Chapter 1228

First Volume, Chapter 1228: The Local Emperor of Cao Yun County

At Liu Tao's command, his servants had no hesitation—they lunged straight at Xie Yun'er and the other two women.

The next instant, the entire Xianglai Yizhan was filled with screams.

Two servants were flung backward; one crashed heavily to the ground, the other smashed into a table and fell on his back, clutching his chest as blood spewed continuously from his mouth.

The remaining servants froze in place, their faces ashen.

Liu Tao and Wang Li were utterly stunned.

Under the stunned gazes of everyone, two muscular men appeared before the three women.

It was these two who had just struck down Liu Tao's servants—with brutal force, aiming straight for their lives.

The guards accompanying the three women into the city were all Tianji Camp Guards in disguise.

Under Qin Feng's meticulous training, the Tianji Camp Guards had long since become pure assassins: if they didn't strike, they didn't strike at all; once they struck, blood would flow.

Meanwhile, the other Tianji Camp Guards descended from the Lou one after another.

In an instant, ten towering, burly men stood around Xie Yun'er and the other two women; merely standing there, their aura was enough to inspire dread.

The bystanders outside the door snapped out of their shock, and the crowd erupted into heated discussion.

"I told you so! These three women clearly have extraordinary origins!"

"No wonder they remained so calm facing Liu Tao and Wang Li—they had so many guards with them."

"This isn't just any wealthy household—they're at least a Minister's Daughter! Look at these guards: all tall, strong, and ferocious."

"Ferocious? Didn't you see how they struck? One blow nearly killed those two servants."

"Exactly. These guards aren't just Practitioners—they're definitely Elite Troops. Every move was meant to kill."

"Just having these guards proves how immense these three ladies' backgrounds must be."

Hearing the voices outside, Liu Tao's expression shifted between fury and unease—he hadn't expected these three women to be accompanied by so many guards.

It was certain: the three women had ties to the imperial court.

Yet, remembering his family's connection to an Imperial Consort, Liu Tao's panic instantly calmed.

His gaze turned once more to disdain.

"Hmph, no wonder you're so arrogant—you're a Minister's Daughter."

"I don't believe a daughter of a second-rank official or higher would sneak quietly into Cao Yun County."

"If you were truly the daughters of a Border Official, your arrival would have already stirred uproar—County Magistrates would come out to greet you personally."

"From what I can tell, you're nothing more than the children of ordinary Beijing Officials."

Hearing Liu Tao's reasoning, Wang Li instantly exhaled in relief.

If they were merely ordinary Minister's Daughters, there was no need to fear—after all, a Strong Dragon doesn't overpower a Local Snake; unless they were true Court Heavy Ministers with boundless power, no one dared come to Cao Yun County to cause trouble unless they'd had enough of their official post.

Liu Tao escalated his mockery: "You clearly have no idea what status Cao Yun County holds in Shedynasty."

"Every past Emperor has personally visited Cao Yun County."

"Even His Majesty, upon ascending the throne, paused here during his first southern tour."

"Not even ordinary Beijing Officials, let alone true Court Heavy Ministers who control the heavens, dare interfere in Cao Yun County!"

"If you submit quietly, I might let you suffer less. But since you refuse to accept kindness, don't blame me for being uncivil."

"Someone! Go to the County Yamen and summon men!"

Liu Tao's eyes brimmed with contempt; even though the three women's guards were formidable, they numbered only ten. Once the County Yamen sent reinforcements, sheer numbers alone could crush them effortlessly.

For safety, Liu Tao waved his hand, ordering his servants to seal off the entire Xianglai Yizhan to prevent escape.

The onlookers among the crowd all drew in sharp breaths.

"Oh no—these three ladies are in deep trouble."

"If Liu Tao calls the Yamen, blood will stain this Xianglai Yizhan today."

"Alas! I knew even if these three ladies had the grandest origins, they should've kept a low profile in Cao Yun County."

"Isn't that true? If they'd spoken politely to Liu Tao, he might've granted them face."

"But they insisted on being defiant—foreigners clashing head-on with one of Cao Yun County's most powerful magnates? That's not bravery—it's stupidity!"

"In the end, these Minister's Daughters from Jingdu are just too arrogant—they've never understood how cruel the world can be."

Soon after, Yamen Runners and Yamen soldiers arrived—nearly One Hundred men—who surrounded the Xianglai Yizhan in three layers, leaving no escape.

Liu Tao, already haughty, became utterly insolent at seeing so many reinforcements.

He lifted his head and laughed loudly: "Hahahaha! In Cao Yun County, we are the undisputed masters here!"

"I don't care what status you hold in Jingdu—here in Cao Yun County, if you dare act insolently, it's death!"

"Don't worry—I love stubborn types like you. I've got all the time in the world to break you in, hahahaha."

Just as everyone believed the three women were beyond salvation, a loud shout suddenly rang out.

"Liu Tao, you're insane!"

All eyes turned toward the voice—crowds were forcibly pushed aside.

Gao Cheng, another young nobleman of Cao Yun County, arrived in a hurry with his servants.

Seeing Gao Cheng, Liu Tao's fury boiled—he'd lost countless beauties over the years because of this bastard's constant interference.

Today, after all his planning, he would not allow Gao Cheng to ruin his plans again!

Before Gao Cheng could speak, Liu Tao struck first, his anger flaring.

"Gao! What are you doing here?"

"Hmph, don't think I don't know what scheme you're hatching."

"All the beauties you've snatched from me in the past—you let them go afterward, didn't you?"

"If you just wanted women, fine—we're the same kind of men. But if you're trying to play the hero, I won't allow it!"

"These three women are mine. If you want to take them, prepare yourself for the wrath of my entire Liu Family."

Facing Liu Tao's furious shout, Gao Cheng's expression grew even colder.

He gritted his teeth, speaking slowly and deliberately: "Scum!"

"Do you know who these three women sitting before you truly are?"

"If you so much as touch a single hair on them, not only will your Liu Family perish — the entire Cao Yun County will die with you!"

At these words, the scene fell instantly silent.

Everyone stared in shock, for Gao Cheng was one of the most powerful youths in Cao Yun County — and yet he spoke this way...