Chapter 950: Slaying Demons and Eliminating Evil (Part 2)

Guangping County is one of the three top-tier counties within Donglu Prefecture.

Wang Chen had previously served in Linjiang County, which is also a top-tier county, and Guangping County matches its prosperity, even surpassing it in population. The county boasts excellent water and land transportation, attracting numerous merchants and travelers from all directions.

Recently, the Blood Guards in the prefecture city uncovered clues related to a series of disappearances, all of which ultimately pointed to Guangping County.

However, Guangping County contributes a significant portion of the tax revenue to Donglu Prefecture each year, making it essential to maintain stability here. Coupled with the fear of the perpetrator’s strength, action has been delayed until now.

Guangping is located three hundred and seventy miles from the prefecture city. Wang Chen set out in the morning, galloping along the official road, and by noon, he had already caught sight of the county’s city walls.

Like Linjiang County, the county city is situated beside the Spring An River.

In fact, both counties rely on the same river, with Guangping located upstream of Linjiang. The river is bustling with boats, and the docks along the shore are alive with activity, creating a vibrant atmosphere.

Beyond the Spring An River, the other three sides of the county city are flat plains, dotted with vast farmlands and grand estates, offering a unique and picturesque landscape.

During a rest stop on his journey, Wang Chen disguised himself as a wandering traveler. Upon arriving in Guangping, he led his yellow stallion into the bustling county city.

“Sir, do you need a guide?”

As soon as Wang Chen entered the city, several “little tails” appeared behind him, eagerly chasing after him and saying, “I know Guangping County better than anyone! I can take you anywhere you want for just ten copper coins.”

But there were competitors: “Sir, I only need eight copper coins!”

“Seven coins!”

“Six coins!”

Seeing that the kids were on the verge of a fight, Wang Chen stopped and said, “Enough arguing. Take me to the best tavern here, and I’ll give you twenty copper coins to split among yourselves.”

To avoid raising suspicions, he was currently playing the role of a newcomer to the martial world.

With his tanned skin and weathered face, he appeared to be in his thirties or forties.

“Great!”

The children cheered and eagerly led Wang Chen to the best tavern in Guangping County.

“The best tavern here is Peony Pavilion, where the drinks are the strongest, the women are the most beautiful, and the performances are the most captivating…”

As Wang Chen held the reins of his yellow stallion, he listened to the children’s enthusiastic chatter about Peony Pavilion, a faint smile appearing on his face.

He was well aware of Peony Pavilion, as the Blood Guards’ investigation had revealed that most of the missing individuals had visited this tavern, making it a prime suspect.

Peony Pavilion is similar in nature to Spring Moon Tower in Linjiang County, combining a tavern, maiden halls, and a gambling house within three buildings, offering a wide array of entertainment services exclusively for wealthy patrons.

Ordinary people don’t even have the privilege to step inside!

Upon reaching the building’s entrance, Wang Chen glanced up at the gilded plaque hanging above the door and tossed a handful of copper coins onto the ground: “For you!”

The handful contained thirty or forty coins, clinking as they hit the ground, prompting the children to scramble for them.

A server standing in front of Peony Pavilion witnessed this scene and immediately approached with a warm smile: “Welcome, sir! Please, come inside!”

Servers at such establishments are highly perceptive, able to gauge a person’s wealth at a glance.

The way the server looked at Wang Chen was as if he were staring at a big fat sheep!

“Hmm.”

Wang Chen tossed the reins into the server’s hands: “Take good care of my horse and make sure to feed it well.”

Wang Chen then tossed out a silver ingot: “Arrange a private room for me, this is your reward!”

“Right away!”

The server’s face lit up with a grin as he eagerly took the reins and the silver: “You can rest assured, sir. I’ll make sure everything is perfectly arranged. If anything goes wrong, feel free to slap me!”

With money paving the way, Wang Chen was smoothly ushered into the grand and luxurious tavern.

He was then led to a private room on the third floor.

“Bring out the finest food and drink!”

After sitting down, Wang Chen put on a ravenous and impatient demeanor, slamming a silver note on the table: “Tell your chef to show off their skills. I’ve got the silver to pay for it!”

As the saying goes, money makes the world go round. Wang Chen’s reasonable request was met with the utmost satisfaction.

Steaming delicacies were brought into the private room one after another, laid out before Wang Chen like a flowing feast.

Wang Chen dug in with gusto, thoroughly enjoying himself.

“Sir, would you like some music to liven things up?”

As the wine warmed his spirits, the tavern server entered with a group of heavily made-up maidens, bowing and scraping before Wang Chen: “These ladies are the finest in singing and playing instruments. You won’t be disappointed.”

The maidens cast flirtatious glances at Wang Chen from behind.

Wang Chen glanced at them and waved his hand dismissively. “Bring in a different group.”

The tavern server hesitated. “Uh…”

He had no choice but to fetch another batch.

Wang Chen sneered. “Peony Pavilion has such a grand reputation, yet you try to pass off these second-rate girls? Are you afraid I can’t afford the silver, or do you take me for some clueless fat sheep?”

“Please calm your anger, sir.”

The server replied with a pained expression. “I’ll head to Jinxiu Pavilion at once and bring back a few more ladies for your consideration.”

“Forget it.”

Wang Chen waved his hand carelessly. “We’ll deal with that tonight. Prepare a fine room for me. I plan to stay and enjoy myself for a couple of days!”

The tavern server quickly agreed.

After eating and drinking to his heart’s content, Wang Chen had the server escort him to Baisheng Workshop within Peony Pavilion.

Peony Pavilion consisted of three buildings: the main building for guest rooms, and the other two being Jinxiu Pavilion and Baisheng Workshop.

The former served as the maiden halls, while the latter was the gambling house.

Baisheng Workshop spanned five floors, each bustling with gamblers. According to the tavern server, the rule here was simple: the higher the floor, the greater the stakes, with everything riding on wealth and luck.

The games included dice, Pai Gow, and chess battles, among others.

Interestingly, it was the guests who gambled against each other, while the gambling house only took a cut, ensuring fairness.

Inside the gambling house, chips were used for betting.

Wang Chen didn’t rush to join the tables. Instead, he took a stroll around the first floor to get a feel for the place, then exchanged some silver notes for chips.

Just then, a gambler at a nearby table lost everything and left, so Wang Chen casually took the vacant seat.

This table was playing dice, with the dealer responsible for shaking the dice and the gamblers guessing the outcomes. Winners took chips from the losers based on the stakes, making it a straightforward yet thrilling game.

With the rattle of dice, the dealer slammed the dice cup onto the table. “Big or small, place your bets!”

The surrounding gamblers quickly placed their bets, and Wang Chen waited until they were done before tossing a stack of chips onto the table.

“Big!”

The next moment, the dealer lifted the cup.

Four, five, six—big!