At the start of the game, you have one equipment slot; the effects of unequipping the equipment rema

Sanchahe is located in the lower reaches of the Qingshui River.

The water here is calm and has a large water storage capacity, with the water surface being nearly twice as wide as the upstream section of the river in Qinghe County.

It is named "Sancha" because it has three large branching channels.

"Water monsters are indeed hard to find!"

On the edge of the Sancha River, Mu Yang held the Demon-Seeking Compass, but still found nothing.

The Sancha River basin is already extremely wide, and the water is flowing constantly, so even if there are demons, it is difficult for them to leave behind any demonic aura unless they come out of the water and onto the shore.

"Let's ask someone nearby first."

Mu Yang took out a map from his sleeve and compared the location with the map. He found that there was a county town called "Sancha County" not far away.

This is a small county town similar to his hometown, Qingxi County, but its development is much better than that of Qingxi County.

After determining the location of Sancha County, Mu Yang squeezed his legs together, and Xiao Hei immediately changed from a strolling state to a journey state.

Although underwater monsters are hard to find, as long as there are people living nearby, they should know some information.

About an hour later, a county town that looked slightly thicker than the city walls of Qingxi County came into Mu Yang's view.

"Is this a holiday?"

As Mu Yang approached the city gate, he discovered that exquisite red lanterns were still hanging on the city wall.

Even the guards at the city gate wore bright red undershirts, with a touch of fiery red peeking out from their cuffs.

But why didn't he feel any festive atmosphere?

Mu Yang had some doubts in his heart. He dismounted and walked towards the city gate.

"The investigation is quite thorough."

Mu Yang glanced at the number of guards at the city gate; they were far more numerous than those in their Qingxi County.

Almost doubled.

The fact that so many jobs can be provided shows that Sancha County is indeed wealthier than Qingxi County.

Besides their large numbers, these guards were also genuinely working, carefully checking almost everyone who came in and out.

The guards were a bit unfriendly, and their eyes were quite fierce; they'd probably seen blood before.

They seem more reliable than the guards in Qingxi County.

Mu Yang thought to himself.

Thanks to the Demon Slayer's robes he was wearing, he wasn't questioned or had to pay any entry fee.

Under the guards' respectful yet awe-inspiring gazes, Mu Yang led Xiao Hei into the city.

His gaze swept across the surroundings.

Before us was a fairly wide main street, with red silk and lanterns hanging from the eaves of the houses on both sides, as if some kind of celebration was about to take place.

With lanterns and decorations so brightly lit, it should have been a lively and peaceful scene, but there were not many pedestrians on the street.

The few who occasionally passed by, upon seeing the clothes on Mu Yang's body, all quickly lowered their heads and hurried on their way.

No one spoke or discussed anything, and no children played around.

The bright red lanterns, however, made the atmosphere on the street seem rather eerie.

Mu Yang frowned slightly.

Something's not right, something feels really off about Sancha County!

Despite the city walls appearing thicker and the number of guards greater, the atmosphere in Sancha County was far more oppressive than in Qingxi County.

"Could it be that there's a problem with the county government?"

Mu Yang's nostrils twitched slightly, his keen sense of smell kicking in.

A faint, eerie aura suddenly wafted into my nostrils.

Really!

Mu Yang calmly led Xiao Hei and continued walking, following the direction from which the demonic energy emanated, and crossed two more streets.

The street is lined with shops on both sides, and judging from the signs, they sell all kinds of things.

Strangely, even though it's broad daylight, all the shops are tightly shut, with their doors and windows completely closed.

"Please, spare my child! Officials, I beg you! I'll give you anything else!"

Mu Yang continued walking forward for a while when suddenly a cry came from ahead.

"Child? Official?"

Mu Yang paused, then mounted his horse, manipulated the reins, and urged Xiao Hei toward the direction from which the sound came.

The clatter of horses' hooves echoed through the empty street, while the windows on both sides remained tightly shut.

Before long, a courtyard of moderate size came into Mu Yang's view. The sounds of pleading and crying coming from inside became clearer, interspersed with the sounds of men cursing and smashing things.

Mu Yang lightly touched the ground and landed on the courtyard wall.

Inside the wall stood three or five tall, strong men.

They were dressed in clothing similar to the standard uniforms of the constables of Qingxi County, and each of them wore a steel knife at their waist.

The man with the thick beard at the head seemed to be the leader.

He had a crying little girl tucked under his arm, and an old woman kneeling at his feet, hugging his leg and weeping.

The old woman looked quite old, with a striking red dye on her half-white hair.

"You old fool, you're really asking for trouble! This is an opportunity to be a page to the River Goddess, a blessing that leads to enlightenment and ascension. Countless people would kill for such a chance, and you dare to refuse?!"

The bearded constable cursed angrily, then raised his hand and smashed the old woman's head hard with the blood-stained hilt of his knife.

The force with which he slammed down was immense. Let alone an old woman who knew nothing about martial arts and was already quite old, even a martial artist at the physical strength level would surely see golden light upon being hit by such a blow.

If it hits hard, the victim will either fall into a coma or die.

"call--!!"

Just then, a sudden gust of wind blew!

Just as the bearded constable's arm was about an inch away from landing, a wind blade the size of a palm suddenly struck.

With a swift motion, the arm holding the knife was severed cleanly at the root.

The steel knife clattered to the ground, spraying blood, redder and thicker than the old woman's white hair, all over the ground.

"ah!!!"

The bearded constable let out a wail, instinctively loosening his grip on the girl with his other arm. He clutched his wound and stumbled backward, finally collapsing to the ground and rolling around in pain.

"who!!"

The other henchmen, as if facing a formidable enemy, drew their swords and looked around in fear.

"Grandma!! I'm so scared, waaaaah~~"

The little girl, having broken free from her restraints, ran crying into the old woman's arms and sobbed loudly.

"Don't be afraid, little one, Grandma's here!"

The old woman held the little girl and comforted her repeatedly.

The next second, a figure descended from the sky and landed in the courtyard.

The dark uniform, made of expensive fabric, gleamed smoothly in the sunlight, and the strange weapon at his waist shone like gold.

Even someone who knows nothing can tell at a glance that this person is of extraordinary status.

What terrified the constables even more was that the newcomer also had a small wind blade in his hand, which was spinning and floating in his palm.

Like a crossbow ready to fire, it was poised to unleash the fatal blow that had just severed their squad leader's arm.

The visitor was none other than Mu Yang!

"The Demon Slayer Division!?"

One of the constables exclaimed in surprise when he saw the vermilion "斩" (meaning "to kill") embroidered on the black uniform.

Then, the man loosened his grip, and the steel knife fell to the ground with a thud.

"Sir...this sir from the Demon Slayer Division, we are constables from Sancha County, we're on our side, sir!!"

The man knelt down with a thud and hurriedly called out.

The others immediately threw away their steel knives and knelt down, bowing their heads.

Upon hearing this, the old woman trembled, but did not utter a word; she simply tightened her grip on her granddaughter's arm.

"One of our own?"

Mu Yang narrowed his eyes slightly.

It seems that Sancha County is even more chaotic than he thought!