Chapter 132 On the Causes of Calamity

Chen Mu raised his head, his gaze meeting Lord Wen's with composure.

"Replying to you, my Lord, there are indeed many suspicious points at the scene. The victims were all stripped of their flesh and skin, leaving only empty husks. The method is bizarre, not something done by ordinary beasts or low-level demons. Furthermore, the crime scenes are scattered, yet the times are close. The killer acts swiftly and cleans the scene thoroughly, clearly having planned this for a long time or being extremely familiar with the environment within the town."

"As for whether it is a Red Fox... this subordinate dares not make a rash judgment; more evidence is needed. However, while tracking clues last night, I encountered a fox demon outside the town that was skilled in illusion and capable of taking human form. I engaged it in battle and severely wounded it, though unfortunately, it managed to escape using a bizarre evasion technique."

"This fox's demonic power is not weak; it seems to possess a Legacy, and it may be related to the recent cases."

His words were half-true and half-false, omitting the critical detail that he had already slain the Red Fox and obtained some intelligence, mentioning only that he had severely wounded and let it escape.

This both explained any potential Demonic Qi or traces remaining on him and vaguely threw out clues about the Beimang Sect to test their reaction.

As expected, the corner of Xu Changze's eye twitched slightly, but he immediately regained his composure.

Wen Jingxing, however, revealed an expression of interest.

"Oh? There is actually a fox demon capable of taking human form and proficient in illusion? It seems this Qinglin Town is indeed not peaceful."

"For Chief Chen to be able to engage it and severely wound it, your skills are truly extraordinary."

"It is just that I wonder, Chief Chen, how you have such cultivation and insight at such a young age. Where did you learn? Are you a disciple of some master?"

The dagger was revealed; the other party had finally started to probe his background.

Chen Mu sneered inwardly, but his face remained calm.

"This subordinate comes from a humble background and has no master. My meager skills are mostly self-taught, having occasionally come across a move or two left by predecessors and Cultivating them haphazardly. I hope I have not made a fool of myself before you, my Lord."

Hearing this, the smile on Wen Jingxing's face deepened, and the look of inquiry in his eyes grew more intense.

"Self-taught? Occasionally came across something left by predecessors?"

"Chief Chen, you are too modest. To be able to Cultivate to this level on your own is a rare talent and Opportunity indeed. The Great Wu Dynasty has always valued talent. Especially for outstanding individuals like Chief Chen, who are young, promising, and have a solid foundation, it is only right that you serve the imperial court, achieve great things, and bring glory to your family name."

Saying this, Wen Jingxing leaned forward, his tone becoming even gentler.

"This official, besides inspecting the region, also has the responsibility of selecting talent for the imperial court. If Chief Chen is interested, this official could recommend you to go to the Prefecture or even the capital region."

"The Cultivation Technique resources and opportunities for experience there are far beyond what a border town like Yunmeng can compare to. With your abilities, Chief Chen, in time, you will surely shine brilliantly, and your future will be limitless."

The intent to recruit was laid bare on the table, and the atmosphere in the hall instantly became subtle.

Xu Changze kept his head lowered, his expression unreadable. However, his fingers gripping the armrests had turned slightly white, and the gazes of the two guards behind him were now slightly focused on Chen Mu.

Qi Huan was also stunned, his eyes carrying complexity as he looked at Chen Mu.

Chen Mu remained silent for a moment, appearing to consider it seriously. A moment later, he met Wen Jingxing's gaze and slowly raised his head.

"Lord Wen, I am deeply grateful for your kindness. However, this subordinate has only recently joined the Demon Suppression Division. The demonic scourge in Yunmeng has not been quelled, many cases remain unsolved, and the common people are fearful and unsettled."

"To abandon them and leave now would be disloyal. To receive such favor from you, my Lord, without having achieved even a shred of merit, would be unjust. Although I am dull, I know that loyalty and righteousness come first."

"The current priority is to work together with Officer Qi, Chief Liu, and the others, under the command of Magistrate Xu, to uncover the truth of Qinglin Town as soon as possible, exterminate the demons, and stabilize the people's hearts. As for my future... once Yunmeng is peaceful, if this subordinate still has any meager use, I will then await your orders."

The smile on Wen Jingxing's face stiffened slightly, then immediately returned to normal.

