52: The Taint of Demonic Aura
The girl scrutinized the sword of destruction in Wang Ben’s hand. Even though its star power had not been activated, its mere appearance was enough to declare its formidable might. Perhaps dissatisfied with the answer she received, or perhaps annoyed at herself for being somewhat intimidated, she suddenly shouted, “Are you mute? I’m asking you a question.” She took a step forward, and the long whip wrapped around her left wrist unfurled in the air with a crack, threatening to strike if he remained silent.
“Do you want to fight?” Wang Ben spoke for the first time.
“Hmph, so you’re just a greenhorn,” the girl sneered, emboldened by his youth.
Being looked down upon as a mere boy by a young girl left Wang Ben speechless, though he had apparently grown accustomed to such scenes. “Are you from Luohe Town, here to meet us?” he asked.
The girl, eager for action, pointed her whip at him and cried, “Whether I’m here to meet you depends on your skills. Prepare yourself! If you defeat me, you can enter the town and feast to your heart’s content. If you lose, you go back to where you came from!”
Wang Ben watched her with interest, his great sword planted in the ground, legs slightly apart, unmoving—like an adult witnessing a child’s antics. The girl grew annoyed, glaring at him with wide almond eyes, but the outcome of their stare only left her embarrassed.
Caught between pride and action, she gritted her teeth and struck first. The whip, seemingly forged from the spine of a soft-boned star beast, was itself a star weapon. Though of modest grade, upon activation, its star array flickered and flames roared, giving it a unique aura.
She flicked her wrist, and the whip curled several times under the moonlit night, suddenly igniting and flying like a fiery dragon, tearing through the sky. The whip, like a dragon lunging, circled in the air and snapped at Wang Ben from a bizarre angle.
Yet despite its ferocity, the strike was restrained. As the whip was about to land on Wang Ben, he showed no intention of dodging. The girl’s expression changed, hurriedly pulling the whip back. “Why didn’t you dodge?”
Wang Ben was unimpressed. Such a slow move—if it hit him, it would be a miracle.
With a casual gesture, his arm seemed to lengthen invisibly, and he caught the flaming tip of the whip in his palm. The girl gasped, stumbling backward as she tugged at the whip, her face flushed with embarrassment. Wang Ben stood steady, looking down at her as she blushed furiously.
“Let go!” she cried.
“You let go first,” he replied.
Frustrated, she was on the verge of tears. Baozi, her loyal dog, barked anxiously beside her, unwilling to attack.
“Wang Ben, what are you doing?” came Chen Longshi’s teasing voice from behind. “As a man, you should learn to be magnanimous. Don’t bully girls!”
The pressure eased, and the girl collapsed onto the ground, gasping for breath, as if completely spent. Wang Ben rolled his eyes at Chen Longshi. “Why did you take so long? What were you dragging your feet for?”
Chen Longshi smiled, raising his hand in the air. The fallen girl was gently lifted up by an invisible force, startling her. He glanced at Baozi, who immediately cowered, covering his eyes with his paws as if facing a mortal enemy. Chen Longshi ignored the girl, helping her up before heading toward the stone steps.
“Hmph, flaunting your powers just to look cool!” Wang Ben grumbled, hoisting his destructive sword and following.
The girl was silent for a moment, then suddenly darted ahead, blocking the path with open arms. “Wait! I apologize for my rash actions. You… you must be powerful warriors, right?”
The girl’s gaze burned as she stared at the three, lingering especially on Chen Longshi, who was clearly a master among masters. She suddenly dropped to her knees. “I am Jiang Zuer. Please, I beg you to rescue my brother!”
“You’re surnamed Jiang. What is Jiang Zhongshan to you?” Chen Longshi asked.
“He’s my grandfather—the chairman of Oasis Group and honorary mayor of Luohe Town. He was the one who appealed to the nation for help.”
Chen Longshi’s eyes flickered. He stepped forward and grabbed her left hand, pulling up her sleeve. The girl trembled, fighting back her fear and resistance, but did not evade. On her slender wrist appeared two ominous black crescent marks.
Under the moonlight, they emitted a misty, snake-like aura.
Wang Ben’s expression grew serious. “She’s been infected by demon energy.” Judging by her appearance, she could be no older than sixteen, and her skill showed remarkable talent. To suffer from demon energy—how tragic! Though he had playfully sparred with her, his face now clouded.
“How many days?” Chen Longshi’s tone was calm, his words brooking no argument.
Just then, several figures approached from the slope. At the forefront was a dignified elderly man.
