The very day, every newspaper in Yunzhou ran extra prints.
The sun hadn't even set when the explosive news had already spread everywhere—[Opium company conducts human experiments! Researching biochemical weapons!]
Scholars interpreted from the documents that Einheit was actually developing "Poison Gas"! This was something openly banned for its malevolence!
Public opinion erupted in an uproar! Everyone cursed, boiling with indignation!
"These Westerners are no better than beasts!"
"Such beastly actions are infuriating! It's a pity that our nation is weak and unable to avenge this affront!"
The news spread rapidly, reaching the Prefecture governments of Jingjin, Huguang, and others.
Other colonial powers also condemned Einheit. Of course, the main reason they did so was that—in the division of global colonies, Einheit occupied the most and the best.
Latercomers like Izumo and Jiade could only occupy places where not even birds would defecate. They had been eyeing Einheit with envy and took this opportunity to kick it while it was down.
For a while, Einheit became the rat crossing the street that everyone wanted to hit, and the Opium company was targeted by all.
~~~~~~~
One melon followed another, and as the heat around this event slightly waned, the bloody scene of the Sea Dragon Gang's downfall was discovered on the third day.
The "Hall of Righteousness" was a den of evil to begin with, and normal people wouldn't dare to approach within ten miles of it. It was only because guests' relatives couldn't find them that they came to the door and discovered the scene.
So, the newspapers went into extra prints again, to cope with the sudden surge in sales. The newsboys were overjoyed, seldom getting a chance to have a full meal thanks to the good business.
The "downfall of the Sea Dragon Gang" had a significant impact on ordinary people, especially the poor who made their living around the docks.
The Sea Dragon Gang did everything but good deeds; bullying men and tyrannizing women, collecting protection fees were just the basic operations.
With their death, many people who previously struggled to survive heaved a sigh of relief.
At once, the public celebrated the "downfall of the Sea Dragon Gang."
Those in the know turned their suspicions and awe towards the Liao Family. Both the Pang Family and the Sea Dragon Gang had offended the Liao Family before being wiped out.
And the Sea Dragon Gang's case was truly terrifying; 200 strong Martial Artists had died a gruesome death!
How did the Liao Family, with just three people, manage that?
Given the limitations of the era, rumors flew everywhere in no time. Some said Young Master Lu had his own army, others claimed Young Master Lu practiced sorcery... Opinions were divided!
And the death of the vampire William seemed to go unnoticed on the surface, with no one caring.
As he was thinking this, she had already arrived.
~~~~~~~
Li Pei stood with her arms crossed in front of her chest, staring expressionlessly at Lu Yao for several minutes.
She picked up a newspaper and, pointing at a black-and-white photo of the Sea Dragon Gang's ruins, said with a mock-smile,
"Did you do this? Tsk, tsk~ not a single survivor, huh~ Did you hire 'foreign gunners'? How did you kill William? It is adept at short-range teleportation, very troublesome to deal with."
Lu Yao shook his head emphatically, "I didn't do it~ I know nothing~ Don't talk nonsense."
Li Pei, gazing intently into Lu Yao's eyes, turned into a human lie detector, yet both remained composed and she could discern nothing, left with nothing but a staring duel.
And speaking of which, those watery eyes of the beautiful Commandery Princess were quite attractive.
After a mutual stare down, Li Pei was the first to speak, "William was a noble, its death will alert the Yunzhou Consul from Einheit. That person doesn't deal in evidence, mere suspicion is enough. The trouble you're in is not small~"
Li Pei watched Lu Yao closely, and seeing that he still wore no expression, continued, "If you become the captain of my guards, I will ensure your safety. How about it?"
Lu Yao knew she would make such an offer, so he immediately wanted to use a "terminal illness" as an excuse to rebuff her.
But Li Pei also saw through him, knowing he would still reject the offer.
And seeing Liao Ya with a worried expression that stirred pity, Li Pei straightforwardly said, "Alright, alright, I'm happier than you about the Sea Dragon Gang and William's deaths."
She tossed aside the newspaper, grabbed Liao Ya's hand and said, "Sister, pack up your things and come stay at my residence for a few days."
Liao Qe questioned with surprise, "What does this mean...?"
Li Pei bluntly said, "Whether or not you did it, staying at my place for a few days will spare you a lot of trouble. Just publicly claim that you have been staying at my place the whole time without going out."
Liao Ya nodded gently, her voice graceful, "Thank you for your concern, Commandery Princess. We will indeed impose for a while."
Li Pei, who loved Liao Ya's gracefulness, held her hand tightly and smiled, "Sister, there's no need to worry. The Opium company got involved in human experiments, and at William's death site, a bio-laboratory was discovered along with a 'mutant flesh body.' Einheit dares not investigate openly and can only swallow this bitter pill."
When she laughed, her eyes curved into crescents, and the teardrop mole added a bewitching charm.
"I'll wait for you in the car. I don't have many friends in Yunzhou, so I'm quite happy you can come. It's a good opportunity for us to share cultivation experiences."
~~~~~~~
After Li Pei left, Liao Ya said helplessly, "Commandery Princess's kindness is not easily declined. Let's stay there for a few days."
Lu Yao shrugged and said, "She means well and is worried about us. Let's go~ put the machine gun in the trunk... and bring some Golden Elixir Brew. It's not good to show up empty-handed."