Chapter 28: Yin Qiuge
Chapter 28: Yin Qiuge
Upon hearing this, the Lin Family Steward's heart instantly went numb.
If the expert invited by the County Magistrate knew Shen Yi, it was understandable. But how could the young lady's outsider acquaintance also know him?
They were all acquaintances; how could they possibly exterminate the demon together? Don't bring more trouble to the Lin Family!"
On the other side, Chen Ji's expression turned slightly somber.
If he had only suspected the youth in black seven or eight parts before, this statement confirmed his belief that the other party was indeed a demonic being, merely disguised in human skin.
The reason was simple.
The youth's tone... Chen Ji was all too familiar with it, and it even stirred up some unpleasant memories.
In recent years, the demons that entered the city almost always spoke to Shen Yi in this manner, and then they would have him find fresh meat or abduct girls from certain families.
Thinking of this, Chen Ji subconsciously glanced at the person beside him.
Shen Yi's expression remained calm, as if he wasn't offended by the black-robed youth's words.
He stood with his hands clasped, quietly observing Liu Qi's corpse, and after a moment, he said, "Everyone, please leave."
Upon hearing this, the Lin Family Steward felt like slapping himself. Why did he bring this troublemaker back? Did he want the situation to get even more chaotic?
It was fine for the idle onlookers outside to believe the rumors, but as the steward of the Lin Family for so many years, how could he be so muddled?
He didn't even consider the government office; was it a place for demon-subduing? The fat steward turned and left with a wilted demeanor. Chen Ji remained silent, glanced at Shen Yi once more, and confirmed that he wasn't intentionally lowering his guard against the demonic being, allowing the black-robed youth to strike him when he passed by.
Chen Ji helplessly cupped his hands and said, "This lowly one takes his leave."
As the two of them exited the side room, the thin-headed Tuo and his two companions were also standing in front. They noticed the steward's annoyed expression, and the thin-headed Tuo's face finally relaxed a bit.
"See what I said? He's just a young man with too much vigor! After gaining some fortuitous encounter, he can't see his own worth and insists on losing face before he'll calm down."
"Each of us has had fortuitous encounters, and we're all geniuses. Who's like him, not knowing what's good for him?"
"A fool is a fool, and a rotten tree cannot be carved!"
Listening to his senior brother's incessant mocking, Zhang Butcher lost interest and squatted down, twirling a blade of grass in his mouth, returning to his previous sullen mood.
The taunting words entered Chen Ji's ears, and he looked at them coldly, suddenly feeling that these so-called senior martial artists were entirely different from what he had aspired to, even making him feel disgusted.
Sir Shen, no matter how incompetent, had single-handedly ventured to Six Mile Temple Village, slaying thirteen demons and earning a mere two taels and four qian of silver.
This youth had been in Pine Cloud County for some time, yet he hadn't taken action once. At his age, he was still a chatterbox with a petty mind, and he was worth six hundred taels of silver per month?
"Little thing, what are you looking at?"
As if sensing something, the thin-headed Tuo turned his head, his chilling gaze sending a shiver down Chen Ji's spine.
He could tolerate Shen Yi because he was a fellow Initial Realm martial artist who had also attained Transcendence. But when did a mere law enforcement officer dare to look at him like that?
The ink-black robe fluttered without wind, and the thin, bony hand extended from the sleeve, with fingers curled like an eagle's claw.
An overwhelming aura instantly enveloped Chen Ji.
Chen Ji's face turned deathly pale, and he clenched his teeth.
Normally, he knew the importance of staying low-key and would never dare to look the other party in the eye. He would simply lower his head, admit his mistake, and move on.
But at this moment, a nameless rage surged within him.
His hand on the hilt tightened, and the silver blade slid out of its sheath, capturing everyone's attention.
"When did it become your turn, a wandering martial artist, to point fingers and give orders in the government office's investigation?"
"Captain Shen is handling official business. Who are you to dare make a ruckus here? Shut your mouth!"
Upon hearing this, the thin-headed Tuo was stunned as if struck by lightning, standing there in a daze for a long time before muttering woodenly, "Fine, fine, fine... The Imperial Court is pressuring me..."
The Lin Family Steward's legs trembled in fear, and he unconsciously clenched his legs.
It was well known that the members of the martial sects most dreaded being suppressed by the Demon Suppressing Bureau. Despite the Thin Headed Tuo's apparent lack of anger, his words now carried an increased hint of murderous intent.
This little patrol officer will eventually take off this uniform... Could it be that he thinks Shen Yi can protect him?
Zhang Butcher was the only one squatting on the ground, momentarily stunned before spitting out the grass and opening his mouth to laugh silently.
At the same time, he glanced sideways at the door with a curious expression.
Intriguing, he hadn't drawn his blade when facing demonic beings, but now he's mouthing off to his superior and unsheathing his sword to a First Level martial artist. Just who is this person to command such respect from his subordinates?
...
Compared to the chaos outside, the side room was surprisingly peaceful.
The black-robed youth nonchalantly flicked his wrist and walked to Liu Qi's corpse, tearing off the remaining half of his arm with a hint of disgust. He began chewing on it with large bites.
"I thought I'd have to waste more words, but it's you. You've saved me the trouble, no need for formalities. I understand the rules; from now on, just call me Qiuge."
Shen Yi observed him eating calmly, his eyes expressionless.
In just a few days, he had witnessed too many similar scenes.
The only disturbance in his heart was due to Liu Qi being a martial artist, and the scene before him was the consequence of being unable to defeat a demonic being.
"It's not that Qiuge is speaking ill of you. She once told me that if I needed anything, I could find you. I've waited for so long, but you never came, so I had to take matters into my own hands."
The black-robed youth was slightly irritated, "From now on, come every three days, got it? Don't complain, I won't be here for long."
The reason Shen Yi asked the others to leave was to ask a single question, "Where is she?"
"What's the matter? Is Qiuge's word not good enough? Do you need to hear it from her personally?" Qiuge swallowed chunks of flesh and blood, frowning tightly as he walked towards Shen Yi.
He looked up at Shen Yi, wiping the meat scraps from the corner of his mouth, and said impatiently, "She's been out playing for a while. She's gone to visit her mother at North Cliff and will be back in a couple of days. If you're hungry, I can take care of you; you don't need her. I'll handle it myself."
At this moment, Qiuge suddenly noticed that Shen Yi's eyebrows were slightly furrowed... as if he was a little disappointed. It was like when he was young, digging out a rabbit hole, expecting a large nest, but only finding a single rabbit.
The next moment, Shen Yi looked up at him.
A trace of chill gradually rose in his eyes.
For some reason, Qiuge's heart began to pound, and his muscles tensed up. It was an instinctive fear that his body experienced when facing danger.
Ever since he entered the First Level, he hadn't felt this sensation.
...
Chen Ji's face went numb, and he gripped the knife handle tightly.
The Thin Headed Tuo stood expressionless, facing him, while the Lin Family Steward was sandwiched between them, his face contorted in a cry, wishing he could run away.
Suddenly, a shattering sound reverberated through the courtyard! Crack!
The thick redwood door exploded, and amidst the flying wood chips, a black figure flew out, spraying crimson blood.
With immense force, the figure smashed through the bluestone floor, rolling several times before the force dissipated.
Zhang Butcher slowly stood up, while the Lin Steward cried out and squatted down, covering his head.
The Thin Headed Tuo's body trembled as he turned, and Chen Ji stood there, dazed, holding his long knife. They all looked towards the door.
Behind the shattered door.
Shen Yi adjusted his sleeves, his expression indifferent, and he calmly stepped out.
(End of Chapter)
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