It was a beautiful, long night, but for the chamber of commerce branch, it was pure torment. Even the main branch could do little to help. Their strongest combatant was merely at the Rank 4 peak stage—far from qualified to deal with the Linglong family. And even if they could, who would dare offend the Marquis?
Inside the shop, the investigation team sat frozen in fear. Surname Lu’s fingers trembled as he paced the floor, while the young woman among them looked like she might faint at any moment. Even the Rank 2 “senior,” who was supposed to lead them, had turned deathly pale.
….
“Shopkeeper, where is the item I ordered?”
Linglong’s voice echoed through the shop as she pushed open the door. Her steps were unhurried, but each one landed like a hammer in the hearts of the staff.
“M-Master Linglong,” Surname Lu stammered, forcing a trembling smile. “P-please, come inside. Let’s discuss this calmly over some tea…”
Linglong arched an eyebrow, her gaze sweeping over the shopkeeper. Her expression betrayed no emotion, but the pressure in the room grew heavier. Without a word, she stepped inside.
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From a nearby stall, Yanwei watched the scene unfold with mild amusement. Disguised as a merchant, he leaned casually against his stand, observing Linglong as if she were part of a play put on for his entertainment.
“She’s in control,” Yanwei mused, his lips curling into a faint smirk. “But let’s see how long she can keep that composure.”
Inside the shop, Linglong’s voice rang out sharply.
“You knew I ordered that item, and you sold it anyway?! Do you even understand how important that item was?!”
Her tone was icy, but it carried no recklessness. The pressure in the room was suffocating, yet there was no killing intent—only an overwhelming aura that crushed the staff’s spirits.
Surname Lu dropped to his knees, his hands clasped together in a desperate plea. “P-please, Master Linglong! I-I didn’t mean for this to happen!”
Linglong’s gaze didn’t waver. “I don’t care about your excuses,” she said coldly. “You’ve failed me, and failure has consequences.”
She turned to the trembling investigators. “Find him. I don’t care if he’s a rogue cultivator or a sect disciple. Turn the entire town upside down if you have to.”
The young woman collapsed to the floor, tears streaming down her face. “M-Miss Linglong, please! I didn’t mean—”
Linglong silenced her with a glare. “Save your begging. Do your job, or I’ll make sure you regret ever stepping into this shop.”
Turning to her two personal servants, Linglong continued, “You two—return to the sect. Investigate quietly. If you find him, test his strength. Whoever he is, he’s in disguise. Force him to reveal himself.”
“Yes, Master,” the servants replied before hurrying out.
Now alone, Linglong stood silently, her thoughts unreadable.