novelapdf Chapter 123 I, Jiang Mu, never procrastinate when I do things!
Chapter 123 I, Jiang Mu, never procrastinate when I do things!
Shui Miaozheng arrived in Yancheng a step ahead of schedule.
This city, which had only recently emerged from war and rebellion, was now shrouded in desolation and bleakness.
Broken walls and ruins can be seen everywhere.
The streets were sparsely populated, and most of the people looked hurried and pale.
Besides these ordinary people, there were also many cultivators from different Demon-Slaying Divisions in various states of Daqing.
Shui Miaozheng stared at the street in front of her, her gaze somewhat lost in thought.
After a while, she lowered her head and opened her palm.
Looking at the somewhat damaged compass in his hand, he sighed softly, "The opportunity of the Great Dao, perhaps... this is destiny."
Although he comforted himself with these words, the bitterness and shame in his heart could not be easily erased.
She remained chaste for over thirty years, always maintaining a dignified and self-disciplined character.
I never imagined that one day I would be in such a wretched state.
For a woman, this is undoubtedly a memory that is difficult to talk about.
Just as I was lost in thought, a clear voice rang out:
"Water Master!"
She turned her head and saw Ming Cuicui and Zhu Chang.
Behind them followed a dozen or so survivors, all wounded and with sorrowful expressions.
Some people in the group were even being carried on makeshift stretchers, barely breathing.
Shui Miaozheng was stunned, and her heart sank suddenly.
These are the elite gangs that Tang Guixin brought from Yunzhou City. How did they end up like this?
She strode forward, her gaze sweeping over the familiar yet sorrowful faces, and asked urgently, "How did you all get like this? Where are the others? Where is Hall Master Tang?"
She had previously received a text message from Tang Guixin sent from Bailu Peak.
The letter briefly described the encounter with the Zombie Queen, Jiang Mu's assistance, and mentioned that they would go directly to Yancheng to meet up.
At that moment, she happened to sense the aura of the "divine object" indicated by the compass appearing in the nearby area. Thinking that Tang Guixin was not weak and had escaped her predicament, she did not think much about it and went to seek that opportunity.
To my utter surprise, when we met again, one of my most capable gangs had been reduced to such a state of ruin.
When Ming Cuicui saw Shui Miaozheng, it was as if she had found her pillar of support. The tears she had been holding back suddenly burst forth, and she rushed over to grab Shui Miaozheng's arm and burst into tears.
Shui Miaozheng's heart skipped a beat, and an ominous premonition welled up inside her:
"What exactly happened? Tell me!"
Zhu Chang, whose eyes were also red, suppressed his grief and recounted everything that had happened in fits and starts.
When Shui Miaozheng heard the words "Sister Tang is dead," she felt dizzy and swayed, almost losing her balance. Her beautiful eyes were filled with disbelief and shock.
When she first arrived in Fazhou, her position was not yet secure, and she faced much discrimination.
It was Tang Guixin, a forthright and righteous woman, who stood by her side without hesitation and supported her.
The two were nominally superior and subordinate, but in reality, they were as close as sisters.
Shui Miaozheng even thought that when she had the chance to go to the Heavenly Blade Sect in the future, she would prepare a generous dowry for Tang Guixin's daughter.
But now... he's gone?
A wave of deep regret and self-blame washed over me.
If I hadn't coveted that divine artifact, if I hadn't wasted that little bit of time, and instead had gone straight to White Deer Peak to meet them...
Perhaps Gui Xin wouldn't have died.
It's all her fault!
She was blinded by the so-called "opportunity" and disregarded the safety of her colleagues.
"Are you sure Du Yuanfei is a traitor?"
Shui Miaozheng asked coldly.
Ming Cuicui wiped away her tears, hesitated for a moment, and then said:
"We didn't see it with our own eyes; it was Lord Jiang, the one who saved us, who told us. He is the head of the Eighth Hall in Huzhou City, and he killed those demons and saved us."
"Master Jiang?"
Shui Miaozheng frowned, then asked, "Where is he?"
"Lord Jiang is still behind; he said he's going."
Before Ming Cuicui could finish speaking, a cheerful male voice suddenly rang out: "Chief Shui, we've finally been waiting for you!"
A burly middle-aged man strode over.
The man had sharp eyebrows and bright eyes, with a resolute profile, and wore a dark purple brocade robe.
It was Yan Wu, the newly appointed head of the Demon Slaying Division of Yancheng. In his early years, he was also one of Shui Miaozheng's many suitors.
"Manager Yan."
Shui Miaozheng nodded slightly, her voice indifferent.
Yan Wu was somewhat surprised.
