Chapter 197: Chapter 196: The Biter Bit
"Zhou Tong said the person was always masked with a black cloth, and his voice was hoarse and strange—clearly a disguise."
"His build was unremarkable, his aura contained like a bottomless abyss. Zhou Tong couldn’t gauge his depth at all. But for someone to possess such a forbidden Demon Skill, his power... is likely far beyond anything we can imagine."
Zhang Yuan shook his head with a bitter smile and continued, his tone carrying a hint of a chill.
A dead silence fell over the room.
The wick of the oil lamp gently popped, emitting a soft "CRACKLE" that only accentuated the oppressive atmosphere.
A mysterious, meticulous individual who had mastered a Demon Skill... The terrifying power and threat he posed were on a completely different level from Zhou Tong, who had only just begun his Cultivation.
Fang Han felt a chill rise from his tailbone and spread through his entire body.
He had originally thought this mission was just about eliminating a vicious criminal and closing a case.
He never expected it would unearth a forbidden Cultivation Technique like a Demon Skill, and a terrifying mastermind pulling the strings from behind the scenes.
’Now that Zhou Tong is exposed, will the mysterious man attack to stop the Qingxuan Sect from learning about the Demon Skill’s reappearance?’
"This matter is of great importance and is no longer something we can handle."
Fang Han pondered for a moment before speaking decisively.
"We must report this to the Sect immediately!"
"Junior Brother Fang is right, we’re in agreement. The reappearance of a Demon Skill is no small matter! I’ll use the Law Enforcement Hall’s emergency channels and send a Mail Eagle to report back at once!"
Zhao Qian nodded heavily.
The matter was serious, so Zhao Qian didn’t dare to delay for a moment. He, Li Ming, and Zhang Yuan immediately left in a hurry to make arrangements for the message.
The remaining Law Enforcement Hall disciples stayed in the room, the worry on their faces growing deeper.
Liu Yun couldn’t help but whisper.
"Junior Brother Fang, do you think... that mysterious person might be nearby? Are... are we in danger?"
Chen Xue also subconsciously tightened her grip on her sword hilt, her wary gaze sweeping over the deep darkness outside the window.
Fang Han’s expression was calm. Though he was also wary, he wasn’t flustered. He spoke slowly.
"Senior Sisters, you needn’t worry too much. If that mysterious person was truly here, upon seeing Zhou Tong’s capture, he would have either fled long ago or struck like lightning. He wouldn’t have given us the chance to interrogate Zhou Tong."
"But just in case, we’ll escort Zhou Tong back to the Sect first thing tomorrow morning! It’s not safe to linger here!"
Hearing this, everyone felt a little more at ease, but it still felt as if a huge rock was weighing on their hearts.
That night, inside and outside the Zhou Mansion, no one slept peacefully.
Worried about an attack from the mysterious person, Fang Han and the other Law Enforcement Hall disciples took turns standing watch.
「The next day, just as the sky began to lighten.」
Fang Han and his group immediately escorted Zhou Tong, who was bound in special shackles and barely breathing, out of the still-oppressive Zhou Mansion.
As for how to deal with the remaining members of the Zhou Family, that would be decided by the Sect after they returned and made their report.
Once outside the city gates, Fang Han, Zhao Qian, and the other five disciples dared not delay. They took the main road, placed Zhou Tong in a prepared prison cart guarded by two of them, while the rest formed an escort at the front and back, proceeding at full speed.
They traveled in a state of high alert, where every gust of wind and rustling blade of grass felt like an ambush.
Whenever they came to treacherous mountain paths or deep, dense forests, the group became especially vigilant.
Fang Han pushed his Spirit Nose Technique to its absolute limit, sensing every unusual stir in their surroundings.
However, the anticipated attack never came.
The journey was surprisingly peaceful. Apart from the occasional merchant caravan, no suspicious individuals appeared.
But this peace only made everyone’s nerves stretch even tighter.
’Has the mysterious man not gotten the news yet? Or is he already watching from the shadows, waiting for a better opportunity?’
’Or maybe, since we’ve already sent word back, he thinks it’s useless to act now... and has given up?’
