Demon hunter’s Cooking Manual
Chapter 1298 - 37: Gloom!

Creak.

The door hinges turned within the door frame, and the door of the martial arts school was slowly opened by Dou Bao.

"Sister Dou Bao."

Jia Youcai, who was supporting his aging mother, greeted her, then turned around and respectfully said, "Master Mu, sir."

In the absence of outsiders, Jia Youcai always addressed Jason as Master Mu, only formally calling him the head of the school when others were present.

As for Li Deshang's appearance?

Jia Youcai wasn't surprised.

He could recognize whose carriage it was parked outside at a glance.

"There are rats in the house, and I have to be on duty tonight, so I'm really stuck. I can only ask Sister Dou Bao and Master Mu to help take care of my mother."

Jia Youcai said, with a pleading look in his eyes.

"Rats?"

"That can't be underestimated."

"Jia Youcai, after your duty tonight, take some people specifically to check it out."

Li Deshang covered for his subordinate's excuse.

This official of Mountain City now highly valued Jia Youcai.

Although Jia Youcai usually seemed unreliable, his stepping up at critical moments several times was enough for Li Deshang to understand that he was someone he could depend on, even could be his confidant.

Therefore, he not only promoted Jia Youcai beyond the norm but also urged Jia Youcai to learn martial arts.

Given Jia Youcai's age, it's nonsensical to think he'd achieve anything significant in martial arts. Without some 'major elixir' to change his constitution, reaching proficiency in 'muscles and bones' alone would be considered a decent talent.

However, becoming a martial artist was better than knowing nothing at all.

"Yes, sir."

Jia Youcai folded his hands in respect.

Then, he looked towards Jason.

Jason's gaze first swept over the saber with bloodstains not yet entirely removed, and then he used a sense of death energy to probe.

Just killed someone?

Or two people?

"Dou Bao, go make arrangements for the old lady."

Jason instructed.

"Auntie, come with me."

Dou Bao nodded, then supported the Li woman as they headed into the martial arts school.

Watching his mother enter the martial arts school, Jia Youcai gratefully folded his hands towards Jason and Li Deshang.

"Save the pleasantries for now."

"What happened?"

Li Deshang waved a hand, lowered his voice, and asked.

"Here's the situation..."

Jia Youcai quickly relayed the events.

As his words concluded, Li Deshang's expression became serious.

"Is it remnants of the 'Transmigration Cult'?"

"Or..."

"The original six big families of the city?"

The voice of this Mountain City official was low, carrying a chill.

Regardless of whether it was the former or latter, to Li Deshang, they were already enemies.

Enemies of the life-or-death kind.

Originally, he hadn't expected it, but he hadn't thought these people would appear so quickly and dare to target his people.

Jason also frowned slightly.

He was now quite certain that the incident where Jia Youcai's mother was almost kidnapped was orchestrated by the city's original six big families since it was too coincidental. Just after he denied Xu Dashan from Red Fragrance Alley the favor, Jia Youcai's mother almost got into trouble that night, and Jia Youcai was involved throughout the entire process.

Just that...

Were these big families too audacious?

Or did they have some backing?

Jason looked up at Li Deshang, just as Li Deshang also gazed back at Jason.

The moment their eyes met, they understood each other's thoughts.

"I'll go back and gather the soldiers to surround those big families' houses."

"Jia Youcai, send a team straight to Li the Cripple's place, capture him for me, alive."

Li Deshang spoke directly without hiding anything.

"Yes, sir."

Jia Youcai folded his hands in respect, then walked towards the carriage.

A few seconds later, the original driver and several constables acting as bodyguards ran towards Martial Arts Street.

Watching his subordinates leave, Li Deshang turned and bowed to Jason.

"If any unforeseen events occur later, I'll have to rely on you again, Brother Mu."

"I'm truly grateful, Brother Mu."

"Honestly, I didn't want to say such words, but not saying them would make me not know what to do, so I'll say it once more."

Li Deshang said, bowing once again.

He knew about the events that happened in the martial arts school today.

His heart was full of gratitude.

And thus, even more guilt.

Because he felt he hadn't helped Jason but instead, Jason had helped him repeatedly.

Just like at this moment.

This official of Mountain City felt a mix of guilt and gratitude that left him unsure what to do.

He originally wanted to bury this debt in his heart.

But now, he couldn't keep it silent.

"Then treat me to a meal afterward."

Jason said this.

The momentarily conflicted Li Deshang, unsure what to do, immediately nodded upon hearing these words, saying, "No problem, even if I have to sell my pots and pans, I'll treat Brother Mu to a meal."

After saying that, Li Deshang had a pained expression on his face.

Inviting this Brother Mu for a meal indeed made him feel the pinch.

At least his small stash would not be safe.

The things he secretly saved up would also have to be sold off.

Yet, he didn't regret it.

Even if he had to wash dishes at the Drunken Fairy Tower, he wouldn't regret it.

This was a debt he owed to this Brother Mu from the outset.

Seeing Li Deshang's pained expression made Jason smile.

The reason he was willing to continue cooperating with Li Deshang, aside from Li Deshang's integrity, was precisely this personality trait—if he owed someone, Li Deshang would surely repay them, even if it pained him to the core.

What could be better than a partner who doesn't renege on their debts?

Naturally, it's someone who repays their debts twofold.

Li Deshang is just such a person.

"Brother Gousheng, would you be willing to go with me to Red Fragrance Alley?"