In my memory, Shui Miaozheng was always gentle and kind, treating people like a spring breeze. Why is she so cold and aloof today?
Moreover, upon closer inspection, a gloomy look appeared between her brows, and her face looked quite haggard.
A hint of concern flashed in Yan Wu's eyes: "Chief Shui, are you feeling unwell?"
Shui Miaozheng had no time for pleasantries and asked directly, "Chief Yan, does your department have a hall master named Du Yuanfei?" Yan Wu was taken aback, then nodded.
"Yes, Hall Master Du is the head of the Second Hall in Yancheng. He is exceptionally capable and has made significant contributions in suppressing the rebellion. Why is Commander Shui suddenly asking about him?"
Shui Miaozheng continued to ask:
Where is he now? I have some things I'd like to ask him in person.
Yan Wu frowned slightly and said truthfully:
"The patrol found him in the wilderness outside the city last night. He was seriously injured and brought back for treatment. He is still in a coma and has not yet regained consciousness."
"coma?"
Shui Miaozheng didn't beat around the bush and simply recounted the events described by Ming Cuicui and the others.
Finally, his voice carried a chill as he spoke.
"Now, we strongly suspect that it was this Hall Master Du Yuanfei who deliberately set a trap, betrayed his colleagues, and caused the near annihilation of Hall Master Tang Guixin of Fazhou City and his troops!"
Shui Miaozheng's voice drew the attention of some people around her.
"That's impossible!"
Yan Wu's expression changed drastically, and he categorically denied it.
"Chief Water, there must be a misunderstanding. Hall Master Du is a loyal and brave man. During the suppression of the rebellion in Yan City, he took the lead and killed countless demons. He is a true hero!"
How could he do something as despicable as betraying his colleagues? Absolutely impossible!
"Manager Yan!"
Just as the two were arguing, an angry voice rang out.
Tian Wenjing, leading Xu Fu and the others who were also covered in wounds, walked over aggressively.
"Manager Yan, where is Du Yuanfei from Yancheng? Call him out!"
Tian Wenjing's face turned ashen as he stared at Yan Wu. "I want to ask him face to face why he colluded with demons and harmed my colleagues in Huzhou City!" Yan Wu was completely dumbfounded.
Why are even the people of Huzhou City saying this?
Xu Fu stepped forward, enduring the pain, and quickly recounted their encounter with a large-scale monster attack in Li Family Village. His account corroborated Ming Cuicui's.
After listening, Yan Wu frowned and shook his head again:
"This must be a misunderstanding. How could Hall Master Du, who is seriously injured and unconscious, collude with demons to set up a trap?"
"Master Xu, Miss Ming, did you personally witness Du Yuanfei conspiring with the demon? Or do you have any concrete evidence?"
Ming Cuicui and Xu Fu were speechless.
They did not actually witness Du Yuanfei colluding with the demons.
Everything was said by Jiang Mu and his two subordinates.
But they trust Jiang Mu unconditionally. If Jiang Mu says that person is a traitor, then he is definitely a traitor.
Especially since everything that happened was such a coincidence.
Seeing the two hesitate, Yan Wu sighed, softened his tone, and reassured them:
"Gentlemen, I understand your grief over the loss of your colleague, and I understand your doubts, but everything must be based on evidence."
Especially for serious crimes like "traitor," it is impossible to determine the crime based solely on speculation.
"Alright then, I promise you, once Du Yuanfei awakens, I will notify you immediately so you can interrogate him yourselves, how about that?" He glanced at Shui Miaozheng and Tian Wenjing, his tone sincere:
"If you all don't trust Du Yuanfei, do you not trust me, Yan Wu?"
As the head of the Demon Slaying Division of Yancheng, I guarantee that this matter will be thoroughly investigated and the truth will be revealed. If Du Yuanfei is truly a traitor, I will be the first to kill him with my own hands! But before that, please remain calm and patient. Do not let the demons who are stirring up trouble laugh at us, and do not let the hearts of those brothers who have truly shed blood and sacrificed for Yancheng be broken.”
Yan Wu's words were reasonable and well-founded.
He then revealed his identity and provided a guarantee, and his attitude seemed sincere.
Shui Miaozheng and Tian Wenjing exchanged a glance. Although their doubts had not been dispelled, they were on someone else's turf and there was no conclusive evidence at the moment, so they could not press the matter further.
Forcibly taking people away will only escalate the conflict.
The best course of action right now is to wait for Du Yuanfei to wake up and confront him personally.
Tian Wenjing snorted coldly and said:
"Commander Yan, it's not that I don't believe you. It's just that it's not just our Huzhou and Fazhou, but also the Demon Slaying Teams from other states that came to our aid have been attacked by demons to varying degrees."
