Dao Xingfeng obviously came with anger. Zhan Zhao, observing from the rooftop, noticed that it was not just Dao Xingfeng alone—three top experts from the Dao League had all arrived.

At the entrance of the yamen, the yamen officers had just stood in formation. Seeing a large group of aggressive jianghu figures approaching, Zhang Long and Zhao Hu quickly sent someone inside to report.

“Huh?” Grand Tutor Pang had just sat down, preparing to take a sip of tea and catch his breath when the messenger rushed in. “My lord, the people from the Dao League are here.”

Bao Zheng remained calm. “How many of them?”

“A lot. They are dressed in mourning clothes and carrying weapons,” replied the messenger from Kaifeng Prefecture, who had seen enough of the world to remain composed.

“Uh, my lords, perhaps it would be best to avoid them for now?” The county magistrate stepped forward.

Grand Tutor Pang actually considered it for a moment. Who knew what these jianghu people would do if they went crazy? A Dao League leader sounded like a formidable title, and their side had only a handful of people…

“Ridiculous!” Bao Zheng frowned and glared at the county magistrate.

This was the magistrate’s first time meeting Bao Zheng. The sight of his dark face, combined with a sharp stare, startled him enough to take a step back—it was truly black and white, unmistakable!

“This is an official government office. All matters must be handled according to the laws of the Song Dynasty. You are a court official—how can you be afraid of a few jianghu people?”

“Yes, yes… Lord Bao’s reprimand is correct.” The county magistrate thought to himself, You all are big shots, but I’m just a small official—I won’t play this game with you. “I will go and strengthen the defenses immediately.” Saying this, he slipped away like the wind.

Bao Zheng stood up, preparing to go outside to assess the situation. At the doorway, he turned back and saw Pang Ji leisurely sipping his tea, as if he hadn’t noticed anything.

“Sigh,” Bao Zheng looked at him. “Aren’t you coming?”

“Uh…” The Grand Tutor coughed. “I have never been interested in jianghu feuds. You go ahead.”

Bao Zheng stared at him for a moment, then chuckled dryly. “Old Pang, you’ve weathered many storms over the years—surely you’re not scared of a few jianghu folks?”

“Huh?” Pang Ji was embarrassed. “Who says I’m scared? I am the Grand Tutor, a high-ranking official of the court. Why would I fear some jianghu people?”

Bao Zheng spread his hands as if to say—if you’re not scared, then come along!

Embarrassed, Grand Tutor Pang had no choice but to follow, lest he become the butt of Bao Zheng’s jokes in the future. But as he walked, he glanced around anxiously. “Has Bodyguard Zhan returned from his meal yet?”

Bao Zheng, seeing his nervousness, deliberately scared him. “Probably won’t be back until nightfall.”

Grand Tutor Pang’s plump face instantly scrunched up in worry, regretting that he had taken the lead.

When they reached the main gate, they saw that most of their 500 elite soldiers were stationed outside the city, leaving only a small group of yamen officers and a handful of troops. In contrast, the approaching procession of jianghu people in mourning attire could only be described as overwhelming.

A rough estimate put their numbers at two to three hundred.

Grand Tutor Pang knew that jianghu people were each worth several ordinary soldiers. Aside from Zhan Zhao, their forces were essentially useless here. And even if Zhan Zhao were present, what could one man do—fight hundreds at once?

“Hey, Blackie!” Pang Ji saw Bao Zheng still maintaining his usual dignified air, his face stern as ever, and quickly tugged at his sleeve. “Be careful not to provoke them.”

Bao Zheng flicked his sleeve aside and gave him a disdainful look.

Seeing this, Pang Ji took a step back and thought, Fine, if you want to act all righteous, go ahead! I’m staying out of this.

Dao Xingfeng led his men to the yamen’s entrance. Their original intention was not to cause a scene but simply to retrieve the bodies of their fallen brothers.

However, upon arriving, Dao Xingfeng caught sight of the “Impartial and Incorruptible” plaque, the patrol banners, and the large number of yamen officers and soldiers.

Standing at the entrance was a single man.

Dao Xingfeng was startled at first glance. What is that?

To be fair, it was Bao Zheng’s own doing. He was already dark-skinned and preferred wearing black robes. From a distance, he looked like a little clay figurine.

In truth, Bao Zheng had tried wearing various colors of casual attire, but black was still the most harmonious. Any other color would create the illusion of a floating black head.

“Stop!”

At that moment, Zhao Hu shouted, “This is an official government office. No unauthorized gatherings or disturbances!”

Pang Ji raised an eyebrow. He had always thought the four guards of Kaifeng Prefecture were just for show. It turned out they were actually useful in critical moments…

Dao Xingfeng, seeing that this guard had a strong presence, and that the black-faced official at the entrance exuded a formidable authority, thought for a moment before cupping his hands in greeting. “Might you be Lord Bao?”

Bao Zheng sized him up. Dao Xingfeng did indeed have the demeanor of a grandmaster and a sect leader. He appeared to be in his forties? However, based on Zhan Zhao’s account, he should be over fifty. It was true—masters of martial arts often appeared younger than their actual age. Moreover, Dao Xingfeng was well-built and had a righteous air about him.

Bao Zheng nodded. “Indeed. And you must be the Dao League’s leader, Dao Xingfeng?”

“That is correct.” Dao Xingfeng bowed. “Lord Bao, please do not take offense. We have come only to reclaim the bodies of our fallen brothers.”

Bao Zheng waved a hand. “Leader Dao, I understand your sentiments, but this case involves multiple homicides. The bodies must remain for official examination. This office will ensure that the real culprit is brought to justice. As for the bodies, they will be returned to the families after the coroner’s inspection.”

“Lord Bao, I trust in your fairness, but there is no need for the authorities to investigate further.” Dao Xingfeng clasped his hands behind his back, unwilling to be dismissed so easily. “We already know who the killer is. This is a matter of the jianghu, and we hope the government will not interfere.”

Bao Zheng frowned slightly. “Jianghu people may have their own rules, but the nation has its laws. Engaging in mass brawls and extrajudicial executions are serious crimes.”

“Lord Bao,” Dao Xingfeng interrupted with a cold smile, “whether the bodies are returned to the Dao League or to the families does not matter, as they will ultimately be buried by our sect. However, the murderer must be executed by my hand. His blood will be the sacrifice for my fallen brothers. An eye for an eye, a life for a life—this is a principle recognized anywhere.”

If Bao Zheng’s face weren’t already dark, it would have visibly darkened. His voice deepened. “As you said, a life for a life. If you execute the killer without due process, then you yourself are a murderer. Obstructing an official investigation is a crime in the Song Dynasty. No matter your rank in the jianghu, if you break the law, you will face punishment.”