Qiao San fervently hoped that Liu Mang Town would remain peaceful for three months, but alas, peace only lasted three days—merely three short days—before the so-called “tranquility” of this rogue’s sanctuary was ruthlessly shattered!
“Boom, boom…” The drum at the county office was struck heavily, and one after another, three households rushed into the courtroom, each with nearly identical complaints.
“Your Honorable Lord, my daughter suddenly vanished! Please grant justice…”
A case of missing persons—three victims, all on the same night. All were young girls, and the similar suspicious circumstances flooded Bei Gongping’s mind. With a wave of his Number One Investigator’s badge, the entire county office sprang into high-speed operation.
Another three days swiftly passed, yet the case remained unsolved. Instead, the drum echoed once more.
“My Lord, my daughter has also disappeared…” Again, three more families burst into the courtroom, wailing and crying. Bei Gongping, serving as the acting county magistrate, wore an expression as cold as frost.
The clouds above hung especially thick and low, and a heavy, oppressive atmosphere sank deep into the hearts of Liu Mang Town’s thousands of citizens.
First, families with daughters began locking their doors, then any household with women shut their windows tightly. Eventually, even before dusk, the streets of Liu Mang Town became eerily deserted, like a ghost town.
“Monster! Monster!”
No one knew who cried out first, but fear spread like an epidemic!
On the third day after the second round of disappearances, a mighty army encamped outside Liu Mang Town, finally bringing a sigh of relief to the townsfolk. However, that very night, as martial law was declared, another three families arrived at the courtroom, sobbing and screaming.
“Boom—”
Bei Gongping angrily slammed his palm onto the table. Even the calm and composed Number One Investigator had finally lost his composure. The criminals had not only abducted women but had brazenly committed crimes despite the city’s heightened alert. Was this not a direct provocation against Bei Gongping himself?!
“Father, could it be the rogues doing this, trying to frame the authorities?” Bei Gong Zheng, his face worn with exhaustion and his eyes bloodshot from days without sleep, had not managed to catch even a glimpse of the culprits.
“Hmm! It’s possible, but common ruffians shouldn’t have such capability!”
Bei Gong, the legendary investigator, forced himself to stop pacing, his eyes flashing with sharp insight. “Zheng’er, take men and shut down every gambling house and brothel in the city. Spread the word—should the case remain unsolved, the ringleaders of the rogues will be held accountable. Additionally, have the Ten Guards continue their covert investigation, looking for any trace the criminals might have left behind!”
Chaos erupted in Liu Mang Town overnight—utter chaos, indescribable and inextricable!
The rogues, who had previously been secretly laughing and waiting for the show, could no longer smile. Not only had their businesses been shut down, but their personal safety was now at risk. With soldiers armed to the teeth stationed outside the city and the townsfolk seething with hatred toward them, how could this ragtag group withstand the dual pressure from within and without?
“Brothers, we can’t go on like this. Let’s find out who the hell is causing trouble in our Liu Mang Town! Everyone, check if any underworld figures specializing in human trafficking have entered the town!”
Now truly united, officials and civilians, black and white alike joined forces. Yet three days later, three more people vanished, and still, neither side found the slightest clue. Their only lead was a beggar who claimed to have seen several dark figures flying through the sky in the dead of night.
“Father, what should we do? The Right Chancellor has sent word—the Emperor now knows of this case. The Right Chancellor barely managed to secure half a month for us. If we fail to solve it by then…”
The sound of clashing swords and armor filled the county office, and the tense situation seemed to warp the heavens and earth.
“Give the rogues ten days. Tell them—should they fail, they will be executed without mercy!”
Bei Gongping abruptly halted his pacing, his expression hardening, eyes gleaming. “Zheng’er, prepare for ritual cleansing. We must retrieve—the Demon-Slaying Sword and the Monster-Exterminating Bow!”
“Ah! Father, could it really be some monstrous creature causing this?”
※※※※※※※
“Hu…”
The wind howled even more fiercely. Upon receiving the news, the rogue leaders paled, silently lamenting—was their life of luxury truly to end in just ten days?
Tension continued to escalate, pressure mounting relentlessly. After the army entered the city, over a dozen rogue bosses finally made a united decision—
—Find a scapegoat!
At the same time, the bold San was about to leave his house when he suddenly sneezed several times.
“Little Brother, are you still going out?”
“Hehe… No problem. What’s there to fear for a grown man? But Sister-in-law, you and Twelve mustn’t go outside—not even into the courtyard. I’ll return soon.”
Walking lazily down the street, Qiao San sighed inwardly as he gazed at the eerily quiet road. The inner energy circulating through his body intensified slightly.
Though he had no desire to stand out, the “Great Hero” within him could not allow such crimes to continue unchecked! Sigh… How annoying—this cold, clear air, why does it feel just like the warmth in my brow? No matter how hard I try, I can’t suppress it!
Suddenly, a commotion ahead caused nearby patrolling soldiers to instinctively tighten their grips on their swords and blades.
It wasn’t the criminals appearing, but rather a group of rogue bosses entering Qiao San’s sight. Upon seeing him, they rushed forward as if meeting their saviors, nearly bursting into tears.
“Daring San, we finally found you! Thank goodness…”
“Senior brothers, what’s going on?” Sometimes, Qiao San truly disliked his extraordinary intuition, for it had cost him his peace of mind.
“Hail the Chief of All Rascals—”
In unison, over a dozen usually arrogant gang leaders dropped to their knees before Qiao San.
“Ahh! You—” A mixture of amusement and exasperation filled Qiao San’s eyes. He wanted to turn and run, but the rogues had already surrounded him in a circle.
“Chief, don’t you remember? King Yecha once decreed—whomever survives a night in the Ghost Forest shall become our eternal ‘Chief of Rascals’! Daring San—not, Master San, you mustn’t defy King Yecha’s decree!”
“I…” Facing such shameless figures, Qiao San didn’t need to think twice to realize he had become the scapegoat—and an inescapable one at that!
“Chief, these are our account books and land deeds. From now on, everything is yours!”
If they were to send someone to their deaths, how could they not offer some incentive? Without giving the bold San a chance to protest, the gang bosses waved their hands, and suddenly from all directions, four or five hundred rogues poured into the street, kneeling in a sea of black.
“Hail the Chief of All Rascals—” Their voices shook the heavens, exuding a majestic aura fit for a coronation.
Qiao San’s protests were drowned in the roar of the masses. It seemed this scapegoat Chief would have no choice but to bear the fate of being “crowned” against his will!
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage