I Have A Qi Fortune Altar

Chapter 91: Chapter 91: Taking Action Against Cien Temple!
 

The next day.

Early in the morning.

County Magistrate Li Mingqi had a grim expression on his face. His gaze swept slowly over the assembled constables and government officials, feeling a suffocating anger inside. He had thought he could finish his term in peace.

Unexpectedly, Zhang Xuan had found him in the wee hours of the morning, exercising the power of the Heavenly Patrol Envoy to order all constables of the government to obey his command — even he had no choice but to comply.

Even if he had complaints, he would have to wait until after the event to report them to his superiors.

For now, he would just have to obey!

In terms of authority and strength, he was far below Zhang Xuan, and thus he didn’t dare to rebel.

But in his heart, there were still grievances.

Having been an official for a long time, he really didn’t want to risk his life anymore. Who were the demon folks of the No-Life Sect? They were people of the Demon Dao who killed without batting an eye; fighting them was a matter of life and death!

He never expected that Zhang Xuan would tell him that the hiding place of the No-Life Sect criminals in Ping’an County was actually Cien Temple!

As Li Mingqi assessed everyone, Chen Yuan was also discreetly scrutinizing Li Mingqi.

Zhang Xuan had not launched a solo attack on Cien Temple, but instead intended to let the constables of the county government test the mettle of those demon folks from the No-Life Sect. As for whether they would get advance notice…

Frankly, it was unlikely.

First of all, the news of the No-Life Sect at Cien Temple could have only spread today at the earliest.

Secondly, Chen Yuan didn’t think Zhang Xuan wouldn’t have sent someone to watch near Cien Temple in advance.

From the brief encounter the day before, Chen Yuan preliminarily judged that Zhang Xuan, like himself, was a cautious person.

“I have received definitive news that the whereabouts of the demon folks from the No-Life Sect have been discovered…” Li Mingqi uttered a few brief words to bolster morale.

Nothing more than the usual: rewards for killing enemies, care for the wounded, and severe punishment for desertion in the face of battle!

“Depart!”

Li Mingqi mounted a tall, imposing horse, leading the way at the front.

Behind him, Chen Yuan led a dozen riders, followed by nearly a hundred constables and government officials, and even more white servants, arrayed in two rows, trailing behind.

Inside the County Government.

County Governor Wu Qingfeng sipped his tea with a calm gaze.

Soon, a government official hurried in:

“My lord, County Magistrate Li has already set off with his men.”

“I know, you may go.”

“I shall take my leave.”

Standing beside Wu Qingfeng, County Governor Zhao Shuping furrowed his brows and said:

“My lord, if the affair of the demon folks from the No-Life Sect is exposed, it will be your fault. County Magistrate Li didn’t even give notice before taking action, which is a blatant disregard for your authority.”

“Moreover, he didn’t even inform us about the intelligence.”

Wu Qingfeng placed the teacup on the table, speaking indifferently:

“Do you really think so, Shuping?”

“Criminals from the No-Life Sect causing chaos in the county merits execution. Isn’t County Magistrate Li’s attempt to benefit the people a use of his office that transcends simple fault?”

“This…” Zhao Shuping’s voice trailed off ambiguously.

“Shuping, you have been with me for quite some time now, haven’t you?” Wu Qingfeng turned his attention to Zhao Shuping.

“As soon as you took office in Ping’an County, I recognized that you are a fine official who pleads on behalf of the people, and naturally I wholeheartedly submitted to you,” Zhao Shuping bowed immediately.

“Hehe… have I not been good to you as well?”

A faint sense of foreboding grew in Zhao Shuping’s heart, as he replied softly:

“My lord, you have always been good to me.”

“Then how did you repay me?”

“I have served with all my heart and…”

“Bang!”

Wu Qingfeng’s teacup shifted from his hand, falling to the ground with a clear, crisp sound.

Immediately after, several constables charged out from outside the door, drawing their blades and pressing them against Zhao Shuping’s neck.

“My lord… why… why is this happening?”

Zhao Shuping said in a panic.

“Hmph, I have obtained conclusive information that you are the No-Life Sect undercover agent hidden within the County Government. I have been foolish to not realize that you had already colluded with Huang Xing.”

“Now that I think about it, even the killing of Huang Xing must have been silenced by you behind the scenes. How ruthless!”

“Huang Xing probably still dreams in his cell that you are going to rescue him, doesn’t he?”

Wu Qingfeng glared at Zhao Shuping as he rebuked him.

“My lord… this subordinate, this subordinate has been wronged…” Zhao Shuping stuttered, his heart completely losing measure.

“Whatever you have to say, save it for later. Take him away!”

With a wave of Wu Qingfeng’s hand, several Government Officials pressed Zhao Shuping out of the main hall.

He let out a breath of relief. Wu Qingfeng spoke to a screen on one side:

“Don’t forget to tell Lord Zhang after going back that the traitor Zhao Shuping has been captured.”

If Li Mingqi saw Zhang Xuan, it was only natural that Wu Qingfeng would not be an exception. To make a move is to do so together, arresting all those hidden within the County Government.

Zhao Shuping’s collusion with the No-Life Sect was Chen Yuan’s speculation, but through his narration, Zhang Xuan had also concluded that there definitely was a connection, hence, he directly found Wu Qingfeng and even sent the Heavenly Patrol Guards to follow him.

On the surface, it was said to be for his safety, but in reality, it was to keep surveillance on him.

…

Cien Temple.

The back mountain.

In front of a blood pond, roughly several zhang wide, stood several people, looking at the stinking blood pond ahead with a mix of excitement and awe in their eyes.

In the center of the blood pond, there was an altar, with various mystical patterns inscribed on it, extending to a palm-sized recess on the altar where fresh blood enveloped it, seemingly nurturing something.

“Your subordinate, has seen the Holy Envoy!”

The browless monk at the forefront, his face barely containing his excitement, bowed to the blood pond ahead.

His name was Jie Nan, now the enforcer monk of Cien Temple.

A few Black Robes beside him, wearing ghost-face masks, followed behind Jie Nan and said in unison:

“Your subordinate, has seen the Holy Envoy!”

Their voices echoed in the empty cave.

After a while, a somewhat hoarse voice came from inside the blood pond:

“Jie Nan, Four Ghosts, you have done well.”

“Once this Envoy’s injuries are fully recovered, you will not be spared reward!”

“It is our honor to serve the Holy Envoy!”

Jie Nan spoke loudly.

“Hehehe… Jie Nan, this Envoy has not misjudged you. Rest assured, you will get what you want. Soon, within three days at most, this Envoy will be recovered.”

“And this Evil Artifact, will also be under my control!”

Below the blood pond, the sneering laughter was incessant, as if quite pleased with himself.

Previously to obtain this Evil Artifact, he had sustained serious injuries and had to hide in this branch; it has been over two months. During these months, he had attempted several times to control this Evil Artifact, but unfortunately, it all ended in failure.

For this reason, he had to use the Holy Sect’s Secret Technique to completely suppress the evil nature of this thing, but the price was immobility prior to success, and he could only draw in some blood as sustenance daily.

Even when an extremely valued disciple was killed by the County Government, he chose to endure.

Suppressing his Bloodthirst, as long as he waited for his injuries to heal and gained control over this Spiritual Object, he would possess a trump card that could turn the tides of a desperate situation.

At the very least, if he offered it to those above, he would also receive great benefits!

————

Thanks to the rewards from book friends such as Ao Ao Oh Ao Ao, nmslgan, 02936, Floating Dream Luoxiao, and others.