Chapter 488: The Demonic Path to Heaven (6000)

Feng Province, Provincial Capital.

He Jian walked out of the headquarters of the Inspection Department with his team.

Just after the New Year, he had brought his team to the provincial capital of Feng Province to continue investigating the case of Shangguan Xiao.

Although several years had passed and the Lu family had long since destroyed the relevant witnesses and evidence, He Jian had learned from Li Fei that—

Back then, Lu Wenzheng and Xu Jing had joined forces. To lure Hao Yi into their trap, they spent over a decade meticulously setting the stage, fabricating the illusion that Shangguan Xiao was colluding with spies from the Western Continent.

For a "trap" that took so long to set and was so rich in detail, He Jian did not believe it could leave absolutely no traces behind.

Moreover, he had two key figures:

One was Qi Jin, who had been captured by Li Fei himself. Although he had already been executed by slow slicing, he had left behind sufficient testimony, providing He Jian with much critical information.

The other key figure was the former special lecturer at the Martial University, Chen Xiang.

This person had been specifically arranged by Lu Wenzheng to frame the Mount Tiefeng Sect, luring the Mount Tiefeng Sect into the trap so that Xu Jing would have the opportunity to devour the Mount Tiefeng Sect Master's 【Tengyun】 supernatural ability with his 【Black Water】 supernatural ability.

Later, Chen Xiang was captured, and Li Fei forced a confession out of him. For the past few years, he had been imprisoned by the Datong Prefecture government.

Having mastered these two key figures was enough for He Jian to uncover many things.

Li Fei was now a Level 16 Blue Patrol Special Envoy. Acting under imperial decree to investigate the case, he had the authority to mobilize the entire Inspection Department of Feng Province to cooperate with him!

Even though the Chief Inspector of the provincial capital's Inspection Department was one of Lu Wenzheng's men, after Li Fei's previous "counterattack," the Datong Prefecture Inspection Headquarters had frequently sent people to the provincial capital's Inspection Department to arrest and interrogate officials.

Now, most of the officials in the provincial capital's Inspection Department were filled with fear, and a portion of those whose resolve was not so firm no longer intended to continue standing on Lu Wenzheng's side.

Especially after the news spread that the Crown Prince was acting as regent and Li Fei had become a "Gu Ming Minister," even more officials began to waver!

Therefore, when He Jian brought his team to the provincial capital to investigate, he had originally prepared himself for cold receptions and various obstacles, but he had not expected that many officials would actively cooperate and show goodwill instead.

As a result, the investigation progressed even more smoothly!

"Truly, when a wall is about to collapse, everyone gives it a push."

He Jian's female disciple, Yuan Mengfei, could not help but sigh after walking out of the Inspection Department's main gate.

"With the Crown Prince acting as regent, the momentum is now on the Marquis's side. These people are sycophants; naturally, they know what to do."

Another of He Jian's disciples said.

He Jian turned his head and glanced at them, and the disciples immediately stopped discussing.

"Focus on the investigation. Is the fate of the world something for you to worry about?"

The old man reprimanded them, then led his disciples all the way to the Lu Fu.

"Central Inspection Pavilion, here under orders to investigate!"

Upon arriving at the Lu Fu, He Jian displayed his token.

But the guards at the gate still did not let them pass.

As the two sides stood in a standoff, the Lu Fu's steward walked out, bowing to He Jian with a calm expression:

"Pavilion Elder He, I do not know what you are here to investigate at the mansion? This is the residence of the Inspector General. Please forgive us for not being able to let you enter as you please."

After Qi Ming died, He Jian officially cracked the case of the Xintian Society, after which he "leaped over the dragon gate," being promoted one level to become a Level 16 Pavilion Official!

However, although his official rank was equal to Li Fei's, the power he wielded was far from comparable to Li Fei's.

His promotion this time was more due to the Emperor giving Li Fei face, combined with the merits he had accumulated in the past, which was why he was promoted to Pavilion Official.

After the promotion, what He Jian gained were honors and various benefits; his substantive power did not increase much, at most making it more convenient than before when handling cases.

But for He Jian, this was already enough.

He said expressionlessly: "I want to interrogate Lu Yuqi. I have sufficient evidence to prove that this person is related to the case of colluding with the enemy and treason from several years ago."

Hearing the name Lu Yuqi, the steward's expression changed slightly.

This person was the biological nephew of the family head Lu Wenzheng, and also the person who truly held power within the Lu family's main line.

"Apologies, Young Master Yuqi is not at the mansion."