Within Yancheng, if you say there wasn't a mole providing cover, I simply refuse to believe it!
Yan Wu's face showed bitterness and exhaustion as he sighed:
"What Mr. Tian said, I know all too well. I have also received news of attacks on colleagues in other states."
Unfortunately, Yancheng was newly established and everything needed to be rebuilt, so manpower was really stretched thin.
I tried my best to send people to meet them, but...sigh!
As for the mole, I have already ordered a thorough investigation within the department. However, this matter is far-reaching and must be carried out discreetly to avoid alerting the mole and to prevent unnecessary panic that could undermine morale.
He paused, then rallied his spirits and said:
"You have all had a long and tiring journey. I have arranged accommodations for you. Please rest and recuperate."
In addition, I would like to ask Master Shui, Elder Tian, and all the hall masters to come to the main hall of my Demon Slayer Division for a chat after you have rested.
We have obtained some preliminary information about the Red Umbrella Cult and the movements of demons around Yan City. The situation... is not optimistic, and we urgently need to discuss our next steps with you all.
Tian Wenjing glanced at the silent Shui Miaozheng, said nothing more, and nodded.
Currently, support teams in various states have suffered casualties.
The team suffered heavy losses before even officially launching the operation, leaving everyone in a terrible mood and needing time to recover.
Yan Wu said a few more words of reassurance and then left in a hurry.
After Yan Wu had gone some distance, Shui Miaozheng looked at Tian Wenjing and asked softly, "Old Tian, in your opinion, is Du Yuanfei a traitor or not?" Tian Wenjing's gaze was deep, and he said calmly, "I only trust my own subordinates."
Although he had reservations about Jiang Mu's past behavior.
But in this matter, he trusted Jiang Mu just like Xu Fu.
Shui Miaozheng felt another pang of pain in her heart when she thought of Tang Guixin's tragic death.
Tian Wenjing sighed and said meaningfully, "Manager Yan has it tough too."
Shui Miaozheng's heart skipped a beat. Her gaze swept over the people around her who were whispering, and she understood his unspoken meaning.
With the rebellion just quelled in Yancheng, public sentiment was unsettled, and the official authority was severely damaged.
As the newly appointed head, Yan Wu needs stability and confidence most right now.
It should not cause widespread panic.
If it were revealed at this time that a high-ranking official was a traitor who had also caused the deaths of many allied troops providing support, it would be a devastating blow to the reputation of the Yancheng Demon Slayer Division.
This will also greatly shake the already fragile morale of the troops.
As the newly appointed official responsible for revitalizing the Yancheng Demon Slaying Division, Yan Wu will inevitably bear immense pressure.
They might even be held accountable and dismissed, ruining their future.
Therefore, even if Du Yuanfei is indeed a suspect, Yan Wu must do his best to protect him until he obtains conclusive evidence.
He should not be easily labeled a traitor.
This concerns not only one person's innocence, but also the reputation and stability of the entire Yancheng Demon Slayer Division.
"Go and rest first."
A fierce glint flashed in Tian Wenjing's eyes. "I've heard about what happened to Hall Master Tang. If it really was that brat Du Yuanfei who did it, I'll be the first to not let him off the hook!" With that, Tian Wenjing led his men away.
Shui Miaozheng stood there, gazing at the dilapidated streets and the passing crowds, and suddenly felt an unprecedented weariness and exhaustion. It wasn't just from the grief and self-blame of losing her trusted and beloved general.
It also stems from the psychological impact and self-doubt brought about by that absurd encounter, as well as the sense of powerlessness in the face of the complex situation at this moment.
"How could this happen...?"
The fortune teller said that her coming to support Yancheng was a unique and great opportunity for her.
In retrospect, the opportunity has indeed come.
The [Shuyu] was already in his hand.
But the price paid was far too... absurd and heavy.
Thinking of her unbearable ordeal in the ruins of Red Forest Valley... two flushed blushes rose on the woman's pale cheeks, spreading all the way to her ears.
"Fortunately, that kid was out of consciousness at the time."
"I'll never be able to face anyone again!"
Shui Miaozheng slapped her forehead hard, trying to banish the image from her mind.
In that situation, she simply couldn't move.
Two hours later.
Tian Wenjing, Shui Miaozheng, and the heads and hall masters from various prefectures and counties gathered in the main hall of the Demon Slaying Division in Yan City. The hall was filled with a faint smell of blood and dust.
Many people still looked tired and angry.
"The demonic threat in Yancheng is too severe. We were ambushed three times before we even entered the city."
"Who says otherwise? There are quite a few powerful demons. If I hadn't run fast, I would have almost died in the Bone Wind River."
