255: Chapter 254 Demon Fox Tracks 255: Chapter 254 Demon Fox Tracks The old woman was very agitated, rambling on until she was exhausted and was arranged to rest in the rear hall.
Hou Niao looked at the official beside him, who was focusing inwardly, and smiled:
“Lord Rong, why don’t you say something?
I can’t believe you know nothing about this matter.”
In Xionger Town, with a population of tens of thousands, there wasn’t much pressure on public safety, especially in cases involving demons and soul ghosts.
The mortals both respected and feared such matters, yet they could not contain their curiosity, always wondering if there might be an opportunity for fortune in such incidents.
This was a common thought among everyone.
So, it’s true that they dared not get involved, but within their capacity, making thorough inquiries was also undeniable.
The official grinned sheepishly, “Us, get involved with matters of the Cultivation World?
Hou Niao didn’t respond, just kept staring at him intently, until the old slick could no longer bear the pressure and caved in.
“Master, it’s true that we are too scared to meddle, but we did investigate Scholar Qian a bit, after all, it’s our duty; the public office was established to serve the townspeople…”
Demonic foxes fire under eerie winds and sparse grasses, strange birds cry amidst the night moon and withered poplars.
He paused, knowing he had to say something to get through this; like these matters, investigating them was not difficult.
Neighborhood gossip and family matters were not easy to conceal.
“Scholar Qian indeed changed after spending the night outdoors on a trip, but whether a demon fox transformed into a woman to seduce him, I dare not assert.
There were three others with him at the time, all close friends and schoolmates; we have also thoroughly questioned them.
They told us that indeed there was a woman walking around the courtyard that night, charming and graceful.
Dispose these three were either morally stringent, steadfast, or timorous, though they saw her, none approached her.
Since they each stayed in separate rooms, they were unaware of what had happened to the others until their return trip the next day when they noticed that Scholar Qian was behaving unusually, leading them to suspect something, though none dared speak out, thinking he just needed some time to recover.
However, they realized the severity when his condition worsened day by day after returning, and Mrs.
Qian inquired about it, leading to their current conjecture.”
Hou Niao nodded; the course of events was not complex, “And your judgment is?”
Since the official had begun speaking, his courage had gradually grown, “The deserted shrine is in a remote area, scarcely visited by anyone during the day and completely deserted at night; although there are grave mounds outside, they are mostly unattended.
So what the woman said is likely false, but considering her possible identity…”
“There’s no finding her, and no one dares to search; as for the old woman’s guess, well, she probably heard too many rumors?”
Hou Niao laughed, “You could just straightforwardly claim it’s the work of mountain spirits and soul ghosts.
Why take such a roundabout way?
Let me ask you, have similar incidents occurred frequently in recent years, is it true?”
The official nodded, lowering his voice, “It’s true, something happens once every one or two years, involving locals and outsiders alike; the symptoms are similar.
Physically, there’s not much harm, but it’s as if their spirits have been extracted, leaving them in a soulless state.
Some speculate that after a night of pleasure, they are trapped in the wonderful illusion crafted by demons, sinking into it for life, unable to extricate themselves.”
“What else could there be?
In the dead of night, a lone man and a solitary woman, on a desolate countryside, dry wood and a fierce fire.
Sure, they might discuss the ‘Book of Songs’ together, but more likely, it’s dampness and spirit.”
Hou Niao narrowed his eyes, “What about the current state of the others?
Has anyone been killed because of this?”
The official thought for a moment, “These matters are mainly based on rumors.
Not many can firmly claim they were harmed by demons as the Qian Family did.
Most are alone when they encounter evil, with no one to corroborate their story, so the cases tend to be dismissed.
“Those diagnosed with hysteria or insanity often have many other underlying reasons, such as hereditary diseases, sudden frights, accidental stimulations, or psychological strikes.
With the vast area around Xionger Town, who could possibly investigate each case thoroughly?
If the victims accept their fate without complaint, we can only pretend to be unaware.
“As for the loss of lives you mentioned, there definitely have been some.
It’s not directly lethal, but due to delusions leading to accidents, such as dancing on a rooftop and falling off, walking into water with a smile, or simply going missing…”
He paused, his mind slightly stirred, “There are rumors in the streets about demon foxes bewitching humans at night to harvest their yang to supplement their yin.
Whether these rumors are true or not, if you, Master, could find out the truth and provide an explanation to the people, it would greatly benefit the stability of Xionger Town.
“You know, rumors are the hardest to control.
The more they spread, the more distorted and outrageous they become, seriously affecting normal life.”
Hou Niao nodded, “Gather a detailed report of past similar cases for me.
I need specifics—victims, names, addresses, details of the incidents…
“Additionally, the pacification of the Qian Family will still require your efforts for now.
Investigations take time, and during this period, do not let her be agitated or spread rumors, affecting the trend of public opinion.
Remember, do not let gossip interfere with this investigation.”
The official finally realized that the Master was serious about taking action.
Apart from cooperating, he could do nothing else—neither dissuade nor dare to obstruct; in Xionger Town, only his two neighbors could balance this Quanzhen Master.
Wanting to know the truth yet fearing to disturb the current order of Xionger Town—that was their mortal contradiction.
Hou Niao stepped out of the government office.
As a high-ranking official, he was all alone in command, with no capable subordinates; everything had to be done by himself.
It had been years since he last engaged in his old profession, yet resuming it now excited him somewhat?
Within a few days, he rediscovered that feeling he once had in Fufeng City—sleeping under the stars, chasing leads, not missing any trace; there were a few involved parties still in Xionger Town, the surrounding neighbors, and of course, the deserted shrine where the scholar from the Qian Family had his incident.
This was the only site still worthy of investigation; other places were either unknown or had lost their investigative value due to the passage of time.
Because he had fundamentally changed from the person he was years ago, many problems that previously seemed insoluble to him now appeared manageable.
One could imagine that if one day he reached the Tongxuan level, having Divine Sense by his side, these so-called mortal detective methods might become useless, and discovering the truth would just be a matter of Divine Sense and a breath’s effort.
One evening, a few days later, he concentrated on cultivating and practicing his sword skills in his tent.
The hustling of the past few days had borne fruit, and tomorrow he could directly confront the suspect.
He eagerly anticipated this meeting.
Just then, someone disturbed the Array.
Upon receiving permission, Tideng Monk walked in, a look of anger on his face,
“Hou Niao, do you have to act, or will you die?”