Water Ink Panel: Starting with Bow Technique to Hunt the Sun and Patrol the Skies
Chapter 137 - 61 The Wondrous Uses of the Demon Core

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"Convert it into cash for me?"

Shen Qing was genuinely surprised, not expecting County Magistrate Du Yuntong to have no intention of embezzlement.

However, upon reconsideration, he thought this might be Du Yuntong's means to win over the people's hearts.

Shen Qing glanced at Wang Sanbao and Li Heqing and, seeing their smiling faces, became even more certain.

Although Du Yuntong said he wanted Wang Sanbao and Li Heqing to purchase the tiger demon and convert it into cash for him, with the cunning minds of two old foxes, they certainly wouldn't foolishly buy it and take it back, risking displeasure from Du Yuntong.

After all, the tiger demon was rarely seen, and every bit of it was a treasure that anyone would covet.

The two, though called bosses, were no more than merchants with little status in Great Zhou, and to survive in Taiping County, they couldn't be unaware of the importance of having strong backing.

Most likely, the two of them would buy it and then, under various pretexts, present it again to County Magistrate Du Yuntong.

At this moment, Wang Sanbao looked at Shen Qing and asked, "Does Young Master Shen have a residence in the Inner City?"

"I am currently staying in the Outer City, and I do not have a house in the city," Shen Qing replied truthfully with a smile.

Wang Sanbao laughed, "We Wang Family have a vacant small courtyard in the Inner City. If Young Master Shen does not mind, I would like to exchange this tiger demon's tiger bone for it, along with 300 taels."

Normally, tiger bones have the effect of dispelling winds and promoting circulation, strengthening muscles and bones, and are a rare delicacy, highly effective for martial masters in solidifying their cultivation.

This tiger demon's efficacy might be even more exceptional.

Wang Sanbao recognized the value, knowing that a house in the Inner City averaged about three to four hundred taels, so together it's merely six to seven hundred taels, not much expense.

Shen Qing knew that although he appeared to be the main character today, he was actually there to support others, so he didn't haggle more and said, "Then I'll follow the Boss's lead."

"Good," Wang Sanbao immediately took out the prepared house deed and placed it on the table, saying, "Young Master Shen, you only need to sign and press your seal, and the house in the east of the city will be yours."

Shen Qing, keeping a calm demeanor, glanced at the house deed he held and sensibly didn't question why Wang Sanbao brought the deed to the feast or why even the government office's seal was already arranged on it...

Seeing nothing wrong, he straightforwardly signed his name, pressed his hand seal, and placed it in his bosom. He then cupped his hands and said, "Thank you, Boss Wang."

After Wang Sanbao's transaction, Li Heqing stepped forward and said, "Since Brother Wang took the tiger bone, then I will take the tiger skin and tiger penis. I noticed that Young Master Shen does not have a good horse, so why don't I gift you a treasured steed, along with 300 taels?"

As soon as he finished speaking, he clapped his hands.

Outside, a servant led in a prized steed.

Shen Qing gazed upon it and saw a black horse standing in the courtyard.

Its body was as black as ink, with smooth, mirror-like fur, the horse's mane was flowing, and its limbs were strong and powerful.

Even if Shen Qing was not knowledgeable about horses, he could tell this black horse was extraordinary, truly a fine steed.

A good horse was exactly what he needed, and Shen Qing beamed, "Then I shall accept graciously."

"Hahaha, Young Master Shen, talented and promising, it is this horse's honor to be your mount," Li Heqing laughed.

In just a few actions, they quickly divided the entire tiger demon.

County Magistrate Du Yuntong said, "Zhang Zao Yi, call some people to skin and debone this tiger demon for the two bosses."

"Yes, Lord County Magistrate."

Outside, officials came forward and carried the entire tiger demon to the side chambers for butchering.

As the tiger demon was carried away, the bloody smell in the hall slowly dissipated until it disappeared.

County Magistrate Du Yuntong gestured to everyone and said, "Alright, the chores are done, come over and drink, Team Leader Wang, join us too."

Wang Yanjun's face was calm, without many words, and after saluting with clasped hands, she sat beside Shen Qing.

After all, she was a female martial artist with a good foundation, Wang Yanjun's figure was excellent.

She sat upright in the chair with a graceful posture, dressed in a martial outfit, drawing unconcealed glances.

"Come, everyone, raise your glasses. Removing this demon from Taiping County is a great joy," County Magistrate Du Yuntong said loudly while raising his glass.

Everyone respectfully picked up their respective glasses with both hands, joyfully saying, "Let's celebrate together!"

Putting down his glass, Du Yuntong picked up his chopsticks to serve himself.

As the parental official of Taiping County, he essentially held the power of life and death like a powerful lord, with a pool of talent under him.

Within this Taiping County, he could decide life and death with a word.

Hence, even though he appeared approachable and casual, only after he made the first move with his chopsticks did everyone else dare to start eating, not daring to overstep.

After three rounds of drinks, Du Yuntong sighed, "It's a pity, this tiger demon is a bit lacking; otherwise, if it had refined a Demon Core, it would be a top treasure for us practitioners."

A Demon Core?

Shen Qing's eyes lit up.

Pretending to be puzzled, he asked, "What's the significance behind this?"

Du Yuntong glanced at Shen Qing and said, "To be honest, Taiping County is not the first place where monsters have appeared."

"What?"

Du Yuntong continued, "About thirty years ago, when a comet fell from the sky, records of monsters began to appear across Great Zhou. However, they were relatively weak and were quickly subdued."

"During this process, the court discovered that some cultivated spirits and demons contained Demon Cores. These cores could be brewed with medicinal soup to enhance Qi and solidify the Qi Sea, comparable to or even better than the spiritual elixirs brewed by the court. Some noble families already know about this and secretly purchase demon cores. Regardless of quality, a demon core's starting price is thousands of taels."

"Starting at thousands of taels?" Shen Qing's heart skipped a beat, feeling the red-hot inner core in his bosom become somewhat scorching.

This price was far more precious than those rare mountain delicacies.

Wang Sanbao and the others were also hearing this for the first time, secretly stunned in their hearts.

After a moment, Li Heqing asked again, "Lord County Magistrate, do you know why such abnormalities like these monsters are occurring in today's world?"

"I am not entirely clear on this; the court's Tian Ji Shu is investigating. Rumor has it that a cosmic fall caused it, and our world has been tainted by extraterrestrial demons, though the truth is uncertain. We should strive to cultivate diligently lest future calamities befall us, and we lack the strength to protect ourselves," County Magistrate Du Yuntong said, giving a few meaningful glances at the crowd, then smiled.

"Come, if the sky falls, the tall ones will hold it up. Let's drink."

"As you please, Master, we will finish ours."

After a few more cups, the atmosphere heated up a bit.

At this moment, the officers of the government office who had already dismantled the tiger demon walked in and said, "Gentlemen, we have processed your items."

Wang Sanbao stepped forward, received a wooden box, glanced inside, and then walked to County Magistrate Du Yuntong with a smile, saying, "Lord County Magistrate, there is a lot of tiger bone, why not take some for yourself?"

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