182: Chapter 182 Taken Away, to the Execution Ground

A few days later.

Demon Suppression Division, Celestial Prison.

The heavy iron door emitted a harsh, grating sound.

Several Constables wearing the uniforms of the Six Doors stepped over the threshold with grim expressions.

The lead Constable presented the summons document.

The Jailer did not dare to delay and hurriedly led them toward the Jia Ward cell.

Before long, the heavy sound of dragging iron chains echoed from the depths of the dark corridor.

Clatter.

Clatter.

Shi Taichu was held by two burly Jailers and dragged out step by step.

His hair was disheveled, and his prison uniform was covered in dried, dark red bloodstains.

The prisoners in the cells on both sides, usually unruly and defiant, were unusually quiet at this moment.

This was an unspoken rule of the Celestial Prison.

In the deepest levels of this Celestial Prison, practically none of the prisoners would ever have the chance to leave.

If they were truly taken away by the Six Doors Constables, it was highly unlikely to be a good thing.

Chen Ran stood in the shadows in the distance, watching this scene quietly.

He kept his hands tucked into his sleeves, his gaze calm, and said nothing.

Warden Wen Ruoxu appeared beside him at some point. "This Shi Taichu is quite the tough nut to crack."

He watched Shi Taichu's retreating figure being escorted away, clicking his tongue in wonder.

"The methods of those people from the Six Doors are not light, yet these past few days, he hasn't let out a single groan."

Chen Ran withdrew his gaze and replied casually, "When one has resolved to die, physical pain naturally counts for nothing."

Warden Wen Ruoxu nodded in deep agreement. "That's true."

"However, his case is too significant. This public interrogation is likely just a formality to appease the hearts of the noble Families in the capital."

"After the interrogation, he will most likely be taken directly to the Caishikou Execution Ground for beheading."

Chen Ran nodded slightly, not refuting this.

"Although the Wu Family has a foul reputation, they are still a Family of some standing."

"On the day of the execution, I'm afraid many people will go to watch the spectacle; there might even be some unexpected turns of events."

Warden Wen Ruoxu smiled noncommittally and looked at Chen Ran. "Perhaps. But that has nothing to do with me. I heard the Qingfeng Restaurant has new dishes recently; any interest in checking them out?"

"Forget it. Improving my cultivation is the priority. I will stay in the prison for the next few days."

Chen Ran shook his head slowly and turned to look at the daylight filtering in from outside the prison door.

The day of the execution. It truly is a good day.

As for the hidden Cultivation Technique on Shi Taichu, the 'Soul Mourning Blood Evil Saber,' although Chen Ran did not know its grade, the fact that the Heavenly Book singled it out meant it was likely at least a first-class martial art.

Regardless of the outcome, as long as Shi Taichu died, this reward would naturally fall into his pocket.

Everything was understood without words.

...

Two days later. The Capital, Caishikou Execution Ground.

Today, the Caishikou Execution Ground was packed with people, crowded to the point of being impassable.

The tragedy of the entire Wu Family being wiped out had long since spread like wildfire through every street and alley of the capital.

On every street corner, over tea and after meals, everyone was discussing this matter.

Some clapped and cheered, while others felt that Shi Taichu's methods were too cruel.

But regardless, the final conclusion of this earth-shattering case attracted countless gazes.

The area around the execution ground had long been tightly surrounded by fully armed City Defense Army soldiers and Six Doors Constables.

The gleaming blades and spears flashed with a chilling cold light under the sun.

An aura of grim slaughter permeated the air above the entire Caishikou Execution Ground.

On the high execution viewing platform sat several high-ranking officials dressed in crimson official robes.

They looked down at the surging crowd below with expressionless, indifferent eyes.

In the crowd, Chen Ran wore a black long gown and a wide bamboo hat. Beneath the hat, his messy black hair half-covered his eyes, making him look like a martial artist walking through the Jianghu.

He lowered his head slightly, blending perfectly into the surrounding commoners watching the spectacle.

He did not attract anyone's attention.

Chen Ran kept his hands in his sleeves, quietly watching the high-raised guillotine in the center of the execution ground.

The wooden planks on the guillotine had long been soaked through with blood, presenting a dull, purplish-black color.

A lingering scent of blood faintly drifted in the air.

The surrounding commoners whispered and discussed among themselves.

"Have you heard? This Shi Taichu used to be the head of the Wu Family's bodyguards."

A thin, gaunt man lowered his voice and said mysteriously.

"Indeed. I heard the Wu Family did something heinous and drove his fiancée to her death."

"They forced a fine young man into Qi Deviation."

"Sigh, he is also a pitiful person."

The speaker sighed, a flash of sympathy in his eyes.

"Pitiful? What's pitiful about him?"

A middle-aged fat man wearing a silk gown snorted coldly.

"He killed seventy-three members of the Wu Family!"

"He didn't even spare the newborn baby or the guard dog!"

"Such a cold-blooded Devil Head should be sliced into a thousand pieces!"

The thin man was displeased and retorted, "That was just the Wu Family getting what they deserved!"

"Haven't they, the Wu Family, done enough bullying and forced trading in their daily lives?"

"The land belonging to Old Li in the west of the city—wasn't that forcibly seized by the Wu Family?"

"Shi Taichu can be considered to have acted on behalf of Heaven!"

"Shh, keep your voice down!"

The person beside him hurriedly tugged at the thin man's sleeve, looking around nervously.

"Do you want to die?"

"Those sitting up there are officials from the Ministry of Justice. If they hear you, they'll arrest you as an accomplice."

The thin man shrank his neck and shut his mouth resentfully.

Listening to the pity, curses, and discussions of the people around him, Chen Ran remained expressionless.

The myriad states of the world are nothing more than this.

He looked up and glanced at the sky through the brim of his bamboo hat.

The sun was gradually rising. The sunlight was a bit blinding.

The hour of the horse, third quarter, was almost upon them.

Just then, a commotion suddenly broke out on the outskirts of the crowd.

"They're here, they're here!"

"The prisoner transport cart is here!"

The crowd retreated to both sides like a parted wave.

A heavy wooden prisoner transport cart, escorted by dozens of elite Constables, slowly drove into the execution ground.

Inside the cart, Shi Taichu's hair was disheveled, and his hands and feet were shackled in heavy steel chains.

He lowered his head, appearing like a shell without a Soul.

But Chen Ran could clearly perceive it.

Beneath that seemingly broken shell, a terrifyingly intense Evil Qi was lurking.

Like a volcano about to erupt. It was only waiting for an opportunity.

The prisoner transport cart stopped in front of the guillotine.

Two executioners, fierce as wolves and tigers, stepped forward and roughly dragged Shi Taichu out of the cart.

Shi Taichu did not resist.

He allowed the executioners to escort him onto the high platform and force him to his knees by pressing on his shoulders.

The heavy shackles slammed onto the wooden board, emitting a dull thud.

On the execution viewing platform, the presiding judge glanced at the sky and slowly drew a red execution order.

The entire venue fell silent instantly. You could hear a pin drop.

Everyone's gaze was focused on the blood-stained figure kneeling on the guillotine.