Chương 136: A Destined Encounter

Yellow Leaf Town, inside the secret passage. After a short wait, Wu Yi led Lu Ji, along with a group of soldiers and constables, inside. Looking at the hell-on-earth scene in the room, many couldn't bear it, lowering their heads and vomiting immediately. Although Old Lu didn't completely lose face, he wasn't much better off. His face was pale as a sheet without a drop of blood, and his legs trembled uncontrollably. Even though Wu Yi had mentally prepared him beforehand, the reality was too cruel.

When had Lu Ji ever experienced such a scene? Thinking about the many times he had spent with Lu Chengcai over the years, he couldn't help but shudder all over. Fortunately, I, Master Lu, only care about enjoying myself and never hindered anyone's grand ambitions. Otherwise, Old Lu would have struck me with a club and hung me upside down on that rack. That scene... I don't dare to imagine it, I really don't dare. It's still better to just take bribes and frequent brothels.

In the future, I'll just continue to enjoy life and mind my own business. That's the most proper way. Lu Ji secretly swore to himself; his hundred-plus pounds of fat wouldn't be enough to endure that kind of torment!

"Lord Lu, are you alright?" Seeing Old Lu completely panicked, Song Que couldn't help but ask. Rubbing his forehead to hide his dismay, he really wanted to say he was fine, but he couldn't get the words out. Lu Ji could only smile bitterly:"Little Brother Song, please don't laugh. I'm just not quite used to this." Patting Old Lu on the shoulder, Boss Song sighed:"Who would have thought this old man was so audacious? Today, we must uncover all of his accomplices and give the people justice."

"Rest assured, Young Master Song. I will personally write a memorial to impeach this criminal. I absolutely will not cover anything up just because he is an official."

"Then I will have to trouble you, Lord Lu." Song Que had already communicated with Wu Yi beforehand not to publicize the matter of the Demonic Cult to avoid causing unnecessary panic. Lu Ji merely thought this was Lu Chengcai's perverted hobby, feeling a surge of righteous indignation to eliminate this menace for the people.

"This is our duty to begin with. It's enough that you don't blame me for being incompetent, Little Brother Song." Song Que just smiled. If this old lecher knew this matter involved the Demonic Cult, given his personality, he would absolutely push this responsibility away. How could he speak so righteously like he was doing now?... There was no longer any business for Boss Song down here, and he had suffered enough of the foul stench in this place.

With Wu Yi bringing the soldiers, he simply left them to it and followed another passage up to the house behind the Mayor's manor. Looking around, he found nothing of value. After all, this place was just for Old Lu to pull the wool over people's eyes; keeping the layout low-key and simple was sufficient. Wouldn't being too ostentatious just attract thieves? In the middle of the night, with nowhere else to go, Song Que sat there bored to death, waiting for the others to finish their work.

An unknown amount of time passed before Wu Yi and Lu Ji finally emerged from the secret passage to find him.

"Brother Yi! Is it done?" Old Wu's complexion was still quite poor as he shook his head:"We've only finished cleaning up and taking inventory. There are still many things we haven't had time to investigate; we might have to wait a little longer." Saying this, he turned to Lu Ji:"Lord Lu, it is imperative that we report this to the County Office immediately. We should write a letter right now and dispatch someone overnight. What do you think?"

"Yes, yes, Brother Wu, you speak exactly what's on my mind! I will return to my manor to mobilize two squads of soldiers to set off tonight!" Old Lu didn't hesitate to volunteer for the task. Standing here made him feel completely unnatural; he had wanted to slip away for a long time. Now that he had a legitimate excuse, he was overjoyed. Leaving behind a single sentence, he ran off without a trace. That speed made even Song Que sigh in admiration.

"I hope the letter can arrive in time," Wu Yi sighed. He wasn't worrying for nothing. Passing through the Huanglian Mountains was never a simple task, and the town guards were just a disorganized mob that couldn't be relied upon. Fortunately, since it was nighttime, they would only have to face wild beasts; a team of twenty should be more than capable. Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.

"We were lucky to have you this time, A'Que. Otherwise, who knows how many more people this old thief would have killed."

"Heh, I just voiced my suspicions casually. The credit all goes to your hard work in the investigation, Brother Yi. You won't have to worry about your military merits this time," Song Que smiled and shook his head. Wu Yi offered a rare smile, not dwelling on the subject further, and asked curiously:"Speaking of which, A'Que, how did you sense something was wrong with this person?"

"Initially, I just found him secretive. But when we met last time, I smelled a pungent stench on his body, which made me feel something was weird, so I casually reminded you."

"Is that so? He must have been tainted by the smell from constantly hiding down here."

"He used incense on his body to cover it up, so you probably didn't notice it. But my nose is extremely sharp and couldn't be fooled. I suppose it was Heaven's will for this old thief to die. If he hadn't shown up that time, we wouldn't be investigating him like we are today."

"Hehehe, he really dropped a rock on his own foot," Wu Yi laughed happily.

