Refining the True from the False: Becoming a God Starting with Devouring a True Dragon

Chapter 79 The Traitor Arrives at Dushui County, the King's One Move! (5.4k)

"What a pity! If we had come a day earlier, we could have caught the worst of it!"

"If this battle could just drag on for another day, that would be fine too."

Song Yan shook his head and sighed, but there was an undisguised smile on his face.

Upon hearing this last sentence, Wang Qi's face instantly darkened. He grabbed Song Yan by the collar and lifted him up. "Do you know how many people will die in Heihe County if the battle remains deadlocked for a day?"

A dark green killing intent surged forth, grazing past Song Yan's scalp.

Hair, blood —

Drifting in the air.

He thought of his master and mistress, Lu Shun, Ge Daniu and Sun Li, and the old doctor in Xiashui Lane.

If the battle continues for another day, most of these people will probably die.

"You—you're definitely using Qi martial arts!"

Unexpectedly, after a moment of fear, Song Yan touched the blood flowing from his head and became even more excited.

"madman!"

Wang Qi threw the person away, and he slammed him heavily to the ground.

There's a kind of madness about Song Yan, just like that of Young Master Lu.

"Are all the people in your county town like this?"

Wang Qi looked at the woman in the blue robe.

The woman looked embarrassed. "Some people really do become obsessed with studying martial arts."

"However, this may also be related to the food they consume during their daily cultivation."

"Please, Young Master Wang, don't take their words to heart."

Wang Qi frowned slightly. "Is it affected by evil energy?"

The woman in the blue robe nodded.

Wang Qi then looked at the others.

Two people remained calm, as if they were used to this scene.

There's nothing unusual about it.

Another person, lost in thought, suddenly said in a deep voice, "That just now—was it the solidified power of killing intent?"

Upon hearing this, Wang Qi felt a slight unease.

Although the people in these capital cities are somewhat insane.

But this insight and knowledge were somewhat beyond his expectations.

I've never heard anyone mention the concept of "solidified killing intent" in Heihe County.

But the young people of this capital city could see right through it.

The county and prefecture are only one level apart, but can their perspectives and atmospheres be so different?

In Wang Qi's heart.

A strange feeling emerged.

After listening to the blue-robed woman's explanation, Wang Qi was indeed too lazy to argue with these people.

"Please trouble you to look after my master's wife and the others here."

"I'm going out to take a look."

Wang Qi clasped his hands in greeting to the seemingly normal-looking woman in blue robes, then turned and left.

He also needs to search for other people.

Even saving more neighbors and fellow countrymen would be good.

Wang Qi followed Zhengyu Street all the way to the street where the constables' quarters were located.

The already flimsy courtyard and thatched huts were all reduced to ruins, as if this were a disaster-stricken area.

Nothing in sight was perfect.

The scene before him was somewhat shocking.

around,

There were wailing commoners and belatedly arriving constables. There were also young men, dressed in fine clothes and exuding an imposing aura, who strode across the street. They seemed to be 'madmen' from the county seat, just like Song Yan.

There were also soldiers dressed in black armor, riding their horses through the streets.

The reinforcements have indeed arrived.

Moreover, its momentum was overwhelming.

Wang Qi dug through the ruins while calling out, but when no one responded, he immediately ran towards the government office and the official residence.

As expected, the once grand government office has been reduced to ruins.

Three shifts of constables remained in the city, along with some martial artists who were probably retainers of the county magistrate's office. Covered in blood, they walked across the ruins, carrying corpses and collecting demon corpses.

The fighting here seems to be coming to an end.

Wang Qi suddenly drew his bow and nocked an arrow.

He killed the snake demon that had just emerged from under a wall with a single arrow.

"Wang, the foreman!"

Several people looked at Wang Qi and immediately showed great joy.

Liu Fang was among the crowd. He rushed over, "Squad Leader Wang, you actually made it back!"

"What's the situation now?"

Wang Qi inquired.

"According to current intelligence, the offices and quarters of the Third Rank, places like Zhengyu Street where taxi drivers congregate, and the various government offices right beneath our feet..."

The official residence was almost entirely a disaster area.

"Those demons seem to specifically target these places to fight."

Liu Fang looked distressed.

His words confirmed Wang Qi's suspicions.

These demons,

It was indeed a targeted attack, and it seemed like they were planning to leave immediately after the initial contact.

This is also the most terrifying.

How can a demon with strict discipline not inspire dread upon closer examination?

Even if reinforcements arrive quickly and fiercely—

Judging from the scene, the demons shouldn't have been defeated so quickly.

How many hours have passed since I stormed into the city?

The demons that had plagued the entire city were all defeated and killed.

Even if you were to slaughter 10,000 pigs, it wouldn't take that long.