He wore a simple black traditional outfit and cloth shoes, but the quality and craftsmanship were exquisite. His silver hair was perfectly in place, and he leaned on a dragon-head cane, his composed face tinged with worry. Behind him were guards armed with swords and blades, their star energy swirling—a sign of true martial prowess.
Several armed police officers were also present, each carrying firearms—a configuration unusual for a small town.
The old man immediately noticed the black marks resembling fangs on the girl’s wrist. “Zuer, you’ve been infected by demon energy? When did this happen? Why didn’t you tell your grandfather?” he exclaimed in disbelief.
The others with him were equally shocked.
Chen Longshi frowned, gently releasing her hand and straightening her sleeve. “Apologies for exposing your secret.”
Jiang Zuer, though her hidden secret was revealed, seemed relieved. She forced a smile. “It’s alright. I was attacked and infected by a demon beast a week ago when trouble struck the family. It hurt, but I didn’t pay much attention. I didn’t expect it to worsen so quickly.” She gave her grandfather an apologetic smile. “I’m sorry, Grandpa. I just didn’t want you to worry.”
The old man stepped forward, trembling as he pulled back her sleeve to inspect the marks. His eyes were pained and anxious. “Silly child, why hide this from us? Truly… truly… ah! You must be from the Celestial Sword Bureau. I am Jiang Zhongshan. No matter the cost, please help this child.”
“You’re too kind, Elder Jiang. I am Chen Longshi, currently serving in the Special Investigation Division of Celestial Sword Bureau’s Haidu branch. Here are our credentials. Since we’ve come here, we will do our utmost.”
A police officer stepped forward, respectfully inspecting the credentials. “So it’s Captain Chen. Thank you for rushing to support us. I am Li Ying, chief of Luohe Town’s secret realm precinct.”
“Hello, Chief Li. We all serve the people.” Chen Longshi saluted in greeting, then continued questioning the girl. “Are there injuries elsewhere?”
The girl hesitated, then pulled up her trouser leg. “There are two more marks here.” The wounds on her leg were even worse, with surrounding veins blackened and dreadful to behold.
Chen Longshi crouched, examining her ankle carefully. “Judging by the wounds, it was a powerful demon beast. Yet you’re still lively enough to challenge me—your energy is impressive.”
“I…” Jiang Zuer hesitated, as if harboring a secret.
The police chief beside Jiang Zhongshan spoke, “Captain Chen, let’s discuss further inside the town.”
“Yes, we shouldn’t keep our guests standing at the mountain pass,” a slightly plump, genial middle-aged man added. “Allow me to introduce myself: I am Zheng Annan, deputy mayor of Luohe Town. Please come and rest in the town first.”
“Thank you, Deputy Mayor Zheng,” Chen Longshi replied.
Crossing the stone arch at the mountain pass, they beheld a picturesque town nestled at the foot of the majestic Maiden Peak. Several black-sailed boats lay moored by the shore.
Chen Longshi was the first to board one of the boats. Wang Ben followed, beckoning to the girl as he entered the cabin, “Come sit with us.”
Jiang Zuer paused, unsure, seeking her grandfather’s guidance.
Jiang Zhongshan sighed, “Go on, I’ll come with you.” Jiang Zuer steeled herself and followed.
Once aboard, Chen Longshi closed his eyes, seeming to rest. Wang Ben opened his backpack and said to the girl, “Let me see your wounds.”
“What for?” Jiang Zuer retorted, glaring.
“If you don’t want to end up crippled, do as I say.” Wang Ben had no patience left for childish games.
Jiang Zuer glanced at Chen Longshi, who appeared to be sleeping, and hesitated before uncovering her sleeve and trouser leg. Wang Ben channeled star energy, bathing her wounds in a green light. In moments, the swirling black aura dissipated. The demon energy in her calf receded sharply, leaving only the fresh wound, which had not healed.
Jiang Zuer was overjoyed. “Are you a healing-type warrior? Amazing! It doesn’t hurt anymore.”
Chen Longshi was equally surprised, regarding the burly man with newfound respect. Wang Ben smirked, “Didn’t expect that, did you?”
Chen Longshi nodded. “Indeed unexpected. Healing-type warriors are one in ten thousand. I’m now inclined to believe you really are the top talent of the Northern Frontier Military Academy.”
“Of course I am.”
Jiang Zhongshan was deeply grateful, the worry on his face much relieved.
Jiang Zuer asked, “Is my leg healed?”
Wang Ben shook his head. “The demon toxin is highly infectious. To eradicate it completely, the source must be destroyed. Elder Jiang, are there other victims in the town who were attacked by demon beasts?”