Returning from the Yongfu Pawnshop, Shen Changqing once again settled into a leisurely lifestyle.
Though guarding Lin'an City was a troublesome task, the city was actually at its most peaceful as long as the essence blood of the demons had not truly emerged.
As for the people from the five major factions, Shen Changqing couldn't be bothered to pay much attention to them.
As for the other rogue cultivators of the martial world, they were even less worthy of his notice.
Consequently, over the past few days, he had kept a low profile. He would either visit the Yongfu Pawnshop to check on the progress of information, stay at the inn, or simply soak in the local customs and atmosphere of Lin'an City.
Following Zhao Fang's death, the appointment of a new magistrate had not yet arrived, leaving the yamen leaderless. Only the registrar and the legal advisor were barely managing to maintain order to prevent the office from falling into complete dereliction.
Regarding this, Shen Changqing did not intervene much. His task was merely to ensure the safety of the people of Lin'an; whether the yamen was in chaos or not had little to do with him.
At the Zhao family estate.
In front of the gates.
"Lord Shen, for the past few days, members of the Zhao family have been trying to flee continuously, but we have driven them all back. However, the yamen is short-handed; if this continues long-term, it is inevitable that some lapses will occur," Hong Cheng, acting as the head constable, said with a look of difficulty on his face.
Without orders from above, they could neither kill the members of the Zhao family nor could they certainly let them go. But if someone from the Zhao family managed to escape, it would cause massive trouble for them personally.
It was no secret that Zhao Fang had colluded with evil spirits, and the Zhao family was well aware of it. Such a crime, once judged, would likely result in the execution of their entire clan.
Shen Changqing maintained a calm expression as he looked at the walls of the Zhao estate. "I have already sent word back to the Demon Suppression Division. It won't be long before the verdict for the Zhao family is handed down. If anyone attempts to flee in the meantime, they shall be treated as fugitives evading justice."
"Does Lord Shen mean...?"
"Kill!" Shen Changqing uttered the single word coldly and sharply.
Hong Cheng's heart jolted. Kill—he intended to carry out a massacre against the Zhao family.
Just then, the tightly locked gates of the courtyard were suddenly flung open. About a dozen servants rushed out from within, prompting several bailiffs to draw their blades to intercept them.
"Without orders from above, not a single person from the Zhao family is allowed to leave!"
"Go back! All of you, go back! Otherwise, don't blame my blade for having no mercy—"
(End of Chapter)