Night Visit to the Qian Family

Anyone working in Ascending Cloud County would naturally have connections with the constabulary, and Shen Bai was no exception.

Running a pawnshop meant he occasionally needed to deal with officials.

While Chief Constable Zheng was speaking, a young constable behind him kept winking at Shen Bai.

Shen Bai immediately understood. Connecting the dots, he realized the yamen was investigating the Old Daoist Priest's death.

"Chief Constable Zheng, an Old Daoist Priest did come to redeem a Peachwood Sword some days ago, but he left right after."

There was no falsehood in his words, nor was there any need for Shen Bai to lie.

Chief Constable Zheng pondered for a moment, then said, "Shopkeeper Shen, I know you have a close relationship with Zhou Qing, but this matter is very serious. Would you mind letting my men conduct a search?"

Shen Bai gestured with a hand and smiled, "Old Zhou serves as a constable in the yamen, and he relies heavily on Chief Constable Zheng's care, so of course, we'll cooperate."

Chief Constable Zheng grunted in acknowledgment, then waved to the constables behind him, "Be careful not to damage anything inside."

Several constables immediately headed into the Shen Family Pawnshop, with only the young constable remaining outside.

Chief Constable Zheng chuckled, "I'll go in and sit for a bit too. You two can catch up on your own."

Once Chief Constable Zheng had left, the young constable, Zhou Qing, approached.

"Old Zhou, that's not fair. If you're going to search, you could at least give me a heads-up, couldn't you?"

Shen Bai put an arm around Zhou Qing's shoulder, saying, "You're making a big fuss over nothing."

Zhou Qing, a constable in Ascending Cloud County, was also Shen Bai's good friend in the yamen.

Over the past few months, whenever the Shen Family Pawnshop received complaints about unredeemed pledges or had people causing trouble, Zhou Qing was the one who sorted things out.

Zhou Qing gave a wry smile, "Old Shen, this matter is very serious, and I didn't have time to inform you. Don't go out at night for the next few days. If you encounter anything strange or bizarre, remember to report it to the authorities."

Shen Bai said curiously, "Could it all be related to Old Master Qian's death?"

Zhou Qing nodded, "A new force has emerged in Ascending Cloud County recently, calling itself the Five Hearts Sect. They preach 'five hearts reaching for the heavens' and living a carefree life. Old Master Qian believed in the Five Hearts Sect and died not long after. The yamen investigated the Five Hearts Sect and found no issues, but only a fool would believe that."

The Great Zhou Dynasty had many such forces, and Ascending Cloud County was no exception. As long as these groups obeyed the rules, they wouldn't be unduly interfered with.

Moreover, with the Great Zhou Dynasty's current imperial turmoil, remote small counties were beyond effective control.

Shen Bai stroked his chin.

He had heard of this Five Hearts Sect before; it seemed to have many followers in the county town.

While they were chatting, Chief Constable Zheng had already emerged from the house with his men.

"We're done searching. Shopkeeper Shen can resume business. Apologies for the disturbance."

"Chief Constable Zheng, you're too kind. As ordinary citizens, we naturally cooperate with the yamen."

Shen Bai looked at the house and said, "How about we all have a meal together? When Zhang Chaofeng returns, I'll have him buy some wine and meat."

Chief Constable Zheng shook his head, "Another time. Zhou Qing, take your men. We're off to the next place. Wait, Shopkeeper Shen, are you carrying a sword?"

"Everyone knows about Old Master Qian's situation. I'm just carrying a sword for self-defense," Shen Bai said with a smile.

Chief Constable Zheng clapped Shen Bai on the shoulder, "As long as you go out less at night, there won will be no danger. Brothers, let's go!"

The constables quickly departed, no longer exchanging pleasantries with Shen Bai.

Shen Bai watched Chief Constable Zheng's retreating back, then pondered for a moment, thinking to himself, But I'm really quite greedy.

Back at the pawnshop, Zhang Chaofeng arrived not long after.

Today was an ordinary day as usual, the only difference being that only Zhang Chaofeng was at the counter.

