Human Clan Defender
Chapter 59: A Night Destined for Bloodshed

Chapter 59: Chapter 59: A Night Destined for Bloodshed

Shen Changqing’s expression was calm as he walked alone on the main street.

Suddenly, a faint breeze brushed past.

His stance shifted.

The long saber was unsheathed in an instant, already empowered by his coagulated Heavenly Centipede True Qi. It erupted with terrifying power as he abruptly whirled and slashed downward.

Instantly, he saw a Hongyi, its face indistinct, being split in half by the long saber.

"AH!!"

A sharp, piercing scream tore through the air as the Hongyi’s body, bisected by the long saber, dissipated like smoke.

At the same time, a familiar sensation flowed along the saber into Shen Changqing’s hands.

He checked the panel. His Slaughter Value, which had been zero, was now seven.

The Demon Evil he had just slain was the weakest he had encountered in his entire life. The mere seven points of Slaughter Value it contributed made its pathetic weakness clear.

He had slain the Demon Evil with a single saber strike.

The street before his eyes returned to normal in an instant.

Shen Changqing sheathed his saber and hurried toward the Yamen.

The fact that Demon Evils are appearing in Lin’an City and even dared to ambush me indicates my original guess was correct, he thought. The Eternal Alliance had not only dispatched some Demonfolk to seize the Demon’s Essence Blood but had also sent other Demon Evils to attack Lin’an City.

As for the purpose of their attack on Lin’an City... There are likely two reasons, Shen Changqing mused. One was for the hundred thousand residents of Lin’an City. The other was for revenge. After all, two Demonfolk and several Demon Evils had already died by his hand. How could the Eternal Alliance possibly stomach such an insult?

By the time Shen Changqing arrived at the Yamen, he found the main gates firmly closed, but the interior was brightly lit.

"Someone, open the gate for this official!" Shen Changqing commanded in a deep voice.

At his command, the tightly shut gates slowly creaked open.

A Government Official cautiously poked his head out. Upon seeing Shen Changqing’s face, his own immediately showed immense relief.

"The lord has returned!"

The main gates swung fully open. A crowd of Government Officials streamed out from inside.

Shen Changqing stepped into the Yamen and looked at the many Government Officials gathered there. He spoke coolly, "Have Shi Qingsheng and Zhang Yue come to the inner hall to see me. The rest of you are to remain in the Yamen and await my orders."

"Yes!" The numerous Government Officials nodded in response.

「In the inner hall.」

Shen Changqing sat in the seat of honor. Shi Qingsheng and Zhang Yue arrived together.

"My lord!"

"What has happened in the city?" As Shen Changqing spoke, he observed their expressions. Both Shi Qingsheng and Zhang Yue looked nervous.

Hearing his words, Zhang Yue was the first to clasp his fists. "Reporting to my lord, shortly after you departed, some anomalies were discovered in the city. Some people found that no matter how far they walked, they couldn’t reach the end of the road, while others found themselves walking in circles in the same spot. I suspected the mischief of Demon Evils, so I ordered all Government Officials to remain at the Yamen temporarily, awaiting your return to decide the next course of action!"

After Zhang Yue finished, Shi Qingsheng spoke up, "May I ask if my lord encountered anything unusual on your way back?"

"This Earth Dragon’s Turnover seems to have attracted quite a few Demon Evils. There was one trying to bewitch me on my way back, but I have slain it. However, from the current situation, it’s clear that Demon Evils have infiltrated the city. And it’s certainly not just a single Demon Evil that has infiltrated. Immediately pass down my orders: close all four city gates. Without my permission, no one is to enter or leave."

Shen Changqing’s expression turned slightly cold. From Zhang Yue’s description, the number of Demon Evils in the city was far from just one or two.

Yet, those Demon Evils could only mildly bewitch people, their strength evidently limited. However, he couldn’t be entirely certain that all the Demon Evils that had infiltrated were weak.

As Zhang Yue prepared to acknowledge the order and depart, Shen Changqing stopped him.

"Given the number of Demon Evils in the city now, ordinary Government Officials stand no chance against them. Collect all roosters in the city that have lived for more than three years."

Seeing the puzzled looks on their faces, Shen Changqing patiently explained, "The rooster is a creature of extreme yang. Its blood, although not a perfect counter to Demon Evils, can still offer some protection. Should you encounter anything unusual, sprinkle some rooster blood to break through illusions and buy yourselves a chance to escape. Of course, do not foolishly attempt to use rooster blood to kill Demon Evils; that would be utterly useless."

"Your subordinate understands!" Zhang Yue solemnly clasped his fist, then turned to leave.

At once, Shen Changqing’s gaze fell on Shi Qingsheng. He seemed to want to say something but then shook his head.

"I have no particular instructions for you. Just focus on staying alive!"

A scholar like him, utterly devoid of martial prowess, what great deeds could he accomplish? Shen Changqing mused. While it was true that some Great Confucians could suppress Demon Evils with their righteous qi, Shi Qingsheng was clearly not at that level. Last time Demon Evils attacked the Yamen, he was lucky to survive. This time, it would all depend on Shi Qingsheng’s luck.

