Water Ink Panel: Starting with Bow Technique to Hunt the Sun and Patrol the Skies
Chapter 206 - 32 Are you hiding something from me?

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Upon hearing this, Village Chief Zhou Baoyin's face turned pale.

However, considering Shen Qing's status, he couldn't lose his temper. He quickly waved his hand, instructing those below to comply.

Shen Qing paid no mind to these thoughts. Surrounded by Zhou Baoyin, he stepped into the grand courtyard of his house.

If he had some suspicion when he slew the Wolf Demon,

then Zhou Baoyin's eagerness to send him off just now almost confirmed that Zhou Baoyin was definitely hiding something from him.

So far, Liu Sangui hadn't appeared, not leaving the slightest trace, giving him an even worse premonition.

There was an eighty to ninety percent chance that Liu Sangui had met a foul end.

Even though he thought this, Shen Qing's face didn't reveal any emotion, maintaining his usual calmness.

Changqiao Town was located at the foot of a mountain by a river, not very convenient for coming and going with the outside world except for a single canal port.

In a way, it was like gathering ten or so Hongshan Villages together.

Broken, old.

Clusters of thatched huts, cramped and oppressive.

But upon entering Zhou Baoyin's house, it was a different scene altogether.

Just as he entered, the elegant yet luxurious atmosphere characteristic of a high-ranking household came rushing toward him.

The stone path paved with blue stones was spotless, and the flower beds on either side were lush and vibrant.

Every time a gentle breeze blew, the fragrant scent became more intense, refreshing one's mind and spirit.

The eaves of the main hall tilted upwards, and at first glance, famous calligraphy and paintings hung on the inner walls, showcasing the grandeur of mountains and rivers, the finesse of flora, fauna, and insects.

Everything around created a strong sense of disconnection from the overall appearance of Changqiao Town.

Shen Qing collected his thoughts and walked shoulder to shoulder with Zhou Baoyin into the main hall.

As soon as he entered, the servants successively brought steaming hot dishes to the large table.

Steam rising, fragrant scents wafting, making one's mouth water.

Zhou Baoyin trailed closely behind, stepping forward enthusiastically, "Lord Shen, your presence in my humble abode truly brings glory! Though the dishes prepared aren't rare delicacies, they are the best my family can offer. I hope you won't mind."

Hearing this, Shen Qing smiled, "Village Chief, you're too kind. I haven't yet tasted the local dishes here. Today is a good chance to try them."

"Lord Shen, this way, please!"

Village Chief Zhou Baoyin invited Shen Qing to sit at the guest seat, while he himself took the main seat.

It was already past noon.

Careful calculation suggested it was between the end of Wei Hour and early Shen Hour.

This time was obviously past meal time.

Shen Qing wasn't hungry, but as a martial master, his consumption was large.

After more than an hour, his stomach had emptied quite a bit, so he could still eat some.

The sun was blazing, and the bright sunlight illuminated the four walls brilliantly.

Zhou Baoyin personally filled Shen Qing's glass with fine wine, raising his glass, "Lord Shen, I toast you, thanking you for ridding Changqiao Town of the wicked Wolf Demon and ensuring peace. Please!"

Shen Qing also raised his glass, saying aloud, "Village Chief, you flatter me. Eliminating demons and safeguarding truth is our duty."

Then he and Zhou Baoyin clinked glasses lightly, producing a crisp sound, and the two drank it all in one go.

Shen Qing ate heartily, engaging in constant small talk with Zhou Baoyin.

Originally a hunter, he understood the affairs of the mountains and forests quite well. With his academic pursuit skills, he spoke eloquently at the wine table, leaving Zhou Baoyin repeatedly amazed.

After three rounds of drinks, the atmosphere grew increasingly lively.

Zhou Baoyin couldn't help but let his guard down.

At this time, Shen Qing got to the point, abruptly asking, "Village Chief, is it just this one Wolf Demon that appeared in your town?"

Zhou Baoyin, drunk, replied, "In our deep mountains and forests, how could we know? So far, we've only seen that one Wolf Demon."