The steward bowed slightly and said apologetically.

He Jian had expected this answer.

Although he had the authority given by Li Fei, it was not enough to allow him to force his way into the residence of an Inspector General.

"Then please convey to Lu Yuqi that after receiving the news, he should consciously come to the Inspection Department to cooperate with the investigation. If he does not arrive within three days, we will treat it as fleeing in fear of crime, and at that time, we will issue a direct arrest warrant!"

He Jian said.

The current him was no longer the "Divine Detective" who could be easily driven away from the front of the Cheng Prince's Mansion.

Being a Pavilion Elder himself, plus having the "Number One Marquis of Great Lan" backing him, He Jian was full of spirit when investigating cases!

After saying this, he stopped paying attention to the steward and turned to leave with his people.

The steward's expression was heavy as he hurried back to report to Lu Wenzheng.

At this moment, Lu Wenzheng was handling matters in his office at the Government Affairs Building. After receiving the news, he said expressionlessly:

"Let Lu Yuqi go to the Inspection Department to cooperate with the investigation."

After speaking, he hung up the phone and lit a cigarette in the office.

In the smoke, his eyes were sinister.

He knew very well that the Shangguan Xiao case alone was not enough to convict him.

But this was just the beginning.

When a wall is about to collapse, everyone gives it a push. Once the Shangguan Xiao case was overturned and core members of the Lu family were imprisoned, it would be enough to make those opportunists outside flock to Li Fei's side!

It would also be enough to make many officials standing on his side choose to betray him.

By then, it would not just be the Shangguan Xiao case.

As long as Li Fei first stripped him of his official uniform, combined with the targeting from within the Lu family, he would be completely finished.

Having been a "chess player" for so many years, Lu Wenzheng could almost clearly see how Li Fei would "checkmate" him step by step!

Yet, his countermeasures had failed to take effect.

Sitting in the office for over ten minutes, Lu Wenzheng picked up the receiver, dialed the rotary, and made a call:

"Where has he arrived?"

"Speed it up. Tell the other party that the transaction will start tonight."

Under the night sky, the provincial capital of Feng Province was brightly lit.

In the lower city district, rickshaw wheels rolled over the bluestone ground.

Pleasant music drifted from the stained-glass windows of the "Red Sleeve Dance Hall," and girls in gold-threaded cheongsams leaned against the vermilion railings, constantly waving at the guests coming and going below.

A thin man wearing a black outer robe walked into the main gate of the "Red Sleeve Dance Hall" with a cold expression.

The dance hall was crowded with people coming and going, but wherever the man passed, the crowd automatically parted.

A soft force quietly pushed these people aside, without anyone noticing anything unusual.

The man arrived at a corner of the first-floor lobby and showed a small card to the two security guards guarding there.

The two security guards glanced at the card and let the man walk into the corridor behind them.

The corridor was pitch black, with only a little light leaking from the crack of the door at the end.

The man did not hesitate in the slightest, walking straight toward the door at the end, then pushed it open and entered.

Inside the door was a magnificent hall. The hall was divided into two levels, with people standing on the stairs and the second floor.

At a glance, there were actually over a dozen martial artists.

The man swept a glance at these people, a trace of disdain appearing in his eyes.

He looked at the person in charge sitting on the sofa, an elderly man dressed elegantly.

The old man's name was Zhao Qidong. In the lower city district of the provincial capital, he was called "Master Dong" and was a famous big shot in the underworld.

However, whatever Master Dong, whatever underworld big shot, in the man's eyes, they were all just stinking fish and rotten shrimp!

If it weren't for the fear of the power behind the other party, he wouldn't have come here to trade face-to-face with Zhao Qidong tonight; he would have already robbed them blind!

"Presumably this is the famous 'Black Sha God'? Nice to meet you, nice to meet you!"

Zhao Qidong took the initiative to stand up and bow with cupped hands.

"Black Sha God" Jiang Ye, a famous demonic martial artist in the underworld, was a Wu Gong Master!

With Jiang Ye's strength and realm, he indeed had the qualifications to look down on Zhao Qidong and the others before him.

"You are not qualified to talk to me. Call the person behind you out."

Jiang Ye ignored Zhao Qidong and walked straight to the sofa opposite to sit down.

Zhao Qidong's expression stiffened, somewhat annoyed.

He turned his head to look at Jiang Ye: "What does Brother Jiang mean by this?"

As soon as the words fell, without Jiang Ye making any move, a bone-chilling, sinister intent instantly enveloped the entire hall.

