Chapter 958: Wang Qiandu

Before Wang Chen lay an expansive underground cavern.

This cavern was far from refined; its walls and ceiling appeared as though they had been clawed out by a beast, marked with deep gouges that suggested a hurried construction.

Lanterns hung from the walls, their steady glow casting a dim light over the blood pool at the cavern’s center.

The blood pool, three yards square, was half-filled with a dark, viscous red liquid.

The air was heavy with the metallic tang of blood.

Even more chilling was the sight of dozens of corpses suspended above the blood pool.

Bound tightly by ropes, the bodies were contorted into grotesque shapes, hanging upside down with their heads punctured by blood holes.

Each face was twisted in agony, eyes bulging with a look of utter despair.

Crimson blood seeped from their wounds, dripping steadily into the pool below.

Such a macabre scene was enough to haunt the dreams of any onlooker.

“S-sir,” a quivering voice called from behind Wang Chen.

It was Duan Yongfeng.

The commander of the Blood Guard had descended with the intention of proving his worth alongside Wang Chen, feeling secure with the formidable Wang Chen leading the way.

He had not anticipated stumbling upon such a ghastly spectacle.

Though not a coward, Duan Yongfeng found this scene beyond his capacity to endure.

Without turning, Wang Chen spoke lightly, “The missing people are likely all here.”

Tasked with investigating the disappearances in Guangping, he now had the case all but closed.

“A pity a few managed to escape,” Wang Chen added.

His gaze drifted to the right, where another dark passage loomed, its depths unseen.

Without needing to investigate, he surmised it was another tunnel’s exit.

As the saying goes, a cunning rabbit has three burrows; it was only natural for the demons here to have multiple escape routes.

The three demons Wang Chen had faced earlier were mere decoys.

The true mastermind had already fled.

Though Wang Chen felt a twinge of regret, he had no desire to pursue.

Turning to Duan Yongfeng, he commanded, “Send word to the city immediately and report what we’ve found here.”

Duan Yongfeng bowed deeply, “Yes, sir!”

Wang Chen gave a nod and then departed from the blood-drenched, sinister cavern.

The events that followed would undoubtedly become a tale recounted by the people of Guangping for generations.

News of the notorious Peony Pavilion harboring demons spread rapidly throughout the county.

In a world where martial arts were revered, even those with minimal skill often displayed a boldness that surpassed that of ordinary folk.

Therefore, the people who heard the news and rushed to see the spectacle came in droves!

Then, countless commoners witnessed a scene they would never forget.

One headless snake body after another was carried out of the Peony Pavilion by the Blood Guard, with one particularly shocking black python emanating an aura that instilled an inexplicable fear.

In fact, this was done at Wang Chen’s behest, to solidify the Peony Pavilion’s crimes and prevent its behind-the-scenes forces from causing trouble.

Not only that, but the treasures hidden in the hidden chambers beneath the artificial hills were also brought out one by one.

All were sent to the Wei Hall for safekeeping.

These were all pieces of evidence!

Originally, this kind of house raid and the spoils would have allowed those involved from the county office and the Guard Office to enjoy their share.

After all, they had contributed as well.

However, both the county magistrate and the military officials remained silent, as if nothing had happened.

With such a major incident occurring in Guangping County, it would be unreasonable to claim they bore no responsibility.

If they were to dispute with the Blood Guard over the spoils, it would be akin to seeking their own destruction!

But Wang Chen still had Duan Yongfeng deliver a box of gold and silver to the Guard Office.

Additionally, he heavily rewarded the constable who discovered the tunnel!

On Duan Yongfeng’s suggestion, this constable was directly recruited into the Blood Guard.

The response from the city accelerated; that very night, Protector General Yao Peng rode in haste to Guangping County and took over the case from Wang Chen.

It was not that Yao Peng wanted to steal credit, but the incident was too significant; Wang Chen’s authority was no longer sufficient to handle it.

In any case, Wang Chen’s achievements were secure!

Under normal circumstances, as the head of the Guard, Yao Peng could not leave his post lightly to avoid unforeseen disasters.

But this case was too severe, and he had no choice but to come!

Upon arriving at Guangping County, Yao Peng’s first action was to visit the sinister cavern beneath the Peony Pavilion.

Accompanied by Wang Chen, he inspected the bodies hanging over the blood pool to confirm their identities.

“Well done!”

The Protector General said gravely to Wang Chen, “Thanks to your timely discovery, or the consequences would be shocking beyond description!”

The blood pool in the sinister cavern was not created for fun; it was called the “Demon-Raising Pool,” simply put, it was used by demons to increase their rank and power.

The pool’s material was the blood of martial artists, but not all martial artists were suitable; it allegedly had special criteria related to bloodlines and root bones.

Furthermore, the Demon-Raising Pool was a forbidden term, and those who knew the details could never leak them easily.

Yao Peng was relieved that this pool had not yet fully formed.

This meant it had not yet been exploited by the demons that built it.

“By the way.”

Yao Peng handed Wang Chen a document: “This is an award edict issued by the Da Wei Yamen. Congratulations, Wang Qiandu!”

Wang Chen was promoted again!

Thanks to his great achievement in killing the Soul-Snapping Spear Huang Jue, Wang Chen was once again promoted to Blood Guard Qiandu.

He received a reward of a thousand taels of gold!

This promotion made Wang Chen the youngest Qiandu in the history of the Blood Guard since its establishment.

He was truly unparalleled!

Yao Peng looked at Wang Chen, his heart filled with sentiment.

A sixteen-year-old Qiandu would be a sensational figure even in the imperial capital, Daye!

The question now was, with Wang Chen achieving new merits, and those merits likely more significant than when he killed Huang Jue, what kind of reward would he receive next?

Yao Peng anticipated that once reported, those at the Da Wei Yamen would surely have a headache.

Their rewards could never keep pace with Wang Chen’s speed in accomplishing feats!

“Thank you!”

Wang Chen felt very pleased.

Being promoted to Qiandu meant his fortune would surge once again.

“Let’s go.”

Yao Peng patted Wang Chen’s shoulder and said, “This matter is no longer within my authority; we’ll wait for higher-ups to send someone.”

Involving the Demon-Raising Pool, even the weight of the Protector General was insufficient.

The Blood Guard from the Da Wei Yamen arrived the next evening.

And they were a team of elite troops, including two fifth level martial sect masters!

Now, Wang Chen could completely step back; his task was now only to report the details of the case to the incoming personnel.