Chapter 22: Black Blood

Tap, tap, tap.

In the dilapidated alley, the sound of breaking tiles echoed continuously, punctuated by the occasional sound of frantic barking.

Jiang Hui’s movements were exceptionally clean and efficient, but the combination of alcohol and heavy injuries had noticeably slowed his pace.

Chen Qing’s gaze was cold; his footsteps were light and swift as he quickly closed the distance.

Knowing he could not shake the person behind him, Jiang Hui resolved to fight to the death.

"Swish! Swish! Swish!"

The moment he vaulted over a low wall, Jiang Hui suddenly threw a spray of dark light behind him.

Poisoned flying needles, shielded by the darkness of the night, shot straight for Chen Qing’s face.

"Clang! Clang! Clang!"

Already prepared, Chen Qing spun his saber into a shield. Three poisoned needles embedded themselves in the blade, vibrating with a low hum.

He pushed off the ground, leaping into the air. His blood-stained hem fluttered like a bat under the moonlight as he unleashed the 'Mountain-Crushing Style' of his Tongbi Fist mid-air!

Jiang Hui felt as if his internal organs were exploding. His body was sent flying, rolling twice across the ground, and a spray of blood erupted from his mouth.

Chen Qing, naturally, would not miss this opportunity. He strode forward, saber in hand.

"Don't... don't kill me..."

Chen Qing’s blade reflected Jiang Hui’s deathly pale face. The Black Water Gang leader now resembled a dying dog, his fingers clawing ten bloody streaks into the stone slabs.

Without hesitation, Chen Qing delivered a single strike to Jiang Hui’s neck.

"Puchi!"

Jiang Hui’s eyes bulged. He instinctively reached for his neck, where a terrifying crimson stain was visible under the moonlight.

Thud!

Jiang Hui collapsed, unwillingly, dead.

"Whew..."

Chen Qing flicked the blood from his blade and efficiently scavenged the spoils. Once he had confirmed there were no omissions—money pouches, jade pendants, hidden weapon pouches—his figure quietly vanished into the night.

Upon returning home, Chen Qing did not hesitate. He burned his clothes immediately and then jumped into the river to wash himself.

"This time was much more dangerous than the last. A peak Ming-Jin expert is indeed troublesome."

Especially when facing a seasoned and ruthless expert like Jiang Hui, there was no room for even a moment of laxity.

After his bath, Chen Qing let out a long sigh, steadied his mind, and began to count tonight's harvest.

Silver ingots rolled across the table, making crisp sounds.

He gently pushed aside the broken silver and gave it a rough count; there were actually over fifty taels.

Chen Qing’s heart stirred slightly: "This silver is enough to sustain me until the martial arts examinations begin."

While members of such gangs weren't exactly wealthy, they could certainly be considered to have some savings.

For a moment, the thought of targeting a small gang flashed through his mind—but Chen Qing quickly suppressed the impulse.

These gang lackeys might not be rich, but every single one of them was a fat sheep.

However, a pond with too many turtles was a dangerous thing. Who knew which inconspicuous branch might hide a hard nut capable of taking his life? Not to mention the intricate webs of influence; one wrong move could bring total destruction.

"As long as I can avoid taking action, I will resolutely refrain."

Chen Qing tucked the silver into a secret compartment and slowly closed his eyes.

***

The next day, Constable He stepped into the Black Water Gang headquarters.

Corpses. There were corpses everywhere, scattered haphazardly in various states of disarray.

Constable He’s gaze landed on a spot not far away. Jiang Hui’s face was half-buried in a pool of blood; the single eye visible was frozen in an expression of unbelievable shock and bewilderment.

"Bastards! Lawless brutes!!" Constable He’s voice suddenly rose. His bloodshot eyes swept over the several pale-faced bailiffs behind him. "Keep your eyes wide open! Blockade! Blockade all exits immediately! Don't let even a single fly escape! Investigate! Search every inch! Even if you have to dig three feet into the ground, drag these lawless criminals out!"

He swung his arm, bringing a violent gust of wind with it. "To dare massacre a whole gang right under my nose—this is a slap in my face! A violation of the government's iron laws!"

His fists were clenched so tight his nails dug deep into his palms.

The bailiffs, intimidated by his sudden outburst of rage, hurriedly complied.

It was just a small gang; it was normal for them to change every few days. They didn't understand why their leader was so furious today.

He Kai was furious to the extreme. His money tree! His most stable and bountiful source of income in this territory.

It had been uprooted and slaughtered just like that.

This wasn't just about killing a few dogs under his protection; it was about overturning his personal treasure basin.

A cold light flickered in He Kai’s eyes. "If I find the killer, I will personally skin them alive."

***

In the early morning, golden sunlight filtered through the leaves of the old locust tree, casting mottled shadows across the Chen family courtyard.

The old man sat on the bluestone steps, the embers in his tobacco pipe flickering.

Chen Jinhua leaned against the doorframe, her face as pale as paper, with dark circles under her eyes that were particularly striking. She hadn't closed her eyes all night.

"Why hasn't Xiao Heng returned yet..." her voice was hoarse, her fingers unconsciously twisting the hem of her clothes until the fabric was nearly ruined.

