With a swift pull, Du Cheng tore open the sack, revealing a head of striking violet-red hair amidst the cotton padding.
As he completely removed the sack, a young girl gently fell into his arms.
A single glance at the rescued girl caused Du Cheng to secretly gasp.
What was natural-born beauty? What was the kind of beauty that could topple kingdoms?
This girl embodied both!
Though still young, she already possessed breathtaking charm. She wore a simple white dress without makeup, yet her appearance was flawless and captivating, her skin like porcelain. Her delicate figure leaned softly against Du Cheng’s shoulder, exuding a faint violet fragrance, subtle yet deeply intoxicating.
Another glance at her delicate, striking face framed by violet-red hair was enough to stir even Du Cheng, who practiced strict self-restraint, to sudden impulsive thoughts.
He silently hoped she wouldn’t fall instantly in love with him, like Avril had—resisting such temptation would be incredibly difficult!
Avril was merely beautiful, but this girl was akin to a celestial fairy.
Suppressing his racing heart, Du Cheng loudly scolded, "Everyone can see clearly—you're all seasoned travelers who've seen the world. Surely you understand what this old man intended to do?"
“Absolutely!” someone from the crowd shouted, igniting a buzz of angry conversations.
“Shameless old fool, dressing as a priest and abducting women! He deserves to burn at the stake!”
“No, skin him alive! Such a lovely girl nearly fell into his filthy hands!”
“Haha, looking at the old man, even if he succeeded, could he even manage anything?”
“You…you ignorant brat, you've ruined everything!” The old charlatan pointed furiously at Du Cheng, too angry to articulate clearly.
“Oh? Are you implying I shouldn't have saved this young lady?” Du Cheng sarcastically mocked. “At your age, committing such disgraceful deeds—have you forgotten the Holy Church's teachings? Brother, please hold her.”
Du Cheng handed the girl to Steve.
“Witness, everyone, this man’s disgraceful conduct!” Du Cheng lamented dramatically.
The crowd’s jeers and Du Cheng’s scathing rebuke left the old charlatan clutching his chest in fury, his goatee quivering uncontrollably.
“You…you…”
“What about me? People shouldn't stoop as low as you, right?” Du Cheng lectured earnestly, “There's a saying, ‘lust is a blade at one's throat.’ Indeed, she's lovely, but at your advanced age, engaging in such despicable acts—aren’t you afraid of divine judgment?”
Du Cheng chastised him relentlessly for over a minute, leaving the old charlatan speechless, his face turning a livid shade.
Suddenly, the old man trembled, his face flushing red, and with a "pfft," he spat out blood from sheer agitation!
“Wow, this young master’s words are so sharp they made him vomit blood!” someone marveled loudly, clearly amused.
The old charlatan was nearly humiliated to death.
How ironic—having lived an upright life, now he bore the shameful label of kidnapping women. His bleeding wasn't from shame but from aggravation, triggering a relapse of his old injuries!
If not weakened, this insolent brat would never dare provoke him!
Forget it—more important matters were at stake now.
At that moment, soldiers from the city gates rushed out, forming a barrier around the commotion. Their leader shouted, “What's happening here? Lingering outside Antwerp's gate is prohibited by imperial law!”
Smiling confidently, Du Cheng explained the situation and appealed to the crowd. “Everyone here witnessed this—please, soldiers, uphold justice!”
The officer glanced suspiciously at the charlatan and the unconscious girl held by Steve. Such evidence made it obvious—the old man was clearly guilty.
In broad daylight, stuffing a beautiful girl into a sack and hiding her under cotton? Innocent? Impossible!
Grimly nodding, the officer drew his sword. “Everyone, this man kidnapped a woman and likely impersonated a priest—a grave crime! Make way; we’re taking him to the Holy Church tribunal!”
He respectfully saluted Du Cheng, "Young master, please accompany us as a witness!”
“Gladly,” Du Cheng agreed, smiling.
As soldiers closed in, the charlatan sighed heavily, tossing a metal badge from his sleeve, striking the officer's chest. Struggling for breath, he demanded, “Take me and the girl to your city lord!”
The officer examined the badge, his sword clattering to the ground in shock. “You…you're—”
“Silence! Don't speak my name!” He'd lost enough face—mentioning his name now would make the scandal permanent!
Quickly comprehending, the officer urgently commanded, “Men, take the girl and escort the elder immediately to the city lord!”
Soldiers swiftly grabbed the girl from Steve and escorted the charlatan hastily into the city, leaving the officer behind.
Witnessing this, Du Cheng felt uneasy, exchanging worried glances with Steve. “Brother, we might have trouble!”
Steve grimaced bitterly, "Strange—his steps seemed weak, certainly no warrior god, and he dressed plainly. He didn’t seem influential!” After a moment, he confidently laughed, patting Du Cheng’s shoulder reassuringly. “Relax, we're on Lanning Empire territory. Who can threaten us?”
Reminded of his powerful status, Du Cheng relaxed—after all, he was no longer just a thief but an influential noble, affiliated with the Holy Church's enforcement division and backed by a formidable warrior god.
What was there to fear?
The remaining officer cautiously approached. “Young masters, you seem noble and innocent. Leave quickly to avoid further trouble from that elder.”
Seeing trouble brewing, the experienced crowd swiftly dispersed.
Du Cheng gestured to the approaching Saint Cain family caravan, smiling at the officer. “Sir, I’m Francis from the Saint Cain family, on a mission to aid disaster relief and heading to Warrior Academy. Why should we leave?”
Steve echoed, “You’ve heard of the Saint Cain family, right? So, who exactly was that old man?”
Awkwardly, the officer knelt, smiling nervously. “Forgive my disrespect, noble descendants of Saint Sigurd! Yet, it’s best you quickly leave Antwerp!”
“What? Is he daring to threaten our family?” Steve asked angrily. “Who is he?”
The officer grimaced deeply, bowing respectfully to Du Cheng. “Lord Francis, saving that girl wasn’t wrong, and that elder can't openly fault you. However, you're Warrior Academy students…”
With a half-crying, half-laughing expression, he finished quietly, “Lord Francis, you've just insulted your academy principal and caused him to vomit blood—before even your first day…”
ns18.119.102.182da2
然後按「加至主畫面」