"The benefits promised by the commander-in-chief are probably something you might earn but not live to enjoy!"
Complaints were incessant.
The various state-level demon-slaying divisions responded to the commander-in-chief's order to come to the aid this time, ostensibly for the greater good, but who didn't have their own ulterior motives?
Firstly, the commander-in-chief promised a generous resource allocation, and secondly, it was also to accumulate some solid achievements.
But no one expected that the situation in Yancheng was ten times worse than described in the intelligence.
It made me incredibly angry.
In the main seat, Yan Wu's face was solemn, and his eyes revealed deep fatigue.
He coughed lightly, silencing the murmurs of the crowd, and cupped his hands in greeting:
"My fellow colleagues have suffered. I am ashamed. Although most of the city has been cleared out these past few days, there are still many evil spirits who are good at disguising themselves and lurking in the shadows. We are investigating them one by one. As for outside the city..."
Yan Wu walked to the huge hanging map and drew several heavy circles on it with his finger:
"There are currently three main groups of demonic forces that have been identified."
First, there was the demon army led by the seventh-tier great demon "Great Golden Roc King".
This demon has close ties with the Red Umbrella Sect and commands a large number of demon soldiers, mostly stationed in the Red Forest Valley area. It also has two fifth-tier Great Perfection pig demon brothers as its left and right arms, making its strength not to be underestimated.
Secondly, there is the Tiger Vanguard, led by a seventh-tier great demon.
This demon should be most familiar to all my colleagues in Huzhou City. When the Mist Demon invaded Huzhou City, it was the vanguard general, renowned for its ferocity. It commanded a large number of demons, roughly estimated at over three thousand. However, after its defeat and retreat from Huzhou City, it was scattered.
According to the latest intelligence, a remnant force of over five hundred demons, led by the Leopard Demon Brothers, was wiped out in the Luanshipo area outside Huzhou City, resulting in heavy losses for Tiger Vanguard.
Now it has fewer than four hundred soldiers under its command.
Thirdly...
Yan Wu's finger moved towards a wooded area on the west side of the city:
"This is the 'Thousand-Eyed Spider Queen' who dwells in Thousand Silk Ridge. This demon is at the Great Perfection of the Eighth Rank, and has thousands of demonic spiders under her command. She is most skilled at weaving webs to capture and kill, and her venom is extremely potent."
As for the more distant Fire Dragon Cliff, where a demonic dragon slumbers, and the Soul-Sinking Swamp to the north, which is a forbidden zone for the living, you are all aware of the dangers of these places. Remember, do not venture into them lightly.
After saying that, Yan Wu waved to his trusted confidant beside him.
The trusted aide understood and, holding a stack of meticulously copied intelligence booklets, distributed them to everyone present.
As everyone perused the intelligence, their expressions grew increasingly grim.
These are just the three forces that are in the open; the real fear is that the demons may have hidden forces as well.
Xu Fu took the booklet, flipped through it casually, and suddenly spoke:
"Master Yan, you just said that the Great Golden Roc King has two fifth-tier, perfected boar demons under his command, right?"
Yan Wu nodded: "Not bad, why?"
Xu Fu said loudly:
"Master Yan's information is probably a bit outdated. That fifth-tier perfect boar demon under the command of the Great Golden Roc King has already been killed by Hall Master Jiang of our Huzhou City."
There was a moment of silence in the council chamber.
Yan Wu was stunned for a moment, his gaze sweeping over Xu Fu's face before shifting to Tian Wenjing, as if trying to confirm whether he had heard correctly.
"Killed?"
"Which hall master did you just mention?"
"Jiang Mu, the eighth hall master of our Huzhou City." Xu Fu puffed out his chest, his voice growing louder.
"Oh right, it wasn't just that pig demon. He also took care of three early-stage fifth-tier demons."
"One more thing, the fifth-tier horse demon you mentioned in your intelligence report, known for its disguise, was also beheaded by Hall Master Jiang in Li Family Village." "What?!"
Yan Wu was truly stunned.
The other state officials present looked at each other, completely bewildered.
"Jiang Mu? I've never heard of him."
"Isn't Yan the only capable fighter in Huzhou City? When did this formidable Jiang suddenly appear?"
"Judging from this record, he has killed several fifth-tier demons, and even two at the Great Perfection level. Could this be a sixth-realm expert?" Xu Fu was furious at the doubtful looks on everyone's faces.
He was even angrier at his own boss, Ran Qingshan.
"Our old Jiang is so amazing, why don't you promote it more? You have to keep it all hidden, and now nobody believes you even if you tell them." Tian Wenjing picked up his teacup, took a sip, and said calmly:
"Jiang Mu has been with my Huzhou Demon Slaying Division for less than a year, and not long ago... he just broke through to the fourth realm."
