Those Classmates who Suddenly Disappeared
Chapter 817: The Unusual Small Town

Chapter 817: Chapter 817: The Unusual Small Town

On this day, Jian Shen and Lin Xi arrived at a small town. They were just passing through, intending to find a place to rest before continuing their journey, but as soon as they entered, they noticed the residents hastening along and some constables on high alert, with expressions as if facing a formidable enemy.

Instinct told Jian Shen and Lin Xi that something was amiss, and something must have happened.

A constable came up to question them: "Who are you, and where are you from?"

Jian Shen frowned. He was now a public enemy of the Martial Arts world, and Qian Ye’s identity as the enchantress of the Shennv Xuanhui made it truly inadvisable to reveal their true identities. So, he had no choice but to say they were travelers from afar, come to enjoy the local scenery, and that they were just passing through the small town, hoping to stay for one night and leave early the next morning.

The constable looked skeptical, especially upon seeing Jian Shen’s weapon and his fierce aura; it was clear that he was no ordinary individual.

The number of surrounding constables grew, and Lin Xi realized that they would not be let go easily anytime soon. She was worried, fearing that if these oblivious officers provoked Jian Shen and a fight broke out, everything would become even more complicated.

Just then, a head constable arrived and said indifferently, "They are my friends, no need to worry."

Hearing this, all the constables dispersed. Before leaving, they couldn’t help but take another glance at Jian Shen and Lin Xi. Such a handsome man and beautiful woman were indeed rare to see, and they seemed to be a perfect match standing together.

Jian Shen looked at the chief constable, and the chief constable looked back at him, both smiling simultaneously.

"I didn’t expect you to grace my humble post." Tie Butou said with a look of boundless emotion.

Jian Shen nodded: "I didn’t expect you to become a head constable here either. You were quite a master in the Martial Arts world. With your skills, being a head constable is beneath you."

At this, Tie Butou simply smiled: "What Martial Arts master? I’ve long since grown tired of all that fighting and killing. Being a constable here isn’t so bad."

"Each to their own. I’m happy to see you’ve left the world behind as a friend," Jian Shen said, and then Lin Xi’s eyes widened: "So he’s your friend, no wonder he helped you."

Tie Butou glanced at Lin Xi and couldn’t help but laugh: "I heard you’ve become a public enemy of the Martial Arts world because of some enchantress. I suppose this must be the enchantress everyone’s talking about. Indeed, even heroes cannot overcome the allure of a beautiful woman."

"What enchantress? I..." Lin Xi wanted to object, but realized it was futile. Given what Qian Ye and Qian Feng had done in the past, from an impartial standpoint, it was indeed somewhat excessive.

But Jian Shen interjected, "She’s no enchantress. Everything was done by someone called Qian Feng; she was just being used."

"My, my, look at how you’re willing to ruin your reputation for her and still speak on her behalf." Tie Butou said, with an envious tone, creating a somewhat awkward atmosphere.

Lin Xi quickly added, "It’s clearly those people in wulin who twist right and wrong to maintain their own interests. If there was any justice in the world, why would you leave it?"

Upon hearing this, Tie Butou’s brow furrowed: "As I said earlier, it’s because I’m tired of fighting and killing."

Lin Xi spoke earnestly, "If everyone in the world was reasonable, would there still be a need for fighting and killing? The world is a place where the Law of Jungle prevails, where the strong decide what’s right." Her words left Tie Butou and Jian Shen momentarily at a loss for what to say.

Suddenly, Jian Shen laughed heartily: "Indeed, people in the world are particularly hypocritical. All those who fare well in the world have blood on their hands, yet they hypocritically claim to be righteous. You made me see this clearly, which is why I’ve completely broken with them."

Tie Butou nodded in agreement: "Yes, human hearts are treacherous. I’ve seen enough ugliest faces in the world, and that’s why I retired."

And Lin Xi was about to continue, "Also, you people in the world are so discriminatory against women, looking down on us..." but Jian Shen interrupted her and asked Tie Butou to arrange an inn for them.

Tie Butou assured them he would handle it, and then he led Jian Shen and Lin Xi to the best inn in the small town.

Once settled, Jian Shen and Lin Xi expressed their satisfaction and gratitude to Tie Butou.

However, Tie Butou looked puzzled about the request for two rooms, almost as if asking if they really needed separate rooms or if it was somewhat redundant, causing Jian Shen and Lin Xi to nearly squirm with embarrassment.

To ease the awkwardness, Jian Shen quickly found a new topic: "Brother Tie, when I arrived here, I noticed that the residents seemed uneasy, their eyes filled with panic, and your constables were also very tense. Did something happen?"

Tie Butou sighed deeply: "Not to hide it from you, but indeed, something happened. Lately, deep into the night, we don’t know what has been attacking our residents. Whoever walks the night is seized, and the next day they are found in the wilderness with their necks appearing bitten by a beast, and all their blood drained."

Hearing this, Jian Shen was taken aback, and Lin Xi’s face changed. Wasn’t this almost identical to the incidents in the Qian Ye ancient country?

Tie Butou added, "Times are not peaceful lately, and I would advise against you casually going out at night. It’s safer that way." After saying this, Tie Butou excused himself to leave.

Seeing Tie Butou’s grave expression, Jian Shen feared the situation might be more serious than described. He caught up to him and said, "Brother Tie, given our friendship, if there’s anything I can help you with, just say the word."

Tie Butou smiled appreciatively, "I’ll remember your kindness, but as you’re currently a public enemy of the Martial Arts world, try not to act rashly. Remember, I’m also an expert, and I can handle most situations. Besides, there’s someone here who needs your protection." With these words, Tie Butou glanced at Lin Xi standing behind Jian Shen and chuckled, "After I leave, you won’t have to worry so much. Just cancel one of the rooms."

"This..." Jian Shen was embarrassed and didn’t want to linger on the topic, so he quickly saw off Tie Butou.

A short while later, Jian Shen returned to his room, glanced at Lin Xi, and then asked, "I heard that in the Qian Ye ancient country, an entire village was drained of blood overnight, is that true?"

Lin Xi nodded, "Yes, it seems a group of people did it, and there was even a fortunate child who survived and witnessed everything. Though the whereabouts of that group isn’t clear, according to the child, what they say is quite eerie."

Jian Shen’s brow furrowed: "I thought such things only happened in remote regions. I didn’t expect it here as well, and for us to stumble upon it no less. It seems like fate’s design. How about we investigate this matter together?"

"Sure!" Lin Xi agreed instantly, a thrill of excitement within her.