I Possess a Scroll of Demon-Subduing Records

Kidnapping and extortion, fraud, illegal copper smelting, spreading rumors...

I'm afraid I'll become an outlaw someday.

Lin Yi's inner thoughts were quite interesting, but Guan Buping was different. He still didn't know whether the news was true or false, and he hadn't found any clues about the matter in the city. As a guardian, he felt that he was really useless.

Both men arrived at the prefectural governor's residence with serious expressions. After announcing their arrival, Wang An's eldest son, Wang Qian, appeared at the entrance and led them into the residence.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Wang Qian led them outside the study.

"My father is currently handling government affairs in his study. He has an important matter he would like to discuss with you two, so he would like to meet with you here first. Please forgive any rudeness."

"It's alright."

Guan Buping also wanted to discuss the matter with Wang An, so there was no need for so much formality.

The three of them entered the study together, and Lin Yi met the highest-ranking official of Xingsha County for the first time.

As he was sizing up Wang An, Wang An happened to look over as well. Their eyes met, and Lin Yi smiled slightly before lowering his head.

Wang An returned a friendly smile, but alarm bells were ringing in his mind.

"What does this kid mean?"

Chapter 55 There Might Be a Mole Among Us

Wang An imagined that when he met Lin Yi, Lin Yi would definitely pretend to be an honest person, or at least act normally, so as not to arouse his suspicion.

So what was the meaning behind that meaningful smile? Was it a direct and obvious hint?

This completely stumped him. Fortunately, he was used to big occasions. Although he felt something was off, he still asked the two guests to sit down. A servant brought tea, and he said, "My son was in trouble the other day, and I am very grateful for your help. However, I have been busy with affairs in the county town and have not been able to properly thank you. I am really sorry for my rudeness. Please forgive me."

"Your Excellency Prefect, you flatter us. It is our duty to keep the people safe and secure at night. There is no need to be so polite."

Guan Buping and Wang An entered into a pleasantry, exchanging pleasantries. Lin Yi remained remarkably quiet, not uttering a word, even as Wang An and Wang Qian's eyes occasionally swept over him.

Actually, he was quite annoyed. Cultured people are just troublesome. They could talk about things directly, but they always had to flatter each other first. One person would praise the other for being diligent in his duties and loving the people, while the other would praise the other for being brave and valiant.

After they finished talking, the two finally discussed the matter of "the Pure Heaven Sect and the Hundred Ghosts Sect's bloodbath in Xingsha".

"Lin Yi, what do you think?"

All six pairs of eyes fell on Lin Yi.

Lin Yi was not surprised. There were two seniors and two juniors present. It was not appropriate for Guan Buping and Wang An to express their opinions first, so it was reasonable for him and Wang Qian to speak first.

He had long been prepared, so he said frankly, "In my opinion, regardless of whether the news is true or false, the fact is that people are now in a state of panic. There are three things we need to do."

The first priority is to reassure the public. On the one hand, it is necessary to issue a public announcement declaring the matter a rumor, and on the other hand, to deploy sufficient forces to patrol and give the people a sense of security.

Second, prepare for battle. Treat all news, whether true or false, as true. Strictly check unidentified people in the city and strengthen city defenses.

Third, verify the authenticity of the message.

After Lin Yi finished speaking, everyone else fell silent.

Wang An's gaze towards Lin Yi held a newfound appreciation. This kid was quite adept at analyzing problems, his analysis was clear, concise, and comprehensive, though not detailed, which gave others a chance to shine.

Wang An then took the opportunity to let Wang Qian say a few words. Wang Qian did not disappoint Lin Yi's groundwork and did not forget to flatter each other: "With Brother Lin's excellent work as an example, I will add some of my humble opinions."

Regarding strengthening patrols, the county soldiers and the Jingye Division can conduct cross-patrols, dividing areas to ensure peace within the city. Furthermore, it's crucial to accurately assess the enemy's available forces and find reinforcements in advance. As for the veracity of the information, I believe verification is no longer important.

As long as we are strong, what do we have to fear from petty villains?

"Good, good, good, my son truly has the bearing of a scholar-general."

Wang An was very pleased; Lin Yi performed well, but Wang Qian was equally excellent.

"There are a few points I need to add regarding this matter..."

This supplement took half an hour, and Wang An spoke in more detail.

He has already contacted the Lord of Yuelu Mountain, a virtuous man who lives in seclusion in Xingsha County and has the strength of a third-rank official.

This time, he not only wanted to protect Xingsha County, but also to teach the Hundred Ghosts Sect and the Pure Heaven Sect a lesson.

Hearing Wang An's words, Lin Yi was naturally overjoyed.

He had originally intended to persuade Wang An, but he didn't expect that Wang An himself had this idea.

Clearly, this person is ambitious and not one to be content with the status quo.

Guan Buping was the only one who hadn't spoken yet. Finally, Wang An asked him, "Chief Constable Guan, what do you think of my approach?"

"Wonderful!"

