Li Xinhan slowly schooled his expression.
He had only been here a few days, yet he had already seen that Baiyun County had long since become a cesspit.
The officials were colluding with demons to wreak havoc on the people. Their affairs could not withstand the slightest scrutiny.
Because of that, he had developed a few more ingrained prejudices about the constables here.
"Keep the noise down. Take him first and bring him back for a thorough interrogation. We must find out where Lord Lin is."
"Understood."
More than ten people quickly scattered, faintly sealing off every escape route along the entire long street.
Old Liu, the one most skilled with hidden weapons, tossed aside his candy figurine stick and quietly approached the thatched-roof side room.
The beggar followed close behind. His hands, hidden in his tattered sleeves, were covered in calluses, and his grappling skills were consummate.
The two were old friends who had worked together for years. First, they would ambush their target with poisoned darts, then move in to restrain him. An ordinary martial artist of the same realm could not last even one exchange.
Suddenly, the beggar noticed Old Liu stop.
"What is it?"
He frowned and glanced over, suspicion flashing in his eyes.
The door stood wide open.
A handsome young man stood in the doorway, utterly composed, one hand resting on the scabbard at his waist. He silently looked out at them, clearly prepared for their arrival.
"Even that little bit of movement didn't escape his notice?"
The beggar was a little surprised, but still didn't take it to heart. In all these years, what kind of experts hadn't they seen?
Besides, Li Xinhan, standing in the distance, was a true Jade Liquid Realm expert.
What the beggar hadn't expected was for Old Liu to slowly put away his blowpipe and smile at the young man. "Sir, we meet again."
They had seen each other once on the street that morning. The other man had clearly noticed something amiss, but hadn't exposed him.
To spot, at a glance, that the candy seller on the street had been replaced—such keen instincts were impressive. If he now put on a meek, deferential act and tried to catch the man off guard, he'd only make a fool of himself.
"What do you two want?"
Shen Yi gave a slight nod, his gaze sweeping over the pair.
He didn't recall ever dealing with anyone from the martial world. He hadn't exposed Old Liu's identity that day simply because he hadn't wanted to get involved with them, not because he feared them.
"We have an important matter to ask you about. Please come with us, Sir Shen."
Old Liu courteously stepped back half a pace. The beggar understood at once and shot forward. His palms surged like dragons breaching the clouds, fingers hooked like golden claws as he savagely reached to seize Shen Yi by both shoulders!
In an instant, he had clamped both hands onto Shen Yi's shoulders. His ten fingers dug in with all their strength, and his arms suddenly strained, trying to throw him to the ground.
"Ha!"
The beggar roared, his face suddenly flushing red.
Shen Yi stood firm, his feet as if glued to the ground. The force bursting from the beggar's arms vanished like a mud ox sinking into the sea, without the slightest effect.
The next moment, Shen Yi abruptly kicked him in the abdomen.
The beggar shrieked as he flew backward. He reacted quickly, rolling through the air several times, but still couldn't shed all that tremendous force. With a crash, he slammed into a pillar across the street.
A sharp crack rang out, and the entire eatery shuddered twice.
He leaned against the pillar, breathing raggedly, veins bulging on his forehead. For a long while, he couldn't get back to his feet.
At the sight, not only Old Liu but everyone else on the street grew solemn.
In close combat, aside from Li Xinhan, the beggar was the strongest among them. And he hadn't even lasted one exchange?
"..."
Old Liu gave a sheepish laugh and unconsciously took several steps back.
He reached for the badge at his waist.
What a mess. The Demon Suppression Division had come all the way to this remote county to arrest someone, and now they had to flash their credentials. It was humiliating.
Just then, a hand stopped him.
Old Liu turned to look. Li Xinhan had somehow come to stand beside him. His brows were tightly furrowed, and his nostrils twitched slightly. He had clearly picked up on some unusual scent.
"Did you spill blood just now?"
Li Xinhan drew in a long breath. When he looked at Shen Yi again, a chill surfaced in his eyes.
At his words, the others' solemn expressions turned tense.
