NOVPUBBefore Wang Chen, a colossal cavern appeared.
The cavern was far from delicate; its walls and dome seemed to have been crudely scratched out by claws, with deep gashes peppering their surfaces, as if hastily and poorly constructed.
Hung upon the walls were lamps that burned eternally, their dim light illuminating the Blood Pool at the center of the cavern!
This Blood Pool was roughly thirty feet square, filled halfway with a dark reddish plasma.
The air was thick with the intense stench of blood.
Even more horrifying was the sight of dozens of corpses suspended above the Blood Pool!
These bodies were bound with ropes, contorted nearly into the shape of cicada pupae, with heads downward and feet upward, each skull bearing a gaping, bloody wound.
Every corpse wore a ferocious expression, eyes bulging with utter despair and pain.
And from those head wounds oozed ruby-red blood, dripping drop by drop into the Blood Pool below.
Such a diabolical sight was the stuff of nightmares!
"Sir," came a trembling voice from behind Wang Chen.
It was Duan Yongfeng.
The General Flag of the Blood Cloak Guard had descended with the sole intention of showing his valor alongside Wang Chen, feeling safe with the powerful Wang Chen leading the way.
He had never imagined that he would encounter such a horrific scene below!
Although Duan Yongfeng was no coward, the sight was still beyond his tolerance.
Without turning around, Wang Chen said indifferently, "All those missing people should be here."
He had been ordered to Guangping to investigate the disappearances, and now it seemed the case could be closed.
"It’s a pity a few got away."
Wang Chen’s gaze turned toward the direction of the right, where another dark entrance loomed, its interior obscured from view.
But it was obvious, without the need to explore, that this was certainly another escape route for the lair.
The axiom ’a crafty rabbit has three burrows’ held true; the demons that dwelt here had multiple secret passages for escape, a common practice.
The three demons he had just faced were clearly mere pawns.
The real boss had already fled the scene!
While Wang Chen felt a pang of regret, he had no intention of pursuing them.
He turned to Duan Yongfeng and instructed, "Send a message to the Prefecture City immediately, and report the situation here."
Duan Yongfeng bowed deeply, "Yes!"
Wang Chen nodded, then left the demon’s lair, filled with blood and malevolence.
What followed became a tale the citizens of Guangping would talk about for generations.
The scandal that the renowned Peony Pavilion harbored demons spread with the speed of winged rumors throughout the entire county.
In a world where martial valor was esteemed, those who trained in martial arts had courage far surpassing the ordinary, emboldened even if they knew but a few basic moves.
As a result, the throngs who came to witness the spectacle after hearing the news were numerous!
Then countless citizens witnessed a scene they would never forget.
One after another, headless snake carcasses were carried out by the Blood Cloak Guard from the Peony Pavilion, especially one black python which appeared exceptionally shocking and exuded an aura that made one instinctively fearful.
In fact, this was deliberately orchestrated by Wang Chen and the Blood Cloak Guard to confirm the guilt of the Peony Pavilion and deter any interfering powers behind the scenes.
Not only that, but treasures hidden in the secret chamber beneath the artificial mountain were also brought out,
Taken to the Defense Area for storage.
These were all evidence!
Normally, in such a seizure, both the Government Office and the guards would expect a share of the spoils.
After all, they too had exerted effort.
Yet whether it was the County Magistrate or the military leaders, all remained silent as if oblivious to the whole affair.
In Guangping County, such a significant incident had occurred; it was undeniable that they bore some responsibility.
To contest with the Blood Cloak Guards over the spoils of war would be akin to seeking their own doom!
Still, Wang Chen had Duan Yongfeng send a chest of gold and silver to the soldiers.
He also generously rewarded the constable who had discovered the secret passage!
On the recommendation of Duan Yongfeng, this constable was directly recruited into the Blood Cloak Guards.
The reaction from the Prefecture City sped up; upon receiving the news, the Pacification Commissioner Yao Peng, along with his men, rushed to Guangping city overnight, taking over the case from Wang Chen’s hands. 𝑛𝘰𝑣𝘱𝑢𝑏.𝘤𝑜𝘮
It wasn’t that Yao Peng wanted to steal the credit, but the matter was too great, and Wang Chen’s status was no longer sufficient to handle the case.
After all, Wang Chen’s contribution was sure not to go unrecognized!
Normally, as the head of the Prefecture Guard, Yao Peng could not leave his post lightly to avoid unforeseen catastrophes.
However, the severity of this case made it necessary for him to come!
The first thing Yao Peng did upon his arrival in Guangping County City was to visit the underground demon lair at the Peony Pavilion. Accompanied by Wang Chen, he inspected the corpses hanging above the Blood Pool to determine their identities.
"Well done!"
The Pacification Commissioner said to Wang Chen with a grave expression, "We are fortunate you discovered this in time, or the consequences would have been unimaginable!"
The Blood Pool in the demon lair was not created for amusement; it was known as the "Demonic Ascension Pool," a place where demons enhanced their tier and strength.
The raw material for the Demonic Ascension Pool was the fresh blood of martial artists, but not all martial artists were suitable. It was said to involve special considerations related to bloodlines and Root Bone constitutions.
The Demonic Ascension Pool was also a taboo name, and those privy to the details could not divulge them recklessly.
Yao Peng was relieved that this Demonic Ascension Pool had not yet fully formed.
That is to say, it had not been utilized by the demons who had constructed it.
"Right."
Yao Peng then handed Wang Chen an official document, "This is a decree of commendation from the Capital Guard Yamen, congratulations, Thousand Household Wang!"
Wang Chen had been promoted again!
By merit of slaying the Soul Severing Spear Huang Jue, Wang Chen had once again been exceptionally promoted to the rank of Thousand Household of the Blood Cloak Guard.
A reward of a thousand taels of gold!
This promotion made Wang Chen the youngest Thousand Household in the history of the Blood Cloak Guards.
An unprecedented achievement!
Looking at Wang Chen, Yao Peng was filled with many emotions.
A sixteen-year-old Thousand Household, even in the Imperial Capital Daye, was an explosive phenomenon!
The problem was that Wang Chen had now achieved a new feat, and this accomplishment was no less significant than killing the Soul Severing Spear Huang Jue.
What kind of recognition would he receive this time?
Yao Peng guessed that after reporting this matter, the Capital Guard Yamen would be extremely troubled.
Their rewards couldn’t keep up with the pace of Wang Chen’s achievements!
"Thank you!"
Wang Chen was very pleased as well.
Being promoted to Thousand Household meant that his Fate was bound to surge significantly.
"Let’s go."
Yao Peng patted Wang Chen on the shoulder and said, "I’m not qualified to deal with this anymore, we’ll wait for someone from above to come."
With the involvement of the Demonic Ascension Pool, his authority as Pacification Commissioner was far insufficient.
The Blood Cloak Guard from the Capital Guard Yamen arrived the next day in the evening.
Moreover, it was an elite troop, including two fifth-tier Martial Ancestors!
Now, Wang Chen had completely let go of the case; his only task was to report the details to the officials who had arrived.
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The second update is here.
