Water Ink Panel: Starting with Bow Technique to Hunt the Sun and Patrol the Skies

Chapter 97: Subduing Demons, Tit for Tat



Looking across, the noble officials of Yongzhou were not as expected, fat and big-eared, differing greatly from the stereotypes of the secular world.

On the contrary, each of them was very refined, with tall and upright postures, appearing with an ethereal and noble presence.

Upon closer examination, their spiritual power was not leaking out flamboyantly but was instead cleverly withdrawn into every inch of their meridians, exuding an indescribable spiritual quality, at least at the Yu Luo Realm or even the Dan Realm of cultivation.

The Ji family of Dazhou was said to control Martial Mechanism across the land, but it was clear that, for the nobility, their methods were nothing more than a formality.

Whenever they desired, the nobles had various means to obtain the cultivation resources they wanted.

While Shen Qing was observing the crowd, he keenly sensed a gaze sweeping over him from time to time.

He glancingly looked over, released his Divine Sense to check, and found that the end of the gaze was a middle-aged man.

The middle-aged man's face was like it was carved from a blade, his aura steady, wearing a long, wide robe adorned with intricate cloud and water patterns, and the dark patterns at the collar shimmered with gold thread.

From the discussions around this man, Shen Qing vaguely discerned his identity.

It was the head of the Dong family—Dong Wentian.

Shen Qing remembered Huang Furo's warning, lowered his head silently, picked up a teacup, and pretended not to know.

After a while, more people gradually arrived in the hall, and the empty seats were all filled.

The hall, which had been somewhat quiet, gradually became lively.

Shen Qing, whose status was not considered noble, became completely marginalized amidst these people, unnoticed and extremely inconspicuous.

However, Shen Qing did not mind.

He never liked to stand out.

Coupled with the fact that he had recently killed one of Dong Wentian's sons, this low profile was more to his liking.

Lord Governor Bai Mu, seeing that most of the people had arrived, cheerfully said, "Esteemed scholars and gentlemen, it is rare to gather today under one roof. Since everyone is present, let us not have the delicacies wait too long, so as not to dampen everyone's mood. Servants, let the dishes be served."

As soon as he finished speaking, not long after,

trained servants from the county government carried in the meticulously prepared delicacies one by one.

During the banquet, glasses clinked, and the guests raised their cups, saying, "Congratulations to Lord Governor for being in good health and safely leaving seclusion. It is indeed the good fortune of the people of Yongzhou to have you once again at the helm!"

"Haha, no need for courtesy, please."

The guests raised glasses with each other, and the atmosphere gradually became warm and congenial.

When the atmosphere at the banquet was fully lively, Lord Governor Bai Mu gently stroked the table and let out a long and deep sigh.

Zhou Family Patriarch Zhou Xu was the first to ask, "May I know why the Lord sighs? Now that the wise and able of Yongzhou are gathered in this hall, please share so we may discuss together and relieve your worries."

Bai Mu, with profound eyes, looked at Zhou Xu, and worriedly said, "Although I am pleased with successfully leaving seclusion, there is one matter that sticks in my throat and cannot go unspoken. Everyone knows that outside Yongzhou City, a snake demon is on the move, continually disturbing the common people, causing much suffering and unrest. If this continues, it will surely become a disaster, and you all will also suffer because of it. As the prefectural governor, I am anxious, hence I sigh."

Saying this, Bai Mu scanned the room, paused, and continued, "To be honest, the main reason I invited everyone here today is to join forces with those present to eradicate this calamity to the human world, the snake demon, and restore peace to Yongzhou! How do you gentlemen feel about this?"

As soon as these words were spoken, the banquet hall fell into contemplation.

Before arriving, many had already heard of Bai Mu's intention to make use of their help to eliminate demons.

After some pleasantries, they finally got to the main point.

The Thirteen Lines, being the most flourishing high-ranking families in Yongzhou, had accumulated considerable strength over the years.

United, they were no less powerful than the county office.

Now even the prefectural governor himself was not a match for the snake demon, and clearly, there was no one else in the county office capable of dealing with the snake demon.

There was no other way but to rely on the strength of others.

This was something foreseeable by everyone.

"Mr. Bai speaks the truth, I've heard the snake demon runs rampant outside, always lurking in the dark, with unknown intentions. For the peace of Yongzhou, the extermination of the demon is imperative. Our Zhou Family is the first willing to come forth and join you in eliminating this demon."

"Our Dong Family as well."

"Our Sun Family…"

"Our Wu Family…"

One after another, the high-ranking families stepped forth, expressing their support.

Lord Governor Bai Mu laughed heartily, "With your assistance, the snake demon is bound to meet its end. I wonder if the ancestral seniors of the Zhou Family and others are able to lend their hands in this occasion?"

Zhou Family Patriarch Zhou Xu helplessly replied, "The elders of our Zhou Family are growing old, and their Qi-Blood is gradually declining. They are now only in seclusion for rest and have long since stopped concerning themselves with worldly matters. This time we can only send our older brothers to support."

"Our family elders are in the same state, having already been over two hundred years old, merely lingering with the aid of elixirs. The task of demon extermination can only depend on the younger generation."

"Our family elders as well."

Bai Mu's expression was momentarily stunned.

The snake demon was akin to a presence at the Innate Realm. If only juniors or other ordinary martial masters went to fight it, what difference would there be from sending them to their end?

The reason he asked for their assistance this time was not just for this.

Bai Mu knew that this time he gathered many of the Thirteen Lines high-ranking families not only for their strength but more importantly to have the elders of a few families take action.

Partly to ensure a higher probability of slaying the snake demon, and partly also to weaken the strength of these people and wear down their lifespan.

These elders were all at the Innate Realm of cultivation.

If it were before, it wouldn't be an issue, as he could suppress them by his cultivation, with no fear.

But now, injured by the snake demon, though he had recovered, his strength was still significantly diminished, making it hard to suppress these local tyrants.

If he wanted to keep his official position, he had to come up with some strategies.

What's more, the snake demon had dealt him such a heavy blow that, if the grudge was not avenged, he would never be at ease.

Thus, this setup came to be.

Bai Mu, unwilling to give up, put on a stern face, pressuring them with authority and said, "Gentlemen, this is a major issue pertaining to the safety of Yongzhou. If anyone harbors doubts or believes this act is against justice, feel free to speak frankly. But I hope everyone understands that as long as this demon remains, we will not live in peace for a single day. I urge you all not to hold back at this moment."

"Mr. Bai, the obliteration of demons inherently is your responsibility. We are merely assisting. We have already offered people and strength, fulfilling our utmost duty. What more do you want?"

Zhou Family Patriarch Zhou Xu coldly retorted, challenging Bai Mu head-on, giving him no face at all.

The nobles of the Thirteen Lines caught Zhou Xu's subtle shift in demeanor, and the hall instantly became silent, with a tense atmosphere spreading within.


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