All sorts of speculations hung over their hearts like dark clouds.
Three days later, the travel-worn party finally caught sight of the majestic silhouette of Qingxuan Mountain in the distance.
As they passed through the familiar mountain gate and felt the immense, peaceful aura of the Sect, the hearts that had been lodged in their throats finally settled.
"We’re finally... back."
Zhao Qian heaved a long sigh, a look of immense relief spreading across his face.
The others also wiped the sweat from their brows, sharing looks that spoke of their relief at having survived the ordeal.
Fang Han looked up toward the peak of Qingxuan Mountain, his gaze deep and profound.
’Returning to the Sect only means we’re temporarily safe. This business with the Demon Skill, and the vortex of conspiracy behind it, has likely only just begun.’
Not long after entering the mountain gate, a disciple in Law Enforcement Hall attire quickly walked up to them, bowed with hands clasped, and said.
"Senior Brother Zhao, Junior Brother Fang, all Senior Brothers and Sisters, an Elder is waiting in the side hall of the Law Enforcement Hall. He has ordered you to report immediately upon your return."
Fang Han and Zhao Qian exchanged a look, knowing that the urgent message must have arrived.
"Please lead the way."
Not daring to delay, the group escorted Zhou Tong and followed the disciple straight to the Law Enforcement Hall, which was located near the main peak.
In the side hall of the Law Enforcement Hall, the atmosphere was solemn.
A green-robed old man with a gaunt face, electric eyes, and a naturally imposing air sat at the head seat. It was none other than Yan Lv, one of the Elders of the Law Enforcement Hall.
Below him sat two Stewards with profound auras.
Fang Han and the others entered the hall and paid their respects according to etiquette.
"Disciples Zhao Qian, Fang Han..., we greet Elder Yan Lv!"
Elder Yan Lv’s gaze was piercing. It swept slowly over the group, pausing for a fraction of a second on Fang Han, before he spoke in a deep voice that carried an unquestionable authority.
"The secret missive you sent back mentioned that Zhou Tong of Yellow Leaf City practiced a Demon Skill, massacred a village, and that a mysterious figure was pulling the strings. Is this true? Report in detail!"
Zhao Qian, as the leader of the Law Enforcement Hall disciples on this trip, stepped forward.
He clearly recounted the entire sequence of events: receiving the mission, the investigation hitting a dead end, Fang Han doubling back alone to find a clue, the capture of Zhou Tong, the Zhou Family’s resistance and their subsequent elimination, and finally, the interrogation that revealed the truth about the Demon Skill.
Fang Han occasionally added details from the side.
Elder Yan Lv and the two Stewards listened quietly, their expressions growing increasingly grim.
After Zhao Qian finished his report, Elder Yan Lv pondered for a long time before speaking slowly.
"For solving this case, capturing the culprit, and uncovering the Demon Palace, you have all accrued considerable merit."
His gaze turned to Fang Han.
"Fang Han. At the critical moment, you used a Tracking Secret Technique to identify the true culprit, charged into the Zhou Mansion alone, and fought to apprehend him. Yours is the greatest contribution."
"After deliberation by the Law Enforcement Hall, we are specially rewarding you with one thousand Contribution Points as encouragement."
After speaking, he took Fang Han’s Identity Jade Token and swiped it across a Jade Inkstone.
A faint light flickered, and the Contribution Points on the Jade Token increased by 1000.
"Thank you for the reward, Elder!"
Fang Han said, taking the Jade Token with both hands.
Elder Yan Lv then addressed Zhao Qian and the other six.
"You seven assisted in the investigation and escorted the culprit. For your merits, you are each awarded three hundred Contribution Points."
"Thank you, Elder!"
Zhao Qian and the other six replied in unison, joy showing on their faces.
Unlike Fang Han, they couldn’t rely on ranking rewards from their Sub-Branch or the general leaderboards. Earning three hundred Contribution Points from a ten-day mission was an excellent haul for them.
After the Contribution Points were awarded, Elder Yan Lv waved his hand.
"The Sect will handle the matter of the Demon Skill. You need not inquire further. This is a serious matter, and you are strictly forbidden from spreading word of it, lest you cause a panic. You are all dismissed."
