Exterminating the Demon (Part 1)

Inside the East Street Patrol Bureau, the atmosphere was heavy.

Four Patrol Chiefs, along with all the on-duty official Patrolmen, gathered in the Council Hall.

Yang Ning sat upright in the main seat, with Qian Zhong and Liu Qian seated to his left and right, while the seat for the absent Zhang Hui remained empty.

Below the dais, a dozen Body Tempering realm Patrolmen wore varied expressions, a mix of unease, anger, and fear.

"Everyone is already aware of the situation."

Yang Ning spoke, his voice not loud, yet it suppressed all the subtle commotions.

"In the area around Duck Dung Alley, a Spirit Monster is suspected to be wreaking havoc.

It has already claimed the lives of four of our colleagues, injured Patrol Chief Zhang, and furthermore, civilians have gone missing.

If this beast is not eliminated, East Street will know no peace, and our East Street Patrol Bureau will lose all face."

"Patrol Chief Yang."

A senior Patrolman stepped forward, his face filled with worry: "That Spirit Monster is ferocious and unlike ordinary martial artists.

Patrol Chief Zhang has Tendon Changing cultivation and, even with several skilled men, barely escaped with his life.

As for us...

Should we wait for Patrol Commander Gong to come out of seclusion, or perhaps request reinforcements from the Inner City before discussing this further?"

These words represented the inner thoughts of many Patrolmen present.

To these Patrolmen, most of whom came from ordinary backgrounds and rose through the ranks by tempering their blood and qi, monsters and spirits were legendary beings far more terrifying than martial artists of the same rank.

They were usually characterized by bizarre methods, low intelligence, and a fearless, suicidal nature.

Qian Zhong frowned and was about to speak, but Yang Ning raised a hand to stop him first.

"I am well aware of your concerns, but wait?"

Yang Ning's gaze slowly swept across every face in the room.

"Wait for the Patrol Commander to come out of seclusion? Wait for reinforcements from the Inner City?

It is unknown when the Patrol Commander will emerge from his seclusion, yet we are to pin our hopes on the 'Inner City'?

What kind of evasive and perfunctory act is that? If the Inner City were truly so omnipotent, why would the situation in the Outer City have deteriorated to this extent?

But we are different; we are right here in East Street. What are we waiting for?

To wait for the next colleague to be murdered?

To wait for the next innocent civilian—perhaps one of your own friends or family—to be dragged into a dark alley and devoured?

Or to wait until everyone in East Street lives in fear, mocking our Patrol Bureau for fearing a monster like a tiger?"

He stood up and walked to the front of the hall, his posture as straight as a spear:

"Patrol Commander Gong is in seclusion, attempting to break through to Organ Refining; this is a matter of great importance and must not be easily disturbed.

Even if the Inner City were to actually respond.

Even if reinforcements from the Inner City were willing to come, how many days would it take on the road?

How many days would it take to dispatch personnel and coordinate relations?

And this monster, for every day it is not removed, it will claim more lives!"

His tone turned sharp:

"Who are we? We are the East Street Patrol Bureau!

Protecting the borders and the people, apprehending criminals and eliminating evil—this is the duty of our Patrol Bureau!

If we have to wait, rely on, and beg for help even for disasters within our own jurisdiction, then what use are we?

Were these official uniforms issued and these waist sabers bestowed upon us so that we would not avenge our fallen colleagues, but instead hesitate here and sit idly by while a monster runs rampant?

If it kills them today, it will come to kill me, and kill you tomorrow!"

His words were resonant and forceful, causing many Patrolmen to blush with shame and lower their heads.

Liu Qian spoke at the opportune moment, his voice booming:

"Patrol Chief Yang is right! As members of the Patrol Bureau, we bear the responsibility!

When Patrol Commander Gong was here, when did our East Street Patrol Bureau ever fear trouble?

Now that the Patrol Commander is in seclusion, this is the very time for us to serve!

How can we let a beast look down on us!"

Qian Zhong also said in a deep voice:

"Patrol Chief Yang is the First Patrol Chief personally appointed by Patrol Commander Gong to act with his authority.

Now that Patrol Chief Yang has made a decision, we shall naturally comply.

Besides, Patrol Chief Yang's strength is plain for all to see; is he someone to be trifled with?

No matter how ferocious that monster is, it may not necessarily be a match for Patrol Chief Yang!"

The two Patrol Chiefs expressed their respective attitudes and opinions one after another.

The remaining Patrolmen had also experienced the battle to eradicate the Blood Ape Gang that day, and having witnessed the strength of Yang Ning with their own eyes, the sounds of discussion gradually faded away.

Yang Ning nodded slightly to Qian Zhong and Liu Qian, his gaze then turning sharp once more:

"I will personally lead the handling of this matter.

However, this is not a task for me alone; it requires everyone to work together in unity."

He walked back to the desk and tapped his finger on the crude map of East Street laid out upon it:

"First, seal the information and pacify the public.

