Chapter 538: Chapter 326: Slaughtering Dogs and Sheep
The old constable of the Six Gates squatted on the wall, smoking a dry cigarette, surveying the tragic scene in the courtyard, squinting his eyes as he scanned around.
Suddenly, the sound of hooves came, and when he turned his head to look, he saw a white-robed scholar riding a fast horse from the Chidao. The Divine Steed galloped like lightning, reaching him in an instant.
Fixing his gaze, he saw that the white-robed scholar possessed an exceptionally good appearance, with grace and charm, elegant and distinguished, tall and well-proportioned. Such a handsome man was rare even in the Three Constellations, and he instantly recognized who he was.
The old constable hurriedly stood up, jumped off the wall, pushed aside the clueless junior constable who had drawn his blade to block the road, clasped his hands in respect, and bowed.
"Alas, Mr. Lu, what brings you here?"
The scholar nodded in return, his voice warm and smooth as jade, truly a model gentleman—elegant and refined, making one feel as if bathed in a spring breeze.
"I heard something happened and came to take a look."
"For such a minor case, how could we trouble you? Please, after you."
The constable jogged to open the courtyard gate and invited Scholar Lu inside.
The unfamiliar constable, curious, secretly asked,
"Who is that scholar?"
"Didn’t you hear him being addressed as Mr. Lu?"
"...Would I ask if I’d heard?"
"You truly are ignorant. That man is Mr. Lu Yi, the Crown Prince’s Middle Attendant, a notable figure in the Qing Palace, favored by the Crown Prince himself. Rarely does such a uniquely talented man, whose writings are renowned, comes along. Many say he possesses the foresight of a king’s aide and is destined for significant promotion, potentially to the rank of Three Ministers. The line of people wanting to meet him from the Three Constellations stretches long, like fish crossing a river. Yet, who would expect such a renowned figure to be idling in our remote region?"
"I wouldn’t say it’s remote; Shanyang County is part of the capital region too..."
"Bah! This is all the outer ring of the suburbs! You just cross a mountain, and you’re at Dui Country! How dare you call yourself a Three Constellations person! Stop flattering yourself!"
"Damn, the standards for being a Three Constellations person are harsh..."
The old constable glared back, shooed his subordinate off to gossip elsewhere, then smiled and caught up to Mr. Lu.
"This is the old residence of the Chen family. Their ancestors were from our Shanyang County. Historically, generals of Western expeditions selected young nobles from border counties to serve in the military. Their ancestral lineage was also chosen as elite soldiers, fighting through life and death, subduing the Heavenly Mountain, slaughtering five cities, beheading fifteen kings, personally executing the Great Shanyu, and pacifying the Western Regions, finally earning the title of marquis.
Unfortunately, the position fought for with one’s life can’t compare to those born into it. After a few generations, they declined. Some say it’s due to Party Ban entanglements, others say they offended a superior, ultimately leading to confiscation of their title and property with exile. The transgressor this time is a remnant of that clan, likely escaped exile halfway and joined the Demon Sect, learned some skills, and returned for revenge."
Entering the ancestral hall, the constable pointed to the heads on the desk,
"These three gentlemen were likely handling his family’s case; they were all beheaded. However, the boy was a newbie on his first mountain vengeance, only executing the main culprits and sparing the women and children, resulting in being ambushed and revealing his whereabouts.
It’s said he broke through in battle, achieving the Elixir stage, prompting the county to gather three groups of guards to capture him, even inviting the Tribute from the Left Supervisory to assist in fighting, yet..."
Lu Yi crouched down, lifted the white cloth covering the bodies for a closer examination, slightly furrowing his brow, and after a moment of silence, said,
"One Sword Seal Throat, impressive skill."
The old constable nodded,
"Certainly, it’s the Sword Sect, but..."
Lu Yi looked at him, gently saying,
"If the Head has any advice, feel free to speak."
"Advice is too strong a word, but the blood was drained dry."
The old constable used a dagger to expose the wound for Lu Yi to see,
"From the previous crime scenes, the boy used an iron sword for his murders and likely didn’t know any Evil Technique.
But the masters sent to capture him this time couldn’t resist at all, leaving no sign of Gang Fist damage at the scene. It seems they surrendered without a fight, waiting for death.
And this wound might be enough for killing ordinary people, but for someone practicing Body Refinement... I suspect there’s a high-ranking Demon Sect member secretly aiding."
Lu Yi agreed,
"It seems indeed to be a Demon Sect Secret Technique. Could the boy’s ancestors’ Western Regions expedition have involved old ties with the Demon Sect?"
The old constable shook his head,
"That I don’t know, are you here because of this, sir?"
Lu Yi nodded,
"With the Northern Expedition concluded, the Great General plans to return to the capital and will eventually launch a Western Expedition.
This place is close to Dui Country, so it’s only natural for Demon Sect people to infiltrate. Preparing early is wise."
The old constable sighed,
"Why more war, the Northern Expedition has been going on for so many years, can’t... ah, sir, I didn’t mean, I didn’t..."
Lu Yi sighed,
"I understand, everyone wishes for rest and recovery, to catch a breath.
But those in power only seek illustrious achievements, eternal fame. It’s been the way in every dynasty..."
Lu Yi took out a Jade Pendant and handed it to the old constable,
"There’s also some gold and silver here, distribute them to the victims’ families. After all, a Demon Sect disciple is involved, not to mention now connected to the Demon Sect, just close the case and don’t get yourselves killed."
The old constable, touched, thanked him gratefully,
"Thank you for your consideration, sir."
Then Lu Yi rode off, his Divine Steed galloped like lightning, in what seemed like no time, he returned to the capital region.
But he didn’t hurry to enter the city. He first went to a restaurant in the market, joined a circle of literati discussing freely, engaging in flower appreciation, wine tasting, and poetry matching. After a few rounds of drinks, he lay drunk on the couch, served by the tavern attendants to a small inner room for a temporary rest.
Then a flash of red light, a straw dummy crawled out from under the couch, kneeling on the ground,
"Salutations to the Lord."
Lu Yi lay drunkenly on the couch, unmoving, only communicating telepathically,
"Who was killing in Shanyang?"