Chapter 427: Chapter 223: Chu Kingdom on the Great Tomb, Human-Demon Swallowing Demon Technique (2)

"It seems we forgot to restrain our aura and injured that Captain!"

Ji Qingyue seemed to realize why Zhou Shaobing looked like he had been crying.

Wei Fan shook his head; he hadn’t forgotten, but if he had restrained his aura, causing Zhou Shaobing to see nothing would also be problematic.

Being momentarily blinded by the brilliance of the Golden Body is not a serious injury; a few circulations of True Power would restore the eyes.

As the two entered the city, Ji Qingyue’s transcendent and otherworldly appearance drew many gazes, with people frequently turning around to look.

In fact, in these situations, not only Ji Qingyue, but even Wei Fan himself had long since become accustomed to it.

After walking for a bit, they found a decent restaurant, sat down, ordered some dishes and wine, and began to eat.

As they ate, they appreciated the unique customs of the Chu Kingdom.

"Shopkeeper, it’s time to pay this month’s protection fee!"

Suddenly, a few men with deeply reserved auras entered the restaurant, their strides steady, with thick calluses on their hands and vigorous Qi Blood—evidently Martial Artists with cultivation.

The gang was collecting protection fees!

In fact, this sort of thing was not uncommon in any dynasty, even in Nanchuan City where the Demon Hunter Sub-Hall was located. Even the tavern used by the sub-hall to mask its identity paid tribute to the managing gang.

However, Ji Qingyue furrowed her brows, not because these men were collecting protection fees, but because she sensed a demonic aura emanating from them.

Wei Fan nodded slightly, as both he and Ji Qingyue detected that odious scent unique to Demon Fiends.

His gaze swept over them and noticed that his panel did not react, meaning these individuals had no issues. Possibly, they had unwittingly come into contact with Demon Fiends, thus carrying a faint demonic aura.

Once those collecting the payments left, Ji Qingyue turned to Wei Fan and asked, "Should we go check it out?"

Wei Fan nodded, "Isn’t this the duty of us Demon Hunter Patrol Envoys?"

Demon Hunter Patrol Envoys oversee various nations, not just battlefields but also cities for hidden Demon Fiends. In fact, lately, Wei Fan’s high-profile actions were inconsistent with the demon hunter patrol role.

The role of a patrol envoy should involve moving discreetly through cities to identify problems, not just flying off anywhere he wished at a moment’s notice.

"Waiter, come here!"

He beckoned to the restaurant waiter, calling him over.

The waiter bowed eagerly as he approached, "What can I do for you, honored guests?"

Wei Fan took out a piece of broken silver, placed it on the table, and asked, "Who were those people that came to collect money just now?"

Hearing this, the waiter’s expression subtly changed, seeming reluctant to talk.

However, seeing the generous silver, he finally bit his lip and whispered, "They are from Cyan Wood Hall. If you are seeking revenge or heroics, I advise against it. Cyan Wood Hall is the largest gang in Ningzhou City; the Hall Master is said to be a Grandmaster!"

Realizing Wei Fan and Ji Qingyue were asking about Cyan Wood Hall, he thought they might be seeking revenge or, as young adventurers fresh to the Jianghu, they might be trying to act justly after witnessing the gang’s misdeeds. Thus, he cited the Hall Master’s cultivation to deter them.

Wei Fan shook his head, "We are not seeking revenge or justice. We are simply curious as to why such a large tavern would pay tribute. Do you know where Cyan Wood Hall is located?"

"..."

I almost believed your trick!

The waiter looked frightened, "I’m sorry, but I can’t tell!"

If it was just curiosity, that would be one thing; but asking for the address clearly indicated they were looking for trouble. He dared not reveal Cyan Wood Hall’s location, as any repercussions would surely bring the gang’s wrath upon him.

"You may leave now."

Seeing this, Wei Fan didn’t make things difficult for the waiter, as ordinary people stood no chance against a behemoth like Cyan Wood Hall.

After leisurely finishing their meal, they left the tavern intending to ask around for Cyan Wood Hall’s location. Just then, they saw several armored soldiers approaching, led by the Celestial Martial Artist Captain they had encountered at Ningzhou City’s gate earlier.

"Come here!"

Wei Fan waved, and Zhou Shaobing quickly walked over, bowing, "What can I do for you, Sir?"

Wei Fan glanced at the soldiers behind Zhou Shaobing, "Are you off duty now?"

Zhou Shaobing nodded, somewhat resentful. Having injured his eye, he had to let another captain take over his duties.

Wei Fan asked, "Do you know where Cyan Wood Hall is?"