They had rushed to Baiyun County, not to conduct an inspection. Every lead concerning Lord Lin now pointed to the young man before them.
And they had caught the smell of blood on him, right here in the middle of the county town... Whatever it was, it couldn't have been chicken blood or pig's blood if Li Xinhan was taking it this seriously.
In an instant, everyone gathered around.
"..."
Shen Yi looked at the crowd that had suddenly converged before him, his gaze settling on Li Xinhan's conspicuous black robe.
He'd thought a pack of rats had gathered, but it turned out the old cat had come knocking.
These people had moved far too quickly.
Even if his predecessor had somehow survived Old Man Liu's club, he probably wouldn't have lived to see today.
If you've done nothing wrong, you have nothing to fear from a knock at the door.
Somewhat relieved, Shen Yi lowered his hand and replied calmly, "To answer you, my lord, it was the blood of a demon."
When he let go of his sword hilt, the others inexplicably relaxed as well, then exchanged glances.
The people in the Demon Suppression Division all carried a certain pride about the counties and towns beneath Qing Prefecture, though they kept it to themselves.
Now, facing an ordinary constable, they had felt a hint of dread, as if they were confronting a formidable enemy. They'd be a laughingstock if word got out.
"Why was there a demon in your house?"
Li Xinhan's tone was forceful, his gaze sharp, carrying a hint of interrogation.
Shen Yi wasn't used to being questioned like this, but he could understand. These people battled demons every day, with their heads on the line. Asking them to be warm and friendly was a bit much.
He shifted aside, clearing the way.
Li Xinhan frowned again, about to berate him, but Old Liu beside him bumped him with a shoulder.
"Shut up, will you?"
He looked up. Before long, he too stood frozen in place, as thunderstruck and dumbfounded as the others.
Inside the cramped room—
Lin Baiwei emerged from the back courtyard carrying a wooden basin of vegetables. She blinked and curiously looked toward the doorway.
The loose, ill-fitting robe she wore clearly belonged to a man.
It stood out like a sore thumb.
She smiled in surprise. "What brings you here?"
Li Xinhan opened and closed his mouth. He wanted to ask, but didn't dare. He could only clench his fists and bow. "Your subordinate Li Xinhan pays his respects to Lord Lin!"
The others followed his example. Old Liu clicked his tongue, first casting an incredulous glance at Shen Yi before explaining, "Qing Prefecture hasn't received a letter from you in a month, so the Household sent us to check on you."
"Sorry for the trouble. I'm fine." Lin Baiwei shook her head with a trace of guilt.
"We'll escort you back to Qing Prefecture at once." Li Xinhan could tell that something was wrong with her aura.
"I'd like to go home first... Also, could you wait until I've had dinner? I just put on a pot of lamb soup." Lin Baiwei pressed her lips together, a little embarrassed.
"Whatever you say, my lord."
Seeing this, the people from the Demon Suppression Division couldn't help smiling.
This renowned Demon Catcher really was just as the rumors claimed: unassuming, with a warmth that made everyone around her feel like a spring breeze.
But soon, the smiles faded from their faces as Lin Baiwei bustled about while the young man stood silently with his hands at his sides.
"..."
Only once the steaming meat soup was served—
Shen Yi had never thought a meal could be this difficult to get through.
More than ten people stood in the doorway, staring at him with icy, unwavering gazes like vengeful ghosts come to claim his life.
"Sorry."
Lin Baiwei had noticed the awkwardness too. They exchanged a glance, chewing the tender, fragrant lamb that tasted like wax.
She sighed and set down her chopsticks. "Take care of yourself."
"You too."
Shen Yi clasped his fists and watched her walk into the crowd. More than ten people disappeared into the depths of the night.
He withdrew his gaze and looked at the empty room.
After a moment of silence, he shook his head with a wry smile.
How long had it been since he transmigrated, and he'd already picked up all these bad habits?
He'd been spoiled.
He polished off the food on the table, cleared away the bowls and chopsticks, then washed and hung up his outer robe.
He lay down on the bed and slowly opened the panel.
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