"Although I may be an idler who sneaks around and commits petty theft, I have never done anything that would harm another's life."

Zhao Liu's gaunt face flushed crimson. He pointed at the dark-skinned man lying on the ground and exclaimed excitedly, "But this fiend has killed people to take infants, committing inhumane atrocities that natural justice cannot tolerate! I beg you, Great Lord of Qingtian, to see the truth and grant Lady Xu the justice she deserves!"

"This official will carry out justice impartially," Ma Bonde said, nodding. "Wang Chao Ma Han, open the suspect Wu Hu's parcel."

"Yes."

Two Government Officials brought over a bulging, blue-gray cloth parcel. After undoing the knot, they placed it on the floor of the Yamen hall.

Inside the parcel lay a long, sharp dagger and a ceramic jar, narrower at the top and wider at the bottom. There were also several sticks of pale yellow incense, a pile of yellow talismans inscribed with strange writing, a palm-sized, lotus-shaped brass plaque, some copper coins, dried rations wrapped in oiled paper, a copy of 'The Analects', and an envelope with a broken wax seal.

The Government Official named Wang Chao Ma Han was very cautious. He avoided touching the contents of the parcel directly with his hands. Instead, he used slender wooden sticks to lift out items such as the dagger and the ceramic jar, placing them on the ground.

Ma Bonde's gaze focused on the brass plaque. Seeing the character for 'Man' carved into the lotus pattern, his expression changed slightly. "You're actually a member of the Harmonious Sect of the Holy White Lotus?"

Wu Hu smiled confidently. "Indeed."

Li Ang raised an eyebrow. According to Scholar Zhu's intelligence, this world's White Lotus Cult always adhered to the principle of "unceasing life, unceasing trouble."

Whether during peaceful and prosperous times with clear rivers, happy citizens, and stable societies, or during chaotic times of dynastic change and rampant wars, the White Lotus Cult was always like a pot-stirrer, causing trouble and leading people astray. Consequently, they were particularly loathed and targeted for eradication by official forces throughout the ages.

Over hundreds of years, the name of the White Lotus Cult had changed many times. It proliferated into numerous branches and sects, creating hundreds of denominations, both large and small, scattered across the lands. Their roots and branches intertwined, forming an extremely complex web. Not even government officials, let alone the various sects themselves, could clarify the origins and connections among them all.

Of course, although these sects were dispersed and distant from one another, their doctrines, ritual tracks, and methods of operation were mostly similar. Furthermore, they all accepted the leadership of the White Lotus Cult's main branch—the Holy White Lotus.

Under the White Lotus Sect Leader, there were positions for the Saint Heir, Lady Saint, left and right Messengers, and four Protectors. Jointly assisting the Sect Hierarch, they commanded the three divisions composed of devout believers—Heavenly, Earthly, and Human—which were the core strength of the Holy White Lotus.

Unlike ordinary followers, any member of these three divisions possessed Evil Magic, posing a significant threat to local order. Wherever they went, they were persistently hunted by the Martial Enforcers.

The power Wu Hu, a disciple of the Harmonious Sect, had demonstrated so far seemed limited to invulnerability to blades and fire, and using sorcery to make his victims painlessly offer their necks for execution.

Either he has other Evil Magic he hasn't used yet, or he's carrying a very important mission... Li Ang mused.

Prefect Ma's mind raced. Before taking their posts, county magistrates across the empire would go to the Martial Enforcers' headquarters in the capital for brief training. This was to understand the basics of the White Lotus Cult, to be more vigilant, and to avoid being mysteriously killed by their dark schemes shortly after assuming office. It also facilitated cooperation with local Martial Enforcers to maintain public order.

How could remote and impoverished Goose City attract someone from the main branch of the Holy White Lotus?

Prefect Ma felt his scalp tingle and deeply regretted not insisting on keeping the Martial Enforcers in Goose City when they departed for Lvzhou.

The White Lotus Cult is like cockroaches; seeing one means there are more lurking in some dark corner—a second, a third...many more. If Wu Hu truly carries some important mission from the Holy White Lotus, then other demonic followers of the cult will surely come to his rescue. The County Government's mere officials and soldiers would be no match for those rebels, equipped as they are with bizarre sorceries, especially with the Martial Enforcers away. This is a deadly hot potato!

"HAHAHA."

Seeing the ugly expression on Prefect Ma's face, Wu Hu's laughter was especially radiant. "Prefect Ma, now do you understand what I meant when I advised you to release me quickly? If you don't release me soon, it would be a real shame. My Holy Church's reinforcements would be drawn here. They would trample the entire County Government, slaughter all the Government Officials, burn down your residence, and send your entire household—men and women, old and young—to the Yellow Springs. You should stop being so obstinately mistaken."

Enraged, Prefect Ma's mustache trembled, yet he had to admit that what the other man said could indeed happen.

Currently, with various Fan Towns holding autonomous power and the imperial court weakened, the White Lotus Cult's influence had steadily grown. Their actions became increasingly brazen. They wouldn't spare even high officials of prefectures and commanderies, let alone the small Goose City; assassination and massacre were their tools.

Upon learning that their opponent was from the Holy White Lotus Harmonious Sect, the bailiffs on both sides of the Yamen hall began to show fear in their expressions, not daring to step forward. Hearing his threats, their faces turned even paler with anxiety.

Prefect Ma looked at the retreating Government Officials with a surge of disappointment in his heart. He could only turn to the composed and unfazed Li Ang, his voice somewhat humbled as he said, "Cultivator Xi Menzi..."

"To punish the wicked and eliminate evil is an undeniable duty."

Li Ang opened his narrowed eyes, stood up, and walked directly in front of Wu Hu. He reached out and pulled the cork stopper from the ceramic jar.

A rich, bloody scent wafted from the mouth of the jar. In the sunlight, one could vaguely see something floating inside.

Li Ang's expression stiffened. He looked at Wu Hu and said coldly, "Were you responsible for all those cases of murder and infant abduction near Lvzhou City in recent months?"

Wu Hu chuckled. Instead of answering, he retorted, "It seems the Cultivator isn't from Longhu Mountain? If you don't possess real skills, it's best not to get involved, lest you bring a fatal disaster upon yourself."

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