On Wooden Fish Island, terror was spreading. More people had died, and they were no ordinary people—they were the major and minor chiefs of the River-Sweeping Bandits. They had originally intended to invite Ironman Tu out of seclusion to quell the island's abnormalities, only to encounter that monster and be torn to pieces.
Under such circumstances, many people panicked and wanted to flee. Unfortunately, Wooden Fish Island had already been completely enveloped by mist. No matter how they tried to force their way through, they could not leave. The same was true by water or by land; it had become a cage.
Whenever night fell, that monster would appear and relentlessly hunt living creatures. To survive, the remaining River-Sweeping Bandits could only keep hiding. Thus began a great game of escape and slaughter.
Yet while Wooden Fish Island sank into such an eerie atmosphere, undercurrents continued to surge in the outside world.
Within the rear residence of Qinghe County's yamen, County Magistrate Liao Yonghuai, rumored to be bedridden, leisurely sipped tea. Yet the tea steeping in his cup was no ordinary tea—it was tea leaves forged from gold.
After taking a sip, Liao Yonghuai smacked his lips, as if lost in the fragrance of the tea.
It was at that moment that Xu Wenmao, the advisor, entered.
"Master, the River Governor's yamen has replied. They will take action to deal with the River-Sweeping Bandits. This time, the River-Sweeping Bandits have truly gone too far."
Coming before Liao Yonghuai, Xu Wenmao spoke softly, his manner respectful to the utmost degree.
Seeing this, Liao Yonghuai could not help glancing at him.
"You didn't tip them off this time, did you...?"
With great interest, a strange expression appeared on Liao Yonghuai's face.
"My lord, how could I? I am your most loyal servant.