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Chapter 535 The Evil Spirit Calls Out Its Name (Nine Thousand)
The scales are shaped like sharp mulberry leaves.

The center line has a raised structure, which increases strength. The edges are sharp serrations.

Xu Yuan held it in his hand and could feel that there was still some yin energy remaining in it.

After examining it, it was confirmed to be of third-rate evil spirit scale armor strength.

Xu Yuan used the "Fighting General Technique" and the "Dragon Transformation Technique," but he could only barely break it.

The scales were taken from the house at the west end of the post station.

That house was the best of the four remaining rooms in the post station, and it contained the ashes of Xiang Youchen and the other five.

There was no coroner; after they died in battle last night, they were immediately cremated to prevent any strange occurrences.

After handing over the scales, Inspector Yang ignored Xu Yuan and focused on chatting with his third senior brother.

The third senior brother always handled things appropriately, appearing gentle, refined, and polite.

"If that beast comes again tonight, we will have to rely on you, Yan Kong."

The third senior brother was very considerate of Inspector Yang: "If it really comes, I will definitely do my best."

Defeating it is not difficult, but I believe it is not enough to simply defeat it. It was rampant last night, daring to injure Brother Yang. I urge Brother Yang to lead the entire Exorcism Division, and with everyone's cooperation, we must capture or kill it to avenge Brother Yang.

"Hahaha!" Inspector Yang laughed heartily, and couldn't help but secretly glance at Xu Yuan again.

Look at that third senior brother!

Why is it that someone can become famous throughout the world and be revered by all scholars?
Talking to people can be very enjoyable.

Look at Xu Yuan, you're like a firecracker, ready to explode at the slightest touch.

Xu Yuan tucked a broken scale into his pocket, then waved to his subordinates and gave them orders: "Liu Hu, prepare dinner. Lang Xiaoba, you take your men and set up camp."

"Yes, sir!" The men clasped their hands in obeisance and accepted the order.

Xu Yuan didn't take Inspector Yang seriously, but Liu Hu was a smooth talker. He approached Inspector Yang with a smile, cupped his hands, and asked, "Lord Yang, how many people are there in total? I'll prepare dinner for you."

Inspector Yang snorted coldly, giving him a cold look: "No need!"

Liu Hu, having been rebuffed, slunk back, rubbing his nose in embarrassment.

Lang Xiaoba sneered at him, "You got the short end of the stick, didn't you?"

Liu Hu glanced at his master and whispered to Lang Xiaoba, "He is, after all, an inspector. You know our master's temper. You expect him to back down? Impossible."

Shouldn't we, as his subordinates, help ease the tension?
The man is upright and honest; don't add fuel to the fire...

Lang Xiaoba wouldn't listen to his advice at all, and stubbornly said, "I don't care about all that, I only listen to the adults!"

Liu Hu shook his head and walked away, muttering to himself, "I was stupid too. What's the point of reasoning with a martial arts practitioner..."

On Yang Xunshi's side, he invited his third senior brother, "Yan Kong, I'll have the postmaster prepare some wine and dishes, let's have a couple of drinks."

The third senior brother nodded, reached into his sleeve, and pulled out a gourd: "Lord Yang, please take a look, what is this?"

He turned the gourd around, revealing a mark on it.

Inspector Yang was overjoyed: "Yubing Shao from Beidu! Hahaha, I've been away from Beidu for half a year—I haven't drunk such good wine in half a year."

The third senior brother placed the gourd on the table between the two of them: "This is all I have left. If I hadn't met Lord Yang, I really wouldn't have been willing to drink it."

These words made Inspector Yang feel as refreshed as if he had eaten a watermelon chilled in well water on a sweltering summer day.

"There may still be fighting tonight, so we shouldn't drink too much. This is just one gourd," the third senior brother said again.

Inspector Yang immediately replied, "That's exactly right."

Before the food and wine were served, the third senior brother and Inspector Yang had already poured themselves a cup and started reciting poems.

The place was bustling with activity. Lang Xiaoba and Ji Shuangqiu squatted on the ground, chirping together: "Scholar!"

