Chapter 485 - 484: Forcing It...

Chapter 485: Chapter 484: Forcing It...

The Guards were stunned and drew their blades to strike.

The tiger dodged nimbly and took one of them down in a couple of moves.

Another Guard rushed to help, only to have his wrist seized. A hard twist, and it was dislocated.

Ever since dislocating Dong Rui’s joints last time, Hee Lingchuan had found the move to be quite effective.

As the man cried out in pain, he followed up with a punch to the jaw, knocking him out instantly.

Of course, this Guard was a bit stronger than Dong Rui, so Hee Lingchuan had to use a little more force to take him down.

The gap in strength between the two sides was enormous.

How could the other Lingxu City Guards have ever suffered such humiliation? They roared and charged forward, slashing with their blades.

The Chiyan Army troops Jiao Yu had brought weren’t just for show either. Their commander waved his hand, and over a hundred men pushed forward to meet them.

The courtyard wasn’t large, and it instantly descended into chaos.

Zhongsun Mou, furious, aimed and shot two Water Arrows at Hee Lingchuan, who dodged them with a simple twist of his body.

"Hee! How dare you attack an Upper Envoy!"

There were over a hundred people between them. Hee Lingchuan couldn’t be bothered with him, so he just cleaned out his ear and started walking back.

Zhongsun Mou was enraged. He crouched down, placed a hand on the ground, and chanted a few lines of a Mantra.

The ground suddenly frosted over with solid ice.

The sheet of ice spread rapidly toward the side room. Everything in its path, whether trees, rocks, or the soldiers of the Chiyan Kingdom, began to freeze from the bottom up wherever they touched the ground.

Even the Chiyan Army soldiers who weren’t completely frozen felt as if they had been plunged into an ice cellar. Their movements became sluggish, their strength waned, and even turning around was a couple of beats slower than before.

Not to mention, even breathing became difficult.

This was the Ice Condensation Technique of the Merfolk Race, notable for its wide area of effect and excellent enemy-hindering capabilities.

Hindering so many people at once was no simple feat for anyone. However, this inn was built right by the water, next to a large lake, making the air exceptionally humid. The heavy fog today further amplified the Spells of a Merfolk.

Even with the protection of their Primordial Power, the Chiyan Army couldn’t completely negate the negative effects.

Of course, the Spell had a limited duration.

Zhongsun Mou’s Guards seized the opportunity to force their way past the line and charge into the side room.

The Chiyan Soldiers dared to intercept them, but they didn’t dare to attack Zhongsun Mou, who was causing trouble from the rear.

A Lingxu City Inspection Envoy—what general from any Demon Kingdom would truly dare to offend him lightly?

Just as the ice was about to reach the door of the side room, Hee Lingchuan spun around and flicked several small stones at Zhongsun Mou.

They were incredibly fast.

"Watch out!" A Guard at his side raised his blade and knocked them away.

After blocking three in a row, though the pebbles were all deflected, the web of his thumb was numb from the impacts, and he almost lost his grip on his blade.

’This guy’s strength is incredible!’

A fourth stone came flying. The Guard had no choice but to steel himself and swing his blade again.

But this stone shattered on impact, releasing a plume of yellow smoke that, carried by the wind, WHOOSHED right into their faces!

"BLEGH..." From Zhongsun Mou to his dozen or so guards, everyone began to retch uncontrollably.

Primordial Power could reduce physical or Divine Technique damage from an enemy and weaken the effects of poisons and curses, but a foul stench...

A stench didn’t cause any actual harm, so it wasn’t among the things Primordial Power could defend against. It would only trigger a strong physiological reaction.

Hee Lingchuan had improved his "Stink Bomb" several times to get to this current version. The odor was stronger, and the dosage was more precise and efficient, unlike before when he would just toss a whole bag, which tended to alert his opponents.

With the spellcasting interrupted, the Ice Condensation Technique could not continue. The restraints on the Chiyan Soldiers vanished, and they immediately gained the upper hand.

Although Hee Lingchuan had considered the wind direction before acting—the lake breeze was blowing toward Zhongsun Mou—none of the Chiyan Soldiers dared to approach after seeing their predicament.