Including Zhao Qidong, a Dao Foundation stage expert, all the martial artists present felt their entire bodies go cold, their minds as if soaked in cold corpse water, filled with the stench of decay!

Zhao Qidong's vision even went black, seeing a giant, pale-skinned palm appear under his feet, reaching out to grab him.

He was terrified and shouted, subconsciously wanting to erupt with force and activate his defensive extraordinary ability.

But a powerful suction force erupted from the palm below, firmly sucking him in place, and the force he erupted was also rapidly corroded away.

Just when Zhao Qidong thought he was going to die, all the scenes suddenly disappeared, and he returned to the brightly lit hall once again.

"Dao Force?"

Zhao Qidong looked at Jiang Ye, his eyes filled with horror.

Jiang Ye didn't even look at him, saying coldly:

"You are also worthy of calling me brother? Within ten breaths, if the person behind you doesn't come out, I will kill all of you!"

Zhao Qidong was instantly drenched in sweat.

Over these years, he had lived in luxury, relying on the background behind him, and had been smooth sailing in the provincial capital, gradually feeling that he was also a big shot.

Now encountering a demonic martial artist who completely ignored the rules, he realized that in front of a true powerhouse, he didn't even have the qualifications to stand and talk!

"Clap! Clap! Clap!"

Applause suddenly came from upstairs.

Jiang Ye narrowed his eyes and looked up, only to see a sturdy, middle-aged man dressed in brocade robes, with an extraordinary bearing, walking down from the second floor calmly.

"Miao Lang?"

Jiang Ye looked at the person coming and asked.

The person nodded; it was indeed Miao Lang, the only Wu Gong Master level retainer of the Lu family!

When running for the position of member of the Feng Province Blue Patrol Pavilion, he represented the Lu family to participate in the election, only to lose to Li Fei in the end.

"Master Miao!"

Seeing the person arrive, Zhao Qidong felt as if he had found his backbone and immediately gained confidence, shouting hurriedly.

His true background was the Lu family; he was managing the underworld forces in the provincial capital for the Lu family.

But Miao Lang's next sentence made him terrified:

"If Brother Jiang wants to kill, feel free to do so."

Hearing this, a flash of murderous intent crossed Jiang Ye's eyes.

He saw this as a provocation against himself!

This time, he still sat on the sofa without any movement, not using his extraordinary ability, nor using his force.

But suddenly, the entire hall became cold.

The dozen or so martial artists, including Zhao Qidong, suddenly groaned, then fell one after another, all of them bleeding from their seven orifices, and what flowed out was black blood!

Not only that, the corpses of these people rapidly rotted, eventually turning into pools of corpse water!

In the blink of an eye, only Jiang Ye and Miao Lang were left alive here.

Watching Jiang Ye kill his own people, Miao Lang remained indifferent, calmly walking to the sofa where Zhao Qidong had just sat, and sat opposite Jiang Ye.

Jiang Ye's body tensed, entering a state of alert.

He was only a single-supernatural-ability Wu Gong Master, while Miao Lang had dual supernatural abilities, his combat power a grade higher than his, not allowing him to be careless.

"It really wasn't easy to invite Brother Jiang here."

Miao Lang said.

Jiang Ye was not a local martial artist of Feng Province, but a demonic giant from another province.

The reason he came across the province here this time was because he was attracted by a transaction.

Demonic martial artists often do not absorb implants themselves, then slowly cultivate and refine them in their bodies.

Instead, they directly plunder implants that have already matured in others' bodies!

This method is indeed fast and can lead to quick success, but the risk is very high, easy to lose control, and even easier to make enemies.

In the underworld, demonic martial artists are almost universally hated!

Relying on opportunity and luck, Jiang Ye went through countless hardships, surviving nine deaths to successfully build his Dao Foundation and become a Wu Gong Master.

But to go further, he needed to incorporate mid-three-grade implants.

Lower-three-grade implants can be plundered from Dao Foundation or Qi Transformation stage martial artists, but for mid-three-grade implants, only martial artists who are also Wu Gong Masters will incorporate them, making the difficulty of plundering too great!

As for incorporating implants himself and cultivating slowly.

If it weren't for insufficient aptitude and lack of sufficient resources, who would be willing to become a demonic martial artist?

Jiang Ye knew very well that with his aptitude, if he didn't walk the demonic path, it would be difficult even to become a Dao Foundation stage martial artist, let alone a Wu Gong Master.

So the path of cultivating on his own was not feasible for him.

