I became the demon of the female devil

Chapter 362 Commander Chen's Major Investigation! It turns out to be an old acquaintance?

Seeing Xu You's indifferent and aloof demeanor, Chen Mo's lips twitched.

If it were anyone else, and they dared to give him the cold shoulder, they would have already shown them what it means to be a centipede on the street – they'd never be able to keep up with all the trouble!

But when facing this Officer Xu, he couldn't muster any anger; instead, he felt inexplicably guilty...

Moreover, Ye Zige's attitude was also very strange. Despite being her boss, she spent all her time hovering around Xu You, as if Xu You were the one following her around.

"Could she be a young lady from some prestigious family, here to gain some prestige?"

"Besides, the name Xu You sounds very familiar. I'm sure I've heard it somewhere before, but I just can't remember where..."

Whenever Chen Mo tried to think about this matter carefully, his mind couldn't keep up. His consciousness seemed to be shrouded in a thin fog, and he always felt that he had overlooked something important.

dong dong dong-

At this time, there was a knock on the door.

Magistrate Ji's voice came from outside the door: "My lord, it's getting late, we can prepare to depart."

Chen Mo glanced out the window; it was already getting dark.

"Forget it, let's not think about it anymore. Let's finish the important business first."

"Commander Ye, this time we'll split up..."

Chen Mo gave a brief explanation, and Ye Zi'e nodded, "Okay, then we'll do it your way."

crunch--

The door is pushed open.

Chen Mo stepped out and said, "Let's go."

Ji Weifeng glanced at him and the two behind him, and asked in confusion, "Only the three of you? Aren't the other officials going?"

“They’ve already had dinner. They’re tired from their journey and want to rest early, so they won’t be coming along,” Chen Mo said.

"Alright." Ji Weifeng didn't ask any further questions.

Upon arriving at the yamen gate, two sedan chairs were parked on the street, originally intended for the two commanders.

Chen Mo boarded one of the sedan chairs, and Li Yuan followed. Even though the other sedan chair was empty, Ji Weifeng did not ride in it, but instead chose to ride a horse along, just like Song Xuan, the Fire Division officer.

"Get up the sedan."

The sedan chair bearers shouted and lifted the sedan chair, heading towards the east of the city.

After everyone left, the three chieftains walked out of the gate.

Watching the figure gradually disappear at the end of the street, Xu You narrowed her eyes, a cold glint flashing in them.

Ye Zi'e asked in a low voice, "Your Majesty, have you noticed anything?"

"No rush, let's follow Chen Mo's arrangements first." Xu You said calmly, with his hands behind his back, "Leave one person to guard the yamen and be ready to receive the message at any time. You and I will go outside the city to prepare for the meeting."

"Yes," Ye Zi'e nodded in response.

Leaving Lu Shuyuan behind, the two of them flew away.

The sedan chair moved smoothly along the stone-paved road. Chen Mo lifted the curtain with his finger and looked around at the scenery.

Li Yuan sat to the side and asked, "Has Your Excellency noticed anything unusual?"

“No, that’s the biggest anomaly.” Chen Mo frowned slightly. “If the intelligence Ye Qianhu obtained is correct, Fengmu County is indeed one of the strongholds of the Gu God Cult, so what is their reason for choosing this place?”

"It is a remote and isolated place, located at the border of two states, backed by continuous barren mountains, and more than 700 miles away from the nearest county town. It is extremely difficult to send out a message, and it is simply not suitable for developing a sect's power."

"unless……"

There was a slight pause in his speech.

Li Yuan pressed further, "Unless what?"

Chen Mo said in a deep voice, "Unless that's exactly what the Gu God Sect is after, the emperor is far away and no matter how many people die, it won't make a ripple."

Upon hearing this, Li Yuan's expression also became serious.

After a moment's thought, he spoke up, "If the Li family really has something going on, wouldn't it be a waste to alert them if we just go there in such a high-profile manner?"