Shen Qing said, "So, if I've killed that Wolf Demon, the demon menace here is resolved?"

"Of course, it's resolved."

"I feel it's not right. Wolves usually travel in packs. If this Wolf Demon is strong among the wolf pack, surely a pack would follow. If it's weak in the pack, that means there's a stronger Wolf Demon. If it's the former, well, I suppose your skills as Village Chief could handle it. If it's the latter, it's troublesome."

Shen Qing said with deep meaning, "The demon threat here isn't completely eradicated, is it?"

"Then what does the Lord Shen want?" Zhou Baoyin thought Shen Qing was after a bribe and asked probingly.

All he wanted now was to send Shen Qing off quickly, free of charge, before causing any more trouble.

Shen Qing picked up his glass, looked into Zhou Baoyin's eyes, and said with a faint smile, "As a Guardian Martial Department's official, it's my duty to slay demons and uphold justice. I need to clear all these up, right?"

In Zhou Baoyin's heart, a chill coursed through.

This official was trickier than he had imagined.

"Haha, I understand," Zhou Baoyin laughed it off, "So, how much does the Lord Shen want?"

Shen Qing shook his head.

Zhou Baoyin's heart sank, feeling that Shen Qing's appetite was a bit too large.

You're a mere official, aren't you afraid of biting off more than you can chew?

Under Zhou Baoyin's gaze, Shen Qing downed his drink in one go, saying, "Money is secondary. I just wonder, Village Chief, are you hiding something from me?"

Zhou Baoyin tensed up, feigning calmness, "Official, you must be joking. What could I be hiding from you?"

"Did you have Liu Sangui killed?"

A flicker of panic crossed Zhou Baoyin's eyes. His hand trembled as he tried to remain calm, "Official Shen, what are you talking about? I don't understand."

"If not you, what about the demon?"

Zhou Baoyin said, "Official Shen, what do you mean by this?"

"Just what it says," Shen Qing glanced at Zhou Baoyin, "Don't want to talk?"

Swish!

Shen Qing suddenly drew his dagger.

The cold light flashed, and the Guardian Martial Department's sword, with a whistling sound, accurately came to rest before Zhou Baoyin's throat.

The previously heated atmosphere in the main hall suddenly turned icy.

"Official Shen, do you know what you're doing? Killing an official is a serious crime."

For some reason, facing Shen Qing's challenge, Zhou Baoyin's agitated mood was instead dispelled, becoming calm and composed.

Shen Qing's eyes were cold as ice, "Shouldn't I ask you that, Village Chief? Aren't you hiding a lot from me?"

Zhou Baoyin's tone suddenly turned icy, "Official Shen, I kindly advise you to stop while you're ahead and not to stir up this trouble. If you refuse to see reason, don't blame us then."

"Hmm?"

Bang!

Just as Shen Qing was puzzled, a muffled sound came from the door, like a burlap sack being heavily dropped to the ground.

"Lord Zhou, how did my son die so suddenly and inexplicably? Now you've skinned him and put his hide in your courtyard. You better give me an explanation. Otherwise, don't blame me for not following the old rules."

A strong male voice came from the door.

Shen Qing turned to look, and a burly werewolf holding a servant's severed head walked in step by step.

Zhou Baoyin downed his drink in one go, "Official Shen, I already told you to stop while you're ahead. Now it seems you didn't understand my meaning."

Pfft!

Shen Qing's hand trembled, strength passing through the blade.

The cold light flashed, slicing across Zhou Baoyin's neck.

Zhou Baoyin's eyes were full of disbelief, his pupils contracting in shock.

He covered his neck with his hand, blood seeping through his fingers.

His chest heaved like a broken bellows, gasping incessantly, producing a huffing sound.

"Village Chief, it seems you didn't understand my meaning either."

Shen Qing, holding the dagger, stood up and slowly looked toward the approaching werewolf.

From the blade's tip, crimson blood dripped onto the ground, making a rhythmic tapping sound.

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