NOVEL NEXT Chapter 90: I gave you the chance, but you didn't seize it!
As soon as the words were out, Ji Youwu moved with agility, charging ahead into the manor without hesitation.
Sun Ding and the other officers followed in single file.
"Who are you?"
Two gatekeeping ruffians stepped forward with a fierce shout to stop them.
Their words had barely left their mouths when Ji Youwu and the others drew their knives and attacked.
A flash of silver, and heads rolled.
Scalding blood spilled all over the ground.
Ji Youwu and the others carried their blood-stained knives, stepping over the corpses as they walked into the courtyard.
Dong Jing alone remained motionless.
Shen Qing turned his head, leisurely saying, "Dong Chasi, why is your face so pale?"
Dong Jing, somewhat flustered at the moment, explained, "I ran all the way here in a rush, I'm just a bit tired."
"Then you're quite weak." Shen Qing casually laughed, "In this world, there's no land that's been overly tilled, only cows that are worked to death. If you continue like this, you'll end up worse than your subordinates, the officers."
Dong Jing responded in silence, lowering his head to hide the panic on his face.
He knew?
Impossible.
I've done it so secretly, the entire Iron Blood Alliance is under the thumb of my Dong Family; there's no way they'd betray me or leak information.
It must be a coincidence.
It can't be what I'm thinking.
"Don't just stand there; let's go in and take a look."
Shen Qing set off, walking inside unhurriedly.
Dong Jing collected his thoughts and hurriedly followed.
Entering the manor, Shen Qing glanced around, seeing the place brightly lit, filled with a cacophony of voices. Various people at the gambling tables were either joyful or angry, completely immersed in their games, seemingly paying little attention to Ji Youwu and his group abruptly barging in.
"Nobody move! The Guardian Martial Department is investigating a case. Violators will be killed without mercy!"
Ji Youwu's voice rang out in the gambling house like thunder, instantly silencing the previously boisterous scene.
Everyone cast astonished glances, none daring to move lightly.
At this moment, a burly man dressed in brocade and holding a string of jade beads hurried out upon hearing the commotion.
Seeing Ji Youwu and the others, he paused for a moment, then quickly put on a smile and said, "Honorable officials, what brings you here today?"
"Enough with the nonsense. We're here on official business," Tian Xiaohu stepped forward fearlessly.
As he spoke, he asked Sun Ding for the portrait of the Huang Tian Sect traitor, comparing it to the faces present, his sharp eyesight missing no detail.
As he walked, he loudly inquired, "Has anyone seen this person?"
The people in the gambling house exchanged looks, shaking their heads in denial.
Some showed curiosity, while others were disdainful, clearly not buying into this sudden search.
"Haven't seen him, we're all honest people here, where would a thief come from?"
A gambler shouted loudly, his tone carrying a hint of provocation.
The burly man, restraining his temper, smiled warmly, "We're all about legitimate entertainment here, not traitors. Could it be there's a mistake, sir?"
Saying this, he gestured with his hand.
A subordinate beside him immediately handed over a pouch of money.
The burly man stuffed the pouch into Tian Xiaohu's hand, saying, "You've come from afar, weary from travel. Here's a little token of my appreciation. Rest assured, there's absolutely no rebels here."
Tian Xiaohu remained unmoved, his gaze still firm, continually scanning the crowd.
The burly man's hand froze in mid-air, the smile on his face quickly fading.
His tone turned icy, "What do you mean by this, officer? Do you know this is Iron Blood Gang territory, the Dong Family's territory? Don't refuse a toast only to drink a forfeit. If you provoke us, turn hostile with us, there will be no good outcome for you."
"If you won't consider yourself, you'd better consider your family."
"Are you threatening us?"
Shen Qing, carrying a bow and with one hand on his sword, walked in.
The burly man recognized Shen Qing's attire at a glance, his pupils contracting slightly.
"Lord Chief Officer!"
Shen Qing didn't even bother to look at him as he brushed past, "Perfect timing. I have a young lord from the Dong Family behind me, and your boss is also here. Why not ask his opinion?"
Saying this, Shen Qing turned and looked at the burly man, "I'm giving you one more chance. Speak up, and I might spare you from death."
The burly man felt a jump in his heart, unsure of the situation.
He glanced at Dong Jing, finding no indication from him, then said, "Lord, there's really nothing here..."
His words had not finished.
With a muffled thud.
A nearby subordinate's head suddenly exploded like a watermelon, as if hit by a punch.
"It seems you have not understood my goodwill." Shen Qing lowered his hand and said, "Chen Guang, share what you witnessed here with everyone."
Chen Guang, hiding among the crowd, having been called upon, composed himself, took a deep breath, and walked forward under everyone's gaze, cupped his hands, saying, "Yes!"
Immediately, Chen Guang detailed everything he had seen and heard here for everyone present.
The burly man and Dong Jing both showed shock on their faces.
The burly man shouted harshly, "Slander! This is slander!"
Beads clenched in hand, he swung a fist toward Chen Guang.
Chen Guang was scared out of his wits.
At the critical moment, before he knew what was happening, he saw the burly man who had just struck letting out a chilling scream and being sent flying backward.
Chen Guang glanced over, seeing that the burly man's right hand had vanished, a bloody stump spraying blood.
"I gave you a chance, but you didn't seize it!"
Shen Qing wielded his knife, loudly commanding, "Search the place thoroughly, even if it means digging three feet deep, find the person!"
Just then, a faint sound came from a corner of the casino, immediately caught by Sun Ding's keen ears.
His gaze sharpened, and he swiftly rushed toward the source of the sound.
At this point, he clearly realized that the Huang Tian Sect traitor was here.
This involved his future, not allowing him any sloppiness.
Seeing the situation, the others followed suit and dashed over.
Shen Qing turned to look at Dong Jing, smiling coldly, "Dong Chasi, who do you think the young lord they mentioned is?"
Facing Shen Qing's dominance and cultivation, Dong Jing knew he had no chance of winning; his face had turned bloodless.
But with things not yet reaching the final step, he still held onto a glimmer of hope, gritting his teeth, saying, "Perhaps a cousin within my clan. Rest assured, once I'm back, I'll bring him to justice."
"Oh?!" Shen Qing cast a glance at Dong Jing, detecting a hint of fear from his behavior.
Bang, bang, bang...
Sounds of fighting echoed from the back of the casino.
It sounded like countless pieces of furniture shattering.
After an indeterminate time, the noise abruptly ceased.
A series of footsteps approached, Sun Ding, looking rather bedraggled, pulling a man with him, throwing him at Shen Qing's feet like a puppy.
He clasped his hands, saying, "The traitor has been captured. Please decide, my lord!"