Chapter 425: General Security Pavilion

As soon as he entered the main hall, Qin Tuo saw Huo Jianqiang and the others.

Mr. Kong and his companion finally laid eyes on Qin Tuo, their gazes fixed intently on him.

The moment Qin Tuo appeared, Xiaozhang's face filled with resentment. He looked like he wanted nothing more than to lunge forward and start a fight.

Mr. Kong's eyes, however, held a peculiar glint as he carefully sized Qin Tuo up from head to toe.

Huo Jianqiang immediately stood up and took the initiative to make introductions.

"Mr. Kong, this is Qin Tuo!"

Qin Tuo gave a slight nod but said nothing more.

Mr. Kong chuckled and offered a compliment.

"It's true what they say about heroes emerging from the young. Seeing you in person, you are truly extraordinary!"

Beside them, Xiaozhang snorted coldly, giving Qin Tuo a look of utter disdain.

Next, Huo Jianqiang proceeded to formally introduce Mr. Kong's true identity.

"Mr. Qin, you may not be aware, but this distinguished gentleman is the Pavilion Master of the Capital City General Security Pavilion, Mr. Kong Lianqing!"

What! It was him?

At that moment, the few people present were utterly stunned.

The Capital City General Security Pavilion was the highest authority responsible for all matters of public security throughout the Great Xia.

And the power wielded by the Pavilion Master of the General Security Pavilion was so immense it went without saying!

This Kong Lianqing was hailed as a legendary figure. Stories of his many deeds were widespread, but very few people had ever seen him in person.

Moreover, next to Kong Lianqing, Huo Jianqiang was merely a junior subordinate.

That was why he hadn't dared to casually reveal Kong Lianqing's identity earlier, fearing he would be reprimanded.

Qin Tuo was also a little surprised. 'I didn't expect a man of his stature to come looking for me.'

Kong Lianqing noticed that Qin Tuo's eyes showed little surprise; he maintained a demeanor as calm as still water.

He was inwardly surprised. 'This is the first time I've seen a young man with such unwavering composure.'

Qin Tuo asked slowly,

"Pavilion Master Kong, why have you come looking for me today? It couldn't be to get revenge for that brat from the Liu Family, could it?"

As he spoke, a hint of a mocking smile appeared in his eyes.

'If that's really the reason,' he thought, 'I don't mind having a complete falling out with the Capital City General Security Pavilion.'

However, Xiaozhang, who was standing to the side, snorted with a look of contempt.

"Hah, what a joke! Is the insignificant Liu Family even worthy of our Security Pavilion's personal attention?"

Hearing this, Qin Tuo realized they hadn't come because of Liu Tao.

"Oh? Then what brings you here?"

Qin Tuo asked with a frown.

Kong Lianqing said seriously,

"Mr. Qin, the truth is, after a discussion, we've come to a unanimous agreement that your abilities are formidable. Therefore, we would like to invite you to join our General Security Pavilion. What do you say?"

At these words, Huo Jianqiang and the others were shocked. They never imagined the Capital City General Security Pavilion would take such an interest in Qin Tuo, even wanting to recruit him.

But Qin Tuo simply shook his head and said,

"Sorry, I'm not interested."

Seeing Qin Tuo's decisive refusal, the others could only manage a wry smile.

'Besides Qin Tuo,' they all thought, 'is there anyone else in the world who would so bluntly refuse Kong Lianqing's offer?'

Kong Lianqing didn't seem the least bit angry. He continued to speak with a smile.

"Mr. Qin, don't be so quick to refuse. If you join our Security Pavilion, all of our Cultivation Techniques will be available for you to study. Furthermore, as a member of the General Security Pavilion, you will enjoy numerous privileges wherever you go. Won't you give it some proper consideration?"

Such a tempting offer made Huo Jianqiang and the others' eyes burn with envy.

'If it were them,' they thought, 'they would have accepted without a moment's hesitation.'

Yet Qin Tuo's expression remained perfectly calm as he slowly replied,

"No. I don't need any of those things, and I have no interest."

'I have too many important things to do right now,' Qin Tuo thought. 'I need to find a way onto Peach Blossom Island, uncover the truth about my background, and find out if my birth parents are even still alive.'

'This string of tasks already consumes all of my energy. I truly have no interest in what Kong Lianqing is offering.'

Seeing Qin Tuo refuse yet again, Kong Lianqing's brows furrowed deeply.

'I thought for sure he wouldn't be able to refuse after hearing my terms.'

And now, Kong Lianqing was at a loss for what to do.

Seeing Qin Tuo's indifferent attitude, a fire of rage ignited in Xiaozhang's heart.

He could no longer contain himself. He slammed his hand on the nearby table and said coldly,

"Qin Tuo, you're far too arrogant! Do you really think you're invincible?"

The atmosphere instantly grew tense. It seemed a fight could break out at the slightest provocation.

Facing Xiaozhang's provocation, Qin Tuo merely shot him a cold glance and said casually,

"I've never thought I was invincible. However, dealing with someone with your kind of flashy but useless skills would be more than easy enough."

His words caused an immediate uproar among the onlookers.

'Xiaozhang may not be a major figure,' they thought, 'but he's still Kong Lianqing's attendant. How could Qin Tuo dare to insult him so brazenly?'

Sure enough, Xiaozhang was livid. It was the first time he had ever been treated with such contempt by a peer.

"Fine! You brat, today I'm going to teach you a lesson and show you your place!"

With that, Xiaozhang prepared to strike.

But Kong Lianqing immediately waved a hand to stop him.

"Xiaozhang, stand down!"

Kong Lianqing ordered coldly.

As if doused by a bucket of cold water, Xiaozhang's anger was instantly extinguished. He quickly lowered his head and retreated, not daring to say another word.

Qin Tuo watched all of this unfold, his eyes filled with scorn.

'The so-called General Security Pavilion might be terrifying to others, but to me, it's nothing at all.'

'If that guy really doesn't know what's good for him and dares to make a move, I don't mind making sure they don't leave here alive.'

Kong Lianqing thought for a moment before speaking again.

"Qin Tuo, you've already provoked the Liu Family. They certainly won't let this matter rest."

Qin Tuo retorted,

"So what?"

Kong Lianqing said with a smile,

"You might not know this, but the Liu Family has four Death Warriors, known as the Four Great Guardians. Every single one of them is at least a seventh-rank Grandmaster!"

Hearing this, the faces of the onlookers changed drastically, yet Qin Tuo's expression remained as calm and composed as ever.

Kong Lianqing frowned and continued,

"Furthermore, the strength of Patriarch Liu is even more terrifying. Once he comes out of his seclusion, he will surely seek you out for revenge. When that happens, are you certain you'll be able to handle it?"