Seeing the situation, the second-in-command sheathed his short sword and walked over, stepping directly on the corpses on the ground.
"These useless fools truly have no value. They can't even handle such a small task."
"Second Brother is right; these useless fools can't compare to our brothers from the Black Wind Stronghold back in the day."
"Alas! Third Brother, if only our Black Wind Stronghold still existed, we wouldn't have to follow Master around like this, hiding everywhere for so many years."
The words of the third-in-command seemed to remind the second-in-command of past events, leaving a melancholy expression on his face.
"Second Brother, it seems we can't linger in this place much longer. Master mentioned we need to retreat quickly."
A while ago, they occupied these mountains, robbing and plundering travelers passing by.
Such reckless behavior naturally drew the attention of the Qingyun County officials.
The County Magistrate of Qingyun County dispatched hundreds of soldiers to scout the mountains and clear out bandits, and also sent Chief Constable Chen Shi from the county office to lead the team.
Faced with Qingyun County officials' mountain scouting and bandit clearing, they hadn't paid much attention initially.
Both were Martial Artists at the Bone Refining Realm completion, and they had already investigated the strength of the county office's Chief Constable.
A Martial Artist at the Bone Refining Realm Perfection was something they could contend with due to their coordination and abilities.
However, what they hadn't expected was that the Chief Constable had been concealing his strength, and it turned out he was actually a Martial Artist at the Bone Marrow Refining Realm.
They were caught off guard and nearly lost their lives to him.
In the end, it was their Master who intervened just in time to force the opponent to retreat.
The second-in-command nodded, agreeing with the third-in-command.
"It's a pity Master was gravely injured because of past events; otherwise, how could a mere Bone Marrow Refining Realm Martial Artist have the chance to return alive?"
Though Master had managed to drive off the opponent, it also meant they were exposed.
Having driven back the Qingyun County officials this time, they were sure to report to the provincial authorities, drawing unwanted attention.
Those people had been pursuing them for years, making them like rats in the street, hiding and fleeing for many years.
"Profound Bird Guard!"
At the mention of this name, both the second-in-command and the third-in-command instinctively clenched their fists.
Whether out of anger or fear, or perhaps both!
...…..
Qingyun County!
The city gates were as bustling as ever, crowded with people, vibrant and lively, with unending lines of market vendors in the passageways inside.
Not far from the city gates, several men dressed in the uniforms of government officials from the county office.
They were riding horses, hurrying towards the city gates, dust-covered from their journey.
Following them closely was a carriage, moving slowly and steadily.
It was Lu Xuan and his group.
"Young Master, we're at the city gates now."
Li San, sitting at the side of the carriage, spoke softly toward the person inside the carriage.
At the front, Liang Cheng looked at the familiar city gates, breathed a sigh of relief, and felt a great deal of fatigue leave his body.
"Finally made it back alive!"
Liang Cheng, filled with emotions, had endured countless hardships along the way, opening his eyes to a new world.
Who would have thought an investigation of a murder case would turn out so perilously dangerous?
Encountering horrifying and sinister things at Liugou Village, and engaging in life-and-death struggles with those ruthless bandits.
Liang Cheng expressed that he was just a lowly government official, truly unable to bear such heavy burdens.
If he hadn't run into his cousin Lu Xuan, he would've lost his life in that sinister village of Liugou.
With Liang Cheng leading the way, Lu Xuan quickly reached the Lu Family estate.
"Xuan, I won't go in. I need to hurry back to the county office to report to the Lord County Magistrate. Please give my regards to Uncle for me."
After escorting Lu Xuan to the gates of the Lu Family estate, Liang Cheng spoke a few words to Lu Xuan and then hurriedly left with the other officials.
"Li San, let the master know I'll be in seclusion for a few days, so he needn't worry."
"Yes, Young Master!"
Lu Xuan instructed Li San and then proceeded through the Lu Family gates and into the estate.
"Greetings, Young Master!"
All along the way, every family servant who saw Lu Xuan greeted him politely.
As for his father, Lu Jiahe?
Lu Xuan didn't need to guess to know that his father wouldn't be home during the day; he would be at the Lu Family Pharmacy, diagnosing and treating patients.
This was why his father, Lu Jiahe, was deeply respected by the townspeople,
famed for healing with compassion, having high virtue, and a miraculous touch—words of praise given by the townspeople to Lu Jiahe.
Returning to the Lu Family, Lu Xuan didn't plan on resting; he intended to go into seclusion for a few days.
His heart was already eager with a desire for powerful strength.
Lu Xuan walked briskly until he reached a heavily guarded courtyard.
This courtyard wasn't far from Lu Xuan's residence and was the most important place in the Lu Family.
It was where large amounts of medicinal herbs were stored—the storage warehouse for the Lu Family Pharmacy!
Standing at the gates of the courtyard were four tall, muscular guards.
As soon as Lu Xuan appeared, the four guards immediately noticed, respectfully greeting Lu Xuan.
"Young Master!"
In response to their greetings, Lu Xuan calmly nodded and slowly spoke.
"Mm."
"Open the gates. I need to fetch some things."
The Lu Family warehouse was the most important location, and anyone entering required the permission of Lu Jiahe, the elder of the Lu Family.
Of course, this restriction didn't apply to Lu Xuan.
Lu Xuan had already been granted permission by Lu Jiahe, allowing him unrestricted entry to freely take herbs and valuable supplements.
"Yes, Young Master!"
After opening the warehouse gates, inside was a spacious courtyard with three more guards who were scanning their surroundings.
In the same fashion, upon seeing Lu Xuan, these three guards quickly offered their greetings.
Lu Xuan waved them off and proceeded with steady steps.
He reached the central room of the courtyard, where the medicinal herbs and supplements of the Lu Family Pharmacy were kept.
Creak!
Lu Xuan gently pushed open the closed door and entered with wide steps.
A strong scent of medicinal herbs hit him straight in the face—a mix of fragrant, pungent, and bitter aromas intertwined.
Inside the room were a few large cabinets made of fine sandalwood, with numerous small compartments displaying various herbs and supplements.
"Young Master, you've arrived."
In the middle of the large cabinets was a big table, beside which sat a weathered-looking middle-aged man on a chair.
Seeing Lu Xuan enter, the middle-aged man immediately stood up.