Chapter 337: All the Citizens in the City Are Not Worth One Tong Tianyou?

Chapter 337: The Entire City’s People, Worth Less Than a Tong Tianyou?

“Young man, what business do you have with our Demon-Slaying Bureau?”

Yang Guang looked at the young yamen runner and asked casually.

“Several officers have come from the south; the county magistrate wishes to meet with you to discuss a grave matter,” the young runner replied hastily.

“We’ll go see the county magistrate after we’ve met with Master Tong,” Qi Yuan said offhandedly.

Investigating the cause of Tong Youwei’s death and finding Tong Tianyou would require some clues from the magistrate as well.

The young runner’s face lit up with joy: “I’ll wait right here for you gentlemen.”

Having finally secured the presence of the Demon-Slaying Bureau, the young runner was thrilled.

As the county magistrate had said, the Demon-Slaying Bureau held the greatest power in Fengyuan, specializing in slaying demons and monsters—perhaps they could lift the siege of Zhenyang.

Zhenyang had been an isolated city for three years now.

The people of Zhenyang had long suffered under the demons.

Led by the steward, the group proceeded deep into the Tong residence in a bustling procession.

The deeper they went, the more frequently they saw burly guards patrolling, exuding a powerful blood aura.

They wore soft armor, carried fine swords at their waists, and were well-equipped.

“Your Tong family’s security seems quite tight—how could a demon have infiltrated and killed Tong Youwei without anyone knowing?” Yang Guang couldn’t help but ask.

In just this short time, he had spotted no fewer than fifty private soldiers on patrol.

The Tong residence was less a courtyard and more a large estate, complete with a training ground.

The steward lowered his head and said, “I don’t know the details of this matter, sir. There are rumors… that there was a traitor within the Tong household.

At the time, after Young Master Youwei died, the master flew into a rage and purged the servants—anyone under suspicion was beaten to death!”

Hearing this, Qi Yuan couldn’t resist saying, “This game is still too rigid. It should have a quest for us to investigate the deaths of those beaten to death—that would make for a real twist.”

An Qiao quickly chimed in, “A master’s life is a life, but a servant’s isn’t?”

Yang Guang chuckled and clicked his tongue: “No wonder everyone wants to be a powerful clan—they have soldiers, grain, and land. This Tong family is practically a minor royal court.”

The three of them communicated via telepathy.

Otherwise, if the steward overheard, he might think the court had come to suppress the Tong household, accusing them of rebellion.

They might even have to fight their way out of the Tong residence.

As a local magnate, the Tong family had nearly a thousand household troops, with over a hundred armored soldiers.

These forces were not to be underestimated.

After about a quarter of an hour, winding through the estate, they finally arrived at the residence of the Tong family patriarch.

Outside the main courtyard stood many maidservants, their expressions somber.

They seemed worried about the young master being abducted by the demon clan.

The steward couldn’t help but lament, “Our ancestors have served the Tong family for generations. If the young master doesn’t return, and the Tong family falls apart, where will we go?”

His grief was genuine.

After all, being a household servant in a powerful clan like the Tong family was far better and more dignified than being a common peasant.

“Let’s go, meet your master,” Qi Yuan said.

About a dozen breaths later, in an antique room.

Qi Yuan and the others filed in, sizing up the Tong patriarch reclining on his bed.

Master Tong was sixty years old, frail and decrepit, his breathing weak.

A white-haired woman sat by the bedside, weeping.

Though only in her forties, her skin was well-preserved, but her hair was entirely white.

This woman was the Tong matriarch, who had kowtowed every step of the way to Wangshan Temple to beg for medicine.

Seeing the visitors, Master Tong opened his clouded eyes: “Gentlemen, you must bring my grandson back.

If you do… there will be a generous reward.”

Master Tong waved his hand.

The steward gave orders, and about a dozen breaths later, several burly armored soldiers carried wooden chests into the room.

The chests were opened, revealing gleaming silver and some jewelry.

An Qiao sighed inwardly at the sight.

If she hadn’t entered the Yellow Springs world, she might have been tempted by this, but now she was unmoved.

Still, this wealth, combined with the private army, showcased the Tong family’s formidable power.

With such strength, the eldest son was murdered for no reason, and the youngest son was abducted.

Clearly, there was a deep undercurrent at play.

Yang Guang looked at Master Tong and asked softly, “Master Tong, we will find Tong Tianyou ourselves. But first, we need to know… the cause of Tong Youwei’s death.”