"puff"
Someone spat out a mouthful of tea.
The hall fell into a deathly silence.
This was followed by bursts of snickering.
A fourth-level hall master killed four fifth-tier demons? Including one fifth-tier Great Perfection demon.
Isn't this a huge exaggeration?
"Master Xu, are you joking?"
A middle-aged hall master sitting on the right couldn't help but speak up, his tone tinged with mockery, "A fourth-realm cultivator killing a fifth-realm cultivator, and a fifth-realm cultivator at the Great Perfection stage at that? It sounds like something out of a storybook to me!"
Another person next to him laughed and chimed in:
"Brother Xu, you should at least be more reliable when you're praising your own brother."
"Master Xu, is that Master Jiang from your Huzhou City some kind of three-headed, six-armed being?"
The crowd laughed and joked, clearly no one took Xu Fu's words seriously.
Even Shui Miaozheng, who had been sitting quietly, couldn't help but furrow her delicate brows, which resembled distant, dark mountains.
Xu Fu was so angry that his face turned red.
At this moment, a guard rushed inside and reported to Yan Wu:
"Master, Hall Master Du has woken up!"
"Du Yuanfei?"
Shui Miaozheng and Tian Wenjing's gazes shot towards each other like lightning.
Xu Fu jumped to his feet, turned around and glared angrily at Yan Wu:
"Chief Yan! You promised that once this beast woke up, you would immediately put him on a public trial. Now that he's awake, don't even think about delaying any longer!"
Yan Wu's face darkened, and he was about to speak when a commotion of shouts and staggering footsteps came from outside the hall.
"Get out of the way! All of you, get out of the way! I need to see the Chief Justice!!"
A figure covered in blood-stained bandages and with disheveled hair stumbled in.
It was Du Yuanfei.
He staggered a few steps, his legs gave way, and he collapsed to his knees with a thud.
"Master, hurry! Send someone to save us!!"
"Master Tang of Tanzhou City, and those few from Huzhou City... they... they're surrounded by demons!"
"It'll be too late if we're too late!"
Du Yuanfei cried out loudly, tears mixed with blood flowing down his face.
It was as if he was no longer fully conscious.
Xu Fu was taken aback by his behavior, then flew into a rage, pointing at Du Yuanfei's nose and cursing:
"You, surnamed Du! You think you're so important?!"
Upon hearing Xu Fu's voice, Du Yuanfei trembled, as if he had just realized that Xu Fu was there.
A hint of confusion flashed in his eyes, which quickly turned into delight:
"Master Xu, you...you're alright?! That's wonderful! I thought...I thought you..."
"Where is Hall Master Tang? Did she escape too?"
Xu Fu stared at him coldly, his eyes seeming to want to devour him:
"Hey Du, stop pretending! If it weren't for my good luck in being saved by Old Jiang, I'd be dead by now, you beast!"
Du Yuanfei's smile froze, his eyes filled with confusion and bewilderment:
"Master Xu, what... what are you saying? What do you mean by 'betraying one's own people'? I don't understand!"
Tian Wenjing raised his hand to signal Xu Fu to calm down.
He walked up to Du Yuanfei, looking down at him with a gaze as sharp as a hawk's:
"Master Du, I ask you this: Why were my men in Huzhou City, and Master Tang of Fazhou City, attacked by demons? When did you begin colluding with demons?"
"I, Du Yuanfei, am colluding with demons?!"
Du Yuanfei seemed to have heard the most absurd accusation. He struggled to stand up, but then slumped back down helplessly.
He roared hoarsely:
"Old Tian, Master Xu... all my brothers are dead! And now you're accusing me of colluding with demons?!"
I, Du Yuanfei, swear to Heaven that if I have even the slightest intention to collude with demons or harm my colleagues, may my soul be annihilated, may I be condemned to eternal damnation, and may my descendants be enslaved and forced into prostitution!
Xu Fu crossed his arms and said disdainfully:
"That kind of nonsense is completely useless! If swearing oaths were effective, what would be the point of having a Demon Slayer Division?"
Du Yuanfei's face turned red.
Yan Wu said in a deep voice:
"Du Yuanfei, don't get agitated. Tell me the whole story from beginning to end, without hiding anything."
Du Yuanfei took a few breaths, trying to calm himself down, and said:
"That day, I was rescued from Bailu Peak by Master Xu. When I woke up, I found myself in Lijia Village."
"Back then, there was a horse demon causing trouble in the village, and I was the first to warn everyone to be careful... Master Xu, I didn't lie about this, did I?" He looked at Xu Fu.
