The Whole City Hunts the Holy Demon God Sect, a Carpet Search

The mission reward alone was enough to make his heart race!

He was currently lacking a decent mount.

Previously, traveling from Green Province to the Capital City, he had either torn through space himself or ridden in someone else's Dragon Carriage.

As a dignified peak Martial Saint, not having an exclusive mount was embarrassing to even mention.

Moreover, according to the system mission prompt, he was to eradicate a Branch Sect hideout within the Capital City.

The system would not lie to him.

In other words, the nest of this group was hidden right inside the Capital City!

The scope had already been narrowed down significantly.

As long as he sealed off the Imperial City and conducted a carpet search, then personally used his perception to screen the area, finding their branch hideout was only a matter of time.

Lin Changqing pulled back his thoughts and turned to look at Xiao Qianjun.

Xiao Qianjun was just about to turn and arrange the interrogation, but seeing Lin Changqing suddenly stop, he hurriedly halted as well.

"Does Prince Wu'an have further instructions?"

"Director Xiao."

Lin Changqing's tone was indifferent, but his words left Xiao Qianjun momentarily stunned.

"You don't need to interrogate these people for now; I doubt you'll get anything out of them anyway."

Xiao Qianjun was slightly taken aback.

"Does Prince Wu'an mean..."

Lin Changqing stood with his hands behind his back, his tone brooking no refusal. "This Prince will investigate this matter personally."

Xiao Qianjun's brows furrowed upon hearing this.

He pondered for a moment before speaking. "If Prince Wu'an is willing to take action personally, this official naturally couldn't ask for more."

"But regarding the interrogation... this official dares to speak plainly."

He glanced at the black-clad men being dragged away, his tone becoming somewhat more solemn.

"To be honest, over these past few years, our Demon Suppressing Division has captured many traitors who have defected to the demons, but every time we reach critical information, the prisoners die instantly, without exception."

"We later discovered that these factions that defect to the demons plant a certain restriction within their members."

"Once a member attempts to leak key information, the restriction triggers automatically, killing them on the spot."

"Although these men were captured by Prince Wu'an, the restrictions within them are likely still active. Even if I have my men interrogate them strictly, it is highly unlikely we will get anything useful."

Having said this, Xiao Qianjun sighed.

"It is almost impossible to pry the location of their nest out of their mouths."

Lin Changqing nodded.

He was not surprised by this.

If factions that defected to the demons didn't have some means of controlling their subordinates, they would have been infiltrated and picked apart long ago.

"That is why this Prince means we should not wait for the interrogation results."

Lin Changqing looked at Xiao Qianjun with a resolute tone.

"Search directly."

Xiao Qianjun's eyes lit up, but he immediately hesitated.

"What Prince Wu'an says is true; that is what this official was thinking as well."

He lowered his voice and began to explain his plan.

"Before the movements of these men were exposed, their nest surely did not know they had fallen into our hands."

"Taking advantage of this time difference, this official intends to mobilize all personnel of the Demon Suppressing Division and coordinate with the Imperial Guards to act together."

"We will focus on searching the villages, manors, and abandoned residences on the outskirts of the Capital City. Their nest cannot possibly be located in..."

"Wait."

Lin Changqing raised a hand to interrupt him.

"Your direction is wrong."

Xiao Qianjun froze for a moment.

"Does Prince Wu'an mean?"

"Their nest is not outside the Capital City." Lin Changqing looked at Xiao Qianjun and said, word for word.

"It is right here in the Capital City."

Xiao Qianjun's pupils contracted slightly.

Inside the Capital City?

This judgment was truly beyond his expectations.

He had worked in the Demon Suppressing Division for so many years, capturing countless demon spies and human traitors.

According to his past experience, factions that defected to the demons usually established their lairs in hidden locations outside the city.

They were either secret caves in deep mountains and old forests, or underground chambers in remote villages and towns.

To set up a lair inside the Capital City?

