Chapter 44 Looting and Framing

44. Extortion and framing

After listening, Yun Su knew that He Chen hadn't understood her meaning, but she didn't care and didn't argue. She just hugged him even tighter!

After looking at it more closely, there was nothing else.

"Yun'er, shall we go outside?"

"Okay." But it didn't come down. So frustrating!

They could only emerge like this, with Yun Su, who resembled a sloth, through the door. The moment they stepped out, the leader glanced at them and immediately lowered his head. Sweat instantly streamed down his forehead! "Don't look at what you shouldn't see! I shouldn't have waited here!"

The other three acted as if they hadn't seen anything. The surprise in their eyes, however, instantly betrayed them.

"All the items inside the treasure vault were taken by the previous cultists; only a few cultivation manuals remain."

The leader quickly replied, "Yes, sir, cultists commit numerous evils and are insatiably greedy."

“That’s right, what’s your surname?” He Chen nodded and said, “Demons are truly despicable, they’re greedy for everything!”

"Sir, my name is Yang Dexing! I'm a local!" the squad leader quickly replied.

"Good, you'll be my adjutant from now on. Handle any issues according to the normal procedures. If you can't handle them, then let me know."

"Yes, thank you, sir. I will handle things properly and will not bother you unless necessary," Yang Dexing said excitedly, kneeling on one knee.

"Alright, you handle the rest. You write the official report, and I'll just take a look."

He Chen quickly arranged things. As for other matters, he should just focus on his cultivation. The rules of this world have always been designed to restrain the weak. Have you ever seen them restrain the strong? "Even a prince is subject to the law," have you ever seen that in any dynasty?

Therefore, at this moment, He Chen's mind was even clearer. No wonder Buddha could gather so many believers! All beings are equal, yet how many people have been fooled? All beings clearly know it's impossible, yet they still deceive themselves.

In an instant, I felt a greater sense of clarity in my heart. My entire demeanor changed drastically! Yun Su stared at me intently, her eyes growing more and more captivated.

"Sir, there's something I'm not sure if I should say!" Yang Dexing asked after a moment's hesitation.

'What is it? Please speak freely!'

Yang Dexing organized his thoughts and said, "Sir, people have been disappearing for the past few years, men, women, and children alike. At first, it was just thugs and beggars; nobody cared when they disappeared. But starting last year, quite a few young, strong men and women went missing. The previous director suppressed the issue, and we dared not get involved."

After listening, He Chen asked, "Anything else?"

Yang Dexing hesitated, then continued, "Sir, according to our unintentional observations, some of the missing people were likely abducted to Tujia Fortress outside the county seat. Furthermore, the county magistrate is from Tujia Fortress. We haven't investigated further."

After speaking, he lowered his head in shame. The locals still possessed a shred of conscience. Unfortunately, their military strength was limited.

Does the county magistrate know about this?

"Well, the county magistrate was sent directly from above, he's not a local, but quite a few people in the county government's yamen runners also reported to the authorities," Yang Dexing said after thinking for a moment.

'Okay, is Tujia Fort far?'

"Sir, Tujia Fort is not far; it's about 30 li west of the county seat."

He Chen nodded. "Come with me to the county government office." With that, he hoisted the chariot onto his shoulder.

Then he said to Yun Su, 'Su'er, you go back first, I'll come find you another day.'

Yun Su obediently shook her head, "Brother Chen, I'll go with you. I also want to see how treacherous people are in the borderlands."

'Okay, let's do it together then.'

He strode forward; the sky was just beginning to darken, and the streets were nearly deserted. A large knife slung over his shoulder; his powerful stride suggested it was time for a killing spree. If only he were at home, enjoying some meat. What a pity!

"Ghost Three, you don't need to come along. Go back first. Like I said, what I don't like, this county cannot have. If anyone insists, don't worry too much. Compile a list and give it to me tomorrow. Also, buy up ginseng and other spiritual fruits and medicinal herbs with all your might! There are many towns and villages nearby; prices will be higher, and we'll be fair to everyone!"

He Chen watched as Gui San followed behind, then turned around and said sincerely and meaningfully.

Seeing He Chen's expression, Gui San had a sudden realization. Although bound by a contract, he also needed to fulfill He Chen's request as soon as possible. "Yes, sir, Gui San will get on it immediately. The price will be absolutely fair."

"Also, all shops in the county town will be subject to a 30% tax, and all other fees will be waived. Regardless of who they are or what their background is, those who don't pay should be tallied up and given to me," He Chen added. "After so much killing, I don't want to think too much."

The cells yearn for it deep within, but the spiritual energy is mixed and scarce. What to do when resources are insufficient!

Gui San knelt on one knee and said loudly, "Yes, sir! I will certainly live up to your expectations!"

He Chen nodded and then left.

Yun Su watched everything unfold without the slightest objection or disgust.

The group soon arrived at the county government office.

"Lord He, Magistrate Meng is waiting for you inside." The yamen runner at the gate saw He Chen arrive and, knowing that he was also his superior, quickly stepped forward to say.

He Chen nodded and asked, "Is the county magistrate inside today?"

"The county magistrate is also inside today, discussing matters with you."

He Chen laughed, 'You're really dedicated!'

He then strode in. He saw He Chen enter.

Magistrate Meng said, "Lord He truly lives up to his reputation as a young hero; he has dealt with the evil spirit so quickly."

He Chen nodded, then asked directly, "Are Magistrate Meng and his assistant aware of the recent disappearances?" He then fixed his gaze on the magistrate and his assistant, deciding in his heart, "Whoever is involved today, I will show no mercy; not even Yama himself can save them."

The magistrate was taken aback, while the assistant magistrate remained calm.

Magistrate Meng then said, "We received reports from the yamen runners last year, but we haven't been able to find this missing person."

The county magistrate was old, but his beard was unusually black. He spoke slowly, "Lord He, you are young and don't know. This Huangtu County is surrounded by many demons and wild beasts, and even more so by cultists. It seems these people have been abducted by cultists to be sacrificed."

He Chen circulated his inner energy and shouted loudly into the air, "You guys participated too!"

The magistrate froze for a moment, blurting out, "No!" The county clerk froze for a moment, blurting out, "Yes!"

The same moment, a different answer. He stepped forward, grabbed the county magistrate with one hand, and lifted him off the ground!

The county magistrate instantly snapped to attention and shouted, "Let me go! Let me go now, or else, kid, you're still too green! Guards! This man is trying to assassinate an official! Arrest him immediately!"

"Are you finished? Where is the person you kidnapped?" He Chen asked slowly. This person is doomed.

"What? I kidnapped people? I've never kidnapped anyone! I'm the county magistrate, I love the people like my own children, how could I kidnap anyone!"

Suddenly, he screamed, "Ah, my arm! Ah, my thigh!"