Human Clan Defender

Demon-Subduing Division!

Shen Changqing!

The faces of the two youths changed abruptly.

While the name Shen Changqing was unfamiliar to them, the three words "Demon-Subduing Division" were as shocking as thunder. In an instant, their attitudes became much more restrained.

"Please wait for a moment. I will go inform the Pavilion Master immediately!" one of them said, then hurriedly went inside.

The other remained standing there.

Liu Jian saw this, and his face showed dissatisfaction, but he forcefully suppressed it.

After a short while, a burly and strong middle-aged man walked out from inside.

Upon seeing the two guests, he heartily laughed, "I had no idea that Constable Liu and the dignitary from the Demon-Subduing Division were coming today. I hope my lack of welcome is not taken amiss by you two!"

"Heh heh, originally, Liu here did not know that the Thousand Mountains Martial Arts Pavilion had become so grand. Blocking the pavilion's gate to stop this constable is one thing, but to think you would even dare to block the Demon-Subduing Division. Give the Thousand Mountains Martial Arts Pavilion some more time, and I'm afraid even the Yamen will be disregarded," Liu Jian said with a sardonic smile that didn't reach his eyes.

Upon hearing this, the smile on Pavilion Master Qianyang's face became rigid, but he quickly recovered.

"Constable Liu is joking. The people under me are not familiar with the rules. You are a magnanimous person; why bicker with them?"

After speaking, he then turned to Shen Changqing, with a polite cupped-fist salute.

"This must be Lord Shen Changqing from the Demon-Subduing Division. Not long ago, Lord Shen eradicated the Wanhua Building, a feat admired by many. Seeing you today, it is indeed true that seeing someone in person is far superior to hearing of their reputation!"

"Master Qian is too kind!"

One does not return a smile with a punch; Shen Changqing also responded with a salute.

Seeing this, Liu Jian found no opportunity to react with irritation.

From the beginning, every word Qianyang said was cautious, pushing all issues onto his subordinates. If Liu Jian continued to argue, he would appear petty.

"This is not a place for a detailed discussion. Please come inside and take a seat."

"Please."

Shen Changqing nodded.

He then followed behind Qianyang into the Thousand Mountains Martial Arts Pavilion.

SHOUT!

SHOUT!!

As soon as they stepped through the gates of the Thousand Mountains Martial Arts Pavilion, they were met with a barrage of shouting. Looking closely, they saw many wooden dummies set up around the courtyard, and bare-chested Disciples were practicing under the scorching sun.

"The Thousand Mountains Martial Arts Pavilion has taken in quite a number of Disciples."

Shen Changqing's gaze landed on the Disciples, almost all of whom had more vigorous vitality than ordinary people. In other words, these people, although not in the Body Tempering Realm, were almost there.

As for Qianyang standing beside him, since there had been no conflict, Shen Changqing could not be fully certain, but he could infer a thing or two from his manner. Most likely, he was at the peak of the Body Tempering Realm, not much different from Liu Jian beside him.

Qianyang said with a smile, "All I'm doing is trying to earn a living. Nowadays, many want to learn martial skills to protect themselves, not for anything else, but to have a better chance of surviving in turbulent times. Fortunately, my Thousand Mountains Martial Arts Pavilion has no other skills, but we do have some for strengthening the body and maintaining health. Teaching them benefits everyone all around."

"Master Qian is quite generous," Shen Changqing replied with a faint smile.

Qianyang's words were straightforward, and indeed that was the rationale.

During their conversation, the three of them had passed through the courtyard and directly entered the inner hall to sit down. Because of Shen Changqing's special status, he sat at the head of the table like Qianyang, while Liu Jian, lowering his own status, sat down on the lower left side.

Quickly, Disciples from the Thousand Mountains Martial Arts Pavilion served them tea.

Qianyang turned his head and said, "I'm not sure why Lord Shen and Constable Liu are visiting our Thousand Mountains Martial Arts Pavilion today. I believe that since the establishment of my pavilion, we have followed the laws of Great Qin and should not have any issues, right?"

"Master Qian need not worry. Constable Liu and I came here to see if there are any Demon Evils hiding within the Thousand Mountains Martial Arts Pavilion."

"Demon Evils hiding!"

Qianyang's expression changed dramatically, and the smile on his face faded considerably.

"Lord Shen must be joking. How could my Thousand Mountains Martial Arts Pavilion harbor Demon Evils?"

"Whether there are Demon Evils hidden or not is not for you to decide, Master Qian. I am here mainly to investigate, and I hope you can cooperate," Shen Changqing answered with a light smile, his expression unchanged.

Seeing this, Qianyang's face grew grim.

"Lord Shen, are you suggesting that you intend to search my Thousand Mountains Martial Arts Pavilion?"

"That is correct."

Faced with Shen Changqing's straightforward answer, Qianyang's expression grew even uglier. A search of the Thousand Mountains Martial Arts Pavilion. In his eyes, it was clearly a slap in the face.

Before Qianyang could speak, Shen Changqing continued, "Master Qian should think carefully. The investigation of Demon Evils in the city is a matter of grave importance, and no one can be exempt. If you adamantly refuse, I have reason to believe that the Thousand Mountains Martial Arts Pavilion is colluding with Demon Evils. And for those who collude with Demon Evils, as judged by the laws of Great Qin, their fate, I believe, needs no elaboration from me!"

"—"

Qianyang's face went through a whirlwind of changes. Shen Changqing's words sounded like a blatant threat to his ears. Yet, the words, though harsh, were true. Any accusation in Great Qin of collusion with Demon Evils meant only death. Having considered the consequences, Qianyang forced a strained smile onto his face.