The white-haired woman’s hand stiffened; at the mention of her son’s name, tears fell like rain: “My poor child, carried in my womb for ten months… it’s my fault for not protecting you.”

Master Tong’s eyes also showed grief.

“Youwei… likely died at the hands of the flower demon Man Luo!” Master Tong’s eyes flashed with hatred.

Yang Guang’s eyes lit up.

Finally, key information was coming.

Qi Yuan stood quietly to the side, a thoughtful expression on his face.

His nose didn’t grow longer, indicating Master Tong’s words were true—Tong Youwei had indeed died at the hands of the flower demon Man Luo.

“And my poor grandson was also abducted by that flower demon Man Luo!” If hatred in one’s eyes could kill, the flower demon Man Luo would have been slain by Master Tong’s glare.

Mm, his nose didn’t grow longer—true words.

This quest… was it ridiculously simple?

Just ask an NPC, and you get the answer?

“Does the flower demon Man Luo have any grudge against the Tong family?” Yang Guang continued.

To uncover the truth, one must also find the killer’s motive.

Hearing this, Master Tong’s expression shifted slightly.

The Tong matriarch, who had just stopped crying, broke down again.

Master Tong’s voice grew hoarse and pained.

“In my life, I indulged Youwei in everything. Whatever he said, I agreed, afraid to go against his wishes.

He wanted a courtesan—I gave it to him. He wanted qilin blood—I sent men to hunt it in the Shu Demon Mountains.

But he… wanted to marry a demon into the Tong family.”

This was also the first time I lost my temper with him. Our human race and the demon race are irreconcilable; wanting to marry a demon into the family—no way!”

“So, the flower demon Man Luo is the one Tong Youwei loved?” An Qiao inquired.

Many thoughts flashed through An Qiao’s mind.

From her years of watching television, she reasoned that Master Tong had torn the couple apart, and the flower demon Man Luo held a grudge.

She blamed Tong Youwei for changing his heart, so she dug out his heart and snatched his son.

The matter suddenly became clear, seeming quite simple.

“Yes, at first I didn’t want her to enter our home, and Youwei resented me for it, but later… Youwei came to understand our predicament.

He treated Yunniang with respect, and after she passed, he never remarried.” Madam Tong spoke, her eyes filled with nostalgia for the past. “I truly wish Man Luo had dug out my heart instead of Youwei’s—my poor, suffering son.”

Madam Tong’s emotions grew somewhat agitated.

Qi Yuan listened to all this, but his nose did not grow longer.

This meant that what Madam Tong and Master Tong were saying now was the truth.

Tong Youwei had indeed died from having his heart dug out by the flower demon Man Luo.

“Cough, cough…” Just then, Old Master Tong coughed, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth.

Madam Tong hurried over to attend to him.

Yang Guang and the others understood that staying here any longer would be inappropriate.

“Old Master Tong, rest and recover first. We will find Tong Tianyou,” Yang Guang said, then left with Qi Yuan and the others.

“What do you think?” Yang Guang transmitted his voice.

“If what they say is true, Tong Youwei’s death is quite straightforward.

We only need to find the flower demon Man Luo, and everything will come to light,” An Qiao replied.

“Good, then let’s go see the county magistrate.

This mission’s difficulty seems not to lie in Tong Youwei’s death, but in finding Tong Tianyou.

The Shu Demon Mountain has three thousand demon soldiers—looks like it’ll be a hard battle!” Yang Guang’s fighting spirit was high.

Compared to investigating the truth, he preferred a direct confrontation.

…

On the mottled wall, traces of black blood remained, and the brick wall bore many knife scars.

The county captain, clad in armor, was burly, with sunken yet piercing eyes, but his expression at the moment was far from friendly.

“Hmph, Zhenyang has been besieged for three years. How many messages have we sent to the court? No one cared.

A child of the Tong family goes missing, and the court sends the Demon Suppression Bureau to investigate.

Heh… Are the people of this entire city not worth as much as that one Tong Tianyou?”

The county captain was especially discontented, harboring a deep disgust for the great noble families.

He had risen from being a refugee leader, once raising troops to resist the demons.

But with limited strength, he ultimately failed, entered Zhenyang City, became a county captain, and took charge of the county’s military affairs.

The county magistrate was a small old man, always wearing a genial smile: “Old Li, discontent is one thing, but when those envoys arrive later, don’t show it.”

