8: Li Feng is dead?

Chu Jiang's display of skill left everyone with their jaws on the floor.

Within the Demon Hunting Division, Chu Jiang was the only one of the four Head Catchers whose Physical Body was below the Seventh Stage.

Yet now, he had effortlessly defeated Liu Guangwu. Although Liu Guangwu was a newly appointed Head Catcher, his strength was not weak; he ranked second among the four.

Everyone present felt their worldview shattering; a lazy, gluttonous scoundrel was actually the strongest among the four Head Catchers.

"This..."

Among them, Ma Han was the most shocked, for he knew his master's true strength better than anyone.

At the Blood Refining stage, by relying on his Minor Achievement in the Demon Suppression Blade, he could trade blows with someone at the Middle Three Stages of the Physical Body.

Defeating someone at the later three stages was almost impossible.

Let alone doing so with such ease, using only a single finger.

It seemed his master had been hiding his strength, deliberately disguising himself as the weak one.

If not for Liu Guangwu losing his mind, they probably would never have seen Lord Chu's true strength in their entire lives.

"Ah..."

Liu Guangwu let out a howl, filled with unwillingness. A casual poke from Chu Jiang was more than he could bear.

"I'll fight you to the death!"

But at the thought of his younger sister still in his hands, Liu Guangwu's eyes turned red. Even knowing he was no match, he swung his fists and charged forward desperately.

Chu Jiang slapped him across the face, knocking Liu Guangwu directly to the ground.

"If you really want to find your sister, what's the point of fighting me to the death here? If I kill you, what will happen to your sister? You idiot!"

"You!"

Liu Guangwu was stunned. He had indeed been impulsive. Regardless of Chu Jiang's reasons for hiding his strength, if he had truly intended to kill him...

...his sister would truly have no hope left.

Just then, a runner dressed in official yamen uniform came rushing in with hurried steps.

He stopped before the two, first saluted them, and then respectfully said, "Lord Liu, Lord Chu, the Liu County Magistrate just sent word requesting both lords to head to the county office immediately!"

Liu Guangwu's face lit up; it seemed his foster father was aware of the matter.

Chu Jiang raised an eyebrow slightly, but quickly returned to a calm state, replying, "Fine, I'll be there immediately!"

With such a commotion, it would be difficult not to attract the attention of those in the county office.

The county office had four major power centers.

The County Magistrate, who held the military and political power of the entire county.

The Assistant Magistrate, who assisted the County Magistrate in managing all county affairs and was in charge of money and grain.

The Clerk of Records, who was in charge of prisons and non-demon-related arrest work.

And the Chief of the Demon Hunting Division, who specialized in demon-related matters.

Although his rank was one grade lower, his actual power was no less than the previous three.

If any of these four people stomped their feet, White Stone County would tremble.

The two arrived at Liu County Magistrate's office and found two people already standing there: the other two Head Catchers of the Demon Hunting Division, Liu Ding and Li Dagang.

"Your subordinate pays respects to the County Magistrate!"

Chu Jiang and Liu Guangwu saluted in turn. Due to the special status of the Demon Hunting Division within the county office, they did not need to kneel even when facing the County Magistrate; a cupped-fist salute sufficed.

"Liu Guangwu, your guts are truly not small today! You directly chopped off the head of a Demon Hunting Division runner and gathered a crowd to fight in the Demon Hunting Division. You have brought shame to the entire government!"

"Do you think that just because Li Feng is not here, no one can control you? Acting so recklessly—it is simply lawless!"

Liu County Magistrate was furious, his hair standing on end, his face flushed red, and the veins on his forehead bulging, looking just like an upright, righteous official.

"If you put this much effort into fighting demons, I would be gratified."

Liu Guangwu was immediately anxious and hurriedly said, "Lord Magistrate! It was Chu Jiang who instigated Zhang Liancai to abduct my sister; otherwise, none of the subsequent events would have happened..."

He was confused; his foster father usually treated him well. He had expected him to stand up and accuse Chu Jiang, but instead, he had scolded him severely. What was the logic in this?

"Shut your mouth!"