"Pretentious."

They couldn't understand the poems written by their third senior brother and Inspector Yang at all.

However, the scholars under Xu Yuan's command all showed envy in their eyes.

We also want to drink and sing poems with our famous third senior brother.

The postmaster used all his skills to get four side dishes to accompany the wine for Inspector Yang and his third senior brother.

That's really nothing.

Not only was the portion small, but there was no meat at all; it was just a plate of scrambled eggs.

Everything else is vegetarian.

There was also a dish of stir-fried wild vegetables...

Envoy Yang was furious. He slammed his fist on the table and pointed at the postmaster, cursing, "The imperial court gives the post stations a fixed amount of money every year. You try to fool me with these things?"

"Tell me! Did you embezzle it all?"

The postmaster was so frightened that he knelt down with a thud and kowtowed repeatedly: "My lord, I'm innocent!"
It wasn't that we didn't have the money to prepare a feast, but rather... there was simply no food left at Xiaotang Inn.

Our Xiaotangyi is a small station, and we don't usually keep much food on hand.

Last night, Lord Yang and all the officers ate it all up. I'm truly a cook without rice to cook...

Xiaotangyi is located too far from Luocheng and too close to Champa.

Normally, few officials rest here.

These were all genuine messengers who occasionally spent the night here.

Therefore, the amount of food prepared was not much.

After the attack last night, the Bureau of Purification is conducting a thorough investigation today, so the postmaster naturally dares not leave to make purchases.

The third senior brother persuaded Inspector Yang: "Lord Yang, to meet a kindred spirit in the south is already a joyous occasion in life."

A few simple dishes, a pot of good wine, and a touch of rustic charm—that's enough!

Yang Xunshi's anger turned to joy, and he drank a cup with his third senior brother, reciting a few poems about friendship and kindred spirits. He was already somewhat drunk.

Little did he know that the "confidant" his third senior brother spoke of was not him at all.

Just as Inspector Yang was enjoying himself, a tempting fragrance wafted over, like a venomous insect, burrowing straight into his nose and heart!
"What's that smell?" Yang Xunshi's men asked, their noses twitching repeatedly.

They were in an even worse situation; each of them had only a bowl of white rice to eat with pickled vegetables.

Liu Hu led several officers from the Champa government, carrying out several large cauldrons.

Liu Hu, holding a large ladle, announced, "Dinner's ready..."

The Champa officials beamed with joy, especially Lang Xiaoba and Ji Shuangqiu, who, taking advantage of their large size, stretched out to the front of the line.

"Quick, quick, give me a bowl first, I'm starving."

Someone will be in charge of serving everyone food.

Liu Hu then placed the six dishes he had personally cooked in front of Lord Xu.

Liu Hu even brought a "general's table" specifically for use in the field.

"Please have some, sir."

Xu Yuan nodded, sat down, picked up his chopsticks, and started eating.

Why did they specifically keep Liu Hu by their side? Just so that he could eat well when they were out.

As for Inspector Yang and the others who were craning their necks to the side, Lord Xu showed no intention of inviting them.

Liu Hu just said he'd made it for you guys, and you're still pretending? Now you want to eat it? Dream on.

Inspector Yang swallowed hard.

How could the postmaster's skills compare to Liu Hu's, who had mastered the "Ghost Banquet Technique"?

Not to mention that the ingredients were already of much lower quality.

Yang Xunshi picked up a small dish with his chopsticks and put it in his mouth. He smelled the tempting aroma coming from the side and suddenly realized that "rustic fun" was only interesting in a little way. It wasn't really delicious!

The third senior brother smiled slightly, stood up, and walked to Xu Yuan's side: "Brother Xu?"

Xu Yuan pointed to the person opposite him: "Sit down."

The third senior brother took out a calligraphy scroll: "I'll use this to exchange with Brother Xu."

Xu Yuan glanced at him speechlessly, then raised his hand and beckoned Liu Hu: "Prepare a feast for Third Senior Brother."

