Starting from the imperial palace guards, his clones spread all over the world.

Chapter 580 There must be a conspiracy!

County government.

study.

Shen Wanshi and Cen Ruifeng were alarmed and were hurriedly invited to the heart of the county government office.

The air was filled with the scent of ink from old books and the fragrance of newly replaced sandalwood, yet the atmosphere was heavy and oppressive, like the clouds before a storm.

The magistrate of Jinxi sat upright at the lower end, fine beads of sweat appearing on his forehead, his fingers unconsciously twisting the cuffs of his official robe.

But the true master of the study was the man in plain clothes who sat upright in the grand chair above the county magistrate.

This person was none other than Yan Zi'an, one of the four chief officers of the Criminal Investigation Bureau.

His very presence was like a piece of ice thrown into a pool of water, causing the temperature in the entire study to plummet.

His face was a deathly, chilling pale.

At first glance, it looks like a thick layer of lead powder, but upon closer inspection, you will find that it is not an applied substance, but rather the strange color that shines through the skin itself.

What's even stranger is that his entire face is completely hairless!
It's understandable that he has no beard, but even his eyebrows have completely disappeared, leaving his skin smooth and clean like a freshly peeled hard-boiled egg.

I wonder what kind of evil cultivation technique he practiced to achieve this level.

This made his eyes, with more white than black, resemble two dark glass beads set in white jade, turning emotionlessly and giving him a dissecting, scrutinizing look when he looked at people.

He simply sat there, silent and motionless, yet an invisible, heavy official aura, mixed with bloodshed and power, permeated the air, making it hard to breathe.

Shen Wanshi and Cen Ruifeng were both seasoned veterans who had seen their share of storms, and at this moment they also felt a chill rise from their spines.

The two dared not be negligent and quickly bowed, their voices unconsciously lowering slightly.

"Greetings, Lord Yan! Magistrate!"

"What is the reason for your urgent summons, sirs?"

Yan Zian did not speak, but simply raised his equally pale and smooth hand and pressed it down very slightly, indicating that the two should sit down.

His movements carried an undeniable sense of rhythm, as if he were manipulating a marionette.

The two had just sat down.

The county magistrate hurriedly stood up.

He wiped the cold sweat from his forehead with his sleeve, his voice trembling uncontrollably, and began to relay the astonishing news brought back by his subordinates:

"Reporting to Lord Yan, Lord Shen, and Chief Cen!"

"My capable underlings just reported urgently that... right in the 'Ke Yun Lai' restaurant directly opposite our county government office, they've discovered... discovered a large number of vicious and ruthless bandits!"

"Among them are not only the infamous 'Thousand Machine Child' Han Tong, who is insanely cruel and murderous with his traps and hidden weapons! There is also the incredibly strong, flesh-eating, and ferocious 'Gluttonous Chef' Fei Biao!"

Upon hearing these two names, Shen Wanshi frowned slightly, and a fierce glint flashed in Cen Ruifeng's eyes, but both of them remained relatively calm.

Although such a vicious criminal is troublesome, he is ultimately a lone wolf and cannot cause too much trouble.

however.

The magistrate's next words, however, were like a boulder thrown into a calm lake:
"Even...even more have appeared..."

He took a deep breath, as if summoning all his courage to utter the name:
"The figure of the notorious bandit Song Jiang, the 'Timely Rain'!"

Song Jiang?!
This name was like an invisible thunderbolt, instantly shattering the solemnity of the study!

Yan Zi'an, who had been expressionless, suddenly narrowed his dark eyes.

The chilling killing intent almost solidified, causing the temperature in the study to plummet once again!

The ease on Cen Ruifeng's face vanished, replaced by deep worry and disbelief.

Even Shen Wanshi's hand holding the teacup trembled slightly, and a few drops of scalding tea splashed onto the back of his hand, but he seemed not to notice.

Song Jiang, the timely rain!
This is no longer an ordinary wanted criminal!
He was actually a powerful figure in Yanshan Village, the most powerful outlaw force in Changzhou!
Yanshan Village has been entrenched in Changzhou for many years, deeply rooted and full of experts, including even a third-rank martial artist!
Its power was so great that even the imperial court was hesitant to act against it and was still making careful preparations, never launching a crackdown.

Song Jiang, the newly rising "Timely Rain," is not only highly skilled in martial arts, but also known for his ingenuity and audacity!
He quickly became a core member of Yanshan Village shortly after joining, and it is said that he planned and personally led half of the village's recent major transactions.

