Chapter 39 Tie Mu
In just half an hour, Tie Tu assembled his team in his courtyard. There were 20 members in total: ten false Core Formation Cultivators and ten of level 10 Foundation Establishment Cultivators. Among them, five specialized in investigation while the rest were skilled in combat and defense.
The 20 patriarchs looked on in awe at the assembled team. This formidable group was more than capable of overpowering any high-grade family in Red Maple City. Witnessing this display, they underscored the deep power and influence of the City Lord Manor, evoking both fear and admiration among the patriarchs while instilling them with confidence for seeking revenge.
Tie Tu surveyed the 20 individuals standing in two orderly rows with satisfaction. He had gathered the elite members of the City Guard for this critical operation.
"Everyone, we cannot take the matter of a Core Formation Cultivator lightly," Tie Tu began. "Our target is not just any Core Formation Cultivator; he is a demonic cultivator who kills without hesitation. So far, he has caused the deaths of 25 mid-grade families, five of which were almost annihilated."
The expressions of the City Guards turned grim upon hearing this grave news.
"This demon will bring chaos to the city. We cannot allow our Red Maple City to become his hunting ground," proclaimed Tie Mu, the head of the investigation department.
"We must eliminate this demon swiftly before he brings further chaos," added Fang Zheng, the head of the combat department.
"According to the reports, this person cultivates flame techniques capable of reducing a false Core Formation Cultivator to ash. Fang Zheng, what preparations have you made for this?" Tie Tu asked, focusing his gaze on the young man with a thin body.
"No worries, Head Tie. We've dealt with flame cultivators many times before. We have earth and water cultivators in our team. With their support, we can ensure everyone's safety and effectively confront him," Fang Zheng replied confidently, his voice steady and assured.
"Good, Fang Zheng. I trust in your capabilities," Tie Tu nodded in satisfaction. He had a special fondness for Fang Zheng, having rescued and raised him since he was abandoned at the foot of Qing Mao Mountain. Fang Zheng's loyalty and skill had only strengthened Tie Tu's trust over the years.
"The fact that our target acts swiftly and leaves little evidence suggests he is very skilled in such operations. Who knows how many innocent lives he has taken. Tie Mu, I need you to track down his whereabouts no matter what," Tie Tu directed his attention to another young man, his godson, Tie Mu. Both Fang Zheng and Tie Mu were his pride-the former excelling in combat and the latter in investigation, enhancing Tie Tu's reputation greatly.
"I will uphold your teachings, godfather. There is no perfect crime; I will find this demon," Tie Mu affirmed confidently, his demeanor composed and determined.
"Good. Since you both are confident, we will start with the Ji Family. Let's move out!" Tie Tu commanded.
"Yes!" they responded in unison, ready to embark on their mission.
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One by one, the members of the team departed for the Ji Family estate, each employing their own method of movement as they separated to travel and reconvene at their destination.
Tie Tu observed them leave, one by one, until he was the last to depart. Before leaving, he turned to the 20 patriarchs who had sought his aid earlier.
"That person has two accomplices. We may need your assistance when the time comes. Until then," Tie Tu said, his gaze firm.
The patriarchs nodded solemnly. "We will do our best. See you at the Ji Family."
With that, they too began their journeys to the Ji Family estate, determined to assist Tie Tu and his team in apprehending the dangerous cultivator wreaking havoc in their city.
…
Meanwhile, Shangguan Yi remained unaware of the unfolding situation at the City Lord Manor as he focused on replenishing his core essence.
Normally, he would replenish his core essence using 50 high-grade essence pills over ten hours each time. However, this time, eager to hunt his next target, he didn’t hesitate to consume five supreme-grade essence pills instead. With the supreme-grade essence pills, the time required for replenishment would be shorter.
"Well, causing chaos among 20 families might alarm others, but no worries—they are in the light and I'm still in the dark. They don't know my next target. I can use this to my advantage."
…
Within just 30 minutes, all the City Guards arrived at the Ji Family estate. The sudden appearance of so many people initially caused panic among the remaining members of the Ji Family. However, upon learning the identities of their visitors, they were relieved and cooperated fully.
"Ji Family was the first to suffer. Let's examine the clues they left behind," commanded Tie Mu, directing four members of his team to investigate further.
Meanwhile, Fang Zheng assigned another four of his team members to protect the investigators.
Tie Mu meticulously questioned the remaining members of the Ji Family about the events of that fateful night.
Ji Xiao, the fortunate survivor and Young Master of the Ji Family, recounted the harrowing ordeal. "It was a normal night, everyone was going about their cultivation routines. Suddenly, we sensed the presence of a Core Formation Cultivator. Before we could react, this aura reached the heart of our family compound within seconds. Due to my limited cultivation, I was unable to resist, and by the time I realized it, everyone had vanished, leaving only a lingering scent of burning. I believe they were all incinerated. I was in a panic and fled the family compound, seeking refuge in the city center. Thankfully, they did not pursue me. It was only a day later that I gathered enough courage to return, and on the way, I encountered Xiong Da, who was in a similar predicament. Together, we returned to find our family deserted and all our treasures gone. Young Master Tie, you must seek justice for us," Ji Xiao pleaded, his eyes reddened with emotion.
Tie Mu listened intently, his brow furrowed in concentration. Although Ji Xiao hadn't witnessed the events firsthand, his account still provided valuable information. Tie Mu deduced that their assailant possessed exceptional movement techniques, allowing them to traverse great distances in mere seconds, as well as potent concealment techniques enabling them to bypass protective arrays.
"Don't worry, Young Master Ji. I'll pursue this person to the ends of the earth," Tie Mu reassured Ji Xiao with determination.
"Fang Zheng, will you accompany me to examine the scene?" Tie Mu glanced over at Fang Zheng.
"Let's go. Perhaps I can learn something valuable from your perspective," Fang Zheng nodded in agreement.
They quickly arrived at the site where the recent conflict had occurred. The lingering heat and burning odor hadn't completely dissipated. Tie Mu meticulously gathered clues and utilized his techniques to analyze the situation.
Meanwhile, Tie Tu arrived with the 20 patriarchs. He observed Tie Mu's investigation closely but refrained from intervening.
Tie Mu and his team employed their techniques and discussed their findings for over an hour, piecing together the clues that led them to the treasury vault. However, to their astonishment, all traces abruptly vanished at this point.
"What's happening? Why did all the clues suddenly vanish here?" Tie Mu's team members exclaimed incredulously.
Tie Mu furrowed his brow deeply. He had a suspicion but lacked concrete evidence to confirm it.
"Unfortunately, it seems the trail ends here at the Ji Family. Let's proceed to the Xiong Family," Tie Mu decided, his voice resolute.
The Xiong Family was not far from the Ji Family, requiring only ten minutes to reach their estate.
Xiong Da warmly welcomed Tie Mu and his team. Tie Mu wasted no time in questioning Xiong Da about the events.
"I witnessed my ancestors burning to ash from a distance. Terrified, I fled to the city center and didn't look back. When I returned the next day, our family's treasures had already been taken. I'm sorry I couldn't provide more information, but you should ask Yin Family and Jin Family; many people saw what happened," Xiong Da recounted solemnly.
Tie Mu listened intently, noting the similarities with Ji Xiao's experience. Despite his efforts at the scene and spending half an hour gathering clues, Tie Mu again found the trail ending abruptly in the treasury vault.
"Damn it! They must have a protective artifact," Tie Mu concluded, confirming his suspicion.
"We shouldn't waste any more time here. Let's move on to the Yin Family," Tie Mu declared firmly, ready to continue the investigation.