"That's exactly the effect I wanted." Chen Mo sneered, "The enemy is in the dark while we are in the light. If we want to seize the initiative, we need to expose them to the sunlight as well..."

From the moment he entered the city, he made no attempt to conceal his identity.

And all day today, Li Yuan led his men to wander around the city.

If the Gu God Cult is hiding here, they must have received the news. They might come to probe their strength, or they might try to conceal their identities... In any case, any action will reveal their weaknesses.

……

……

About an incense stick's time later, the sedan chair slowly came to a stop.

Chen Mo stepped down and saw a luxurious mansion before him, with white walls and black tiles, and staggered eaves. In front of the tall and wide main gate stood two stone lions carved from blue stone, their surfaces polished to a shine and spotless.

At this moment, a row of large red lanterns hung above the gate, and the crowds were bustling and noisy. The sound of string and bamboo instruments could be heard from the courtyard, accompanied by bursts of laughter.

Ji Weifeng dismounted, tied the reins, and approached, saying, "The banquets of the past few days were held in restaurants. No one in the city needed to register; anyone with an empty seat could sit and eat. There was plenty of food and drink. Today is the main banquet, specially held at the mansion. Almost all the important people in the city are here..."

Chen Mo shook his head and sighed, "This Li family mansion is much more impressive than your county government office."

Ji Weifeng looked slightly embarrassed, but he also admitted frankly: "Changfeng Escort Agency is quite large, with branches in many places in Tiannan Prefecture. The amount of silver they donate every year is not a small amount. They are indeed richer than our government."

"Oh, Magistrate Ji, we've been waiting for you!"

At that moment, a powerful voice rang out.

Chen Mo looked up and saw a tall, robust man come out to greet him, walking with an imposing gait.

Although his temples were already gray, he was in good spirits, radiant, and his eyes were as bright as stars, making it impossible to guess his exact age at a glance.

"Congratulations, Master Li," Ji Weifeng said, bowing with his hands clasped.

"Hey, it's one thing for others to make that noise for fun, but why are you joining in? It's making me feel so bad!" the burly man said with a laugh.

Chen Mo and Li Yuan exchanged a glance.

Is this Lee Ji-chang?

With a muscular physique, ruddy complexion, and a strong voice, he really doesn't look like he's over sixty.

Although cultivators generally have a longer lifespan than mortals, the difference is not actually that great before they reach the Celestial Realm.

Moreover, martial arts training inherently involves squeezing the body's potential. There are countless examples of masters of external martial arts who were vigorous and energetic in their youth, but prematurely aged in middle age.

Judging from this, Master Li seems to be someone who practices physical training; he's quite well-maintained.

"Eh? Who are these people...?"

Lee Ji-chang noticed the three people traveling with him and asked them a question.

Before Ji Weifeng could figure out how to introduce himself, Chen Mo spoke up, "Chen Mo, commander of the Tianlin Guard, is an old acquaintance of Lord Ji. I just happened to be passing by and thought I'd come over to share in the joy. I hope you don't mind?"

"The Heavenly Guard? A commander of a thousand?!"

Lee Ji-chang stood there, stunned.

The two bodyguards standing guard at the door were also dumbfounded.

Those in their line of work frequently deal with local officials, so they naturally understand what the other party's status means.

Even if Changfeng Escort Agency had a large business, it was still just a local strongman in a corner of the country, while the commander of Tianlin Guard was a big shot who could be ranked in the capital!

With imperial authority, he held the power of life and death; a true tyrant of the court!
How could Ji Weifeng, a mere county magistrate of Tiannan Prefecture, have the opportunity to get acquainted with such a person?
"What, Chief Escort Li isn't welcoming me?" Chen Mo raised an eyebrow.

Li Jichang snapped out of his daze and hurriedly bowed, "Welcome, of course you're welcome! It's an honor for my family that you, sir, would be a guest in our humble abode!"

"I came in a hurry this time and didn't prepare any gifts." Chen Mo took out a jade pendant from his sleeve and said, "This is Qingling Jade, which has the effect of calming the mind and focusing the energy. It's not a very valuable item, but I hope Chief Escort Li won't find it offensive."