Hearing this, Shi Qingsheng gave a wry smile. "Thank you for your concern, my lord. I know what to do." I’m well aware of my own capabilities, he thought. Against Demon Evils, it’s an accomplishment if I don’t just become a burden.

「Roughly thirty to forty-five minutes later.」

Zhang Yue had gathered a good number of roosters. Following Shen Changqing’s instructions, he had them killed and their blood collected. All the fresh blood was collected into bottles. Each Government Official then carried eight to ten vials of rooster blood.

In the Yamen’s outer hall, numerous Government Officials were gathered, each holding a torch. Some faces displayed fear, while others showed resolute determination. After the last attack on the Yamen, during which some Government Officials had died, Shen Changqing had ordered the recruitment of many more. Now, the number of Government Officials in the Yamen exceeded forty.

Shen Changqing stood before them all, his expression solemn. "There are some things I need not elaborate on. I will say only this: the imperial grain that sustains you, the stipends you receive—these come from the taxes of the common people.

"On ordinary days, the common people sustain you; that is their duty. But when danger arises, you must stand at the forefront to protect the peace of the common people behind you. This, too, is your duty.

"Now that Demon Evils are attacking Lin’an City, I need you to do a few things. First, immediately seal off all four city gates and do not let anyone in or out.

"Second, you need to patrol the city, inspecting conditions everywhere. If you discover any anomalies, report back immediately. I will personally deal with slaying the Demon Evils.

"As for how to use the rooster blood in the bottles, I have already instructed you. The resources each of you possesses are limited and must only be used in critical moments. Otherwise, I trust I don’t need to spell out the consequences if it’s all consumed!"

After he finished, Zhang Yue saluted with cupped fists, his voice deep. "Rest assured, my lord. If Demon Evils sow chaos in Lin’an, I will not retreat even half a step, even if it costs me my life!"

"Good. Then set out!" Shen Changqing waved his hand grandly, and Zhang Yue led all the Government Officials away.

Instantly, the Yamen seemed much emptier.

"My lord, are you confident in dealing with those Demon Evils?" Shi Qingsheng, standing beside him, looked calm, but his eyes held an undeniable fear. He was just an ordinary person. Faced with beings like Demon Evils, so far beyond the scope of normal human experience, he felt an instinctive dread.

"Confident?" Shen Changqing shook his head with a scoff. "Facing Demon Evils, who would dare claim absolute certainty? But rest assured, as the County Magistrate of Lin’an City, I will not stand by and watch Lin’an fall into the hands of Demon Evils."

Unless the situation truly becomes impossible! he silently added in his heart.

After reassuring Shi Qingsheng, Shen Changqing paused, then asked, "Are there any formidable weapons in the Yamen? My saber, used to slay Demonfolk, has been corroded by their blood. It’s become rather unwieldy."

"Formidable weapons?" Shi Qingsheng looked surprised, then fell into thought.

After a moment, something occurred to him. "Speaking of which, during the confiscation of the Zhao Family’s property, some weapons were seized. They haven’t been liquidated yet, so they’re all piled up in the Yamen’s storeroom. My lord, you can come with me to take a look."

"Very well, lead the way!"

Following Shi Qingsheng, the two quickly arrived at the Yamen’s storeroom. Boxes were piled high, all sealed with paper strips. Several weapon racks also stood there.

Pointing to a weapon rack, Shi Qingsheng said, "My lord, these are the weapons currently available in the storeroom. Please, take a look."

Hearing this, Shen Changqing approached the rack and casually picked up a long saber. It felt balanced in his hand. When he drew it, the blade appeared somewhat snow-white.

He flicked the blade with his finger. A crisp, pleasant Blade’s Hum rang out. The blade vibrated intensely, looking as if it might fracture at any moment.

Seeing this, Shen Changqing could only shake his head helplessly. The saber was sheathed, placed back, and he turned his attention to other weapons.

A quarter of an hour later, the two left the storeroom. The weapons stored there were numerous, but they were all for show. They looked impressive but lacked any practical use. Shen Changqing feared he might break them with even a little force. Compared to the weapons issued by the Demon-Subduing Division, these were inferior by more than just one grade. Even his current saber, corroded by Demonfolk blood, was still far more serviceable than those weapons.

Returning to the inner hall, Shen Changqing sat alone. Beside him was a basin of clean water. His long saber, unbuckled from his waist at some point, lay with its scabbard to one side. With a damp cloth in one hand and gripping the long saber in the other, he began to wipe down the corroded blade.

At critical junctures, he always felt the need to do something to calm his mind. Washing his saber was one such method. Wiping the blade with clean water couldn’t remove the marks of corrosion, yet it gradually calmed Shen Changqing’s heart.

After a long time, he stopped his ministrations. The cloth was tossed into the basin. The pitted blade seemed to have regained some of its luster.

"Now, you are the only one who can truly aid me," looking at the long saber, a faint smile touched Shen Changqing’s lips. Illuminated by the candlelight, however, it seemed somewhat chilling.

The saber was drawn. Blood was destined to flow tonight.

Shi Qingsheng had already been sent to rest. In Lin’an City, at this moment, he himself was the only one who could battle the Demon Evils.