Chapter 26

Behind every bustling scene lies a complex web of interests that few know about.

The cobblestone streets of Fugang District.

This is the most prosperous commercial street in the entire Fugang District, with an endless flow of gold tols every day. The enormous profits attract countless people, all hoping to gain their share.

Everyone pursues their interests through different means, some legitimate, some not, but their ultimate goal is the same.

No. 666, Cobblestone Street.

This is the end of Cobblestone Street, a secluded place far from the bustling area. When new people come to Cobblestone Street to chase their dreams of profit, the old-timers warn them that if they want to establish themselves here, their first task is to visit the owner of this place.

Because the owner of this place is the master of the order behind Cobblestone Street's prosperity.

His name is Anbofen, the new master of the order behind Cobblestone Street after a reshuffle over a decade ago.

The cruelty of commercial competition is often unbelievable.

Kidnapping, assassination, arson.

They stop at nothing, doing whatever it takes.

And it's all for the victory in the competition for profit.

But you rarely see these things on Cobblestone Street, because a set of rules and order has been established here, which everyone follows.

Cobblestone Street was not always like this. The chaos and disorder in business once made it gradually decline. A shrewd businessman came here and discovered the huge business opportunity hidden within.

While other merchants were busy with their deceitful struggles, this businessman spent all his wealth. He bribed the local constable and recruited a group of capable mercenaries, declaring the establishment of rules here.

The rules of the shrewd businessman were simple: he would maintain stability and mediate conflicts, and in return, they would pay him ten percent of their business profits.

Some opposed, some agreed.

When blood flowed on Cobblestone Street and violence suppressed everything, everyone began to recognize reality.

The shrewd businessman's risky investment succeeded. He not only brought himself great gains but also brought a new era of prosperity and stability to Cobblestone Street. However, he also died, murdered by someone who coveted his position.

The constable of the area did not care who the master of the order on Cobblestone Street was; they only cared about the continuous share of profits from there.

Although the shrewd businessman died, the rules he established continued for many years. Countless people vied for this position, as it was the highest symbol of status and wealth on Cobblestone Street.

Over a decade ago, the death of the master of Cobblestone Street triggered a series of open and covert struggles. The previously unknown Anbofen quietly emerged. No one knew the past of this mysterious young man, but they all knew the ruthless and cruel means he used to rise to power, and most importantly, the powerful figure behind him.

Cobblestone Street has developed to this point, and the huge profits behind its prosperity have made the nobles in the capital well aware and covetous. Behind every contender is a powerful figure, as they all want to claim this profit for themselves.

The nobles set the rules of the game, choosing their own representatives and allowing them to compete without interference. The results of the competition cannot be opposed, as it is their own choice, their own judgment, and their own problem.

The powerful figure behind Anbofen is rumored to be a prince, a prince with real power.

No. 666, Cobblestone Street, is situated on a high ground. There is a magnificent mansion here. Standing on the balcony of the mansion, one can overlook the prosperity of Cobblestone Street, as if everything there is in one's control.

Therefore, this place has always belonged to the successive masters behind Cobblestone Street.

Over a decade has passed, and Anbofen has moved past his youth. Now, he is more like a courteous noble, as if the cruel and ruthless young face of the past has long disappeared.

In his study.

Anbofen listened quietly to the report from his subordinate.

Earlier, when Baen returned, he told him that a young man had disrupted his plan, a young man who seemed troublesome. Anbofen was not concerned about this unexpected event; over the years, he had learned that nothing can always go as planned.

A smooth and easy path would only raise suspicions.

But the plan, disrupted by the unexpected, still needed to continue. So he sent his subordinates to investigate and monitor, needing to know the information about the "unexpected."

"You said that the young man is not much trouble?"

After listening to his subordinate's report, Anbofen leaned forward, his hand unconsciously touching his short beard, a bit puzzled.

"Yes, according to my investigation, this young man is not the descendant of any noble in the capital. He seems to be a young noble who has traveled from elsewhere."

Jiren answered confidently. He had been working in intelligence for Anbofen for nearly a decade, and this was his confidence in his profession.

"Baen, didn't you say he was good at swordsmanship?" Anbofen turned to his subordinate in the corner of the study, who was almost forgotten.

"Yes—" Baen stepped forward and respectfully answered.

"How good?" Anbofen tilted his head curiously.

"I'm not sure, but my gut tells me I have no confidence in winning against him." Baen honestly replied.

