Lai Chang hurried from Bafang City to Zhongyuan, likely carrying all of his belongings with him.

"Three thousand eight hundred silver taels, not bad."

"These short blades are made of Xuan iron; it seems his weapon of choice is this uniquely shaped short blade."

Lin Zheyu meticulously counted through the items on Lai Chang.

Aside from some silver taels and ten Xuan iron short blades, there was little of value on Lai Chang, just some poisons and general Antitoxic Elixir.

Beyond that, there was nothing of real value.

"Eh, what's this map?"

A look of curiosity crossed Lin Zheyu's face.

This was an antique-looking map, imbued with traces of time.

The material of the map was unknown, feeling extremely delicate to the touch with a faintly cool sensation.

The exceptional quality of the map paper suggested that the map itself must also be highly valuable.

"A treasure map?"

"Could it be that this guy came to Zhongyuan for something related to what's on this map?" Lin Zheyu speculated inwardly.

The map was only half complete, and he suspected the other half was with Lai Chang's companions.

After gathering the items from Lai Chang, he changed into clean clothes.

"Little waiter," Lin Zheyu called out.

Before long, the waiter hurried over.

Guests who could afford the upper rooms were distinguished patrons and could not be neglected.

"Ah!"

The waiter let out a gasp.

In the room, a cold corpse lay on the floor, a fist-sized hole in its chest.

Blood gushed continuously from the cavity.

"Whew~"

"Whew-whew~~"

The waiter took deep breaths, attempting to calm himself down quickly.

"Sir, what happened here?"

The waiter inhaled deeply, asking with a slightly trembling voice.

He recognized the man on the ground as one of their guests.

"This person inexplicably appeared in my room, seemingly planning to steal something."

"After I caught him, he tried to escape, and I accidentally killed him. How do you handle this matter here?"

"Do we need to report it to the authorities or to the responsible faction?"

Lin Zheyu calmly stated.

It was obvious someone was backing this marketplace for it to function smoothly.

He was now in the right, so handling it according to local rules was appropriate.

"I will report this to the steward, who will send someone to handle it."

"I apologize for the inconvenience, sir. Allow me to change your room." The waiter respectfully replied.

Lin Zheyu was somewhat satisfied with his handling of the situation.

As a former member of the Feihong Gang, Lin Zheyu was well-acquainted with these procedures.

As long as the deceased wasn't someone important, no biased protection would occur.

Lai Chang and Lai Mao, like him, were from Bafang City, with no connections here.

After changing rooms with the waiter's help, Lin Zheyu descended the staircase.

Liang Yuhan and Liang Yunhui were still eating.

Martial Artists generally have large appetites, and after a long time on the road, they indulged in a proper meal.

Liang Yuhan glanced at Lin Zheyu, seeing that he was unharmed, and continued eating.

Her eating motions were elegant, like a lady from a notable family, evidently well-trained.

Lin Zheyu walked down the stairs slowly.

He did not return to his original seat but headed towards Lai Mao.

The recent battle was brief, Lin Zheyu effortlessly killing Lai Chang with minimal commotion.

The noise of the first floor drowned out any sounds from above, leaving no one aware.

"What's the matter?"

Lai Mao glanced up, replying indifferently.

"I just met your companion."

Lin Zheyu's lips curled faintly.

Before Lai Mao could respond, he continued, "He sneaked into my room, trying to steal, but I accidentally killed him with one punch."

Bang!

Lai Mao's expression changed drastically.

He abruptly stood up, striking the table with his palm, shattering it instantly.

Lin Zheyu took a step back, the Qi Blood in his body quietly circulating, ready to strike Lai Mao if he attacked.

He relayed this to Lai Mao, hoping to provoke him into attacking.

If Lai Mao struck first, Lin Zheyu would have a legitimate reason for a defensive kill.

"Whew~"

Unexpectedly, Lai Mao took a long breath, suppressing his anger, though his expression appeared grim.

"Are you joking?" Lai Mao asked solemnly.

"Go upstairs and see for yourself."

"Once you've seen it, if you want revenge, feel free to come at me."

Lin Zheyu said with a smile.

With a swift movement, he appeared next to Lai Mao.

He patted Lai Mao's shoulder, secretly applying Tracking Powder in the process.

This wasn't the right place for a fight; he'd use the Tracking Powder and find a better location.

Having already killed one, he should eliminate the other to avoid future trouble.

Furthermore, Lin Zheyu wondered if Lai Mao had the other half of the map.

Lai Mao appeared horrified.

As Lin Zheyu approached, he instantly became alert.

Circulating his Qi Blood, he quickly retreated.

But the other moved astonishingly fast, a ghostly, fluid technique, and in a blink, his right hand rested on Lai Mao's shoulder.

Lai Mao couldn't resist at all.

"So strong!"

"Damn, why would a master of such caliber hide among people and travel with the Guangxuan Escort Agency to Zhongyuan?"

Lai Mao felt like cursing.

His mind raced, taking deep breaths to suppress his fear and anger over hearing of Lai Chang's death.

"Spare me, esteemed one!"

"I meant no offense; please forgive me."

Lai Mao immediately conceded, speaking respectfully.

The moment he was approached and touched with Tracking Powder, he knew he couldn't escape.

Lin Zheyu: "Huh???"

Lin Zheyu was stunned.

He'd anticipated many potential reactions from Lai Mao but hadn't expected this scene.

Truly a seasoned wanderer of the Jianghu, capable of both bending and standing firm.

"Let's talk somewhere else."

Lin Zheyu, noting the attention from others, said calmly.

Lai Mao's table-shattering act caught the interest of nearby patrons, who watched with curiosity.

Among them were many adept in the Qi Blood Realm.

"Mother, do you think Mr. Zhao will be alright?"

Liang Yunhui asked, somewhat worried.

Beside her, Xiaohei was eating roasted meat in boredom. Though not as tasty as ferocious beast meat, it was better than nothing.

Xiaohei paid no attention to Lin Zheyu's circumstances.

All it cared about was food.

"Don't worry; he's very strong, nothing will happen to him."

Liang Yuhan said softly.

A hint of surprise flashed in her eyes.

Liang Yuhan suspected Lin Zheyu was strong, but hadn't imagined he could make Lai Mao yield without lifting a finger.

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