"Lord Shen is joking. How could my Thousand Mountains Martial Arts Pavilion collude with Demon Evils? I lead a righteous life and sit with a clear conscience. Since Lord Shen wishes to search, please feel free to do so!"

"Good. Then I must trouble Master Qian to lead the way, as I am not too familiar with the Thousand Mountains Martial Arts Pavilion."

"No problem," Qianyang nodded.

At this juncture, he had resigned himself to the situation. Since he had already agreed to the search, leading the way was not an issue.

Shortly after, the two were led by Qianyang and combed through the entire Thousand Mountains Martial Arts Pavilion. In the meantime, Shen Changqing continued to expand his perception, keenly sensing for any traces of Demon Evil presence.

However, by the time they had gone through the entire Thousand Mountains Martial Arts Pavilion, he still had not detected even the slightest trace of Yin Evil Aura.

"How about it, Lord Shen? You should now believe that my Thousand Mountains Martial Arts Pavilion harbors no Demon Evil, right?"

"That was a misunderstanding on my part," Shen Changqing nodded.

Subsequently, he asked, "I wonder if the Thousand Mountains Martial Arts Pavilion has noticed anything unusual recently, or heard anything strange?"

"Unusual places, strange things?"

Upon hearing this, Qianyang immediately fell into deep thought. After a long while, he came back to his senses from his contemplation and shook his head.

"I'm sorry, but in the recent period, I have not heard of anything unusual. If there were, I would have certainly reported it to the Yamen at once."

"Then, thank you very much," Shen Changqing clasped his fist in salute.

"We have other matters to attend to, so we will take our leave first!"

"Both of you take care!"

---

After leaving the Thousand Mountains Martial Arts Pavilion, Shen Changqing and Liu Jian continued on to the next location.

Along the way, Liu Jian couldn't help but ask, "Lord Shen, is it possible that there is Demon Evil hidden within the Thousand Mountains Martial Arts Pavilion?"

"With no detection of Yin Evil Aura, there should be none," Shen Changqing shook his head.

The biggest issue with judging whether something is Demon Evil lies in the presence of Yin Evil Aura. Without finding Yin Evil Aura, one cannot affirm whether or not it is Demon Evil.

As the day passed, Shen Changqing had scoured nearly all of East City, but unfortunately found no trace of Demon Evil.

As night approached, he first instructed Liu Jian to return to the Yamen to report back, while he himself headed to the Black Tiger Army's location.

Inside the large tent, the two sat down.

"Did Lord Shen find anything today?"

"Nothing. Has General Chu received any news?"

"Just like you, I have no gains for the time being," Chu Ding shook his head, the smile on his face long gone.

Shen Changqing's expression was grave.

"The extent to which the Demon Evil in Jincheng has concealed itself is much deeper than either of us imagined. Moreover, Demon Evil can relocate, so places we have already inspected might not necessarily remain free of Demon Evil."

"Lord Shen, you can rest assured on this matter. I have already ordered the Black Tiger Army to be on high alert, guarding every location within the city, and members of the Heavenly Inspection Guard from the Demon-Subduing Division are spread throughout the city. I believe that even if the Demon Evil is truly hidden, it definitely will not remain hidden for long," Chu Ding shook his head.

Heavenly Inspection Guard?

Shen Changqing's expression showed surprise at first, then he understood.

While the Heavenly Inspection Guard is affiliated with the Demon-Subduing Division and usually only coordinates with the division's people, that does not mean they cannot liaise with other forces. It wasn't odd that Chu Ding knew of the Heavenly Inspection Guard's existence. However—to be frank, his confidence in the Heavenly Inspection Guard was not very high. He had encountered many from the Heavenly Inspection Guard, yet unfortunately, the abilities they demonstrated were somewhat disappointing.

Nevertheless, although he harbored some doubts internally, he did not voice them openly. After all, the Heavenly Inspection Guard was still considered part of his own side. Criticizing one's own people in front of the Black Tiger Army didn't seem appropriate. Therefore, Shen Changqing did not say much more.

He considered Chu Ding's arrangements to have no major issues. To locate the hiding place of the Demon Evil, the only option was to exert steadily increasing pressure and then narrow the encirclement. Once the range was sufficiently reduced, identifying the location of the Demon Evil would not be a significant problem.

After conversing a bit more, Shen Changqing stood and left.

Many matters were beyond his jurisdiction. The duty of the Demon-Subduing Division was to eliminate Demon Evil; other affairs that were not closely related to the division were not their concern.

After Shen Changqing's departure, someone quickly came in.

"General!"

"What's the situation?"

"The Scouts dispatched have sent back news. After the Barbarian Clan Army broke through the gateways of the Great Wilderness Prefecture, they have occupied several towns for rear support and supplies, fully opening the passage between the Barbarian Clan and the Great Wilderness Prefecture. At the same time, a large force of the Barbarian Clan has penetrated deep into the Great Wilderness Prefecture, causing considerable casualties. Currently, a Barbarian Clan Army is approaching from three hundred li away. Estimations suggest they will most likely be near Jincheng by tomorrow night or the day after at the latest," the man knelt on one knee and spoke solemnly with clasped fists.

As soon as tomorrow, or at the latest, the day after.

Chu Ding took in a deep breath and gestured to the man.

"Scout again. I want to know every move of the Barbarian Clan as well as the exact number and information about the Barbarian Clan Army."

"Yes!"