"Yes." Liu Hu acted quickly, but he was also a little unhappy, as he only prepared four dishes for them.

They placed the food on the table of their third senior brother and Inspector Yang.

The third senior brother picked up his chopsticks and said to Inspector Yang, "Please, Lord Yang."

Inspector Yang was somewhat embarrassed and remained seated without touching his chopsticks.

The third senior brother laughed and said, "We bought this, so we didn't take advantage of anyone. If Lord Yang doesn't eat it, my calligraphy will be wasted."

Inspector Yang nodded and said, "Yan Kong's words make sense."

He then took advantage of the situation and started eating with his chopsticks.

The pitiful ones were Yang Xunshi's men.

It's still just white rice with pickled vegetables...

Zhang Tietou's injury has almost completely healed.

The martial arts practitioner was physically strong and had abundant blood and energy. After his bones were set and his dislocated joints were put back in place, he also took the medicinal pills from the alchemist.

The recovery was very quick.

But recovery requires nutrition.

Otherwise, it would require consuming one's own vital energy and blood.

If this kind of consumption is too high, it will affect one's skill level.

He ate ten bowls of white rice in one go, but still felt empty inside, thinking that it would be better to eat a beef leg to fill him up faster.

He smelled the delicious aroma wafting from the side, and although he really wanted to beg for a bite, he was a martial arts practitioner with dignity!
This is something you can't do!
After eating five bowls of rice, I still felt very hungry.

When he went to get more rice, the postmaster awkwardly pushed the wooden bucket of rice towards him: "No, there's none left."

"what?!"

Zhang Tietou was furious.

It's bad enough that it tastes bad, but plain rice with pickled vegetables isn't even enough to fill you up?

He spread his large, fan-like hand and grabbed the postmaster's head: "You scoundrel! How dare you mistreat me—"

The postmaster was lifted up, his arms and legs flailing wildly in the air, unable to find any foothold: "Sir, sir, it's really all gone! All the rice in Xiaotang Post Station has been eaten by you..."

Inspector Yang's face flushed. These words made it sound as if his subordinates were a swarm of locusts.

"Alright!" Inspector Yang said, "Just bear with it."

Zhang Tietou gritted his teeth, threw the postmaster down, and then stomped back to sleep in a huff.

Once I'm asleep, I'm not hungry anymore.

Xu Yuan ignored Inspector Yang and went to rest in the simple camp that Lang Xiaoba had set up after finishing his meal.

Xu Yuan noticed that his third senior brother was also working hard to ease the tension between himself and Inspector Yang.

However, Xu Yuan didn't really care whether he could rebuild their relationship; he was still thinking about the evil dragon.

"Something's not right?" Xu Yuan muttered to himself, having already made up his mind.

The night passed very quietly.

From the distant Xiaoyu Mountain, the occasional roars and screams of evil spirits could be heard.

There were always various sneaky noises outside the post station.

However, the evil spirits seemed to sense that there were some powerful beings in this post station, and therefore dared not approach.

Inspector Yang and his men were on guard all night, but they found nothing.

After daybreak, the same awkward situation arose again.

There was no food left in the post station.

This time, Liu Hu didn't ask any questions and simply made breakfast for everyone.

The third senior brother was not polite at all. He called several captains under Inspector Yang and they came over and took all the food away.

Inspector Yang and Zhang Tietou, among others, kept their faces expressionless, pretending they knew nothing.

Thus, in the crisp coolness of the early morning, an eerie silence enveloped Xiaotangyi.

All that could be heard were the sounds of people wolfing down their food.

Yang Xunshi's men really didn't get enough to eat last night.

Not only was the food bad, but Zhang Tietou ate it all!

Finally, Lord Xu finished eating, wiped his mouth, and said, "Yesterday, our thinking may have been misled by that evil spirit."

Although it burrowed into the river, it may not have gone upstream along the river channel and directly entered Xiaoyushan.

It's quite possible they went the opposite way, downstream, and entered the canal.

Upon hearing this, everyone nodded in agreement; it was indeed a possibility.

"Zhang Meng, let's search downstream later."

