Chapter 2: He Won't Meet You

"Bring someone here!"

Zhang Qing, who was guarding the door, immediately entered the courtyard after hearing the command.

"Sir, what are your orders?"

"Gather all the incriminating evidence on Li Ming, the third young master of the Li family," Su Yang instructed.

Zhang Qing hesitated, looking up at Su Yang. "Sir, may I ask why?"

Su Yang's gaze was stern. "Do I need to explain it to you?"

Zhang Qing's body tensed up, sensing Su Yang's impatience. "No, sir. I'll get on it immediately." He quickly left the courtyard.

Su Yang continued to practice his sword forms. Strength was crucial for what he intended to do. He needed power to protect himself and achieve his goals.

...

After Zhang Qing left, he promptly relayed Su Yang's orders. The hundreds of men under Su Yang's command sprang into action. As the Weapon Master of Spring Wind Street in Ping Shan City, Su Yang managed the security of the area, handling trouble caused by warriors or cultivators.

Su Yang's order caused quite a stir, and it reached Li Ming's ears within an hour.

In the Li family mansion, Li Heizi respectfully reported the news to Li Ming, who tapped his fingers on the table thoughtfully. "Collecting evidence of my crimes? This newly appointed Weapon Master is quite bold."

"Arrange a meeting with him," Li Ming commanded.

"Yes," Li Heizi replied, bowing and retreating.

...

Zhang Qing returned to Su Yang from outside the courtyard. "Sir, the Li family said that Li Ming wants to meet you at Ju Xiang Tower. What should I tell them?"

Su Yang frowned, a sense of disgust rising within him. The Li family... It had only been half an hour since he started his operation, and they were already aware. He looked at Zhang Qing meaningfully. "Tell them I won't meet him."

Zhang Qing's head shrank as he sensed Su Yang's anger. He wanted to say something but decided against it. It was unclear how the Li family had offended the new Weapon Master, but Zhang Qing doubted Su Yang could handle it alone.

Outside the courtyard, Li Heizi waited confidently. Representing the Li family, he wasn't worried about being refused. Seeing Zhang Qing, he smiled. "Brother Zhang, what did he say?"

Zhang Qing's response shattered his expectations. "He won't."

"What?"

"My master said he won't meet you."

Li Heizi frowned, taking out a banknote from his sleeve. "Could you tell me why?"

Zhang Qing accepted it with a smile. After looking around, he whispered, "I'm not sure, but judging by my master's attitude, this matter is serious."

Li Heizi nodded and left, reporting back to Li Ming, who sat in a pavilion with a displeased expression. "You may go. I want to see what this new Weapon Master is planning."

...

Four hours later, Su Yang had stopped practicing and was listening to his subordinates report Li Ming's crimes. Beside him was a stack of records detailing the offenses.

"He bought all the fertile land from 17 families at low prices. Those who refused had their legs broken..."

"He bought the shop at 77 Spring Wind Street at a low price. The owner's son was thrown into the river when he refused to sell..."

"He bought herbs from gatherers at low prices, beating those who didn't comply. The gatherers complained to the government, but their complaints were ignored, and those who persisted disappeared..."

Li Ming's methods were tyrannical, taking advantage of the commoners who had no choice but to endure.

Su Yang's anger simmered as he listened to the injustices. His resolve to act grew stronger. With the power he held in this life, he was determined to bring justice.

When the report ended, the courtyard fell silent. Everyone knew Li Ming's actions were despicable, relying on his status to do as he pleased. Even the government couldn't control the Li family.

Su Yang broke the silence. "Is that all?" He glanced around. "Who is willing to come with me to arrest Li Ming and bring him to trial?"

His words shocked everyone. Was he really going to confront the Li family? Though they cheered inwardly, the scene remained silent. No one volunteered.

But there would always be someone willing to stand up.

"I will, sir! I'm willing to go with you."

Su Yang looked at the man who spoke. "Very good. What's your name?"

"Zhang Hu."

With the first volunteer, more people stepped forward. In the end, everyone expressed their willingness, though Su Yang couldn't tell who was sincere.

Selecting the first ten volunteers, Su Yang led them to the Li family mansion. They were there to arrest, not to raid the place.

Upon arrival, they were stopped by a servant.

"Stop. What's your business here?"

Su Yang held up his Weapon Master token. "We're here to arrest Li Ming."

The guard recognized the token and didn't dare stop them. One of the guards quickly ran inside to report.

Su Yang and his men waited, ready for whatever confrontation might come next.