"Yes, Elder!"
The group replied in unison, bowed, and retreated from the side hall.
Walking out of the Law Enforcement Hall, the warm sunlight fell on them, dispelling the gloom and fatigue of the past few days.
"Junior Brother Fang, we really owe you for this one!"
Zhao Qian said sincerely, and the other six nodded in agreement, their eyes filled with gratitude and admiration.
If not for Fang Han, they would probably still be running in circles with that list of thirty-seven names, not only failing the mission but also remaining completely unaware of the enormous hidden danger.
"Senior Brothers and Sisters, you’re too kind. I was just doing my duty."
Fang Han said lightly, not sounding particularly warm.
In light of their gratitude, he wouldn’t hold their previous taunts and sarcasm against them. But it was clear that Zhao Qian and his companions were not people worth befriending.
They parted ways at a fork in the road, and Fang Han continued alone, strolling down a bluestone path toward his Sub-Branch.
’The 1,000 Contribution Points I just received are just a small bonus.’
’Compared to the Sect’s reward, the "windfall" of 630,000 taels that was now on my system panel was the real prize.’
’The haul from this mission was beyond my wildest dreams.’
’Chu Feng... his scheme backfired completely.’
A cold smile played on Fang Han’s lips.
’Chu Feng tried to use this mission to suppress me, but it ended up letting me achieve great merit and get a huge reward. Even better, it cost Chu Feng his hidden asset, the Zhou Family.’
’The only shame is that Zhou Tong pinned the Demon Skill on the mysterious man, not on Chu Feng.’
’That’s to be expected. With Chu Feng’s Talent and status, it’s almost impossible that he’d ruin his own future by cultivating a Demon Skill riddled with hidden dangers.’
’Trying to use this to take down a True Inheritor on the Celestial Pride List like Chu Feng is pure fantasy.’
’Still, my time will come...’
Fang Han looked up in the direction of the True Inheritance Courtyard, his eyes calm, yet carrying a restrained sharpness.
...
True Inheritance Courtyard, inside the study of Chu Feng’s Villa.
Sandalwood incense curled upwards, but it couldn’t dispel the cold, oppressive atmosphere that filled the air.
Chu Feng stood before the window with his hands behind his back. His silhouette was upright and tall, but the chill emanating from his body made Song Xiang, who had just entered with a bow, feel his breath catch in his throat as a fine layer of cold sweat instantly broke out on his back.
He carefully raised his eyes and quickly glanced at Chu Feng’s side profile.
Chu Feng’s face was dark as a thundercloud, and his usually arrogant, sharp eyes were now a bottomless abyss.
’Clearly, the True Inheritor Senior Brother is in an absolutely foul mood.’
"S-Senior Brother, you summoned me?"
Song Xiang swallowed, suppressed the unease in his heart, and asked respectfully, his voice carrying a faint, imperceptible tremor.
Chu Feng didn’t turn around immediately. He continued to gaze at the deep twilight outside the window. After a long moment, he finally spoke slowly in a bone-chillingly cold voice devoid of any emotion:
"The Zhou Family of Yellow Leaf City is finished."
Those few simple words were like a clap of thunder in Song Xiang’s ear.
He trembled all over, snapped his head up, his eyes filled with incredulous horror.
"Senior Brother Chu, what... what happened to the Zhou Family?"
"The main culprit who slaughtered Huangshi Village and killed five Sub-Branch disciples was Zhou Tong."
Chu Feng slowly turned around, his gaze like two ice picks stabbing straight at Song Xiang, the corners of his mouth curling into an extremely cold arc.
"What?!"
Song Xiang, as if struck by lightning, staggered back half a step, his body trembling uncontrollably.
’Zhou Tong of the Yellow Leaf City Zhou Family is the murderer? How is that possible?!’
’To suppress Fang Han, I was the one who pushed so hard to have this investigation assigned to him!’
’The whole point was to bog Fang Han down, waste his energy, and maybe even get him killed on the mission.’
’Who could have possibly guessed that the investigation would end up pointing to one of our own?’
’This is the height of irony!’
