Li Xinhang slowly composed his expression.
Having only been here for a few days, he had already realized that Baiyun County was as foul as a cesspool.
Officials colluding with demons to torment the common folk—this place couldn’t withstand even a cursory investigation.
As a result, he had developed a rather rigid impression of the local constables.
"Keep it quiet. Capture him first, take him back for a thorough interrogation, and make sure to find out where Magistrate Lin is," Li Xinhang ordered.
"Understood," came the reply.
Over a dozen men quickly dispersed, subtly blocking all possible escape routes along the long street.
Old Liu, who was most skilled in hidden weapons, tossed aside his candy stick and quietly approached the thatched-roof side house.
A beggar followed closely behind, his calloused hands hidden in his tattered sleeves, his grappling techniques honed to perfection.
The two were old partners, having worked together for years.
Their usual tactic was to first ambush with poisoned darts, then move in to restrain their target.
Ordinary martial artists of the same level wouldn’t last a single encounter.
Suddenly, the beggar noticed that Old Liu had stopped in his tracks.
"What’s wrong?" he asked, frowning as a flicker of doubt crossed his eyes.
The door to the house was wide open.
A handsome young man stood calmly at the entrance, one hand resting on the scabbard at his waist, silently gazing out at them.
It was clear he had been prepared for their arrival.
"Could he really have noticed our movements so easily?" the beggar muttered, slightly surprised but still not overly concerned.
Over the years, they had encountered all sorts of experts.
Besides, standing not far away was Li Xinhang, a genuine Jade Liquid Realm powerhouse.
What the beggar didn’t expect was that Old Liu would slowly put away his blowpipe and smile at the young man.
"Sir, we meet again."
They had crossed paths that morning on the street.
The young man had clearly noticed something was off but hadn’t exposed them.
To spot that the candy vendor on the street had been replaced with just a glance—such keen senses made it laughable for them to try and play the humble, subservient role to launch a sneak attack.
"What brings you two here?" Shen Yi asked, nodding slightly as his gaze swept over the two men.
He didn’t recall ever having dealings with people from the martial world.
That day, he hadn’t exposed them because he couldn’t be bothered to stir up trouble, not because he was afraid.
"We have some important matters to discuss. Please come with us, Sir Shen," Old Liu said politely, taking a step back.
The beggar, understanding the signal, suddenly lunged forward.
His palms shot out like twin dragons piercing through clouds, his fingers like golden hooks, aiming to lock onto Shen Yi’s shoulders with overwhelming force.
In an instant, his hands clamped down on Shen Yi’s shoulders, his fingers digging in as he exerted all his strength, trying to throw the young man to the ground.
"Ha!" the beggar roared, but his face suddenly flushed red.
Shen Yi stood firm, his feet seemingly glued to the ground.
The force the beggar had unleashed felt like it had been swallowed by a muddy sea, with no effect whatsoever.
In the next moment, Shen Yi abruptly kicked the beggar in the stomach.
The beggar let out a shrill cry as he was sent flying backward.
Despite his quick reflexes, flipping several times in mid-air, he couldn’t fully dissipate the immense force.
With a loud crash, he slammed into a pillar across the street.
The sound of cracking wood echoed as the entire food stall shook violently.
The beggar leaned against the pillar, his breathing ragged, veins bulging on his forehead.
He couldn’t get back up for a long while.
Seeing this, not only Old Liu but everyone else on the street wore grave expressions.
When it came to close-quarters combat, aside from Li Xinhang, the beggar was the strongest among them.
Yet he hadn’t even lasted a single exchange?
"..."
Old Liu forced a dry laugh and unconsciously took a few steps back.
His hand reached toward his waist to pull out his badge.
This was ridiculous.
The Demon-Suppression Division had come to this remote county to arrest someone, and now they had to reveal their identities.
It was utterly humiliating.
Just then, a hand stopped his movement.
Old Liu turned to see Li Xinhang standing beside him, his brows furrowed, his nose twitching slightly as if he had caught a strange scent.
"Did you just... smell blood?" Li Xinhang asked, taking a deep breath before turning his cold gaze toward Shen Yi.