Zhang Meng looked troubled: "Sir, it's been two days, and that smell..."

Xu Yuan: "Let's look for it."

"Yes."

A quarter of an hour later, after everyone in the Champa government finished eating, Xu Yuan got up and led his men out.

Yang Xun gave him a wink, and Yue Zheng immediately followed with several of his men.

Starting from the traces left by the evil dragon, search downstream.

Ten miles downstream, the river flows into the canal.

Upon reaching the canal, the search became even more difficult, and Zhang Meng's advance slowed down once again.

As noon approached, the Champa officials searched along the canal until they found a cliff edge.

This section of the canal has steep cliffs on the north bank and a rocky beach on the south bank.

The group, who had already given up hope, looked up and saw a clear mark on the cliff!

"Hey!" Everyone was excited and rushed toward the cliff without needing Master Xu's instructions.

Yue Zheng, however, followed behind Xu Yuan, falling at the very back.

"My lord, it's definitely the scent of that evil dragon!" Zhang Meng exclaimed excitedly. They'd found it!
Xu Yuan appeared somewhat calm, nodding and saying, "Follow the trail."

Once you climb over that cliff, you'll be in the area of ​​Xiaoyu Mountain.

The evil dragon was enormous, and the marks it left behind were very clear.

As he walked, Yue Zheng suddenly sensed something and abruptly turned his head to look to his left:
On the hillside over there, there are many jagged boulders, and dozens of pine trees grow tenaciously from the cracks in the rocks.

One of them grew at an angle, and its trunk was only as thick as a bowl.

A weasel was standing on a branch that had grown horizontally.

The little evil spirit stood upright, its two tiny paws clasped in front of it.

Its hind legs stepped on thin branches, bouncing up and down.

Two round little eyes stared straight at this side.

Yue Zheng looked at it, seemingly frightened. It lost control of its hind legs and, with too much force, snapped the thin branch with a crack, falling into the grass below.

A faint cry of pain could be heard.

The weasel has disappeared.

Yue Zheng whispered to Xu Yuan, "It seems there are evil spirits watching us!"

Xu Yuan nodded: "I know what I'm doing."

That's Huang Thirty-Seven.

After walking another seven or eight miles, the trail suddenly disappeared at the foot of a hillside!
Xu Yuan waved his hand, and the members of the Champa Bureau, with great tacit understanding, split up into pairs and spread out to expand the search area.

They expanded their search outwards from the location where the traces disappeared, covering an area of ​​five miles.

"Sir, none of the groups have found it."

Zhang Meng also returned, scratching his head in confusion: "The scent suddenly disappeared... That evil dragon can fly? But why didn't it just fly away before..."

Xu Yuan sighed, seemingly helplessly, "Never mind, let's go back."

The Champa officials certainly didn't want to give up, but they couldn't find any clues to continue their investigation, so they had to turn back dejectedly, like a group of defeated roosters.

Yue Zheng and his subordinates smirked.

Yue Zheng was somewhat better off, though his subordinates couldn't help but tease him in their conversations.

Lang Xiaoba, Di Youzhi, and the others were seething with anger but couldn't vent it.

Although what they said was harsh, they didn't directly offend Xu Yuan.

Once the group had finished speaking and Yue Zheng himself had had his fill, he pretended to scold them, saying, "What are you saying in such a sarcastic tone?"

"It's perfectly normal that Lord Xu can't find the murderer. We've all seen how hard you've worked these past two days."

"He really tried his best!"

"It's not that Lord Xu is incompetent that we can't find it; it's that the evil spirit is too cunning!"

"If you dare to spout nonsense again, we'll beat you with military sticks when we get back!"

"Yes, we wouldn't dare," several subordinates replied with grins.

...Upon returning to Xiaotangyi, Inspector Yang understood everything upon seeing everyone's expressions.

He asked in an official tone, "Lord Xu, you've worked hard. Is there any progress on the case?"

Xu Yuan remained silent.

Yue Zheng stepped forward and explained the situation.

