The only thing occupying the front page headlines of all major newspapers was one event:
[Hong Renkun used sorcery to gather the followers' willpower, "Divine Manifestation" of a thirty-foot-tall lawful form in battle, utterly defeating Master Zeng]
Below this news piece, there was also a blurry black-and-white image: a 30-meter-tall light giant, with a single slap, sent numerous Government Forces flying into the sky. Underneath lay the toppled and twisted artillery position, looking like toys.
There were also some rumors:
[Not only was Master Zeng's Golden Body broken, but his Divine Soul also suffered severe injuries, and he only managed to escape by jumping into the Yangtze River.]
[Mahayana Sect devil's Divine Thought possessed the cannonballs, "shooting through a hundred miles," resulting in heavy losses for the Government Forces.]
[One of the four pillars protecting the nation has fallen, the foreigners may make a big move.]
~~~~~~~
Liao Qe flipped through the pages in disbelief and exclaimed, "How could a Great Grandmaster in the Indestructible Golden Body Realm... be defeated by an Innate!?"
Blood-Exchange—Innate—Leakless—Indestructible Golden Body, separated by two major realms, it was unimaginable how the defeat occurred.
"Didn't the newspaper say, besides Martial Path Innate, Hong Renkun's Spirit Refinement Realm is also 'out of body,' and he has Divine Skills at his disposal," said Lu Yao as he put down the newspaper and rubbed his temples. Normally speaking, he was just a small fry who had just completed Organ Refining, such significant national affairs should have nothing to do with him.
But as long as one lives in this world, one cannot avoid the dust of the times; do not fantasize about keeping oneself clean.
In the afternoon, Liao Ya came back with even worse news—taking advantage of the Imperial Court's crushing defeat, Einheit and Frandi sent troops to pressure and made some outrageous demands: open the entire territory to trade; tax exemption for goods; establishing a concession in Imperial City.
Liao Ya removed her necktie, her willow brows slightly furrowed, and said, "The Imperial Court suffered a great defeat, and the foreigners are looting a burning house. The world will become even more chaotic."
Lu Yao asked, "Is there any news about the vampires and the Hailong Gang?"
Liao Ya gave a bitter smile and said, "There's no need to investigate anymore. The vampire William has already entered Yunzhou City with the Hailong Gang blatantly, and is now widely issuing 'Hero Invitations,' preparing to hold a 'Foreign Medicine Sales Conference'."
Foreign medicine was a euphemism for opium, and Liao Ya spoke with hatred, "Before, they didn't have the guts, but now the Imperial Court has its hands full and no longer has the energy to manage them. The Commandery Princess has reminded me multiple times to be careful of the Hailong Gang's revenge."
Lu Yao said with a smile, "Isn't that a good thing? They're all together, which makes it convenient for us to wipe them out in one fell swoop. Where is this 'Foreign Medicine Sales Conference' taking place?"
"It will be held at the headquarters of the Hailong Gang on the docks, in three days at noon."
"Good, we can also pick a good spot in advance, to give them a proper send-off."
~~~~~~~
Yunzhou had one oddity at this time—there were no opium dens. This was unique throughout the Shun Dynasty!
The entire opium industry has seen unprecedented development, with a massive scale.
"What are you trying to act tough for? That 'fiery horse' hasn't even finished biting off your lip~"
"Heard you got a piece bitten off down there too? Can it grow back before the Blood-Exchange?
Sky Pouncing Dragon, who loved to dominate, had not expected to encounter such a fierce woman this time. He was caught off guard and bitten several times, and despite hiding for several days, the wounds still hadn't healed.
His face turned ugly as he angrily said, "Shut up! Hurry up and follow me to see our foster father. We're going to deal with the Liao Family."
River Flipping Dragon's eyes lit up: "That eldest daughter of the Liao Family can be called an absolute beauty. I'd be willing to live 10 years less just to have a good time with her!"
Ocean Overturning Dragon nodded enthusiastically, filled with anticipation.
Sky Pouncing Dragon rolled his eyes and said, "I'd want that too, but she's reserved for Mr. William; he only drinks the blood of virgins."
River Flipping Dragon and Ocean Overturning Dragon showed signs of disappointment and reluctantly followed Sky Pouncing Dragon away.
~~~~~~~
The three arrived at a spacious and grand training hall.
There, already waiting, was a man with a cold expression and white temples—Wu Hailong, the leader of the Hailong Gang, a powerhouse that had mastered Blood-Exchange.
His white temples were somewhat unusual, since Blood-Exchange Warriors shed their mortal body and hair, retaining black hair until death.
Wu Hailong had narrow eyes, and looking at his three foster sons carelessly, tossed three documents at them and said, "Take these, from now on we're nationals of Einheit."
The trio were overjoyed! Having committed numerous crimes, they were wanted by the Imperial Court and couldn't go anywhere. At last, they had a breakthrough.
"Foster father, does this mean we have diplomatic immunity now?"
"Can we go into the state city and kill and play with women as we please?"
Wu Hailong nodded and said, "While the trade meeting has yet to start, go and take care of the Liao Family first. Remember—don't kill them too easily; I want them to suffer excruciating pain and die in agony."
The three hurriedly nodded in agreement.
~~~~~~
After leaving the training hall, River Flipping Dragon looked around and whispered to his brothers: "Our foster father was grievously injured by Liao Qigong in his early years, with no hope of ascending to Innate. He loathes the Liao Family to the core."
"The eldest daughter of the Liao Family will become Mr. William's blood slave; truly, a fate worse than death."
"Once Mr. William grows tired of her, could he reward her to us?"
"You're dreaming. Even if Mr. William tires of her, he'd only trade her for new flavors with the 'Consul Mister' and the like; we wouldn't get a chance at her."