Zhongsun Mou couldn’t stop vomiting, the stench so bad his eyes were rolling back in his head.

’He never would have imagined that the dignified Crown Prince Envoy would resort to such a low-class tactic.’

’Just as expected of one of Fushan Yue’s men. A pair of scoundrels, indeed!’

Hee Lingchuan flicked his wrist, and two Sleeve Arrows shot out, embedding themselves in the tree trunk just past Zhongsun Mou’s cheeks. "One more step, and I’ll nail you to that tree!"

The breeze from the arrows rustled the hair at Zhongsun Mou’s temples, but they hadn’t harmed him in the slightest.

With that said, Hee Lingchuan entered the room.

The battle was contained outside. Inside this side room sat another person, his jaw covered in bluish stubble, his hands and feet bound in iron chains.

Runes were engraved on the chains, glowing faintly and then dimming. The ends of the chains pierced through the prisoner’s collarbones.

He had heard and seen the commotion outside, but his expression was indifferent, as if it had nothing to do with him.

Hee Lingchuan walked up to him, casually grabbed a chair, and sat down. "You’re Fu Songhua? Another one hiding in plain sight. Your business is quite successful, much better than Hong Chenglu’s."

Only at the mention of Hong Chenglu’s name did Fu Songhua’s jaw twitch.

"I am the Special Envoy sent by Crown Prince Fushan Yue to investigate a case. If you have been wronged, just tell me."

Fu Songhua remained silent.

Hee Lingchuan had to ask again, "Did you really kill the Messenger from Lingxu City?"

This time, the answer came quickly. "I did."

From outside, Zhongsun Mou’s mocking laughter could be heard.

"Is Mr. Mai your subordinate?"

"Yes."

"Last spring, where did he commit his crime?"

"..." Fu Songhua didn’t even have to think about it. "I don’t remember."

’He’s lucid and articulate, not at all like someone under the influence of Evil Arts.’

’In other words, he’s confessing voluntarily.’

’That made sense. After all, Zhongsun Mou had to escort him to Lingxu City. When it was time to face the chief interrogator, Fu Songhua couldn’t be in a dazed and confused state.’

’Zhongsun Mou needed him to confess while clear-headed.’

"Two trees by the door, an elm on the left, a crabapple on the right. The two doors of the shop across the street are different colors. They sell pastries, and every day at one forty-five in the afternoon, their fresh-baked mung bean cakes come out of the oven, hot and flaky. Adults and children both love them..."

Hee Lingchuan said slowly.

His words seemed to come out of nowhere, but Fu Songhua’s expression changed. He even lunged forward, the iron chains clattering. CLANG!

"You... what did you do?!"

Hee Lingchuan pointed outside. "That Fishman over there was using this to threaten you?"

Fu Songhua gritted his teeth, his eyes glaring with rage.

It was noisy outside, so Hee Lingchuan leaned in close and whispered, "He doesn’t have that leverage anymore. You can speak freely now."

Fu Songhua couldn’t help but ask, "Then where... where is it?"

"In my hands, of course!"

"..."

Hee Lingchuan’s expression turned serious. "Tell the truth, and the person you care about will be safe."

Fu Songhua hesitated.

"We’re short on time. That Fishman will be walking in here any second."

The confrontation outside grew intense again.

Although the Chiyan Army had superior numbers, their opponents were Lingxu City Guards, so no one dared to truly go all out and kill them.

The Lingxu City Guards, on the other hand, showed no such restraint.

Thus, the conflict escalated.

Zhongsun Mou simply pushed through the crowd and strode toward the side room.

Who would dare lay a finger on him?

Fu Songhua gritted his teeth and suddenly roared, "I’ve been framed! I didn’t kill the Messenger! I’ve been framed!"

Although his True Power was sealed by the Talisman Chains, he was born with a booming voice. Even with the clamor outside, his roar completely drowned it out.

Even the other guests who had gathered nearby to watch the commotion heard his voice.

"I didn’t kill anyone! I was set up!"

"I beg the Special Envoy to reopen the case and clear my name!"