Before joining Yanshan Village, this man was already a notorious bandit who stirred up trouble in Changzhou!
On the execution ground, he brazenly abducted a death row inmate!

The government granary was a heavily guarded place, yet he entered as if it were empty, stealing the disaster relief grain!

What's even more outrageous is that he dared to ambush a grain transport convoy personally escorted by the prefect of Changzhou and the commander of the Six Doors, not only stealing the grain but also causing the imperial court to lose face!
Their actions went beyond simple looting; they were a blatant challenge to the authority of the imperial court!
How could such a lawless, cunning, and notorious bandit leader, whose every move is a shocking crime, be so brazenly appearing across from the county government office?
Their purpose is self-evident!

What was he doing across from the government office?

Yan Zian's voice rang out, even colder than before, each word like an ice bead hitting a blue brick.

The magistrate shuddered and quickly bowed, his voice carrying a barely perceptible unease:

"Reporting to...Reporting to Your Excellency, he...he publicly...criticized the government in a restaurant!"

"Their words were...quite harsh."

He certainly heard Song Jiang's insightful and to-the-point remarks, and deep down he even felt that those words were incisive and a good strategy.

But as an official appointed by the imperial court, how could he dare to show the slightest approval in front of the fourth head of the Criminal Investigation Bureau, or say a good word about the bandits?

Cen Ruifeng snorted angrily, stood up abruptly, his hair and beard bristling, and a fierce aura suddenly emanated from him:

"That Song Jiang! He's lawless! How dare he provoke us! It looks like he's got his eye on our silver cart!"

"Lord Yan, this humble subject begs your permission!"

He clasped his hands in a fist salute to Yan Zi'an, his voice booming like a bell, full of confidence and urgency:

"This humble citizen does not believe that he truly possesses extraordinary abilities! He simply hasn't encountered a true master, especially one like us, a third-rank master."

"Why use a sledgehammer to crack a nut? Please sit down, sir. I will go and capture that arrogant fool who doesn't know the immensity of heaven and earth! Consider it a gift for your visit!"

"If Lord Yan can bring the notorious bandit Song Jiang back to the capital to report, it will be a great achievement and will surely add another brilliant chapter to your illustrious career."

Cen Ruifeng was genuinely worried about something happening to the money.

He wasn't afraid of the bandits from Yanshan Village coming to rob him openly with swords and spears; he was afraid of them playing dirty tricks.

At this moment, he only wanted to act swiftly and decisively, to capture the leader first. Once Song Jiang was captured, the group would be leaderless and the crisis would be resolved!

however.

"Elder Cen, please calm down."

Yan Zian spoke calmly, his voice not loud, but with a strange penetrating power that instantly suppressed Cen Ruifeng's agitation.

He slowly raised his eyebrowless, eerily cold eyes and looked directly at Cen Ruifeng:
"Do you think... Song Jiang is a fool?"

Cen Ruifeng paused, his anger and impulsiveness seeming to have been doused with ice water.

Fool?

How could someone who committed so many shocking crimes and caused the imperial court so much trouble be a fool?
Yan Zi'an's lips seemed to twitch slightly upwards, forming a cold and mocking arc:

"If he's not a fool, why would he openly show his face across from the county government office, under the watchful eyes of countless people?"

"Are you waiting for me to catch him and claim the reward?"

He paused, his voice like a venomous snake's tongue, seeping into one's heart with each wisp of its tongue:

"He did this on purpose...it's bait!"

Bait?!
Cen Ruifeng's pupils contracted.

Yan Zi'an's voice was resolute:

"Their purpose is nothing more than two things: First, to test the waters. To see how many experts and how many precautions are hidden in our county government office. Second, to lure the tiger away from the mountain! To draw you, and perhaps even myself, those who can truly threaten them, away from the silver carriage!"

“Once we fall into the trap and leave the county office to arrest him, the bandits of Yanshan who are lying in ambush will pounce on the unsuspecting silver carriage like hungry wolves that have smelled blood.”

"If the silver cart is lost, what use will it be if you capture ten Song Jiangs or kill many bandits from Yanshan Stronghold? You will only have fallen into their trap and become a laughing stock."

Cen Ruifeng felt as if he had been doused with a bucket of ice water from head to toe, and he shivered violently, cold sweat instantly beading on his forehead.

He suddenly realized that he had almost stepped into a trap carefully set by the other party!
He slumped back into his chair, his face alternating between pale and flushed.

