Chapter 337: The Entire City's People Are Worthless Compared to Tong Tianyou?

Chapter 337: The Entire City's People Are Worthless Compared to Tong Tianyou?

"Young man, what brings you to the Demon Suppressing Bureau?" The young clerk asked Yang Guang casually.

"We've come from the south, and the County Governor wishes to meet with you to discuss important matters," the young clerk replied eagerly.

"Let's meet with Master Tong first, then we'll go see the County Governor," Qi Yuan said nonchalantly.

They needed to gather clues from the County Governor to investigate Tong Tianyou's whereabouts and Tong Youwei's death.

The young clerk's face lit up with joy, "I'll wait here for you, sirs."

Finally, they had managed to invite someone from the Demon Suppressing Bureau. The young clerk was excited.

According to the County Governor, the Demon Suppressing Bureau was the most powerful force in Fengyuan, specializing in slaying demons. Perhaps they could lift the siege on Zhenyang.

Zhenyang had been isolated for three long years.

The people of Zhenyang had suffered greatly at the hands of demons.

Led by a supervisor, the group proceeded deep into the Tong family compound.

As they ventured further, they occasionally encountered tall and sturdy guards exuding powerful blood energy on patrol.

These guards wore soft armor, hung exquisite swords at their waists, and were well-equipped.

"Your Tong family's defense is quite strict. How could a demon infiltrate and kill Tong Youwei without anyone knowing?" Yang Guang couldn't help but ask.

In just a short while, he had seen over fifty private soldiers on patrol.

The Tong family compound was less like a courtyard and more like a large estate, even having its own martial arts arena.

The supervisor lowered his head and said, "I don't know the details, but there's a rumor... that a traitor emerged from within our Tong family.

When Young Master Youwei died, the Master flew into a rage and had all the servants purged. Those suspected were beaten to death!"

Hearing this, Qi Yuan couldn't help but speak up, "This game is too rigid. There should be a quest where we investigate the deaths of those beaten to death, allowing for a plot twist."

An Qiao quickly agreed, "The Master's life is important, but what about the servants' lives?"

Yang Guang smiled and clicked his tongue, "No wonder everyone wants to be part of a prominent family. They have everything—soldiers, land, and even their own granaries. The Tong family is like a miniature royal family."

The three of them communicated using sound transmission, ensuring that the supervisor wouldn't overhear their conversation and suspect them of being sent by the court to suppress the Tong family, possibly even charging them with treason.

Who knew if they'd have to fight their way out of the Tong family compound?

As a local prominent family, the Tong family had nearly a thousand private soldiers and over a hundred armored troops.

These forces were not to be underestimated.

After about a quarter of an hour, the group finally arrived at the residence of the Tong family patriarch after winding their way through the compound.

In the courtyard, numerous maids stood with somber expressions.

They seemed worried about the young master being abducted by the demons.

The supervisor couldn't hold back his sorrow, "Our ancestors have served the Tong family for generations. If the young master doesn't return, the Tong family will disband, and we'll have nowhere to go."

His grief was genuine.

After all, being a servant in a prominent family like the Tongs was far better than being a commoner; it was more dignified.

"Let's go and meet your Master," Qi Yuan said.

After about a dozen breaths, the group entered the ancient-style house one by one, examining the Tong family patriarch lying on the bed.

Master Tong was in his sixties, frail and weak, with faint breathing.

A white-haired woman sat at the edge of the bed, her face covered in tears.

This woman was only in her forties, with well-maintained skin, but her hair was also completely white.

This woman was the same one who had gone to Wanshan Temple, bowing every step of the way, to seek medicine.

Upon seeing the visitors, Master Tong opened his cloudy eyes, "Sirs, you must bring my grandson back.

If he's returned... there will be a great reward."

Master Tong waved his hand.

The supervisor relayed the orders, and after about a dozen breaths, several tall armored soldiers carried a wooden box into the room.

The box was opened, revealing a pile of silver and some jewelry.

An Qiao's heart stirred at the sight.

If she hadn't entered the Underworld, she might have been tempted by the riches, but now she remained unmoved.

However, this wealth, combined with the private soldiers, showcased the Tong family's formidable power.

The eldest son was killed without reason, and the young master was abducted.

It seemed the situation was more complex than it appeared.

