I'm modifying myself into the ultimate demon.

Chapter 45 The Baby's Cry (Seeking Monthly Tickets)

Chen Mo's heart skipped a beat, and he had a vague sense of unease. "Catch your breath and explain yourself clearly."

Hu Hu Hu.

Ma San took several deep breaths before he could catch his breath, but his face was still pale.
"When I arrived at the Xie residence with three grooms, I found the main gate open but without a proper door. It was eerily quiet inside, with a sinister atmosphere. I immediately sensed something was wrong, but remembering the young master's instructions, I had to carry them out. So I led the three grooms into the Xie residence... As soon as I entered, I saw two servants hanged from a crooked tree. Further in, I saw many servants and maids hanging from the rafters. I called out a few times, but there was no response..."

Ma San took a few more deep breaths before continuing, "I sent three grooms to the central courtyard, and I went to the western tenement, where Master Xie lives. I received a favor from Master Xie years ago, so I wanted to see if he was alright. But I found that Master Xie had drowned in the water vat in the courtyard."

Master Xie is dead.

He drowned!
Chen Mo had just been planning to take Qiu Lan to the Xie residence to consult with Third Master Xie, but unexpectedly...

Chen Mo suppressed the horror in his heart, "And then?"

Ma San, panting heavily, said, "Then I left the western courtyard and went to the central courtyard to call for the three grooms, but I didn't hear a reply. When I entered the central courtyard, I found that the three grooms had also hanged themselves from the rafters above the gate. In addition, Master Xie and Madam Xie had also hanged themselves from the gate, their faces covered with water plants and mud. There wasn't a single living person in the entire Xie mansion. I didn't dare to linger and hurriedly ran back to report the news."

After listening to Ma San's story, Chen Mo's hands and feet trembled slightly.

The Xie family, a prominent clan in Honghe County, is gone just like that?

Xie Lianghong had previously said that Granny Li was going to wipe out the Xie family.

I never expected the disaster to come so quickly... I had just left the Xie family mansion when the entire family was wiped out!

So, when I went to the Xie residence that afternoon, Li Hongxi was probably hiding there the whole time, only making her move that evening.

The Xie family mansion is gone...

Chen Mo suddenly had a strong intuition—Li Hongxi would take action against him and the Chen family.

It might happen tonight!

Fortunately, Chen Mo had entered the inner school of martial arts and mastered the Fiery Palm technique, so he wasn't too weak. Moreover, Daoist Li Yuanlong would be coming tomorrow to test his plans to learn martial arts at Black Mountain Village.

How could an internal martial arts master not gain Li Yuanlong's approval? That doesn't make sense.

As long as they get through today safely, the Chen family will be fine.

Then the problem is coming.

How can I get through tonight safely?

run away?

Where could they possibly go in the middle of the night?

There are more evil spirits in the countryside outside the city, and it is even more dangerous outside the city.

Chen Mo quickly made a decision, "Qiu Lan, give the order to have all the lamps in the manor lit. Also, have all the guards, servants, and maids assemble in the central courtyard! Be quick!"

Qiulan realized the seriousness of the situation and immediately ran out to deliver the message.

Chen Mo then instructed Ma San, "I would like to trouble you to go to the residence of the magistrate Li Yu and inform him to go to the Xie residence as soon as possible to handle the aftermath. If possible, ask Li Yu to come to the Chen residence to help. After you report this, do not linger outside, but go straight back to the residence and come to the central courtyard."

Although Ma San was still a little scared, he had witnessed Chen Mo killing Liu Mazi and was greatly encouraged, so he agreed, "I'll go right away."

After seeing Ma San off, Chen Mo carried his broadsword to the backyard.

The snow was falling heavier and heavier, but Ma Tie remained at his post, bowing respectfully to Chen Mo upon seeing him, "Young Master."

Chen Mo nodded. "Get a burlap sack, tie this woman up tightly, put her in the burlap sack, and then come with me to the central courtyard to spend the night."

Ma Tie was unaware of what was happening outside. "Young Master, has something happened?"