Yan Zi'an stopped looking at him and turned to ask the county magistrate:

"Besides the arrogant Song Jiang, have you found any trace of other bandits from the Yanshan stronghold inside or outside the restaurant? Especially those leaders with names and surnames?"

The county magistrate hurriedly shook his head, his tone certain:
"Your Excellency! I have already dispatched more constables to patrol the city, and indeed... indeed, no trace of other bandits from Yanshan Village has been found."

"In that restaurant, there seemed to be only Song Jiang, Han Tong, and Fei Biao, as well as a woman whose identity had not been identified."

At this point, even the county magistrate felt something was amiss.

Given the large number of bandits at Yanshan Stronghold, it was indeed unreasonable for Song Jiang to appear alone.

Could it be... that they've all really gone into hiding?
Yan Zi'an let out a short, cold laugh, as if he had already seen through everything:
"Hmph! Doesn't that make it even more suspicious?"

"That Song Jiang is as cunning as a devil, why would he risk his life alone?"

"He dares to be so blatant because his real henchmen have long since dispersed into smaller groups, like drops of water seeping into the desert, lurking in every shadowy corner of Jinxi City!"

"The moment we are lured out by the bait and all our forces are mobilized, that will be the moment they strike with lightning speed and seize the silver chariot!"

He surveyed the three people in the study, each with a different expression, his pale face bearing an air of absolute certainty:

"I dare say that Jinxi City is calm on the surface, but undercurrents are surging beneath!"

"The bandits of Yanshan are hiding right under our noses, just waiting for the right moment!"

Yan Zian's analysis was meticulous and reasonable.

Recalling Song Jiang's strange behavior of talking loudly across from the county government office and attracting the attention of the whole city, and combined with the unusual disappearance of other bandits, everyone felt a chill run down their spines.

This is not arrogance.

It was clearly a meticulously planned and treacherous scheme!

Nobody would believe there wasn't a huge conspiracy involved!

Yan Zian slowly stood up, his hairless, porcelain-smooth face appearing even more eerie in the dim light.

His gaze swept over Shen Wanshi and Cen Ruifeng, finally settling on the county magistrate, his voice low and filled with unquestionable authority:

"Everyone, please remember this!"

"Our core mission on this trip is by no means a trivial matter like suppressing bandits! Rather, it is to protect the silver carts and ensure the smooth implementation of the national policy of 'converting rice paddies into mulberry fields'! This is a major matter concerning the national economy, the people's livelihood, and the very foundation of the nation!"

He deliberately emphasized the word "major event," which struck everyone's hearts like a heavy hammer.

"We must not let small things cause us to lose sight of the bigger picture! We must not let our guard down over the sake of a moment of anger or the petty merit of capturing a few bandits!"

"If anything happens to the silver carriage, forget about the merits; we might not even be able to save our heads!"

"Which is more important? I urge you all to think carefully!"

These words were like a wake-up call, instantly dispelling all the distracting thoughts that arose in everyone's minds because of Song Jiang's appearance.

Shen Wanshi's expression turned solemn, and Cen Ruifeng also calmed down completely, his eyes filled only with a deep sense of protectiveness towards the silver carriage.

The county magistrate nodded repeatedly, sweating profusely.

"Lord Yan, you are wise to see the truth!"

Cen Ruifeng asked in a deep voice:
"So, in your opinion, what should we do now?"

Yan Zi'an's smooth lips finally curved into a clear, unfathomable arc, carrying a hint of cruelty, like a cat toying with a mouse.

"If the enemy doesn't move, I won't move."

"Let Song Jiang ramble on, use his words, and provoke us! We only need to—remain still!"

"The silver chariot is our lifeline! Protect the silver chariot, and we will be invincible!"

"Even if Song Jiang has a thousand tricks up his sleeve, he can't do anything to us! As long as we get through tonight, tomorrow the silver carriage will set off from Jinxi City, and we'll meet up with Qin Feng, the famous constable of the Six Doors, and arrive in Changzhou City. Then the world will be our oyster!"

"As for these clowns who dared to touch the grain carts that I personally escorted... Hmph, they'll settle accounts later!"

A cold glint flashed in his eyes, and the chilling killing intent made the candlelight in the study seem to flicker.

"I will obey Your Majesty's command!"

The three people in the study stood up in unison, clasped their hands in greeting, and accepted the order.

……

Jinxi City.

