"You're right, this is indeed a big case." Qiu Yongsi said. When they stepped into the Exorcism Division, everyone had already gathered and was in the middle of a discussion. When they saw the two of them return, there was a moment of silence.
Li Jinglong closed the door of the Exorcism Division. Everyone sat in the courtyard. Qiu Yongsi smiled and said, "Hongjun charmed a demon."
Everyone was speechless.
"No, it doesn't count," Hongjun said and roughly told them about his and Qiu Yongsi's deduction.
"How many demons are there in the Imperial College?" Li Jinglong asked.
"It's not clear yet." Qiu Yongsi said, "We still need to continue investigating. Rough estimates, there are no less than a hundred."
Li Jinglong sighed and answered, "It's a shocking case."
Atay said, "All the brothels in Pingkang have been checked once. There are no more demons. Those three fox demons came a year ago. "
Hongjun thanked the heavens in his heart. Li Jinglong said, "Then, the process is already very obvious. What we need to do now is …"
Hongjun hurriedly said, "Wait, tell me in detail. It's very obvious to you, but not to me. "
This group of people always used the power of "very obvious" when they made deductions. Li Jinglong could only take care of him and explained, "Since a year ago, a large number of fox demons began to enter Chang 'an. The three that came first entered the Poetry Pavilion. Why did they choose the Poetry Pavilion? That's the favorite place of scholars. "
"The first examinee came to Pingkang and was sucked dry by a fox demon after visiting a brothel." Atay continued, "Then, a fox demon transformed and replaced him."
Hongjun understood.
Li Jinglong continued, "The Poetry Pavilion was filled with people. These three fox demons specifically targeted the examinees. Every time they killed one, they would let their underlings take their place. Thus, in the Imperial College, the number of fox demons transformed into examinees increased. The dead examinees became dried corpses and were disposed of. "
Hongjun said in shock, "So the dried corpse under the bed that day!"
"Not bad." Li Jinglong paced back and forth, muttering to himself, "Maybe it's someone who just died, or maybe Jin Yun forgot about it. Anyway, before the corpse could be disposed of, it was accidentally discovered by us. That's why they were willing to risk getting injured to burn the corpse."
Qiu Yongsi said, "After these foxes become examinees and participate in the imperial examination on the fifth of next month, they will enter the officialdom en masse. Therefore, the entire Chang 'an …"
Everyone shuddered at the mention of this.
"Then it will become the territory of the demon clan," Li Jinglong answered, "But there's one more thing. How can the fox demons guarantee that they will pass the test?"
Hongjun suddenly felt that this matter was simply too absurd. A group of fox demons came to take the Jinshi examination.
Li Jinglong cast a glance toward the crowd and said, "Therefore, there is someone in the Imperial Court. If this person is not the Chang 'an Demon King, then he must be the Demon King's subordinate. It's responsible for leaking the imperial examination questions so that the fox demons can prepare their essays for the examination. "
"Is it a civil official?" Qiu Yongsi asked.
"Not necessarily," Atay said slowly.
"The fox demons don't have much ability. Presumably, as long as they can transform into humans, they should be able to pass the test." Li Jinglong said, "These days, I've checked some records about the fox demons in Di Gong. These fox demons are reared by the higher-ups, and the flying mastiffs are probably the dogs that protect these fox demons."
Mo Rigen muttered, "The most important thing now is the identity of a member of the Imperial Court. Not only can he come into contact with the examination questions, but he also has connections …"
Li Jinglong said slowly, "This doesn't matter. He will come out eventually, especially after we get rid of all his subordinates. Once this case is over, even if we want to get rid of him, he will definitely want to get rid of us. "
"Hongjun, if I'm not wrong, your last flying knife must be in the hands of the mastermind. Let's do it. In the next few days, everyone's tasks will be extremely heavy. Mo Rigen, Atay, Yongsi, you guys rest first. Tonight, we'll act together. After entering the Imperial College, mark all the fox demons. Hongjun, help me make some medicine. "
Li Jinglong took a few steps, but suddenly turned back and stretched out his left hand. Everyone patted his hand and went to make preparations.
That night, Qiu Yongsi, Atay, and Mo Rigen silently sneaked into the Imperial College.
"I always feel that we need a Demon-revealing Mirror," Qiu Yongsi said, "It's so tiring to identify demons."
"Make one?" Atay also felt it. He looked into the bedroom and whispered, "Do you think this one looks like it?"
Mo Rigen came over and saw a scholar lying on the bed. He said, "It's better to let him go than to kill the wrong person. After studying hard for ten years, we'll be done for if we make a mistake. "
"This one is right," Qiu Yongsi answered, "I saw him in the hall. Let's do it."
