Chapter 424: Living Crime Hard to Escape

"County Magistrate, regarding the pig‑dog‑like deeds these two beasts committed, I could tear them limb from limb, but they're my second aunt's husband and my cousin!"

"I don't care about their lives, but my father does. My father isn't concerned about their lives; he's concerned about my second aunt's suffering!"

Zhang Chengze twisted his face into a snarling grimace; seeing that both Du Guan and Zhang Guilian wore bewildered expressions, clearly not understanding why he said those words, a malicious grin appeared on his face as he said:

"I beg you to spare them a dog's life for my father's sake, to keep my father from sorrow, but letting them go like this leaves me deeply dissatisfied!"

"So could I ask you again, County Magistrate: could you refrain from killing them, yet not release them easily—at least make their lives worse than death?"

He is not the type who repays grievances with virtue, let alone he already harbors a bellyful of resentment toward the Du Family; now that the Du father and son have committed such pig‑dog deeds, if it weren't for his concern for his father's sorrow, he wouldn't need Wei Yuan to speak—he would act himself and kill the despicable father‑son pair on the spot.

Even if he spares the lives of this pig‑dog‑like father and son, he is already unwilling and reluctant—just let it end like this?

He refuses to do so under any circumstances!

"Chengze!"

Du Guan's complexion changed dramatically; he had originally been grateful in his heart that Zhang Chengze interceded, allowing the County Magistrate to give him a way out, never expecting Zhang Chengze to utter those words.

"Brother Zhang, your request, I will definitely carry out!"

Wei Yuan cut off Du Guan's words and shouted, "Men!"

Not long after.

The two constables who had beaten Du Wenxuan nearly to death and were taking a breather, upon hearing Wei Yuan's order, briskly approached, bowing respectfully, and said:

"Sir!"

"Drag him down and beat him half to death first!"

Wei Yuan casually pointed at Du Guan, ignoring Du Guan's pleading gaze, and said with a smiling grin, "Brother Zhang, rest assured, when we return I will think about how to deal with that father‑son pair.

Given the mess they caused, if it weren't for your intercession, Brother Zhang, not only would their heads fall, they'd end up in Yincao Difu and even have to pass through the Place: Eighteen Levels of Hell.

As the saying goes: a death sentence can be avoided, but a living crime is hard to escape. I guarantee I will make that father‑son pair's lives worse than death.

"I will definitely satisfy you, Brother Zhang—*cough cough*—I will definitely make that father‑son pair regret committing such heinous treason, and give others a warning, so they know what can be done and what cannot be done!"

"You little beast, you black‑hearted little beast..."

Du Guan was dragged away by the two constables; the gratitude in his heart was instantly replaced by resentment, and he couldn't help cursing. Before he could finish his words, Zhang Chengze impatiently cut him off:

"If you dare curse again, do you believe I'll petition the County Magistrate once more to have him chop your head off directly?"

Du Guan's words caught in his throat, and as he was about to silently beg Zhang Guilian to intercede for him,

Wei Yuan said in a harsh tone, "Did you both forget what I just said? Or have you never taken my words to heart?"

The two constables were momentarily stunned, then realized Wei Yuan's meaning, and with a sudden flurry of slaps, they made Du Guan spit fresh blood.

Zhang Guilian read Du Guan's gaze, hurriedly pleaded to Zhang Chengze:

"Chengze, he's at least your second aunt's husband; even if he has countless faults, he's still one of our own. There's no need—no need to trouble the County Magistrate.

"If this gets out, won't it become a laughingstock for outsiders? Moreover, your second aunt's husband said he'll change; give him a chance to reform!"

Zhang Chengze ignored Zhang Guilian's plea, not even wanting to glance at her again, and said:

"County Magistrate, I know you are swamped with affairs, I dare not delay your important matters. I know you came this time for a matter concerning my father; once I obtain the Mountain God Token for my father, he will appear in person to discuss with you!" "No problem, no problem, I actually have nothing urgent; whenever you wish to meet the new Mountain God of Shizi Ling, it's fine!"

Wei Yuan said enthusiastically.

His purpose in coming to the Zhang Family, like Luo Liang's purpose in coming here, was the same: to see that after a hundred years, Shizi Ling finally produced a new Mountain God.

Moreover, the Mountain God was a mere ordinary hunter in life, with no notable background or patron; this time he came to seek benefits from De Ben himself.

Threats and temptations!

He refuses to believe that, with all his methods, he still can't handle an ordinary hunter.

But.

Now, knowing the Zhang Family has deep ties with the mysterious person, not to mention his mind hasn't been squeezed by a door, even if he had the courage of a bear and a leopard, he wouldn't dare exploit De Ben himself.

He also considered that now De Ben has become the new Mountain God of Shizi Ling; perhaps he should make an appearance, but naturally he wasn't in a hurry to meet De Ben.

"Chengze..."

Zhang Guilian followed behind Zhang Chengze, still wanting to say something, when Zhang Chengze turned his head, coldly staring at Zhang Guilian, and said in an unfriendly tone:

"Second aunt, I advise you not to plead for them; otherwise I might change my mind and then dig out the hearts of that father‑son pair to see if they're black. Don't blame me!"

This novel you have reached.

Zhang Guilian swallowed the words at the tip of her mouth, realizing that this little beast Chengze kept his word; she glared resentfully at his departing back, then turned her head and saw.

Du Wenxuan lay half‑dead on the ground, while Du Guan was being punched and kicked by the two constables like a toy, with no concern at all about being damaged.

Zhang Guilian's face was full of pity; she turned and left, thinking to herself: "Du Guan, wait for me. I'm going to plead with the elder sister; I don't believe the elder sister would be as ruthless as this little beast!"

"Scoundrel, scoundrel, scoundrel, you won't help the dying?"

Du Guan lay on the ground curled up like a football, being kicked back and forth by the two constables, his gaze fixed on Zhang Guilian, begging her to sway that little beast Chengze. He never imagined Zhang Guilian wouldn't plead for him, but turned and left.

She didn't care at all about his life or death!

Deep inside, endless fury boiled as he muttered under his breath, "Sure enough, anyone surnamed Zhang has no good thing!"

"Imperial Attendant Tang, should the Mountain God Token be returned to its original owner?"

Wei Yuan approached Tang Anzhi, who sat cross‑legged, tending his wounds; his body was covered with scars, and the hint of happiness in his eyes was barely concealed.

Tang Anzhi opened his eyes and immediately saw Wei Yuan and Zhang Chengze before him; his gaze lingered on Zhang Chengze, his face darkening as he said in an unfriendly tone:

"Zhang the Hunter, do you know who the mysterious person that attacked me was?"

"Heh, that dog thing isn't stupid; it should have guessed that the Zhang Family's relationship with the mysterious person is far from ordinary!"

Wei Yuan let out a silent sneer, not waiting for Zhang Chengze to answer, and said, "What, Imperial Attendant Tang, are you unwilling and seeking revenge?"

(End of chapter)