"This old dog secretly cultivated to become a Third-Grade martial artist and believed he had no rivals in the town, which is why he dared to abuse his power and act recklessly. The last time you returned, A'Que, he was just about to go around capturing children and panicked, deeply afraid that you would stay and disrupt his plans. That's why he deliberately showed up to test the waters. Hehe, Young Hero Song's prestige was quite useful. Otherwise, this rat would never have exposed his tracks." So that was it.

Boss Song also felt secretly smug. This old man really knew a threat when he saw one! But it's a pity that I, Boss Song, hate evil like an enemy and couldn't spare you.... A moment later, Lu Ji led a team of men over. Wu Yi handed them a letter, gave a few instructions, and immediately sent them on their way. At this time, a constable ran over to report:"Head Constable, Lord Lu, we have the results." The eyes of the few people immediately lit up as they looked over.

"Speak!" Wu Yi commanded excitedly.

"Head Constable, this property is registered under the Black Tiger Gang. Moreover, interrogating the servants in the manor led to the conclusion that Lu Chengcai had a rather close relationship with the Black Tiger Gang. It's highly likely this gang secretly had a hand in helping him."

"Good! Regardless of whether they had a hand in it or not, they can't escape the charge of complicity. Quickly mobilize our men; we are going to capture Feng Han and bring him back for investigation! Lord Lu, what do you think?" Having broken through to a Second-Grade martial artist, Wu Yi no longer needed to tuck his tail between his legs like before. He acted with absolute decisiveness and efficiency. Lu Ji had no objections.

Although his relationship with the Black Tiger Gang was passable, it mostly revolved around money; they had no real friendship to speak of. With a monstrous case like this, he didn't dare step forward to protect the other party. He immediately washed his hands clean of it and mobilized a massive group of men, heading straight toward the Black Tiger Gang. Truly, destiny brings people together from a thousand miles away. Old Feng, it seems our destiny is not yet over.

'Great Poet' Song said nothing, just looked up at the sky and sighed, leisurely following behind the group.... The Black Tiger Gang. The entire town's soldiers surrounding the place like an iron barrel in the middle of the night naturally caused a huge uproar. Feng Han, who was resting with his wife, didn't even bother to properly adjust his clothes before rushing out to check. Seeing the people leading the group, the unease in his heart grew even stronger.

"Lord Lu, Head Constable Wu, I wonder what our gang has done to trouble you all to work so hard in the middle of the night?" Having taken so much of the man's money, Old Lu felt slightly guilty. He just turned his face away to look around, ignoring Old Feng's winking signals. Wu Yi didn't have this troublesome issue. Furthermore, he held no liking for the Black Tiger Gang. He stepped forward and shouted in a deep voice:"Members of the Black Tiger Gang, listen well!

We have solid evidence suspecting your involvement in illegal human trafficking, unlawful imprisonment, and murder! Everyone, on my command, drop your weapons and cooperate by coming with us to the Constabulary for questioning. Those who are innocent will be released afterward. Resisting arrest will increase your crime by one degree! Men! Take them all away!"

"Stop!" Feng Han shouted in panic. This matter seemed incredibly serious, and he was still completely in the dark about what was going on:"My two Lords, there must be some misunderstanding here. We are merely law-abiding businessmen! Where is the Mayor? Lord Lu can testify for me!" Old Feng, out of respect for your contributions to the town's development, this brother really wants to tell you to swallow those words. It's best if you completely wash your hands of any relationship with the Mayor.

Lu Ji, standing to the side with an expression as if he were constipated, had the heart to remind Feng Han. But with so many people present, he could only sigh, shake his head to signal him, and then turn toward the doorframe to admire the stone lion. The carving is truly exquisite, and the quality of the stone isn't bad either, Old Lu sighed in admiration. Seeing Lu Ji's behavior, Feng Han's unease deepened, but no one had the free time to explain it to him.

"Whether it's a misunderstanding or not will become clear once we investigate back at the station. Gang Leader Feng, come with me."

"No! Where is Lord Lu? I want to see the Mayor!" Feng Han shouted anxiously, while Wu Yi sneered and drew his saber.

"It seems you of the Black Tiger Gang intend to resist!"

"Lord Lu!" Feng Han called out, still not giving up hope for help. Who knew Old Lu would turn hostile at the drop of a hat, showing absolutely no hesitation:"Town guards! Arrest everyone!" Seeing the situation turning bad, Feng Han became utterly infuriated. No longer caring about soldiers, constables, or yamen runners, he roared:"Fight them! Lord Lu will uphold justice for us!" Seeing him charge forward, Wu Yi, who had been waiting impatiently, laughed loudly and swung his saber to meet the attack.

Having an opponent of this caliber to test his blade on was truly exhilarating. Clang... clash... With a sharp saber in hand, Old Wu's aura was not at all inferior to Old Feng's. The two exchanged blows back and forth, quickly becoming locked in a fierce melee. The others sensibly kept their distance, finding their own opponents and fighting so happily they forgot everything else.

After all, there was still a fat-bellied Second-Grade martial artist present—Lu Ji, respectfully known by the people as one of the Four Great Experts of Yellow Leaf. Without anyone to hold the line, the Black Tiger Gang was quickly beaten back in steady retreat, making Old Feng incredibly anxious, his heart burning like fire. We can't keep going on like this! Feng Han made a vicious resolution.