CHAPTER 65: CHAPTER 58 BLOOD TEST

Zhou Leng was well-versed with the Demon Prison Lord and casually replied, "The master of the Endless City in the ninth layer of the Demon Purgatory, the giant serpent lurking in the void, king of the Melted Candle Legion, Lord of Longevity, the Undefeated King, the Ancient One."

"Legend has it that it is covered in dark golden scales and carries an endless array of rusted bronze candelabras on its back, upon which countless white candles burn."

"Countless candelabras are linked together, layer upon layer, like numerous fortresses converged and embedded in its back, spanning mountains, equal in length to its body."

"In reality, no one has ever seen its true form. Its image only appears in the Demon Chapter, described as a colossal being soaring among the stars."

"There are rumors that the Endless Candle Serpent is a divine spirit of a higher civilization, and what appears in the ninth layer of the Demon Purgatory is merely one of its candelabras or even just the flame of a single candle."

"It is also the chief among the three main lords worshiped by the Fishman Sect of the Demon Worship Sect."

"Within the ninth layer’s Endless City, countless candelabra form giant trees. These candle tree giants encircle the Endless City, shining white like stars in the sky, said to be the origin of the Star Blood Tree symbol of the Fishman Sect."

"In the Endless City, demons’ bodies are all related to white candles, hence the name ’Candleholder.’ The demon legion of the ninth layer is also called the ’Melted Candle Legion.’

"The Melted Candle Legion rarely deploys directly, often preferring to infiltrate various worlds, subtly influencing creatures across realms, then sacrificing to the Endless Candle Serpent to gain power."

Zhou Leng glanced around at everyone in the car, finally saying, "It’s said that one of the reasons humanity failed during the era of technological civilization is because many humans were ’Fallen Demon’ by the Melted Candle Legion, turned into demons, sparking internal strife within the Human Race. So, the experts of the Martial Arts Civilization value the honing of Martial Arts Will to prevent control by demons. Is that true?"

Some Martial Guards showed curiosity, but the older ones remained silent.

"In the Martial Guard Bureau, don’t ask what shouldn’t be asked!" Deng Zhijue coldly said.

"Yes," Zhou Leng replied.

Deng Zhijue asked, "If the opposing force is that of Candleholders, what do you think of this case?"

Zhou Leng said, "There are many possibilities. It’s clear that those five people actively summoned the Desperate Priest. Looking at the data, they didn’t commit any evil acts, nor did they exhibit signs of a sudden increase in power."

"On the contrary, the five of them were quite ordinary in every aspect. Without being pushed to a dead end, it’s impossible for them to summon demons. Instructor, what’s your guess?"

Deng Zhijue laughed, "You’re testing me now. Based on previous case experience, if I had to guess, it’s that the five people discovered they were being sacrificed by the power of the Candleholder, but they didn’t know how to disperse it and didn’t dare report it, so they tried to use the power of the Temple of Despair to dispel it."

Zhou Leng nodded, "I also lean towards a similar possibility."

The car stopped outside Guoyun Exploration Company’s premises.

Deng Zhijue took out a half-person-high Demonized Shield and handed it to Zhou Leng, "In case of combat, prepare for defense."

"Yes."

Around the company, a fleet of police cars stood with lights flashing.

A gilded sign hung above the company gate.

Guoyun Exploration Company Rucheng Second Branch.

The group approached the company gate, where a Martial Guard on duty welcomed them while reporting.

"The facility is shut down. Everyone is temporarily staying in different areas. We’ve performed a rough scan with a Demon Spirit Artifact and found no issues."

"However, since this is a demon slaughterhouse, high-energy reactions are chaotic, making it impossible to inspect meticulously. We’ve been waiting for you to conduct a large-scale blood check."

Deng Zhijue moved forward while saying, "The Demon Cultivator certainly knows where to hide. Bring the Blood Testing Device; let’s go."

Four Martial Guards with instruments joined the team as they headed straight for Jiang Yan’s slaughterhouse workshop.

Zhou Leng carried the shield, following the group.