This sudden and massive attack, which Wang Qi and the entire population of Heihe County believed was about to fall, was averted within just a few hours.

When the sun sets,

Some residents have already begun returning from outside the city gates and starting to clean up the ruins.

Wang Qi also saw his master Zhang Yuan, Liu Banzhao, and Lu Shun in the early hours of the morning.

That guy was drinking at Chunshui Pavilion when the incident happened, and he was saved by the Jin Chun and Yin Chun sisters, as well as the guards of the other diners.

It can be said that he sacrificed his life day and night with his kidneys.

of course,

Most of them are dead.

Every street and alley Wang Qi walked through.

The city was filled with corpses, and the blood flowed into the canals, turning the water red.

The cries echoed through the streets and alleys, making Wang Qi feel both relieved that no one around him was injured or killed, and also filled with sorrow.

Until the early hours of the morning,

Wang Qi was pulled aside by Zhang Yuan, Liu Banzhao, and a few others.

"After the incident, we followed Magistrate Liu to the sewer alley. We killed quite a few people, including demons, mutated martial artists, and members of the four butcher gangs (chickens, ducks, pigs, and sheep)."

"Judging from the magistrate's tone, things have suddenly changed this time."

"Besides the unexpected demonic invasion from the canals and wells, it's highly likely that someone leaked the information!"

"The city's defense arrangements during the winter hunt in Heihe County have all been revealed."

"That's why the initial defeat was so fierce."

Zhang Yuan's words were earth-shattering.

Traitor!

"The Sewers—the Fragrant Meat Cult leaked information?" Wang Qi asked. "Where did they get this information?"

How did Liu Caiping find out about this?

He pressed for more questions.

Liu Banzhao, standing to the side, shook his head. "We don't know either."

"But the news we just received is that all of us will be moving to the county seat first thing tomorrow morning."

"It's called a relocation, but in reality, they're being escorted to the county seat to await the truth of the matter."

"us?"

Wang Qi was taken aback. "What does this have to do with us constables?"

"A constable?" Liu Banzhao chuckled. "Kid, you're now the deputy head of the constable's office, one of the three big shots in Heihe County, excluding the three head constables. How many people in Heihe County can keep you in check?"

"By all accounts, you should be a person of immense power."

immediately,

Liu Banzhao's smile faded. "It's a pity that this power hasn't even been put to use yet, and this has already happened."

"But don't worry, the county magistrate Liu Caiping, the county assistant magistrate Gao Lu, and the county lieutenant Ji Shichang are the key suspects. Not only them, but also their children and family members will be brought to the county seat."

"We were just incidentally involved."

"You masters don't seem flustered at all?" Wang Qi asked. "Being escorted like this must be unpleasant."

Zhang Yuan said, "It wasn't a pleasant experience, but Master Huang was very generous."

"We were directly registered in the yamen register of Dushui County, and we were even allocated housing in the county seat. Our families could also be brought over."

"I don't have to do anything every month, and I still get paid."

The masters began to speak all at once.

"It's just that I'm not so free to come and go. I can only practice my skills at home and stroll around the streets every day, but I can't leave the city."

"Perfect, we don't know anyone here, so we don't need to leave the city."

"Besides."

"If we have nothing to hide, we have nothing to fear. Isn't this practically a free benefit?"

Liu Banzhao and the others chuckled softly.

No wonder~

Wang Qi suddenly realized why his master Zhang Yuan had a worried yet happy expression.

His original dream was to buy a house in the county town and send his son there to study.

Now things are really messed up.

Because Heihe County has benefited from this misfortune.

They skipped over ten or even several decades and arrived at the county seat in one step.

That Master Huang,

That's incredibly generous.

"The important officials in Heihe County have all gone to the prefectural city. What will happen to Heihe County?" Wang Qi asked again.

Speaking of this,

The group sighed in unison.

It vividly portrays the emotions of joy and sorrow, extreme happiness and grief.

"The matter of demons attacking the city by waterway has come to light, and Heihe County is full of canals and wells, as well as inland waterways connecting to the mouth of the Heihe River. "What was once a well-connected network has now become a sieve."

"I think we should abandon the city."

"Is it that serious?" Wang Qi's expression was a little unnatural, but after thinking about it carefully, the best outcome would be for the military government to take over directly and renovate Black River City.

The common people—.—

They will probably have to relocate as well.

Wang Qi remained silent. Could this be considered another city lost by the human race?

The sky is bright.

Several carriages escorted by cavalry stopped beside the ruins of Zhengyu Street.

People from the surrounding streets peered through the ruins or squeezed into the alleyways to look in their direction.

"What are you doing?"

"I guess he's getting a promotion—that Wang the constable was really fierce yesterday, killing his way from South Street all the way to Zhengyu Street. Wherever he went, not a single demon survived."

"Is that so?"

