All Heavens and Worlds Starting from the Night Watchman

Chapter 018: The Minister’s Son, Zhou Li

The crimson sunlight bathed the bustling streets of Changle County, casting a faint melancholy over the noisy world.

At the street corner, an unexpected confrontation was brewing, as if fate had carelessly set up a game of chess.

Xu Qi’an stood among the crowd, dressed in a flowing blue robe. Though anger flickered between his brows, he maintained his composure and cupped his hands in a respectful salute. “May I ask how my two younger sisters have offended you?”

His voice was neither loud nor soft, just enough for those around to hear. His tone carried an unmistakable steadiness.

Opposite him stood a young nobleman, clad in luxurious brocade robes, a riding whip in hand. His expression was frivolous, and a smirk played at the corners of his lips, as if the rules of the world had nothing to do with him.

At first, he was slightly taken aback, but then he sneered, “Oh? Xu Qi’an and Lin Qi’ye? Hmph, you’re exactly the ones I was looking for.”

Xu Qi’an’s heart sank. He already knew this man had come with ill intent. The trouble was likely due to Xu Lingyue’s breathtaking beauty.

He had heard about the vile deeds of these privileged noble brats before, and today’s encounter only confirmed their reputation.

Suppressing his rising anger, he said firmly, “Yes, that’s us. What business do you have with us?”

The young noble’s expression darkened instantly. His sinister gaze was like a venomous snake, sending chills down the spine.

“Cripple them both.” His words were short and cold, as if he were giving an order about something trivial.

This man was none other than Zhou Li, son of Minister Zhou Xianping.

The men beside Zhou Li were already stirring, their postures sharp and alert—clearly trained fighters.

They drew gleaming daggers from their sleeves, the cold steel reflecting their ruthless expressions.

Xu Qi’an knew this was no time for delay. He quickly shot a glance at Xu Lingyue, signaling her to take the young Xu Lingyin and leave immediately to report to the authorities.

However, Zhou Li and his men had no intention of letting them off so easily. Instead of backing down, they grew even more aggressive after hearing Xu Qi’an’s name.

“Leave? Not so fast!” Zhou Li sneered and waved his hand, signaling his men to attack.

In an instant, blades flashed through the air, and the sharp whistle of daggers cutting through wind filled the street. A brutal fight was now inevitable.

Lin Qi’ye’s eyes flickered with determination. “Damn it, I wasn’t looking for trouble, but since trouble found us, we won’t just roll over!”

Without another word, he and Xu Qi’an stood side by side, facing Zhou Li’s thugs without fear.

They covered Xu Lingyue’s retreat, ensuring she could report to the authorities. After all, the matter needed to be handled officially.

Zhou Li’s men were clearly well-trained, working together seamlessly to execute precise coordinated attacks. As a result, Xu Qi’an and Lin Qi’ye found it difficult to get close.

Though both men were skilled, they had to be cautious about their enemies’ backgrounds. Killing recklessly was not an option, leading to a stalemate in the battle.

Zhou Li’s expression grew darker. His face twisted in rage. “You two worthless bastards dare to ruin my plans? If you don’t kneel and call me ‘Grandfather’ today, I’ll make sure you both die!”

His words dripped with venom, full of menace and provocation.

Lin Qi’ye chuckled coldly and turned to Xu Qi’an with amusement. “Xu Qi’an, is this guy your grandson? He’s the one who insists on calling you ‘Grandfather’.”

Xu Qi’an almost laughed but quickly composed himself, his eyes turning sharp.

“If I had a grandson like this, I’d have to ask his mother how she gave birth to such a beast.”

“You’re courting death! Kill them!” Zhou Li roared in fury. No one had ever dared to humiliate him like this.

“Today, I’ll teach you a lesson, you little bastard!”

Xu Qi’an let out a low growl and moved like lightning. In an instant, he broke through the encirclement and lunged directly at Zhou Li.

With a swift motion, he grasped Zhou Li’s throat, his speed astonishing.

“Let go of our young master!” Zhou Li’s men were horrified, closing in immediately, but they hesitated, afraid of harming their master.

Xu Qi’an tightened his grip around Zhou Li’s neck and clenched his other hand into a fist. Each punch landed with crushing force.

Zhou Li felt his ribs crack under the blows. His face contorted with pain and fear, and he stammered, “You… do you know who I am?”

Xu Qi’an stepped down harder, nearly choking him. He spoke in an icy tone:

“Even a common man has his wrath. And when he is enraged, blood will be spilled within five steps. Even if the Emperor himself were here today, he couldn’t save you.”

With one final kick, Zhou Li spat out blood and nearly lost consciousness.

Just then, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed down the street. Captain Wang of the county yamen arrived with his officers in tow.

He had initially rushed over after hearing that someone was harassing Xu Qi’an. But upon arriving at the scene and recognizing Zhou Li, his expression immediately turned complex.

His gaze wavered, but eventually, he put on a stern face and barked, “Who dares to brawl in the streets of Changle County?!”

Like a drowning man grasping at straws, Zhou Li pointed at Xu Qi’an and roared, “Arrest him! I want them cut into pieces!”

Captain Wang, however, acted as if he hadn’t heard. He cursed under his breath and ordered, “Take all these troublemakers away!”

With a glance, he signaled his men to round up Zhou Li’s followers. But when it came to Xu Qi’an and Lin Qi’ye, he merely gave them a light tap, clearly showing favoritism.

After Zhou Li and his men were taken away, Captain Wang lingered behind, lowering his voice. “Ning Yan, you’re in big trouble this time. That brat isn’t just anyone—you better think carefully about what comes next.”

His tone carried both reproach and concern.

Of all the people to offend, they had to offend the son of a minister. This was serious.

Lin Qi’ye frowned and said, “Captain Wang, we didn’t start this fight.”

“It was that bastard harassing Ning Yan’s cousin first. We were in the right.”

Captain Wang sighed. “Being in the right doesn’t mean much these days. He has connections.”

That was the truth.

In this world, power could determine a person’s fate. Zhou Li was, after all, the minister’s son.

Lin Qi’ye narrowed his eyes in thought. “Ning Yan, he harassed Lingyue, sure. But he also came looking for trouble specifically with us.”

“Could it be that we have some prior grudge with him? That he knew our whereabouts and came to pick a fight?”

“Captain Wang, who exactly is this young master?”

“The son of the Minister of Revenue, Zhou Li.”

Upon hearing this, Lin Qi’ye and Xu Qi’an’s expressions darkened. Clearly, the situation was more complicated than they had expected.

“It doesn’t matter whose son he is. That doesn’t justify harassing women in broad daylight and ordering his men to attack others.”

“If a man like that faces no consequences, then where is justice? Where is the law?”