This was under the feet of the Son of Heaven, the headquarters of the Demon Suppressing Division, with patrol guards roaming day and night.

Furthermore, the Capital City was teeming with experts; even the Ninth-Rank Martial Saint stationed here was not just the Boundless Saint Emperor known to the public.

Establishing a Branch Sect lair here... wasn't that just asking for death?

Xiao Qianjun hesitated, weighing his words.

"Prince Wu'an, forgive my bluntness."

"The Capital City is heavily guarded, with patrol squads day and night, and the headquarters of the Demon Suppressing Division is also located within."

"If the enemy truly set their Branch Sect lair inside the Capital, isn't that... a bit too bold?"

He paused, then asked, "Does Prince Wu'an already have a lead?"

Lin Changqing shook his head.

"No."

Xiao Qianjun was stunned.

"Then..."

"Intuition."

Lin Changqing's face was indifferent, yet his tone was as certain as if he were stating a confirmed fact.

The expression on Xiao Qianjun's face turned complex in an instant.

Intuition?

Was he going to turn the entire Capital upside down based on mere intuition?

If this judgment was wrong, and they focused all their energy inside the city, they would miss the window of opportunity to search outside.

Once the people in the enemy's lair realized what was happening, they would destroy the evidence and relocate their personnel, making it nearly impossible to find them later.

Yet, he could not say this directly.

The man before him was Prince Wu'an, a Ninth-Rank Martial Saint Peak, a figure he could not afford to offend.

Xiao Qianjun's lips moved, his look of distress impossible to hide.

Lin Changqing watched him, not angry, but simply asked in a calm tone.

"What, you don't trust this Prince?"

His tone was very flat.

But Xiao Qianjun heard an unquestionable confidence in those words.

It was not the tone of a man guessing wildly.

It was the tone of someone with a plan, someone with absolute certainty in his own judgment!

Xiao Qianjun raised his head and met Lin Changqing's gaze.

He took a deep breath and gritted his teeth.

He would gamble!

In any case, he had no more reliable leads himself; rather than searching for a needle in a haystack outside the city following conventional logic, it was better to trust this Prince Wu'an once.

Even if the judgment turned out to be wrong, given Prince Wu'an's cultivation and status, the sky wouldn't fall on him to bear the consequences.

"This subordinate would not dare!"

Xiao Qianjun cupped his hands in a salute, his tone resolute.

"Since Prince Wu'an has made this judgment, this subordinate is willing to gamble. We shall proceed as Prince Wu'an says. All personnel of the Demon Suppressing Division will be deployed to search within the Capital!"

He straightened up and added.

"However, this matter is of great importance. To stir up such a commotion within the Capital, we must seal the city gates and mobilize the Imperial Guards and the Royal Forest Guard to assist in the operation."

"For a mobilization of this scale, this subordinate, despite being the Chief of the Demon Suppressing Division, lacks the sufficient authority. I must first seek an audience with His Majesty to report."

Lin Changqing nodded.

"Go."

Xiao Qianjun dared not delay, turning and striding quickly out of the headquarters.

His figure turned into a blur in the night, rushing toward the imperial palace at top speed.

The night was deep.

But Emperor Yu, Su Gan, had yet to rest.

The Imperial Study was brightly lit. Su Gan sat behind the dragon desk, reviewing the final stack of memorials.

He rubbed his brow and picked up the ginseng tea on the desk to take a sip.

Just then, a flurry of hurried footsteps echoed from outside the hall.

"Your Majesty! Xiao Qianjun of the Demon Suppressing Division requests an audience!"

Su Gan set down his teacup, his brows furrowing slightly.

For Xiao Qianjun to come at this hour, there must be an emergency.

"Let him in."

Xiao Qianjun strode into the Imperial Study and knelt on one knee.

"Your Majesty, I have an urgent military report!"

"Speak."

Xiao Qianjun did not waste words, recounting everything that had just occurred from start to finish.

Agents of the Holy Demon God Sect had trailed Prince Wu'an, only to be captured by him on the spot.

