Infinite Professions from a Pearl Collector
Chapter 23 - 21: In This World Today, Who Still Has Faith in the King’s Law

Chapter 23: Chapter 21: In This World Today, Who Still Has Faith in the King’s Law

Li Chunfeng had been indulging in carnal pleasures recently and had no idea what was happening in the outside world.

So when the Six Gates constables explained the origin of the name "Stepping Moon" and revealed the details of the shocking cases that had occurred in the Capital City over the past two days, Li Chunfeng felt a chill run down his spine. The color drained from his face, which had been arrogant and domineering just moments before.

He knew better than anyone how many evil deeds he had committed over the years, how many innocent women he had violated. But relying on the overwhelming power of the Duke’s Mansion, he had never given a second thought to the lives of those he considered ants.

But now, an elusive River Bandit who specifically targeted nobles like him had called him out by name, demanding his head. How could he not be terrified?

However, this fear did not last long.

His father, Duke Anguo, Li Jun, soon received the news.

The Duke was thunderously furious. At his command, men from the Arresting Department and the Military Patrol Station rushed over, surrounding the entire Duke An’s Mansion so tightly that not even a drop of water could get through.

Before long, the Lin Family Patriarch, Lin Hong, the Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, Zhang Bo, and a crowd of other Capital City dignitaries also arrived after hearing the news. They stared at the arrogant line of script on the wall, and every one of them had an extremely grim expression.

"Arrogant! Utterly arrogant!" Zhang Bo pointed at the wall, his finger trembling with rage. "This fiend first stole grain, then silver, and now he dares to openly leave a message threatening murder! Is he trying to overturn the heavens?"

Lin Hong’s face was as dark as water. "This man acts with no restraint. Today he dares to leave a message on the wall of Duke An’s Mansion; tomorrow he could come to any of our residences to commit violence. Therefore, he must not be allowed to live. We must eradicate him, or he will become a dagger in our hearts!"

This proposal immediately received the unanimous agreement of all the Noble Families present.

Li Jun immediately gave the order. "Relay my command! All servants and guards in the mansion are to patrol day and night without a moment’s rest! Furthermore, gather all of our best experts to protect the young master personally. I’d like to see how he plans to take my son’s head in three days’ time!"

Watching his father dispatching troops and seeing the surrounding area filled with officials and soldiers, Li Chunfeng’s fear gradually faded. He calmed down considerably. In his view, with his father and so many people around, he would surely be safe and sound.

And just as everyone was discussing how to set up their defenses, a clear, crisp female voice rang out.

"My lords, this junior has something to say."

Everyone turned toward the voice and saw a graceful and beautiful young woman standing elegantly behind Cheng Ming. It was none other than Cheng Zhiwei.

Ordinarily, in a gathering of the Capital City’s top dignitaries, a young slip of a girl like her would have no right to speak. But out of respect for Divine Eye Cheng Ming, no one reprimanded her.

Li Jun frowned. "And what brilliant insight might you have, little girl?"

Neither servile nor overbearing, Cheng Zhiwei’s gaze swept across the courtyard before she spoke. "Based on the two previous cases, this person’s Body Technique is uncanny. He is a master of stealth and concealment, especially skilled at hiding in the darkness where he can evade normal perception. Therefore, I’m afraid ordinary patrols will not be enough to stop him."

She paused, her voice becoming a bit clearer. "To ensure there are no mistakes, why not hang lanterns everywhere in the mansion, especially along the courtyard walls, on the rooftops, in the corridors, and in every corner? Make sure the entire mansion is as bright as day, leaving not a single shadowy blind spot. Only then can we maximally reduce his hiding places and leave him with nowhere to conceal himself."

As soon as she said this, everyone’s eyes lit up.

"Brilliant!" Lin Hong couldn’t help but clap his hands in praise. "Miss Zhiwei, you truly have a keen eye for detail and think of everything. This is an excellent plan!"

Li Jun also nodded and immediately ordered his steward to see to it.

Cheng Zhiwei gave a faint smile and then retreated.

But her actions had drawn the attention of Li Chunfeng.

He sized up Cheng Zhiwei without concealment. Her beautiful face and serene demeanor ignited a fire in his heart, making him wish he could drag her to his bed and ravage her right then and there.

Being exceptionally perceptive, Cheng Zhiwei immediately noticed the malice in Li Chunfeng’s gaze. Her delicate brows furrowed slightly, and she impassively lowered her eyes, hiding behind her grandfather.

With the matter decided, everyone began to get busy.

Cheng Ming noticed his granddaughter’s odd behavior. When no one else was around, he asked in a low voice, "Zhiwei, what’s wrong?"

Cheng Zhiwei hesitated for a moment, but finally couldn’t help but ask, "Grandfather, Li Chunfeng dared to be so insolent with his eyes in front of so many people. It seems the rumors are true—he really is wicked to the core. By coming up with plans for him like this, aren’t we... aiding a tyrant?"

Seeing the serious look on his granddaughter’s face, the smile on Cheng Ming’s face faded. He said solemnly, "Zhiwei, you must remember, we are constables. A constable’s duty is to catch thieves and robbers and uphold the law. As for how criminals are to be dealt with, that is for the royal law to decide. We have no right to interfere."

He lowered his voice. "I know you have a very poor opinion of this Li Chunfeng, but no matter what kind of person he is, he is not a criminal until the royal law declares him guilty. His life and death are certainly not for some Flying Thief to judge, understand?"

Cheng Zhiwei nodded silently.

Seeing this, Cheng Ming sighed inwardly and gently patted his granddaughter’s shoulder. "Don’t overthink it. Just do our job well. The great lords in the imperial court will handle the rest."

"I understand, Grandfather." Cheng Zhiwei forced a smile.

But after Cheng Ming turned to arrange his men, Cheng Zhiwei gazed at the brightly lit and bustling Duke’s Mansion, a flicker of confusion in her eyes that she couldn’t shake.

She muttered to herself, her voice so soft only she could hear, "’The royal law... but in this world today, how many people still believe in the royal law?’"

...

The explosive news that the "Stepping Moon Hero" had left a message at Duke An’s Mansion, proclaiming he would take the head of the wicked young master Li Chunfeng in three days, instantly swept through the entire Capital City.

The attitudes of the nobility and the common people toward this matter were diametrically opposed.

Even if those Noble Families and aristocrats privately scorned Li Chunfeng’s actions, they saw this as an internal conflict. If he was to be punished, it should be by their own hands, not by some upstart from the Martial World of unknown origin who had no right to interfere.

Among the common people, however, there was a mix of excitement and deep worry.

People were excited that a Hero had finally dared to stand up and eliminate this scourge for them, but they were also terrified that Duke An’s Mansion would surely set up a Celestial Net of Heaven and Earth, and that the Stepping Moon Hero’s chances of survival were slim.

Regardless of their attitude, the matter became the focus of discussion for everyone, from the imperial court down to the alleyways.

In a dilapidated corner of the Capital City, the young girl who had just been savaged by Li Chunfeng lay on her bed like a wooden statue, refusing to eat or drink, wanting only to die.

Just then, the girl’s mother came to the bedside, her eyes brimming with tears, and said softly, "My daughter, if you want to cry, just cry it all out. A Hero is going to seek justice for us."

"Even if you really want to go, let’s just wait three more days. We’ll see with our own eyes what kind of end that beast comes to, and then you can go. Please? Mom is begging you."

Hearing this, the girl on the bed with the vacant eyes finally stirred slightly. A hot tear then rolled down her pale cheek.