be in a full-blown war with Bao Dao-yi, leaving no room for mediation; others would be forced to choose a side.

Having decided to strike, they wouldn't merely attack one location as a show. With the White Deer Temple as the main target, they dispatched teams to other strategic locations belonging to Bao Dao-yi. This evening would be a grand spectacle. For Ning Yi, the plan set for Wen Ren'er, the future situation in Hangzhou, and crucial arrangements that could aid against the imperial army would all be set in motion this evening. That was why Ning Yi was genuinely surprised when a messenger caught up from behind, followed by the sight of Juan'er.

Hangzhou was turbulent, and Juan'er was dressed as a boy, deliberately smudging dirt on her face. Anxiously, she told Ning Yi about the recent siege of their small courtyard and how Lu Hongti had sent her to deliver the news. She was visibly distressed. With Lu Hongti present, she could have protected Su Tan'er and escaped or even wiped out the dozens surrounding the courtyard, but doing both, let alone ensuring everyone's safety, would be difficult.

Even if she could, Su Tan'er and her party, after killing dozens, would never leave the city. In that situation, Su Tan'er asked Lu Hongti to send someone to deliver the message. However, Lu Hongti insisted on staying by Su Tan'er's side, sending only Juan'er to give Ning Yi the choice.

"...The Lou family?" Ning Yi paused, surprised by the news.

"I saw the Lou family's second young master. The eldest young master seemed to be there too… Son-in-Law, you know Lou Shuheng has always coveted Miss. It might be because of that…"

"Ha, this really is…" Finding no words to express the absurd situation, Ning Yi looked up, mouth agape. However ridiculous, the matter had occurred. Taking a breath, he patted Juan'er's shoulder: "I understand. Juan'er, go back to Willow Lane with Xiao Chan. Wait for me and your Miss to return tonight. Everything will be alright."

Ning Yi turned towards the carriage waiting by the street. Seeing Ning Yi decide so quickly, Juan'er was relieved but also worried, turning to Xiao Chan: "What about leaving tonight…?" Xiao Chan shook her head, pulling her away: "Let's go back first." She feared Liu Xigua and the others would suspect something.

In truth, the others had been watching with amusement, wondering what relation the cross-dressing girl had with Ning Yi. Liu Xigua seemed thoughtful. Ning Yi walked over. Under the setting sun, the scholar in long robes spoke a few words on the bustling street, causing everyone's expressions to shift. After a moment, Liu Xigua spoke: "Is two hundred men enough?"

"Fifty will do. I'll find the Swift Edge Camp on the way. You go first."

"I'll give you a hundred. A'Chang will go with you."

This was a quick and decisive exchange, rapidly addressing the sudden situation. As Fang Shuchang jumped off the carriage, Ning Yi turned to leave, but Liu Xigua leaned out, a mischievous smile on her face.

"I'll prepare a banquet tonight to welcome your sister-in-law."

"Got it." Ning Yi replied, sounding a bit annoyed. The carriage began to move, the curtains lifted, and another figure jumped down: Chen Fan, still wearing bandages, smiled and patted Ning Yi's shoulder: "I'll go with you. I want to meet my sister-in-law too."

At that moment, hundreds of Overlord Saber Camp elites were quietly dispersing into the city's main areas. Liu Xigua's carriage headed for the White Deer Temple, while Ning Yi, Fang Shuchang, Chen Fan, and others hurried in the opposite direction towards the Lou Manor. Messengers were dispatched to gather the nearby hundred or so men, while another messenger headed towards the nearby Swift Edge Camp. This unit was a small faction leaning towards the Overlord Saber Camp, and the eldest son of its leader was a core member of Ning Yi's Yongle Youth League. Upon receiving the message, over a hundred men mobilized.

Meanwhile, the Lou Manor was preparing for dinner.

******************

Before nightfall, large lanterns began to light up. The Lou family was large and wealthy, and they weren't short on money. Five tables were set up in the main hall: three for the Lou family and their relatives, and two for recruited strategists or retainers.

Lou Shuheng entered with some excitement, only to be met with a glare from Lou Jinlin. Lou Shuwang called the steward to strengthen the defenses inside and outside the manor to prevent trouble. He was a cautious man, aware that Ning Yi likely had connections with the Overlord Saber Camp. If he resorted to desperate measures, they needed to be prepared.

The Lou family was different now. To grow and expand, the power of relatives couldn't be ignored, nor could recruited strategists and retainers be slighted. Everyone eating together daily was an excellent way to consolidate relationships. Lou Shuheng had just captured Su Tan'er and the others, but he dared not miss dinner. While he was usually absent-minded during these times, today he was noticeably more active, talking and chatting with people, attracting attention.