Yang Guang looked at Master Tong and asked softly, "Master Tong, we will find Tong Tianyou, but what we want to know now is... the cause of Tong Youwei's death."

The white-haired woman's hand trembled as if hearing her son's name, and tears fell like rain, "My poor child, born after ten months of pregnancy... it's mother's fault for not protecting you."

Master Tong's eyes also showed sadness.

"Youwei... he must have died at the hands of... the flower demon, Manluo!" Master Tong's eyes flashed with hatred.

Yang Guang's eyes lit up.

Indeed, the crucial information had arrived.

Qi Yuan stood quietly to the side, his expression filled with interest.

His nose didn't grow longer, indicating that Master Tong's words were true, and Tong Youwei indeed died at the hands of the flower demon, Manluo.

"My poor grandson, also taken by the flower demon, Manluo!" If looks could kill, Manluo would have been slain by Master Tong's gaze.

Hmm, his nose didn't grow longer, so it must be the truth.

This quest... was terrifyingly simple? Just asking any NPC would reveal the answer?

"What grudge does the flower demon, Manluo, hold against the Tong family?" Yang Guang continued his questioning.

To investigate the truth, they also needed to uncover the killer's motive.

Upon hearing this, Master Tong's face changed slightly.

Lady Tong, who had originally stopped her tears, shed them again at this moment.

The voice of Old Master Tong also became hoarse and pained.

"In my life, I've always indulged Youwei and agreed to everything he asked, fearing that I would go against his wishes.

If he wanted a flower queen, I would give it to him; if he wanted the blood of a Qilin, I would send people to hunt for it in Shu Yao Mountain.

But he... wanted to marry a demon into our Tong family.

This was the first time I got angry with him. Our human race and the demon race are irreconcilable, and there's no way I'd allow a demon to marry into our family!"

"So, this Flower Demon Manro is the one Youwei loves?" An Qiao asked.

An Qiao's mind was filled with many thoughts.

With her years of experience watching TV, she knew that Old Master Tong had broken up this couple, and Flower Demon Manro held a grudge in her heart.

She blamed Youwei for his change of heart, and so she dug out his heart and took his son.

Lady Tong's emotions were a bit agitated.

Qiyuan listened to all this, but his nose didn't grow.

This indicated that what Lady Tong and Old Master Tong were saying was the truth.

Tong Youwei was indeed killed by Flower Demon Manro, who dug out his heart.

"Cough, cough..." Just then, Old Master Tong coughed, and fresh blood trickled from the corner of his mouth.

Lady Tong hurried to attend to him.

Yang Guang and the others also understood that it was no longer appropriate for them to stay there.

"Old Master Tong, you should take care of your health first. We will find Tong Tianyou," Yang Guang said, and together with Qiyuan and the others, they left.

"What do you think?" Yang Guang asked at this moment.

"If what they said is true, then Youwei's death is simple.

We just need to find Flower Demon Manro, and the truth will be revealed." An Qiao replied.

"Good, then let's go see the County Governor.

It seems that the difficulty of this task doesn't lie in Youwei's death, but in finding Tianyou.

Shu Yao Mountain has three thousand demon troops, so it looks like it will be a tough battle!" Yang Guang's fighting spirit rose.

He preferred a direct confrontation over investigating the truth.

...

On the mottled wall, black bloodstains remained, and there were numerous sword marks on the brick wall.

The county sheriff was tall and sturdy, with sunken eyes that shone with a fierce light. However, at this moment, his expression was particularly unfriendly.

"Hmph, Zhenyang has been under siege for three years, and we've sent numerous messages to the imperial court, but no one has paid any attention.

Now that a Tong family heir is missing, the imperial court actually sends the Demon Suppressing Bureau to investigate.

Hmph... Are the lives of the people in this city not as important as that of Tong Tianyou?"

The county sheriff, Lao Li, was especially dissatisfied, and he particularly disliked the noble families.

He was originally a leader of refugees, who once led an uprising against the demons.

However, due to their weak strength, they eventually failed, and he became a county sheriff in Zhenyang City, managing the military affairs of the county.

The county governor was an old man with a kind smile on his face: "Old Li, you can be dissatisfied, but when those angels arrive, don't show it."

