"The Lin Family naturally doesn't dare oppose the Judgment Department." Eyes glinting with a sinister light, Lin Kaiwei coldly threatened, "But you do not represent the Judgment Department!"

As soon as he finished speaking, a terrifying aura erupted from Lin Kaiwei's body.

As Jubei City's foremost family, the Lin Family naturally couldn't lack powerhouses. Lin Kaiwei, known as Master Lin Si, certainly wasn't weak. He himself was a Refining Spirit realm expert. Even setting aside Lu Qing's identity, he did not truly fear him.

In fact, due to Lu Qing's relentless pressure, a monstrous killing intent had already surged within Lin Kaiwei!

What of the Judgment Department?

In the Imperial City, the Judgment Department might be all-powerful, but here in the Northern Domain, particularly in Jubei City at its northernmost edge, with the distance from the Emperor, it wasn't an exaggeration to say the sky was high and the Emperor was far.

Besides, if Lu Qing was killed...who would know he was with the Judgment Department?

"Master Lin Si, you have some nerve!"

Narrowing his eyes slightly, Lu Qing's gaze also brimmed with terrifying killing intent.

He clearly understood the implication behind Lin Kaiwei's words, which only fueled his anger. Although he long knew that in border regions like Jubei City, sects and families often feigned compliance with the court while defying it, seeing the Lin Family still intent on killing him to silence him even after revealing his Judgment Department identity truly touched a taboo in Lu Qing's heart.

"Stop!"

Just as the confrontation reached a fever pitch, with both sides ready to strike, a more powerful aura crushed down from outside the inn, forcibly subduing their murderous intents!

"Lin Kaiwei, what do you intend? Are you disregarding even me?"

A middle-aged man clad in luxurious black garments strode into the inn, coldly reprimanding as he spoke.

"Greetings to the City Lord!"

Seeing him, Lin Kaiwei's eyelids twitched slightly, instantly restraining his aura, bowing slightly in greeting.

Simultaneously, all the Lin Family members bowed as well.

The Defender of the North, City Lord of Jubei City!

Not just the others, even Wang Junze immediately recognized his identity.

Three years ago, he had met this City Lord, who had even personally tried to help him open his veins. Unfortunately, it ended in failure.

After three years apart, Wang Junze never expected to meet the City Lord again under such circumstances.

"Wang Junze, greetings to the City Lord!"

Bowing slightly, Wang Junze also respectfully greeted him.

Thus, in the entire courtyard, the only one who hadn't reacted at all or saluted was Lu Qing.

Indeed, even facing the City Lord of Jubei City, Lu Qing's expression remained unchanged. The murderous intent in his gaze towards Lin Kaiwei didn't diminish in the slightest.

"It's just a minor matter, no need for this. Lord Lu, give me some face and let this matter rest, shall we?"

The City Lord's demeanor remained extremely mild, as if unaware of Lu Qing's anger. He spoke again.

Hearing him, Lu Qing raised an eyebrow, seemingly recalling something. Ultimately, he retracted his aura, resuming his usual languid demeanor, and gave a somewhat perfunctory salute, saying, "Since the City Lord has spoken, naturally everything will be handled according to your wishes. I have no objections."

"That's more like it!"

Smiling, the City Lord then turned his gaze to Wang Junze, saying softly, "I remember you, Wang Junze. It's been three years, and to think you've truly managed to open your veins. Now you have some flair of a Sword Path Genius."

"Just a lucky stroke!"

Bowwing slightly, Wang Junze again offered a salute, then respectfully replied, "I don't dare to accept the title of Sword Path Genius."

"Did you kill Lin Binqiang?"

The City Lord looked at Wang Junze, asking again.

"Yes!"

Facing the City Lord, Wang Junze didn't hide anything, directly stating, "Lin Binqiang lost a sword match in front of the Spirit Treasure Pavilion but tried to renege, aiming to silence me and reclaim the Dragon Roar Sword. I was forced to retaliate, which led to his death."

"To kill a Condensing Truth cultivator with just an Opened Veins stage, how could such talent and strength not be worthy of the title Sword Path Genius?" Grinning, the City Lord didn't even touch on who was right or wrong between Wang Junze and Lin Binqiang. Casually, he said, "Tomorrow, the Saintess of the Profound Moon Sword Sect enters the city. I'll hold a banquet at the City Lord's Mansion. Dare you come and let her see your skills?"

This simple sentence carried a wealth of information.

In an instant, everyone's gaze seemed to fixate on Wang Junze.

Yet both Lin Kaiwei and Lu Qing dared not voice opposition at this moment.

Even Wang Junze couldn't immediately grasp its deeper implications, instinctively realizing it was far more than merely an opportunity to meet the Saintess of the Profound Moon Sword Sect.

Given the City Lord's status, no matter how much meaning was packed behind his offer, Wang Junze simply couldn't refuse such goodwill!

Taking a deep breath, Wang Junze bowed deeply, replying solemnly, "Thank you, City Lord. How could I dare defy?"

"Good, good, good!"

The City Lord said "good" three times in succession, his face breaking into a satisfied smile. Raising his head slightly, he cast a meaningful look towards the third floor of the inn, then turned around, saying, "It's late, disperse now!"

Without waiting for a response, the City Lord turned and left the inn.

Lin Kaiwei shot Wang Junze a cold glance before leading the Lin Family members away, his eyes still filled with murderous intent.

However, as they departed, Lu Qing's expression grew increasingly grim.

"Brother Lu!"

Seeing Lu Qing, Wang Junze bowed again, expressing his gratitude, "Thanks to Brother Lu for saving my life!"

"I am nothing compared to that Saintess of the Profound Moon Sword Sect." With a dismissive snort, Lu Qing derisively commented without further regard for Wang Junze, turning to head upstairs in the inn.

Watching Lu Qing's departing figure, Wang Junze was left in disbelief. The questions he had meant to ask were swallowed back down.

Was Lu Qing unwilling to be associated with the Profound Moon Sword Sect?

With the City Lord's arrival, today's intrigues seemed to have grown increasingly complex!

And the Judgment Department? What was that?!

Before all this unfolded just moments ago, Wang Junze had speculated that Lu Qing might be connected to the Profound Moon Sword Sect. But now it seemed...that was completely off the mark.

Also, under such circumstances, was attending a banquet at the City Lord's Mansion tomorrow, to meet the Saintess of the Profound Moon Sword Sect, truly a good thing?

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