Chapter 944: Leaving the City with Army

Editor: Henyee Translations

Yan Zihao instructed the remaining monks, “Send these people away, close the temple, and conduct a thorough investigation. Once everything is clear, we may reopen.”

The monks, fearful of their imposing new leader, nodded obediently, “Yes, Grand Master of Divine Music.”

Yan Zihao’s stern demeanor showed his intent to root out any dissent, “Carry those few back to their rooms, wake the divine children, and send them home. I need to investigate spies and cannot afford distractions.”

The monks murmured their compliance, “Yes, Master.”

Meanwhile, unable to locate Chu Qingzhi, his three companions settled down in a teahouse to drink tea. Shortly after they stopped searching, Chu Qingzhi appeared, “What are you all doing here?” he joked, scanning the room, “It’s rare to see such harmony.”

Hong Feiyu, clearly annoyed, confronted Chu Qingzhi, “Where have you been all this time?”

Chu Qingzhi’s gaze turned icy, “Do I need to report my actions to you?”

Hong Feiyu, feeling the tension, softened her approach, “We’ve been looking for you all over the city, and you disappeared without a trace. Can’t I even complain a bit?”

Chu Qingzhi took a seat and began pouring himself tea, “I didn’t ask you to look for me.”

Hong Feiyu couldn’t help but retort, “As a man, can’t you be a little accommodating?”

Chu Qingzhi, “…”

Hong Feiyun, “…”

Despite being women, Chu Qingzhi seemed so much more formidable and fearless compared to others.

“Alright, let’s get some food,” suggested Mu Xiao, seeing Hong Feiyun waiting for Chu Qingzhi and feeling both jealous and helpless. He couldn’t help but resent Chu Qingzhi’s presence.

Ignoring the man who envied him for love, Chu Qingzhi led the way out.

On the way, Hong Feiyu deliberately kept Mu Xiao away from Hong Feiyun, much to Hong Feiyun’s satisfaction and Mu Xiao’s chagrin.

Under a tense atmosphere, they entered a restaurant.

The streets were bustling with soldiers sealing opium dens, and the city felt slightly chaotic.

Chu Qingzhi watched the soldiers raid the opium dens, swiftly bringing out boxes. This sight brought him a sense of satisfaction. Unbeknownst to many in the market, Lingzhang City had already faced such raids, which meant the opium den owners hadn’t had the chance to hide their stock before the crackdown.

With Lingzhang City’s experience as a lesson, the operations here were conducted smoothly.

Watching the dens being sealed, the citizens were visibly pleased and celebrated their community’s cleanup.

While Chu Qingzhi felt pleased, Mu Xiao was visibly upset as he watched the scene unfold. His face darkened—these were all ventures operated by their Yun Organization, and with Tang Jinghong’s arrival, all their efforts were ruined.

Exhausted from walking, Hong Feiyu exclaimed, “Finally, a restaurant!”

After walking several streets, they spotted a restaurant and settled in at a window seat on the second floor to order food.

Back at the military camp.

Jiang Zhanglin and Yi Duchuan hurried back, immediately reporting to the command tent.

Jiang Zhanglin composed himself, “General, Rong Shenning and Du Zhaolin have disappeared in the county town.”

General Tang Jinghong was already aware of the situation; the moment something happened to Rong and Du, the surveillance team had reported it, “Take Yi Duchuan and rest. I’ve already dispatched a rescue team.”

Considering the village chief’s description of the gruesome fate of spies, Jiang Zhanglin urged, “General, you might want to send more troops. That county town is extremely dangerous.”

Tang Jinghong issued a command, “Shengdong, take ten thousand soldiers and secure the county town. Destroy whatever needs to be destroyed.”

The opium cultivation in the backyards of the town’s major households was an ingenious yet audacious move.

“Yes, General,” Meng Shengdong immediately set out for the county town.

Relieved, Jiang Zhanglin added, “General, there’s more I need to report.”

Tang Jinghong nodded, “Proceed.”

“The first village outside the county is being used by the Yun Organization to clear land, reportedly hundreds of acres by now. It’s near their village,” Jiang Zhanglin presented a map he had sketched based on the village chief’s descriptions.

“I’ll send scouts to investigate,” Tang Jinghong said, acknowledging the advice.

“Please, send more personnel. If our scouts are discovered, they might end up chopped and used as fertilizer,” Jiang warned.

“I understand,” assured Tang Jinghong.

Relieved, Jiang bowed and left the military camp.

Once he was gone, Tang Jinghong promptly sent additional forces to verify the information.

In the county town, Rong Shenning and Du Zhaolin awoke in a dark room, their hearts racing with panic. Du Zhaolin strained to see in the darkness, “Rong Shenning, why did they let us go only to capture us again?”

Rong Shenning was equally baffled, “How should I know?”

Du Zhaolin’s frustration mounted, “Where did we slip up?”

Filled with regret, Rong Shenning lamented, “If I had known it would come to this, I never would have entered this town.”

“Let’s focus on figuring out how to escape,” Du Zhaolin suggested, though his voice betrayed his panic.

“Irritating,” muttered Rong Shenning, wishing he were anywhere but here.

Du Zhaolin’s stomach growled loudly, “Ah, I’m starving. How long have we been here? It’s so dark I can’t tell if it’s day or night.”

Rong Shenning, feeling the pangs of hunger himself, replied without confidence, “Hopefully, they won’t starve us to death.”

“What do you think?” Du Zhaolin asked, anxiety clear in his voice.

“My stomach is growling too,” Rong Shenning admitted, “I’ve never been so hungry.”

Du Zhaolin struggled against the ropes binding his wrists, “Is there any way to escape?”

“Stretch your hands here, I’ll try to bite through the ropes,” suggested Rong Shenning.

Du Zhaolin awkwardly shifted his position and extended his hands toward Rong Shenning, “Is this okay?”

“I’ll give it a try.” Rong Shenning murmured, frustrated by their dire situation.

In the pitch-black darkness, it was challenging to see, making it difficult to gnaw through the ropes. After a few moments, Du Zhaolin cried out in pain, “Ouch, ouch, ouch…”

Rong Shenning immediately released his grip, annoyed, “What’s wrong now?”

Tears welled up in Du Zhaolin’s eyes, “The rope snagged my finger. It hurts like hell.”