I assembled the strongest swordsman group.

After listening to Zodari's explanation, Qing Deng nodded slightly.

Why were they robbed for no reason? Why did the professional thugs of the Qingxia Alliance suddenly appear here? After Zodari's explanation, all these questions were answered.

"Lord Niou."

At this moment, Zodari asked respectfully.

"Excuse my intrusion, but I am visiting this place so late at night. May I ask what brings you here?"

When he asked that question, a hint of wariness flickered in Zodari's eyes.

The thieves who specialize in handling all kinds of major criminal cases and vicious criminals, and the Shimizu clan who specialize in operating all kinds of black industries... these two are irreconcilable enemies.

In fact, the Fire Thief had physically clashed with the Shimizu clan several times.

Now, Qing Deng, the captain of the Third Division of the Fire Thieves, is wandering around the Shimizu clan's territory in the middle of the night instead of comfortably lying at home... He's practically screaming "suspicious" on his face.

"I need to speak with Kitahara Konosuke. Is he at the Renya?"

Qingdeng didn't stand on ceremony and went straight to the point about his purpose.

Zodari's eyes twitched slightly as he suspiciously scanned the faces of Aoto, Sanako, and Otsuki Minoru.

"Lord Kitahara is at the office tonight... I understand. If you have something to discuss with Lord Kitahara, please follow me."

Kitahara Konosuke is a high-ranking member of the "Shimizu Clan." In terms of rank, he is much higher than Zotari Toshimitsu.

On one side is a high-ranking leader of a much higher rank, and on the other side is the famous King Nioh... Zodari demonstrated the survival philosophy of a nobody: kowtow more and speak less.

He didn't bother to ask Qing Deng, "What do you want with Lord Kitahara?", as such a question was not one that someone like him was qualified to ask.

Since Niou wants to see Kitahara Kōnosuke, let's take him there.

As for whether Kitahara Kōnosuke will see him, and what Niō's intentions are in suddenly wanting to see Kitahara Kōnosuke... those are things he can't control!

Zodari's understanding nature saved Qing Deng a lot of effort.

Qingdeng said solemnly:

"Then trouble you."

"You're too kind."

Zodari placed his hands on his thighs and bowed deeply to Qing Deng with a flattering smile.

……

……

Zodarison led a few of his men to clear the way, with Qing Deng and his group following closely behind.

The faces of Zodari and his men... possessed a strange kind of magic.

The reason for this is that wherever they went, the poor and beggars on the roadside were terrified and scattered in all directions, as if they had seen evil ghosts crawling out of the underworld.

After walking along the maze-like, winding road for about ten minutes, Qingdeng gradually heard a commotion.

In front of us stood a tall building with a simple design but a considerable area.

A warm, dim yellow light shone through the window.

The commotion was coming from inside the house.

Zodarisen quickened his pace and whispered something to the burly men standing outside the door.

These burly men dressed as gatekeepers looked up at Qing Deng and the others a few times, then nodded slightly.

"Alright, Lord Niou, please come in with me."

Zodari made a "please" gesture to Qing Deng, and then took the initiative to push open the door of Ren's house for Qing Deng.

The moment the door opened, noise and heat burst out.

The room was unusually hot, and Qingdeng felt his body sweating even before he stepped inside.

The air was filled with steam and tobacco smoke.

The smell, a mixture of sweat acid and body odor, makes one want to hold their breath.

"Place your bet now! Place your bet now!"

"Aaaaaah! Why? Why?! Why can't I win?!"

"I refuse to believe it'll be another 'double' this time!"

"No! I'm going to take another gamble! I'm sure I can win this time!"

……

Guessing high or low, guessing odd or even, playing double six, playing mahjong, and many other gambling games that Qingdeng can't even name...

The scene inside the room perfectly matched Qing Deng's impression of a casino.

It's so noisy it hurts my ears.

The chaotic scene was tiring to look at.

The emotions of extreme joy and extreme sorrow repeatedly shifted and played out...

