Chapter 29: The Cannibal Case

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Jinjiang County Government Office
Guardhouse

“So you’re really not here because of the cannibal cases?”

After speaking, the scar-faced Cai Wei glanced around at everyone present.

He saw that Yue Wenying was sitting to the side, tending to the bruises on his back. The collision that brought down the wall earlier hadn’t been gentle.

Yang Xian leaned against the doorway, wiping black stains left by corrosion from the tip of his spear.

As for the fat Daoist—

His name was Zhang Xuan, and he claimed to be a Daoist priest from Mount Mao. At that moment, the priest was devouring several buns he’d scavenged from a nearby shop.

Bai Xian sat opposite Cai Wei, sipping her tea in small, delicate mouthfuls.

Yue Wenying finished applying his wound medicine, donned a new robe patterned with cloud motifs, and his expression was grim.

They’d barely entered the county when they were ambushed. Not only had they failed to capture the bizarre black-robed figure, but they’d also lost He Shan.

If word got out, it would surely become a laughingstock among other demon hunters.

It was unfortunate that the chase was so rushed; all their demon-hunting gear was left on their horses, leaving their fighting strength sorely diminished.

“I’m merely passing through, but since there’s evil here, it is my duty as a demon hunter to confront it.”

“And what about Miss Bai?”

Cai Wei turned to Bai Xian, his eyes full of anticipation.

He’d witnessed Bai Xian’s terrifying prowess firsthand—she’d slain a monstrous sow-dragon over ten meters long without hesitation.

Compared to the unknown demon hunters, he trusted the maiden facing him even more.

She nodded.

“I suppose you could say I’m here for that.”

Although the Green Book hadn’t revealed a specific target, the objective was certainly within Jinjiang County, and most likely related to the cannibal case Cai Wei mentioned.

“Tell us about the cannibal case.”

When the conversation turned serious, the scar-faced Cai Wei wore a troubled look.

“It began just a few days ago...”

Four days prior, a foul stench emerged from a household in the northern part of town. The neighbors immediately reported it, and Cai Wei led a team to investigate, only to discover the house was filled with severed limbs and remains.

A family of five had been wiped out in a massacre.

Strangely, the bodies were incomplete, and many of the severed arms and legs bore bite marks, as if gnawed by wild dogs.

It was a murder and cannibalism case.

Less than half a day later, another family massacre occurred in the western part of town.

Once again, a family of three was slaughtered, their bodies covered in bite marks.

That night, a merchant’s household was struck, and the screams echoed as more than ten people were brutally killed.

“After that, such cases multiplied like mushrooms after rain. Every day, several murder and cannibalism cases occur in Jinjiang County. If the authorities hadn’t deliberately suppressed the news, the town would have erupted in panic by now.”

That was why, when Cai Wei discovered members of the Imperial Patrol Office, his first thought was that they’d been sent specifically for this case.

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“You haven’t reported this to the Imperial Patrol Office?”

Yue Wenying asked.

“Of course I have,” Cai Wei replied. “My uncle—the magistrate—ordered a report to the Patrol Office in the prefecture after the first cannibal case, but there’s been no response.”

After hearing Cai Wei’s account, everyone in the room, including the fat Daoist Zhang Xuan, furrowed their brows.

Cannibalism, and so many similar cases erupting at once, could hardly be the work of ordinary humans—it was almost certainly caused by demons or evil spirits.

Thinking of He Shan, who seemed bewitched, and the immensely strong black-robed figure, could there be a connection between the cannibal cases and that black-robed man?

Bai Xian immediately voiced her thoughts.

If the black-robed figure was the source of the cannibal cases, they could pursue that lead.

“It’s easy enough to confirm—just catch one of the cannibals and we’ll know.”

Yue Wenying stood up. “All this time, and you haven’t caught a single cannibal?”

“We did catch one.”

“Who?”

“Zhao Erhu from the city guards. He ate his wife and was caught on the spot.”

“Where is he?”

“He’s locked up in the prison.”

