Free Web NovelChapter 289: Chapter 126: Strange Insect Trap (Part 2)
This fiend was elusive and could very well be lurking nearby. If they discussed their plans here, they might give their opponent the upper hand.
The three of them said no more, turning and walking toward the front hall together.
Back in the front hall, they closed the door, shutting out the clamor from outside. ƒrēewebnovel.com
The three of them sat in separate Grandmaster’s Chairs. Li Tieyun personally refilled their cups with hot tea, then he and Yang Jing looked to the Jiang Family Third Elder, waiting for him to continue.
The Jiang Family Third Elder picked up his teacup but didn’t drink. He gently traced its rim with his fingertips and slowly began to speak. "Patrolling aimlessly like this is no way to solve this."
He looked up at the two men, his gaze solemn. "The enemy is hidden while we are exposed. He kills and then vanishes without a trace. If we let this drag on, it will only spread more panic, which is exactly what the fiend wants."
The Jiang Family Third Elder set down his teacup and said in a deep voice, "Continuing these defensive patrols is just waiting to be picked off. As I see it, there are two possible solutions."
Yang Jing and Li Tieyun were both invigorated, their eyes locking onto him as they waited to hear the details of his solutions.
"The first solution," the Jiang Family Third Elder said slowly, "is to abandon the River Gang Stronghold and have all the gang members temporarily retreat into the city. However... the effectiveness of this plan would be limited."
He shook his head and explained, "Even if they hide in the Inner City, a Huajin Powerhouse who is determined to kill will always find an opportunity. Besides, the Inner City’s rules are strict, and ordinary people can’t get in. In the entire River Gang, only a handful of people are able to enter, leaving the rest exposed. It would only treat the symptoms, not the root cause."
Li Tieyun nodded at his words, his brow deeply furrowed. "The Third Elder is right. That solution really won’t work. The River Gang Stronghold is our foundation, built over decades. Every brick and tile was laid with our brothers’ blood and sweat. How could we just abandon it? And even if we did, it wouldn’t protect most of our men."
"Then what about the second solution?" Yang Jing pressed.
He was much more interested in the Jiang Family Third Elder’s second idea.
’The first idea was clearly a feint to introduce a better one. What the Third Elder really wants to discuss is probably this second solution.’
A glint appeared in the Jiang Family Third Elder’s eyes. "The second solution involves a unique insect belonging to the Lord County Magistrate. The insect can detect a special fragrance. We can sprinkle a prepared sachet of this fragrance on every gang member, then gather everyone together. When the fiend moves in for the kill, he’s bound to get some of the fragrance on him. At that point, we can use the insect to track him down. Our chances of finding the killer will be much higher."
"Oh? Such a strange insect exists?" Li Tieyun looked astonished; this was clearly the first time he had heard of it.
The Jiang Family Third Elder nodded. "The world is a vast place, full of countless rare treasures and strange creatures. The fragrance is so unique that it can’t be masked by normal means. The only problem is that it fades very quickly. We have to start tracking right away, or it will disappear completely, leaving no trail."
He turned to Yang Jing, his eyes filled with expectation. "But now we have Young Hero Yang. With the speed of your Body Technique, you might just be able to catch the fiend before the fragrance fades."
Yang Jing mulled it over for a moment. The plan seemed sound.
’The fiend is hiding in the shadows; the most difficult part is tracking him. If we can mark him with this fragrance, my speed gives us a real chance of flushing him out.’
Li Tieyun clapped his hands. "This plan could work! As long as we can find that fiend, we’ll take him down, even if we have to suffer some losses to do it!"
"Then it’s settled," the Jiang Family Third Elder said decisively. "At first light, I’ll return to the city immediately and ask the Lord County Magistrate to lend us the insect."
With the plan set, the three said no more, each anxiously waiting for dawn.
However, the night proved to be another ordeal for the River Gang Stronghold.
Despite the heightened security, the fiend moved like a ghost, slipping through every crack. Another dozen or so gang members were murdered in their sleep or while on patrol, their deaths identical to the others—killed by a single, silent blow.
The stench of blood filled the stronghold, and fear wrapped around every gang member’s heart like a creeping vine.
After what felt like an eternity, dawn finally broke, the eastern sky turning a pale white. The Jiang Family Third Elder dared not delay. Without even stopping for breakfast, he exchanged a few hurried words with Yang Jing and Li Tieyun, then spurred his horse and galloped away from the River Gang Stronghold, heading straight for Yuhe County Town.
Yang Jing stood at the stronghold gate, watching the Elder’s retreating back with a slight frown.
’Whether we can catch this fiend quickly or not may all come down to this strange insect.’
...
「By the time the sun had climbed to mid-sky.」 ƒrēewebnoѵёl.cσm
Just as Yang Jing and Li Tieyun were patrolling the stronghold and reassuring the men, the sound of urgent hoofbeats echoed from the distance.
They looked up to see the Jiang Family Third Elder galloping toward them. Riding beside him was a kind-faced, middle-aged man in a long brocade robe—Housekeeper Zhou Zhong from the County Magistrate’s Mansion.
"The Third Elder is back!" Li Tieyun’s spirits lifted, and he hurried forward to greet him.
Zhou Zhong’s gaze swept over the area and landed on Yang Jing. He immediately clasped his hands in a salute, a familiar smile on his face. "Greetings, Young Hero Yang."
By now, Yang Jing had dealt with the County Magistrate’s Mansion several times and was familiar with Housekeeper Zhou. He returned the salute with a smile. "You’re too kind, Housekeeper Zhou."
Chatting, the group made their way to the front hall and took their seats.
"It’s quite a coincidence," Zhou Zhong said with a smile after sitting down. "When I was about to leave, the Young Miss heard I was heading to the River Gang Stronghold. Knowing you were here, she insisted on tagging along. Her mother, however, said it was too dangerous and forbade her from coming. As I was leaving, she was still saying that once you return to the city, Young Hero Yang, she’ll be sure to pay you a visit at the Martial Arts Hall."
Yang Jing smiled but didn’t comment.
’The County Magistrate’s daughter, Miss Ling’Er, certainly had a lively personality. He remembered her well from their last meal at Jufu Pavilion—a refreshingly straightforward girl.’