Xu Fu's face was gloomy. Although he didn't want to admit it, he still grunted, which was taken as an admission.
Du Yuanfei continued:
"Later, Master Jiang was incredibly brave and defeated the horse demon. He then led his men to town to find a horse-drawn carriage to transport the wounded."
Shortly after Hall Master Jiang left, I received a distress call from Cao Leixuan, the Fifth Hall Master!
He said they discovered traces of monsters in the Red Forest Valley area and ended up trapped.
The situation was urgent, and I was eager to save lives. Without thinking twice, I begged Master Tang to bring the brothers from Fazhou City and come with me to rescue people.
Who knew that as soon as we arrived, we would be trapped in a powerful country…
"Wait a moment!"
Shui Miaozheng, who had been listening quietly, suddenly spoke.
"Since you say you received a distress call from Cao Leixuan, Manager Yan, could you please invite that Hall Master Cao here for a face-to-face confrontation?"
However, Yan Wu's expression turned ugly.
He hesitated for a moment before finally speaking, "Chief Water, I'm afraid... there's no way to confront him."
Why?
"Because just before you all arrived, I received reliable intelligence..."
Yan Wu gritted his teeth and said, word by word, "Cao Leixuan... has betrayed us! He has openly sided with the Red Umbrella Sect and the Demon Clan!"
"Whoosh!"
These words caused an uproar in the hall.
A hall master actually openly betrayed us?
But at the same time, the way everyone looked at Du Yuanfei changed.
Since Cao Leixuan is indeed a traitor.
Therefore, it makes perfect sense that he used the distress signal to lure Du Yuanfei, Tang Guixin, and others into the encirclement.
In this way, Du Yuanfei became a victim who was used by a traitor?
Du Yuanfei was struck dumb, standing there frozen, his eyes turning bloodshot as he gritted his teeth and cursed angrily:
"Cao Leixuan! That beast! I treated him like a brother, and he... he dared to lie to me!"
He killed so many of my brothers! I'm going to kill him!
His eyes were bloodshot, and his fists were clenched so tightly they cracked, as if he wanted nothing more than to rush out and tear Cao Leixuan to pieces.
Shui Miaozheng looked at Du Yuanfei, her delicate brows furrowed, unable to make a decision for the time being.
She still trusted Yan Wu's character; if Du Yuanfei was truly a prime suspect, Yan Wu would not protect him.
Could it be... that he was really wronged?
Yan Wu sighed and continued, "Du Yuanfei, what happened next?"
Du Yuanfei took a few deep breaths, suppressing the anger and grief in his heart, and continued:
"Later... we fought desperately to break through, but I was too badly injured and was captured by the Golden Roc King."
The monster captured me, but didn't kill me immediately.
It said it would take me to Yancheng to demonstrate, and that it would cut me into a thousand pieces at the city gate, in front of you all…”
As he said this, a flicker of fear crossed his eyes.
"I thought I was going to die. But on the way back, we were suddenly blocked by a great demon."
At the time, I could only vaguely make out that it was a tiger demon, and it was shouting that it wanted to settle a score with some Golden Roc King, and then a fight broke out.
Then I passed out...
When he woke up, he had already been rescued by the patrol team.
"A tiger demon?"
Yan Wu raised an eyebrow. "That should be Tiger Vanguard."
He looked at everyone and explained:
"According to the intelligence we have, the various demonic forces outside the city are not a united front. Tiger Vanguard and the Great Golden Roc King have a long-standing grudge and are unwilling to give in to each other."
If what Hall Master Du said is true, then it must have been Tiger Vanguard who ambushed them halfway.
After hearing Yan Wu's words, everyone's suspicions about Du Yuanfei lessened considerably.
Based on the available information, his statement does not appear to have any obvious flaws.
Xu Fu, however, remained disdainful, a cold smile playing on his lips.
If Jiang Mu hadn't personally told him that Du Yuanfei was a traitor, he might have believed the guy's nonsense.
But now, seeing Du Yuanfei like this, he felt extremely uncomfortable.
It's like looking at a monster in human skin.
If Jiang Mu says he's a traitor, then he must be!
Even if the King of Heaven himself came, he would still be a traitor!
But the problem is...
He has no evidence.
We can't just say, "If Old Jiang says so, then it must be so," can we?
Saying such things only makes people think that the people of Huzhou City are being unreasonable and pedantic.
Thinking of this, Xu Fu felt a surge of frustration and could only glare fiercely at Du Yuanfei, wishing he could gouge two holes in him with his eyes. Yan Wu looked at Tian Wenjing and Shui Miaozheng, and said sincerely:
"Tian Lao, Water Chief.