It was early afternoon. The setting sun had completely sunk behind the distant mountains, leaving only a dark red streak on the horizon.

Dusk, like a huge gray curtain, quickly enveloped this small border town.

The sharp, piercing sound of the wooden clapper grew louder as it approached, accompanied by the rough shouts of soldiers and the crisp crack of whips, echoing through the streets.

"The city gates will close at 3:45 PM! Curfew begins!"

"All unauthorized persons, return home immediately! All disaster victims, leave the city immediately!"

"Anyone who disobeys will be whipped twenty times!"

The officers and soldiers, like wolves and tigers, began to brutally drive away the last remaining disaster victims and pedestrians on the street.

The streets, already desolate due to the famine, now seemed even more desolate and filled with the atmosphere of war and chaos.

Inside the restaurant.

The grand "lecture" event, which was led by Liang Jin alone and attracted the attention of the entire city, has finally come to an end.

As the curfew was imposed, the still-enthusiastic crowd, their minds filled with novel ideas and dreams of getting rich, reluctantly dispersed under the shouts and shooing of the soldiers.

The restaurant, which had been bustling all afternoon, finally quieted down, leaving only a mess of dishes and the lingering smell of sweat.

The middle-aged woman's eyes were now gleaming with excitement.

She walked up to Liang Jin and bowed solemnly once again:
"Your guidance today has been truly enlightening, with every word a gem. I still feel I haven't had enough."

"Sir, your insights into improving mulberry and rice cultivation, developing various trades and sideline industries, and ways to enrich and strengthen the people are so profound and your vision so grand that I have never seen anything like it in my life!"

She paused, her gaze becoming even more fervent:
"However... I would like to ask you another question, sir."

"Sir, do you have any insightful opinions on how to eliminate long-standing abuses and guide the people from top to bottom through imperial decrees and legal reforms, so that the various policies you have proposed to enrich the people can truly take root, blossom, and bear fruit?"

Upon hearing this, Liang Jin smiled knowingly.

Indeed, in this era, technical skills are ultimately regarded by many as "strange tricks" or "craftsmanship," and are not worthy of serious consideration.

Those in power believe more in the "art of controlling people" and the "way of power." They are accustomed to being high above, setting a direction or goal, and then driving skilled workers below to complete it.

As for how these skilled craftsmen manufactured and improved the products, and the wisdom and hardship involved, they didn't care; they only cared about the result.

If they succeed, it's because the leaders are wise.

If it fails, it's because the executor is incompetent.

This mindset, which prioritizes institutional tactics over technical practices, is deeply ingrained.

However, Liang Jin also knows that the improvement of productivity must be guaranteed by a matching institutional and policy environment.

Good systems can provide protection and support, while bad systems can become stumbling blocks.

Since the other party asked, and he indeed had something to say, he might as well elaborate further.

Liang Jin immediately smiled and said:

"Since I dared to make this request, I have naturally considered the entire set of related and supporting strategies."

"Technology is the foundation, and government policies are the framework. The two complement each other and are indispensable."

Liang Jin's spirits lifted slightly, and he began to combine the governance wisdom of many feudal dynasties at their peak, which he remembered from his previous life.

He extracted the essence and discarded the dross, and then creatively integrated and elaborated upon it in light of the realities of the Great Qian Dynasty.

Regarding government regulations, Liang Jin thought of the "Field Ordinance" in the "Tang Liudian" (Six Codes of the Tang Dynasty), which stipulated that each household cultivating ten mu of land must plant six mu of rice, three mu of mulberry trees, and the remaining one mu as a vegetable plot. The prefectures and counties would check the land area before spring plowing each year, and those who violated the order would be punished with caning, while those who planted more rice than required could be exempted from one year of corvée labor.

Regarding taxation, following the "Two-Tax System," rice farmers were taxed in kind at a rate of one-tenth; mulberry farmers, in addition to paying silk, also paid a "green seedling tax." A "Market Exchange Office" was established to oversee the price comparison between mulberry and rice. If the price of silk plummeted, relief would be provided to silkworm farmers; when the price of rice soared, granaries would be opened to sell at a stable price, maintaining a balance of "one bolt of silk for five bushels of rice."

The system for ensuring people's livelihood was based on the Han system, which established "ever-normal granaries" extensively. In years of good harvest, the government would purchase surplus grain at the market price plus 10% and store it in brick and stone granaries. The surplus grain was sold at a discounted price to wineries and soy sauce shops. In times of disaster, the granaries were opened to distribute porridge, supplemented by work-for-relief programs, which recruited disaster victims to dredge waterways and repair dikes.