The neighbors exclaimed in surprise, some of them having seen Wang Qi's heroic figure yesterday.

"Wang Qi, Zhang Yuan, Liu Banzhao—"

The leading general began calling out names.

"During yesterday's riot in Black River City, you were meritorious in slaying the demon. By order of the Prefect of Dushui County, I am leading you all into the county seat to receive further rewards. Please aboard the carriage—."

Knowing this would happen, Wang Qi helped his teacher's wife and Baozi into the car one by one.

Wang Qi was about to get into the car.

But the leading general came over and stopped him.

"You must be Wang Qiwang, the head of the squad."

That's what the man said.

"Exactly."

Wang Qi was puzzled, as he had never seen this person before.

"Come ride in the lead car."

"May I ask who you are?" Wang Qi asked as he got into the car with the other person.

"My name is Song Zhe, a captain in the naval forces."

Wang Qi was still completely confused.

"Song Yan is my younger brother."

Seeing Wang Qi's expression, Song Zhe quickly interjected, "Last night, Miss Bai told me that my younger brother had gone mad again, nearly killing you, and even uttering rude words—..."

"Young people these days are always reckless and impulsive, without any sense of reason."

"Knowing that I was to escort you into the county town today, I specifically accepted this task from Lord Cheng."

"I just wanted to take this opportunity to apologize."

"It's not like it'll kill me." Wang Qi waved his hand when he heard Song Yan's name.

However, he was also thinking...

His own dragon energy and dragon momentum could directly shatter the white snake.

Does that mean that I have actually embarked on the path of Qi Martial Arts, and that I am quite skilled at it?

"Yes, yes, yes."

"Young people these days are just too ridiculous!"

Song Zhe nodded with a smile, "Our Song family owns two fairly respectable restaurants in the county town, offering excellent food and lodging. They're closer to the main city market and offer better accommodations than the places arranged by the higher-ups."

"Why don't you stay at my restaurant for a while, Chief Wang?"

"We'll cover all your food and lodging needs!"

"Consider it a chance for us to make amends."

Wang Qi's expression softened somewhat upon hearing these words.

Song Zhe and Song Yan don't seem to be from the same family at all.

Their words and actions are worlds apart.

Perhaps it's because the other party is a member of the military.

"In that case, I agree!"

Wang Qi cupped his hands in greeting.

He really wanted to see for himself what kind of path the so-called Qi Master and Bloodline Demon Master that Miss Bai and Song Yan were on, and what level they were at.

Can I utilize these two paths and integrate them into my own unique style?

Make yourself stronger.

Wang Qi looked out the window at the dilapidated scene of Heihe County.

Then his gaze slowly turned further north, toward the direction of the Ten Thousand Demon Mountains.

His gaze gradually hardened.

"I will come back."

He turned his gaze back to Song Zhe.

What will happen to Heihe County next?

Song Zhe did not expect that Wang Qi asked about Heihe County instead of the prefectural city.

He laughed and said, "The Heihe Army will temporarily take over the affairs of the government, and most of the people in the city will probably move towards the prefectural city—or to nearby Yangliu County or something similar."

"That's all I know."

"Heihe County is in such a state now, and much of the evidence is nowhere to be found. Your matter probably won't be resolved anytime soon."

Wang Qi remained silent.

He felt that the leak must be related to the Fragrant Meat Cult.

But he couldn't make the decision on this matter himself; it depended on what Master Huang thought and how he investigated.

"By the way, the atmosphere in the county seat is completely different from that in Heihe County."

"It might take Wang Bantou a while to adjust."

"If you need anything when you get to the county town, just tell the shopkeeper and he can come find me—"

Dushuijuncheng.

Songyue Restaurant.

The restaurant's exterior walls are made of bluestone, bearing the marks of time, which also add to its rustic charm. On either side of the main entrance, a pair of majestic bronze lion statues stand proudly.

A black plaque with gold lettering hangs above the door, bearing the four large characters "Song Yue Tower".

The brushstrokes are fluid and powerful, displaying extraordinary momentum.

Inside the restaurant,

The space is spacious and bright, with various lanterns hanging from the tall wooden beams. The flickering candlelight illuminates the entire space in a warm and elegant manner.

A faint aroma of wine mingled with the scent of food, filling the air and permeating every corner.

This restaurant...

It can be described as extremely luxurious.

Wang Qi sat in a corner, eating the few remaining pieces of bloodthirsty tiger demon meat in his pouch, while looking at the other diners around him.

He has been staying in the county town for half a month now.

No one from the government office came to interrogate him.

Besides eating the flesh of the Bloodthirsty Tiger Demon every day, he sits here observing the people in this county town.

The guests coming and going in this restaurant look no different from those in Chunshui Pavilion in Heihe County.

But if you look closely at the food on their plates, you'll see.