“Hmph,” County Captain Old Li snorted coldly, his face reluctant, then turned wistful. “I understand. The people of this city cannot wait.”

In his youth, he had led over a hundred able-bodied men from his village to kill demons, defending their homes and stockades, achieving considerable success.

At that time, the authorities sent someone to offer amnesty and enlistment. He had won many battles then, proud and arrogant, naturally looking down on the authorities.

When the authorities saw the amnesty fail, they colluded with the demons, and all his soldiers died at the hands of the demons.

He had no face to return to his village.

Otherwise, when the old, weak, women, and children asked about their sons, husbands, or fathers, he would not know how to answer.

He harbored deep resentment toward Shu Demon Mountain.

Because the strategist of Shu Demon Mountain was the very official who had once tried to recruit him.

“Alas, I wonder how much longer Zhenyang City can hold out.” The county magistrate hunched his back, as if that made him more comfortable.

Just then, footsteps were heard.

The county magistrate’s spirits lifted, and his back straightened at that moment. He quickly looked toward the door and went to greet them.

The county captain also hurried after him.

“Envoys have come from afar; I have prepared a banquet. Please, envoys, enjoy!” the county magistrate said, his face beaming.

Outside were the young yamen runners and Qi Yuan’s group.

Qi Yuan’s eyes lit up: “A feast? Not bad. Having the feast early is good.”

Last time, when the game ended, he hadn’t gotten to eat at the feast.

This county magistrate had reminded him—he could eat first.

After the feast, then kill demons—how wonderful.

“Please, envoys, follow me inside,” the county magistrate said hastily.

The county captain was also sizing up the three people from the Demon Suppression Bureau, his expression grave.

Clearly, he sensed that the arrivals from the Demon Suppression Bureau were not weak in strength.

After a few brief pleasantries, everyone walked into the house.

Inside, a banquet table was set with over a dozen hot dishes, steaming. Qi Yuan and the others sat casually, the aroma wafting toward them.

“I love feasts the most,” Qi Yuan said unceremoniously, sitting down and starting to eat.

Most of the dozen hot dishes were vegetarian; only four were meat.

Qi Yuan ate with relish, but An Qiao and Yang Guang did not touch their chopsticks.

The two of them had no interest in ancient cuisine.

Moreover, the food looked quite ordinary, somewhat crude.

Seeing that they weren’t eating, the county magistrate quickly said, “Zhenyang has been besieged for three years, supplies are scarce. I have nothing good to offer. Please do not blame us, envoys!”

“I just ate; I’m not hungry,” Yang Guang replied, then picked up his chopsticks and took a piece of radish.

But the radish tasted rather bland, as if too little salt had been added.

“You’ve put too little salt in this,” Yang Guang commented casually, rubbing his bald head. The county magistrate smiled awkwardly: “Zhenyang is besieged, trade routes are cut off, and we lack private salt.”

“That serious?” Yang Guang was taken aback. Suddenly, he thought of what he had seen on the way to the county office.

It seemed he had seen no young able-bodied men, only the old, weak, women, and children.

Even the yamen runners appeared to be half-grown children.

Before the county magistrate could speak, the county captain could not help but say, “The envoys may not know, but ever since the great noble families fled south, we northerners left behind have become rations for the demons.

The city lacks grain and salt, so we have to send people out at great risk to buy grain and salt.”

The journey was fraught with peril; one misstep and you'd fall into the hands of the demons, becoming their rations—ten set out, three return, alas."

In the county constable's eyes lay a deep, helpless sorrow.

Ten teams had departed, yet only three could return with salt or grain.

The rest either met their end in demon bellies or... vanished without a trace.

Hearing this, Yang Guang's eyes blazed with fury: "These demons should be wiped out!"

The county magistrate quickly asked, "Heavenly Envoy, is there any word from the court? When will the imperial army reclaim the northern lands?"

The county constable also looked at Yang Guang with eager anticipation.

Under such stares, Yang Guang felt awkward; he scratched his head and said, "I know nothing of this matter."

Though he was of the Demon-Suppression Bureau, he was not a member of it.

When Fengyuan would reclaim the north, he naturally had no idea.

Hearing this answer, the magistrate's once-straight back hunched again, and his spirit instantly sagged.

The Demon-Suppression Bureau were the emperor's personal guards, the best-informed in the court.

If even these men said they knew nothing, then clearly... the court had never even mentioned reclaiming the north.

