The next day.

Early morning.

County Lieutenant Li Mingqi wore a gloomy face. His gaze slowly swept over the constables and yamen runners before him, a sense of frustration building within him. He had originally thought he could complete his term safely.

Unexpectedly, Zhang Xuan had sought him out at dawn, using the authority of the patrolling envoy to order all the constables of the county yamen to obey, and even he had to comply.

Even if he had objections, he would have to report them to his superiors later.

For now, he had to obey!

Whether in terms of power or strength, he was far inferior to Zhang Xuan and dared not resist.

But he still held a lot of resentment in his heart.

After being an official for so long, he really didn't want to risk his life anymore. Who were the demonic members of the Wusheng Sect? They were ruthless killers, and fighting them was a battle to the death!

He never imagined that Zhang Xuan would tell him that the Wusheng Sect's hiding place in Ping An County was actually the Ci'en Temple!

While Li Mingqi was sizing up the crowd, Chen Yuan was also observing Li Mingqi silently.

Zhang Xuan didn't send people to besiege Ci'en Temple alone, but prepared to let the constables of the county yamen test the waters of those Wusheng Sect demons. As for whether they would receive the news in advance...

Honestly, it was unlikely.

Firstly, the news that the Wusheng Sect was in Ci'en Temple had only spread today at most.

Secondly, Chen Yuan didn't think Zhang Xuan wouldn't have sent people to watch near Ci'en Temple in advance.

Through yesterday's brief contact, Chen Yuan tentatively judged that Zhang Xuan, like him, was a cautious person.

"This official has received definite news that the traces of the Wusheng Sect demons have been discovered..." Li Mingqi briefly said a few words to boost morale.

Nothing more than rewards for killing enemies, compensation for injuries, and severe punishment for desertion!

"Depart!"

Li Mingqi mounted a tall horse and took the lead.

Behind him were Chen Yuan leading a dozen riders, followed by nearly a hundred constables and yamen runners, as well as more servants, divided into two teams, following behind.

Inside the county yamen.

County Magistrate Wu Qingfeng sipped his tea lightly, his eyes calm.

Soon, a yamen runner hurried in:

"Lord, County Lieutenant Li has already led the people out."

"Understood, go."

"This subordinate takes his leave."

County Clerk Zhao Shuping, standing beside Wu Qingfeng, frowned and said:

"Lord, once the matter of the Wusheng Sect demons is exposed, it will be your fault. County Lieutenant Li took action directly without even a greeting, which is simply a contempt for you."

"Moreover, he didn't even inform us of the intelligence."

Wu Qingfeng placed his teacup on the table and said faintly:

"Shuping, do you really think so?"

"The Wusheng Sect demons are causing chaos in the county, and everyone has the right to punish them. County Lieutenant Li's actions are a great benefit to the people. How can they be judged solely on the basis of fault?"

"This..." Zhao Shuping's tone was evasive.

"Shuping, you've been with this official for many years, haven't you?" Wu Qingfeng turned his gaze to Zhao Shuping.

"From the beginning of your term in Ping An County, this subordinate saw that you were a good official who spoke out for the people, and naturally leaned towards you." Zhao Shuping immediately cupped his hands.

"Hehe... This official has treated you well, hasn't he?"

Zhao Shuping had a faint premonition of something bad and said in a low voice:

"The Lord has always been good to this subordinate."

"Then how have you repaid this official?"

"This subordinate has tried his best..."

"Bang!"

Wu Qingfeng waved his hand, and the teacup in his hand fell directly to the ground, making a crisp sound.

Immediately afterwards, several constables and yamen runners rushed out from outside the door, drawing their swords and holding them against Zhao Shuping's neck.

"Lord... This... Why is this?"

Zhao Shuping said in a panic.

"Hmph, this official has received definite news that you are the hidden Wusheng Sect mole in the county yamen. This official was really muddle-headed and didn't realize that you had already colluded with Huang Xing."

"Now that I think about it, you were the one who silenced him behind the scenes when Huang Xing was killed. You are really ruthless!"

"Huang Xing is probably still dreaming in prison that you will rescue him, right?"

Wu Qingfeng stared at Zhao Shuping and rebuked him.

"Lord... This subordinate, this subordinate has been wronged..." Zhao Shuping stammered, losing his composure.

"Whatever you have to say, say it later. Take him away!"

Wu Qingfeng waved his hand, and several yamen runners escorted Zhao Shuping out of the hall.

Letting out a sigh of relief, Wu Qingfeng said to the screen beside him:

"After you go back, don't forget to tell Lord Zhang that this traitor Zhao Shuping has been captured."

Li Mingqi had met Zhang Xuan, so Wu Qingfeng couldn't be an exception. If he wanted to take action, he had to take action together and arrest all the hidden people in the county yamen.

Zhao Shuping's collusion with the Wusheng Sect was Chen Yuan's speculation, but through his narration, Zhang Xuan also basically determined that there must be a relationship, so he directly found Wu Qingfeng and sent his patrolling guards to follow him.

On the surface, it was to protect his safety, but in reality, it was to monitor him.

......

Ci'en Temple.

Back mountain.

Before a blood pool about several feet wide, stood several people, they looked at the bloody pool in front of them, their eyes were a little excited and in awe, all kinds of expressions mixed together.

In the center of the blood pool, there was an altar, engraved with various mysterious patterns, extending to a palm-sized depression at the altar, which was covered in blood, as if something was gestating there.

"This subordinate greets the Holy Envoy!"

A eyebrowless monk standing at the forefront, with some uncontrollable excitement on his face, bowed to the blood pool in front of him.

His name was Jie Nan, and he was now the Supervisor of Ci'en Temple.

Several black-robed men standing beside him, wearing ghost masks, followed Jie Nan and said in unison:

"This subordinate greets the Holy Envoy!"

The voices of several people echoed in the empty cave.

After a long time, a somewhat hoarse voice came from within the blood pool:

"Jie Nan, Four Ghosts, you have done well!"

"When this envoy's injuries are completely recovered, I will not hesitate to reward you!"

"It is our honor to serve the Holy Envoy!"

Jie Nan said loudly.

"Jie Jie Jie... Jie Nan, this envoy did not misjudge you, rest assured, you will get what you want, soon, at most three days, this envoy will be able to recover."

"And this evil thing will eventually be controlled by me!"

Under the blood pool, the sinister laughter continued, seemingly very proud.

Previously, in order to obtain this evil thing, he was seriously injured and had to hide in this sub-rudder for more than two months. In the past two months, he had tried to control this evil thing several times, but unfortunately, all ended in failure.

For this reason, he had to use the secret method of the Holy Sect to completely suppress the evil nature of this thing, but the price was that he could not move at all until he succeeded, and could only absorb some blood for food every day.

Even the death of a disciple he valued extremely by the yamen was something he chose to endure.

He suppressed his bloodthirsty desire. As long as he recovered from his injuries and controlled this spiritual object, he would be equivalent to possessing a trump card that could turn the tables.

At the very least, if he offered it to the superiors, he would be able to obtain great benefits!

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