“Lead the way.”

The group immediately prepared to head for the prison.

But just then, several people approached from outside the guardhouse.

At the front was a man in official attire, wearing an official hat, rotund with a smile at the corner of his mouth—clearly the county magistrate.

Beside him were the assistant magistrate and the county bailiff.

The three seal-bearing officials of Jinjiang County had gathered.

Upon meeting, all three cupped their hands in greeting.

“Zeng Zhichang, magistrate of Jinjiang County, pays respects to Captain Yue. Forgive me for not welcoming you sooner.”

He then turned to his nephew Cai Wei and scolded, “You rascal, your usual mischief is one thing, but you didn’t even report the arrival of Lord Yue—almost slighted our honored guest.”

Cai Wei scratched his head, looking embarrassed.

“I just thought the case was urgent.”

His explanation only made the fat magistrate even angrier, his mustache bristling as he glared.

“I told you this case isn’t your responsibility. People died and a crossbow went missing recently—I haven’t even settled that with you. What are you up to now?”

“Speaking of which, uncle, this is the Miss Bai I mentioned—”

“Hand over your badge and go home. Stay with your mother and don’t leave the house these days.”

Before Cai Wei could finish introducing Bai Xian, Zeng Zhichang waved him off.

After confiscating his nephew’s wooden badge, Zeng Zhichang put on a sycophantic smile.

“Lord Yue, don’t listen to his nonsense. You must not have eaten yet after your long journey. Let’s dine together, and I’ll have the chief constable brief you thoroughly on the details of the case.”

Yue Wenying pondered for a moment, then nodded in agreement.

If the magistrate was telling the truth, Cai Wei wasn’t actually the most informed about the case. Listening to the chief constable might be helpful for the cannibal investigation.

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The magistrate then looked at the others in the guardhouse.

“And these people...?”

“We’re not from the Imperial Patrol Office, so we’ll stay behind.”

“Very well, Lord Yue, this way please... And you, stay put in the guardhouse. Don’t go anywhere, or I’ll have your hide!”

Leading Yue Wenying away, the magistrate didn’t forget to warn Cai Wei again as he left.

The fat Daoist Zhang Xuan smacked his lips.

“You’re passing up a feast?”

The others ignored the Daoist’s muttering.

Yang Xian asked, “What now?”

“Ah, we wait,” Cai Wei said, removing the long saber at his waist and slumping in defeat. “We’ll wait for Lord Yue to return before doing anything.”

Without his badge, he probably couldn’t even get through the prison doors.

“In that case, I’ll head back to the escort agency,” Yang Xian said. “Lord Cai, Miss Bai, I’ll take my leave.”

“Farewell.”

Yang Xian nodded to the fat Daoist in the corner, then left with his spear.

Since he couldn’t immediately search for the missing He Shan, he had to report back to the head of the escort agency.

There was also the ruined temple, which couldn’t be neglected—they needed to send reinforcements.

The group, which had been poised for action, was now stuck in place thanks to the magistrate’s intervention.

“Sorry, Miss Bai. My trouble at the Blackwater Pit a few days ago must have angered my uncle. I meant to introduce you, but...”

Bai Xian waved her hand, unconcerned.

“Fame is but an illusion, pay it no mind.”

“In that case, let’s have dinner first. I’ll host!”

At the mention of food, the fat Daoist perked up instantly.

“Where shall we eat?”

Bai Xian was genuinely curious about the nightlife of this era.

Even if it wasn’t as lively and festive as depicted in films, it should still have its own distinctive charm.

But when Cai Wei led the two out of the county office, Bai Xian realized that what she’d seen on television was all lies.

As night fell, the streets of the county town were deserted.

Except for a few wealthy households, most homes were dark, and the inhabitants had gone to bed early.

Let alone bright lights and bustling taverns—there were hardly any shops open.

The three found a small restaurant still operating, ordered some food and wine with practiced ease, and Cai Wei said:

“It’s a small place, nothing fancy. Miss Bai, please make do with what we have.”