At his words, the tension on everyone’s faces turned to nervousness.
They had rushed to Baiyun County not for a routine inspection.
All the clues regarding Magistrate Lin pointed to the young man before them.
And now, on the streets of the county town, they had caught the scent of blood on him...
If Li Xinhang was being this cautious, it certainly wasn’t the blood of a chicken or a pig.
In an instant, everyone closed in.
"..."
Shen Yi looked at the suddenly gathered crowd, his gaze landing on Li Xinhang’s conspicuous black robe.
He had thought it was just a bunch of rats scurrying about, but it turned out to be the big cats paying a visit.
These people had acted far too quickly.
Even if his predecessor had miraculously survived Old Liu’s strike, he probably wouldn’t have lived to see today.
If you’ve done nothing wrong, you need not fear the knock of ghosts.
Shen Yi felt a slight sense of relief as he lowered his hand and calmly replied, "Reporting to the officer, it’s the blood of a demon."
As he released the hilt of his sword, the others inexplicably let out a collective sigh of relief, then exchanged glances.
For the counties and towns under Qingzhou, the members of the Demon-Suppression Division never voiced it, but deep down, they carried a sense of pride.
Today, facing an ordinary constable, they had actually felt a sense of dread, as if facing a formidable enemy.
If word got out, it would be laughable.
"Why would there be a demon in your home?" Li Xinhang’s tone was harsh, his eyes sharp, carrying an interrogative edge.
Shen Yi wasn’t used to this kind of questioning, but he could understand it.
These people spent their days battling demons, their lives constantly on the line.
Expecting them to be warm and friendly was asking too much.
He slightly stepped aside, making way.
Li Xinhang frowned again, about to bark out an order, but Old Liu nudged him with his shoulder.
"Shut up," Old Liu muttered.
Li Xinhang looked up and, like the others, was struck dumb, his eyes wide as he stared in shock.
Inside the cramped room, Lin Baiwei was walking out from the backyard, holding a wooden basin of vegetables she had just washed.
She blinked, curiously looking toward the door.
The oversized robe she wore clearly belonged to a man.
It was glaringly obvious.
She smiled in surprise.
"What are you all doing here?"
Li Xinhang opened his mouth, wanting to ask but not daring to.
He clenched his fist and bowed.
"Subordinate Li Xinhang, paying respects to Magistrate Lin!"
The others followed suit.
Old Liu clicked his tongue, first giving Shen Yi an incredulous look before explaining, "Qingzhou hasn’t received any letters from you in a month. The family sent us to check on you."
"Thank you for your concern. I’m fine," Lin Baiwei said, shaking her head with a hint of guilt.
"We’ll escort you back to Qingzhou immediately," Li Xinhang said, noticing something off about her aura.
"I’d like to go home first... and, could we wait until after dinner? The lamb stew is just about ready," Lin Baiwei said, her lips curving into an apologetic smile.
"As you wish," Li Xinhang replied.
Seeing this, the members of the Demon-Suppression Division couldn’t help but smile.
This renowned demon hunter truly lived up to her reputation—down-to-earth and as warm as a spring breeze.
But soon, their smiles faded as they watched Lin Baiwei bustling about while the young man stood silently with his hands at his sides.
"..."
By the time the steaming pot of lamb stew was placed on the table, Shen Yi had never imagined that a meal could feel so awkward.
Over a dozen people stood at the door, their cold stares fixed on him like harbingers of doom.
"Sorry," Lin Baiwei said, also sensing the tension.
The two exchanged a glance, chewing on the tender lamb but finding it tasteless.
She sighed, putting down her chopsticks.
"Take care of yourself."
"You too," Shen Yi said, clasping his fists as he watched her walk into the crowd.
The group of over a dozen disappeared into the night.
He turned his gaze back to the empty room.
After a moment of silence, he shook his head and chuckled.
It hadn’t been long since he had crossed over, and already he had developed a host of bad habits.
Spoiled.
He finished the food on the table, cleaned up the dishes, and washed and hung up his outer robe.
Lying down on the bed, he slowly opened his status panel.
(End of Chapter)