In the workshop, many employees looked at the arriving Martial Guards.

Suddenly, some people looked surprised.

Zhou Leng, wearing a Martial Arts Hall camouflage uniform and a sticker of an Apprentice Martial Guard on his chest, stood out among the official Martial Guards, holding a shield.

Jiang Yan looked at Zhou Leng, frowning.

Whenever Zhou Leng and Hu Yi appeared, trouble followed.

"Everyone, stand at least five meters apart. Start the blood check. Any unusual movements will be eliminated!"

Deng Zhijue’s expression was stern, his gaze grim, looking entirely different from his instructor demeanor.

Four Martial Guards swiftly conducted blood tests using two Blood Testing Devices.

The rest of the Martial Guards spread out, closely observing each person.

The blood tests proceeded one by one and concluded quickly, with no one triggering the blood test alarm.

The four Martial Guards returned.

"Report, only one person’s demonic aura in their blood is slightly elevated but still below the threshold. Given this is a demon slaughterhouse, such a reading is normal."

"Bring them over."

Two guards brought Jiang Yan over.

"Secure him."

Two guards held Jiang Yan’s arms tightly, one on each side.

"What are you doing?" Jiang Yan panicked.

"Routine check."

Deng Zhijue put on gloves and stepped forward to open Jiang Yan’s eyes for a careful inspection.

Then, he handed the gloves to Zhou Leng.

"Take a look."

The workshop employees were puzzled, and the Martial Guards found it strange as well—teaching at such a time?

Zhou Leng put on the gloves and said, "Vice Group Leader Jiang, my apologies."

Jiang Yan remained silent.

Zhou Leng pried open Jiang Yan’s eyelids, inspecting carefully, then touched Jiang Yan’s neck, saying slowly, "You should know why I’m here today..."

With that, Zhou Leng gently applied pressure with his hand.

Jiang Yan felt the cold touch of the gloves, his heart pounding, with only one thought in his mind: Zhou Leng was here for vengeance.

Blood vessels in Jiang Yan’s eyes expanded.

Zhou Leng patted Jiang Yan’s shoulder, "Vice Group Leader Jiang, just kidding, it’s only a routine check."

Then, Zhou Leng turned to look at Deng Zhijue, nodding slightly.

Deng Zhijue said, "Jiang Yan, please cooperate with us for a detailed examination at the bureau."

Jiang Yan gritted his teeth, suppressing his fear and anger, and nodded, "I will cooperate with the Martial Guard Bureau in any reasonable and legal investigation."

A Martial Guard took Jiang Yan away, while the rest approached the entrance, distancing themselves from other employees.

"What do you think?" Deng Zhijue asked.

Zhou Leng said, "I’m not familiar with such matters, but during his emotional agitation, the blood vessels in his eyes were unusually pronounced, as you’ve all noticed."

Several Martial Guards nodded slightly.

"My experience is far less than yours. I can only sense something’s off. Beyond that, I can’t tell. You all are veterans and should have your own opinions."

Deng Zhijue said, "If nothing unexpected happens, it’s ’demonic contamination.’ Someone who came into contact with Jiang Yan practiced Demon Skill or even became a Fallen Demon, affecting Jiang Yan afterward. I’ve already sent another team to investigate Jiang Yan’s acquaintances. Now, we’ll conduct a blood test throughout the factory. You stay here and gain experience."

Zhou Leng followed Deng Zhijue for blood testing of over a thousand people throughout the factory.

They worked until late at night to finish the checks.

Zhou Leng looked at the results.

Twelve people’s demonic aura was slightly high but didn’t trigger any warnings.

Then, Zhou Leng and Deng Zhijue examined these people’s eyes.

Four of them were similar to Jiang Yan, and all were taken away.

A group surrounded the screen projected from Deng Zhijue’s Demonized Wrist, searching for commonalities among these four people.

Finally, Deng Zhijue pointed to the photo of Tian Wenbao and other leaders of the slaughterhouse on the screen and said, "The blood tests for these people are clear?"

"All clear."

"Those five people were all under their jurisdiction. Let’s check their eyes."