A person who was ecstatic 10 minutes ago may show a look of utter despair 10 minutes later.

A person who looked ashen-faced three minutes ago might be laughing and crying with joy three minutes later, just like Fan Jin who passed the imperial examination.

All aspects of human life seem to be presented in this space called "Casino".

Qing Deng detested gambling, which could easily ruin one or even several families. Therefore, Qing Deng's brow remained furrowed ever since he entered the house.

Sanako was the same; she was clearly not used to the casino environment, and her pretty little face scrunched up.

"Lord Niou, this is the busiest time for Renya's business, so there are quite a lot of people. Please stick close to me."

Zodari led Qing Deng and the others slowly into the depths of Renwu...

……

……

Ren's house, backyard—

Boom!

The arrow, which flew horizontally across half the courtyard like a wild goose, landed steadily in the bullseye of the target 10 meters away, its fletching swaying violently due to the reaction force.

Kitahara Kōnosuke put down the Japanese bow in his hand, glanced at his "spoils of war," and pouted in dissatisfaction.

"Hmm... I'm not in a good state today... Heh, it's supposed to be my favorite martial art, but I haven't practiced it in a long time, and my skills have really become rusty."

As he said this, Kitahara Konosuke bent down and drew a new arrow from the quiver beside his leg.

At that moment, a Yakuza hurriedly entered the courtyard and walked to Kitahara Konosuke's side.

Kitahara Kōnosuke leaned out towards his subordinate without making a sound.

Yakuza hesitated for a moment, then stood on tiptoe and put his ear close to Kitahara Konosuke's ear.

Kitahara Kōnosuke listened indifferently, staring blankly ahead—a posture he maintained for only 5 seconds.

Five seconds later, Kitahara Konosuke's face changed color.

"Ju Qingdeng?"

Kitahara Kōnosuke turned his head and stared intently into his subordinate's eyes.

"...I understand. Thank you for your hard work. You may leave now."

Yakuza bowed respectfully, responded with a spirited "Yes," and quickly left.

"..."

Kitahara Kōnosuke stood still, gazing into the distance, his expression somber, his eyes filled with a heavy look as if he were recalling some painful past events.

"Tachibana Aoto... Tachibana Takayuki's son...?"

As if feeling a pain in his heart, Kitahara Konosuke raised his hand and grabbed the clothes at his chest, tearing the fabric with a tearing sound.

"Tachibana Takashi...!"

……

……

Aoto and the others waited for Kitahara Kōnosuke's arrival in a grand room that resembled a reception room.

They didn't wait in the room for too long.

Ten minutes later, footsteps came from the direction of the corridor outside the door.

Qing Deng and the others reflexively glanced towards the doorway.

Wow.

Almost at the same time, the paper sliding door with beautiful pictures was pulled open.

The one who opened the door was none other than Kitahara Konosuke.

"Lord Niou!"

Kitahara Konosuke strode towards Aoto and greeted him politely.

Aoto, who had met the highest authority in the country, as well as the former "Mother of the Nation" and the current "Empress Dowager," namely Tokugawa Iemochi and Tenshōin Atsuhime, could be considered to have seen countless people.

Aoto immediately noticed that Kitahara Kōnosuke's words and actions carried a leisurely and unhurried demeanor.

It refers to the magnanimity of someone who holds the power of life and death over countless people in the world they live in.

"Mr. Kitahara, it's a pleasure to meet you."

Aoto stood up and politely bowed to Kitahara Konosuke.

After exchanging greetings, Kitahara Kōnosuke turned his gaze to Sanako and Ōtsuki Minoru behind Aoto.

Kitahara Kōnosuke's gaze lingered on Ōtsuki Minoru for only a moment before shifting away, but it remained fixed on Sanako for a long time.

"Hmm? Miss Chiba?"

As one of the famous figures of Edo, it was only natural that Sanako would be recognized.

Sanako folded her hands in front of her and bowed slightly to Kitahara Konosuke with neither humility nor arrogance.