Chapter 6: Put Down the Blade
Chapter 6: Put Down the Blade
On the way back to the city, Chen Ji rode his mule, trailing behind and staring at the tall and upright figure in front of him, feeling something was amiss.
Usually, Shen Yi would not let go of any opportunity, even when passing by the entrance, to extort the common folk, indulging in silver, wine, and meat, and even taking liberties with other men's daughters.
Today, after personally slaying a demonic creature, this was the perfect excuse, yet he just left without a care?
Moreover, earlier at the farmer's house, although it was a surprise attack, the opponent's body was weak from alcohol and lust, and he was gasping for breath after running a few steps. How could he have stabbed the dog demon without any resistance?
Chen Ji pondered this, thinking that if he had been sitting next to the dog demon, he probably wouldn't have been able to act so decisively.
He remembered Shen Yi's haphazardly flipping through the martial arts manuscript.
Chen Ji hesitated before asking, "Is Captain Shen also interested in the Demon Suppressing Bureau's martial arts?"
Upon hearing this, Shen Yi turned around, looking at the conflicted expression on the young man's face, and then recalled how he had reluctantly handed over the martial arts manuscript in the law enforcement room.
"..."
Shen Yi was speechless. He pulled out the manuscript and threw it back, "I was just casually looking. Here, take it back."
"I didn't mean it that way..." Chen Ji caught the manuscript and subconsciously explained, "I have some insights into these three martial arts techniques. If Captain Shen is interested, I can help you..."
His words abruptly stopped.
Chen Ji furrowed his brows, puzzled by his own words.
He knew that one of his reasons for diligently practicing martial arts was to use his long saber to cut down the beast before him. How could he possibly be willing to share his martial arts insights with such a person?
He had truly changed!
Since this morning, Shen Yi seemed like a different person, and every move he made was beyond Chen Ji's expectations.
Could it be that the other party's conscience had awakened, and he was ready to turn over a new leaf?
"Tie up the mule and dispose of the demonic remains."
Upon returning to the county office, Shen Yi stood at the entrance of the law enforcement room, looking slightly fatigued.
After two consecutive days of bloodshed, although it was demonic blood, he still felt a bit uncomfortable.
Fortunately, his previous self was a ruffian law enforcer with no official duties. Even sitting in the law enforcement room for a while, as Shen Yi was doing now, would earn him praise for being diligent.
He stretched his body a little before stepping inside.
"Captain Shen, so early today?"
"..."
Shen Yi glanced at the scorching noon sun above and slowly turned his gaze back to the few men in front of him.
The one speaking nonsense was named Zhang Dahu, who was highly valued by Shen Yi's previous self. He was assigned all the dirty and tiring tasks, making him a trusted subordinate.
Together with the few men behind him, they constituted Shen Yi's entire team.
"Hmm."
Shen Yi nodded and continued walking into the room.
From the previous Shen Yi's actions, it was clear that these lackeys were not good people. They bullied the innocent and indulged in pleasures.
When it came to skills, they could bully ordinary folk with their official sabers, but against demonic beings, they were as good as dead.
Shen Yi had no interest in chatting with them.
As he passed by the group, Zhang Dahu unexpectedly followed with a swagger, looking for praise, "Captain Shen, I've taken care of the task you assigned."
"What task?" Shen Yi was slightly taken aback.
"It's about bringing the little brother's sister to replace Liu Family's maiden." Zhang Dahu put on a pitiful act, "You don't know, with the situation in our county, every family hides their daughters well. To meet your required number, we almost ran our legs off these past few days."
He chuckled, "We arranged for a few brothers to send the little brother's sister to Six Mile Temple Village. Rest assured, she won't be back for at least ten days or half a month."
As Zhang Dahu's words landed, Shen Yi's heart sank, suddenly remembering something.
Just then, a slender figure also stopped at the entrance of the law enforcement room.
Chen Ji removed his bamboo hat, his eyes lifeless, and quietly looked up at the crowd.
The next moment, his eyes filled with self-mockery, and the sword at his waist rang out as it was drawn!
"Bullshit about reforming and starting anew."
"Animals are still animals!"
"Damn, how did he come back! Protect Lord Shen!"
Zhang Dahu's startled cry was followed by the remaining six law enforcement officers drawing their swords, haphazardly blocking Shen Yi's front.
"Chen, you're bold! Daring to draw your sword in the government office, if you want to live, put down your sword now!"
"Tsk."
Chen Ji looked at the crowd, clearly outnumbered eight to one, but his eyes were filled with contempt.
After his arduous cultivation of the Demon Subduing Bureau's martial arts, these common thugs were not even a match for him.
In an instant, Chen Ji took three swift steps forward.
Although Zhang Dahu feared Chen Ji's reputation as a martial arts prodigy, he relied on their numbers and a fierce expression appeared on his face, "I've always disliked you, you bastard. How dare you offend us and seek death."
These law enforcement officers didn't possess any proper martial skills, but the simultaneous swing of seven gleaming steel swords was still quite intimidating.
However, Chen Ji didn't even glance at them. With a casual wave of his official saber, he easily blocked their attacks.
Zhang Dahu, in his prime and tall, often bullied street vendors and caught chicken thieves with ease. Now, with both hands gripping his sword, even his nose was sweating, but he couldn't press down his saber even an inch.
The next moment, Chen Ji swung his saber again.
The sharp silver gleam flashed, and the crisp ringing of metal sounded as the seven steel swords broke in unison.
The law enforcement officers stumbled backward, their faces filled with horror as they clutched their wrists. The immense force transmitted through the hilts of their swords far exceeded their imagination.
"Ah... Ah... Protect Lord Shen..."
Zhang Dahu knew that Chen Ji should be formidable, but he never imagined it would be this terrifying. His voice became sharper as he retreated, shouting as he went.
Chen Ji didn't pursue them. Instead, he slowly walked up to the last man, his expression indifferent.
Shen Yi stood with his hands hanging by his sides, his brows furrowed as he spoke softly, "Put down your sword first."
"I'll face the consequences without asking for mercy." Chen Ji shook his head, his grip on the sword tightening.
The world may change, but one's nature is hard to alter.
A dog will always eat shit.
A sinister smile lifted the corner of Chen Ji's mouth, and his voice was like a vengeful spirit, "Lord Shen, be careful in your next life."
As his words fell, the silver gleam appeared again.
The chilling long saber was raised high, and with a forceful and heavy slash, it descended, causing the surrounding crowd to tremble in fear, almost choking on their breath.
"He's still putting on an act."
Shen Yi raised an eyebrow, finally placing his palm on his sword, but he didn't draw it. He simply held the scabbard.
Then, with a casual gesture, he smashed it.
The black scabbard, with exquisite precision, dodged the silver gleam, arriving just before it descended, and gently landed on Chen Ji's shoulder.
The next moment, Chen Ji's pupils dilated, his mind blank, as if encountering an incomprehensible, eerie situation.
His entire body suddenly sank, his knees bending, making a creaking sound—
The saber slipped from his hand, and he knelt on one knee, his breathing chaotic, his arms struggling to hold him up, and his neck veins bulging, straining to move an inch.
And the cause of all this was merely the scabbard pressing on his shoulder.
Chen Ji stared at the official boots before him, his peripheral vision glancing upwards.
In his sight, Shen Yi maintained his calm demeanor, his voice unperturbed, "I said, put down your sword first."
(End of Chapter)
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