Inspector Yang smiled faintly: "Oh, so you still can't find it? Lord Xu, what are you going to do next? If you have no ideas, I have already asked the General Headquarters for help. Once the people from the General Headquarters arrive, I will hand it over to them."

Xu Yuan suddenly asked, "Has Lord Yang really informed the General Administration?"

"of course."

Xu Yuan's expression darkened further: "The headquarters is far away in Beidu. It will take at least half a month for them to arrive..."

Inspector Yang interrupted him: "The General Administration has its own fast steamship, which can reach Champa in three days."

"Lord Xu, you have only three days to find that evil dragon and prove your innocence. Cherish this time, and act with utmost care!"

Xu Yuan didn't say anything, turned around and walked into the Champa camp, and didn't come out for dinner.

Inspector Yang smiled to himself and called to his third senior brother, "Yan Kong, I ordered the postmaster to buy plenty of food and wine today. Let's drink to our hearts' content tonight."

The third senior brother glanced in the direction of the Champa government and nodded in agreement, "Alright."

Inspector Yang immediately instructed the postmaster to prepare, and soon the wine and dishes were served, which were indeed extremely sumptuous.

The two ate and drank, but neither seemed to be in the mood for conversation.

The ingredients were excellent, but the taste was just not as good as Liu Hu's.

Although the wine is the best one you can find in Champa, it may not be as good as "Yubing Shao" (a type of Chinese liquor), but it lacks the hometown flavor of "Yubing Shao".

The two put down their chopsticks at the same time. The third senior brother, seemingly trying to ease the awkwardness, changed the subject and asked, "Do you think Xu Yuan can solve this case in three days, sir?"

Inspector Yang shook his head: "Difficult!"

He only said "difficult" because it was Yang Xunshi's habit as an official not to speak too definitively.

But in his heart, he was convinced that Xu Yuan could not break it.

The third senior brother smiled broadly, raised his wine glass, and said, "Since we're bored anyway, how about we make a bet on this?"

Inspector Yang also became interested: "Alright, let's find some fun."

Third Senior Brother: "If you think it's impossible, then I can only bet on it."

"Alright." Inspector Yang laughed, "Yan Kong, you're bound to lose this time, haha. I'll take advantage of you. If you lose, how about you ask me for a piece of your master's calligraphy?"

I've been eyeing Mr. Mo Yuan's calligraphy for a long time, hahaha.

The third senior brother stroked his three-pronged beard and laughed, "Teacher hasn't written calligraphy for anyone in a long time, but... since you've asked, I'll go and beg you for it no matter what."

Inspector Yang was overjoyed: "Thank you, Yan Kong!"

Mr. Mo Yuan is the president of the Jinxiu Academy and the Minister of Rites in the current dynasty!
A literary giant and a leader of the Qing nobility during the Ming Dynasty!
He stopped writing calligraphy for others because when he gave someone his calligraphy, it represented far more than just a simple personal relationship.

The third senior brother's gaze fell on the jade belt around Inspector Yang's waist: "Then what is the lord's wager..."

Upon noticing his gaze, Inspector Yang hesitated.

This jade belt was made by a fourth-rate craftsman.

But since they had already readily agreed to Mr. Mo Yuan's calligraphy, Inspector Yang couldn't appear stingy.

Moreover, he was quite certain that Xu Yuan couldn't solve the case, and he was guaranteed to win, making this bet extremely advantageous for him.

"Very well!" Inspector Yang took off his jade belt and placed it on the table: "I will use this jade belt as the wager."

The third senior brother quickly waved his hand, saying, "I was just joking. This must be something the master cherishes. Please take it back immediately; it doesn't count..."

"Hey!" Inspector Yang pushed his hand away instead: "A gentleman's word is as good as his bond, it's settled then!"

"Well... alright." The third senior brother smiled wryly and reluctantly agreed.

Inspector Yang didn't think highly of Xu Yuan, but his third senior brother had unwavering faith in his friend.

Originally, the third senior brother wanted to mediate and ease the tension between Zhiji and Inspector Yang, but seeing Inspector Yang and his men deliberately belittling Zhiji, he secretly became somewhat displeased.