Eight individuals—one eighth-rank Grandmaster and seven seventh-rank Masters—had all had their cultivation crippled.

The prisoners had already been thrown into the death row of the Demon Suppressing Division.

He then relayed Prince Wu'an's assessment: the enemy's Branch Sect lair was hidden within the Capital City.

He also mentioned Prince Wu'an's decision to personally participate in the search.

As Su Gan listened, his expression grew increasingly grim.

When he heard that the Holy Demon God Sect had actually offered the position of Sect Leader to entice Prince Wu'an, his hand tightened violently around the armrest of the dragon throne.

Veins bulged on the back of his hand.

"A fine Holy Demon God Sect indeed."

Su Gan's voice was as cold as ice.

"I had assumed they were merely operating in the shadows of the border provinces, but I never imagined their reach had extended to the Capital. It would be one thing if they merely reached the Capital, but they actually dare to scheme against Prince Wu'an."

He slammed his hand onto the dragon desk.

"Do they think Great Yu has no one left?!"

Xiao Qianjun kept his head bowed, not daring to respond.

Su Gan took a deep breath, suppressing the fury in his heart.

He knew now was not the time for rage.

The most urgent priority was to root out that Branch Sect lair as quickly as possible before they could react.

He looked at Xiao Qianjun, his tone resolute.

"Xiao Qianjun, hear my decree."

"I am here!"

"I command you to handle this matter with full authority! The Imperial Guards and the Royal Forest Guard are under your temporary command. Seal all gates of the Capital immediately; do not let a single fly escape."

"Mobilize every Demon Suppression Guard from the Demon Suppressing Division headquarters to conduct a carpet search throughout the Capital."

"The commanders of the Imperial Guards and the Royal Forest Guard are to cooperate with you fully. Should anyone resist, you have the authority to execute them first and report later."

Xiao Qianjun felt a jolt in his heart and bowed deeply.

"I obey the decree!"

Su Gan added, "As for Prince Wu'an, do exactly as he says. You are to provide full cooperation; there must be no errors."

"I understand!"

Su Gan waved his hand.

"Go. I shall wait here in the Imperial Study for your good news."

Xiao Qianjun rose and hurried out of the Imperial Study.

Once outside the hall, he immediately activated his movement technique, his figure darting toward the palace gates like lightning.

A short while later.

The headquarters of the Demon Suppressing Division was ablaze with light.

Every Demon Suppression Guard present at the office had been urgently summoned, filling the entire front courtyard in a sea of black.

Everyone was dressed in black martial attire, swords at their waists, their expressions stern; they were all elite warriors of the third rank or higher!

Xiao Qianjun stood on the steps, his voice carrying across the entire assembly.

"All personnel, hear my order! From this moment on, all gates of the Capital are sealed! Without the command of this Division Head or Prince Wu'an, no one is to enter or leave! Those who violate this order shall be executed!"

"Each team is to conduct a carpet search street by street and alley by alley according to your assigned sectors! If you encounter suspicious individuals or locations, report them immediately; do not act on your own!"

"The Imperial Guard and the Royal Forest Guard have received orders to coordinate the operation. All units, move out!"

"Yes!"

The Demon Suppression Guards responded in unison, then surged out of the headquarters like a tidal wave.

At the same time.

The heavy sound of closing gates echoed simultaneously from every city gate in the Capital City.

Squads of Imperial Guards ran forward, sealing off all twelve gates.

Blades were drawn, bows were strung, and the glow of torches turned the city walls a deep crimson.

The Royal Forest Guard marched out from the Imperial Palace, taking over the defense of all major streets within the city.

Citizens on the streets were politely ushered back into their homes, and every shop was ordered to close its doors.

In less than the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, the entire Capital City had become an iron fortress.

The Demon Suppression Guard, the Imperial Guard, and the Royal Forest Guard—three forces acted in unison.