Li Chichang waved his hands repeatedly and said, "It's already a huge favor that you came here. How could I dare to accept anything from you?"

Chen Mo's face turned cold. "Does Chief Escort Li look down on me?"

"I wouldn't dare!" Li Chichang's voice trembled, and he glanced at Ji Weifeng with some difficulty.

Ji Weifeng cleared his throat and said, "Since it's being given to you, just accept it. Otherwise, wouldn't that be disrespecting the esteemed gentleman?"

"Then...then I shall accept it without hesitation." Li Chichang accepted it with both hands, carefully put it into his pocket, and gestured, "Please come in, gentlemen."

Chen Mo's expression softened, and he said with a smile, "I'm sorry to bother you."

The group stepped through the gate and entered the mansion.

The entire Li Mansion is not a typical courtyard house, but rather a combination of several independent courtyards with crisscrossing corridors and orderly buildings. It occupies a huge area, with nearly ten courtyards alone. Even in Zhongzhou, it would be considered a true mansion.

It's clear that their family is quite wealthy.

The courtyard was filled with tables and chairs, bustling with people, clinking glasses and exchanging toasts.

A stage was set up in the very center, where graceful dancers danced to the accompaniment of zither music, and cheers erupted from the crowd from time to time.

Chen Mo observed carefully and found that, apart from the bodyguards and yamen runners in martial arts uniforms, most of the guests present were ordinary people without any cultivation. It seemed that, just as Feng Liu had said, this Master Li was indeed planning to host a banquet for the whole city.

It's just taking a concubine, why make such a big fuss?

Ji Weifeng noticed Chen Mo's confusion and said in a low voice, "Chief Escort Li has always been very concerned about his reputation. He hasn't remarried since his wife passed away from illness. Although this is supposedly a concubine arrangement, it's being done almost like a second marriage..."

Chen Mo asked, "Does he have any children?"

“Two sons and a daughter, all of them are bodyguards,” Ji Weifeng replied.

Chen Mo nodded without saying anything more.

Li Chichang led them to the main seats and bowed, saying, "There are too many guests today. Please forgive any shortcomings in our hospitality."

"It's alright, we're just here for a free meal, please make yourselves at home. If you have something to do, Chief Escort Li, please go ahead and take care of it," Chen Mo said with a smile.

"Thank you for your consideration."

"I am a rough man and don't know any manners, so I will punish myself with three cups first."

Lee Ji-chang picked up the wine pot, filled the cups in front of the group, then downed three cups in a row himself. After apologizing, he left first.

Chen Mo tapped his fingers on the table and glanced at Song Xuan.

Song Xuan stood up and silently followed him out.

"Sir, something seems amiss..."

Li Yuan frowned slightly and transmitted her voice, "We've been in the city for a while now, and I've been searching everywhere for information about the Li family, causing such a commotion. How could Li Chichang not know?"

"But when they saw us just now, they acted as if they were very surprised, which seemed a bit too deliberate..."

Chen Mo said calmly, "It's possible they don't want to cause trouble, or they might be covering something up, but my intuition tells me we've come to the right place..."

"Since Lord Chen entered the city, I haven't had a chance to express my gratitude," Ji Weifeng said, rising to his feet with two wine cups in hand. "Now, I'll take this opportunity to offer a toast to you, my lord!"

"You're too kind, Lord Ji."

Chen Mo reached out and took it without hesitation, tilting his head back and drinking it all in one gulp.

"You have such a generous spirit!" Ji Weifeng exclaimed, then filled his cup to the brim. "This second cup is to thank you for saving tens of thousands of people in southern Xinjiang..."

"Dry!"

Chen Mo accepted all comers.

The two clinked glasses and chatted, creating a lively atmosphere, as if he really was just there to freeload.

……

……

Song Xuan secretly followed Li Chichang, moving between the corridors.

