Human Clan Defender-Chapter 33 Killing the Chicken to Warn the Monkey

"We’re just servants of the Zhao Family, with no ties to them. Why are we not allowed to leave when Zhao Fang colludes with Demon Evil?"

"Exactly, what right do you have to stop us from leaving!"

A dozen or so people faced the Government Officials who drew their weapons. Fear was evident on their faces, but madness was more prevalent.

They were not fools; with Zhao Fang colluding with Demon Evil, the people of the Zhao Family were doomed. If they didn’t leave now, they soon wouldn’t be able to. Since they weren’t of the Zhao Family, why should they die alongside them?

Hong Cheng, who was conversing with Shen Changqing not far away, turned pale upon seeing this scene.

"Lord Shen, please excuse me!"

After a hasty remark, he immediately walked toward the commotion.

"Quiet!"

With an angry shout, the scene instantly fell silent.

A few Government Officials bowed their heads. "Constable Hong!"

Hong Cheng nodded slightly, his gaze then settling on the dozen or so individuals, his expression stern. "The Lord from the Demon-Subduing Division has commanded that no one within the Zhao residence shall leave. I don’t care whether you are direct descendants of the Zhao Family or not; everyone must remain here until a verdict has been passed. Anyone who dares to charge out will face only death!"

When he finished speaking, a stout-looking middle-aged man among the dozen or so people spoke up, "Constable Hong, let’s speak plainly. We’re all clear on the charge of colluding with Demon Evil. We have nothing to do with the Zhao Family. If you want to kill the Zhao Family’s people, that’s your business, but we *must* leave today."

"That’s right, we must leave today!"

"Staying here is just waiting to die! We’ll die if we try to leave, and we’ll die if we stay. We might as well fight them!"

"Yes, yes—"

The others all shouted loudly, looking as if they were about to charge forward.

Hong Cheng’s expression turned grim. The Yamen in Lin’an City lacked strength; in total, there were only ten to twenty Government Officials. Besides those guarding the Zhao Family’s gates, other parts of the estate walls also needed to be watched to prevent anyone from escaping by climbing over them. If these dozen or so people truly charged with all their might, it was uncertain whether the current manpower could stop them.

Just as Hong Cheng found himself in a difficult situation, Shen Changqing walked over.

"Lord Shen!"

"Greetings, Lord Shen!"

How could these Government Officials not be familiar with Shen Changqing? They hurriedly bowed in respect.

Shen Changqing waved his hand slightly. "All of you, step back."

"Er, yes!"

The Government Officials were taken aback but retreated as ordered. Once they had stepped back, Shen Changqing drew the long saber at his waist, its tip pointing to the ground. Pure Yang True Qi was channeled into it, and instantly, a potent blade aura flared from the weapon. With a forceful slash, a deep gash appeared in the ground before everyone. Having done this, he sheathed his saber again.

"I was the one who gave the order to seal off the Zhao Family residence. Before the verdict is announced, no one is to leave the Zhao Family. I don’t care if you are servants of the Zhao Family or have no connection to them whatsoever. Anyone who has entered the Zhao Family’s gates cannot leave now. Anyone who dares take even half a step across this line will be killed without question!"

Shen Changqing’s voice was ice-cold. His words sent a chill deep into everyone’s hearts.

"Aren’t your words a bit too tyrannical, Lord?" After a moment of silence, the leader of the group spoke, his expression ugly.

Shen Changqing remained silent.

The scene instantly grew tense. In the eyes of the dozen or so people, that simple gash in the ground represented the line between life and death.

After a long while, someone finally couldn’t hold back any longer. "Don’t listen to his bullshit! I don’t believe he actually dares to attack. If we don’t leave now, we’re all dead sooner or later anyway!" someone in the crowd shouted loudly.

The words had barely left his mouth when Shen Changqing lunged forward like an arrow, the long saber at his waist flashing out.

WHOOSH—

A large head flew into the air as copious amounts of blood spurted out. Everyone’s expression changed drastically.

Hadn’t he said only those who crossed the saber mark would be killed? The man hadn’t even moved; he’d just run his mouth a bit and was beheaded on the spot!

Such a ruthless act left the remaining people utterly terrified.

Shen Changqing gripped his long saber, blood still dripping from its blade. His icy gaze swept over them. "If anyone else dares to utter another word, that will be their fate. I’ve changed my mind. All of you, get back into the Zhao Family residence. Anyone who dares step out of the Zhao Family’s gates will die."

Upon hearing this, the remaining people turned pale. Under Shen Changqing’s intimidating gaze, they retreated in a sorry state. Unlike Hong Cheng and the other Government Officials, who only made verbal threats, this man before them was someone who would actually kill. They might have seemed defiant moments ago, but when truly faced with a life-or-death choice, anyone would feel fear. Retreating meant they *might* die; not retreating now meant they *would* die.

Soon, the dozen or so people obediently retreated, leaving only a headless corpse lying on the ground, blood pooling beneath it.

Shen Changqing sheathed his saber and turned to the dazed Hong Cheng. "Constable Hong, clean up the corpse. From now on, if anyone opens the door of the Zhao Family residence and steps out, no need for words—just kill them. If any problems arise, I, Shen Changqing, will bear full responsibility. But all of you must remember one thing: if the people of the Zhao Family do not attempt to escape on their own, you are not to barge in arbitrarily. That would be breaking the rules!"

It was true that Zhao Fang had colluded with Demon Evil. However, until a final judgment was passed, the Zhao Family was still protected by the laws of Great Qin. At this time, if anyone were to barge into the Zhao Family residence without authorization, it would be a violation of Great Qin’s laws. The laws of Great Qin were not numerous, but violating any one of them was a serious crime.

Upon hearing Shen Changqing’s words, everyone, including Hong Cheng, adopted a solemn expression.

"Lord Shen, rest assured, we subordinates know what to do!"

"That’s for the best."

Shen Changqing turned his head to look at Hong Cheng. "If any problems arise concerning the Zhao Family, you can come to me anytime. Additionally, if there’s unrest in Lin’an City that the Yamen can’t handle, you can also find me. I’ll be staying at the inn for now and won’t be going anywhere else."

"Yes!"

Hong Cheng felt a wave of relief. Shen Changqing’s words were undoubtedly a great reassurance to him.

Watching Shen Changqing depart, Hong Cheng cupped his fists. "Lord Shen, take care!"

Only after Shen Changqing had vanished from sight did Hong Cheng turn to the few remaining men and say, "You’ve all heard Lord Shen’s words. Clean up the body immediately. If anyone else from the Zhao Family comes out, make them go right back in. If anyone refuses to listen, then kill them!"

As he spoke the word "kill," a murderous glint also appeared in Hong Cheng’s eyes. Although he couldn’t be as decisive and efficient in killing as Shen Changqing, he was certainly not a man who feared trouble. Especially since Zhao Fang’s death, certain undercurrents had begun to stir in Lin’an City. Even if the signs weren’t very obvious, how could Hong Cheng, having spent so many years in Lin’an City, fail to notice these changes? The matter concerning the Zhao Family could not afford any more complications.

Upon hearing his words, the men respectfully acknowledged their orders and began to clear away the corpse on the ground.

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