Chapter 101 Capturing the Demon Outside the City_1
Chapter 101 Capturing the Demon Outside the City_1
"Just like what was on Yuan Zhi back in those days."
Zhang the Butcher weakly retracted his hands, his voice hoarse. He had originally thought that it was because Monk Benxin had been swayed by Yuan Gang that he suppressed Zhang himself, refusing to teach him the Jade Liquid Boundary Refinement Martial Arts.
Now it seemed that it was probably his impatient and reckless character that made the direct disciples feel that he was not worthy to share the "secret technique". Even though his qualifications were good, they did not hesitate to discard him.
The other colonels and adjutant generals were somewhat confused, not understanding what he was talking about.
Shen Yi's gaze lingered momentarily on the corpse of Monk Benxin before he withdrew his attention, "Take all external disciples for questioning, and escort all direct disciples back to the Demon-suppression Bureau."
One word "take", another word "escort".
These words caused the expressions of the disciples inside the Pagoda and at the gate to polarize completely.
To be taken for questioning meant that if they hadn't done anything wrong, they would be set free once questioned.
The implication of being escorted back to the Demon-suppression Bureau was entirely different; that was the treatment reserved for demonic beasts. If the evidence was conclusive, their heads would roll.
"Officer Shen is wise!"
The external martial arts masters, lying on the ground, gasped for air. Anyone who had been involved in the martial arts world would have things they would rather keep hidden, but these paled in comparison to colluding with demons, which were just minor issues. At worst, they would spend some time in jail but would be able to keep their lives.
Inside the Pagoda, many direct disciples had already clenched their weapons, their faces showing traces of unease.
The Golden Eagle Commandants quickly moved upwards, led by the adjutant generals, their heavy Demon Suppression Chains twisting and turning like dragons, clanging loudly.
"Where is your Abbot?"
Shen Yi sheathed his Ceremonial Blade.
"..."
After hearing the name "Yuan Zhi" uttered by Zhang the Butcher.
Monk Benxin's heart plummeted, and he no longer harbored the slightest hope of luck.
He clenched his teeth and stared fiercely at the young man's profile, his expression not much different from Yuan Gang's earlier—filled with resentment and dread.
A brief exchange had already made him realize the vast gulf between them. Besides, with so many Demon Suppression Marshals here, today, escape was impossible, even if he had wings!
The other party sheathing his blade did not mean he would spare him.
It meant there was no need to waste energy on a dead man.
In Qingzhou City, what martial arts one practiced became irrelevant after laying hands on a Demon Suppression Personal Adjutant General.
Confirming his thoughts, soon enough, someone with chains meant to suppress one's core energy started binding him.
The elderly monk's breathing turned ragged. He turned his head to gaze at the beautiful Pagoda, his eyes landing on the panicked direct disciples. Once taken to the Demon-suppression Bureau, he was fully aware of the methods used against demons.
If any one of them slipped up in their words, heads would uniformly roll.
Quickly making a decision, Monk Benxin shouted loudly:
"Officer Shen seeks to settle personal scores under the guise of justice. This worthless life of mine is yours if you wish it!"
"But to tarnish the reputation of Vajra Gate, that's impossible!"
He stifled his voice and then revealed a gruesome snarl, grinding his teeth as he said, "Want to know where the Abbot is? Dream on!"
Before the sound of his voice had faded, the arms bound by chains suddenly raised, and with no hesitation, his iron palms moved towards his own jaw.
Refinement Martial Arts Masters were extremely rare, particularly those with the qualifications to step into the Jade Liquid Boundary, as most would not consider this route.
Even with his core energy firmly suppressed by the chains, the old monk still retained some strength.
The Golden Eagle Commandant holding the chains was jerked off-balance momentarily, about to reprimand when his pupils suddenly constricted.
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The old monk had forcefully snapped his own neck, his round head dangling at an extreme angle.
"Master Uncle!"
At this sight, the disciples inside the Pagoda jolted, and stood frozen on the spot.
When they came to their senses moments later, exchanging looks of shock, they quickly realized something and tossed aside their weapons.
Suppressing the terror in their hearts, even while drenched in sweat, they firmly shut their mouths.
Uncle Monk Benxin was using his life to remind everyone—
"Don't be fooled by that lackey of the Shen family!"
Is it a capital crime that warrants beheading, just because one does not cultivate the Bodhi Vajra Body?!
It is no rare occurrence for Vajra Gate to change their practices, and while not everyone might be aware of it, the Demon-suppression Bureau certainly is.
