He led the giant lizard to the designated area, tying it to a wooden post.

The creature laid down on the thatched ground, promptly closing its eyes.

With the matter of the mount settled, Fong Hao and Inja proceeded into the city without further delay, heading straight for the central edifice, the Lord's manor.

Outside the manor, uniform guards immediately blocked their path.

This is the Lord's manor.

What business do you have? The guard's voice was stern, his gaze scanning the weapons on both individuals.

I saw the bounty issued by the lord at the tavern.

and having slain the bandit chief.

I am here to collect the reward, Fong Ho declared, raising the now bloodied leather pouch in his hand.

The pouch contained a severed head of the bandit leader.

A bounty on the bandit has lingered for years.

Do you truly believe that you too can claim it? The guard's skepticism was palpable.

Fongghao appeared rather unimposing, and his peculiar attire, a robe over iron armor, only added to the guard's doubts.

And Jia being a young woman further fueled the guards disbelief in their capability to have dismantled the bandit camp.

How dare you speak like that? I could take on 10 of you.

And Ja retorted indignantly.

Presumptuous.

Do you dare to cause a disturbance here? The guard boomed.

His authority challenged.

Fong Hao quickly intervened, stopping Injia from escalating the situation and unfassen the pouch.

With a flourish, he revealed the bandit s head before the guard.

Blood cascaded to the ground.

The flesh at the neck still fresh, indicating recent demise.

From your tone, it seems you have encountered the bandit chief before.

Here is the proof.

You may verify our capability.

He presented the head directly to the guard.

The guard's face turned pale, fear etched across his features as he met Fong How's gaze.

Instinctively, he took two steps back.

Yet internally, he had come to realization.

Unless the bandit chief possessed a twin, the severed head before him was indeed that of the elusive leader they had sought to capture on numerous occasions.

Chapter 169.

The sword of leniency.

The hall of the city lord was spacious and welllit.

On the wooden table before him stood an incense burner, releasing fragrant wisps of smoke.

The blue curtains were drawn, shielding the room from the harsh afternoon sunlight.

The head of the mountain bandit had already been taken away by the guards and Fong Hao and Injao waited for the arrival of Lord Pearl.

They had been sitting for 20 minutes while Fong Hao perused the Lord's ledger to pass the time and Jiao grew increasingly restless, muttering under her breath about the Lord's inflated sense of self-importance, vowing to bring a bone dragon the following day to raise his house.

With the sound of footsteps echoing through the corridor, the clanking of armor grew more distinct.

Soon, a man clad in a blue embroidered robe, accompanied by two guards, enter the hall.

The man appeared to be nearing 50, his hair sllicked back neatly and his well-groomed beard accentuating his furrowed brow as his keen eyes assessed the two young individuals seated in the chamber.

This was Sirill, the Lord of Pearl.

As Sirill stepped through the door, a smile graced his lips, and he warmly addressed them.

So these two young heroes are the ones who vanquished the mountain bandit chief.

Indeed, my lord, a guard replied, these two are the ones who brought the head.

During the 20 minutes of waiting, the lord's confidants had visited the residents of the merchant Tavoc and the local tavern, probing into the identities of Fong How and Inja from Tavic and his daughter.

They learned of Fong Hao as considerable military forces and his command over them.

Although the daughter was blindfolded, her ears absorbed a wealth of information.

Additionally, Tavik speculated that Fonggha might be a young heir of a prominent family capable of running a factory and mobilizing a considerable number of family resources.

Similar rumors circulated in the tavern, including tales of Fong how spending a thousand gold on a merely ornamental shortsword.

These various insights led Sirill to surmise that he was indeed dealing with a young scion of a noble lineage.

Thus, his opening remarks were laced with the customary flattery of the aristocracy.

My lord, Fong Ha replied courteously, rising to greet him with a smile.

And Jia glance at him, reluctantly standing as well.

Haha, no need for such formality.

Please sit, Sirill said, nodding with satisfaction as he took his place at the head of the table.

Fongghao settled back into his sea as servants brought forth drinks and local pastries that he had never encountered before, likely a specialty of pearl.

I am Sirill, the lord here, and what are your names? Sirill inquired, figning ignorance.

I am Fong Hao, and this is my bodyguard.

And Ja, Fongghao introduced himself.

Oh, Mister Fonggha, could you enlighten me on how you came to learn of the mountain bandits, and how you managed to eradicate them? Sirill leaned slightly forward, embodying the eager listener.

Fongghao offered a subtle smile, weaving tales was not a daunting task.

"Are you familiar with Mr.

Tav?" he inquired.

"Indeed, the merchant from the city.

What does this have to do with him?" 2 days ago, while leading my party through the mountains, I inadvertently rescued Mr.

Tavac's young daughter.

After returning her safely to him, I took a brief respit at the tavern where I noticed a bounty posted on the notice board and decided to rally my soldiers.

I was unaware of which village had been pillaged by the mountain bandits.

But coincidentally, upon our return to camp, my men apprehended them, delivering their heads to you.

A tale, halftruth and half fantasy, resonates with authenticity.

Including familiar names or objects, enhances the believability of the narrative.

Tav, the bounty at the tavern.

Regardless of whether Sirill had previously known of Fong Hao, these elements significantly bolstered the credibility of his story.

After hearing Fonggha's account, Sirill lifted his cup and took a sip.

Though his eyes frequently darted towards Fonggho and Ana, the narrative was coherent and highly plausible, simultaneously affirming the notion that Fongghao had formidable backing.

The bounty at the tavern was merely a FA a for the residents, a reward of one.

0000 gold was insufficient to mobilize troops against bandits.

Otherwise, it would not have remained posted for so long.

He accepted it and succeeded.

It appeared that his family was also seeking opportunities to refined this young master.

The monetary aspect was trivial.

Lord Mayor, Lord Sirill, Fong How gently called out, noticing the other lost in thought.

with his cup raised.

He mused inwardly, wondering if the old man were unwell as he seemed somewhat dazed.

"Ah, I understand.

" Sirill turned to a nearby guard and instructed, "Bring forth the reward.

" "Yes, my lord," replied the soldier, retreating to fetch the bounty.

"By the way, Mr.

Fong Ho, which city do you reside in? What business does your family engage in?" Sirill inquired casually.

Fonggho responded with a fabricated tale, designating his home as the northwest of Plural City and claiming his family dealt in sunundry goods.

As they conversed, Fong Hao's gaze fell upon a weapon displayed in the hall showcase.

It was a stiletto, its blade and hilt glistening white, captivating in its beauty.

Fongo had noticed it earlier.

Lord Sirill, this weapon is indeed exquisite, he remarked, naturally approaching the stiletto.

Indeed, it is a fine collectible, Sirill replied.

May I? Fong Hao asked, seeking permission to handle it.

Of course, Sirill granted.

Fong Hao grasped the hilt with one hand and gently supported the blade with the other, lifting the stiletto into his grasp.

Stiletto of delayed justice.