Atay waved his fan gently. A powder fell on the corner of the fox demon's robe, leaving a small mark. Mo Rigen waved at the other window, indicating for them to come over and take a look. There were six people sleeping in the room. When Mo Rigen opened his hand, the Nailhead Seven Arrows vibrated and made a clicking sound. Obviously, they had sensed the demon aura.
"All of them." Qiu Yongsi glanced at them and said, "Look, there's a fox among them. He's sleeping so much that his tail is showing. They won't let any mortals in the room, otherwise, they'll easily be exposed."
Atay then marked them one by one. It was late autumn, and Chang 'an was already cold. Charcoal basins were often used to boil tea and warm the fire. It was normal for the corners of the robe to be dirtied occasionally. It was expected that the fox demon wouldn't notice.
At night, Hongjun was in the courtyard preparing medicine. Li Jinglong sat on the side, still flipping through the files.
"Thank you for your hard work," Li Jinglong said, "If the Exorcism Department is safe this time, I'll bring everyone to have fun."
"Are you alright?" Hong Jun heard a different meaning in his words.
Li Jinglong had a slip of the tongue. He could only change the topic and said, "After the case is closed."
Hongjun asked, "After we catch the fox, what do we do with it?"
Li Jinglong answered, "Burn them all to death."
Hongjun, "…"
Li Jinglong observed Hongjun's expression and asked, "Do you want to plead for mercy for them?"
Hongjun thought of the examinees who were killed by the fox demons. He didn't know who would uphold justice for them, but he felt that the little fox was quite pitiful. He said, "Can't you spare some?"
"Who will spare the people who were killed?" Li Jinglong said, "You're an exorcist."
When Li Jinglong heard Qiu Yongsi's report in the afternoon, he felt that it was a little dangerous. He was afraid that Hongjun and the little fox had become friends. Sooner or later, he would fall into eternal damnation.
"Do you think that all demons are bad? Then what about Zhao Zilong? "Hongjun asked.
Li Jinglong answered, "At least these foxes are."
Hongjun's brows also furrowed. He didn't argue with Li Jinglong. If the little fox didn't harm anyone today, would he be spared? But it was also indirectly involved in the process of killing the examinees.
"Put a little more." Li Jinglong realized that the atmosphere was a little awkward, so he didn't mention that matter again. He reminded, "I want a drop of medicine that can make them fall asleep completely and reveal their true form."
In the afternoon, Li Jinglong ransacked all the pharmacies in Chang 'an. Hongjun had to add a lot of it. Finally, he ground it into powder and carefully put it away.
"This must not be inhaled." Hongjun changed his mind and said, "Chief, but I believe that you won't be so unlucky."
"Can you not curse me?!" Li Jinglong was really afraid of Hongjun. He carefully put it away and put it into a few small bags.
At midnight, October finally passed. The troubled autumn was coming to an end.
There were still five days before the imperial examinations. When everyone finished their task that night, Qiu Yongsi said, "There are a total of two hundred and sixty-six foxes."
"It's less than I thought." Although Li Jinglong said this, he still felt a little uneasy. He arranged for people to watch the foxes every night in order to prevent any changes.
However, the next day, the imperial court issued an order. This year's autumn examination was brought forward by three days. It would be held at the Imperial Academy on the second day of the eleventh month. Qiu Yongsi brought back a notice. Everyone pondered for a moment.
"The Demon King must know that Fei Hou has been killed by now." Li Jinglong said, "I'm afraid that we've disrupted his plans, so he brought forward the examination."
"Could it be that the plan has been discovered?" Mo Rigen frowned.
Li Jinglong waved his hand and said, "In other words, he doesn't have as many subordinates as we thought. Don't panic. The examination will be brought forward to tomorrow. Everything will proceed according to the original plan. "
Hongjun said, "Then should I still go?" To be honest, Hongjun didn't really want to go. He didn't want to face a little fox that was about to die in their hands.
"You go." Li Jinglong said, "At this time, your information is very important."
The Carp Demon had just popped its head out and was about to ask what was going on. Everyone was afraid that it would ruin things and immediately held it down.
Hongjun thought about it and nodded. He agreed to go personally. At three quarters in the afternoon, he arrived at the Lishui Bridge. In fact, Li Jinglong had already made arrangements to catch all the foxes once the examination began. On the day that Qiu Yongsi saw the little fox demon, he had a quick thought and left behind a probing opening.
If the fox demons had already sensed the danger, they would have definitely sent people out to test Hongjun.
The little fox would definitely say two different things to Hongjun when it saw that there was danger or that it didn't. Li Jinglong had already calculated that the mastermind behind the scenes was already in a difficult position. Otherwise, how would he explain the disappearance of more than two hundred students in one night? It was simply giving the Exorcism Division a handle.
Under the Lishui Bridge, the maple leaves danced and drifted down the river.
Du Hanqing leaned on the railing of the bridge and looked at the scenery, looking absent-minded.