Many people have a lotus leaf bag in front of them, which contains some colorful powder.

These people call it "qi dissipation".

It is a medicine used by Qi practitioners to increase internal energy.

A flat package the size of a palm costs one tael of silver.

and,

These people often start fighting over the slightest disagreement.

There was even one guy who had a crush on someone, and they started fighting.

Wang Qi sat there, studying their tactics and observing their fighting style.

Occasionally, he will take matters into his own hands.

"Young master, is there anything you'd like to eat today?"

Song Dahu, the owner of Songyue Restaurant, walked up to Wang Qi with a smile, being extremely polite.

The handsome young man before me is a friend of the eldest son, Song Zhe.

The only command I received

That means treating this person well and giving them whatever they want.

These words startled Song Dahu.

The eldest young master was a soldier and always looked down on the martial artists in the city who "took the new path of martial arts," saying that they did not know how to cultivate diligently and only thought about taking shortcuts.

Especially the young master.

He often talks about how "young people these days are like this and that".

But instead, he brought back a handsome young man who was about the same age as the young master, which made Song Dahu's mind wander.

No matter how you think about it,

This young master Wang is no ordinary person.

In the days that followed, several people tried to challenge Young Master Wang, but all of them were instantly killed in one move.

This further solidified Song Dahu's belief in his idea.

So now all he does every day is figure out how to please this young master.

"The same old thing, ten catties of snake demon meat and a pot of mountain wine."

Wang Qi said calmly.

"Okay."

After saying that, Song Dahu called out to the waiter in the distance, "Young Master Wang, the usual two dishes~"

"Please wait a moment."

Song Dahu bowed slightly to Wang Qi, then hurried to another table.

And not far away,

People have already started arguing.

"If I want to refine my fire energy, the liver and flesh of the Hidden Fire Bull Demon are naturally the best choice. The flames are the fiercest, and the fire energy lasts the longest!"

"The Fire-Hidden Bull Demon's fire is strongest when it's 'angry.' How can a momentary surge of power be considered true power? Moreover, anger scorches the lungs, and its lifespan is no more than ten years! It's nothing but a heretical and crooked path," a man with a voice that sounded almost like a woman retorted.

"So, you're saying that your effeminate Flame Flower Snake will eventually be cured?"

"The way of the Qi Master is not confined to the external, but lies within!"

"Bullshit! True mastery lies in both form and spirit."

"Since your path is so powerful, why don't you go and repair the old martial arts path?"

"I'll fix your big one—"

boom!

Before the word "Master" could even be uttered, flames suddenly shot out from the effeminate man's mouth.

"Qi Technique: Fire Serpent!"

In the blink of an eye,

Then they saw the flames that had been spewed out condense into a snake shape in mid-air, and then swallow the man in brocade robes who had been there earlier.

The people around reacted.

Instead of running away, he pulled away all the tables, chairs, food, and drinks around him and retreated to a corner to watch the game with amusement.

Wang Qi's surroundings were also crowded with people during the foggy time.

"Hey bro, squeeze in a bit."

A man sat down next to Wang Qi with a grin.

But when he saw the snake meat in front of Wang Qi, his expression changed.

"Are you from Jiuwu Road?"

"So what if it is?"

"Among the younger generation, those who repair old martial arts roads like you are either country bumpkins or self-proclaimed geniuses."

"My name is Li Afu, please enlighten me!"

Those around heard this.

They immediately cleared out a large space for Wang Qi and the other person.

"Kid, don't mess with that young master Wang," someone warned.

"Several opponents ahead of me were easily defeated in one move!"

"Some people are already calling him Wang Yizhao."

"I am Li Afu!"

"I know this kid. He follows his elder brother 'Li Gangfeng,' devouring the flesh of those monsters with stone treasures to cultivate his Qi. As a result, he's developed a body full of罡气 (罡气 is a type of internal energy)!"

"As a Qi Master, he can make even flesh-and-blood martial artists dare not get close to him."

People nearby immediately recognized Li Afu as an individual.

"There's something to watch."

Wang Qi looked at Li Afu in front of him, whose body was emitting faint white mist.

That breath was like a razor blade.

Wherever it went, wood chips flew everywhere.

"Hey."

Wang Qi smiled. "After waiting for several days, I've finally found one that looks somewhat fancy."

He suddenly stretched his large hand forward.

Stoned.

Bang bang bang—.

In a flash,

His sleeve ripped.

The strong wind struck my arm, leaving white streaks.

"What a physique!"

The onlookers gasped in surprise.

Wang Qi's large hand, like a dragon, grabbed Li Afu's neck.

With terrifying force, it lifted him up instantly.

Li Afu felt the world spin before his eyes, then he crashed heavily to the ground, his vision went black, and he lost consciousness.

"Still the same move!"

Some people secretly thought it was a pity.