The second aunt forced a smile from the side. "Don't worry, eldest aunt. Xiao Heng must be finding a way to handle things." As she spoke, she handed over a bowl of hot tea, but her trembling hands caused most of it to spill.

"Sigh!" Yang Tiezhu let out a heavy sigh.

Chen Jinhua suddenly grabbed her husband's sleeve, her nails nearly digging into his flesh. "Husband, how about... how about we run away tonight?"

"Run? Where could we go?" Yang Tiezhu smiled bitterly. "Do you think those people are vegetarians? There are surely people watching the mouth of the alley right now..."

Chen Jinhua shuddered, tears filling her eyes.

Just then, the courtyard gate was slammed open with a "bang!"

Chen Wen stumbled in, his face as white as if he had seen a ghost.

"Father! Big Sister!" He was gasping for breath. "Something... something terrible has happened!"

The old man frowned slightly. "What's the rush? Speak slowly!"

"The... the Black Water Gang..." Chen Wen swallowed hard. "They're all dead! Not a single one left!"

"What?!" The teacup in the second aunt's hand shattered into pieces.

Chen Jinhua stood up abruptly, only to collapse back down as her legs gave way.

Yang Tiezhu’s eyes widened, as if he had misheard half of what was said.

Old Man Chen grabbed Chen Wen by the arm. "Speak clearly!"

"I just saw the county bailiffs and coroners running toward Baihua Alley..." Chen Wen wiped away sweat. "I asked Wang Er, and he said the Black Water Gang was washed in blood last night. The killer was incredibly fierce and ruthless, leaving no one alive. Even the leader, Jiang Hui, is dead..."

"That's wonderful!"

Hearing this, Chen Jinhua burst into tears of joy.

Yang Tiezhu was also overjoyed, as if a sword hanging over his heart had finally fallen.

The old man, however, narrowed his eyes. "Xiao Heng hasn't returned all night, and yet the Black Water Gang has been wiped out..."

Chen Wen’s Adam's apple bobbed. "It couldn't be that Xiao Heng..."

*Creak!*

The courtyard gate was pushed open again.

Chen Heng peeked in stealthily, only to freeze in place when he saw the entire courtyard staring at him in unison.

It's over!

"Grand... Grandfather..." Chen Heng stammered. "Why... why are you all up so early?"

The second aunt lunged forward. "Did you do it? The business with the Black Water Gang?"

Chen Heng looked bewildered. "What business with the Black Water Gang?"

"Shut up!"

The old man barked. He quickly closed the courtyard gate, slid the bolt, and then turned to stare intensely at Chen Heng, his voice dropping to a low whisper. "Tell Grandfather the truth. The Black Water Gang was massacred. Was it you...?"

A "boom" echoed in Chen Heng's mind.

The Black Water Gang was wiped out? How could he have such ability?

But seeing the expectant looks of his family, he straightened his back as if possessed. "I... I went to see Senior Brother Lin..."

As soon as the words left his mouth, Chen Jinhua rushed forward to embrace him, wailing, "Xiao Heng! You saved Hui Niang's life!"

He didn't dare take the blame for a murder case onto himself.

The others exchanged glances. They hadn't expected Chen Heng's senior brother to be so ruthless.

Chen Jinhua, through tears and snot, said, "Xiao Heng, thank you so much this time. If it weren't for you, Hui Niang's life would have been ruined."

Yang Tiezhu was also full of gratitude. "We owe it all to Xiao Heng this time."

The second aunt was so proud her eyebrows nearly flew off; she kept tugging at her husband's sleeve in excitement.

Old Man Chen was also very gratified, showing a hint of pride for the first time.

Chen Heng felt a surge of warmth in his heart. He feigned a relaxed manner and waved his hand. "Aunt, it was just a small matter..."

While wiping her tears, Chen Jinhua said, "Aunt never imagined you were so capable!"

"Listen up."

Suddenly, Old Man Chen’s face darkened. "This matter must stay buried. No one is allowed to speak of it to anyone..."

***

The following afternoon.

Chen Heng was still immersed in his family's gratitude and admiration for his "abilities." Not long after leaving the Guangchang Martial Arts Hall, he was blocked by two stern-faced bailiffs.

"Chen Heng?"

The lead bailiff's gaze was like a hawk's as he scanned him up and down.

"It is I. May I ask what the Honorable Officer requires?" Chen Heng's heart skipped a beat, but he forced himself to remain calm.

"Come with us. Constable He has questions for you."

The bailiffs' tone was non-negotiable. They grabbed his arms, one on each side.

Chen Heng's face turned pale instantly. He struggled, "Officer, I... what crime have I committed? I am a disciple of the Guangchang Martial Arts Hall..."

"Cut the nonsense! You'll find out when we get there!"

The bailiffs increased their grip, and Chen Heng didn't dare resist.

Soon, he was brought to the interrogation room.

A secluded interrogation room in the rear of the county yamen was dimly lit, the air thick with the smell of blood and mold.

