"What did you say?"
Qin Long was startled, "You discovered the whereabouts of that Evil Cultivator?"
His robust face showed a few traces of bewilderment. So many cultivators had searched Kun City inside and out without finding anything unusual, but his own son claimed to have discovered that Evil Cultivator.
"Yes, father."
Qin Feng hurriedly recounted the scene he saw during the day in front of a shop.
Qin Long's expression changed drastically, "A Zhao family disciple? That Evil Cultivator is so bold, daring to target even the Zhao family?"
"I've heard of Zhao Jinglei. He is a genius from the direct lineage of the Zhao family with exceptional talent. Despite his young age, he already possessed late-stage Qi Cultivation, highly regarded by the Zhao family, who intended to cultivate him diligently so he could enter the inner sect of the Beast Taming Sect. Why would he come to Kun City instead of focusing on cultivation within his clan?"
The Zhao family was also one of the affiliated families of the Beast Taming Sect, but they were hundreds of times more powerful than the Qin family. If Zhao Jinglei got into trouble in Kun City, even if it had nothing to do with their Qin family, it might still be used as a pretext to make things difficult for them in the future.
Especially since his own son was to join the outer sect of the Beast Taming Sect this year. If he were intentionally targeted by the Zhao family, it would significantly impact his future within the sect.
Qin Long cursed silently and pulled Qin Feng along as he walked out.
Exiting the room, Qin Long wasted no time. He tapped his waist, summoning a Green-Eyed Spirit Snake several feet long.
The snake was enormous, its coiled body larger than the rockery in the yard, its head raised above the roof, and its tongue flicked out several feet away. Its green, vertical pupils emitted a chilling, cold light, sending shivers down one's spine.
This was Qin Long's spiritual beast, the Green-Eyed Spirit Snake.
The snake was born with extraordinary vision, able to see through illusions and peer into the netherworld. Besides that, the Green-Eyed Spirit Snake itself was not weak, and its venom was equally potent.
Qin Long had also joined the outer sect of the Beast Taming Sect in his early years, where he learned the Beast Taming Technique. The giant snake was one of the spiritual beasts he had meticulously cultivated, possessing early-stage Foundation Establishment cultivation.
"Let's go."
Qin Long pulled his son, and the two stood on the back of the Green-Eyed Spirit Snake. At his command, a demonic wind rose around the snake, propelling it into the air, flying towards Kun City.
"I hope that Zhao family disciple is still alive, or we will be in big trouble."
In mid-air, Qin Long muttered to himself.
"Even if something happened, it has nothing to do with us, right? We weren't the ones who did it?"
Qin Feng asked, puzzled.
"You don't understand."
Qin Long glanced back at his son, "Some people won't reason with you. They only believe in strength. When they become powerful, they can do as they please.
If Zhao Jinglei were to die in Kun City, even if the Zhao family disciples didn't specifically target you, their followers might misinterpret their intentions and oppress you to please them.
Although our Qin family is not an affiliate of the Zhao family, Kun City is under the jurisdiction of Tieling County, so it's inevitable we'll have to deal with them. If you encounter Zhao family disciples in the sect in the future, remember never to provoke them lightly."
"I understand, father."
Qin Feng agreed verbally but frowned inwardly, surprising him that such phenomena existed in the cultivation world.
But upon reflection, it made sense. Everyone has their own desires. Entering the cultivation path doesn't make one a saint devoid of self-interest. Conflicts are inevitable.
Thinking of this, he silently prayed that Zhao Jinglei would be safe and sound.
Unfortunately, he knew the chances were slim. After all, half a day had already passed. If that Black Robed Taoist were indeed the hidden Evil Cultivator, Zhao Jinglei would likely have already met his end.
The Green-Eyed Spirit Snake's speed was exceptionally fast, flying into Kun City in no time.
Generally, cultivators were not allowed to fly within the city, but Qin Long was an exception. With his status as the city inspector of Kun City, the gate guards recognized him and did not obstruct him, allowing him to head straight for the county government.
Arriving outside the county government, Qin Long dismounted from the Green-Eyed Spirit Snake, waved to retract it, and commanded, "Someone, gather all personnel from the Inspection Department immediately and follow me to capture the target.
Also, go to the courier station and invite Lord Li from the Commandery. Tell him I've discovered the whereabouts of the Evil Cultivator. Please come over to help catch him."
Upon hearing Qin Long's orders, the government officials on duty at the office did not dare delay. They promptly stood up and went off to deliver his message.
These officials were not ordinary people but individuals who had diligently practiced martial arts and achieved some success, so their speed was not slow.
The Inspection Department was close to the county government, so it didn't take long for hundreds of inspectors, armed with swords, spears, bows, and crossbows, to report to the county government.
Although these men were not exceptionally strong, their numbers were significant. Using them to search certain areas was still feasible.
Qin Long did not set off immediately but waited for Lord Li, who was staying at the courier station, to join him.
Lord Li was an accomplished sword cultivator sent by the government of Tieling County, possessing ninth-tier Foundation Establishment cultivation. He was not far from the Golden Core Realm, making him invincible in a small place like Kun City.
No one knew the Evil Cultivator's level of cultivation, so to be safe, it was better to wait for Lord Li to act together.
While Qin Long waited anxiously, a servant ran out from the office, approaching Qin Long, saying the County Magistrate requested his presence.
Qin Long frowned but could not refuse.
Though he was a local powerhouse as the city inspector, the County Magistrate was an appointed official of the court, a learned scholar who had cultivated Vast Energy.
The magistrate was not only extraordinarily powerful but also had powerful officials backing him. Qin Long did not dare to offend him lightly.
Besides, the County Magistrate had maintained good relations with the three families in Kun City over the years, so there was no need to offend him over a minor issue. The magistrate likely wanted to inquire into the matter, given the commotion Qin Long had caused late at night.
Thus, Qin Long followed the servant into the office, planning to briefly explain and return promptly.
As Qin Long entered, a beam of sword light suddenly flew from the opposite street, swiftly approaching, circling in the air before landing to reveal a thin, stern-faced middle-aged man.
This man was the sword cultivator Li Tianchou from the Commandery, a formidable ninth-tier Foundation Establishment expert.
"Greetings, Lord Li."
The officials and inspectors did not dare to slight him, hastily bowing in respect.
PS: This chapter is shorter than usual, please don't mind. I'll squeeze in another chapter tonight around ten o'clock.
Also, the author is super handsome but a bit introverted, so he seldom asks for recommendations or collections. If you enjoy my book, please cast more votes for my handsome face, and my charming smile might attract a few female fans to help you find a partner!