"Ye Chen, I was wrong to accuse you earlier. What you said was simply too bizarre, so I found it hard to believe." The magistrate had become much more amiable this time; his attitude was worlds apart from before.
"However... I still can't believe that some Earth God killed those two people. Ye Chen, did you kill the man and the demon after all?" The magistrate still seemed puzzled.
"I..." Ye Chen really couldn't be bothered to explain, but he didn't dare simply admit that he had killed them himself, either. What if the magistrate was trying to trick him into confessing? Then he would have admitted to murder of his own accord.
So Ye Chen simply kept quiet, acting as though he hadn't heard the magistrate. The magistrate knew Ye Chen was suspicious of him, but he was in a difficult position himself.
"Ye Chen, you have to understand. A murder has taken place, so I have to investigate it thoroughly. If I let the killer slip away, I'll be held responsible."
"As for the beating I gave you earlier, let me apologize. I was too hasty. I had to beat you to make you confess, but the truth has come to light now. Ye Chen, you really are innocent."
"Really?" Ye Chen still found it hard to believe the magistrate, but the man's sincere expression didn't look like a lie.
"Yes. I've already reported the matter to the court. A celestial master from the Imperial Court personally examined the scene and confirmed that the couple consisted of one human and one demon, and that they were in the business of making Human Flesh Buns."
"The court has issued an order: Ye Chen has rendered meritorious service in killing a demon. His Majesty wants you to attend court, and