"Tie him up first, then come with me to the central courtyard." Chen Mo made a quick decision, then pondered: Why did Du Ma San survive? Was it just good luck?

Chen Mo didn't have time to think too much, so he quickly made some preparations and then rushed to the central courtyard.

……

The residence of Li Yu, the magistrate, was not far from the county government office; it was just two alleys away. The house was small, consisting of three courtyards. Although the furnishings were neat, they were very simple.

This was thanks to Li Yu being an honest official. Although he married Xie Cui, the fourth sister of Xie Liangming, the eldest son of the Xie family, he refused to marry into the Xie household. Instead, he insisted on moving out and living a simple life with Xie Cui.

Xie Liangming had many conflicts with Li Yu over this matter. However, Xie Cui insisted on going out to live with Li Yu, not wanting to affect Li Yu's career.

Xie Liangming couldn't persuade his younger sister otherwise, so he gave up.

Later, Xie Liangming repeatedly visited Li Yu's family with lavish gifts and expensive furniture, hoping to improve their living conditions. Li Yu refused each time, nearly making Xie Liangming vomit blood from anger.

However, Li Yu was indeed an honest official. In just a few years as a clerk, he gained the support of the villagers. And Li Yu was not inflexible; he would often provide some convenience to the Xie family's business without violating court regulations.

After a while, Xie Liangming accepted his brother-in-law.

Besides Li Yu and Xie Cui, there was only one maid named A-Xia in the Li residence.

Xie Cui, who was over thirty-six years old, had recently caught a cold. At this moment, she was leaning against the headboard, her face haggard and pale. The tall and strong Li Yu took the medicine that A-Xia had brewed, scooped up some soup with a spoon, blew on it to cool it down, and then brought it to Xie Cui's lips.

Xie Cui kept her mouth tightly shut and refused to open it.

Li Yu, his face full of heartache, comforted her, "My wife, I know you're grieving over Xie Dong's death. But the more you grieve, the more you need to take your medicine. Get well soon. Only then will I have the mind to find out the real culprit." Perhaps understanding her husband's good intentions, Xie Cui finally opened her mouth and swallowed the bitter medicine in large gulps.

Li Yu smiled broadly, put down the soup bowl, and gently brushed Xie Cui's stray hairs behind her ear. "My lady, you will feel better after taking the medicine."

Xie Cui's eyes softened considerably, filled with tenderness. "My husband has been so busy for me; if I were to cause him any more trouble, it would seem rather inconsiderate of me. I went to see Third Brother this morning, and he told me that Xiao Dong died from an evil spirit..."

At this point, Xie Cui's already haggard face became even more pale.

To comfort his wife, Li Yu said something against his will, "My wife is also a scholar, how could you believe Xie Sanye's crazy words? Over the years, Sanye has indeed helped the county government in solving cases a lot, but with so much contact with the dead, it's inevitable that he'll say some crazy things. Even Master Xie has reprimanded Xie Sanye many times, so my wife doesn't need to take it to heart."

Xie Cui was clearly no longer a child, and naturally wouldn't completely believe the truth. "But Third Brother looked terrified at the time, and he spoke with such conviction..."

Li Yu interrupted, "My lady, don't overthink it. I've already sent people to investigate thoroughly; it must be someone playing tricks."

Seeing Li Yu's resolute words, Xie Cui stopped being stubborn and grasped his hand tightly. "Husband, our Xie family has suffered such a terrible fate, and we are all counting on you. My elder brother and sister-in-law were already in poor health, and with Xiao Dong's passing, I'm afraid they will be unable to eat or sleep properly. I'm really worried that something might happen to their health..."

By the end, Xie Cui had covered her face and was sobbing.

The Xie family was a prominent family in Honghe County, and Xie Cui had been educated since childhood and was a sensible person. After this incident, she already felt that the Xie family's reputation was in jeopardy.

"Don't worry, my wife, I will find the murderer as soon as possible and bring him to justice. I will also give Master Xie an explanation," Li Yu assured, patting his chest.

