Huo Ting’an glanced back at the martial artist at the Dominator Sixth Level, who immediately stepped forward and declared, "Just because you didn’t move doesn’t mean someone from your spatial world or your accomplices didn’t. I suggest you confess now and spare yourself the pain!"

Ye Liuyun retorted without hesitation, "I was minding my own business in the inn and did nothing wrong. What is there to confess? Meanwhile, you’re accusing me without a shred of evidence, as if you’ve already decided I’m the thief. What gives you the right?"

"The right?" The martial artist sneered, his voice dripping with disdain. "The right comes from my strength—far greater than yours—and the fact that you’re just some out-of-town mercenary. Even if you’re innocent, your death would mean nothing. So if you know what’s good for you, you’d better spill the details of your crime."

"Ha! Not every mercenary is someone you can push around," Ye Liuyun replied calmly, unfazed by the threat. "You’re not qualified to frame me."

This composure made Huo Ting’an wonder if Ye Liuyun had some powerful backing. After all, how could a mere Dominator Third Level martial artist remain so unshaken? He had already sent someone to question Xue Liang and learned that Ye Liuyun was no ordinary fighter—capable of defeating both a Dominator Fifth Level martial artist and a savage beast. That alone made him wary of underestimating the young man.

"Master Ye!" Huo Ting’an interjected, stopping the other martial artist. "Since you claim to be aboveboard, why not allow us to send someone into your spatial world for an inspection? Rest assured, we won’t touch a single thing. If no stolen goods are found, we’ll leave immediately. How does that sound?"

"Otherwise," he continued, his tone firm, "with such a major incident at hand, I can’t just let it slide. And unfortunately, you’re a prime suspect. If this escalates into a fight, it won’t benefit anyone. I’d much prefer to avoid violence. Don’t you agree?"

Ye Liuyun listened, inwardly calculating: *If they enter my spatial world, whoever steps in will be under my control. What do I have to fear?*

Outwardly, however, he feigned reluctance. After a moment of apparent hesitation, he reluctantly agreed—but only on the condition that the inspector sign a soul contract, swearing not to disturb anything inside.

Huo Ting’an assigned the task to the same Dominator Sixth Level martial artist, reasoning that sending someone weaker might leave them vulnerable to Ye Liuyun’s control. A Dominator Sixth Level expert, on the other hand, could investigate freely without worrying about a mere Dominator Third Level opponent.

The martial artist, named Qiao Yu, signed the soul contract and was promptly pulled into Ye Liuyun’s spatial world.

The moment he entered, he was stunned. He had never imagined a Dominator Third Level martial artist could possess such an expansive spatial realm. 𝑓𝘳𝘦𝑒𝑤𝑒𝘣𝘯ℴ𝘷𝘦𝓁.𝑐𝑜𝑚

Before he could react, Ye Liuyun’s overwhelming spatial power immobilized him completely. Then, with cold precision, Ye Liuyun branded him with a slave seal and began sifting through his memories, extracting every piece of information hidden in his mind.

It turned out that Huo Ting’an had instructed Qiao Yu to be cautious, suspecting Ye Liuyun might be someone from a powerful faction. He was to enter and inspect, then exit once everything checked out. Qiao Yu also knew that most of Huo Ting’an’s wealth was hidden within a spatial realm—what the thieving cat had stolen was merely a fraction.

Ye Liuyun delved deeper into Qiao Yu’s memories of influential figures and suddenly discovered that the Starplate Empire had a position known as the "Imperial Inspector," responsible for handling major cases on behalf of the dynasty. These inspectors wielded immense authority, even holding the power to execute local officials on the spot. Qiao Yu had once seen the insignia of such an inspector.

Acting swiftly, Ye Liuyun ordered Qiong Qi to forge an inspector’s token based on Qiao Yu’s recollection. The token was simple—one side bore the shape of a starplate, while the other was engraved with the character for "Inspect."

Qiao Yu was promptly released by Ye Liuyun.

Upon exiting, Qiao Yu even bowed respectfully to Ye Liuyun, much to Huo Ting’an’s astonishment. Then, through a covert message, Qiao Yu informed Huo Ting’an that he had seen the inspector’s token inside Ye Liuyun’s spatial realm.

Huo Ting’an was startled and immediately rose to his feet, offering a deep bow.

Yet, he couldn’t help but ask, "My lord, why are you dressed in such attire?"

"Merely to conceal my identity," Ye Liuyun replied coolly. "But since you’ve already seen through it, there’s no need for further secrecy. I came here to track down that master thief."

At that moment, Ye Liuyun produced the freshly forged token, waving it before Huo Ting’an’s eyes.

Though Huo Ting’an had never seen an Imperial Inspector’s insignia before, Qiao Yu’s confirmation left no room for doubt.

"Please forgive my oversight, Your Excellency!" Huo Ting’an stammered, bowing repeatedly.

Ye Liuyun feigned resignation. "Enough. I suppose my disguise was too convincing. But your interference has cost me the thief’s trail. Had you not captured me, he wouldn’t have slipped away. Yet, had I not come, he might have been alerted regardless."

He paused, his tone turning authoritative. "He’s no longer in the city. Any further search would be futile. I have no choice but to report this to the Empire. As for how they will deal with you... well, you’ll find out soon enough."

With that, Ye Liuyun drew upon Qiao Yu’s memories and used his gilded armor to transform into the official robes of an Imperial Inspector. Instantly, his entire demeanor shifted—lofty, imperious, and utterly untouchable.

Huo Ting’an nearly collapsed to his knees in terror. With no substantial backing in the Empire, a single word from an Imperial Inspector could mean the complete annihilation of his household. The Empire’s punishments for wayward officials were notoriously ruthless.

At this moment, following Ye Liuyun’s instructions, Qiao Yu reminded Huo Ting’an, "Lord City Governor, you must do everything in your power to keep the Inspector here. If he stays, there’s still hope. Spare no expense—even if it means emptying your coffers!"

"Of course, of course," Huo Ting’an hastily replied.

Simultaneously, he made a suggestion to Ye Liuyun: "Inspector Ye, since the criminals are no longer within the city walls, why not allow me to fulfill my duties as host before you resume the pursuit? I’ll also gather all the elite fighters in the city to assist you. After all, many hands make light work! It’ll be far more efficient than you chasing them alone."

Ye Liuyun pretended to frown at first, but upon hearing "many hands make light work," he deliberately hesitated before responding, "Very well. Quickly assemble the city’s best fighters. Those criminals are indeed formidable—not easy to deal with!"

This gave him a plausible excuse to stay.

Huo Ting’an immediately arranged a banquet while instructing Qiao Yu to summon all martial artists in the city with cultivation levels of five or six to report to the governor’s residence.

Seizing the opportunity, Huo Ting’an pleaded with Ye Liuyun not to report his misconduct to the empire.

"Now you’re scared? As a local official, you recklessly arrested people and even resorted to torture—utter lawlessness!" Ye Liuyun had no intention of letting him off easily. He wouldn’t stop until he had squeezed every last drop from him.

Huo Ting’an knew full well that if this were reported, his fate would be sealed.