When Zhou Gui appeared radiating killing intent, Lü Wuji was somewhat surprised. "Deputy Steward Zhou, what brings you here in person?"
Zhou Gui wished he could beat Lü Wuji to death on the spot. Without so much as glancing at him, he bellowed, "Everyone, drop your weapons and get on the ground! Anyone who refuses will be treated as a traitor of the Dragon Tooth Guard!"
As one of the four Grand Stewards of the Dragon Tooth Guard, Zhou Gui held the rank of First Deputy Steward, but he had always managed only finances and logistics, rarely involving himself in the Guard's major affairs. As a result, his prestige among the Dragon Tooth Guard ranks was not particularly great.
So when this order was given, the men on Lü Wuji's side exchanged bewildered glances, all looking toward Lü Wuji in unison.
Little did they know, this reaction struck deep into the pride of this veteran Dragon Tooth Guard officer. He was the second-in-command of the entire Dragon Tooth Guard, and yet not a single person immediately obeyed his command.
It seemed that after lying dormant for so long, even these Dragon Tooth Guard members no longer took him seriously, treating him like a sick cat!
Lü Wuji wore a look of surprise as he sidled closer. "Deputy Steward Zhou, whatever has happened to make you so furious?"
Lü Wuji had been taunting Jiang Chen and the others here for several hours without leaving the Black Prison Area. How would he know what had transpired outside?
Moreover, though the Qianlan Southern Palace, the Duobao Dojo, and Qingyang Valley had all struck with thunderous wrath, they had done so through private channels rather than making a public spectacle. So Lü Wuji had received no information whatsoever.
The fact that Lü Wuji asked only made matters worse — in Zhou Gui's eyes, this was the greatest offense of all.
"Here stands the Grand Dragon Tooth Order! Those who do not kneel will be killed without mercy!"
The troops Zhou Gui had brought this time were the true elite of the Dragon Tooth Guard — far more powerful and more central to the force than Lü Wuji's men.
The moment they saw the Grand Dragon Tooth Order, everyone was stunned. Lü Wuji froze as if turned to stone. Behind him came a series of clattering sounds as Lü Wuji's troops discarded their armor and weapons, dropping to the ground in prostration.
To see the Grand Dragon Tooth Order was like the Grand Steward himself arriving in person.
Within the Dragon Tooth Guard, the Grand Steward was heaven itself. The Grand Steward held absolute power over the life and death of every member.
The Grand Dragon Tooth Order was the totem of the Dragon Tooth Guard. It was like mortals encountering a deity — the first instinct was to obey, and the second instinct was to obey again!
"Lü Wuji, you've seen the Grand Dragon Tooth Order and still refuse to kneel? Do you truly intend to rebel?"
Behind Zhou Gui came a sharp shout, followed by the sound of blades being drawn, one after another.
Lü Wuji's mind went blank, but the last shred of reason remaining forced his knees to buckle and he sank to the ground.
Obeying the Grand Dragon Tooth Order was the very first military regulation every member of the Dragon Tooth Guard was required to learn before enlisting.
"Who is Tian Shao?" Zhou Gui demanded.
From the back, Tian Shao stood up. "Subordinate Tian Shao greets Deputy Steward Zhou."
Zhou Gui was quite pleased and nodded approvingly. "Tian Shao, the Grand Steward is already aware of what happened here. That you held firm to your principles and refused to yield to corrupt practices — very good, very good."
Tian Shao had been completely bewildered at first, unable to make sense of what was going on. Only after hearing Zhou Gui's words did he realize that the matter had already reached the Grand Steward.
And Deputy Steward Zhou had come with killing intent to set things right! To stop Lü Wuji's abuse of power! To back Jiang Chen!
Being praised by Zhou Gui like this, Tian Shao felt a sting in his heart — all the humiliation he had endured just moments ago suddenly felt worth it.
"Deputy Steward Zhou, this subordinate is incompetent. I only did what was my duty. Had you not arrived in time, the consequences would have been unthinkable!"
Zhou Gui nodded. "Go. Open the cell door. I wish to personally apologize to young Brother Jiang Chen."
The moment these words left his mouth, Lü Wuji and his cronies felt their hearts go cold. Zhou Gui calling Jiang Chen "young Brother" — what did that signify?
It signified that the winds had changed, that the Grand Steward intended to personally shelter this Jiang Chen!
No matter how much power Lü Wuji wielded or how strong his backers were, could any of them rival the Grand Steward?
"Jiang Chen, I am sorry for what you've endured. Words of apology ring hollow when repeated too many times. I have only one promise — our Dragon Tooth Guard will give you a satisfactory accounting of this matter."
In truth, Jiang Chen hadn't really suffered much.
"Deputy Steward Zhou, when the forest is big, you'll find all kinds of birds. The Dragon Tooth Guard commands an army of millions — a few bad eggs are inevitable. Tian Shao, the Battalion Commander, did his utmost to mediate. I didn't really have it too bad."
Zhou Gui was momentarily taken aback. He had expected that a young man who'd been so grievously wronged would throw a tantrum before letting the matter go. Instead, Jiang Chen brushed it off with effortless composure.
In that instant, Zhou Gui's impression of Jiang Chen rose dramatically.
"Fair point. Tian Shao did not lose his backbone as a soldier — I admire him greatly. Young Brother Jiang, if you don't mind, shall we step aside for a private word?"
Jiang Chen waved his hand gently. "Elder Zhou, I'd like to ask Commander Lü a few questions first."
Zhou Gui nodded. His relationship with Deputy Steward Yang — Lü Wuji's backer — had always been mediocre at best, so seeing Jiang Chen take this approach, he naturally had no objections.
If this could be used to blow the matter up and take down a peg or two of Deputy Steward Yang's arrogance, Zhou Gui would be more than happy to see it happen.