Once Fu Songhua got the first shout out, the next few came much more smoothly, and he even started to vary his phrasing.

Zhongsun Mou stopped in his tracks, not expecting Fu Songhua to suddenly recant his confession.

Hee Lingchuan, however, stood at the door and announced, "I knew there was something strange about this case! According to Chiyan Law, all grievances must be investigated. This case must be retried! County Magistrate Tian—"

’He had no idea what Chiyan Law actually stipulated, but he figured it wouldn’t forbid someone from proclaiming their innocence.’

County Magistrate Tian had been tormented by him for days. Hearing the drawn-out tone of his name, he shivered and blurted out, "The County Yamen is at your disposal!"

Zhongsun Mou shot him a look over his shoulder, his gaze sinister.

County Magistrate Tian kept his head down and quickly backed away, missing the glare.

"Fu Songhua is an Imperial Criminal wanted by Lingxu City. It is both legal and reasonable for me to interrogate him and take him back," Zhongsun Mou said angrily to Hee Lingchuan. "On what grounds are you interfering?!"

"Your Imperial Criminal is a key witness in my case. He committed perjury and then recanted, violating Chiyan’s criminal code. By law and reason, he must stay here for trial."

"Hee Xiao, you’re being so brazen. Aren’t you afraid the King of Chiyan will have you dismembered to appease Lingxu City’s wrath?"

"How thoughtful of you." Hee Lingchuan laughed, pulling a letter from his robes and waving it at him. "I just received a personal letter from the Crown Prince, telling me to investigate boldly and without fear. The King of Chiyan himself has my back."

In reality, Fushan Yue’s original words were that as long as Hee Lingchuan didn’t beat this bastard Zhongsun Mou to death or permanently cripple him, anything else was fair game. He could do as he pleased.

That was the only bottom line. As long as he didn’t cross it, he was fine.

And being arrogant and domineering—wasn’t that Hee Lingchuan’s specialty?

"How outrageous..."

Zhongsun Mou was in disbelief.

’Has Fushan Yue lost his mind? He used to be reckless, but he always had his limits.’

Before Zhongsun Mou could finish, Hee Lingchuan suddenly spun around and threw several Flying Blades, ZING ZING, pinning a few water snakes.

They were called snakes, but they weren’t much bigger than earthworms. They were formed from water, their heads and bodies indistinct, with only a pair of sharp fangs.

Evidently, being bitten by one of these things would likely result in a swift death by poison.

Zhongsun Mou had argued with Hee Lingchuan to distract him while secretly releasing the water snakes to silence Fu Songhua.

The room was dimly lit, and Hee Lingchuan was facing outward, making it difficult for him to notice that the water droplets on the floor had been enchanted with a Spell.

However, the Eye Spider hidden in the room was not to be trifled with.

Hee Lingchuan said no more. He grabbed Fu Songhua, rushed to the window, kicked open the lattice, and leaped onto the roof behind the building.

In just a couple of leaps, he was far away. Only a single sentence drifted back:

"Marshal Lu, see you at the County Yamen!"

Marshal Lu was the commander he had borrowed. Upon hearing this, he immediately roared, "Withdraw the troops! To the County Yamen!"

...

Hee Lingchuan’s speed was exceptional. He carried Fu Songhua, a man of nearly two hundred and twenty pounds, as if he weighed nothing at all.

After many twists and turns, the sounds from behind grew fainter and fainter.

Hee Lingchuan changed direction, suddenly leaping onto another rooftop and flipping through a window.

This was another inn room, one that Hee Lingchuan had just booked this morning.

Fu Songhua stared at him, a strange look in his eyes. "Aren’t we going to the County Yamen?"

’The Crown Prince Envoy of the Chiyan Kingdom dares to confront a Lingxu City Inspector head-on? Is this guy fearless to the point of insanity?’

"No one will disturb us here."

Hee Lingchuan peeked out the window, then shut it and the door. "Quick questions, quick answers. What’s your real connection to the Lingxu City Messenger case?"

"None," Fu Songhua answered without blinking. "I didn’t kill it. I’ve never even seen it. But I was arrested six days ago for no reason."

"And you have no connection to Mr. Mai either?"