"Hmm? It seems the other party should be at the level of a mid-rank swordsman." After hearing Baen's words, Anbofen nodded, seemingly somewhat appreciative.

"Then, sir, what should we do next?" Jiren asked respectfully.

"Hmm—" Anbofen pondered for a moment and then said, "It seems we need to deal with the trouble first, but I need more detailed information about him. I don't like trouble, especially trouble caused by negligence. Understand, Jiren?"

Jiren nodded and said, "I think it will take no more than three days."

"Three days?" Anbofen waved his hand, unsatisfied. "No more than one day."

"But—" Jiren frowned.

Seeming to understand Jiren's concern, Anbofen smiled and said, "I don't need you to know too much. I just need to know if killing him will cause any trouble."

"Then as you wish, sir." With a clear purpose, Jiren felt relieved.

"Boss, what about me?" Seeing his colleague receive a task, Baen stepped forward eagerly. He had already made a mistake in the task assigned by the boss and now needed to make up for it to regain the boss's favor.

"Tomorrow, go find the Cliff brothers. I think there's a business deal for them."

After giving the instructions, Anbofen dismissed the two subordinates.

He needed some quiet time because he had other things to think about. As for the trouble with the young man, it might just be a small issue.

Because he was not valuable enough to be a concern.

Xialan was on his way to No. 666, Cobblestone Street, as he had found out the location of his target.

Finding someone is not a difficult task, especially if they are a celebrity. The information you might know could far exceed your imagination.

Is Anbofen a celebrity? Yes, at least in Cobblestone Street, he is the most famous person.

Xialan was a bit surprised because he knew that Anbofen was not a small figure. On the contrary, he was a big figure, at least in the eyes of the people of Cobblestone Street.

As he approached, he saw a few "familiar faces."

"Baen?"

Jiren and Baen were returning to Cobblestone Street after leaving Anbofen's residence when they encountered someone.

The night was very dark, and they saw someone in the distance but could not see his face clearly.

As he approached, with the help of the distant street lamps, Jiren recognized him, and Baen stopped.

Jiren thought Baen knew the person approaching, so he called out to Baen.

"Why are you here?" Baen frowned at the person in front of him, as if facing a formidable enemy, and extended his arm to shield Jiren behind him, warning, "Jiren, this is the young man."

"What?"

Jiren's heart skipped a beat. He had only learned about this young man from his subordinate's investigation, but he had never seen him. Perhaps in Jiren's mind, this young man did not attract much attention; he had simply done his duty.

Now he saw the young man, dressed in the standard attire of a noble's son, with a long sword at his waist. The only strange thing was his face.

Cold, merciless.

"I find it coincidental that you are here in front of me." The young man was calm, his hand reaching for the hilt of his sword, slowly drawing it.

"What are you going to do?" Seeing the young man draw his sword, Baen's scalp tingled, and his hand, protecting Jiren, trembled uncontrollably.

Jiren had no idea what was happening, but he knew this young man had no good intentions.

"Jiren, go back and tell the boss what's happening here." As the young man's sword was fully drawn, Baen pushed Jiren away and shouted, "I'll try to stop and delay him. My life is in your hands! Go! Go! Go!"

Baen said "go" three times, and the stunned Jiren immediately realized what was about to happen, so he turned and ran.

"Can you run?"

As soon as the young man spoke, the scabbard in his hand flew out, turning into a silver light and shooting directly at the fleeing Jiren.

"No!" Baen saw the young man's action and immediately roared, but he could do nothing.

He could only watch as the silver light hit Jiren, hearing a scream and seeing Jiren fall!

"Why?" Baen clenched his fists and looked at the young man, his voice filled with anger.

Yes, why?

Suddenly appearing, suddenly killing.

Such an event made even death unable to rest in peace.

"Do you want to know?" The young man held his sword level and looked at him expressionlessly.

"Yes!" Baen answered instinctively.

Suddenly, the young man in front of Baen disappeared. He widened his eyes and felt a chill on his neck.

"Many people want to know, and you are just one of them."

The young man's voice came from behind.

But Baen could not move or speak.

His tall, muscular body fell to the ground with a thud, his fierce and ugly head seeming to roll down the cobblestone street.

He was not a mid-rank swordsman!

This was Baen's last thought.

If a sword is fast enough to sever a head, the pain and fear felt are less.

Xialan continued toward his goal, and as he approached the residence, his steps suddenly paused in mid-air.

"A barrier?"

Seeming to sense something, Xialan took a step back, speaking to himself in surprise.