He was in the Ming Dynasty, and his adoptive father was Governor Cao.

Everyone in the Pearl-Picking Bureau knows that this Chief Zhao practices an extremely cold and sinister palm technique—the "Frosty Cotton Palm." His internal energy follows the path of icy true qi, which makes him increasingly aloof and cold-hearted, rarely speaking to others.

His presence in the dungeon at this moment was clearly not for idle strolling.

It's understandable that the other party was rude, but Xiao Ting had no intention of trying to build a relationship with them.

It's the same if we never see each other again.

Xiao Ting immediately changed his tone, put his hands behind his back, and said calmly, "Then I wonder what brings you here, Steward Zhao?"

"..."

Zhao Jing glanced at him in surprise, and his mind immediately flashed back to the headless corpses scattered on Black Tooth Reef when he found him yesterday, as well as the news he had just received from his adoptive father: killing Gao Jie, forcing Gao Liang, eliminating the traitor... This good-for-nothing who only knew how to cause trouble seemed to have really changed.

He gestured to the left and right with his eyes.

Xiao Ting understood his meaning and turned back to his cell.

Zhao Jing followed him inside, while Fan Xiping stood guard at the door, secretly gathering his inner energy and focusing his attention.

"Master has given the order."

As soon as Zhao Jing entered, he said coldly, "Gao Liang is emotionally agitated upon learning of his brother's death and may make some unusual moves. You must be careful."

After saying that, he took off the package from his waist, placed it on the table, and untied it. Inside was a close-fitting soft armor that was dark black and almost non-reflective. The material was special and the texture was very fine.

Zhao Jing solemnly said, "This is a top-grade [Black Silkworm Robe], originating from the Great Snow Mountain of Tubo. It is made by mixing incredibly tough black silkworm silk with several other exotic silkworm varieties, and then soaking it in secret medicine. It takes three years to produce just one piece, after which skilled craftsmen weave it. When worn, it is impervious to swords and blades, and can even neutralize some of the impact of internal energy. It is a supreme protective treasure. My master instructed me to give this robe to you for self-defense..."

As he finished speaking, a muscle seemed to twitch on Zhao Jing's pale face.

Recalling how this spendthrift son had thrown the treasure bestowed upon him by his master, the Heart-Protecting Mirror, into the sea, and the effort his master had put into finding protective items for this good-for-nothing, as well as the boy's past misdeeds, a surge of anger rushed to his head!

He added, almost gritting his teeth, word by word:

"This item is extremely rare!"

"Master's good intentions are evident..."

He took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing his surging anger, and warned, "Don't waste these precious treasures again!"

The word "again" is used well.

Xiao Ting immediately thought of the scene where the original owner threw away the breastplate, and he couldn't hold back any longer.

Judging from Zhao Jing's heartbroken expression, he doesn't seem like the type to cause trouble...

Xiao Ting was an outsider, but he saw things very clearly.

These three disciples actually loved and respected Cao Guangxian very much. That's why they hated the original owner of Cao Guangxian for repeatedly dragging him down!

The desire to kill him stemmed not only from jealousy of his status as an adopted son and Cao Guangxian's favoritism, but also from the intention of eliminating a burden on him.

Of course, understanding is one thing.

Xiao Ting has already shown that he is different; if anyone still tries to make a move, he will kill them without hesitation!

"Thank you for your help, Chief Judge Zhao."

Xiao Ting had no interest in cultivating a relationship with Zhao Jing, but since the other party had come on Cao Cao's orders, representing Cao Cao's attitude, he had to give a proper response. He said solemnly, "Please convey to my godfather that I, Xiao Ting, thank him for his generous gift! This treasure is invaluable, and I am deeply grateful for your kindness. I will never forget it and will cherish it dearly, wearing it at all times, never failing to live up to your good intentions!"

These words were delivered with a proper posture and sincere tone, which improved Zhao Jing's expression. At least they sounded somewhat respectable, and he didn't act foolishly again.

"You'd better watch yourself."

He said that and turned to leave.

Xiao Ting asked, "How is Gao Liang now?"

