Only Fan Yitian received the order from Severe Winter to capture the President of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce. Since this was a direct command from Severe Winter, he had to take action personally. After returning to his office and arranging all personnel, he instructed those involved in the operation to go home and pack their bags, as they would set out early the next morning.
The next morning, all the designated personnel were assembled and ready. This time, Fan Yitian brought four of the best detectives from the Interrogation Office and thirty soldiers. To avoid a shortage of manpower, Fan Yitian had specifically sent a Messenger to the City Defense Army in Winter City to assist with their operations.
In order to save time, Fan Yitian was extremely strict with his attendants, spending every moment on the road except for sleeping and eating, without daring to waste a single minute. Finally, within a month, he arrived in Winter City. Upon arrival, his first stop was the military camp of the City Defense Army outside the city.
At that moment, only General Han was on duty at the camp, while General Yan and his son had already returned to their residence in Winter City. General Yan had entrusted all matters to General Han.
As soon as Fan Yitian arrived in Winter City, Guo Leigang had already received news. It wasn't that Guo Leigang had foresight; rather, he had received intelligence. Just as Fan Yitian left Spring City, Zhao Jun had used a Messenger to relay this information to him.
Guo Leigang recognized this as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and sent people to wait near the city gate every day so that he could learn of Fan Yitian's arrival immediately.
At that moment, while Fan Yitian and General Han were discussing their capture plan at the City Defense Army's camp, a voice came from outside: "Report, General Han! President Guo Leigang of the New Home Chamber of Commerce requests an audience."
General Han smiled slightly: "I didn't expect Guo Leigang's nose to be so keen."
Fan Yitian was aware that Guo Leigang was the largest weapons supplier on Luo Heng Island. He suspected that Guo Leigang's visit today was related to their plan to capture Liu Xin.
General Han said to Xiao Wei: "Let President Guo in."
Before long, Guo Leigang entered. Upon entering, he clasped his fists towards them: "Gentlemen."
General Han smiled and said: "What brings President Guo to our City Defense Army camp today?"
Guo Leigang replied with a smile: "I just heard that Fan Daren has arrived, so I came to welcome him. I hope both Fan Daren and General Han will honor me with your presence."
Guo Leigang had dealings with Fan Yitian before. As the largest weapons supplier, it was impossible for all his business dealings to be legitimate. Therefore, it was essential for him to maintain good relations with the Interrogation Office to minimize any potential issues. Over time, Guo Leigang became familiar with Fan Yitian's interests and preferences.
Seeing Guo Leigang's demeanor, General Han and Fan Yitian exchanged glances before nodding at Guo Leigang: "Since President Guo is so gracious, we cannot refuse."
Guo Leigang turned and made a gesture of invitation, saying, "Gentlemen, please. I have already prepared the carriage outside."
Guo Leigang brought Fan Yitian and General Han to Ronghua Tower, which is the best brothel in Winter City. Ronghua Tower had become the ideal place for Guo Leigang to host officials from Winter City.
Upon arriving at Ronghua Tower, a table was already filled with fine food and wine, and six beautiful women stood on either side of the table. After the three took their seats, the six women sat beside them.
After a few rounds of drinks, Fan Yitian smiled at Guo Leigang and said, "President Guo, I truly feel bad about such extravagant spending this time."
"Fan Daren, you are too polite. We have been brothers for many years; how can hosting you be considered extravagant? It is merely a gesture of brotherly friendship. However, I do have something to trouble you with this time."
"There’s no need for such politeness between us. Just speak your mind, President Guo."
"Fan Daren, as you know, I am in the weapons business, but recently my business has been suffering greatly. This is all due to the Chinese Chamber of Commerce causing trouble; they are very overbearing in their dealings. Last time, they unjustly arrested many guards from our Merchant Guild, claiming they were bandits. As a result, I am on the verge of bankruptcy. So I hope you can help me out more."
Fan Yitian nodded and said, "President Guo, rest assured that I will handle this fairly. If it is proven true, they will be severely punished."
Guo Leigang laughed heartily and said, "In that case, thank you in advance."
The banquet soon came to an end. General Han had to return quickly to guard the military camp. As for Fan Yitian, Guo Leigang arranged a room for him. After everything was settled, Guo Leigang left a small box for Fan Yitian. When Fan Yitian opened it, he found it filled with gold and silver jewelry worth nearly ten thousand gold coins. Seeing the contents of the box, Fan Yitian smiled at Guo Leigang and then said:
"President Guo, you are very thoughtful. However, I must say that this person is specifically targeted by His Majesty for capture. Therefore, I cannot take action until we reach the capital city. But I will do my best to convict him quickly."
Guo Leigang smiled and replied to Fan Yitian: "As long as Fan Daren can convict Liu Xin with a death sentence, I have another reward for you."
"Rest assured that I will handle things well. Just wait here for good news."
"Then I won’t disturb your enjoyment any longer." With that, Guo Leigang turned and left Ronghua Tower.
The next morning after breakfast, Fan Yitian walked out of Ronghua Tower. At the City Defense Army's camp, the constables and guards he brought were already prepared. To support his actions, General Han had also specially dispatched five hundred soldiers to accompany him.