"Du Hanqing!" Hongjun laughed.
"Hongjun?" Du Hanqing immediately laughed. Hongjun felt a little strange. This youth seemed to be looking forward to meeting him. He walked up the bridge and walked down the bridge side by side with him, heading towards the East Market.
Li Jinglong held the Carp Demon in his hands and hid in an alley with Mo Rigen, looking out.
The Carp Demon had just learned of the situation and asked, "Have they met?"
"Shh." Li Jinglong signaled for it to shut up.
The Carp Demon said again, "Can't you just let Old Qiu and Mo Rigen come? Elder Li, you even made a trip here? "
Li Jinglong stuffed the Carp Demon's mouth and held it under his ribs with his left hand. After looking around, he walked out and followed behind Hongjun and Du Hanqing. The autumn day was bright and beautiful. The two youths walked side by side through the Chang 'an Market. Hongjun was handsome and handsome while Du Hanqing was delicate and charming. Bathed in the bright sunlight, it was a beautiful scene.
"I'll take you to the bookstore." Hongjun said to Du Hanqing.
"Hongjun, why is that person holding a fish?"
Hongjun turned around and saw Li Jinglong immediately turn around and face the market's fish stall. He held the Carp Demon in his hands and pretended to negotiate with the stall owner. Mo Rigen looked around from time to time.
Hongjun usually didn't find it funny to carry the Carp Demon, but this time when he saw Li Jinglong holding a fish, he couldn't help but laugh. "Hahahaha, who's holding a fish so foolishly!"
Everyone in the market immediately turned around and mocked, "Hahaha, isn't that Li Jinglong?"
Li Jinglong: "…"
Hongjun realized that it was his fish and immediately felt embarrassed. He hurriedly pulled Du Hanqing and led him into the bookstore.
"Look, there are quite a lot of books here." Hongjun said.
"Ah, I'm …" Du Hanqing had never been here before and almost spilled the beans. He hurriedly said, "I rarely come here."
Li Jinglong stuffed the Carp Demon to Mo Rigen and told him not to let it speak. He flashed into the bookstore and stood behind the bookshelf near Hongjun and Du Hanqing to listen to their conversation. However, for a long time, the two were discussing poems. Li Jinglong was annoyed. Why are you talking about Li Bai with a monster?
In the end, Du Hanqing accepted Hongjun's recommendation and came out side by side with him. Hongjun suggested that they go for a meal and took him to the Carp Leaping Over the Dragon Gate.
Li Jinglong: "…"
"Chief, I forgot to bring money." Mo Rigen held the Carp Demon and hurriedly said, "I'll go home and get it. Wait for me. It's okay, you can order first when we go up … "
"No need, I have money." Li Jinglong said, "You go back first and take this fish away."
The waiter came over to order. Hongjun racked his brains and tried to remember what the Carp Demon ordered that day.
"Officer Jin, a plate of black chicken soup …" Hongjun reluctantly ordered all the dishes. Du Hanqing was very surprised and said, "It's too expensive here."
Hongjun indicated that it was okay and looked at Du Hanqing with a smile.
Du Hanqing's eyes were a little red and said, "It's the first time in my life that someone brought me here."
Behind the screen next door, the waiter asked Li Jinglong who was sitting opposite him, "What would you like to eat?"
"A glass of water." Li Jinglong had always been a man of character who knew when to yield and when to stand tall.
"Okay!" The waiter said, "Lieutenant Li Jinglong, here, a glass of water — —!"
The entire second floor of the Carp Leaping Over the Dragon Gate suddenly burst into laughter.
Li Jinglong took a deep breath and sat a little closer to hear the conversation next door.
"What are they laughing at?" Du Hanqing asked.
Hongjun spread his hands and did not understand why they were laughing at Li Jinglong. But when he heard that Li Jinglong was next door, he finally remembered that today's main task was to fish for information.
"Didn't your fellow villagers take you around Chang 'an?" Hongjun said.
Du Hanqing faintly sighed and said with a smile, "In their eyes, I'm just a servant who serves tea and water."
Li Jinglong was silent behind the screen next door, listening to the conversation between the two.
Hongjun comforted him, "It should be fine after you pass."
Du Hanqing said, "Where? Continue to serve tea and water for them for the rest of your life. "
Hongjun: "How is that possible? You'll be an official after you pass … "
Du Hanqing smiled and asked, "How many people are in your family? They should be very rich, right? "
Hongjun thought for a moment and said, "It's just me, my father, and an uh, not really an uncle. I don't know how to address him …" To be honest, he did not know how to address Qing Xiong.
"Ah? Are they all men? "Du Hanqing asked in surprise," Are you adopted? "
"You can say so." Hongjun replied, "They raised me. I didn't have a mother when I was young."
