Chapter Sixty-Six: Pursuit

Having not practiced for a long while, the fifty-one forms of the Great Simplified Staff Technique were still not unfamiliar to Liuchou. He first performed the sequence rapidly several times, then began to go through each movement slowly and meticulously, his every gesture precise. Each move was executed with deliberate slowness, yet Liuchou infused his demonic energy into them, doubling the force of his staff. This was precisely what Master Fulu had taught him: once the forms were perfected, to further enhance the power of the staff technique, infusing it with one’s essence was the best method. Once fully mastered, every swing of the staff could split mountains and sever rivers.

After repeating the staff forms dozens of times, Liuchou was drenched in sweat. He tidied himself briefly, then switched to cultivating the Myriad Demons Method.

As the demonic energy circulated within him, waves of spiritual power resembling surging tides were slowly drawn in from the outside, merging into his body. Simultaneously, his own demonic energy began to take shape, flowing along his meridians, coursing through his body, and cleansing the one hundred and eight vital points.

Regardless of whether one was human, demon, monster, or spirit, the number of vital points within the body was fixed at one hundred and eight. Among these were seventy-two life points and thirty-six death points. The essence of cultivating demonic arts was to fill the seventy-two life points with demonic energy, forming vortices of power. The formation of each vortex not only strengthened the corresponding meridian but also enhanced the overall power of the seventy-two points, thereby augmenting the body’s demonic energy.

Once the sixth stage was completed and the seventy-two points became seventy-two demonic vortices, the demon’s internal energy capacity and strength would undergo a fundamental transformation. At this point, cultivating the thirty-six death points similarly formed demonic vortices, but these would transform death points into life points—eliminating weaknesses and further unleashing the body's potential.

Whether demon, god, or immortal, this was the path all followed. The only difference was that not everyone could find a technique capable of fully cultivating all seventy-two points, which was why there were so many variant paths of demon and immortal cultivation.

Liuchou could clearly sense that three demonic vortices had already formed within him. The first vortex had brought mastery of the Sand-Scattering Art; the second and third, the Fiery Sun and Nether Passage techniques. Each time his energy circulated through these three vortices, it was nourished and supplemented, moving faster and absorbing some of the external spiritual energy to further expand and strengthen the vortices.

As his energy continued to flow, four more points began to glow faintly—these were the points that would open in the third chapter of the method. Once these four vortices were formed, not only would Liuchou’s demonic energy rise again, but he would also acquire new techniques.

Of course, cultivating the third chapter of the Myriad Demons Method and forming four new vortices would not be so simple. By his rough estimate, even aided by the elixirs from the Demon-Refining Gourd, it would take at least several years to succeed.

Three by three, the first three chapters were comparatively straightforward.

After completing seventy-seven cycles of cultivation, Liuchou stood up, stretched, and took some food to satisfy his hunger. Then he practiced the staff technique again, following the same pattern—first rehearsing, then slowly and precisely performing each move, infusing his energy.

Thus he cultivated until dawn broke. Only then did Liuchou tidy himself and return to the courtyard to rest, rising at noon. He then took a stroll around the West Gate Pavilion, napped, grabbed something to eat, wandered the streets, and another day passed.

Seven days slipped by in a blink. In this time, Liuchou found that the four points of the third chapter had become distinct from the others, and his staff technique had also improved. When he swung the staff, there was a palpable sense of resistance—a sign that the forms were now infused with demonic power.

After such prolonged cultivation and aided by the demon core he had acquired, Liuchou advanced to the fifth tier of demonic energy. His speed, strength, and physique improved as well, and he now vaguely possessed the power to challenge lesser demons of the seventh tier.

However, this leisurely life did not last long. On the seventh night, after Liuchou had just finished eating at the pavilion and was about to return to his practice, Zuo Geng hurried in from outside.

“Something’s happened—a big incident!” Zuo Geng went straight to Liuchou, without seeking out anyone else, his attendants behind him all anxious. “Youjiao… Youjiao is dead!”

“What?” Liuchou was equally shocked. “Was it Uncle Wu’s doing?”

“Who else could it be?” Zuo Geng stomped his foot. “Youjiao’s squad spotted Uncle Wu’s trail not long after leaving the city. They pursued him for several days before catching up, hoping to claim the credit. Who would have expected a demon to suddenly appear and slaughter Youjiao’s entire group! By the time the Giant Que Merchant Guild arrived, only corpses remained. None dared pursue further.”

“Where did this demon come from? And why would it kill only Youjiao and not Uncle Wu?” Liuchou was puzzled. “Could it be that Uncle Wu is colluding with the demon?”

Zuo Geng licked his lips and shook his head. “Who knows? That’s all the Giant Que people said—nothing more. I came back to warn you. Be careful. The county captain might send you out to chase him, sending you to your death!”

Liuchou understood that he had gained some standing in Zuo Geng’s eyes after solving several cases. With Youjiao’s death, his prospects had improved, so Zuo Geng was trying to curry favor. But even if warned, if the county captain truly made up his mind, could mere caution avert disaster?