Shen Bai returned to the backyard, picked up his rusty longsword, and began practicing Blood Sword Dance.

Blood Sword Dance +1 +1 +1...

His proficiency was increasing slowly, but Shen Bai wasn't worried; as long as it was increasing, that was fine.

And with each increase, Shen Bai could feel his control over Blood Sword Dance becoming more refined.

Shen Bai spent the entire morning grinding Blood Sword Dance, and his stomach grew increasingly empty.

"Old Zhang, keep an eye on things. I'm going out to eat."

Every sword strike was accompanied by a surge of vital energy, making Shen Bai genuinely hungry quickly.

At a street stall, Shen Bai ate five bowls of rice and two catties of meat directly before returning to the pawnshop, much to the astonishment of the shop owner.

"Shopkeeper, why aren't you drinking tea and looking at paintings today?" Zhang Chaofeng asked curiously.

Shen Bai coughed, "I'm not cut out to be a refined scholar."

After speaking, Shen Bai intended to return to the inner courtyard to continue practicing Blood Sword Dance.

Zhang Chaofeng quickly said, "Shopkeeper, in a few days, I'd like to request some time off. My troublesome wife is returning to her parents' home, and I want to see her off."

Shen Bai thought for a moment, then said, "Times are tough, so be careful on your way."

"Alright," Zhang Chaofeng agreed.

Shen Bai also spent the entire afternoon practicing Blood Sword Dance, stopping only to eat a meal before nightfall.

A wisp of smoke appeared before his eyes, gradually coalescing into text.

Blood Sword Dance lv.3 (Swordsmanship +4, Demon Slaying +4, Concussion +4): 800/5000

Shen Bai gazed at the text until it vanished, then picked up his rusty iron sword and headed for the door.

Zhang Chaofeng had already left; people were always eager to clock out.

I still can't resist.

Shen Bai looked at the dark street ahead, then at his own black attire.

Effort is a means, and Malevolent Qi is also a means.

Malevolent Qi not only sped up appraisals but also allowed Divine Abilities to undergo a qualitative change at critical moments.

And the source of Malevolent Qi was Bizarre Entities.

The Old Daoist Priest died at the Qian Family's residence and became a Bizarre Entity.

Old Master Qian also died at the Qian Family's residence, and it was highly probable he too would become a Bizarre Entity.

Shen Bai felt that since he had come here to live a second life and possessed this Cheat System, it would be a wasted trip if he didn't take a gamble.

Playing it safe is fine.

But watching immense fortune slip away was not Shen Bai's style.

It was like seeing a peerless beauty undress—what man could maintain his composure?

The night was as dark as ink. Shen Bai closed the door, covered his face with a black cloth, leaving only his eyes exposed, and quietly made his way towards the Qian Family residence.

The Qian Family residence.

As one of the prominent households in Ascending Cloud County, it was currently shrouded in gloom.

White cloths covered the main entrance, and the once bustling manor was now utterly desolate.

With such a major incident occurring, and a Daoist priest dying there, no one dared to continue living inside.

The entire Qian Family residence was silent, like a soundless ghost realm.

Shen Bai arrived at a secluded corner of the wall. After confirming no one was present, he pushed off with his legs.

With the hot current of Qi circulating through his legs, Shen Bai easily flipped over the wall.

Using the cover of the tree branches, Shen Bai cautiously surveyed the area.

During the day, the constables had already been there. Now that it was night, there was no one around.

Shen Bai pondered briefly, preparing to flip down and investigate the situation.

Since I've come, I can't leave empty-handed. Even if I return with nothing, I need to explore.

A fisherman might not catch fish, but he might bring a bull home. How much more so for me?

Just as Shen Bai was about to flip over the wall, a gust of wind blew by.

On the wall opposite Shen Bai, a figure appeared, mimicking Shen Bai's posture and using the tree branches for cover.

Beneath the bright, high moon, Shen Bai and the black-clad figure stared at each other, an awkward atmosphere pervading the air.