The last hope in the magistrate's heart was extinguished.

Then he gave a bitter smile; now, the southward migration continued, and a northern campaign was but a pipe dream.

"Have the lords of the court issued any decrees?" the magistrate asked again.

"No," Yang Guang replied, continuing to eat his radish.

The truth was, he didn't recognize the other wild vegetables and feared eating something that would make him ill.

Hearing this answer, the magistrate was momentarily speechless.

The court had simply forgotten about Zhenyang City.

Unwilling to give up, he asked again, "This time, when will the Heavenly Envoy leave Zhenyang?"

"As soon as we find Tong Tianyou," Yang Guang answered truthfully.

The magistrate's face shifted slightly.

The county constable slammed his chopsticks heavily on the table: "The court cares only about the Tong family's offspring!"

As for the city's common folk—were they ever mentioned?

The magistrate quickly rose and offered an apologetic smile: "I apologize for disturbing the three Heavenly Envoys. Please forgive me."

"It's nothing," Yang Guang replied in a low voice.

Having completed many missions, he knew well that the people in these mission worlds were real.

They were not mere data in a game.

Seeing the subjects of Fengyuan suffer, his heart was not at ease.

Just then, the magistrate spoke: "When you depart, could you take... some children with you?"

Now, Zhenyang City had no hope.

Breaking out was impossible.

Only a small elite force like the Demon-Suppression Bureau could leave safely.

The magistrate thought to use these nearly twenty Bureau members to carry out a few sparks.

Though it might only be a dozen or so people.

But to save even one life—wasn't that still living?

In Zhenyang City now, the young and strong had suffered heavy casualties.

Among those guarding the walls, only one-third were able-bodied men.

Of the remaining two-thirds, half were white-haired soldiers, half were child soldiers.

Hearing this, Yang Guang's face showed shame: "This... we cannot do. I'm sorry."

When they completed their mission, they would leave this world directly and return to their stronghold.

They could not bring anyone back.

The magistrate's body stiffened at these words, and his trademark smile vanished.

The county constable picked up his chopsticks, took some food, and ate slowly, saying as he chewed, "The Heavenly Envoy has important military affairs to attend to. How could we delay him?"

Old Li the constable's voice was rather sarcastic.

In his heart, he was deeply dissatisfied with the court.

Yang Guang grew even more embarrassed and could not speak.

The atmosphere at the table became awkward.

The group ate the feast, but the earlier warmth and familiarity were gone.

The magistrate hunched his back and said nothing more, as if whoever spoke would be the one to bear the awkwardness.

After about a hundred breaths, Qi Yuan set down his chopsticks.

"Alright, the feast is over. Now it's time for us to kill some demons!" Qi Yuan clapped his hands and stood up.

Having eaten the feast, if they didn't kill demons, wouldn't it be a free meal?

"Heavenly Envoy... you wish to go kill demons?" The magistrate was slightly stunned.

Hadn't these Demon-Suppression Bureau members come with the mission to rescue Tong Tianyou?

Why would they also go kill demons?

"Yes, I've long had a fondness for the demons on Shu Demon Mountain and plan to hunt them.

By the way, do you have a map of Shu Demon Mountain, along with their troop distribution and strength?" Qi Yuan asked, once again playing the freeloader.

"Could it be that the Demon-Suppression Bureau intends to strike Shu Demon Mountain?" The magistrate's eyes lit up.

"No, it is I who intend to strike the demons on Shu Demon Mountain," Qi Yuan said softly.

Yang Guang added beside him, "Brother Qi wishes to hunt some demons and extract their blood essence to enhance his strength."

Hearing this, the magistrate's newly kindled hope faded once more.

Extracting demon blood essence to boost strength surely meant hunting only a small number.

It seemed the court truly had no intention of managing Zhenyang City.

Still, regardless, if the Heavenly Envoy went to hunt demons, killing even one was a good thing for Zhenyang City.

The magistrate was willing to help.

"Someone, bring the map of Shu Demon Mountain!"

Before long, an overly young yamen runner delivered the map into Qi Yuan's hands.

Qi Yuan took the map: "Thank you. As payment, well, after we kill the demons, we'll leave the corpses for you—as food."

"Should I take some men to move the demon corpses?"

"Sure, Huo Mushi, haven't you always wanted to see Shuyao Mountain? This is your chance—take a few men and follow these celestial envoys." The county sheriff spoke, his voice booming.

