When he heard the noble from the Celestial Star Shop address Old Tu Tou as "City Lord," the pickpocket who had started it all froze completely, body and soul, like a man on death's door.
His eyes bulged, nearly popping from their sockets. An indescribable, convulsive emotion ran rampant through his mind like exploding fireworks, and he felt the world begin to spin.
Yes, the world truly was spinning. He had just been slapped—mercilessly—and blood was only now returning to his pale right cheek, turning it red.
It grew redder and redder, until it was almost purple.
Blood trickled from his nostrils and the corners of his mouth twitched. Lying on the ground, he stared blankly at the stooped figure of Old Tu Tou and his granddaughter.