The situation is now clear. I believe that although Du Yuanfei bears some responsibility for oversight, he had absolutely no intention of colluding with demons.
He was also a victim; he fell into the trap while trying to save someone.
Of course, I also know that this one-sided account alone is not enough to completely dispel any misunderstandings you may have.
Please give me some time!
He solemnly cupped his hands to the two of them: "I will continue to investigate Du Yuanfei's matter thoroughly and will not let any doubts go unnoticed."
During this period, I will suspend Du Yuanfei from all his duties, confine him to the mansion, and assign special personnel to keep a close watch on him for twelve hours a day, and absolutely forbid him from having any contact with the outside world.
We will investigate until the truth is revealed, and give you all, and our fallen brothers, a satisfactory explanation!
What do you two think of my handling of this matter?
It must be said that Yan Wu's handling of the situation was quite lenient.
In the absence of complete evidence, suspending a hall master from his duties and confining him to his quarters is already a huge concession.
If Tian Wenjing and Shui Miaozheng continued to argue, it would only make them seem unreasonable.
Just as Tian Wenjing was about to compromise, a cold voice, like a chilling wind, suddenly drifted in from outside the hall:
"It won't take that long; we'll have the results today."
Everyone in the hall was stunned and turned to look at the door.
A young man dressed in a coarse gray shirt walked into the doorway, which was backlit.
The man had sharp eyebrows and bright eyes, a high nose bridge, and a somewhat cold and aloof demeanor.
Although his clothes were made of coarse cloth typical of ordinary people, they could not conceal his fierce and sharp aura. He was like a peerless weapon that had just drunk its fill of blood and had not yet been sheathed, its sharpness overwhelming.
What a handsome young man!
Everyone's eyes lit up, and they secretly praised it.
"Old Jiang!"
Xu Fu's face lit up with wild joy.
When Tian Wenjing saw Jiang Mu return safely, his furrowed brows relaxed and he secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
As long as people come back alive, that's better than anything else.
Shui Miaozheng, who was sitting to the side, froze the moment she saw that figure.
Her red lips were slightly parted.
Her bright, watery eyes widened in disbelief.
It's...it's him?!
That was it when she was in a daze, that she accidentally...
A boy soaked to the bone?
How did he end up here?
The woman was stunned.
Just thinking about that scene made Shui Miaozheng feel a rush of heat to her head.
Her originally fair and jade-like cheeks were tinged with a beautiful blush that spread all the way down her slender neck.
She instinctively raised her sleeve to half-cover her burning cheeks.
As if afraid of being recognized.
He shifted his body uncomfortably.
With this movement, the plump, rounded breasts, wrapped in the moon-white dress, gently pressed into an arc on the chair, causing the fabric to tighten slightly.
Then, as she settled in, she slowly relaxed...
A gentle ripple spread out.
It exudes an indescribable sensuality and mature allure.
Fortunately, everyone's attention was focused on Jiang Mu at the moment, and no one noticed her slight embarrassment.
Ignoring the various gazes around him, Jiang Mu walked straight to Yan Wu, cupped his hands in a respectful greeting, and spoke in a clear voice:
"This must be Manager Yan."
"My name is Jiang Mu, the Eighth Hall Master of the Demon Slaying Division of Huzhou City."
Upon hearing this, a low murmur immediately arose in the hall.
"So he's Jiang Mu?"
"He does have a dignified appearance, but his aura... is definitely only at the fourth realm. Xu Fu was exaggerating so much just now, I thought he was a monster with three heads and six arms."
"A fourth-realm cultivator killing a fifth-realm Grand Perfection cultivator? Heh heh, I think it's more like a shamelessness Grand Perfection."
The crowd whispered among themselves, their eyes filled with skepticism and mockery.
Shui Miaozheng only realized this at this moment.
Yes, at the time, I was so caught up in embarrassment and shame, and in my confused state of mind, that I completely overlooked the tattered official robes of the Demon Slayer Division he was wearing. So, he was the Hall Master Jiang that Tang Guixin had mentioned in her letter.
Thinking of this, Shui Miaozheng felt a mix of emotions.
"So it's Master Jiang."
Although Yan Wu was also somewhat annoyed by Xu Fu's boasting, he couldn't refuse a smiling face, so he forced a smile and said politely, "I've long heard that a young hero has emerged from Huzhou City. Seeing him today, I can confirm that he is indeed extraordinary."
When Du Yuanfei saw Jiang Mu, a hint of panic flashed deep in his eyes.
After all, they had witnessed the terror of the other party.
I had long harbored some apprehension.