Divided into dozens of search parties, they began a carpet search from every direction of the Capital City simultaneously.

Every alley, every residence, and every shop was to be searched thoroughly.

The momentum was massive, the display of force staggering.

In the dead of night.

The light of torches illuminated half the Capital City.

And at the very front of this vast, sweeping search party.

Lin Changqing walked with his hands behind his back, leading the way.

Three men followed by his side.

Xiao Qianjun, the Chief of the Demon Suppressing Division; Chen Zhan, Commander of the Imperial Guard; and Han Yue, Commander of the Royal Forest Guard.

The latter two were both late-stage Rank 8 Grandmasters, considered top-tier experts throughout the entire Great Yu Dynasty.

Yet, as they followed behind Lin Changqing, they remained respectful and cautious, not even daring to breathe too loudly.

Lin Changqing paid no mind to their restraint.

His perception was already fully extended, enveloping the entire Capital City.

The perception of a peak Martial Saint was like an invisible tide, passing through every street and every residence.

It penetrated walls, the ground, and every possible obstruction.

Every aura and every ripple of Spiritual Power within the Capital City appeared clearly in his mind.

The whispers of citizens in their homes, the soldiers rushing through the streets, the rats and wild cats hiding in the shadows, even the earthworms deep underground...

Nothing could escape his notice.

He walked while screening everything one by one.

His pace was steady, each step landing firmly on the bluestone road.

Xiao Qianjun and the two commanders behind him held their breath, not daring to disturb him.

Meanwhile.

Deep within an inconspicuous alley on the west side of the Capital City.

There stood a residence that appeared perfectly ordinary from the outside.

With green bricks and grey tiles, the front gate was tightly shut, and there was not even a plaque hanging above it.

Compared to the mansions of the wealthy merchants in the city, this place was drab and unremarkable.

But no one knew that deep beneath this residence lay a massive Underground Palace.

The Underground Palace was divided into three levels, each several zhang high.

The walls were carved with eerie, blood-colored spiritual patterns that emitted a faint, ghostly glow.

At this moment, in the deepest part of the Underground Palace.

A tall figure paced back and forth within the great hall.

He wore a dark red robe, his face mostly obscured by a hood, revealing only thin lips.

His aura was cold and sinister; he was, in fact, a powerhouse at the early stage of the Martial Saint realm.

This man was the leader of the Holy Demon God Sect's Capital City Branch—codenamed Red Python.

Behind him stood several martial artists with equally formidable auras, all core members of the branch.

And in the corner of the hall, a middle-aged man in official robes with a round, fleshy face cowered in fear.

He was Qian Youde, the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue.

He held one of the most lucrative positions in the Great Yu Dynasty, managing a portion of the empire's taxes and grain.

Yet, this third-rank official, who usually held great power in the imperial court, was now huddled in the corner, cold sweat pouring down his forehead like rain.

"Head, Headmaster, what on earth is going on?!"

Qian Youde's voice was trembling.

"Why did the Demon Suppressing Division suddenly seal off the Capital City? Have we been exposed?"

Red Python stopped in his tracks and shot him a cold glance.

"What are you panicking about?"

His voice was hoarse and low, like sandpaper rubbing against stone. "This Seat just received news that the men sent to tail Lin Changqing have failed."

Qian Youde's face turned deathly pale in an instant.

"Fa, failed? Then will they reveal this place..."

"Impossible."

Red Python cut him off.

"They all have restrictions placed within their bodies. The moment they attempt to leak critical information, they will die instantly. The methods of the Demon Suppressing Division are not enough to break the restrictions of our Holy Sect."

He paused, his tone growing a shade darker.

"But what I cannot fathom is how they knew the Branch Sect was inside the Capital City."

Red Python turned to look at the core members behind him.

"Judging by their move to seal the Capital City, their target is very clear; they are coming straight for the Branch Sect in the city."

"This shows they are absolutely certain the Branch Sect's lair is within the Capital City. This isn't a feint; they are truly coming with blades drawn to dig us out."