He had been in the city for over twenty days; there were still several days left until the one-month deadline Tian Ku had mentioned. It seemed he really would be forced to kill and transform to escape this assignment…

As the two sighed in the pavilion, someone came summoning them—it was indeed the county captain calling. Not only that, but even the county magistrate and vice magistrate had been alarmed. The three major powers in the city were gathering to discuss the pursuit.

Given the situation, Liuchou could only go along for now and consider his options later.

Unlike before, this meeting was held at the county magistrate’s official residence. By the time Liuchou arrived, the other pavilion heads and constables had mostly gathered. Soon, the courtyard was crowded, murmurs passing among those present, their eyes flickering with uncertainty.

Not long after, the sound of commotion came from outside. The crowd parted as the county captain strode in, hand resting on his three-foot sword, eyes fierce and brimming with killing intent. He ignored everyone, marched straight through the courtyard to the inner hall, and was immediately invited inside.

With all three leaders present, commands were soon issued, summoning the pavilion heads and constables into the hall.

Inside, the county magistrate sat at the head, flanked by the captain and vice magistrate. Wasting no words, once all were assembled, he spoke:

“Gentlemen, the reason I’ve summoned you is to pursue Uncle Wu…”

The vice magistrate briefly recounted the events—Uncle Wu had colluded with demons, intent on fleeing west, possibly into the lands of Xiniu Hezhou to become a subordinate of the demon kingdom. Just as the Great Zhou Empire recruited demons into its armies, so too did the demon realm have humans among its ranks—a collaboration most despised by the people of Zhou.

When he finished, the county captain spoke next—delivering a rousing speech about loyalty, exterminating evil, and so on, to boost morale. Then he declared that the magistrate had sent word to the western border, ordering all checkpoints to search and block the fugitives. Within the city, the immediate priority was to organize another squad to retrace Youjiao’s party’s route, pursue Uncle Wu, and bring him to justice!

Having heard rumors of Youjiao’s fate, none of the pavilion heads or constables were moved by these stirring words. Not a single person volunteered—no one even spoke. The hall fell into dead silence.

This had been anticipated. The captain was not perturbed; he named several individuals. The identity Liuchou had assumed, Du Pu, was among them. Those chosen could only step forward and salute, standing at the head of the group.

“Since no one volunteers, I’ll appoint the team: Hengyang, you’re the acting centurion; Du Pu, Hou Ying, Mo Ru, you three are vice-captains. Each pavilion head will bring four attendants. Assemble at the training grounds tomorrow with full arms. The county will provide rations. Pursue and apprehend the fugitives!”

The selected men had no choice but to respond, “Yes!”

Forced into this, no one looked pleased. The captain, seemingly expecting this, feigned ignorance and continued, “Gentlemen! This pursuit will not be yours alone. I’ve just returned from the Taixi and Wucai Merchant Guilds. They will each send a hundred demon hunters to join us. Even if there are demons, they’ll die by our blades!”

The magistrate and his officials made such a display likely because the slaughter of Youjiao’s party had caused an uproar—there was no way to contain the fallout except to make up for it with results. Thus, they had no choice but to muster every available hand and even borrow help from the guilds for one last effort.

Given this, Liuchou knew he had to seek another path. He would reconsider his plans once he returned…

With the orders announced, the vice magistrate and captain had spoken their piece. It was now the magistrate’s turn. He wasted no words—he clapped his hands, and pairs of servants carried in several large baskets, each overflowing with knife-shaped coins.

Though each basket held no more than ten thousand coins due to their size, the sight of a dozen such baskets piled high was enough to lift everyone’s spirits. The magistrate announced that this money would be distributed among those who went on the mission—regardless of success, all who returned would receive a share, with another hundred thousand coins to be divided, and double for the dead.

If the fugitive was captured, there would be an extra reward—three hundred thousand coins.

Such rich rewards would certainly inspire courage. With this simple act, the magistrate ignited the passions of the entire hall; everyone began shouting, morale soared, and the officials finally allowed themselves to relax, sending everyone off to collect their shares and prepare.

Though a hundred thousand coins divided among over a hundred men meant only a thousand coins each—enough for the constables and pavilion heads—for ordinary attendants, this was a fortune worth risking death for.

Zuo Geng found a handcart, loaded it with four thousand coins, and headed back to the West Gate Pavilion. Liuchou, having his own plans, took a thousand coins and left alone, pondering as he went what new identity he might assume to remain in the city a few more days.

As he walked, he saw ahead a father and son. The father carried a bamboo basket covered with a deep-blue linen cloth, waiting respectfully outside a grand mansion. The walls were over ten feet high, whitewashed and capped with new tiles. The main doors gleamed with fresh red paint, wide enough for four to walk abreast.

As Liuchou passed, the doors opened and a servant in dark livery stepped into the gap, barring entry. He asked the pair, “Who are you, and what is your business here?”

The father instantly put on a smile and bowed, “My name is Huan Xi. I’ve brought my son to study,” he said, raising the basket. “A humble gift as a token of respect.”

The servant accepted the basket, glanced inside, and smiled before nodding. “If you’ve come to apprentice, please follow me.” With that, he stepped aside. The father bowed again, then took his son’s hand and followed the servant inside.

“A private school?” Liuchou mused, pausing to glance again at the grand residence.