The youth named Huo Mushi's eyes lit up, and he immediately clasped his fists: "Thank you, celestial envoys."

This Huo Mushi was the runner encountered earlier at the Tong residence, only twelve or thirteen years old, practically a child soldier.

"You're Huo Mushi?" Qi Yuan asked in surprise, a strange look in his eyes.

Huo Mushi paused: "Sir has heard of me?"

"I've heard of a Huo Mushi with the same name, but he... was a great general." Qi Yuan recalled a lesson from not long ago, when he and Ning Tao had posed as students and learned a piece of history.

In history, there was once a famed general named Huo Mushi.

This general's experiences were quite peculiar; as a youth, he received martial arts and military strategy from a divine being in his dreams.

This Huo Mushi became a leader of refugees, and at the height of his power, he commanded over a hundred thousand elite troops.

He ended an era of chaos.

In terms of achievements, he was comparable to Guo Ziyi of the Tang Dynasty on Blue Star.

But Qi Yuan didn't dwell on it.

It's a game, after all—it's normal for the setting to reference reality.

Perhaps this Huo Mushi's prototype was the real Huo Mushi.

"Call the men over. Let's go hunt demons!" Qi Yuan declared.

Full of food and drink, with strong desires, he needed to go slay some white moonlight.

"Good!" Huo Mushi quickly straightened his back, his expression joyful.

Just then, Qi Yuan asked: "Does the County Magistrate know where the flower demon Man Luo is now?"

"That demon... I've heard a little. The rumor is that the chaos at the Tong residence was caused by the flower demon Man Luo.

That demon should be on Shuyao Mountain, but as for her exact location, I do not know.

If the celestial envoy is eager to find this demon, you could go to Wangshan Temple and see its abbot.

Before she took human form, that demon lived in Wangshan Temple and had a close relationship with the abbot; he might know."

"Oh, Wangshan Temple?" Qi Yuan opened his map and spotted Wangshan Temple at once.

He wondered: "Wangshan Temple is right in Shuyao Mountain—why... do the demons still let this temple stand?"

"Hmph, because the strategist of Shuyao Mountain is a disciple of Wangshan Temple's abbot!" The county sheriff's tone turned harsh as he mentioned this.

He bore a blood feud with the strategist of Shuyao Mountain.

"This setting is a bit complicated. It seems the abbot of Wangshan Temple... is also a key quest character." Qi Yuan said casually.

With his years of gaming experience, the abbot of Wangshan Temple definitely had issues.

Yang Guang nodded, agreeing with Qi Yuan.

The county magistrate and sheriff beside them looked confused, not quite understanding Qi Yuan's words.

"Let's go. First to Wangshan Temple, then to kill demons." Qi Yuan stood up.

Yang Guang, as his temporary bodyguard, quickly followed.

An Qiao did the same.

Soon, only the county magistrate and sheriff remained in the room.

"Hurry and clean up. These delicacies... reward the soldiers on the wall; they probably haven't had meat in their mouths for a while." The county magistrate, hunched over, looked at the steaming dishes on the table, a hint of nostalgia in his eyes.

His own meals hadn't been this good in a long time; it was thanks to the Demon-Suppression Bureau that they'd prepared such a feast.

"These people from the Demon-Suppression Bureau... they're probably taking the Tong family away.

The Tong family's grain... and livestock... can they be left for us?" The county sheriff stroked his beard, his expression unreadable.

Once the Tong family was taken away by the Demon-Suppression Bureau, the city's strength would wane.

Zhenyang City... truly had no hope.

"Alas," the county magistrate sighed, "the scholar-official clans have it good."

With Zhenyang City in peril, the county magistrate often went to the Tong estate for help.

But Master Tong cared nothing for defending Zhenyang City.

He sent neither troops nor grain.

The county magistrate could do nothing about Master Tong.

First, Master Tong was a powerful clan leader with over a thousand private soldiers and a fortress within his estate; in terms of strength, he surpassed Zhenyang City itself.

Second, Master Tong held an official rank and came from a family of utmost filial piety. The Feng Yuan dynasty ruled the realm through filial piety, and such a family was a great honor, practically a death-exempting amulet.

Third, Master Tong had connections at court; if offended too deeply, the county magistrate might lose his legitimacy.

The last two points didn't bother the county magistrate.

But the first point he could not ignore.

He coveted the Tong family's private soldiers; if they would help defend the city... Zhenyang City's days would be much easier.

Alas...

(The End)