Chapter 176: Chapter 124: Demon Sect Demoness

Hearing Li Chang’an’s cold tone and feeling the unconcealed killing intent coming off him, and then seeing Sun Zhaorui’s miserable state, the three men didn’t dare say a word. They shook their heads like rattle-drums.

Seeing this, Li Chang’an turned and left the back courtyard without another word.

Cao Shu stood up and glanced at Li Chang’an’s departing figure, then at the others who were scared stiff. A fervent glint flashed in his eyes.

Clearly, Li Chang’an had perfectly executed his philosophy.

If fists could solve the problem, there was no need for anything else.

…

After this incident,

the remaining three rich young masters forgot all about snatching Li Chang’an’s spot. They didn’t even dare to continue cultivating with Cao Shu and simply found an opportunity to sneak away.

As for Sun Zhaorui, Cao Shu hired a carriage to send him back to Mountain City.

After this matter was resolved,

Li Chang’an’s life returned to its usual tranquility.

Every day, besides completing the cultivation routines assigned by Cao Shu, Li Chang’an spent most of his time reading in Cao Shu’s study.

Compared to the pretentious and utterly useless collection in Tian Fugui’s study, the books in Cao Shu’s study were clearly much rarer and more precious.

It didn’t just contain historical texts;

it also housed many Martial Arts Techniques that were somewhat famous in the Jianghu.

Li Chang’an was naturally captivated. He spent a full half-month devouring every book in the study related to this world’s Martial Dao.

At the end of the month, Cao Shu went on a trip. Before leaving, he said he was going to seek revenge, having found the enemies who had ambushed him several months prior.

Li Chang’an didn’t pay it much mind.

After all, Cao Shu was a Postnatal Master, and he also held an official title.

Although the Imperial Court of this era was merely a figurehead that only truly controlled the lands near the Royal Capital—with the rest of the territory in the hands of the major Jianghu Sects and powerful Martial Dao experts—his official backing would still give many people pause.

However, one day, as Li Chang’an was reading in the study as usual, he suddenly heard a series of rough knocks at the door.

Li Chang’an opened the door.

He saw the butler, Li Guisan, standing outside with a panicked expression. Frowning, he asked, “What happened?”

Hearing Li Chang’an’s voice, Li Guisan stammered, “N-n-no… It’s terrible! Master Cao… Master Cao… Master Cao is dead!”

Hearing this, Li Chang’an raised an eyebrow. “Dead?”

The news was clearly somewhat surprising.

’A master of the Postnatal Realm.’

’Even though his injuries hadn’t fully healed and he couldn’t use his full strength, he was still a fairly well-known figure throughout Chun’an County.’

’He just went out for revenge. How could he have suddenly died?’

Li Guisan nodded, looking completely devastated. “He’s really dead. I heard he was killed by people from the Demon Sect. His head is hanging above the Chun’an County Magistrate’s Office right now!”

Li Chang’an put down his book and stood up. “Take me to see.”

Li Guisan, still looking lost, subconsciously replied in a mournful tone, “Don’t go see it. Young Master, if you have any gratitude for the master’s kindness, then please, for his sake, send the women and children of the family away tonight!”

His voice paused as if he’d regained some of his senses, and he continued, trembling, “Even I have heard rumors in the Jianghu about how the Demon Sect operates. They either don’t make a move, or when they do, they annihilate the enemy’s entire family! If we don’t leave now, it’ll be too late!”

Li Chang’an ignored him and repeated coldly, “Take me to see.”

Li Guisan had been the butler of the Champion Scholar’s Mansion for most of his life and was never one to make his own decisions.

Now, seeing the commanding, noble air in Li Chang’an’s words, as if he looked down upon the entire world, Li Guisan couldn’t help but bow slightly. Gritting his teeth, he said, “Young Master, follow me!”

Li Chang’an followed him, and they soon left the Champion Scholar’s Mansion and arrived at the city wall.

A dense crowd of onlookers had already gathered at the foot of the wall. They pointed and gestured at the head hanging from it, their tones a mixture of gloating and pity.

Overall, it seemed to be more pity than anything else.

After all, unable to stomach the corruption and incompetence of the current Li Yang Imperial Court, Cao Shu had remained at home after earning the title of Martial Champion Scholar, refusing to accept an official post. Over the years, he had averted many disasters for Chun’an County.

Now that he had suddenly died at the hands of the Demon Sect, most of the populace who knew right from wrong and could see the bigger picture felt regret and sorrow.

But for all their regret and sorrow, not a single person dared to retrieve Cao Shu’s remains.

After all, who knew if that bunch of madmen from the Demon Sect had left after killing Cao Shu?

If they stepped out now,

they might be mistaken for accomplices or family members and killed by those lunatics.

The common folk weren’t foolish enough to risk their own lives.

…

Ignoring the chatter of the surrounding crowd,

Li Chang’an made his way through the people and soon reached the section of the wall where Cao Shu’s head was hung.

He first carefully retrieved the head from the wall, then placed it in a box he had bought on the way. Only then did he turn his gaze to a figure standing on the wall not far away.

The figure was dressed in deep purple robes and had fair skin and a handsome face. After sizing Li Chang’an up and down for a few moments, he asked, “Are you Cao Shu’s son?”

Li Chang’an shook his head.

The man asked again, “Then are you one of Cao Shu’s relatives?”

Li Chang’an shook his head again.

The man was puzzled. “You’re not his son, nor are you a relative. Why have you come to collect his remains?”

Li Chang’an replied, “I am his student.”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep