CHAPTER 98: CHAPTER 98 BLACK TIGER ARMY

The Black Tiger Army was stationed outside the city, tasked with the duty of its defense.

However, on ordinary days, the Yamen maintained order within Jincheng. With the Black Tiger Army also providing deterrence from outside, no significant chaos would typically arise. Therefore, there was naturally no need for the Black Tiger Army to enter the city.

But now, things were different.

Demon Evils ran rampant.

First, there was the Eternal Alliance, then came Demon Evil forces of unknown origin. Now, dark undercurrents surged within Jincheng.

The Yamen alone was simply incapable of stabilizing the situation in the city.

The Black Tiger Army’s intervention was inevitable.

Immediately, two thousand of the twelve thousand Black Tiger Army soldiers stationed outside the city were mobilized.

Chu Ding said, "These two thousand Black Tiger Army soldiers are the most elite of my twelve thousand troops. If they form a battle formation, they could encircle and kill even Innate Martial Artists and Resentment Level Demon Evils. Even if a Grandmaster were to arrive personally, we are not without ways to deal with them."

Upon hearing this, Zhong Chi and Nie Xu both turned their gaze to the army standing before them.

They were clad in black armor! Black swords hung at their waists! And they wielded long black halberds!

The two thousand soldiers wore black iron helmets and face masks, revealing only pairs of cold eyes. These eyes, like those of ravenous wolves in the night, gave off an unnerving sensation.

The Black Tiger Army truly lives up to its reputation as one of Great Qin’s strongest armies; its soldiers are formidable! Zhong Chi couldn’t help but express his admiration.

A single Black Tiger Army soldier might only be comparable to a Body Tempering Realm Martial Artist. But if two thousand of them attacked in unison, even an Innate Martial Artist could be killed instantly.

This was because the Black Tiger Army was simply too strong!

As a member of the Heavenly Inspection Guard, he had a considerable understanding of the Black Tiger Army’s strength. When the Barbarian Clan invaded the Great Wilderness Prefecture in the past, the Black Tiger Army served as the main force of resistance. The Great Wilderness Prefecture’s ability to withstand the Barbarian Clan’s offensives and remain unyielding over the years was largely due to the Black Tiger Army’s contributions.

After expressing his admiration, Zhong Chi then added, "Years ago, when the Barbarian Clan invaded the Great Wilderness Prefecture, I heard that a Grandmaster was besieged and killed by five thousand Black Tiger Army soldiers. A Grandmaster is a top-tier expert, even in the Jianghu. Yet, before the Black Tiger Army, even they could only meet a grim end—"

Upon receiving this praise, a smile appeared on Chu Ding’s face.

Nie Xu nodded. "With two thousand Black Tiger Army soldiers entering the city, I believe there won’t be any major issues with the Demon Evils inside. Besides, Lord Shen of the Demon-Subduing Division is also present; that should be enough to temporarily stabilize the situation!"

"I’ve heard that this Lord Shen, despite being only a Yellow Rank Demon Hunter, possesses formidable strength. I wonder if that’s true," Chu Ding said, surprise showing on his face. He had heard Shen Changqing’s name more than once from Zhong Chi and Nie Xu. Although Zhong Chi and Nie Xu weren’t of high status, they were considered key figures in Jincheng. To receive such high praise from them, truthfully, Chu Ding was also very curious.

Zhong Chi smiled faintly and said tactfully, "Lord Shen’s strength is indeed very formidable."

「Night fell.」

Jincheng had fallen into an eerie calm. This might have been due to the curfew, or perhaps other reasons.

The city gates opened. Zhong Chi had already departed quietly, leaving Nie Xu to lead the two thousand Black Tiger Army soldiers into the city.

"Lord Nie, where should we head now?" Wen Ce, clad in iron armor, cupped his fist and asked. He was a Chiliarch and currently the highest-ranking officer among the two thousand Black Tiger Army soldiers. Since Chu Ding had to remain at the main camp and could not act without orders, Wen Ce was the true commander of the two thousand Black Tiger Army soldiers entering the city.

Upon hearing the question, Nie Xu said gravely, "The Wanhua Building is a stronghold of the Eternal Alliance. Members of the Demon-Subduing Division were previously engaged in battle with Demon Evils there. I believe the Black Tiger Army should go there first to check if any Demon Evils remain. Furthermore, I’ve heard many Corpse Puppet bodies were left there, which also need to be handled. The Government Officials of the Yamen are ordinary people. Handling Corpse Puppets would be problematic for them, so your assistance is required."

"No problem," Wen Ce nodded. The Black Tiger Army had entered the city precisely to deal with Demon Evils and stabilize order. Disposing of the Corpse Puppet bodies was considered part of their duties.

Soon, Nie Xu and Wen Ce led the two thousand Black Tiger Army soldiers toward the Wanhua Building.

The former Wanhua Building was now in ruins, looking as though it had been abandoned for many years. Rotting corpses were everywhere, and black blood spilled on the ground had corroded the stone slabs until they were pitted and uneven. A nauseating stench emanated from the area.

Seeing the corpses on the ground, Nie Xu showed no change in expression, but the foul smell compelled him to cover his nose and mouth.

Wen Ce’s expression remained calm as he gave an order to a man beside him. "Take one thousand Black Tiger Army soldiers, blockade this entire street, and remain vigilant for any sudden developments."