"Congratulations, Mr. Li."

"Congratulations on the addition of a second wife, wishing the Li family continued prosperity and many descendants!"

"Haha, thank you all, have a good meal and drinks!"

As they passed through various courtyards, Li Chichang exchanged pleasantries with the guests, his laughter quite hearty.

Leaving the bustling crowd and arriving at the quiet inner courtyard, Li Chichang walked to the door, knocked, and said, "Yun'er, the guests are waiting. Are you ready?"

"You're dawdling again. Well, I'll come in first."

After saying that, he pushed open the door and went inside.

Song Xuan did not rush in, but hid behind the artificial hill and waited silently.

Inside the room, the air was deathly still. Lee Ji-chang leaned against the door, motionless, his eyes fixed on the artificial hill through the crack in the door.

After confirming that the other party would not make any further moves, he then stepped into the inner room.

Upon entering the bedroom, he found a slender and elegant figure sitting in front of the dressing table, her back to him as she combed her long, flowing hair.

Lee Ji-chang stood with his hands at his sides and said, "They've arrived."

"So fast?" The woman raised an eyebrow and said, "You only arrived in Fengmu County this morning, and you've already found your way here by evening. You have quite the keen sense of smell... Have you checked your identity thoroughly?"

Li Chichang said, "I don't know about the others, but the leader is a commander named Chen Mo..."

click-

The woman paused, crushing the wooden comb in her hand to pieces.

After a long pause, a somber voice rang out: "Are you sure it's him?"

"Same name, same surname, from Kyoto, and at such a young age he has already reached the position of commander of a thousand households. The key is that he is too handsome... All the characteristics match, so it is most likely that he is 'Chen Mo'."

After hearing Li Jichang's words, the woman remained silent for a long time.

He then opened a drawer, took out a wooden comb, and slowly began to comb his hair, saying softly, "I still can't believe that my father died at the hands of a mere Transcendent Martial Artist. Now, heaven has eyes, and has actually sent my father's killer to my doorstep..."

Lee Ji-chang hesitated and said, "But we haven't figured out their background yet. Wouldn't it be too risky to take action rashly?"

"Don't worry, I won't let personal grudges affect my business." The woman shook her head and said, "Since the Tianlin Guards were able to find this place, it means they've already set their sights on us. If we delay any longer, the risks will only increase."

"And you also know that things have come to this point, there's no turning back."

Looking at Li Chichang's hesitant expression through the mirror, the woman chuckled and said, "Don't be nervous. According to the promotion rules of the Tianlin Guard, a so-called commander of a thousand is only a fourth-rank. With our preparations over this period of time, let alone a fourth-rank martial artist, even a martial arts grandmaster would have a hard time getting the better of us."

Lee Ji-chang didn't say anything more, and nodded, saying, "I'll do whatever you say."

Then, as if remembering something, he took out a jade pendant from his pocket, walked over and placed it on the table, saying, "This is a 'congratulatory gift' from Chen Mo."

The woman picked it up and played with it for a moment, then sneered, "It's just a jade talisman with a positioning array engraved on it. He's so open about it, he's quite confident. Does he think he's got us figured out?"

"Ah……"

"You go first, proceed according to the original plan."

"Tonight is the night of the full moon, it is of utmost importance, and we absolutely cannot afford any mistakes."

"Yes."

Lee Ji-chang nodded in agreement and turned to leave the room.

The woman casually tossed the jade talisman aside and continued to slowly comb her long hair, humming an unknown tune.

Each time I comb my hair, a lot of it falls out, eventually scattering to the ground and quickly losing its luster, looking like withered straw.

After tying her hair up, she opened her dressing box, took out a piece of human skin, and carefully applied it to her face.

Beneath the skin, something seemed to be wriggling densely, gradually weaving the skin and flesh together.

It fits perfectly and is a natural masterpiece.

Looking at her bright and beautiful face in the mirror, a sinister smile crept onto her lips.

"I've waited far too long for this day..."

(End of this chapter)