Ever since learning of the plight of the Huashan Sect, Linghu Chong also began actively researching the major forces of the martial arts world.
Among them, Zuo Leng Chan, a figure who posed a direct threat to the Huashan Sect, like the Demon Cult, naturally received much attention from Lian Cheng and Linghu Chong, so they had gathered a lot of information about Zuo Leng Chan.
For example, the Ice Cold True Qi. This was a unique skill created by Zuo Leng Chan, extremely powerful. Even Yue Buqun was extremely wary of it.
If Zuo Leng Chan wanted to borrow some inspiration from the Chen Family's Cold Palm, it wouldn't be unreasonable. After all, the Chen Family's Cold Palm had been passed down for generations, much earlier than the Ice Cold True Qi.
However, would a top-tier, or even super-tier, master truly take interest in the palm technique of a second-rate martial arts family?
Lian Cheng shook his head, "That's why I said this villain isn't ordinary. After receiving the bounty, Master hesitated about whether to send me. He ultimately instructed us to work together and to be extremely cautious. If it had been the Songshan Sect, or even the Demon Cult, I believe Master would have personally taken on the case!"
Linghu Chong nodded seriously, "Good. Let's be careful. Even if we can't complete the bounty, we must first ensure our own safety!"
The two exchanged a glance and then sped up, arriving at Huayin County.
They went directly to the Chen Family.
At this moment, outside the Chen Family's gate, a group of people stood in the distance, pointing and whispering, their faces full of fear. Several constables were guarding the gate, their faces solemn.
Lian Cheng and Linghu Chong immediately stepped forward.
"Young Master Lian! Young Master Linghu! You've finally arrived!"
Liu Bantou, the head constable, stepped forward excitedly, "Please investigate, gentlemen. The scene has been protected and untouched by outsiders. Such a tragic incident must be the work of bandits. We entrust this case entirely to you two!"
Others might not be aware of their prowess, but Liu Bantou was very clear.
Over the past few months, these two Huashan disciples had frequently taken on bounty missions and successfully completed them every time, showing their extraordinary abilities.
This horrific incident was definitely the work of someone from the martial arts world, meaning it could only be handled by a martial arts sect. In the entirety of Huayin County, even the entire Shaanxi province, only the Huashan Sect possessed this capability.
Therefore, the arrival of the two finally brought Liu Bantou some relief.
Linghu Chong said, "Constable Liu, there's no need for formality. Upholding justice is our duty as disciples of the Huashan Sect. These villains are so vicious. We, the Huashan disciples, will definitely eliminate them and allow the people to sleep soundly!"
Upon hearing this, Liu Bantou, the constables, and the surrounding crowd all broke into smiles.
The Huashan Sect taking over was the most reassuring thing imaginable.
Without delay, Lian Cheng and Linghu Chong entered the Chen Family. As soon as they stepped through the door, they were met with a pungent smell of blood, making them want to vomit.
Near the entrance, there were two corpses, both with black blood oozing from their mouths, seemingly having died from poisoning. Moreover, judging from the corpses' positions, they seemed to have crawled forward a distance after being poisoned and collapsing.
Lian Cheng carefully examined the corpses, discovering black bloodstains on their backs.
He immediately drew his sword and cut open the back of one of the corpses' clothes. There were several needle pricks on the back of the body, above which were dried black bloodstains, but no weapon could be found.
Linghu Chong's expression changed, "It's the Black Blood Divine Needle! The perpetrator is someone from the Demon Cult!"
Upon hearing this, Liu Bantou and the constables all looked terrified, instantly becoming flustered.
The Demon Cult, calling themselves the Sun and Moon Sect, was considered a group of bandits by the government. They had been wreaking havoc in the martial arts world for many years, committing countless atrocities.
Previously, they were suppressed by the Huashan Sect, but after the decline of the Huashan Sect, the Demon Cult showed signs of resurgence.
If the Demon Cult were responsible for slaughtering an entire family, it would be completely expected.
However, they couldn't believe that the Demon Cult would dare to act so brazenly in the county. Were they truly not afraid of the government's wrath and sending troops to completely annihilate them?
Although the government and the martial arts world were separate, the Demon Cult had gone too far!
Slaughtering an entire family in broad daylight in the county, wasn't that stepping on the face of the government?!
Well, the corrupt government couldn't really do anything. Otherwise, why didn't they say a word when the entire Fuwei Escort Agency was murdered?
Liu Bantou gulped and hurriedly said, "Young Masters, if it really is the Demon Cult, what should we do? Should we ask Sect Master Yue to come in person?"
Linghu Chong looked at Lian Cheng. He didn't dare make a decision, so he chose to listen to Lian Cheng.
His second senior brother was always calm and had a good head on his shoulders. Listening to his second senior brother was the right choice.
Lian Cheng pondered for a moment and said, "Constable Liu, you don't need to guard here. Go inform the County Magistrate about the situation. This matter is entirely entrusted to the Huashan Sect. The constables only need to protect the ordinary people. Matters of the martial arts world will be handled by martial arts practitioners!"
Liu Bantou instantly felt relieved. He bowed and said seriously, "Very well. We entrust this to the Huashan Sect. Young Masters, please be careful. The constables will offer a hefty reward after the matter is resolved!"
Soon, Liu Bantou left with his men.
Linghu Chong asked, "Second senior brother, what are your plans?"
Lian Cheng shook his head, "No rush. It's daytime now, and even if the Demon Cult is bold, they wouldn't dare to appear in large numbers. We'll take advantage of this time to examine the other victims and confirm if it was indeed the Demon Cult. Then we'll formulate a plan."
Linghu Chong had no other solution, so he naturally followed.
The two examined all twenty corpses of the Chen Family. They discovered that the victims died in various ways.
Some died from sword wounds, some from knife wounds, some were kicked to death, some were beaten to death, some died from the Black Blood Divine Needle. The only evidence confirming the Demon Cult's involvement was the Black Blood Divine Needle, but the needles had been removed.
This made it impossible to confirm the perpetrator's identity, as it was easy to frame someone.
Fortunately, they weren't completely empty-handed.
Linghu Chong said, "Second senior brother, I checked the body of Chen Nan's younger brother, Chen Feng. It seems he died from a hard-style martial art. Chen Feng's fists are swollen, likely from injuries sustained while attacking the enemy, which suggests that the enemy might have practiced an external skill like Iron Shirt or Golden Bell. Moreover, there's a clear indentation on Chen Feng's chest. He was punched, breaking his ribs and shattering his heart, causing his death."
Such a tragic end!
Lian Cheng couldn't help but sigh. He couldn't recall anyone in Smiling Proud Wanderer possessing such powerful hard-style martial arts skills. They were likely just second-rate practitioners, not easily remembered, making it difficult to figure out the perpetrator's identity.
He also had a discovery, "I checked the study and found it in disarray. The rooms of Chen Nan and Chen Feng were also turned upside down, even the bed boards were overturned. Furthermore, the Chen Family's martial arts manuals were missing. They were probably taken. It's clear that the perpetrator was after the Chen Family's hereditary Cold Palm technique!"
"So, it really was like that?"
Linghu Chong rubbed his temples. He didn't enjoy thinking too much, "The investigation points strongly towards the Demon Cult. What should we do next? Contact Master?"
Lian Cheng said decisively, "Naturally. The perpetrator likely possesses the skills of a top-tier expert. Chen Nan and Chen Feng were both second-rate masters for many years. They couldn't defeat the perpetrator, so we can't be reckless. We should ask Master to come in person. Let's first have the constables send a message. We'll hide here secretly tonight. The perpetrator might return if they haven't found what they want. We might be able to determine their identity then!"