Chapter 954: Slaying Demons and Eliminating Evil (Continued Three)

Thud!

Hu Mengde’s head fell to the ground, rolling several steps away, his face turned skyward in death, eyes wide open!

He likely never imagined that as a respectable county lieutenant, he would be decapitated by Wang Chen with a single strike.

This completely disregarded protocol!

However, it was Hu Mengde’s bloody head that stunned the Blood Guards and other officers present, waking them from their daze as they hurriedly began to seal off the entrances and exits of the Peony Pavilion.

Although the Peony Pavilion consisted of three buildings, the entire complex was surrounded by high walls, with only two main gates and three side doors for access. It was actually quite simple to secure it.

Yet, while the tall walls could block ordinary people, they posed little constraint on second- and third-grade martial artists, who could easily scale them from the inside.

“Gentlemen!”

As the Blood Guards began their actions, a dozen of the Peony Pavilion’s guards burst out from the main entrance. The leading martial artist asked in a deep voice, “Do you know…”

Pffft!

Before he could finish speaking, his head suddenly flew high into the air.

Wang Chen lightly stated, “Anyone who dares to speak another word will meet the same fate!”

It wasn’t that Wang Chen was bloodthirsty; rather, without a strong hand, he’d be entangled in needless delays, wasting precious time!

The guards from the Peony Pavilion instantly felt as if cold water had been splashed on them, and their heated minds quickly cooled as they retreated back indoors.

They no longer dared to show their faces.

Wang Chen leaped onto the high walls, ascending layer upon layer until he reached the top of the main building of the Peony Pavilion.

From his elevated position, he bellowed, “I am Lord Baihu of Donglu and Demon Suppression Cavalry Officer Wang Chen. I am here to investigate evil demons, and I temporarily seal off the Peony Pavilion. I urge everyone to stay within, do not run around, and anyone attempting to break through will be executed on the spot!”

Wang Chen’s voice carried a powerful energy, penetrating the walls of the building, clearly reaching the ears of everyone inside.

Immediately, the entire Peony Pavilion stirred like an ant nest scalded with boiling water, inevitable chaos erupted.

Several figures emerged from the building, leaping up to the high walls, clearly attempting to escape.

In such establishments, it was common to have a mix of good and bad, and harboring wanted criminals was normal.

Though Wang Chen claimed to be pursuing evil demons, who could guarantee he wasn’t using the name of demons to investigate criminals?

These individuals would certainly not entrust their lives to Wang Chen’s words.

Swish! Swish! Swish!

Just as these people leaped onto the walls, a volley of arrows struck from the air, their speed and power truly astonishing; by the time they realized the danger, it was too late to evade.

“Ah!”

A piercing scream erupted as one after another fell from the walls, uncertain of their fate.

Among them, one individual reacted the fastest, successfully climbing over the wall and diving into a nearby alley.

Just as he was about to vanish into the darkness and escape, suddenly, there was a loud bang, and he was struck as if hit by a massive force, uncontrollably crashing to the ground.

His back had an explosive-sized blood hole!

On the roof of the Peony Pavilion, Wang Chen stored away his flintgun, still smoking at the muzzle.

To deal with these petty thieves, arrows and flintguns proved to be incredibly effective.

With such gruesome examples set, the restless individuals inside the Peony Pavilion no longer dared to make a move.

Venturing outside meant certain death, while staying within the building might offer a slim chance of survival.

After the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, several fully armed soldiers appeared on the street in front of the Peony Pavilion.

Under the officer’s command, they swiftly surrounded the Peony Pavilion and set up heavy crossbows and formations specifically designed to counter martial arts experts.

Only then did Wang Chen descend from the roof of the Peony Pavilion and return to the front gate.

These new soldiers had been dispatched by Duan Yongfeng, who held Wang Chen’s lieutenant token from the military camp. Wang Chen instructed the officer in charge to secure the surrounding pathways before beginning the inspection of those stranded in the Zhuangyuan Building.

The method of inspection was straightforward: the Blood Guards brought people out from inside, and Wang Chen personally conducted the identifications.

He needed to determine if anyone had been possessed by demons or tainted by demonic thoughts.

Without the spearhead of the Taihao Exterminating Demon Spear, it would have been nearly impossible for him to achieve results, as many demons mingling among humans had mastered the art of concealing their demonic aura. Ordinary Demon Identification Talismans were ineffective against such disguises.

Only by using special magical tools or forcing these demonic beings to unleash their power could one glimpse the truth!

However, such magical tools were exceedingly rare, found only at the Da Wei Yamen in the county capital or within the imperial palace.

Wang Chen, of course, had no authority to borrow them.

But the Taihao Exterminating Demon Spear surpassed any magical tool; even if a demon’s aura was perfectly hidden, the spear would react within close proximity, leaving no room for error.

As guests passed through the inspection and left, they dared not linger outside to watch the commotion and hurriedly returned home.

The evening had undoubtedly been a great disappointment, but being alive and unharmed was more important than anything else.

Thanks to Wang Chen’s efficiency, the inspection process proceeded smoothly, with over a hundred guests leaving without any issues.

This situation, however, began to unsettle Duan Yongfeng, who was assisting Wang Chen.

If no demons were found after such a massive mobilization, how would Wang Chen justify his actions?

After all, he had mobilized the local military!

If higher authorities demanded an explanation, Wang Chen’s position as Lord Baihu would surely be at risk, and he might even face imprisonment…

“Stop!”

Just as Duan Yongfeng’s thoughts began to spiral, Wang Chen suddenly halted a guest who had just exited the Peony Pavilion.

The man wore a brocade robe with a jade belt around his waist. He was broad and plump, with a kindly appearance, clearly a wealthy merchant or landowner indulging in entertainment at the Peony Pavilion.

The chubby young man in the brocade robe panicked, “M-Master, please, I am not a demon!”

He was so terrified that he nearly knelt before Wang Chen.

Wang Chen smiled faintly and said, “I know you are not a demon, but could you remove the human skin mask from your face first?”

This man’s skill in disguise was remarkable, and Wang Chen had almost let him slip through. If not for noticing the subtle inconsistencies in the color of his facial skin and neck, Wang Chen would have indeed released him.

Upon hearing Wang Chen’s remark, the young man in the brocade robe suddenly roared in anger and lunged at Wang Chen.

Bang!

He collided heavily with Wang Chen, but the latter remained unmoved and delivered a swift slap.

The young man in the brocade robe was slammed to the ground, blood gushing from his mouth, ears, nose, and eyes. He lay there like a lifeless dog, his spinal bone seemingly shattered, unable to move.

Duan Yongfeng quickly stepped forward, bent down, and tore off the human skin mask from the man’s face.

A pale, unfamiliar face was revealed.

Duan Yongfeng’s eyes widened in shock: “Young Master Huadie!”