Mainland Martial Arts

Chapter 473 Meeting with City Lord Gao

But this time, Lin Feng didn't give a definitive response. His expression gradually darkened, his eyes filled with worry and confusion. He knew full well that Xu Tian had caused a great disaster this time. Even if he wasn't primarily responsible, the innocent lives lost made Xu Tian commit an unforgivable crime. And now, even he himself was lost, unsure how to face this complex situation.

The room fell silent for a moment, everyone lost in their own thoughts. Hong Ze sat aside, watching this depressing scene, feeling awkward. He racked his brains, trying to find a topic to break the suffocating silence.

"How about... let's talk about the prosperity of Lingyuan City in the past?" Hong Ze spoke cautiously, a hint of tentativeness in his voice. His eyes swept across everyone's faces, hoping someone would respond.

Mingzeshu was slightly startled, then he understood Hongze's intention and quickly took over the conversation: "Yes, Lingyuan City used to be very lively. The streets were crowded with cars, the shops were full of dazzling shops, and merchants from all over the world gathered. The prosperity of that time is really nostalgic." His eyes flashed with the light of memories, as if he saw the former glory of Lingyuan City again.

Chen Xiner also tried hard to force a smile: "I really hope to see Lingyuan City at that time." She tried to cooperate with Hongze to make the atmosphere lively again.

Lin Feng raised his head slightly, looking at the crowd, a feeling of deep emotion building within him. Even in this perilous moment, everyone was still trying to find a glimmer of relief. He took a deep breath, trying to free himself from the turmoil, and said, "Sometime in the future, we can witness the revival of Lingyuan City together." His voice was deep and powerful, bringing a glimmer of hope to the crowd.

Several people sat together, the tea on the table long gone cold, but the conversation continued. Their topic revolved around Xu Tian's loss of control, the disaster in Lingyuan City, and the complex power dynamics hidden behind it. Every word seemed to carry a heavy weight, weighing down everyone's breath.

Outside the window, the afterglow of the setting sun gradually dimmed, stretching out the shadows of the group. Only when the darkness of night enveloped Lingyuan City like inky black did they slowly rise and disperse. Lin Feng carefully carried the unconscious Xu Tian on his back, followed closely by Chen Xiner and Chen Yu. The three of them walked slowly and heavily, as if carrying the sorrow of the entire world.

Back at the inn, the dim candlelight in the room flickered, illuminating Lin Feng's furrowed brow and Chen Xin'er's face, brimming with worry. They laid Xu Tian on his bed, his lifeless face visible, their anxiety growing like wild weeds. Time slipped slowly in this oppressive atmosphere. Two days passed, and Xu Tian remained slumbering in the darkness, showing no sign of waking.

Lin Feng knew that waiting like this wasn't the solution. The devastation wrought by Xu Tian's madness weighed heavily on his heart like a heavy yoke. That disaster had left Lingyuan City devastated, and countless people had lost their homes and loved ones. As the culprit, Xu Tian must answer to this city.

So, one morning, under a glaring sun, Lin Feng arrived at the City Lord's Mansion. The gates were tightly shut, and the guards at the door wore solemn expressions, as if guarding the city's last remaining dignity. Lin Feng stepped forward and politely said, "Please inform them that I, Lin Feng, wish to see City Lord Gao."

The guard looked him up and down, then turned and walked into the mansion. A moment later, the guard came out and said expressionlessly, "The city lord is busy and cannot see guests."

Lin Feng frowned slightly. He could understand Gao Jinghao's busyness, but at the moment he was extremely anxious and had no patience to wait any longer. He took a deep breath, and with a flash of his body, he bypassed the guards and broke into the City Lord's Mansion.

"How dare you!" The guards drew their weapons and shouted loudly.

At this moment, Gao Jinghao hurried out of the mansion. He was originally annoyed, but when he saw Lin Feng, the anger on his face instantly disappeared, replaced by a face full of politeness. "Mr. Lin, what are you doing..." Gao Jinghao's tone was a little surprised, but he quickly regained his enthusiasm. "Please come in, I'm sorry for not welcoming you well."

Lin Feng walked into the hall, only to find it bustling with activity. Documents piled high, servants came and went, and Gao Jinghao was clearly preoccupied with various matters. "City Lord Gao, matters have been very busy lately. Is there anything I can help you with?" Lin Feng asked directly, not wanting to waste time on small talk.

Gao Jinghao quickly put on a smile and said, "No, no, I have to thank you for saving my life, sir. If it weren't for you, Lingyuan City would have ceased to exist long ago." His eyes were full of gratitude. Recalling the life-and-death crisis that day, if Lin Feng hadn't arrived in time, the consequences would have been disastrous.

Lin Feng stopped beating around the bush and asked directly, "How does City Lord Gao plan to deal with Xu Tian's matter?" He stared at Gao Jinghao, trying to find a hint of the answer from his expression.

Gao Jinghao's heart tightened. He had anticipated Lin Feng's question. Xu Tian was Lin Feng's brother, and his loss of control had brought devastating disaster upon Lingyuan City, posing a dilemma for Gao Jinghao. He pondered for a moment, then asked, "Sir, do you have any suggestions?" He was trying to get some information from Lin Feng, so he could come up with a plan.

Lin Feng smiled slightly and pretended to be stupid, "City Lord Gao is the lord of the city. How dare I influence the city lord's decision?" His tone was relaxed, but his eyes were still sharp.

Gao Jinghao's face was embittered. He paced back and forth in the hall, his mind tangled. Lin Feng's strength far surpassed his, and he was his savior, while Xu Tian was Lin Feng's man, making it difficult for him to handle the situation. "Mr. Lin, you know this is a difficult matter. Many civilians in the city have been killed or injured, and they are all waiting for an explanation," Gao Jinghao said helplessly, his eyes filled with helplessness.

Lin Feng nodded slightly: "I understand the city lord's difficulties. Xu Tian made a big mistake, and I will not be partial to him. But he lost his mind at the time, and the reasons were complicated. I hope the city lord can consider it carefully." His voice was low, but with a hint of unquestionable power.

Gao Jinghao sighed: "Sir, you are absolutely right, but this matter is of great importance, and I still need to think about it carefully." There was a hint of fatigue in his eyes. The pressure of the past few days had exhausted him.

The two of them exchanged words, seemingly discussing something, but in reality, testing each other. The atmosphere in the hall was tense and oppressive. The sunlight filtered through the windows, casting patches of light onto the ground, but it couldn't dispel the gloom in either of their hearts.

Lin Feng's patience gradually wore out in this long wrangling. He stared at Gao Jinghao with a sharp gaze and finally said bluntly: "Since City Lord Gao doesn't know how to deal with it, then I suggest that the culprit be sentenced to death. How about it?" His voice was low but firm, echoing in the empty hall.