Xie Cui was finally relieved.

Just then, Xia rushed in from outside the door. "Master, Madam. A man has come outside. He says he's a guard from the Chen family and has something important to report to you."

"I understand," Li Yu replied, then helped Xie Cui lie down, covered her with a quilt, and went out.

As soon as they arrived at the gate of the courtyard, they saw Ma San, who was covered in sweat.

As a bodyguard of the Chen family, Ma San, who was active in the county town all year round, naturally knew the magistrate Li Yu and immediately revealed his identity.

Li Yu asked, "Why did you seek me out so late at night?"

Ma San said, "Does the magistrate still not know? The entire Xie family has been wiped out..."

He recounted everything he had seen and heard.

Even the clerk in charge of criminal justice in Honghe County was greatly shocked upon hearing this. However, Li Yu quickly suppressed his panic and said, "Please thank Young Master Chen for me. This matter should not be publicized. I will handle the aftermath. You should go back as soon as possible. I will send someone to the Chen residence to protect you soon."

After dismissing Ma San, Li Yu hurriedly returned to the main room, put on his official robes, and hung up his waist knife and token. Finally, he went to the bedroom, instructed Xie Cui to take good care of herself, and explained that there were clues about Xie Dong's death, so he needed to go out late at night.

Out of concern for his wife, he did not mention the massacre of the Xie family.

Although the clerk was a low-ranking official, he could borrow the robes of a ninth-rank official during sacrifices or important ceremonies. Today was an important occasion, so for convenience, he wore the robes of a ninth-rank official.

Just as he was about to leave, Xie Cui called him back.

"Is there anything else, my lady?"

Xie Cui spoke weakly, "Husband, I know you hate evil. But Honghe County is not peaceful right now. If we encounter danger, we should prioritize our own safety. I have lost Xiao Dong, but I absolutely cannot lose you too."

Seeing Xie Cui's earnest concern, Li Yu felt a warmth in his heart and said, "Don't worry, my wife, I'm not new to this position. I know what I'm doing."

After leaving the bedroom, Li Yu instructed A-Xia to take good care of Xie Cui, and then hurriedly left.

Li Yu did not rush to Xie's residence, but went straight to the county government office.

He had his reasons: the force capable of wiping out the entire Xie family must be extraordinary; it was likely the work of evil spirits. Going to the Xie residence alone would be dangerous. He needed to inform his elder brother, who had just taken office as the county magistrate, at the county office.

After watching her husband leave, Xie Cui felt uneasy and called Ah Xia over to ask, "What did the guard from the Chen family say to your husband?"

Ah Xia shook her head, "I was standing far away at the time, so I couldn't hear very clearly. The guard looked very anxious; he might actually have found a clue."

Xie Cui finally breathed a sigh of relief and said wearily, "Go outside and keep watch. Remember not to skimp on the charcoal, light your own stove to keep warm. Don't get cold. When you're a little older, I'll find someone to arrange a marriage for you and find you a suitable husband."

Ah Xia was overjoyed to hear this, "Thank you, Madam. I'll go right away. Please call me anytime if you need anything."

She went out, lit a fire in the living room, and squatted down to await her mistress's instructions.

Perhaps feeling that the lady of the house was kind to her, and knowing that the family was poor, Ah Xia was careful with the charcoal she burned, thinking of saving some money for the lady. Gradually, drowsiness came over her, and Ah Xia leaned against the table next to her and fell asleep.

After an unknown amount of time, Xia, still half asleep, heard someone calling her name.

"Xia, Xia..."

Ah Xia suddenly woke up and instinctively felt that the master had returned, so she excitedly ran out the door, looked around the courtyard, but did not see anyone.

"Xia, Xia..."

The voice was still calling.

Ah Xia was now awake and suddenly realized... this was not the master's voice at all.

It was actually a girl's baby crying.

The master and mistress have never had any children, so where did this young girl come from?
Moreover, the voice was somewhat hoarse and low, which sent a chill down Ah Xia's spine.

(End of this chapter)