In terms of financial support, following the example of the Northern Song Dynasty's "Green Sprouts Law," wealthy households formed "charitable estates" to lend seeds to poor farmers in the spring, with principal and interest repaid after the autumn harvest at a rate of 3%. The government acted as guarantor, and in the event of a disaster year, repayment could be postponed to the following year, ensuring that the farming season was not disrupted.

Liang Jin's combination of "land decree - tax system - storage law - financial policy" not only drew on historical experience but also avoided the pitfalls that led to policy failure (such as the forced apportionment of the Green Sprouts Law), and placed greater emphasis on practical operability and the protection of the grassroots people.

Its theory is neither too advanced nor shocking, yet it is feasible and has great potential benefits.

When he finally stopped speaking, dusk had fallen outside the window, and the dim oil lamps inside the restaurant were lit.

The middle-aged woman's eyes lit up with admiration, and her breathing became slightly rapid.

She wasn't just an amateur who would praise it; she keenly grasped the essence of Liang Jin's strategy.

This set of policies is not only a patch for the drawbacks of "converting rice paddies to mulberry fields", but also a systematic local governance framework that can self-regulate and self-improve!
There is huge room for improvement, and these policies can be upgraded and adjusted as productivity increases!

"Wonderful! Absolutely wonderful! Sir, you are truly a man of great talent to help the world!"

The middle-aged woman couldn't help but applaud in admiration:
"According to your strategy, the famine and hardship caused by converting rice paddies to mulberry fields can be completely reversed in one to three years, turning losses into profits!"

"Its strategy is far-sighted, meticulous, and gets straight to the heart of the matter. What's even more remarkable is that each step is interconnected and feasible to implement!"

"Sir, your profound knowledge and insightful understanding truly leave me in awe!"

Her gaze toward Liang Jin had transformed from initial scrutiny and curiosity into undisguised fervor and admiration.

She had seen countless so-called "famous scholars" and "great Confucian scholars," some of whom were empty talkers who harmed the country, some of whom were pedantic and conservative, and some of whom were ambitious but lacked talent.

The seemingly rough and dark-faced man before us possesses meticulous thinking, extensive knowledge, a deep understanding of the hardships of the people, and a pragmatic ability to break down grand ideas into actionable steps.

Everything about him reveals his extraordinary talent!
At this time.

The restaurant owner, who had been frantic like a cat on a hot tin roof, finally mustered his courage, his face contorted with despair, and bowed repeatedly to the woman and Liang Jin:
"My esteemed guests! I am truly sorry! It is already quite dark, and the curfew is approaching. The officials are already outside urging us on."

"Our shop is really... Please, esteemed guests, be so kind as to suggest we meet again another day?"

"I'll treat you both to a meal another day to apologize!"

The middle-aged woman was interrupted, her delicate eyebrows furrowed slightly, clearly extremely displeased, and feeling that she hadn't had enough.

She completely ignored the shopkeeper's pleas, staring intently at Liang Jin, her tone carrying an undeniable sincerity:

"Sir! Hearing your words today is more valuable than reading books for ten years!"

"I still have many questions in my mind about current affairs, officialdom, and even border affairs, and I look forward to hearing your insights!"

"This place is noisy and inconvenient. Would you mind moving with me to the inn for lodging?"

"We talked late into the night by candlelight, discussing world affairs at length!"

Liang Jin was genuinely exhausted at that moment.

Constantly searching and integrating the vast amount of knowledge from previous lives into one's mind, and then applying it to the specific circumstances of this life, requires far more mental exertion than engaging in a major battle.

He glanced at the middle-aged woman, then at the greasy, overweight man beside her who had been engrossed in eating the entire time, seemingly oblivious to anything that might happen to him, and deliberately said:

"I appreciate your kind offer, Madam."

"But it's late at night, and my husband is here with me, so I'm afraid... it might be inconvenient?"

He deliberately emphasized the words "Your husband".

The middle-aged woman was taken aback at first, then suddenly realized, and couldn't help but chuckle. She quickly waved her hand and explained:

"Sir, you've misunderstood!"

"This Fei Biao is a hero known in the martial arts world as the 'Gluttonous Chef,' possessing superb knife skills and unparalleled culinary artistry."

She introduced her infamous companion in a calm tone:
"As for that 'Thousand Machine Boy' Han Tong, you have already seen him."

