Four hours later, Remy ceased his sword practice and listened to his subordinates recounting Klaus Sterling's misdeeds. Beside him lay a stack of accusation scrolls.
"He bought up fertile land from 17 families at dirt-cheap prices. Those who resisted had their legs broken..."
"He acquired a shop on 77 Spring Wind Street at a bargain. When the owner objected, his son was thrown into the river the next day..."
"They coerced herb gatherers into selling their herbs exclusively to them at low rates. Those who refused were beaten by the Sterling family's servants. One gatherer tried to seek justice, but vanished the next day. Rumor has it he was silenced by the Sterling family..."
Klaus Sterling pursued wealth ruthlessly, employing tyrannical methods. In ancient times, leaving one's home was no easy feat, and under oppression, the common folk had little recourse but to endure.
Yet, the injustice weighed heavily on Remy's heart, strengthening his resolve. He recognized that the aspirations of countless individuals aligned with his own intentions for the future.
Closing his eyes, Remy suppressed his anger. While the plight of the commoners stirred indignation within him, his determination remained steadfast. With the ability to effect change in this lifetime, he felt compelled to act.
As his subordinates concluded their accounts, a somber silence fell over the courtyard. Klaus Sterling's actions were despicable, yet conducted openly, indicative of his impunity.
The dominance of the Sterling family over Ping Shan City was absolute, to the point where even the government turned a blind eye. But could they allow Klaus Sterling's arrogance to persist unchallenged? All eyes turned to Remy, hopeful for his next move.
"Is that all?" Remy surveyed his subordinates. "Who will accompany me to apprehend Klaus Sterling and bring him to justice?"
His declaration stunned the onlookers. Was Remy truly intent on confronting the Sterling family? Though they silently applauded his courage, none dared to volunteer.
But there would always be those willing to take a stand.
"I will! Sir, I'll go with you," a voice piped up.
Remy regarded the speaker with a mixture of disappointment and approval. "Very well. What's your name?"
"Hester."
Encouraged by Hester's example, more individuals stepped forward. In the end, everyone expressed their readiness, though Remy remained uncertain of their sincerity.
Opting to bring only the first ten volunteers, Remy departed the courtyard, heading towards the Sterling family's residence. As they approached, they were intercepted by a servant.
"Halt! What's your business here?" the servant demanded.
Ignoring the obstruction, Remy produced his Arms Master Token.
"We're here to arrest Klaus Sterling," he declared, prompting the guard to hasten inside to report the arrival.
Moments later, the two groups of people faced off.
Klaus Sterling was surrounded by a group of servants and looked at Remy calmly, “May I know why the Arms Master of Spring Wind Street has come to my Sterling family? Forcefully barging into a private residence is a violation of the laws of Da Xia.”
Remy was unmoved. He raised his eyelids, “Why did I come here today? You’re so well-informed, don’t you know? Young Master Sterling, do you want to come with me or do you want me to invite you?”
“Do you know what you’re doing?” Sterling Heizi scolded. Don’t think that just because you’re a Arms Master, no one can cure you.”
Remy glanced over. He hated this kind of lackey the most. Klaus Sterling was only in charge of giving orders, and the ones who did it were lackeys like this. They were also sinful.
Remy’s mind moved, and a transparent long sword flew out of thin air, hitting Sterling Heizi’s left face with the sword. Sterling Heizi screamed on the spot and was knocked to the ground.
“Arrest him.”
Hester immediately moved when he heard that. He and another person went forward to hold Sterling Heizi down, and Klaus Sterling waved his hand and signaled for his servants to stop him.
“Those who obstruct the Martial Suppression Division will be punished with the same crime.” Remy’s light words made the servants who were about to step forward stop in their tracks. They knew very well what Sterling Heizi had done. If he was serious…
Hester and another person had already picked up Sterling Heizi and pushed him to the back. Sterling Heizi was already stunned by Remy’s sword. Now that he was a little sober, he did not dare to resist. He was afraid that Remy would kill him with a sword.
Klaus Sterling was clearly angry, but he was smiling: “Good, very good. Arms Master, you have good methods. Have you considered the consequences? Did you ask the commander of the Martial Suppression Division to come to arrest someone?”
Remy spoke calmly, "The Arms Master doesn't need approval to apprehend suspects. I'm following protocol. Even if the commander intervenes, it won't change anything. There's no escape for you today."
Consequences? Remy didn't even consider them. If he did, he wouldn't be here now.
Klaus Sterling erupted into laughter, his anger palpable. "Hahaha, very well. I'll accompany you to the Martial Suppression Division's prison today."
"If Young Master Sterling cooperates, that's for the best. Resisting arrest will only worsen your charges," Remy replied with a smile, though no one found it amusing.
Everyone present sensed the gravity of the situation. Either the Arms Master would fall, or the Third Young Master of the Sterling Family would face consequences.
But could a Arms Master like Remy challenge the Sterling family? They had deep roots in Ping Shan City, spanning decades. Many assumed Remy was signing his own death warrant.
However, Remy paid no heed and departed with his captives.
Word of the events swiftly reached the ears of Sterling Yijiang, head of the Sterling family. Despite his concerns, he remained loyal to his son. "Someone, prepare a letter of apology to be sent to Commander Night."