"Hmph," Sheriff Lao Li snorted, looking reluctant. Then, he sighed, "I understand, the people of this city can't wait."

In his younger days, he had led over a hundred young and strong villagers to fight against the demons, protecting their homes and villages, and they had achieved quite a lot.

At that time, the government sent people to pacify them, but he had won many battles and was proud and arrogant, naturally not putting the government in his eyes.

Seeing that pacification was impossible, the government colluded with the demons, and his soldiers were killed by the demons.

He couldn't bear to return to the village.

Otherwise, when the elders, women, and children asked about their sons and husbands, he wouldn't know how to answer.

He felt particularly resentful towards Shu Yao Mountain because their military advisor was a government official.

"Sigh, I wonder how long Zhenyang City can hold out." The county governor hunched over, as if that would make him feel more comfortable.

Just then, footsteps approached.

The county governor's spirit lifted, and his back straightened. He quickly looked towards the door and rushed to greet them.

Sheriff Lao Li also hurriedly followed.

"The angels have come from afar, please come in with this old man," the county governor said with a spring in his step.

Outside, there were young clerks and Qiyuan's group.

Qiyuan's eyes lit up: "Eating a feast, not bad. It's good to have a feast in advance."

Last time, when the game ended, he didn't even get to eat.

This county governor was reminding them to eat first.

After the feast, they could fight the demons.

"Please follow this old man inside," the county governor hurriedly said.

Sheriff Lao Li was also observing the three people from the Demon Suppressing Bureau, his expression serious.

Obviously, he sensed that the visitors from the bureau were not weak.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, they entered the house.

Inside, a table was set with a feast, with over ten steaming dishes. Qiyuan and the others sat down casually, and the aroma filled the air.

"I love feasts," Qiyuan said, immediately starting to eat.

Most of the dishes were vegetarian, with only four meat dishes.

Qiyuan ate with great relish, but An Qiao and Yang Guang didn't touch their chopsticks.

The two of them showed no interest in the ancient delicacies. The food itself looked rather plain and simple.

Noticing their lack of appetite, the County Governor hurriedly explained, "The town of Zhenyang has been under siege for three years, and we're running low on supplies. Please don't blame us for not having better offerings for such esteemed guests!"

"I just ate, I'm not hungry," Yang Guang replied, picking up his chopsticks and taking a piece of radish.

However, the radish tasted bland, as if it lacked salt.

"You've put too little salt in this," Yang Guang casually commented, running his hand over his bald head.

The County Governor gave an awkward laugh, "The town is under siege, and the trade routes are cut off, making private salt hard to come by."

"Is it that serious?" Yang Guang was taken aback, suddenly remembering what he had seen on his way to the county office.

It seemed he hadn't seen any young, able-bodied men; only the elderly, women, and children were visible.

Even the clerks at the county office seemed to be half-grown children.

Before the County Governor could respond, the Sheriff spoke up, "Angels, you may not know, but since the noble families moved south, those of us who stayed in the north have become the food supply for the demons. The town lacks food and salt, so we have to send people out to risk their lives to buy food and salt. On this perilous journey, if they're not careful, they fall into the hands of demons and become their food. Out of ten, only three return..."

The Sheriff's eyes carried a deep sense of helplessness.

Of the ten teams sent out, only three managed to return with food or salt.

The rest either met their end in the bellies of demons or... went missing.

Yang Guang's eyes flashed with determination as he read the '16191101' version of the book.

"These demons should be wiped out!" he exclaimed.

The County Governor quickly asked, "Angels, do you have any news from the court? When will the royal army recapture the North?"

The Sheriff also looked at Yang Guang expectantly.

Feeling their stares, Yang Guang felt awkward and rubbed his head, "I don't know about this."

Although he was from the Demon-Subduing Department, he wasn't a member of the Zhenyang Demon-Subduing Department.

He had no idea when Fengyuan would recapture the North.

The County Governor, hearing this answer, straightened his previously hunched back, but his spirit immediately waned.

The Zhenyang Demon-Subduing Department was the Emperor's personal guard and the most well-informed department in the court.

If even they didn't know, it was clear... the court had no plans to recapture the North.

The County Governor's last hope was snuffed out.

He then sighed, knowing that the southern migration continued, and the northern expedition was but a pipe dream.

"Do the court officials have any orders for us?" the County Governor asked again.