Li Jinglong's mouth twitched when he heard this. He thought for a while and was a little surprised. Hongjun rarely mentioned his family to them.
Du Hanqing smiled and said, "No wonder, you're different."
Hongjun: "?"
Du Hanqing sighed and said, "Actually, I don't know what you see in me."
Hongjun thought to himself, Fancy you? What do you mean? I don't fancy you.
Li Jinglong's expression suddenly became serious.
"I'm quite happy to have a friend like you." Du Hanqing said, "I don't have many friends in Chang 'an. Come find me at the Imperial College when you're free."
Hongjun nodded. At this moment, Li Jinglong was almost certain that the fox demons did not sense any danger. He relaxed slightly and drank the plain water in front of him while listening to the conversation between the two.
The waiter served the dishes. Du Hanqing was very interested in Hongjun's family background. He asked a lot of questions, and Hongjun answered the unimportant ones. He held a small paper bag in his hand. The bag contained the newly developed medicinal powder. He hesitated for a long time but could not find a chance to open the bag.
Not only did Hongjun not get anything out of Du Hanqing, he even got more information out of him. Li Jinglong, who was next door, could not help but tremble. He was afraid that Hongjun would accidentally sell out the Exorcism Division.
In the end, Du Hanqing seemed to be overjoyed. He said, "Hongjun, I like you so much."
Hongjun felt awkward. He felt guilty and tried his best to change the topic. Du Hanqing seemed to have expected that Hongjun would have such a reaction. He sighed softly.
At night, amidst the sound of the evening drum, Hongjun sent Du Hanqing to the entrance of the Imperial College. He said, "I'm leaving. You … take good care of yourself."
Du Hanqing turned around and smiled at Hongjun. He handed him a white ring made of small stones. There was a straw rope tied to the ring. He said, "I like the jade buddha you gave me very much. This ring is for you. I don't have any jade, so I used stones as a replacement. I hope you don't mind."
Hongjun took the ring and nodded. He vaguely felt uneasy. Du Hanqing said, "After the exam, let's go out of the city to play together."
"Okay." Hongjun indicated that he should go back. Du Hanqing then turned around and returned to the Imperial College. The sound of the evening drum stopped. Hongjun held the ring. He felt a bit disappointed as he walked alone on the long street. In late autumn, the sky darkened very early. The entire city was already pitch black.
"You've worked hard." Li Jinglong's voice suddenly came from the side of the road.
Hongjun was suddenly startled. He was in a bad mood and replied, "It's nothing."
Li Jinglong stood tall. He wore a dark blue martial robe today. It was the cloth that Yang Guifei had given him the other day. It made him look immaculate and handsome.
Hongjun sized him up for a long time. Li Jinglong lowered his head and looked at himself. He asked, "Does it look good?"
Hongjun nodded. Li Jinglong said, "You also have a set. Tomorrow is our first official mission. We have to be prepared. Everyone should wear it."
Hongjun grunted and followed Li Jinglong back to the Exorcism Department.
Li Jinglong said, "You're angry."
Hongjun grunted again.
Li Jinglong turned around and said, "Because I didn't agree to save that fox?"
Hongjun thought for a moment and mustered up his courage to answer, "Official Li, in your eyes, are demons so evil?"
Li Jinglong frowned and said, "Hongjun, you can't treat demons like humans! Demons have emotions like humans. They can pretend to be humans. He's just using you. Fox demons want to find someone to rely on. Didn't you hear what Jin Yun said that day? How many of their words do you think are true and how many are false? "
"But …"
"No buts!" Li Jinglong said, "He's using you! Can you not be so easily deceived? "
Just as Li Jinglong was feeling excited, his stomach suddenly growled, "Gu —".
Hongjun: "…"
He must be very hungry. People with a hungry stomach have bad tempers. Hongjun thought.
Li Jinglong said again, "You're too gullible. He's trying to charm you. What he said to you today is just to please you and pretend to be pitiful. Maybe he made it all up. Besides, we'll kill his family tomorrow. Do you think he won't come back for revenge if we let him go?"
Then Li Jinglong's stomach growled again. Hongjun finally couldn't hold back and laughed.
Li Jinglong said angrily, "Don't laugh!"
Hongjun waved his hand, indicating that he didn't want to talk to him anymore. Li Jinglong had no choice but to follow him back to the Exorcism Department. Everyone was waiting for Li Jinglong to come back and eat. Hongjun threw the white ring on the table and completed his task. He said, "I've eaten." Then he went back to his room to sleep.
"Ouroboros knot grass." Atay took a look and said, "That little fox wants to repay you with her body."
Li Jinglong chased after him across the courtyard. Seeing that Hongjun had closed the door, he had no choice but to return to eat. The meal was eaten unhappily. Everyone knew that there shouldn't be any major mistakes in tomorrow's operation, so they tactfully kept quiet.