She Gave Too Much

This night was sleepless for many.

Steward Qian waited outside the county magistrate's home, facing the cold wind, for the sun to rise.

The County Lieutenant investigated Cao Yongjun's corpse, trying to find even the slightest clue.

After flying out of the county town, the Bird Demon returned to the city through a secret passage.

Inside the Wonderful Sound Pavilion, Zi Jing was playing chess with someone.

Her slender, fair arm placed a black piece and she softly asked, "That Bird Demon from just now, was it a great demon from Black Wind Stronghold?"

"No!"

A white piece landed, and the man opposite her said in a steady voice, "None of the eight leaders of Black Wind Stronghold are Bird Demons."

Zi Jing held a chess piece, lost in thought. "That's strange, then where did this Meridian Opening Realm Bird Demon come from?"

"Compared to that..."

The man opposite her looked up and said solemnly, "Miss, you need to be more discreet lately. I've heard that the major families have already made preparations in secret, just waiting for you to fall into their trap."

His face was resolute, and even as he sat cross-legged on the couch, his back remained perfectly straight.

"Inspector Cheng!"

Zi Jing spoke his name in one go, revealing his identity as Cheng Yi, the inspector of Qiulin County.

"You should know that my father died unjustly, and all fourteen members of my family were killed. Only I survived. They are all watching me from below, waiting for me to avenge them. To do that, I must find my family's inherited cultivation technique!"

Crack!

Her slender, fair fingers easily crushed the stone chess piece.

As she said this, Zi Jing's face contorted, her eyes filled with endless hatred.

Cheng Yi sighed and said softly, "I think Lord Yuan, in heaven, would only wish for you to live a peaceful life, forever..."

"Cheng Yi!!!"

Zi Jing suddenly hissed, "You were just a stable boy for my father back then, don't pretend you know my father so well!"

Despite being insulted like this, Cheng Yi showed no anger. After a long silence, he finally asked, "How do you need me to help?"

Hearing this, Zi Jing's expression softened slightly. "The Thousand Pines Painting, which hides my family's secret technique, was indeed sold to Qiulin County by a merchant back then. However, I've already searched all the wealthy households in the city and haven't found the painting."

"But a few days ago, the foolish son of the Wu family from Baoshan Village was drinking at the Wonderful Sound Pavilion. Someone heard him say that his family had a Thousand Pines Painting, which was a rare treasure of that era."

Cheng Yi frowned. "Baoshan Village? That's near the Qiulin mountain range. Most of the wealthy families in the village are on good terms with the demonic creatures from Black Wind Stronghold..."

Zi Jing seemed to sense his concern and smiled. "Don't worry, you don't need to take any risks. All you need to do during this time is to impersonate me and continue visiting the treasuries of a few wealthy families."

Cheng Yi was taken aback and then, as if understanding something, his expression became grave. "They've started to suspect you?"

Zi Jing spread her hands helplessly. "Last time, I accidentally ran into the foolish son of the Li family. Although I got away safely then, the Li family has been secretly investigating me recently. This time I'm going to Baoshan Village to clear my name."

"You're going alone?" Cheng Yi immediately shook his head. "No! It's too dangerous. If you encounter any of the leaders from Black Wind Stronghold, even with your strength, it will be difficult to escape."

"Don't worry!" Zi Jing had a strange smile on her face as she murmured, "I've met an interesting fellow recently. I think he'd be quite happy to help me."

The seemingly peaceful night in Qiulin County was filled with hidden currents beneath the surface.

But none of this seemed to concern Shen Lin.

After a solid night's sleep, he received good news the next morning.

"I contacted many people, and only one demonic creature agreed to meet me."

Sun Zhi stood by the table with his head bowed. Seeing that Shen Lin had finished breakfast, he eagerly handed him a towel.

After wiping his hands, Shen Lin smiled. "Captain Sun, you truly didn't disappoint me."

Despite Shen Lin's praise, Sun Zhi showed no joy.

A worried expression crossed his face. "It's just that the other party requested I go alone."

Alone, without even being allowed to bring the human who served as Blood Food.

This condition seemed problematic no matter how you looked at it.

However, Shen Lin didn't seem to care at all. He stood up and patted Sun Zhi's shoulder. "Don't be afraid, you have me behind you."

"I guarantee that those guys won't be able to harm a single hair on your head."

After receiving Shen Lin's promise, Sun Zhi hesitated for a moment before finally gritting his teeth and nodding. "They told me to go to Baoshan Village tonight. I'll set off first, and you can leave about fifteen minutes later. The transaction this time is with a Dog Demon, and its senses are very keen. Please be extra careful!"

After saying this, Sun Zhi hurried away to pack his things.

After seeing him off, Shen Lin looked at the clear sky and stretched comfortably.

What a great day for work.

With that thought, he was about to return to his bedroom when he heard a knock on the door.

"Another case?"

He thought someone from the county yamen had come looking for him.

But when he opened the door, what greeted his eyes was Zijing, dressed in a pink dress, smiling charmingly.

Bang!

Shen Lin decisively slammed the door shut.

Outside the door, the smile on Zijing's face froze.

After a moment of stunned silence, she looked around. Seeing that no one was paying attention to this place, she immediately gathered her energy and leaped, clearing the courtyard wall.

With this jump, she landed directly in front of Shen Lin and said with a cold laugh, "Master Shen! Why are you ignoring your own little lover?"

"I'm tired of playing!"

Shen Lin rolled his eyes and replied without any politeness.

He truly didn't want to get involved with this person.

Although she had a pretty face, a great figure, and a pleasant voice.

But she was a rich woman who could afford to give out two Meridian-Opening Pills, so her background must be extraordinary.

Even though Shen Lin's current strength was among the best in Qiulin County, who knew how many hidden dangers lurked in the shadows.

Take the Demonic Cultivator he dealt with yesterday. Although his combat power wasn't great, his methods of controlling zombies, coupled with various dirty tricks, meant that if Shen Lin hadn't mastered the Shadow-Breaking Step, he would have at least had to pay some price.

Therefore, besides demonic creatures, it was best to avoid other troubles as much as possible.

With that thought, he yawned and said, "No matter what you need, I'm not interested. You should go back."

However, Zijing seemed to understand Shen Lin's personality. She knew that without sufficient compensation, it would be difficult to get this old schemer, who had been hiding his strength for so many years, to act. So, she started with a bombshell.

"Five Meridian-Opening Pills! Help me with something tonight!"

Shen Lin's eyes widened, and his steps, which were about to take him back, stopped abruptly.

Five Meridian-Opening Pills!

Damn, this rich woman!!!

After hesitating for a long time, he still shook his head and said, "I can't help!"

Although the Meridian-Opening Pills were tempting, he had important matters to attend to tonight.

If his guess was correct, Sun Zhi would lure out at least two Meridian Opening Realm demonic creatures this time. After all, Sun Zhi had previously killed a Meridian Opening Realm Wolf Demon, so the other party would definitely be prepared.

Two Meridian Opening Realm demonic creatures meant at least two hundred years of lifespan for the demonic creatures.

Moreover, the danger level was controllable. At worst, he could abandon Sun Zhi as bait and leave directly, ensuring his safety.

But Zijing's matter was full of unknown risks, so he still...

"It's not a troublesome matter. You just need to accompany me to Baoshan Village to retrieve something."

Shen Lin suddenly turned his head back. "Where did you say?"

"Baoshan Village!"

"Actually, I'm not doing this for the Meridian-Opening Pills. I simply enjoy helping others. How many Meridian-Opening Pills will you give me beforehand?"