Uncle Monk Benxin and his disciples have offended them, and just now they even attacked a member of the Demon-suppression Bureau, so they're surely not going to survive tonight; but what are we afraid of? If Shen Yi had any evidence, would he have delayed in taking action?
"This..."
Hong Lei quickly walked to Shen Yi's side, his complexion looking somewhat unsightly, "I'll order someone to look into it right away."
At this point, there is no need to further discuss any issues with Vajra Gate.
As the colonels swarmed out, Qingzhou City had already entered a state of alert, not even a fly could escape.
Looking for an old bald donkey's whereabouts isn't hard, but once he leaves the city...
Even if one is extremely cautious in their actions, it's inevitable some news will slip out... Monk Benxin would rather kill himself to gain that little bit of time, to seal the mouths of his disciples. As long as the abbot could react, destroy the evidence, Vajra Gate, despite heavy losses, would still stand a chance to rise again from Dongshan.
He even took the opportunity to dig a "perverting the law for personal gain" big trap for Shen Yi!
"..."
Shen Yi glanced at Monk Benxin's body on the ground, slightly raising an eyebrow. He was only asking casually, but the reaction was quite major.
He then took out a silver bell from his waist and poured his breath into it, "I would appreciate it if you all could inform me of the news about the abbot of Vajra Gate."
A few breaths later, several messages followed the stream of breath into Shen Yi's ear.
"No trouble at all, he's at Pingkang Mountain; I met him myself just half a month ago."
"Vajra Gate has the tradition of leading devotees to imbibe the spirit of the mountains; they change locations every now and then."
"Hahaha... Truly worthy of being phony monks. Even the Daoists' techniques of breath absorption are being pilfered, but I've heard of this too. Many believers stay there for years on end, sending letters home every few months, inviting their family members to join in meditation. They occasionally visit home, but their thoughts stay with Buddha, and they soon rush back."
Qingzhou is the main city among the Twelve Prefectures, and tonight it has been stirred up into such commotion.
There still are quite a few demon hunters coming to see the commotion, and they soon provided a response.
Shen Yi put away the silver bell, but noticed that Hong Lei's expression was odd, staring at him in astonishment. "What's the matter?"
"Nothing, nothing at all."
Hong Lei waved his hand, swallowing hard.
Having been an adjutant general for so many years, he wasn't unfamiliar with demon hunters, but it was his first time seeing a silver bell in person.
Remembering those fanatics, Hong Lei shook his head. It's best not to have seen such an item at all.
One could say that the Jade Liquid Perfect Realm is merely the minimum standard for holding the silver bell; anyone who gets their hands on it and remains alive is rumored to be a Condensation Elixir Expert already.
It's not a short lifespan because of the demon hunters' strict rules.
Mainly, to stand out from the ordinary demon hunters already proves one is not quite normal, wandering alone and accidentally stumbling into a territory of a more powerful demon, not thinking of escaping, and insisting on extracting a wisp of its essence to exchange for a reward.
No wonder Officer Shen does not get along with General Chen; the problem turned out to be here.
With a peculiar look, Hong Lei bent down to pick up Monk Benxin's corpse, smacking his lips, "What's your hurry..."
Soon, all the direct disciples of Vajra Gate were bound with the Demon-Suppressing Chains.
With Monk Benxin's example before them, the colonels wrapped several extra layers just to be sure, and brought out the specially-made silver hooks that had not been used in a long time, piercing through their pipa bones.
"Officer Shen, if we are to leave the city, the Personal Adjutant General can only bring a maximum of one hundred and twenty soldiers. Three adjutants... You don't have your own force, but we can temporarily pool together some for you, though I'm afraid this number might not be sufficient,"
Hong Lei carried Monk Benxin's body and reminded Shen Yi.
It seems like this whole affair is only a step away from conclusion, but if that old bald donkey's cultivation is truly as advanced as the rumors suggest, this final step might be quite difficult to take.
Back then on Qingfeng Mountain, Chen Qiankun was the main general, responsible for all the unexpected events, beheading the sect leader, destroying the Ancestral Sword, and eventually even hunting the dragon to eliminate it. Instead, Shen Yi got ahead of him.
Now Shen Yi personally leads the colonels to vanquish demons, clearly without reporting to General Chen. While enjoying the power to make major decisions, he must also bear the same responsibilities.
If he fails, he would lose not only his life but also the dignity of the entire Qingzhou judiciary.