It was also for this reason that throughout history, the upper limit of the vast majority of demonic martial artists stopped at being single-supernatural-ability Wu Gong Masters.

But in history, there were also some demonic giants who found another way—

Cultivating implants inside exotic beasts!

Ordinary people have weak physiques and can only incorporate lower-three-grade implants at first.

After becoming a martial artist and already having an implant in the body, if one incorporates a mid-three-grade implant, the difference in grade will cause the implants to conflict, making it impossible to cultivate further.

But exotic beasts do not have this problem; even lower-three-grade exotic beasts can theoretically withstand mid-three-grade implants directly.

Using special methods to cultivate the mid-three-grade implants one needs inside some exotic beasts, and after the implants mature, plundering them directly with demonic martial arts.

This is the "Path to Heaven" thought up by the "sages" of the demonic path!

Among the "Three Demonic Evils," except for one "Ancestor of the Underworld River" who was a True One Realm sorcerer, the other two demonic evils were both demonic martial artists who reached the Martial Saint realm using this "Path to Heaven"!

This method doesn't even require making enemies with people, doesn't require killing, and looks perfect.

But the only problem is—exotic beasts are precious resources everywhere. Why would you, a demonic martial artist, have such resources?

For the "Righteous Forces" that control most of the cultivation resources, unless forced, no one will actively walk the demonic path.

Because the risks of demonic cultivation are too great; every time one breaks through a realm, it is a life-or-death gamble!

With the same batch of resources, used on a batch of talented people, there might be a chance to cultivate a dozen Qi Transformation stage martial artists, and perhaps even cultivate Dao Foundation stage martial artists.

But if used to cultivate demonic martial artists, it might end up with nothing, gaining nothing at all.

So basically, no major force will actively cultivate demonic martial artists; the cost-effectiveness is simply too low!

And if one is exposed by accident, one's own reputation will be ruined.

But there are no absolutes in the world; there are always exceptions.

For example, a certain "second generation" of a major force has poor aptitude but insists on gambling with their life, wanting to become stronger.

Thus, the only way out for this "second generation" is to walk the demonic path.

In this situation, this major force might secretly cultivate exotic beasts specifically for demonic martial artists to plunder, called "Demon-Feeding Beasts."

Because demonic martial artists have a high failure rate when plundering implants and integrating them into themselves, the same "Demon-Feeding Beasts" need to be prepared in multiples.

And if during this process, the "second generation" of this major force suddenly fails to break through and dies suddenly.

Then how should the remaining "Demon-Feeding Beasts" that haven't been used yet be handled?

The mid-three-grade implants cultivated inside them are only useful to demonic martial artists. If they are just killed and ignored, it would be too wasteful.

Thus, over time, a trade in "Demon-Feeding Beasts" gradually emerged in the underworld.

Those major forces that secretly cultivated "Demon-Feeding Beasts" but suddenly had no use for them would choose to sell the "Demon-Feeding Beasts" to demonic martial artists in need.

Jiang Ye came specifically for the "Demon-Feeding Beasts."

He was not reconciled to staying at his current realm forever, so he had been inquiring about whether there were any "Demon-Feeding Beasts" he needed.

Having already become a Wu Gong Master, it was actually very simple for him to get money.

He had long since saved enough money to buy "Demon-Feeding Beasts," but he lacked the channels.

More than two months ago, after several twists and turns, he heard that someone in Feng Province was selling "Demon-Feeding Beasts," and the mid-three-grade implant cultivated inside happened to be one he could use.

So he contacted the middleman and finally came to the provincial capital of Feng Province, running over to trade with Zhao Qidong.

As a demonic martial artist, Jiang Ye was sufficiently cautious.

Before coming, he had already investigated that Zhao Qidong's true backer was the Lu family, which was also the reason he didn't directly rob them blind.

Although he was a dragon crossing the river, he couldn't swallow the Lu family, the local snake.

"Don't talk nonsense. If you really have what I want in your hands, then name a price."

Jiang Ye was straightforward.

Miao Lang nodded: "We naturally have the item. Since you know that Zhao Qidong is backed by us, you should believe we have this strength. As for the price of this item, we need Brother Jiang to help us handle a matter."

Hearing this, Jiang Ye was not surprised.

Forces capable of cultivating "Demon-Feeding Beasts" basically don't lack money.

So many transactions related to "Demon-Feeding Beasts" often require the demonic martial artist involved to help handle matters.

"What matter?"

"Help deal with someone."

"Who?"

"Divine Detective He Jian."