"Do you have any evidence? Did you see Head Catcher Chu abduct your sister with your own eyes, or did you see Zhang Liancai do it?"

"With no evidence, you act with the rage of a brute and kill an official runner of the county office. You are truly foolish beyond measure!"

"Who gave you the guts, huh..."

Liu County Magistrate was furious once again. The teacup in his hand was smashed heavily onto the ground, splashing everywhere. His already stern face was now terrifyingly dark.

"The Imperial Court has its laws. If everyone were like you, killing without trial, wouldn't the world be in chaos?"

"Today, you killed an official runner on your own authority. According to the law, you should be thrown into the prison!"

Liu Guangwu was scolded so badly he didn't dare to breathe, cold sweat beading on his face. This time, his rage had indeed clouded his judgment, and he hadn't considered the consequences.

Liu County Magistrate suddenly changed the subject, looking at Chu Jiang, "Wouldn't you say so, Head Catcher Chu?"

Chu Jiang smiled. He hadn't expected to walk into such a performance upon entering.

Those who could become high-level officials in the county office were truly not simple characters.

It looked like he was scolding Liu Guangwu, but in reality, he was protecting him.

Chu Jiang spoke up, "Head Catcher Liu was only desperate to save his sister, which is why he made such a grave mistake. As for throwing him into prison, that seems a bit harsh."

"After the Magistrate's guidance, I believe he understands the stakes and knows the importance of the Imperial Court's laws. He will surely not dare to commit such an offense again in the future!"

Liu County Magistrate seemed very satisfied with Chu Jiang's answer and smiled at Liu Guangwu, "Why haven't you thanked Head Catcher Chu for his leniency? If it weren't for his magnanimity in not holding it against you, would you still be alive?"

Liu Guangwu didn't know what was wrong with his foster father. Why did his words seem to carry a hint of fear towards Chu Jiang? His sister hadn't been found, yet he had to apologize to him.

This made him feel extremely humiliated, but he could not disobey his foster father's words.

"Many thanks... Brother Chu, for your magnanimity!"

He said every word through gritted teeth, feeling both ashamed and stifled.

After saying these words, he felt his whole body go limp, his spirit dimming significantly.

Liu Ding and Li Dagang also frowned deeply. The County Magistrate was famously protective of his own, yet today he was amiable to the culprit, Chu Jiang.

They knew Chu Jiang had a special relationship with demons, but compared to the four giants of the county office, he wasn't on the same level.

Whoever the spokesperson was, it was ultimately the result of deliberations among the Magistrate and the others.

If they were dissatisfied or if there were signs of backlash, they could just kill him and replace him. Why treat him with such courtesy?

Could it be that this Chu Jiang had some mysterious identity they didn't know about?

Liu County Magistrate ignored Liu Guangwu's fatigue and continued, "Actually, I called you all here this time because there is an important matter to announce."

"If not for the fight that happened in the Demon Hunting Division today, I would have brought this up first."

"Might I ask what matter the Magistrate is referring to?" Liu Ding looked at Liu County Magistrate. Gathering all four Head Catchers of the Demon Hunting Division together—anyone could tell with their eyes closed that it was a big deal.

"Could it be that demons are invading on a large scale?"

Li Dagang's face turned pale. If demons were truly invading on a large scale, relying solely on the hundred or so people in their Demon Hunting Division would be like a mantis trying to stop a chariot.

Chu Jiang's eyes lit up. If that were really the case, he would strike it rich.

Others feared demons, but he certainly did not.

Usually, these demons hid in the deep mountains and old forests, only coming out to forage; they were rarely seen.

Every time, it was the demons who came to find the original owner, and the original owner would take them to feast.

"That's not it. If demons were truly invading on a large scale, the Imperial Court would definitely send experts to support us, which is something the nearby major demons would not want to see."

Liu County Magistrate paused for a moment, then continued, "You haven't seen Li Feng, the Chief of your Demon Hunting Division, for a few days, have you?"

"It's been almost half a month."

Chu Jiang also noticed something was amiss. Usually, when Li Feng went out on business, he would return in three days at most. This time was indeed a bit unusual.

Liu County Magistrate sighed.

"He is dead!"