Chapter 679: Wuxia: Even Archrivals Can Become Lovers 13

Earth Evil Palace!

As soon as Jin Chen said that, the room erupted.

The Earth Evil Palace was wiped out by a joint effort of the jianghu sects ten years ago! Its techniques were already burned in the fire, so how could there still be... impossible!

The speaker looked shocked, and his junior fellow disciple took up the conversation.

Could it be... that remnants of the Earth Evil Palace still survive?!

This is a major matter for the entire jianghu!

They simply refuse to believe from the bottom of their hearts that the Earth Evil Palace still has survivors.

Such a vicious technique—probably even the Nine Yin Demon Sect would have to bow down before it; only the dread‑inspiring Earth Evil Ghost Sect could produce something like this!

Even Sang Ning, who lives in seclusion year‑round in the Medicine King Valley, had heard the infamous reputation of the Earth Evil Palace in her youth.

On the contrary, the Inspector, who knows little of the jianghu martial world, seeing everyone so shocked—even the usually stern Mu Huaizhi showed surprise—hurriedly asked.

I don't know where this Earth Evil Palace comes from; why does it make all you heroes so fearful?

Fang Xun frowned tightly as he explained, "When the Earth Evil Palace was exterminated, I was still young, but I often heard the elders say that everyone from the palace master down to the followers were desperate perverts."

They took pleasure in burning, killing, looting, and rape, often seizing ordinary civilians to test their techniques; the inner‑door techniques of the Thirty‑Six Evils were especially perverse, almost always requiring large amounts of human blood and organs…

Hmph! Far more than that!" A True Martial Sect sturdy warrior who had seen the Earth Evil Palace's followers slammed his fist into the air, "Besides that, they don't even spare their own children."

Most of their followers are men; they abduct talented women from other sects, force them to become pregnant, and if the child cannot pass their so‑called initiation rite, both mother and child are sacrificed together.

The method of sacrifice is incredibly cruel; finally the corpse is thrown back to the victim's sect—simply… absurd!

Just saying that made the sturdy man's eyes red with rage: "My little junior sister… died at the hands of the Earth Evil Palace!"

Someone else chimed in: "Back when the Earth Evil Palace was destroyed, it was the first time in hundreds of years that all jianghu sects joined forces—even the Nine Yin Demon Sect participated—and after days and nights of bloody battle, they finally slaughtered every follower."

According to the Jianghu Baxiaosheng Hero Record, on the day of the great battle the wind rose and clouds surged, dark clouds covered the sun; along Doom Cliff, bodies lay every three steps, and at the cliff's base piles of Earth Evil Ghost Sect corpses accumulated; all martial sects united, and after three days of blood‑soaked fighting the flames filled the sky—after that, the Earth Evil Ghost Sect ceased to exist.

Hearing this, the Inspector and the Coroner got goosebumps all over, shouting repeatedly, "Well done killing them!"

But upon further thought, if these three children's corpses were indeed caused by the Earth Evil Palace's inner techniques, then it would mean the remnants of the Earth Evil Ghost Sect are right here in Yunshu Town!

The Inspector almost couldn't catch his breath, quickly grabbing the hand of the nearby Dao San, "Hero! Hero! You must ferret out the remnants!"

Otherwise the townsfolk would be in danger!

Rest assured, Sir, we will eradicate the Earth Evil Palace remnants—it is our duty!

Jin Chen leaned in behind Mu Huaizhi, lowered his voice, and said, "I told you it had nothing to do with the Nine Yin Sect, Mu Huaizhi—you've wronged me again."

Mu Huaizhi was lost in thought when a warm breeze suddenly brushed his ear, making his body twitch; he frowned and glared at him.

What do you want then?

You say, handsome and suave Young Hero Jin Chen, I was wrong.

... Get lost.

Mu Huaizhi stomped hard on his foot.

Ow!

Jin Chen suddenly cried out, drawing everyone's gaze; he gave a dry laugh twice, and the hand resting on Mu Huaizhi's shoulder secretly exerted force.

It's nothing; I just heard someone approaching.

No sooner had he finished speaking than a constable's report came from outside the door.

Sir, someone reported that the abandoned residence at the town's edge often emits wailing cries in the dead of night, disturbing nearby residents so they dare not sleep.

The Inspector hurriedly had him bring the complainant to the front hall.

Only after detailed questioning did they learn that, over the past few nights, that house had frequently emitted various crying sounds, but when bold villagers climbed over the wall to look, they found nothing.

They had thought it was merely a coincidence, but after three consecutive nights of this, they could bear it no longer and came to file a report.

Under normal circumstances, sending a few constables to search would suffice, but now is a dangerous time—we cannot overlook even the slightest oddity.

After discussion, they decided to split forces tonight.

Nine members of the Big Blade Sect and the True Martial Sect will first go into the house to look for the source of the midnight wailing.

The five youngsters will guard the streets, constantly watching for any black‑clad individuals coming to snatch children.

Jin Chen, however, thought that passively waiting like a guard waiting for a rabbit was a waste of time; it would be better to lure them out.

What do you mean, how to lure them?

Since we're worried about children being taken again, why not deliberately pick a child to bait them, saving time…

No way!

Before Jin Chen could finish speaking, several people immediately rejected him.

Mu Huaizhi frowned, strongly disagreeing: "The child would be in danger."

Fang Xun also said, "That's too risky."

Even the members of those two sects urged, saying this is a matter of life and death.

Jin Chen: "…"

His face darkened: "If we follow the so‑called safe approach, we'll remain passive forever—if they don't come, we can't do anything."

Better to turn passivity into initiative.

Fu Zhiyuan scoffed, "What if something happens to the child—will you take responsibility?"

Fine, I'll take responsibility.

Jin Chen raised his eyebrows slightly, his eyes turning cold: "I don't have time to linger here with you, slowly investigating."

I agree as well…" Sang Ning silently raised her hand, "I support what Elder Brother Jin said, and besides, his martial prowess is superb—the child will be fine."

Jin Chen was practically moved, putting his arm around Sang Ning's shoulders in a brotherly fashion: "Still, it's got to be Sang Ning."

"Jin Chen, this is too risky." Mu Huaizhi glanced at them, his eyes flickering, his gaze finally settling on Jin Chen's face.

If anything happens to the child, you…

Everyone said I'd take responsibility, Mu Huaizhi—you're really a coward.

Jin Chen interrupted, not wanting to argue with him, and looked toward the others.

Whether you all agree or not, I will do this—the investigation was never meant for you.

Having said that, he left straight away; as for which child to use as bait, he already had an idea.

Ah… then I'll go help Brother Jin, haha.

Sang Ning felt inexplicably awkward meeting Mu Huaizhi's gaze, rubbed their face, and hurried to catch up.

Just felt that something was off!

Hmph, this Jin Chen is truly ruthless.

Fu Zhiyuan gave a cold snort, glanced at Mu Huaizhi, and said, "How come you two aren't on good terms? The person who shares his views isn't even you."

It has nothing to do with you.

Mu Huaizhi spoke coldly, turned, and left.

In that case, the Governor couldn't very well stop them either.

To be honest, he also quite agrees with Young Hero Jin's decision.

After all, the deadline set by the imperial court is drawing ever nearer; if by then they still haven't uncovered the mastermind behind it, his official's hat won't sit securely on his head!

Everyone, disperse now, rest well, and we'll begin the operation tonight.