Without further delay, Zhao Sheng had no intention of examining the other corpses.
He could already sense the lingering yin energy left behind by the “Human-Faced Horror” within these bodies. Though faint, if they waited any longer, something unnatural might happen to the corpses.
With this in mind, Zhao Sheng turned to the county magistrate, Zeng Fan, who stood behind him, and said:
“Magistrate Zeng, have some men burn all these corpses.”
“Understood! This official will arrange it immediately!”
A faint smile appeared on Zeng Fan’s lips at Zhao Sheng’s request—it aligned perfectly with his own wishes.
These gruesomely slain corpses had been giving him an inexplicable chill, making his hair stand on end. Had he not been waiting for the arrival of the Xuan Niao Guards, Zeng Fan would have long since ordered them set aflame.
Finally, Zhao Sheng asked calmly, “Where were these victims discovered?”
“In the southern district of the county!”
…..
Southern District of Dengfeng County
At the heart of the southern district stood several imposing mansions. Among them, the largest residence was positioned centrally, its grand entrance adorned with a massive plaque inscribed with two bold characters:
Shen Residence
This was the estate of the Shen family, proprietors of one of Dengfeng County’s most prominent medicinal shops.
The patriarch of the Shen family, Shen Yunwei, was not only a highly skilled physician but also a martial artist who had reached the Marrow-Forging Realm. The reputation of the Shen family’s medicinal shop was illustrious, rivaled only by the Liu family’s establishment.
By now, the sky had fully brightened. In the distance, a black dot gradually grew larger—a sleek black steed, atop which sat a young man.
It was Lu Xuan, who had just arrived from Liansheng Temple.
“This is the place. Finally made it!”
At the sight of the familiar mansion, Lu Xuan let out a sigh of relief. A year ago, he had personally escorted his younger sister, Lu Qingqing, to Dengfeng County and had even stayed at the Shen Residence for a few days.
I wonder how Qingqing has been.
Slowing his horse, he eventually came to a stop before the Shen Residence’s gates.
Two servants stood guard at the entrance. Without hesitation, Lu Xuan dismounted and approached them, clasping his hands in greeting.
“Gentlemen, I am Lu Xuan, elder brother of Lu Qingqing. I’ve come to visit my sister. Would you kindly relay my message?”
He saw no need for roundabout words and stated his purpose directly.
One of the servants, the younger of the two, furrowed his brow in confusion at the name.
“Lu Qingqing?”
“You fool! That’s the young madam’s name!”
The older servant immediately recognized it and scolded his companion before turning to scrutinize Lu Xuan. His face soon broke into a respectful smile.
There was no mistaking it—Lu Xuan’s dignified, refined bearing was unmistakably that of a man of status. He certainly wasn’t an imposter.
Bowing deeply, the older servant replied eagerly:
“Sir, please wait a moment. I’ll inform the master at once!”
…..
Inside the Shen Residence’s Main Hall
Two men sat in the hall—one a handsome young man, the other a middle-aged man in his fifties.
They were none other than Shen Yunwei, the family patriarch, and his eldest son, Shen Yuan.
Shen Yunwei occupied the seat of honor, while Shen Yuan sat to his left in the foremost position.
However, neither man looked well. Their faces were tense, even tinged with fear.
Shen Yuan’s complexion was pale, as if he had been badly shaken. He addressed his father hesitantly:
“Father, what exactly happened to the Liu family? Who could’ve done such a thing?”
Shen Yunwei frowned at the question.
“I don’t know. All I’ve heard is that the Liu residence has been sealed off by the authorities. No one is allowed in or out.”
He sighed heavily. “Old Liu… his death was too cruel. Whoever did this has no conscience.”
A few days prior, the Liu family—who lived just two streets away—had been slaughtered overnight, leaving no survivors.
Rumors said the Liu patriarch and his household had died in such a horrifying manner that several witnesses had been driven to madness.
What made it worse was that the Shen and Liu families had been close.
The Liu patriarch had often visited the Shen Residence to play chess with Shen Yunwei and receive medical consultations.
Yet in just a few days, news of his brutal death had spread.
Shen Yunwei had been so distraught that he hadn’t eaten properly for days, desperately seeking answers—only to find the authorities had tightly suppressed all information.
“Enough. Yuan’er, keep this matter hidden if possible. Qingqing mustn’t find out—not in her condition.”
Shen Yunwei’s voice was firm. “I’ve already given orders forbidding anyone in the household from discussing it. The last thing we need is to frighten her.”
At the mention of Qingqing, Shen Yuan’s eyes softened with tenderness.
Two months earlier, he had confirmed through her pulse that his wife, Lu Qingqing, was with child.
“Don’t worry, Father. I’ve already stopped going to the medicinal shop these past few days for that very reason.”
He smiled wryly. “It seems I won’t be able to assist you there for a while.”
“Good.”
Shen Yunwei nodded in approval.
His son’s marriage to Lu Qingqing—such a virtuous and intelligent woman—had been a tremendous blessing for the Shen family.
Since their union, Shen Yuan’s once-carefree demeanor had matured into that of a responsible man, worthy of becoming the family’s next head.
“You needn’t worry about me, Yuan’er. My health is still robust—I am, after all, a Marrow-Forging martial artist.”
Shen Yunwei’s tone shifted slightly as he brought up Qingqing’s family back in Qingyun County.
“Speaking of Qingqing, once the child is born, remember to send word to her family at the Lu Medicinal Shop.”
“Of course, Father. I won’t forget.”
At the thought of Qingqing’s family, Shen Yuan’s mind conjured the image of a certain familiar figure—a man he respected second only to his own father.
Brother Xuan… He’ll surely be overjoyed to hear the news.
Tap, tap, tap!
The sound of hurried footsteps echoed from outside the hall before a servant rushed in, panting heavily.
“Master! Young Master! There’s a man at the gates claiming to be the elder brother of the young madam!”
“What?!”
Before the servant could finish, Shen Yuan shot to his feet and strode forward, his face alight with excitement.
“Young Master, the man gave his name as Lu Xuan!”
Seeing his master’s stunned expression, the servant hastily completed his report.