Like his second brother, Lou Shuwan's emotions were complex and downcast. Seeing his behavior, she became suspicious. After a moment, she learned about her eldest brother's instructions to the steward and asked: "Big brother, what did you and second brother do?"

Lou Shuwang paused from his meal: "What are you talking about?"

"Did you… did you attack Ning Yi?"

"No." Lou Shuwang shook his head, denying it. "But it's inevitable. Don't worry about it."

"You…" Lou Shuwan's eyes widened, about to speak when Lou Jinlin, in the main seat, frowned: "Shuwan, don't talk about such disgraceful things during dinner!"

He vaguely heard his daughter mention "Ning Yi," and he was displeased. Lou Shuwan was still afraid of her father, so she fell silent. Lou Jinlin asked Lou Shuwang: "Shuwang, how is Tang Bingzhang?"

"The agreement hasn't been finalized…"

"Tomorrow, I will personally speak with him to finalize the matter."

Hearing this, a retainer's eyes lit up: "Does Dongweng want to subdue Tang Bingzhang? That won't be easy…"

Everyone internally understood the implications of the Lou family's recruitment of people and forces. This was no longer the status of a merchant but a progression towards a large family, a warlord. They discussed the recent changes in the external perception of the Lou family, how few dared to bully them, and more, expressing enthusiasm and taking pride in it. Lou Jinlin said to Lou Shuwan and Lou Shuheng: "In the future, focus on these matters of the family. We are no longer the Lou family of the past. We need a bigger vision."

While they were discussing these things, not far from the Lou Manor, hundreds of Overlord Saber Camp members were approaching from the road. When they met Ning Yi, some asked: "Mr. Ning, is it true that our sister-in-law was kidnapped?" They came in groups of three or five, or in batches of more than ten, not fully forming a formation. According to the plan, they were to disguise themselves as pedestrians for a surprise attack. Messages were passed back and forth within the crowd, accompanied by whispers.

"I heard Mr. Ning's wife was taken…"

"Never seen her before…"

"Who the hell did it…"

"They don't know their place…"

"What are you all dawdling for? Hurry!"

"Damn it, we'll skin them alive…"

Ning Yi wasn't a rough, meat-eating, ale-drinking fellow in the Overlord Saber Camp. His role was that of a scholar. Although he wasn't entirely integrated, everyone knew his abilities and that he had helped Liu Tiannan organize the Overlord Saber Camp effectively. To these men, this slap in the face felt like it was aimed directly at them.

Batch after batch of sword-wielding men surged forward, filled with killing intent…

******************

As the time of Shen passed, the sky darkened, and red lanterns hung high.

The atmosphere at the banquet became increasingly harmonious and lively. At some point, a plume of smoke appeared in the sky on one side of the courtyard, indicating a fire on the other side of the city. Everyone looked.

"What place is that?"

"Over on the east side of the city."

"Looks like the White Deer Temple."

"No way, doesn't seem like it…"

As they spoke, chaotic sounds suddenly came from outside, faintly audible. Everyone wondered if it was real when a guard rushed in from the main gate: "Report… Reporting… Outside… there are soldiers… soldiers…"

"Something's happened." Lou Jinlin frowned. "Passers-by?"

"N-n-no… not…"

Before the man could finish speaking, the main gate of the courtyard was suddenly kicked open, and figures rushed in. Naturally, there were guards here, who initially tried to block them, but they stopped, no one daring to step forward. On the surrounding walls, groups of archers appeared. From the street on the side of the main residence, one could vaguely hear: "Charge in!" These short commands were delivered. There was no loud shouting or killing, but movement could be heard from all directions. Occasionally, a scream, perhaps of someone dying, echoed from a courtyard in the back.

The front and back yards were quickly brought under control. Some in the yard tried to negotiate but were cut down on the spot. The attackers came in several waves but didn't speak, only fixed everyone in the yard and rooms with bloodied or unbloodied swords. Some of the five tables in the main hall stood up, while others sat there, afraid to move. Lou Jinlin remained seated, maintaining his composure in the face of this sudden turn of events, asking in a deep voice: "Who is this?"

Lou Shuwang stood beside him, thinking, shaking his head as he looked at everything: "Impossible."

"What?"

"Maybe… Maybe it's Ning Yi… But how could it be…"

"Hmm?" Lou Jinlin looked up at his eldest son. Lou Shuwang said: "Second brother captured Su Tan'er an hour ago. She's currently in the house."