"What a 'loyalty and righteousness come first,' and 'diligence in duty'! For Chief Chen to have such a sense of responsibility at such a young age is truly rare! Since you are concerned for the people of Yunmeng, how could this official not fulfill your wish?"

"Very well, I will follow your words and quell the demonic scourge here first."

A glimmer of cold light flashed in his eyes, but his tone remained gentle.

"Magistrate Xu, you have such a capable subordinate, you must make good use of him and restore peace and joy to Qinglin Town soon. This official will linger here for a few days, waiting for good news."

"This subordinate obeys. I will certainly do my utmost to cooperate with Chief Chen and solve the case as soon as possible."

Xu Changze responded hurriedly. Wen Jingxing gave a slight nod and then dismissed Chen Mu and the other.

Watching their figures gradually disappear, the atmosphere in the hall suddenly sank.

Xu Changze's tense back relaxed slightly. He slowly sat back in the grand armchair, his fingertips trembling slightly as he picked up the tea cup that had already gone cold. Using the moment of drinking tea, he concealed the complex emotions in his eyes.

Relief, jealousy, resentment, and a trace of indescribable fear.

Wen Jingxing remained seated, but the gentle and scholarly smile from just moments ago had completely faded. After a while, he suddenly let out a soft sneer.

"He is certainly one who knows how to speak."

" 'Loyalty and righteousness come first,' 'diligence in duty'... These words completely distance himself from everything, putting the people of Yunmeng in the forefront, effectively blocking anyone from speaking further."

After saying this, he paused, a smile on the corners of his lips, his eyes lost in thought.

"It is a pity that the one thing this world does not lack is smart people who know how to speak pretty words."

"Smart people often cannot see their own position clearly, nor can they weigh their own worth."

Xu Changze hurriedly bowed, his tone carrying respect and resentment.

"My Lord, your wisdom is clear. This person appears respectful, but is actually arrogant and untamable, impervious to reason. Last night, he was even more daring and reckless. Keeping him in Yunmeng will surely disrupt the overall situation."

Wen Jingxing glanced at him indifferently, his tone full of sarcasm.

"The overall situation?"

"Magistrate Xu, is your so-called overall situation letting him kill your fox demon and almost turning your backyard upside down?"

Cold sweat immediately broke out on Xu Changze's forehead, and he hurriedly begged for forgiveness.

"This subordinate is incompetent, this subordinate..."

"Enough, this official has no time to listen to this."

Wen Jingxing waved his hand impatiently, interrupting his plea for forgiveness.

"Those few useless people from the Beimang Sect, if they are dead, then they are dead. If their hands were not clean and they suffered a backlash, they deserved it. It is just unexpected that this Chen Mu is even more troublesome than you described."

After speaking, he changed the subject again.

"How is the preparation for the offerings coming along? The patience of those above is limited, and this official cannot afford to be delayed here. The commotion in Qinglin Town over these past few days has already been eye-catching enough."

Xu Changze's heart tightened; he knew this was the true crux of the matter. This Assistant Commissioner of the Surveillance Commission appeared refined and elegant on the surface, but was actually ruthless. At this moment, he could only respond repeatedly.

"This subordinate has already stepped up preparations. Here in Qinglin Town... here, we will certainly be able to make up the shortfall. We will never delay your itinerary, my Lord, or hinder the important matters of those above."

Wen Jingxing sneered.

"Only if you get things done properly can you keep your official cap securely on your head, and only then will there be hope for the wealth and safety of your entire Xu family. If you mess this up..."

He did not finish, but Xu Changze already felt cold sweat drenching his entire body.

"This subordinate understands. Even if I have to sacrifice my life, I would never dare to fail your important trust, my Lord."

Wen Jingxing waved his hand, seemingly already tired of this act of showing loyalty.

"This Chen Mu is, after all, a source of trouble."

Xu Changze's heart leaped with joy, and he held his breath to listen.

"His talent is extraordinary, yet he is arrogant and difficult to tame. His Heart-Nature is ruthless, and he is full of cunning schemes."

"Now that he has set his sights on you and even has the intention to investigate further, keeping him will sooner or later be a problem. Although this official appreciates talent, I dislike variables even more."

As Wen Jingxing spoke, his gaze shifted to the guard who had been standing quietly by his side, thin and with sharp eyes.

"Nie Feng."