Three days later, a group of people arrived at the location of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce headquarters in the former fishing village. Upon reaching the former fishing village, Fan Yitian directly led his team to the front of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce. With a command, the City Defense Soldiers swiftly surrounded the entire Chinese Chamber of Commerce.
At this time, someone had already rushed to Liu Guanfeng's room to inform him. Hearing that soldiers were surrounding him, Liu Guanfeng got up and left his room, bringing a group of guards with him to the front of the Merchant Guild, where he faced Fan Yitian. Liu Guanfeng clasped his hands in front of him and said to Fan Yitian, "May I ask what brings you here today, sir?"
Fan Yitian looked at Liu Guanfeng and asked, "Who are you?"
"I am Liu Xin, the President of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce."
Fan Yitian nodded, "So you are Liu Xin. That makes things easier. I am here to arrest you. This is an arrest warrant issued by our Interrogation Office." Fan Yitian held up a piece of paper with the title "Arrest Warrant" written on it.
"Sir, may I ask what crime I have committed?"
"You have insulted court officials and sold counterfeit goods. Therefore, His Majesty has personally ordered your arrest."
At this point, the group of guards behind Liu Guanfeng drew their weapons, ready to fight. Liu Guanfeng raised his hands and turned to his guards, saying:
"Put away your weapons. Your weapons are meant for dealing with enemies, not for defying orders. The sir has stated that this is a command from His Majesty; do you intend to rebel? I believe there must be some misunderstanding here. Our Chinese Chamber of Commerce has always engaged in fair trade without any counterfeit goods. Since this gentleman has said so, I will accompany him to see what exactly has happened. Huang Tie."
"President."
"After I leave, you will close the Merchant Guild temporarily and cease all business. However, I still require the equipment I requested to continue being forged without any interruption. Once everything is clarified, I will return; you need not worry."
At this moment, Cui Zhongyi approached Liu Guanfeng: "President, may I go with you?"
"What do you want to accompany me for? I'm not going for leisure. You stay here and ensure the safety of the Merchant Guild. I'm worried that someone might cause trouble after I leave; if anyone starts a disturbance for any reason, just kill them."
"President, rest assured. During your absence, nothing will happen to the Merchant Guild."
"Everyone else should return now; the Chinese Chamber of Commerce will cease operations until my return. No one is to follow me; if anyone dares disobey my orders, then you can leave on your own."
Liu Guanfeng's last words crushed the final thoughts of those who secretly followed him in the cradle.
Liu Guanfeng turned to Fan Yitian and bowed, saying, "My lord, I apologize for my impulsiveness. I believe there must be some misunderstanding here. I am willing to follow you to clarify this misunderstanding."
Seeing Liu Guanfeng so calm surprised Fan Yitian. He thought to himself: It seems this young man named Liu Xin wouldn't use fake goods; if that were the case... With that thought, Fan Yitian touched the brocade box in his arms.
Then Fan Yitian said to the soldiers beside him, "Come here, bind the suspect."
When they saw someone about to bind Liu Guanfeng, the guards of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce prepared to rush forward. However, upon seeing Liu Guanfeng's gaze and the guards Huang Tie and Cui Zhongyi standing in front, they all gave up. Although they were unsure of Liu Guanfeng's true strength, they knew he was not someone easily dealt with.
The soldiers searched Liu Guanfeng and found nothing but an empty cloth pouch hanging from his waist and a black Disc ornament. They felt reassured and placed Liu Guanfeng in a simple flatbed cart.
After Liu Guanfeng was captured, Fan Yitian did not intend to provoke the guards of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce. He mounted his horse and simply said, "Let's go." Thus, he smoothly took Liu Guanfeng out of the headquarters of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce.
Once Liu Guanfeng was taken away, two magical beasts within the Chinese Chamber of Commerce also disappeared. Little Black and xp, who had been resting in the courtyard, received a message from Liu Guanfeng and quietly followed behind Fan Yitian.
The reason Liu Guanfeng wanted his two mounts to follow was that he feared Fan Yitian might do something sinister in secret. If it were just a straightforward confrontation, Liu Guanfeng would not be afraid; what he feared was being poisoned. So having his two mounts with him would help significantly. At least one of them could send a message if needed.
After capturing Liu Guanfeng, Fan Yitian did not dare to linger too long. They hurried on their journey every day, only providing Liu Guanfeng with two meals daily and not ensuring he was full. However, none of this mattered much to Liu Guanfeng. Due to his Five Element Attributes, he wouldn't starve even without water, and he had long mastered the ability to fast. He could resolve his hunger through cultivation alone. The reason he insisted on eating daily was merely for appearances and to let others know he was an ordinary person.
Moreover, around Liu Guanfeng were xp and Little Black. Whenever night fell quietly, Little Black and xp would bring back some food from outside and secretly deliver it to Liu Guanfeng. So although Fan Yitian didn't provide food for Liu Guanfeng during their journey, he did not go hungry.
To speed up their progress, Fan Yitian divided the guards into two groups and brought along several carts. All guards took turns resting.
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