Chapter 953: Slaying Demons and Eliminating Evil (Continued Two)

Inside the private room, an eerie silence prevailed.

Apart from the dealer and the attendants of the gambling house, all those present were prominent figures from Guangping County.

Yet, at this moment, they were as quiet as cicadas in winter, some even trembling uncontrollably, their teeth chattering.

Shi Hong Yuan, gripped by Wang Chen at the throat, no longer resembled a human.

A grotesque mass of flesh was desperately writhing beneath the human skin, tearing through to reveal dark red tentacles that flailed about, emitting a "whoosh whoosh" sound.

Each tentacle was tipped with a mouth bristling with sharp teeth, a sight that sent shivers down the spine.

Several beautiful attendants from the gambling house were so terrified that they collapsed onto the floor, desperately retreating into the corners, their skirts now soaked.

For these individuals, witnessing the true form of a demon for the first time and not fainting on the spot was already quite an achievement.

The demon occupying Shi Hong Yuan’s body thrashed violently, hissing in a raspy voice, “Release me, or you will die!”

Though the words were threatening, the tone betrayed an underlying vanity and fear.

This was due to the Exterminating Demon Spearhead embedded within, continuously draining its demonic energy, rendering it increasingly feeble!

The creature was gripped by the terror of death!

Exiled Celestial Demons are devoid of any emotions, acting purely on instinct. However, once they occupy a human body and consume the human’s soul and vital blood, they develop desires and emotions.

Greed, gluttony, lust, cruelty, bloodlust…

To satisfy these desires, they seek to devour more humans!

And with desires comes the fear of death.

“How many of your kind are here?”

Wang Chen inquired. “If you disclose everything, I might spare your life.”

Places like the Zhuangyuan Building, known for their allure, easily attract demons, and finding one often indicates the presence of a nest nearby.

Demons share many similarities with cockroaches!

Wang Chen’s task was to completely eradicate this nest of demons, which would likely lead to solving the recent disappearance cases.

“Ha ha ha!”

Upon hearing Wang Chen’s proposition, the demon’s chest vibrated with a deep laugh: “We are everywhere!”

“Incorrect answer.”

Without hesitation, Wang Chen struck its chest, unleashing a formidable surge of energy.

Boom!

The demon’s body instantly expanded and then burst like a balloon pricked by a needle, scattering remnants of flesh across every corner of the room.

Everyone present was splattered with gore, frozen in shock like wooden statues.

However, Wang Chen, shielded by his armor, remained untouched by the filth. He grasped the Exterminating Demon Spearhead and strode to the windowsill.

In the next moment, Wang Chen flicked his wrist, sending a series of signaling fireworks into the sky.

Bang! Crackle!

Fireworks crafted from a secret formula burst into vibrant blooms in the night sky, visible even from dozens of miles away.

Wang Chen admired the display for a moment before leaping out of the open window.

Demonic energy surged within his body as he swiftly descended, and in an instant, he arrived at the entrance of the Peony Pavilion.

At this time, a small chaos erupted inside the Peony Pavilion, with numerous martial artists in tunics rushing toward the direction of the Baisheng gambling house.

Wang Chen waited at the door for a brief moment before a fully armed group hurriedly approached.

Among them were several members of the Blood Guard cloaked in robes!

Someone shouted, “What happened?”

Wang Chen stepped forward and spoke in a deep voice, “Donglu Baihu and Demon Suppression Cavalry Officer Wang Chen are here. Where is Chief Duan Yongfeng?”

The local head of the Blood Guard in the county was also known as the Wei Chief, usually holding the title of Zongqi.

As soon as Wang Chen finished speaking, a middle-aged man swiftly appeared before him, clasping his hands respectfully and saying, “Chief Duan Yongfeng of Guangping greets you, my lord. I was unaware of your arrival and apologize for not welcoming you properly!”

“It’s nothing!”

Wang Chen displayed his cavalry copper token for inspection, saying, “I just killed a demon at the Baisheng gambling house and suspect there may be other demons inside. You must immediately surround the Peony Pavilion; no one may enter or exit!”

“Ah?”

Duan Yongfeng’s expression faltered. “My lord, I came in haste and only brought a few people. What do you suggest we do about this…”

The Peony Pavilion consisted of three large buildings covering a vast area, filled with hundreds, if not thousands, of guests indulging in pleasures. How could it be simply surrounded?

Moreover, the Peony Pavilion had significant backing, and even Duan Yongfeng was wary of provoking it. If Wang Chen had brought a large troop to cause trouble, he would naturally assume his responsibilities, even if just to cheer them on.

The issue, however, was that Wang Chen was alone. Even with the Blood Guards of Guangping Wei Hall, surrounding and sealing off the Peony Pavilion was nothing but a fool’s dream.

It was impossible to control the situation!

“Use my token to summon the county office and the guards over here.”

Wang Chen remained expressionless. “Anyone who dares to disobey will be executed on the spot!”

His position as a Demon Suppression Cavalry Officer was not just a title; he had the authority to temporarily summon local forces during significant demon incidents.

Of course, this power should not be taken lightly, as he would bear full responsibility, and any mistake could have severe consequences.

Wang Chen, however, was fearless of the outcomes.

But some clearly disagreed.

“My lord!”

At that moment, a robust man with a bushy beard stepped forward, greeting, “I am Hu Mengde, the county lieutenant of Guangping. May I ask if there are indeed demons inside the Peony Pavilion?”

A cold glint flashed in Wang Chen’s eyes. “Are you questioning my authority?”

The county lieutenant, alongside the county magistrate, held considerable power over law and order, armed with both law enforcement and catchers, holding a high Authority.

And those who could serve as county lieutenants were not weak in strength.

“I would not dare.”

Hu Mengde responded with neither arrogance nor servility, “It’s just that this matter is of great importance; the county office’s forces cannot be moved lightly. I must report to the county magistrate before making a decision and hope for your understanding.”

Wang Chen said coldly, “If you continue to stall, what if the demons escape?”

Hu Mengde hesitated for a moment before steeling himself to reply, “The Peony Pavilion is of great significance; I ask that you consider this, my lord.”

“Bold!”

Wang Chen’s expression changed suddenly as he shouted angrily, “A mere county lieutenant dares to obstruct me! You must be colluding with the demons to be so audacious! Do you really think the Blood Guard can be bullied?”

Hu Mengde was instantly horrified, a deep sense of fear washing over him as he hurriedly stepped back, shouting, “My lord…”

“Anyone who disobeys shall die!”

With Wang Chen’s furious roar, a bright flash from his Yan Feather Blade instantly sliced across Hu Mengde’s neck.

The county lieutenant’s head flew up into the air, blood gushing from the severed neck.

Everyone present, including Duan Yongfeng, was left speechless, unable to believe their eyes.

“What are you all standing there for?”

Wang Chen, holding the Yan Feather Blade, said coldly, “Immediately surround the Peony Pavilion!”