Hearing this, the expressions of many hardened.
To rebel and leave! That would mean cutting off all of the Zhao Family’s paths of retreat.
The judgment had not yet been completely passed down, and not everyone was willing to gamble on this matter. Although leaving Lin’an City was not exactly the same as outright rebellion, it meant a complete breach with the Imperial Court. If you weren’t caught, so be it, but if you were, execution without negotiation was guaranteed.
Zhao Mingye’s complexion was grave. "Father, it’s alright for us to leave, but that man from the Demon-Subduing Division is not easy to deal with. Once we have a conflict with the Yamen, he is very likely to take action. Without the support of a master, even if we break through the Yamen’s blockade, it will be very difficult for us to leave Lin’an City intact."
"Once we leave Lin’an City, where should we go? The power of the Imperial Court is overwhelming—"
Zhao Mingye hesitated, then stopped mid-sentence.
"In the past, when I traveled around Great Qin, I did meet some people," Zhao Li said. "Although that man from the Demon-Subduing Division is strong, he is not considered top-notch in Jianghu. There are many who can deal with him. As for where the Zhao Family should go after we leave Lin’an City, I also have some ideas."
Zhao Li pondered for a moment.
"As early as when my elder brother ran into trouble, I had secretly sent people to spread the message. Considering the time, they should have arrived by now. Notify the others and have everyone in the family get ready!"
Hearing this, the others felt a slight relief in their hearts.
Just as they were preparing to leave and making their own preparations, suddenly, a Protector hurried in.
"Second Master, the people from the Yamen have barged in!"
"What!" Zhao Li’s face changed.
The main gate of the Zhao Family had already been forcibly breached, and more than ten Government Officials drew their knives, standing off against the Zhao Family’s Protectors. The person in the lead was none other than Shen Changqing. Hong Cheng stood at his side, also with his sword drawn, the gleaming blade reflecting a chilly light in the sunlight.
"So, does the Zhao Family intend to resist arrest?" Shen Changqing asked calmly as he looked at the Protectors who were ready for battle.
No one answered. The Protectors’ eyes were filled with a hint of fear when they looked at Shen Changqing. Among them were some who had just tried to break out of the Zhao residence and had witnessed him killing a man. His fierce strength, along with his resolute methods, were enough to instill fear in ordinary people.
At this moment, the members of the Zhao Family, led by Zhao Li, finally came over.
The Protectors parted to create a path.
Zhao Li frowned slightly at the sight of the many Government Officials with drawn swords, and his spirit sank further upon seeing Shen Changqing in the lead. Nevertheless, he showed no unusual expression on his face and bowed to Shen Changqing. "Lord of the Demon-Subduing Division, what brings you to the Zhao Family so abruptly?"
Shen Changqing did not reply. Hong Cheng, standing on the side, was the first to speak, "By Imperial decree, Lord Shen is now temporarily acting as the County Magistrate of Lin’an City!"
"County Magistrate of Lin’an City!" Zhao Li’s pupils constricted. Although he heard the word "temporarily," he understood that Shen Changqing’s position was now not just that of a member of the Demon-Subduing Division. The words he had in mind could not be spoken.
Shen Changqing took out the verdict, unfolded it, and proceeded to read it aloud in front of everyone.
"Upon the Demon-Subduing Division’s investigation, Zhao Fang’s collusion with Demon Evil has been proven beyond doubt, an unforgivable offense. According to the laws of Great Qin, anyone colluding with demons and betraying the Human Clan is considered to be rebelling against the nation and shall be sentenced to death! Although the main culprit, Zhao Fang, has committed suicide in fear of his crimes, traitors must not be shown leniency. Therefore, the Zhao Family shall be executed to the ninth degree, to serve as a warning to others!"
Having said this, Shen Changqing put away the verdict with an austere expression. "Arrest them!"
As his words fell, all the Government Officials were about to rush out.
Meanwhile, every member of the Zhao Family, as well as their servants and Protectors, underwent a drastic change in demeanor.
Extermination of the entire clan! Those few words still echoed in their ears.
A good number were frightened into tears. Some of the more timid even fainted on the spot.
Zhao Li’s face filled with anger. "Lord Shen, collusion with Demon Evil is solely Zhao Fang’s crime! Isn’t it a bit too much to implicate the entire clan?"
"This is the Imperial Court’s judgment. If you have any doubts, you can take them up with the Imperial Court," Shen Changqing spoke with a cold voice as he waved his hand. "Arrest all members of the Zhao Family and throw them in jail! Any who resist shall be executed on the spot!"
"Yes!" The Government Officials received the order and immediately moved towards the Zhao Family.
The Protectors with weapons in their hands trembled slightly, unsure whether to resist or surrender as they watched the approaching officials.
Zhao Li stood in place, his complexion changing unpredictably. He hadn’t expected the Imperial Court’s judgment to come so swiftly. Just a few days, and the verdict was already in! What he expected even less was that after Zhao Fang’s death, the Imperial Court would actually appoint someone from the Demon-Subduing Division to temporarily take the County Magistrate’s position. According to his calculations, the Imperial Court’s decision should have been followed by the arrival of a new County Magistrate. Appointing a new magistrate wouldn’t be accomplished in a mere few days. With the back and forth, plus travel delays, it would take at least ten days to half a month for any news to arrive. However— Watching the approaching Government Officials, he realized everything had exceeded his expectations. If they were jailed, they would never have another chance to turn the situation around!
"Kill!" Zhao Li ordered sharply. The Protectors and some Martial Artists from the Zhao Family lineage immediately launched an attack.
As a major clan in Lin’an City, the Zhao Family naturally had skilled experts. In fact, although the Zhao Family had no Pulse Condensation Warriors, there were quite a few at the Body Tempering Realm.
"Dare to resist? Seeking death!" Shen Changqing’s face turned cold. He took a swift step forward, and his palm struck out directly.
BOOM— The palm wind surged like a heatwave, forcing many to retreat, while one Protector was struck by the palm.
Standing in place, his body shook, and in the next instant, he collapsed to the ground like lifeless mud, without even a chance to scream.
In the blink of an eye, one person was dead.
With Shen Changqing’s current strength, ordinary Martial Artists had no chance of withstanding a single blow from him.
After killing one person with a palm strike, he did not stop moving and continued towards another Protector.
An Innate Martial Artist bursting into a group whose strongest were at most at the Body Tempering Realm was like a fierce tiger entering a flock of sheep, simply a ruthless slaughter.
In just a few breaths, seven or eight Protectors and Zhao Family members lay dead on the ground. As for Shen Changqing himself, he didn’t have a scratch on him.
This scene completely shocked everyone present. Those who had been planning to make a move were terrified by Shen Changqing’s ferocity.
Another palm strike was unleashed. A Protector’s head was directly crushed into his neck, blood bursting forth and splattering on many people, leading to terrified screams.
Shen Changqing’s eyes were icy as he looked at everyone. "From this moment on, if one person acts, I will kill one. If two act, I will kill them both. I want to see how many people the Zhao Family has for me to kill!"
His chilling voice caused all members of the Zhao Family to tremble.
Shen Changqing glanced at them, then looked towards Hong Cheng. "Take them all away!"