Zhou Shaobing nodded, feeling both puzzled and surprised. Were these two Martial Venerables here to cause trouble for Cyan Wood Hall?

"Take us to Cyan Wood Hall!"

Zhou Shaobing didn’t refuse; Cyan Wood Hall might be powerful, but they were no match for Martial Venerable powerhouses.

He ordered his soldiers to leave first and led the way, cautiously inquiring, "Do you have a grudge against Cyan Wood Hall?"

Wei Fan shook his head, understanding that Zhou Shaobing was probing, and straightforwardly answered, "No grudge. We are Demon Hunters, suspecting that Cyan Wood Hall hides Demon Fiends. We want to check it out!"

They hadn’t disclosed this to the waiter earlier, but Zhou Shaobing was also part of the Demon Suppression Bureau, so there was no need to hide their identities.

"Cyan Wood Hall might have Demon Fiends?"

At this, Zhou Shaobing’s expression changed, "So, you are both Demon Hunters. Subordinate Zhou Shaobing greets you."

"My surname is Wei, and hers is Ji..."

Wei Fan and Ji Qingyue shook their heads, urging him to continue leading the way.

After walking for a while, they arrived at a vast manor, which also exuded a faint demonic aura. However, when Wei Fan performed the Qi Observation and Demon Identification Technique, nothing seemed out of place.

Seeing this, Wei Fan released his Heart Spirit to scan the entire Cyan Wood Hall. Still, he found no issues.

Of course, there might be problems, but his Heart Spirit couldn’t detect them.

As for the panel, it wouldn’t react to things identified by his Heart Spirit. Only direct visual contact would trigger the panel to respond to Demon Fiends.

Ji Qingyue shook her head, as she too found nothing.

Wei Fan looked at Zhou Shaobing, "Has anything strange happened at Cyan Wood Hall recently?"

If he gathered all of Cyan Wood Hall’s people and scanned them one by one, he might identify who had issues. But with so many people, it would require Ning City’s Demon Suppression Bureau to mobilize their forces and surround Cyan Wood Hall.

Currently, though, it’s uncertain if Cyan Wood Hall is problematic. Mobilizing the Demon Suppression Bureau isn’t wise.

Hearing this, Zhou Shaobing furrowed his brows in thought and said, "Strange things... I don’t know if this counts. Previously, Cyan Wood Hall rarely fought for territory; they only defended their ground.

But in the last few months, they’ve frequently clashed with other gangs, resulting in many deaths.

Many say Cyan Wood Hall is a force supported by the Ning Family to amass wealth. If there’s an issue with Cyan Wood Hall, might it lie with the Ning Family?"

Ning Family?

Wei Fan was puzzled.

Sparking battles with other gangs and resulting in numerous deaths did indeed seem suspicious.

Some Demon Fiends living among humans, to avoid detection while feeding on people, wouldn’t do the killing themselves. Instead, they controlled others to kill, consuming the corpses in secret.

Zhou Shaobing further explained, "You two don’t seem to be local, perhaps not even from the Chu Kingdom. Our Ning City’s name derives from the Ning Family, and even Ningzhou is named after their presence here.

For their contributions in founding the Chu Kingdom, the founding emperor renamed this place Ningzhou in honor of the Ning Family."

Ji Qingyue nodded, "I remember the Ning Family. They were reputed for a unique Miracle Skill, known as the Demon Refining Clan. My master once said that over a thousand years ago, the Ning Family was the foremost clan in the Chu Kingdom, even surpassing the Chu Imperial Family in power.

They weren’t just renowned in the Chu Kingdom but were a prominent family known throughout neighboring states.

But over time, the Ning Family has declined. In the Chu Kingdom, they aren’t a second or third-rate family but no longer at the peak, lacking even a Martial Venerable powerhouse."

Zhou Shaobing glanced at Ji Qingyue in surprise, unaware that she was also from the Chu Kingdom. "Lord Ji is correct. The Ning Family was once regarded as the rulers of Ningzhou. Even members of the Imperial Family had to abide by their rules when visiting Ningzhou.

But now, it’s a different story. Not only can the Imperial Family no longer intimidate them, but even some Peak Sects can take advantage of the Ning Family. They’re far from their former glory and must even support gangs to collect money."

Wei Fan turned to Ji Qingyue, "What is that Miracle Skill called?"

"I remember the Commander mentioned it as the Human-Demon Swallowing Demon Technique."

While Ji Qingyue was still pondering, Zhou Shaobing revealed the name of the Ning Family’s Miracle Skill.