Lou Jinlin pursed his lips, thinking, his eyes sharp: "Even the Buddha Commander couldn't easily move against my Lou family." He shook his head. "It can't be that Ning Yi. It's just a coincidence… We'll see what they want when they arrive."

However, moments later, Ning Yi appeared at the courtyard entrance with Chen Fan, Fang Shuchang, and others. Expressionless, he rolled up the sleeves of his scholar's robe and walked straight towards the hall. Lou Jinlin slightly raised his head, watching. Lou Shuwang frowned, shaking his head and whispering: "How… this is impossible…" But then, he walked towards the entrance of the hall, adopting a welcoming posture, constantly wondering how this absurd situation had come about, how this son-in-law who had joined the Fang La army only recently could have accomplished this.

Everyone watched. Most of them didn't know Ning Yi, but judging from the situation, they knew he was the one in charge. As Ning Yi frowned slightly and stepped onto the steps, Lou Shuwang cupped his hands: "Brother Ning, today's events…" Ning Yi's cold, perhaps even bored, gaze only lingered on him for a moment before turning back to Lou Jinlin in the room. As he walked, he took a crossbow from someone beside him. The next moment, the crossbow was aimed at Lou Shuwang's throat, and he pulled the trigger.

*Thwack—*

"Ah—"

Someone screamed, shaking the hall. Ning Yi entered the hall, Lou Shuwang falling two meters away, the crossbow bolt piercing his throat. He tried to cover it, but blood gushed out of his throat and mouth. He looked at the ceiling, his mind only occupied with the thought that he didn't understand what was happening. That was Ning Yi, why why why why… He still had many things to do. That was Ning Yi, the son-in-law he had first met. He still had many things to do and was doing them. What about the arrangements for tomorrow? He had only kidnapped an insignificant Su Tan'er. She was insignificant, someone who could be killed casually…

Lou Shuwan screamed and rushed towards her brother, but with a crossbow bolt through his throat, it was futile. The sudden shock tightened Lou Jinlin's body, sitting in the top seat. Still sitting there, the old man clenched his teeth, staring intently at Ning Yi as he watched his eldest son fall. Few would have thought that the newcomer would attack Lou Shuwang so decisively. Someone came forward: "What are you doing?"

This person was a Lou family relative, perhaps just instinctively stepping forward. Fang Shuchang drew his sword, sheathed it, and the corpse, with blood splattering everywhere, was sent flying, blood soaking the ground. People who were hit jumped back, tripped, and screamed, creating further chaos. But after this, the hall was nearly silent. Ning Yi's footsteps never stopped. He casually tossed the crossbow back, passed through the two round tables near the door, and walked straight towards the main family table at the back.

A Lou family member sitting opposite Lou Jinlin rose, instinctively trying to avoid him, but tripped over a chair and staggered back several steps. For a time, almost everyone scattered in such a chaotic manner. Ning Yi stepped over the space between the two chairs, grabbed the edge of the round table, and easily flipped it to the side.

With a loud crash, the huge round table, along with the dozen or so dishes on top, flew towards the side of the hall. The table next to it was originally occupied by a group of retainers recruited by the Lou family, all martial artists, some of them quite skilled. But at this moment, they could only clumsily dodge, some being drenched in soup, but they still didn't dare to speak. In fact, the most skilled of these people had been beaten violently by Chen Fan before, and at this time, looking at Chen Fan standing there, his hands trembled.

The round table flew away, and the frame supporting it was also overturned and smashed to the side. Only Lou Jinlin was left sitting at the original main family table. This old man had real presence. At this moment, his whole body was trembling slightly. Like a lion whose cubs had been killed, he stared at Ning Yi with a deathly glare. Perhaps even mid-level officers in the Fang La army would be appalled if they encountered such a gaze during a home raid. Ning Yi grabbed a chair beside him, placed it directly in front of Lou Jinlin, and sat down in front of the old man, pressing his hands into fists on his knees, sitting upright like a pine tree, and looking at the old man's eyes with a cold expression.

After a two-second staredown, he spoke in a cold tone, his voice not loud, with no inflections, merely making a simple and peaceful statement: "I'm here to pick people up. If anyone says no today, I'll kill your whole family."

Lou Jinlin stared at him, his lips trembling slightly, but he didn't say anything. After a few more seconds, Ning Yi reached out and slowly and forcefully patted the back of the old man's hand twice, stood up, and walked away, not bothering to look at him again.

Those controlling the scene and searching had already gone inside. He walked under the eaves, waiting for his wife and the others to come out. (To be continued.) Please vote and give monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)

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