"This subordinate obeys the order!" The man cupped his fist in salute and then led one thousand Black Tiger Army soldiers to secure the entire street.

Then, Wen Ce looked at another man. "Take some men and pile up those bodies. Be careful," Wen Ce instructed. "The blood of Corpse Puppets is highly corrosive to ordinary people. Do not let it touch your skin."

"This subordinate obeys the order!" The other man saluted and then took several dozen Black Tiger Army soldiers to move the bodies.

Afterward, Wen Ce addressed the last Centurion, "You, lead your men and thoroughly investigate the surroundings."

"This subordinate obeys the order!"

"Be careful..." Wen Ce cautioned.

As far as he could see, the street where the Wanhua Building stood was almost pitch black. Only the torches held by the Black Tiger Army soldiers dispelled some of the darkness. The surrounding residences were all, without exception, dark. With his many years of military experience, Wen Ce knew he could not afford to take such a situation lightly. Anyone who wasn’t a fool could tell something was amiss.

After issuing his orders, Wen Ce looked at Nie Xu. "Lord Nie, do you have any objections to my arrangements?"

"I have no objections, General Wen. As expected of someone from the Black Tiger Army, your methods are indeed meticulous," Nie Xu replied, shaking his head. From the very beginning, he had never thought he could command the Black Tiger Army. In Great Qin, while civil and military officials weren’t always at odds, they rarely interfered in each other’s affairs. Moreover, Nie Xu saw nothing wrong with Wen Ce’s actions. Never mind the Black Tiger Army; even he understood that this street was anything but ordinary.

I just hope not too many people have died! Nie Xu prayed silently in his heart. If too many commoners in Jincheng died, he too would face significant trouble.

Wen Ce said, "Lord Nie, let’s go into the Wanhua Building and take a look." Gazing at the dilapidated Wanhua Building before them, Wen Ce then took the lead and stepped inside.

Seeing this, Nie Xu felt he couldn’t very well refuse.

Meanwhile, the Black Tiger Army Centurion, leading several hundred soldiers, began searching the houses one by one.

KNOCK! KNOCK!

The sound of knocking echoed, but there was no response from within, as if the houses were empty.

"Sir, there’s no response from inside," the Black Tiger Army soldier who had knocked reported, turning his head towards the Centurion.

Upon seeing this, the Centurion waved his hand dismissively and ordered coldly, "Break down the door!"

At his command, the Black Tiger Army soldier struck out with his palm. It landed heavily on the wooden door, and the full force of a Body Tempering Realm Martial Artist’s strike instantly shattered it.

A torch was tossed inside, dispelling the darkness within. Only then did the soldier step into the house. His gaze swept across the interior, taking everything in. Then, he lifted a curtain and entered the inner room, where he saw dark shapes lying on the bed. By the faint light filtering in from outside, he could make out that the dark shapes on the bed were, in fact, two desiccated corpses.

We’re too late!

The Centurion, holding a torch, stared at the desiccated corpses on the bed, his calm expression turning grim. He was no stranger to desiccated corpses; this was the work of Demon Evils. Their Essence Blood had been completely drained—an unspeakably cruel method.

Emerging from the bedroom, the Centurion faced the assembled Black Tiger Army soldiers and ordered sternly, "Search every house thoroughly! See if there are any survivors!"

"Yes, Sir!"

「One hour later.」

All the Corpse Puppet bodies had been thrown into the Wanhua Building. Then, the dilapidated structure itself was set ablaze. Wen Ce and Nie Xu stood before the Wanhua Building, watching the great fire take hold.

Soon, the Centurion in charge of the search returned. He faced Wen Ce, cupped his fist, and reported, "Sir, our search of the entire street where the Wanhua Building is located has concluded. There are no survivors. All the commoners were drained of their Essence Blood and died."

Upon hearing these words, Nie Xu’s face turned as dark as still water. Before Wen Ce could speak, Nie Xu stared intently at the Centurion. "Are you certain? Not a single person left alive?"

"Lord Nie, it is certain. All of them are dead."

Nie Xu’s chest heaved violently, his fists clenching involuntarily. An entire street of people, likely several hundred, all dead at the hands of Demon Evils. He didn’t need to imagine the repercussions this news would cause by morning.

"Lord Wen," Nie Xu said, his gaze fixed sternly on Wen Ce, "this is a grave matter. I suspect other Demon Evils are still lurking in the city. I hope the Black Tiger Army will conduct a thorough investigation and ensure not a single Demon Evil escapes."

"Rest assured, Lord Nie. The Black Tiger Army will handle it," Wen Ce nodded.

CLACK!

CLACK!!

"Dry season, watch for fire!"

In the silent streets, Wu Er’s call rang out as he struck his bamboo clapper, the rhythmic sound echoing through the stillness.

Suddenly, he paused, his brow furrowing instinctively.

Strange... why does this street seem longer tonight than usual?

As a night watchman, Wu Er knew Jincheng like the back of his hand. Every night, he walked the same routes countless times. He could navigate them swiftly even with his eyes closed, let alone open. It was because of this familiarity that Wu Er sensed something unusual about the street he was patrolling tonight.

Looks like I’ve been overworking myself lately, and my mind’s playing tricks on me. I need a good rest tomorrow. Definitely can’t visit Widow Liu’s place in the east city anymore.

Shaking his head, he dismissed the thought and continued on his way.

"Dry season, watch for fire..."