"No," Yang Guang replied, continuing to eat the radish.

He really didn't recognize the other wild vegetables and was afraid of getting sick from eating them.

The County Governor was momentarily speechless upon hearing this.

The court had forgotten about Zhenyang.

He asked again, "When will the angels return after this visit?"

"I'll leave once I find Tong Tianyou," Yang Guang answered honestly.

The County Governor's face fell.

The Sheriff slammed his chopsticks on the table, "The court cares only about the Tong family's heir, huh?"

The County Governor quickly stood up with a smile, "Please forgive us for disturbing the angels."

"It's fine," Yang Guang replied in a low voice.

Having completed numerous missions, he knew that the people in these mission worlds were real, not just data in a game.

Seeing the suffering of Fengyuan's people, he couldn't help but feel distressed.

At this moment, the County Governor said, "When you angels leave, could you possibly take some... children with you?"

Currently, there was no hope for Zhenyang.

Breaking the siege was impossible.

Only a small, elite team like the Zhenyang Demon-Subduing Department could safely leave.

The County Governor wanted to rely on these nearly twenty members of the Demon-Subduing Department to take some of the town's people with them.

Even so, they might only be able to take a dozen or so people.

But saving one life... wasn't that better than none?

Currently, the young and able-bodied in Zhenyang had suffered heavy casualties.

Among those guarding the city walls, only one-third were young men.

The remaining two-thirds were either elderly or child soldiers.

Upon hearing this, Yang Guang's face turned red with shame, "This... we can't do it. I'm sorry."

Their mission was to complete the task and directly return to their base.

They couldn't bring people back.

The County Governor's body stiffened upon hearing this, and his signature smile vanished.

The Sheriff picked up his chopsticks and slowly ate, saying between bites, "Angels, you have important military duties to attend to. How can we delay you?"

The Sheriff, Li, spoke with a peculiar tone, his heart filled with dissatisfaction towards the court.

Yang Guang became even more embarrassed and couldn't find the words to respond.

The atmosphere at the table grew awkward.

Everyone continued eating, but the initial warmth and familiarity were gone.

The County Governor, with his hunched back, also fell silent, as if anyone who spoke would feel embarrassed.

After about a hundred breaths, Qi Yuan put down his chopsticks.

"Alright, we've finished eating. It's time we kill some demons!" Qi Yuan clapped his hands and stood up.

If they didn't kill demons after eating, wouldn't it be a waste?

"Angels... you want to go kill demons?" The County Governor was taken aback.

Didn't these members of the Demon-Subduing Department come with the mission to save Tong Tianyou?

Why would they go kill demons?

"Yes, I've long wanted to hunt the demons of Shu Demon Mountain. I'm preparing to go demon hunting. By the way, do you have a map of Shu Demon Mountain, as well as their troop distribution and strength?"

In the game, Qi Yuan once again played the role of a beggar.

"Is the Demon Suppression Bureau planning to take action against Shu Yao Mountain?" The County Governor's eyes lit up.

"No, it's me who wants to deal with the demons of Shu Yao Mountain." Qi Yuan spoke softly.

Yang Guang added, "Brother Qi wants to hunt some demons and extract their essence to enhance his strength."

Hearing this, the County Governor's newfound hope vanished.

Extracting demon essence to enhance strength meant the number of demons to be hunted would be limited.

It seemed the court truly had no intention of managing Zhenyang City.

However, no matter what, having angels hunt demons and kill one by one was still a good thing for Zhenyang City.

The County Governor was willing to help.

"Bring me the map of Shu Yao Mountain!"

Before long, an overly young clerk delivered the map to Qi Yuan's hands.

Qi Yuan took the map, "Thank you. As a reward, after killing the demons, I'll send their corpses to you as food."

"Do you want to send some people with me to carry the demon corpses?"

"Sure, Huo Mushi, weren't you always wanting to visit Shu Yao Mountain?

This is the perfect opportunity, take a few people and follow these angels." The Sheriff spoke, his voice deep and commanding.

A boy named Huo Mushi's eyes lit up, and he immediately saluted, "Thank you, Angel."

This Huo Mushi was the young clerk Qi Yuan had met at the Tong Mansion; he was only twelve or thirteen years old, a mere child soldier.

