Chapter Twenty-One: Braving the Tiger’s Den Alone

Since leaving the Fanfang District, Ding Li had noticed he was being followed. Yet, he had no better plan at the moment; he was heading to the Liu residence in the northern city anyway, and whether or not there were tails behind him made little difference. Besides, the Liu residence was surely swarming with guards, both obvious and hidden, tonight—an ambush on all sides was not unlikely. With only himself to rely on, no matter how he dodged, he would ultimately have to enter the tiger’s den alone. Why not walk in openly and honorably?

He encountered no obstacles along the way, but as he neared the Liu residence, the number of pursuers behind him had grown to more than thirty. Though they kept their distance, the gleaming blades in their hands were visible in the night.

The Liu residence was among the grandest in Guangzhou, yet tonight its lights were dim. Outside its vast gates hung only two dull yellow lanterns, casting little glow. The gates were wide open, flanked by members of the Chaozhou Brotherhood, all staring intently at Ding Li as he approached.

Standing outside, Ding Li glanced up at the gilded characters on the plaque—a display of grandeur. Even in the faint light, they shone with a golden brilliance, reflecting the wealth of the master within. Inside and out, a dozen burly men stood in ordered rows, their imposing presence rivaling that of any official’s mansion.

“I am Ding Li—I’ve come to see Third Master Liu!” Ding Li exhaled softly, his muscles tensing as he spoke. He knew well what awaited him, and understood that from this moment onward, any lapse could cost him his life, or doom his chances of rescuing Saidgader—or even prevent him from ever seeing Liu Sheng again.

“Hmph!” A sturdy man standing outside the gate scoffed, then nodded and gave a signal to two subordinates. The pair hurried down the steps, weapons hidden behind their backs, and reached out to search Ding Li.

“Out of my way!” Ding Li suddenly roared, slamming his right fist into one man’s neck, while his left arm hooked the other’s nape and yanked down, raising his knee. A crisp crack resounded; neither had time to utter a sound before they collapsed limply to the ground. Blood spurted from the mouth and nose of the second, whose body convulsed twice before laying still.

“Impudent!” The sturdy man at the gate erupted in fury and stepped forward. “Ding Li! This is the Liu residence—you dare act so brazenly? Do you want to die?”

“Since I came into this world, I never planned to leave alive,” Ding Li