But he reacted very quickly, immediately switching to an expression of overwhelming excitement and tears:
"Master Jiang! It's so good that you're alright! I knew good people were always protected by heaven..."
Jiang Mu ignored his performance.
He lowered his head, his dark eyes fixed on Du Yuanfei: "Du Yuanfei, you really didn't collude with demons?"
Du Yuanfei was taken aback, then looked innocent and aggrieved:
"Master Jiang, how can you say such a thing? I, Du Yuanfei, swear to the heavens that if I collude with demons, may I be struck by lightning and die a horrible death! I…"
"Alright."
Jiang Mu interrupted him, turning her gaze to Yan Wu.
"Chief Yan, if I can find evidence proving that Du Yuanfei did indeed collude with the demons, what will you do?"
Yan Wu pondered for a moment and said:
"According to the laws of the Demon Slayer Division, if someone is confirmed to be a traitor, it should be reported to the Chief Commander for punishment according to the law."
"Will you kill him?" Jiang Mu asked directly.
Yan Wu frowned slightly, but still answered truthfully:
"If the evidence is conclusive, traitors are usually executed on the spot as a warning to others. The Demon Slayer Division cannot tolerate those who betray their colleagues and associate with demons."
"Okay, I understand."
Jiang Mu nodded. "In other words, it's not a 100% certainty that you'll be beheaded."
He reached into his robes and pulled out a blood-stained rag.
Those were fragments from Tang Guixin's clothes.
He looked at the tattered cloth, a flicker of pain crossing his eyes, then turned to Du Yuanfei, his voice calm:
"I've already been to Red Forest Valley. That demon stronghold... I slaughtered it."
"There was also a fifth-tier Great Perfection pig demon there, as well as more than a hundred lesser demons. They were all killed without exception. Of course, that Golden Roc King ran away quickly and we didn't see it."
These words silenced the hall once more.
Du Yuanfei's pupils contracted.
Yan Wu's eyes widened, his face filled with disbelief.
Apart from Tian Wenjing, Xu Fu, and other people in the know, everyone else in the hall was stunned, and then they all shook their heads, speechless.
Is this kid addicted to bragging and boasting?
A lone warrior couldn't sweep through the camp of a mere Fifth Realm Great Perfection cultivator, who was overseeing hundreds of demons.
Do you think we're San Ning kids?
Jiang Mu seemed oblivious to the questioning gazes around him, only looking at Du Yuanfei, whose face was beginning to turn pale, and spoke in a steady voice:
"The pig demon I killed said before it died that it was one of their people."
"Of course, not many people here would believe that. After all, Ding's performance just now was truly spectacular."
"But I don't care."
"Write something carefully. I, Jiang Mu, never procrastinate. Now that I've made up my mind, I'll do it my way."
For example, now one
Jiang Mu gripped the tattered cloth tightly in his hand, his voice lowering slightly:
"I hope Aunt Tang can pass away peacefully."
Du Yuanfei opened his mouth, as if he wanted to argue further.
But when he raised his head and met Jiang Mu's eyes, the words he had written stuck in his throat.
Those eyes, though seemingly empty, held no anger, no hatred.
Only one possibility... indifference.
It was as if I were looking at a dead person.
Du Yuanfei felt a tingling sensation on his scalp, and a chill ran down his spine.
This guy actually tried to kill me?!
How dare he!?
Du Yuanfei found it absurd, but the fear of death gripped him. His instincts kicked in; he wanted to retreat, to flee to Yan Wu for refuge. "Save me!"
"Whoosh!"
There was no warning whatsoever.
A flash of light.
It's so fast that people don't even have time to react.
Everyone felt a cold glint appear before their eyes, and in an instant...
一颗头颅高高飞起。
Du Yuanfei's face was still filled with fear and disbelief, his lips slightly parted as if he wanted to shout something.
Blood gushed out like a fountain from the severed neck, staining the ground.
"thump!"
The headless corpse swayed and then fell heavily to the ground.
The hall was deathly silent.
You could hear a pin drop.
Everyone was stunned.
Time seemed to stand still at this moment.
No one expected that this young man would actually dare to kill someone by pulling out his arm in full view of everyone, in the hall of the Demon Slayer Division, right in front of a division chief!
Shui Miaozheng's lips parted slightly, her rosy lips wide open in shock.
Yan Wu was completely dumbfounded.
He stared blankly at the head at his feet, blood staining his boots.
It took him several breaths to finally come to his senses.
"Damn it!!"
Yan Wu's aura surged, and he struck Jiang Mu with a palm.
"stop!"
Tian Wenjing flashed forward, his withered hand thrusting horizontally to firmly block Yan Wu's palm strike.
The wind was strong, causing their robes to flutter loudly.