Across from them stood Zhan Zhao, glaring like a hunting tiger. Killing intent filled his eyes as his hand rested on the hilt of his sword. One glance was enough to tell he was the kind of righteous warrior spoken of in legends.
Beside him stood Dian Wei.
Towering like a mountain, he had subdued two powerful horses with only one hand, holding the entire carriage in place.
The fierce brutality in his eyes alone was enough to chill the heart.
Men like this were clearly ruthless fighters who feared neither life nor death.
Even the laws of the imperial court would not be able to restrain such people.
But the most frightening of all was Liu Hao.
Though he held the little girl in his arms and wore a faint smile, Wei Zhongdao instantly understood one thing.
Among the three of them, Liu Hao was the one giving the orders.
"Could it be… he intends to kill me right here in the street?"
Wei Zhongdao's face turned pale. Fear lingered in his heart like an inescapable shadow.
Liu Hao's gaze was sharp as a blade.
With a cold smile he said, "You may not want to pursue this matter, but I certainly do."
Wei Zhongdao's heart pounded violently. Cold sweat poured down his back.
"T-this brother… let us talk things out," he stammered nervously. "I am from the Wei family of Hedong. Why don't we each take a step back?"
He deliberately mentioned his background.
Yet Liu Hao showed not the slightest fear.
Holding Zhao Yu's small hand, he sneered.
"The Wei family of Hedong? So impressive, is it?"
"Does that mean Luoyang belongs to your family as well?"
"No matter who you are, you nearly ran over my little sister and now you think you can just leave?"
"You dress like an educated man. Don't you understand basic reason?"
"You either apologize to my sister…"
"Or today you'll witness the fury of a warrior—blood spilling within five steps."
If no one provoked him, Liu Hao would not provoke others.
But if someone dared to bully those under his protection, he would never tolerate it.
"My lord, rest assured. Killing him would be no different from slaughtering a chicken."
Zhan Zhao understood immediately. His killing intent surged forth.
Wei Zhongdao nearly lost control of his bladder from fright.
"Well said! The fury of a warrior—blood spilling within five steps!"
The crowd gathered on the street began cheering loudly for Liu Hao.
Wei Zhongdao had nearly run someone down with his carriage, so public opinion clearly favored Liu Hao.
Inside a nearby restaurant, a delicate maid clapped happily.
"Miss, look! Heroes like this are rarely seen in Luoyang."
"And he's quite handsome too."
Her cheeks flushed slightly, her bright eyes sparkling.
It was obvious the young maid had already fallen into admiration.
Beside her sat a stunning woman dressed in crimson.
Supporting her chin with one slender hand, she chuckled softly.
"How interesting."
"If I'm not mistaken, that young hero has already guessed Wei Zhongdao's identity."
"And next… he will demand compensation."
Back on the street, a cold wind blew past.
Standing atop the carriage, Wei Zhongdao shrank back as he faced the domineering presence of Zhan Zhao and Dian Wei.
At the same time, he silently cursed the city patrol for taking so long to arrive.
But there was nothing he could do.
Fear surged over him like a rising tide.
Liu Hao was absolutely right.
If Liu Hao gave the order, Zhan Zhao alone would be more than enough.
Add Dian Wei's terrifying strength—
And Liu Hao himself, whose movements were as elegant and swift as an immortal.
Killing him would take less than a blink of an eye.
Reality forced him to bow his head.
Wei Zhongdao finally gritted his teeth and bowed toward Liu Hao.
"I apologize. My servant failed to see clearly and offended you."
As he spoke, he raised his whip and struck the coachman viciously.
The poor coachman cried out in pain.
Liu Hao watched coldly and laughed.
"Even if you beat that coachman to death, it won't solve anything."
"My sister was frightened. Her beautiful childhood has now been scarred."
"Even when she grows up, she may never forget it."
"If you want to settle this peacefully today… compensation for emotional distress is unavoidable."
Wei Zhongdao did not fully understand terms like "childhood trauma" or "emotional distress."
But he understood Liu Hao's meaning.
The man wanted money.
Money was easy.
The Wei family had accumulated vast wealth over generations of commerce.
"This is thirty-two taels of silver. Consider it compensation."
Although displeased, Wei Zhongdao took out a money pouch and handed over a large piece of silver.
Thirty-two taels?
Liu Hao did not even glance at it.
His voice turned cold.
"Zhan Zhao. Prepare to act."
Zhan Zhao grinned fiercely and stepped forward.
Wei Zhongdao was terrified out of his wits.
"Wait! Wait!"
"It was my fault for offending you. Tell me what compensation you want and I will satisfy you!"
Liu Hao glanced toward the interior of the carriage.
Suddenly, he paused.
At that moment, the system's voice rang in his mind.
System Notification:
Host has discovered a peerless treasure.
New function unlocked for the Talent Appraisal Skill.
"A new function?"
Liu Hao quickly checked.
After upgrading, the Talent Appraisal Skill had gained an additional ability.
Treasure Identification:
There is a chance to identify valuable treasures.
Liu Hao was immediately delighted.
His gaze passed through the carriage curtain and landed inside.
Numerous chests were stacked within the carriage.
Judging from Wei Zhongdao's expression, they were likely filled with gold, silver, and valuable gifts.
But in the deepest corner sat a long, ancient-looking box.
Although other chests were neatly stacked around it, this one had been hidden at the very back.
According to human psychology, people always hide their most precious possessions in places least likely to be noticed.
Liu Hao smiled faintly.
"Money is nothing but worldly wealth."
"But the goods in your carriage seem quite interesting."
Wei Zhongdao's face turned even paler.
"T-these are gifts I prepared for a marriage proposal—no, no, they are simply local specialties from Hedong for relatives."
"If you like something, please choose any item. Consider it a token of my apology."
Liu Hao's eyes sparkled as he laughed lightly.
"Oh? That seems rather impolite of me."
"It's fine. Please choose anything."
Wei Zhongdao wiped the cold sweat from his forehead.
His heart felt as though it were bleeding.
Everything inside the carriage had been prepared by the Wei family as gifts to influential officials.
Even the precious treasure intended for the marriage proposal was inside.
Every single item was extremely valuable.
But Liu Hao showed no politeness whatsoever.
Ignoring the groaning Wei Bi on the ground, he stepped onto the carriage.
Pretending to browse casually, he looked through several chests before finally picking up the long box hidden deep inside—the one the system had marked as a treasure.
System Notification:
Congratulations, host.
You have obtained…