Chapter 144: Breaking the Deadlock
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“Make way, make way…”
“Lord Gu’s carriage is approaching. Bystanders, clear the road.”
At that very moment, outside the Face-Painting Pavilion, the rapid rumble of carriage wheels came from the road behind them, accompanied by sharp shouts. Pedestrians hurriedly moved aside, afraid of being caught up in whatever was happening.
Yi An followed the sound with his eyes and saw an ornate carriage gradually slowing down. More than a dozen underworld constables accompanied it, and the imposing procession clearly belonged to someone of considerable standing.
Judging by appearances, the newcomer was most likely an official of Ghost City. After all, ordinary people had no authority to command underworld constables.
At last, the carriage stopped outside the Face-Painting Pavilion. A middle-aged man in fine silk stepped down from it, a sword hanging at his waist. Even from a distance, he exuded a certain air of majesty.
“It’s him…”
Beside the carriage, Yi An spotted another familiar figure. He recognized the man at a glance: it was the attendant who had previously left the Face-Painting Pavilion.
The purpose of this visit was now obvious.
“Who is that man?”
Yi An frowned slightly. The man’s appearance was an unforeseen variable, and Yi An did not know whether it would affect his plans.
“His name is Gu Hanguang. He is one of Ghost City’s commanders and oversees the district office in this area,” Shen Yuqin whispered.
She glanced around cautiously. Only after confirming that no one was paying attention to them did she continue in a softer voice, “They say he is the true power behind the Face-Painting Pavilion.”
In all of Ghost City, the City Lord stood at the top, followed by the Commander, and then the various district commanders. Beneath them were all manner of minor officials, each responsible for a different duty.
“I see… In that case, has he come to settle accounts with Luo Kui?”
A glint flashed in Yi An’s eyes. If that was indeed the case, then Gu Hanguang’s appearance was not a problem at all. It might even help push matters in the direction he wanted.
Shen Yuqin hesitated before saying, “Not necessarily. Luo Kui’s influence is no less formidable. Gu Hanguang is only a district commander, and there are countless powerful figures above him. Although Luo Kui appears to have no official authority, he has access to those high-ranking officials. The saying that money can make even ghosts turn a millstone has held true since ancient times.”
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“Therefore, even if Gu Hanguang is burning with rage, he may well choose to compromise after weighing the pros and cons.”
Put plainly, the Face-Painting Pavilion did not carry enough weight to make Gu Hanguang risk everything in a fight to the death with Luo Kui.
In the end, the most likely outcome was that Luo Kui would offer some compensation. As long as both sides could preserve their dignity, the matter would simply fade away.
“You’re right… This is becoming troublesome.” After hearing her words, Yi An fell into thought. He certainly could not stand by and watch events develop in a direction he did not want.
He had a bad feeling. He needed to act immediately. Time was running out. If he delayed even a moment longer, Gu Hanguang would enter the Face-Painting Pavilion, and by then, nothing could be done.
After discussing it with Shen Yuqin, he hurried alone toward the carriage.
Going alone was the right choice. If he brought Shen Yuqin along and something unexpected happened, matters would become troublesome.
If he went by himself, he could at least ensure that he remained in an invincible position.
Even if things went awry, he would still be able to withdraw in time.
“Be careful. If the situation becomes impossible to control, don’t force yourself,” Shen Yuqin warned, worry showing in her heart. Neither Luo Kui nor Gu Hanguang was an easy opponent.
Trying to manipulate both men at will was far more difficult than simply talking about it. A flawless plan was only one part of the equation. Even more important were the ability to adapt to changing circumstances, as well as all the unpredictable factors of timing, terrain, and fortune.
Gu Hanguang’s appearance was precisely such an unforeseen factor.
Only by preventing Gu Hanguang and Luo Kui from reaching a compromise could matters be brought back onto their intended course. Yet doing was always much harder than saying, and what followed would undoubtedly be a tremendous test for Yi An.
Because of Gu Hanguang, the street was now completely deserted. The pedestrians who had originally been passing through had retreated to both sides and halted their steps, watching the Face-Painting Pavilion with undisguised curiosity.
People everywhere loved a spectacle, whether in the mortal world or in Ghost City.
With no one blocking the road, Yi An advanced without hindrance. After only a few flashes of movement, he arrived directly before Gu Hanguang.
The underworld constables had not expected such a sudden development. They had never imagined anyone would be so bold, and by the time Yi An reached them, they had not yet had a chance to stop him.
“Quick! Form ranks!”
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After a brief moment of stunned silence, the constables hurriedly formed up to meet the enemy. In barely an instant, their formation was complete, and they stood ready to fight at any moment.
Their swift reaction revealed the rigorous training they had received.
Gu Hanguang’s expression also grew solemn. Anyone who dared approach alone must have something to rely upon.
Seeing the way they regarded him as though facing a formidable enemy, Yi An could not help feeling helpless. He truly harbored no ill will. On the contrary, he had come to help resolve their troubles.
He gave an awkward laugh and said, “Everyone, please remain calm. I apologize for the presumptuous interruption. I mean no harm. I merely wish to discuss a mutually beneficial opportunity with Lord Gu. Would you be interested in hearing what I have to say?”
“Oh?”
At last, Gu Hanguang showed a trace of interest. He did not agree immediately, however. He knew all too well that the human heart was difficult to fathom. Who could say whether this was some sort of scheme designed to make him lower his guard, only for the stranger to employ underhanded methods during their discussion and achieve some hidden objective?
Besides, this was a sensitive time. Luo Kui had openly provoked him, and who knew whether the man before him was connected to that affair?
“Although I am quite interested in the mutually beneficial matter you mentioned, it so happens that I have important business to attend to. This is hardly the time to discuss such things. Why don’t you wait until I have dealt with the matter here? We can speak afterward.”
Gu Hanguang considered the matter and still chose not to refuse outright. For several reasons, it was better to stall this stranger for the time being. Once he had dealt with the trouble at the Face-Painting Pavilion, he could then turn his attention to this mysterious man of unknown origins. That was the safest course.
Still, the mutually beneficial opportunity mentioned by the stranger had certainly aroused his interest. As for whether it was a plot, he would judge that for himself later.
“What if the matter I want to discuss is precisely related to Luo Kui?” Yi An asked with a smile.
He had anticipated Gu Hanguang’s reaction and had already prepared several ways to respond.
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