"You want me to kill a Pavilion Official?!"

Jiang Ye's expression changed, his demeanor becoming fierce, the murderous intent in his eyes almost tangible.

He Jian had once cracked several major cases related to demonic martial artists, so Jiang Ye had specifically paid attention to this famous Divine Detective.

And he also knew that the other party had just been promoted not long ago and was now Pavilion Elder He!

Being a demonic martial artist doesn't mean one is truly lawless.

Not long ago, the newly promoted "Demonic Evil" Qi Ming had just been executed, and the imperial court's deterrent power against demonic evils like Jiang Ye had just reached a new peak!

In this situation, let alone him, Jiang Ye, even the other three "Demonic Evils" would likely not dare to kill a Pavilion Official.

"Brother Jiang misunderstood; it's not asking you to kill."

Miao Lang shook his head, "I know Brother Jiang's supernatural ability is mysterious, so I want you to strike in secret, just make He Jian fall ill. He doesn't need to die, just let him be bedridden for a few months."

Hearing this, Jiang Ye's eyes kept changing.

His nickname was "Black Sha God" because his supernatural ability was called—【Sha God】.

It can cause intense corrosion to the target from both the body and the spirit simultaneously!

And the most terrifying point of the 【Sha God】 supernatural ability is not frontal assault, but sneak attacks.

Jiang Ye can use 【Sha God】 to make people fall victim without anyone knowing, and make it impossible for people to detect.

Because it is a supernatural ability, martial arts are ineffective, extraordinary abilities are ineffective, and medicine is ineffective!

Even those Wu Gong Masters without defensive or life-type supernatural abilities, after being hit by 【Sha God】, need to pay a great price to completely remove it.

Some people who had offended Jiang Ye in the past all fell ill inexplicably and eventually died miserably; only afterward did people know that Jiang Ye had struck in secret.

So the prestige of the "Black Sha God" made many people turn pale at the mention of his name!

Now Miao Lang asked him to deal with a Dao Foundation stage martial artist; he asked himself that there was no difficulty at all, and he could capture him easily without letting the other party notice any abnormality.

And it wasn't killing, just letting He Jian be bedridden for a few months; this result was also fine, not enough to provoke a fierce reaction from the government.

But Jiang Ye still had concerns in his heart.

Because of one person—Li Fei!

"He Jian is currently investigating a case for that Jing'an Marquis, right?"

Jiang Ye stared at Miao Lang and asked.

Miao Lang smiled: "Your news is quite well-informed."

Jiang Ye sneered.

The news that the Jing'an Marquis wanted to deal with the Lu family had long since ceased to be a secret in the underworld!

"As long as you accomplish this matter, we can give you four 'Demon-Feeding Beasts' that you want."

Miao Lang knew Jiang Ye's concerns and directly increased the chips, adding one "Demon-Feeding Beast" on the original basis.

Jiang Ye was tempted.

Demonic martial artists are all gambling with their lives, carrying their heads on their belts.

As long as the benefits are large enough, they even dare to stroke the beard of the King of Hell!

"Six 'Demon-Feeding Beasts', and I get to specify the type of implant!"

Jiang Ye said.

With his situation, he estimated he only needed two identical "Demon-Feeding Beasts" to successfully incorporate one type of implant.

So if this transaction succeeded, he could successfully incorporate three types of implants at once!

The number of implants on the martial arts side doesn't need to be as many as on the sorcery side.

Some supernatural abilities only need three to four mid-three-grade implants to be refined.

Jiang Ye had previously successfully incorporated one mid-three-grade implant, and by incorporating three more, he could attempt to refine his second supernatural ability!

For him, this was worth a gamble.

At worst, after finishing this job, he would hide far away.

No matter how awesome you, the Jing'an Marquis, are, can you really hunt me down across the world because of this kind of thing?

"Good, deal!"

Miao Lang did not hesitate, nodding and agreeing to Jiang Ye's request.

That night, the underworld big shot Zhao Qidong of the lower city district disappeared along with a dozen of his subordinates.

This immediately caused turmoil in the underworld of the provincial capital of Feng Province, because everyone knew that Zhao Qidong was backed by the Lu family.

"Could it be that the Jing'an Marquis is also preparing to take a knife to the Lu family in terms of underworld forces?"

For a time, many people had similar speculations.

Quite a few people began to actively contact the Green Face Villa in Datong Prefecture, preparing to "surrender" in advance.

Two days later, He Jian, who was interrogating Lu Yuqi, suddenly fell ill.

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 489 =====