“Clang!” With a kick that burst the big door open, Hu Ma charged straight into the manor.
One quick sweep of his eyes showed this was a lively household.
Lanterns burned bright in all directions, servants came and went.
Long banquet tables were set in rows, piled with chickens, ducks, pig legs—feasts fit for the wealthy.
Servants coursed between tables pouring wine; musicians on either side puffed their cheeks and played with all their might.
At the head table, finery and laughter abounded.
No telling how many well-dressed, well-fed masters and madams sat there, wine cups raised.
On the topmost seat, a white-bearded country gentleman celebrated his birthday, flanked by pretty women on both sides.
He grinned and listened to flattering words being poured into his ear.
Hu Ma burst in and brought with him a rushing murderous aura.
The revelry sank like a stone.
Everyone at the banquet turned, alarmed, to stare.
The white-bearded guest of honor froze, released the two girls in his arms, then slammed his hand down on the table and bellowed, “I’m celebrating my birthday here—who are you to barge in like this?”
Hu Ma still wore that smiling mask on his face; a grim smile showed beneath it as he strode forward. “I’m the Great Executioner of the Zhen Sui Bureau. I’m here to kill.”