"The three of us are just traveling together, but we have no other relationship with each other."

"By the way, my name is Mushan Qing, and I have yet to formally ask your honorable name, sir?"

She clasped her hands in a respectful gesture once more, her gaze open and sincere.

The wood is green?
The name sounds like a man's name.

However, this middle-aged woman's style of doing things was not like that of a weak woman; on the contrary, it was full of masculine spirit.

Liang Jin smiled slightly and said:

"You'd better not know my name."

"I understand, but be careful not to cause you any trouble."

These words immediately displeased Qianji Tongzi, who was standing nearby.

The Thousand Machine Boy, already harboring jealousy and hatred towards Liang Jin, jumped off his chair upon hearing that the other party was unwilling to even give his name, pointing at Liang Jin and sneering sharply:

"You've heard of all our names, now it's your turn to act mysterious?"

"You don't even dare to give your name? Saying you're afraid of causing us trouble?"

"Hahaha! What a joke! You think we'd be afraid of trouble?"

"In this Great Qian Dynasty, are there still troubles that even we, the 'Thousand-Machine Boy' and the 'Gluttonous Chef,' can't handle?"

His childlike face was contorted with anger, and his voice grew increasingly shrill and harsh:

"Or... are you hiding something?"

"You wanted to report us to the authorities and claim the reward, but you were afraid of our retaliation, so you didn't even dare to reveal your real name?"

He became more and more excited as he spoke, his small hand already gripping the throwing knife pouch at his waist. A chilling killing intent emanated from him once again, his target being Liang Jin!

Liang Jin raised an eyebrow, but had not yet spoken.

"presumptuous!"

A cold, sharp shout rang out like a thunderclap!

Mushan Qing suddenly turned around, his face frosty, his sharp eyes fixed on Han Tong.

The air in the entire restaurant seemed to freeze instantly!
"Han Tong! Shut up!"

"This gentleman is my honored guest, a person I deeply respect! How dare you be so rude and disrespectful?"

"If you dare to disrespect me again, don't blame me for not showing you any mercy!"

Her voice wasn't loud, but it carried a resolute and unquestionable determination; every word pierced Han Tong like an icicle.

Han Tong's youthful face instantly turned bright red, his eyes filled with disbelief, astonishment, grievance, and rage!
He couldn't understand why Mushan Qing would reprimand him so harshly in front of outsiders for the sake of a dark-faced man he had just met who only knew how to talk big.

This is even more humiliating than slapping him!

Fei Biao, the "gluttonous chef" standing to the side, finally stopped chewing.

His greasy face still wore that harmless, honest smile. He slowly stood up, stretched out his large, oil- and meat-scratched palm-leaf fan-like hand, pulled Han Tong aside, and kept trying to persuade him.

But a glint of light flashed quickly in his cloudy little eyes as he glanced at Liang Jin.

When Mu Shanqing turned back to Liang Jin, ignoring Han Tong, the icy expression on his face vanished, replaced by sincere apology and a desire to make his acquaintance.
"Sir, I am truly sorry. My companion lacked discipline and has made a fool of himself. I apologize in advance!"

"To be honest, the three of us have some ability to protect ourselves while traveling the world, but we have also attracted a lot of trouble and enemies. The word 'trouble' is already commonplace for us."

"Sir, there is no need for any concerns. I sincerely wish to befriend you, learn from your teachings, and discuss the world together."

"If you do not mind, sir, please... tell me your name!"

Her attitude was very good.

Liang Jin was going to rob the richest man tonight, and he didn't want to get too involved with others to avoid complications and too much karma.

But the group of people in front of them didn't seem to be kind-hearted people either.

Since they weren't afraid of getting burned, Liang Jin didn't care either.

Liang Jin laughed heartily and said loudly:
"Since you want to know my name, then I will tell you."

"I am—"

Before Liang Jin's name could even be uttered, a sudden change occurred!

His expression changed slightly, and he looked up.

"boom--!!!!"

A deafening, earth-shattering roar erupted violently from above everyone's heads without warning!

The restaurant's sturdy wooden roof seemed to have been slammed down by an invisible, primordial giant hand!

Accompanied by the teeth-grinding "crack" of breaking wood and the "crash" of tiles falling like rain, the entire center of the roof suddenly collapsed inward!
A huge, heavy object, carrying broken wood and tiles, crashed down like a meteorite onto the people in the center of the restaurant!

It was an enormous bell!

(End of this chapter)