Patrol Chief Liu, I order you to take your men and post public notices at all major intersections of East Fourth Street, stating that the Patrol Bureau has obtained leads and is doing its utmost to apprehend the culprits. Tell the public to reduce their travel at night, but there is no need for excessive panic.

Patrol Chief Qian, you must quickly lead your men to prepare arms and weaponry. Remember that those beasts fear fire and light; you must prepare weapons based on their weaknesses."

"Yes!"

Qian Zhong and Liu Qian accepted the orders solemnly.

"Secondly,"

Yang Ning looked at the Patrolmen below the platform:

"In addition to the two Patrol Chiefs and myself going deep inside, we need a capable squad to accompany us into Duck Dung Alley to investigate.

Those who volunteer, step forward."

The room was silent for a moment.

Then, the veteran Patrolman from earlier gritted his teeth and was the first to step forward:

"Subordinate Wang Biao is willing to follow Patrol Chief Yang!"

Immediately after, three or four other men who were usually bolder and had good relations with the missing Patrolmen also stepped out.

Yang Ning looked at these five men and nodded:

"Good. Wang Biao, you shall be the temporary squad leader.

Gather in front of the government office in one hour, equipped with heavy bows, powerful crossbows, torches, medicinal powders, and grappling hooks.

Prepare everything to the highest standard for dealing with fierce beasts and birds of prey."

"Yes!"

"As for the rest of you, strengthen patrols in all the alleys of East Fourth Street, especially after nightfall. Move in groups of three; no one is to be left alone.

If you discover anything unusual, use a signal arrow to alert us, and do not pursue rashly."

Orders were issued clearly one by one, and the hearts of the people, which had been somewhat panicked, were gradually steadied.

Everyone looked at the young yet composed First Patrol Chief in the main seat, and a sense of conviction could not help but rise in their hearts.

At least he was not panicked, nor was he shirking responsibility; instead, he was preparing to meet the battle in an orderly fashion.

One hour later, the pitch-black area in front of the government office was illuminated by torches, as if the night itself had been set ablaze.

Yang Ning had changed into a set of dark, form-fitting attire convenient for movement, covered by his Patrol Chief's surcoat.

The grey-blue long blade "Storm Blade" hung at his waist, and he wore the lustrous "White Jade Mask" on his face.

The cold mask pressed against his skin, making his mind increasingly calm and sharp.

Wang Biao and the other five selected Patrolmen were also fully prepared.

Each of their faces was taut, but their eyes were resolute.

"Move out."

Without any superfluous mobilization, Yang Ning led the way out of the government office. A group of six cleared the path, followed by many other Patrolmen and personnel from the Patrol Bureau carrying torches.

This large group was exceptionally quiet at this moment, silently submerging into the shadows of the intricate alleys of East Fourth Street.

Duck Dung Alley lived up to its name; it was narrow, winding, and filled with flowing sewage, making it one of the most dilapidated and chaotic areas of East Fourth Street.

Most of those who lived here were the destitute or marginalized individuals of unknown origin.

At this moment, as twilight gathered, there was almost no one to be seen in the alley, save for the occasional barking of wild dogs, which only added to the eeriness.

The men from the Patrol Bureau, holding torches, had already surrounded the place completely.

"Lord Yang."

Patrol Chiefs Liu and Qian had been waiting for a long time, their expressions solemn.

"Is everything prepared?"

"Everything is ready. The people have been evacuated, and every exit of Duck Dung Alley has been sealed. It is just that..."

Yang Ning was taken aback, then immediately asked.

"What is the difficulty?"

"There are people..."

Qian Zhong hadn't finished his sentence when the sound of hooves interrupted him. From every direction, horsemen carrying torches began to approach.

Yang Ning narrowed his eyes, recognizing them one by one.

They were all influential powers and prominent families from East Street.

"Hundred Herb Hall of East Street."

"Antique Pavilion of East Street."

"Ning Fur Shop of East Street."

Most importantly... there were also the people from the four great families who had come to Kuotian Chamber the other day.

These bosses and nobles called out in unison:

"We pay our respects to Patrol Chief Yang of the Patrol Bureau."

Not all of the four families sent their young masters; only the Shen family had Shen Lian come in person.

Yang Ning pondered for a moment and understood the implication, so he stepped forward.

"What brings you all here today..."

A steward from the Qin Family stepped forward, bowed respectfully, and said:

"Patrol Chief Yang, your righteousness in exterminating the Spirit Monster has inspired us. We have gathered spontaneously today to lend a hand to the Patrol Bureau's operation."

With a wave of his right hand, the horsemen began unloading crates of medicine, weapons, and gold and silver.

As expected, these bystanders have finally taken action. They want to resolve this Spirit Monster issue too, after all, the stakes are high.

This gesture is also meant to "elevate me to a pedestal," using me as their stepping stone.