A core member whispered, "Headmaster, could it be that Protector Black Hawk leaked the information?"

"Impossible."

Red Python denied it flatly.

"Black Hawk was raised by my own hand. Even if he were to die, he would never betray the Holy Sect."

He paced back and forth twice, his tone growing even gloomier.

"And even if they were to investigate, by all logic, they should have searched outside the city first. Why seal the Capital City directly with such a clear target?"

"It's as if..."

He stopped, his gaze icy.

"It's as if someone told them we were right here."

The great hall fell into a deathly silence.

Everyone felt the gravity of the situation.

Suddenly, a thud came from the corner.

Qian Youde collapsed onto the floor, his legs as limp as noodles.

"It's over... it's really over this time..."

He tugged at his collar, trembling, his sweat soaking through his official robes.

"Headmaster, you don't know! The people from the Demon Suppressing Division have already searched to the West City! They are only two streets away from here! They are searching house by house, not missing a single one!"

"At this rate, they will reach us in a single incense stick's time at most!"

"The incident happened so suddenly, there isn't even time to relocate! If they find us and catch us red-handed..."

As he spoke, the fat on his face trembled violently.

"This, this official has been lurking in the imperial court for so many years, secretly providing the Holy Sect with so much intelligence, money, and grain. If these things are unearthed, given His Majesty's temper, my entire clan will be doomed!"

He lunged at Red Python's feet, clutching his legs tightly.

"Headmaster! Please, think of something! You are a Martial Saint; you must have a way, right? Please, take me with you!"

"Get lost."

Red Python kicked him away with a look of disgust.

He turned to the core members behind him, his voice dropping to a whisper.

"Have everyone destroy all confidential documents immediately. Burn all the ledgers, rosters, and communication talismans that haven't been moved yet. Not a single scrap of paper is to be left behind."

"Add three more seals to the entrance of the Underground Palace and pile up every concealment treasure we have. This Seat will guard the entrance personally. We will gamble—gamble that they won't discover us."

He paused, a flash of ruthlessness in his eyes.

"Vice Minister Qian."

Qian Youde jolted, scrambling to his knees.

"Th, this official is here!"

"You go up and open the door as usual. You are a third-rank official of the imperial court, the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue; you have your official status to protect you. Without concrete evidence, they won't dare to do anything to you."

Red Python stared at him, his voice icy.

"Remember, if you dare to show even the slightest flaw..."

He did not finish his sentence, but that cold, chilling murderous intent made the fat all over Qian Youde's body tremble.

"This subordinate dares not! This subordinate dares not!"

Qian Youde kowtowed like a pestle hitting garlic, then scrambled and crawled toward the exit of the Underground Palace.

Red Python watched his retreating back, a cold sneer flashing in his eyes.

He knew this fat pig was so scared he was about to wet his pants.

But it did not matter.

As long as he could drag things out past tonight and let the heat die down, he would naturally find a way to squeeze the last bit of value out of this piece of trash.

He turned and walked toward the entrance of the Underground Palace, forming seals with both hands.

Streaks of blood-colored spiritual patterns flew from his palms, merging into the stone door at the entrance of the Underground Palace.

The light on the stone door grew dimmer and fainter.

Gradually, the stone door merged into the surrounding walls.

From the outside, one could not tell there was a door here at all.

Red Python then brought out the Branch Sect's ultimate hidden treasure—a palm-sized Black Ancient Mirror.

The ancient mirror hovered in mid-air, emitting a grayish light; all spiritual power fluctuations within the area covered by the light were completely masked.

The aura of the third level of the Underground Palace vanished entirely from perception.

After finishing all this, Red Python sat cross-legged behind the stone door, closed his eyes, and prayed silently in his heart.

He hoped this broken mirror and those spiritual patterns could hold off the people outside.

Especially that... Ninth-Rank Martial Saint Peak Prince Wu'an, who had most likely rejected their Holy Sect's recruitment.