They deliberately wanted to make things difficult for Yang Xun.

Yang Xunshi was completely unaware.

……

Night fell once again.

From near and far outside the post station, the whispering sounds of evil spirits could be heard again.

Everyone in the inn was already resting.

About five miles to the west, a makeshift hut was erected in the wilderness.

Two people, both skilled in martial arts, stood guard at the entrance, carrying swords, muskets, and other artifacts.

There were four people sleeping in the shack, their snoring rising in waves.

At the entrance of the shack, hung a lamp that was said to be "so infuriating that it could kill you".

It was a piece of work by a fourth-rate craftsman.

The light only illuminated half a meter outside the shack.

Evil spirits cannot enter through the light.

The two witnessed various terrifying evil spirits, which then pressed themselves against the light, peering at them and screaming.

Although evil spirits dare not enter, there are many mosquitoes in this wilderness.

Despite their constant attempts to shoo them away, they would still get bitten every now and then.

When it was time, the two woke up the next two people and told them to go to sleep.

The two newly arrived guards rubbed their faces together and straightened up to stand guard.

One of them said, "Sir, why don't you sleep a little longer? With this 'Immovable Image' artifact, I can manage on my own."

The "adult" shook his head: "It's the rule; night shifts must be in pairs."

From the darkness outside, another rustling sound rang out. The two men sneered, "There are always some stubborn ghosts who won't give up."

The two were extremely confident in their ability to kill the "Immovable Illuminator" lantern, so they deliberately stood a little further out, provoking the evil spirits in the darkness from the edge of the light.

A clump of bushes not far away rustled and swayed.

"They're here!" the two smiled.

Sure enough, the bushes parted and weasels emerged one by one.

These weasels were clearly evil spirits; their eyes glowed green in the darkness, they stood upright, their small paws clasped in front of them, and their long tails trailing behind them.

There were seven of them, standing neatly in a row.

"It's boring, the quality is too low." The two of them curled their lips.

The little evil spirits indeed dared not approach, but they did see the two people under the lamp.

Suddenly, the lead weasel opened its mouth and spoke in human language, shouting, "Xiang Youchen!"

The "adult" subconsciously responded with an "Ah!"

The two of them immediately realized something was wrong!

"This evil spirit is quite capable!"

Xiang Youchen hurriedly rushed back under the lamp, flicked his wrist and threw out a thin chain, locking himself and the raging lantern together!
Some evil spirits have this strange skill of "calling people's names".

Once you agree, you might be bewitched by them and follow them!

Xiang Youchen muttered to himself, "I've only ever heard of foxes calling people by name before, I've never heard of a weasel having this ability..."

After calling Xiang Youchen's name, the weasels turned around and darted back into the bushes, disappearing in an instant.

However, Xiang Youchen did not feel anything unusual about himself. His mind was clear and his eyes were bright. He showed no signs of being under a spell or following the evil spirit.

"what--"

Xiang Youchen asked in surprise, then suddenly realized a question: "How do these weasels know my name?!"

The trick of using fox language to call someone's name only works if the fox knows your name.

Xiang Youchen couldn't understand why these weasels would come in the middle of the night, call out to him, and then run away.
"Weird."

……

Another day, after everyone got up, Yang Xunshi's men and the Champa government each ate their own food.

Then Yue Zheng came to find Xu Yuan: "Does Lord Xu have any plans for today? Lord Yang instructed us to fully cooperate with Lord Xu for the next three days."

He stood there, looking like he was saying, "Lord Yang is giving you a chance."

If you still can't find that evil dragon, don't blame Lord Yang for making things difficult for you.

Xu Yuan nodded and said, "No one else needs to cooperate, just Lord Yang will suffice."

Yue Zheng frowned and said unhappily, "What does Lord Xu mean by this?"

Xu Yuan didn't say anything more to him, and waved his hand, saying, "Lead the way, I want to see Lord Yang."

Yue Zheng hesitated for a moment, but still led Xu Yuan to see Inspector Yang.