Zhao Jing paused for a moment, then said without turning his head, "I'm on sick leave, so I'm temporarily assuming the duties of the Supervisor. My master called the three of us in and specifically instructed us that anyone who betrays us, leaks information, or secretly hinders us—no matter who they are—will be dealt with personally to uphold family discipline! The investigation into the traitor has already begun..."

Xiao Ting nodded and changed the subject: "In the early stages of Gao Liang's connection with You, it would have been suicide to fight against my adoptive father. There are only three things he can do: collude with outsiders, sow discord among his own people, and incite public opinion."

Zhao Jing was somewhat surprised and turned to look at him.

Xiao Ting's expression remained unchanged as he continued, "The third point can be ruled out. Gao Jie deserved to die, and it's impossible for him to overturn the case! If Gao Liang wants to punish me according to the law and bring up my past misdeeds, it won't be easy either, because Gao Jie is also not clean. He can't use someone else to do his dirty work, so it can only be the first two possibilities. This person is ambitious and determined to replace his adoptive father. He might not collude with external enemies and give others a handle against him. The most likely scenario is that he is working with the traitor who set a trap for me last night... I wonder what Chief Inspector Zhao thinks of this 'traitor'?"

Xiao Ting stared intently at Zhao Jing, watching his reaction.

Zhao Jing did not answer immediately.

He gave Xiao Ting a deep look, as if reassessing his junior brother, before finally saying, "Before, I would have said he did a good job! Now, we can wait and see..."

The two stared at each other, the atmosphere tense and fraught with tension.

Knock knock—

Just then, Fan Xiping knocked on the door and said with a smile, "My lords? It's time for lunch."

The sound of the food cart rolling grew louder as it approached.

Several prison guards pushed carts and began distributing simple meals to the cells.

Two other guards carried food boxes to the table at the entrance of the cell and began to set out the dishes, which were clearly much more refined and were obviously prepared for Xiao Ting and the others.

Xiao Ting opened the door, glanced inside, and saw that the food was quite good. He casually asked, "Zhang Zhu has been busy all day, would you like some?"

Zhao Jing's attitude seemed to have changed slightly because of the conversation, but it remained cold and firm: "No need, I won't disturb the centurion's meal. Farewell!"

Having said that, he turned and walked around Xiao Ting to leave.

But in that instant, Xiao Ting's nostrils twitched slightly, and his peripheral vision swept over the guard carrying the food box—a plain-looking, meek middle-aged man. He had seen him that morning; he was among the guards, but unlike before… the “smell” on him had changed, changed completely…

In the blink of an eye.

Xiao Ting suddenly reached out with his left hand and grabbed Zhao Jing's right arm!

"Zhao, the Chief Judge."

Xiao Ting smiled, but his voice was low and authoritative: "Or... you should stay."

Caught off guard, Zhao Jing's arm was grabbed, and a chill instinctively surged from his dantian, his icy true energy almost rebounding outwards along the meridians that had been grabbed.

A flash of anger crossed his face, and he was about to explode when he noticed Xiao Ting's tense body.

Following his gaze, I noticed the guard.

Zhao Jing was somewhat puzzled, but recalling their earlier conversation, he quickly suppressed his anger and secretly transmitted his voice:

What's wrong with him?

Xiao Ting was still in the Acquired Realm and could not respond with his voice, so he only gave Zhao Jing and Fan Xiping a wink.

His right hand silently pressed onto the hilt of the white-tasseled sword, and he laughed loudly, "Chief Zhao, are you curious about where I learned my 'Guicang One-Sword Technique'? I'll tell you now..."

When the story of "Guicang Yidao" was mentioned, the servant serving dishes twitched his ears very slightly.

There was no more hesitation in Xiao Ting's eyes.

It's now!

He suddenly pushed off with his feet, and the "Treading the Oar Technique" movement was suddenly activated, his figure moving forward like a ghost.

In an instant, they closed in to within three feet of the "foreigner"!

Without questioning or probing, the blade flashed like a cold lightning bolt, suddenly erupting!

The white-tasseled blade, carrying a ruthless and sharp killing intent, slashed straight towards the opponent's throat!