"You're called Huo Mushi?" Qi Yuan was surprised, his eyes revealing a strange expression.

Huo Mushi hesitated, "Sir, I've heard of myself."

"I've heard of someone with the same name, Huo Mushi, but he... was a great general." Qi Yuan recalled a recent event where Ning Tuo had disguised himself as a student and learned about a historical figure during class.

In history, there was once a famous general named Huo Mushi.

This general's experiences were quite extraordinary; in his youth, he received military strategies and martial arts from a divine being in his dreams.

This Huo Mushi became a leader of refugees, and at the height of his power, he commanded an elite force of over ten thousand.

This man ended a chaotic era in his kingdom.

According to his achievements, he was comparable to the Tang Dynasty's Guo Ziyi on Blue Star.

However, Qi Yuan didn't think much of it.

It was normal for game settings to reference reality.

Perhaps, the prototype of this Huo Mushi was the real Huo Mushi from history.

"Call him over, let's go hunt demons!" Qi Yuan commanded.

With a full stomach and a strong desire, it was time to slay some demons.

"Yes!" Huo Mushi straightened his back, his expression filled with joy.

At this moment, Qi Yuan asked, "Does the County Governor know where the Flower Demon Manro is now?"

"This demon... I've heard a little about it. It's said that the chaos in Tong Mansion was caused by Flower Demon Manro."

"This demon is in Shu Yao Mountain. If you want to know the specific location, I don't know."

"If the angel is in a hurry to find this demon, you can go to Wanshan Temple and see its abbot."

"Before this demon took human form, it lived in Wanshan Temple, and the abbot has a deep connection with it. He might know."

"Oh, Wanshan Temple?" Qi Yuan opened the map and immediately spotted Wanshan Temple.

He was puzzled, "Wanshan Temple is in Shu Yao Mountain, but why... are the demons still keeping this temple?"

"Hmph, because the military advisor of Shu Yao Mountain is a disciple of Wanshan Temple's abbot!" The Sheriff mentioned this, his tone unfriendly.

He had a deep grudge against the military advisor of Shu Yao Mountain.

"This setting is a bit complicated. It seems the abbot of Wanshan Temple... is also a key quest character." Qi Yuan casually said.

With his years of gaming experience, he knew there was something odd about the abbot of Wanshan Temple.

Yang Guang nodded, agreeing with Qi Yuan's words.

The County Governor and Sheriff, on the other hand, were confused and didn't quite understand Qi Yuan's words.

"Let's go to Wanshan Temple first, then we'll go demon hunting." Qi Yuan stood up.

Yang Guang, as a temporary bodyguard, quickly followed.

An Qiao also hurried along.

Soon, only the County Governor and Sheriff remained in the room.

"Quickly pack these delicious foods... to reward the soldiers on the city walls. They've probably been without meat for some time." The County Governor, with his hunched back, looked at the hot food on the table, his eyes filled with reminiscence.

His meals hadn't been this good in a long time, all thanks to the Demon Suppression Bureau.

"These people from the Demon Suppression Bureau... should be the ones who took over the Tong Mansion.

The Tong Mansion's food... and livestock, can we keep them?" The Sheriff stroked his beard, his expression uncertain.

If the Tong Mansion was taken over by the Demon Suppression Bureau, the city's strength would decline.

Zhenyang City truly had no hope.

"Sigh." The County Governor sighed, "The scholarly clans and aristocratic families are indeed superior."

In Zhenyang City's time of crisis, the County Governor often sought help from the Tong Mansion.

Unfortunately, Master Tong showed no concern for defending Zhenyang City.

He neither sent troops nor provided food.

The County Governor had no choice but to accept this.

Firstly, Master Tong was from an aristocratic family, with a private army of over a thousand. He even had a fortress, making his power greater than that of Zhenyang City.

Secondly, Master Tong held an official position and was from a family known for its filial piety. In Fengyuan, filial piety was the foundation of governance, and being from such a family was a great honor, akin to having an immunity card.

Thirdly, Master Tong had connections in the court, and if offended, the County Governor might lose his legitimacy.

The County Governor didn't mind the latter two points.

But he couldn't ignore the first one.

He was envious of the Tong Mansion's private army, and if they helped defend the city, Zhenyang City's situation would be much better.

Unfortunately...

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end