Inspector Yang had just finished breakfast and was taking a walk in the courtyard of the post station to digest his food.

Xu Yuanlai cupped his hands and said, "Lord Yang, let's go inside and talk."

Then, without waiting for whether Inspector Yang agreed, he went into a small room.

Inspector Yang frowned, clearly displeased.

But in the end, I followed them in anyway.

Xu Yuan instructed, "Xiao Ba, close the door."

Lang Xiaoba immediately pulled the door shut from the outside, and then he and Ji Shuangqiu stood guard at the door like iron towers, one on each side.

When Inspector Yang entered, he saw that Xu Yuan had already sat down and couldn't help but snort coldly: "Lord Xu, are you perhaps planning to give up directly?"

This case is indeed very difficult. If you can't solve it, I won't blame you.

Besides, it was you who insisted on investigating.

Xu Yuan suddenly raised his eyes and stared at Inspector Yang with a scrutinizing gaze.

"Lord Yang, have I ever offended you?"

Inspector Yang was taken aback.

Xu Yuan continued speaking to himself: "To be honest, we did have some unpleasantness when we met yesterday, but why did you create such a false case to make things difficult for me before we even met?"

Inspector Yang frowned deeply: "Xu Yuan, what do you mean by that?"

Xu Yuan said, "My lord was injured in the attack the night before last. A dignified fourth-rate scholar, one of the eight patrolmen of the Exorcism Division, was injured by a third-rate evil spirit. The wound could not heal overnight, and the Yin energy covered the wound - my lord, you have gone too far."

"I said I didn't find any scales along the way, but I found them after I returned."

"I said the evil dragon might have gone downstream, and that's when traces of it appeared downstream."

"Who made these arrangements?" Xu Yuan's eyes gleamed. "If I'm not mistaken, it should be Xiang Youchen, and the other five captains who died in the line of duty, right?"

After entering Xiaoyushan, Xu Yuan secretly contacted the weasel family.

The weasels told Xu Yuan with great certainty that no new dragon-like evil spirits had recently appeared in the mountains.

Xu Yuan also asked Tian Jing through a memorial, and it was indeed not them who did it.

In fact, Xu Yuan had already become suspicious when he heard that a thief had climbed over the wall and opened the gate, and then the evil dragon had rushed in.

It's such a coincidence, it's too similar to Jiao and Tian Jing.

Xu Yuan even suspected that someone knew about his relationship with the dragon.

The weasel family was large, and they all said there was no evil dragon in Xiaoyu Mountain, so it really wasn't.

The evil dragon was enormous. After attacking Inspector Yang, it could only flee into Xiaoyu Mountain, as it could not hide anywhere else.

So, after eliminating all possibilities, the most illogical scenario is the truth:
Someone fabricated all of this.

The story of "the thief breaking into the yard" was fabricated by the author because they couldn't find a reasonable explanation for evil spirits breaking through the door gods and entering the yard. So they could only add a "thief" to cooperate with the evil dragon.

The traces of the evil dragon downstream need to be fabricated by someone before Xu Yuan.

Yang Xunshi's men were all at the post station.

The third senior brother was also at the post station; it was impossible for them to do this.

That leaves only the six people, including Xiang Youchen, who are already "dead".

And they must be hiding nearby.

So last night, Xu Yuan ordered the weasel family to search.

Having found Xiang Youchen, Xu Yuan was certain: I guessed right!

Inspector Yang roared, "Nonsense! Xu Yuan, if you can't find out..."

Xu Yuan interrupted him: "Lord Yang, I know that Xiang Youchen is in a shack five miles to the west."

Inspector Yang was momentarily stunned, his expression changed several times, and then he suddenly burst into laughter.

"Hahaha!" His attitude changed drastically. He patted Xu Yuan's shoulder forcefully and exclaimed exaggeratedly, "Good, good, good!"

Then he sat down to the side: "Lord Ma boasted to me that you are the most talented young man he has ever met, and that your case-handling skills are unparalleled in the Exorcism Division. I thought he was just advocating for the young talents under his command."