Guan Buping used two words to express his amazement, and thus began another round of mutual praise.

It was at this time that four people gathered in a secluded little house in the south of the city for a meeting.

"I'm wondering where the news leaked out."

There were four people present, three men and one woman, namely You Tong, You Ling, You Yan, and You Mei.

Youling and Youyan are both handsome men, and they are twin brothers with identical faces and very similar temperaments, both cold and aloof.

"I suspect there is a mole among us."

You Tong's words instantly made the atmosphere tense, and the other three looked at him with rather unfriendly eyes.

Twin brothers are naturally of one mind; if there's a traitor, both of them are traitors.

Youmei felt that these words were directed at her directly.

Facing the three men's fierce gazes, You Tong remained unfazed and said, "Otherwise, how did our plan to sacrifice Star Sand City get leaked? How were our previous strongholds exposed?"

Although the rumors had spread to the public and sounded like a bloodbath, the source was still found through the investigations of Youling and Youyan.

The news first came from the third young lady of the prefect's family, but who delivered the message to her is unknown.

"Then I can also suspect that you are the mole. After all, you have the most contact with the most people and are the most likely to leak information."

Youmei retorted without hesitation. If the goal was to find the mole, it would be too dangerous for her to search only among the three of them. She couldn't compete with the two brothers, so she had no choice but to drag Youtong into the mess as well.

You Tong naturally knew You Mei's plans, but he wasn't just there to find the mole.

"I won't look for who the mole is. You all know the consequences of betraying the gods. But now that the news has leaked, our plans have to be changed."

You Tong has chosen to set aside the controversy and focus on the important matters first.

The two brothers, Youling and Youyan, had no objections. Youmei knew that it was useless to resist, so she could only angrily stop talking, indicating her acquiescence.

"I've divided the plan into three parts. Youmei, you're in charge of seducing Wang Liang, the second young master of the Wang family. Your figure is just what he likes. Remember, don't dress too provocatively; men don't like that kind of thing."

Ghostly Spirit: "..."

Hearing You Tong's comments, she felt even angrier than if he had suspected her of being a mole.

"You mean I'm not likable?"

"Indeed, you can ask them if you don't believe me."

Ghostly Spirit: "..."

At that moment, she suddenly felt like a failure.

You Tong ignored him and continued assigning tasks to others.

“Listen to my words, continue your missionary work and rebuild the branch altar in Xingsha County so that more believers may return to the embrace of God.”

The two brothers nodded in agreement, and Youmei couldn't help but ask, "And what about you?"

"I am, of course, in charge of the blood sacrifice. The god's birthday is approaching, and the blood sacrifice must be held before then."

By now, Youmei understood perfectly well that being sent to seduce Wang Liang was clearly a form of banishment.

Although she wasn't explicitly called a mole, she was already being treated as one.

"Just you wait, I will definitely investigate this matter thoroughly!"

The news was leaked from Wang Liang's sister, and she was determined to follow the trail and investigate thoroughly!

Let's hope so!

You Tong announced the end of the meeting, watched the others leave, and suddenly a wicked smile appeared on his lips.

"Little brother, you have such a mischievous smile."

A clear, crisp voice came from somewhere, startling You Tong. He looked around and saw a woman jump down from the roof beam—it was Chu Bi, the woman who had asked him for information the night before…

Chapter 56: Follow your sister, no need to work hard.

You Tong's pupils contracted slightly; the woman's appearance made him realize he was in trouble.

"senior."

You Tong respectfully cupped his hands and said, "I didn't know you had the honor of visiting, senior. What brings you here?"

He was wary of Chu Bi, but not too afraid. After all, he held a high position in the Pure Heaven Sect, and the Hundred Ghosts Sect would not harm him without any basis unless they wanted to start a war with the Pure Heaven Sect.

"Nothing, I just think you're a fun little brother and wanted to hang out with you. You seem to be working really hard, so hanging out with your older sister might save you decades of hard work!"

Chu Bi's gaze was flippant, and You Tong felt a chill run down his spine.

Despite her youthful appearance, Chu Bi's cultivation level and status suggest she is quite old.

She might be good enough to be his grandmother; he really can't afford to mess with a woman like that.

"Senior, please don't joke about a junior like me."

"Don't keep calling me 'senior,' call me 'sister,' or I'll get angry."

You Tong: "..."

Forced by the demon's power, he had no choice but to submit and call her "sister."

Chu Bi was delighted to see the young man's shy yet handsome appearance. She moved like a ghost to close in on You Tong and kissed him on the cheek, leaving a rouge mark. Seeing You Tong's shocked expression, she said with satisfaction, "It tastes good."

You Tong felt deeply humiliated, but dared not retaliate.

Even if he were kissed by a lecherous old ghost from the Hundred Ghosts Sect, the King of the Underworld wouldn't stand up for him.

"Don't be sad. I didn't kiss you for nothing. In return, I can help you when you perform the blood sacrifice. I have something to do, so I'll be leaving now."

By the time she finished speaking, she was no longer in the room.