Chapter 409: Strategies for Response
Hearing about Yu Luo’s strategic maneuver, Yu Haojie’s expression shifted from disbelief to admiration—his emotions felt like a rollercoaster that words could hardly describe.
“Father, don’t get too excited or too disappointed. I wasn’t even sure if this plan would work, which is why I didn’t mention it beforehand. I didn’t want you to be let down yet again.”
Seeing the ever-changing expressions on his father’s face, Yu Luo quickly reminded him. Yu Haojie took a deep breath, trying to suppress his excitement, and nodded repeatedly.
“Yes, yes, no extreme joy or sorrow. From now on, I’ll leave such major matters to you. There’s nothing to worry about anymore. Good, good, this move of yours was brilliant! Feng City wanted to ruin our food festival, but instead, you’ve turned the tables and made them celebrate in vain! Hahaha! The more I think about it, the prouder I feel. How did I end up with such a clever daughter?”
Indeed, Feng City had planned to sabotage Luo City’s food festival. They aimed to assert dominance over Luo City, warning them that Feng City’s status in the martial world was unshakable. By simply announcing an event, they expected the martial world to flock to them out of respect.
But now…
“How could this happen? Why is the main street so empty? After the opening ceremony of the tournament, it stands to reason that martial artists, having not seen each other in days, would gather for a feast and drinks. But why are so many shops already closed? Do they not realize that today is a major day for Feng City?”
As night fell, Second-in-Command Xing Yong, dressed in casual clothes with a mask covering his face, walked down the city streets, accompanied by subordinates from the city lord’s mansion.
The further he walked, the more he felt something was off. Seeing inns and restaurants already closed for the night filled him with suspicion.
“I have no idea… Maybe they’re just resting early to prepare for tomorrow’s preliminary matches?”
One of the subordinates, equally puzzled, failed to realize that Feng City’s grand event had inadvertently paved the way for Luo City’s success.
“Hey, Second Brother! Why are you out here? I went to the city lord’s mansion looking for you, and they said you had left. I searched several streets before finally finding you!”
A voice, panting slightly, called out from behind. The Third-in-Command approached, sounding a bit uneasy.
Beneath his mask, Xing Yong furrowed his brows tightly. A sense of unease crept into him. Seeing the usually brash Third-in-Command acting so flustered, he couldn’t help but snap in a low voice, “What’s with this panicked behavior? Where’s your composure? What’s going on?”
“Se—Second Brother, something bad has happened!”
The words sent a surge of anxiety through Xing Yong. His brows knitted even tighter.
“Speak properly!”
“It’s… It’s like this…”
After hearing what had transpired, Xing Yong’s leisurely stroll turned into seething rage.
“That damned Luo City! Not only do they dare challenge Feng City, but they even have the audacity to steal our guests! Have I been too lenient with them?!”
Seeing his superior’s fury, the Third-in-Command quickly tried to calm him down. “Second Brother, we’re still in the streets. Let’s discuss this back at the mansion.”
“Hmph!”
Xing Yong flicked his sleeve and immediately used his lightness skill to rush back to the city lord’s mansion, with the Third-in-Command and his subordinates hurrying after him.
Upon returning, either the cold wind had cooled his anger, or he had already managed to calm himself on the way back.
The subordinates stood anxiously, not daring to make a sound. Even the Third-in-Command, usually brash, cautiously observed Xing Yong’s expression before carefully speaking.
“Second Brother, Luo City is clearly determined to go against us. Please take a look at this.”
He pulled a crumpled flyer from his sleeve—one he had crumpled in anger earlier—and smoothed it out before respectfully placing it in Xing Yong’s hand.
Looking at the flyer’s illustrations and the enticing promotional wording, Xing Yong’s briefly calmed anger surged once more.
“Luo City! A bunch of criminals exiled to the wastelands, yet they refuse to keep their heads down. And now, they dare steal money from Feng City?! Do they not understand our power?”
“You’re right, Second Brother! We’ve given them too much face! This time, they stole thousands of our guests! We absolutely cannot let this go!”
“Of course not! Tomorrow marks the start of the preliminary matches. Spread the word—starting immediately, for the sake of tournament security, no one, whether a participant or a spectator, is allowed to leave Feng City.”
Xing Yong, as expected of Feng City’s Second-in-Command, was decisive in his actions. He had been managing most of Feng City’s affairs, and despite his anger, he quickly came up with a countermeasure. Seeing his firm response, the once-worried Third-in-Command immediately relaxed, a smile spreading across his face.
“Second Brother, that’s brilliant! This way, those people will have no choice but to stay in Feng City! Alright, I’ll spread the word immediately and make sure to reinforce security at the city gates!”
Xing Yong waved his hand dismissively, allowing the Third-in-Command to leave.
Once he was gone, the steward of the city lord’s mansion approached with a tray, replacing the now-cold tea in front of Xing Yong before standing quietly at his side.
“Second-in-Command, your swift action is commendable. However, it seems Luo City may have hidden assets we are unaware of—otherwise, they wouldn’t be so bold.”
Xing Yong’s sharp gaze flickered toward the steward, narrowing slightly.
“As expected of you, old man. You always see through things clearly. I suppose I did lose my composure for a moment. I won’t act rashly.”
Seeing this, the steward nodded in approval. “That is wise. The city lord has been absent for some time, and though Luo City is a new city, Feng City has always prioritized profit above all else. Second-in-Command, you must not act impulsively. If anything goes wrong, you will have to answer to the city lord upon his return.”
With those words, the steward cupped his hands in a respectful bow before quietly exiting the room.
Xing Yong, meanwhile, sat alone in contemplation.
The next morning, those who had left Luo City for Feng City arrived at the city gates, only to find a new notice posted above the entrance!
Below the notice, Feng City’s guards banged their gongs loudly, ensuring that every person entering the city read the announcement before being allowed inside.