"It was my prejudice that led me to underestimate Commander Ma."

Xu Yuan frowned, somewhat puzzled.

Inspector Yang chuckled bitterly and rubbed his forehead, saying, "You brat, you made me lose a fourth-rate craftsman's item to Lord Ma."

He suddenly slapped his forehead and exclaimed, "I understand now! I've fallen for that old bastard Ma Tianshou's scheme!"

In fact, Xu Yuan guessed that the so-called "evil dragon attack case" was completely fabricated. Another piece of evidence was that when Inspector Yang came to Zhancheng, Lord Ma did not inform him.

Just as Xu Yuan was about to speak, he saw Inspector Yang's expression suddenly change again. He slapped his thigh, his face full of pain: "No, they are two fourth-rate crafts!"

Oh no! Not only did I fail to get Mr. Mo Yuan's calligraphy, but I also lost my favorite jade belt!
Xu Yuan was puzzled, but Inspector Yang smiled wryly again: "Forget it, let's not talk about this anymore."

Xu Yuan finally found a chance to speak: "Lord Yang, please explain what you mean."

Inspector Yang pondered for a moment and said, "There is a matter in the capital that has been pending for a long time, but we have not been able to find a suitable person to handle it."

Princess Ruicheng recommended you to His Majesty.

However, the parties involved do not know you well enough, and this matter is quite... complicated.

Therefore, everyone sent people to Champa to see if you could truly shoulder this heavy responsibility.

Inspector Yang pointed outside and said, "The purpose of the Brocade Book Society should be the same as my purpose."

At this point, Inspector Yang paused for a moment.

The third senior brother arrived first, and he seemed to have an excellent relationship with Xu Yuan.

This indicates that he had already observed Xu Yuan and had an answer.

He probably believed from the very beginning that Xu Yuan could solve the case!

He made a bet with himself...

Inspector Yang was so angry he gritted his teeth. Ma Tianshou and Shi Qiusheng were both cunning and treacherous!
Only this inspector is a truly good person!

I got ripped off.

Xu Yuan suddenly realized:

No wonder someone like Third Senior Brother would suddenly come to a place like Southern Jiaozhi.

"What exactly is it?" Xu Yuan asked somewhat nervously.

Inspector Yang: "It's too early to say. My opinion and that of my third senior brother have been sent back, and His Majesty will consider them. Although he will most likely choose you, there is still a chance of something changing."

He noticed Xu Yuan's expression and smiled again, saying, "You don't need to be too nervous. The matter is indeed tricky, but if you manage to get it done, it will be a great opportunity for you."

Xu Yuan, however, still frowned.

There are still four months until the Ghost Festival (July 15th of the lunar calendar).

If he went to Beidu, he didn't know how long that matter would last. If he was delayed and couldn't make it back in time, Xu Yuan was worried about his stepmother and the others facing Master Ruan Tian alone.

After thinking for a moment, Xu Yuan said, "Lord Yang, my identity is actually somewhat special..."

Inspector Yang waved his hand: "I know, the criminals in Hegong Lane."

"You know?"

"Your Highness told His Majesty everything when he made the recommendation," said Inspector Yang. "That's not a problem. Once the matter is settled, His Majesty can remove your label as criminals with a single decree."

Inspector Yang continued, "Before I came here, I specifically checked the case files from that year. Xu Yuan, the matter from back then was more complicated than you think, and even your six families might not know it."

Putting aside other matters, back then, the Liu family was already considered one of the larger families in your hometown. Why then did you have to be the ones conscripted for river work?

The people conscripted for river work were all commoners.

Anyone with some wealth could secretly use some money to avoid this river construction work.

Xu Yuan nodded, clasped his hands in a fist and asked, "Please enlighten me, sir. How can I uncover the truth of what happened back then?"

Inspector Yang stroked his chin: "This..."

He glanced at Xu Yuan again and said, "Actually, there is one person who definitely knows."

"Who?"

“Your Excellency the Supervisor,” said Inspector Yang, “there are few things in the world that can escape Your Excellency’s eyes.”

(End of this chapter)