He Kai stood with his back to the door, slowly wiping a bull-tail saber with a white cloth. The blade shimmered with a cold, eerie light in the gloom.

"Constable, the man has been brought."

The bailiff pushed Chen Heng forward.

Chen Heng stumbled a few steps, nearly falling, and looked up directly into He Kai's slowly turning face.

There was no expression on that face. His eyes were pinned on Chen Heng—cold, cruel, and filled with undisguised scrutiny.

"Con... Constable He?" Chen Heng's voice trembled, and his legs shook uncontrollably.

"Chen Heng."

He Kai's voice was low and raspy. "Baihua Alley, Black Water Gang, wiped out last night. You are aware of this, aren't you?"

*Boom!*

Chen Heng's mind went blank. He instinctively wanted to deny it, but his lips trembled so much he couldn't utter a single word.

"Speak!"

He Kai slammed the wooden table beside him, making the torture implements rattle and sending Chen Heng's soul fleeing in terror.

"I... I... I don't know, Constable!" Chen Heng practically wailed. "The Black Water Gang... they... they bullied my aunt's family. I... I only wanted to find someone to mediate..."

"Mediate?"

He Kai let out a cold laugh and stepped closer, each step feeling like it was crushing Chen Heng's heart. "Find whom? Lin Chong of the Guangchang Martial Arts Hall? Did you pay a twenty-tael 'tea fee'?"

Chen Heng froze.

"And then?"

He Kai leaned into his ear. "And then your Senior Brother Lin displayed his divine might and wiped out the entire Black Water Gang for you? Hmm?"

"No! It wasn't!"

Terrified, Chen Heng shook his head violently. "Senior Brother Lin... he only promised to go and ask! He didn't promise to take action! Truly! I don't know who did it! I... I couldn't produce the twenty taels yesterday, so I didn't even see Senior Brother Lin! I was... I was hiding outside all night! Constable, please investigate thoroughly!"

"Investigate thoroughly?"

The malice in He Kai's eyes surged. "Do you take me for a fool? You sent someone to inquire about the Black Water Gang, and immediately after, they were uprooted! You're telling me that's a coincidence?!"

Before the words had even settled, He Kai lunged forward with a heavy, powerful kick straight into Chen Heng's chest!

"Puff!"

Chen Heng felt as if he had been struck by a heavy hammer. He flew backward with a scream, slamming hard against the cold stone wall. A sweet sensation rose in his throat, and he sprayed a mouthful of blood.

He hadn't even seen the move. An An-Jin expert's angry strike was something a mere martial arts disciple who had just touched the threshold of Ming-Jin could never withstand.

"Useless!" He Kai spat, his face full of contempt and rage.

As he looked at Chen Heng, a sliver of doubt surfaced in his mind.

This kid was shaking like a leaf in the wind; he couldn't even take one move. His breath was shallow and his footing was unsteady—he was clearly a novice who had just reached the threshold of Ming-Jin. Forget killing Jiang Hui; even the other two leaders of the Black Water Gang could have handled him.

He Kai reached a conclusion: this useless boy was not the killer; he didn't even have the qualifications to be the killer.

Then who was the real culprit?

Was it Lin Chong? Was he working for hire? But for a mere twenty taels, was it worth wiping out a gang protected by three Ming-Jin experts and potentially linked to other powers?

The elite disciples of the Guangchang Martial Arts Hall weren't that stupid.

Was it another enemy? The Black Water Gang was newly established; what deep-seated hatred could they have?

Or was it some expert acting on a whim?

Setting aside whether he could find them, even if he did, someone daring enough to do this might not fear a mere county constable.

What if the opponent was a powerful dragon from across the river, or... simply a "cleaner" for some big shot in the inner city?

In the face of true experts or the powerful, his position meant nothing!

Digging deeper might not only bring fire upon himself, exposing his own dirty dealings with the Black Water Gang, but could also provoke people he shouldn't provoke.

Risking his career and even his life for a dead Jiang Hui and a bunch of lackeys?

He Kai calculated the cost instantly.

His grip on Chen Heng's hair loosened slightly.

The violence in his eyes receded like a tide, leaving only calculation.

This useless boy was, after all, a disciple of the Guangchang Martial Arts Hall. The hall was deeply rooted in Gaolin County, and its master was a guest of certain big shots in the inner city.

"Hmph!"

He Kai flung Chen Heng's head aside as if discarding a dirty rag.

Chen Heng's head hit the ground hard; his vision went black, and he nearly fainted.

"I suppose you wouldn't dare break the law."

He paused, his casual tone carrying a hint of warning

"The matter of the Black Water Gang will be handled by the government. A useless thing like you should crawl back to your martial arts hall and practice your punches. Stop causing trouble outside, and more importantly... don't try to be clever by taking credit for things you didn't do. If I hear again that you've meddled in things you shouldn't..."

He Kai didn't finish, merely letting out a cold "Hmph."

"Get out!"

That single word acted as a pardon.

The two bailiffs nearby immediately understood. They stepped forward and crudely hauled up the limp Chen Heng, dragging him out of the cold interrogation room like a dead dog and tossing him onto the cold stone steps outside the rear gate of the yamen.