"Stop!"

This shout boomed like a clap of thunder, exploding from the back of the crowd.

In an instant, the previously tense atmosphere came to a halt!

Everyone instinctively turned their heads to look at the source of the sound—

Only to see the crowd parting like the tide.

Zhang Dabin walked over with a solemn expression.

"It’s Lord Zhang!"

The onlookers were all surprised at the sight of Zhang Dabin.

After all, Zhang Dabin held a high position in Xingfu District and was rarely seen personally attending such events.

The Guard Captain, upon seeing Zhang Dabin, first looked startled, then overjoyed, as if he had seen a savior.

He quickly dropped the saber in his hand, approached with a fawning smile, trying to curry favor with Zhang Dabin:

"Lord Zhang, you finally came! This guy openly challenged the Guard Team’s authority and disrespected you. I was just about to teach him a lesson!"

However!

Zhang Dabin didn’t even spare the Guard Captain a glance, brushing past him, hurriedly running to Lin Lang.

He then respectfully bowed deeply, his voice filled with reverence:

"Lord Lin Lang!"

"Hiss!"

This scene was like a bomb detonating amidst the crowd.

Everyone’s eyes widened, faces full of disbelief:

"Lord Lin Lang?"

"This is the legendary Lord Lin Lang?!"

People whispered among themselves, their gazes shifting between Lin Lang and Zhang Dabin!

No one dared to believe that this seemingly ordinary person before them was actually—

The legendary being with world-shaking powers, the only true god of Xingfu District sung by countless people—

Lord Lin Lang!!!

They might never have seen Lin Lang, but they had definitely heard his name!

The Guard Captain stood there dumbfounded, his smile frozen as if struck by an Immovable Spell.

His mind went blank, unable to comprehend—

That the person he had just wantonly humiliated was actually the "Lord Lin Lang" so revered by Zhang Dabin?!

A deep fear surged from the depths of his heart like a tide, nearly engulfing him.

...

At the moment of enlightenment among the crowd, a strong sense of reverence spread through them like electricity—

Everyone understood that without Lin Lang’s past efforts!

There would be no peace and prosperity in Xingfu District today.

"Hail Lord Lin Lang!"

Then, almost in unison!

Everyone fell to their knees with a "thud," welcoming the legendary figure with utmost respect.

The sound of kneeling was like silent gratitude and reverence toward Lin Lang.

The Guard Captain and his brother—

At this moment, their faces were pale as paper with fright, their legs seemingly devoid of bones, collapsing to the ground.

Their teeth chattered unstoppably, eyes filled with terror and despair.

Moments ago, they had been swaggering, but now they awoke as if from a nightmare, realizing the dreadful mistake they had made.

Never did they imagine that the person they bullied on a whim was the soul of Xingfu District—

Lin Lang.

The Guard Captain knocked his head "thump, thump, thump," his forehead quickly swelling and reddening, his voice carrying a sob as he trembled and spoke:

"Lord... Lord Lin Lang, I was blind to greatness and offended you. Please, with your vast generosity, forgive me this once!"

His brother quickly followed suit, knocking his head while sobbing uncontrollably in plea:

"Lord Lin Lang, we realize our mistake, we truly realize it. Please spare us; we won’t dare do it again..."

Their kowtowing grew increasingly forceful, leaving shallow marks on the ground!

As if only through this could they slightly alleviate their inner fear and regret.

...

Zhang Dabin watched the two senseless fools who dared offend Lin Lang, his face turning livid with rage.

He waved his big hand, angrily ordering the surrounding guards:

"Arrest these two blind fools and take them back to the Guard Team for proper interrogation and handle them according to the most severe laws!"

The guards received the order, immediately pouncing like wolves and tigers, lifting the limp Guard Captain and his brother from the ground.

The two were so frightened they went limp, pleading continuously, but to no avail.

Lin Lang watched the scene unfold, his expression remaining calm and composed.

He slowly turned his head, looking at the anger-filled Zhang Dabin, and said slowly:

"In the future, pay more attention to the temperament of those under you, so that such trivial matters do not mar the atmosphere of Xingfu District."

His voice wasn’t loud, yet it carried an undeniable authority.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Dabin’s heart tightened, cold sweat instantly increased on his forehead.

He quickly bowed his head respectfully, repeatedly saying:

"Yes! Lord Lin Lang, your reprimand is justified. It was my failure in management; I will certainly overhaul this, ensuring it never happens again!"

He secretly rejoiced that Lin Lang did not overly hold them accountable; otherwise, Zhang Dabin truly wouldn’t know how to close the matter.

Seeing Zhang Dabin’s sincere attitude, Lin Lang slightly nodded and said nothing more.

Afterward, he followed Zhang Dabin, walking toward the most bustling center of Xingfu District.

Along the way, people cast reverent glances, automatically making way.

...

Upon reaching the central area, the scene before them was starkly different from the West Gate entrance before—

Beautiful houses lined up in succession, streets were spacious and clean, shops were abundant with goods, and there was a lively flow of people.

This place radiated the prosperity and flourishing of Xingfu District.

And all of this stemmed from Lin Lang’s past efforts and contributions.

Looking at the familiar yet unfamiliar scene before him, Lin Lang couldn’t help but feel a myriad of emotions.