Roaring Dragon-Chapter 52: A True Man Leaves No Grudge Overnight

In the east part of the city, inside a small wine tavern—

The night deepened.

Three red-robed Chilin Guards sat around a table. The place had long been emptied of customers. Only a trembling young server remained, tray of drinks in hand.

An oil lamp flickered on the table. Beside it lay a golden-threaded gauze hat and a sheathed blade.

Zhou He calmly picked at his food, unhurried. His two subordinates spoke in low tones:

“The Li family worked hard to get that Blood Essence Extract from the Dan Medical Institute. How’d it vanish into thin air?”

“Xie Jinhuan must’ve hidden it. We didn’t have proof before—but now we’ve got solid evidence. As soon as we find that extract, he won’t be able to talk his way out of it.”

...

Zhou He was a centurion in the Chilin Guard—he’d handled too many cases, understood better than most criminals how to cover one’s tracks. He cut in:

“The stuff is definitely stashed inside the Princess’s mansion. We can’t search there. But the fact that he knew he was being framed, and didn’t report it openly, choosing instead to go through the trouble of hiding the evidence—there’s something more behind it.”

The Chilin Guard to his left poured him wine. “You’re saying someone’s pulling strings behind Xie Jinhuan?”

Zhou He could feel something was off about Xie Jinhuan, but he couldn’t yet pin down why.

“What do you two think he’s hiding that makes him so wary of an official search?”

“Well... Danyang only has two major cases lately—those demon-infested walking corpses with the Blooming Corpse Flower, and that demonic energy blast at Zihui Mountain. If Xie Jinhuan found a key clue and pointed the finger at the corpse fiends, then he can’t be one of them. That only leaves...”

The other red-robed Chilin Guard shook his head.

“The blood mist at Zihui Mountain had to come from some heaven-tier demonic being. If Xie Jinhuan were tied to something like that, would he really risk living next door to the Prince’s mansion?”

Zhou He also felt the idea that Xie Jinhuan was some demon mastermind was a stretch. He thought a moment and said:

“Regardless, we need to get to the bottom of this. The Dan Prince has already taken a liking to him. Sooner or later, the guy’s going to rise. But the Chilin Guard has bad blood with him—and now we’ve tried to set him up. If this comes to light, we’re screwed.”

“So... why not just...”

The assistant dragged a finger across his throat.

Zhou He downed his cup in one go. After a long silence, he finally replied:

“Xie Jinhuan’s no ordinary fighter. Someone powerful is backing him. If we act without knowing who that is, we might bring down a storm on our heads. We need to report up the chain. Only if we get approval do we make a move. Otherwise, we’re just three scapegoats waiting to be served.”

“Got it. I’ll send word to the capital—”

He didn’t finish his sentence.

The tavern had suddenly gone quiet.

Step, step, step...

Measured footsteps echoed from the dim alley outside.

All three turned their heads. A figure in a straw rain cape and wide-brimmed hat passed the window and stepped toward the door.

“Sir, we’re closed for the night—”

Thunk.

The figure kept his head lowered, the lamplight casting a shadow over his face. But from beneath the rain cape, a sword hilt peeked out.

He said nothing—just raised his hand and waved behind him.

“Uh...”

The server in the apron blinked, looked at the three red-robed guests, then wisely said nothing and hurried out of the tavern.

The two Chilin Guards immediately tensed, reaching for the hilts at their sides.

Zhou He calmly set down his bowl and slid his weapon closer, staying still.

“Who are you?”

The figure stepped inside and shut the door behind him.

Then he raised his head.

Handsome features caught in the flickering firelight—there was even a hint of drunkenness in his gaze.

“We just met, and Zhou Daren already doesn’t recognize me?”

“Xie Jinhuan?!”

The tavern fell dead silent.

The Chilin Guards weren’t idiots. The way Xie Jinhuan had cleared out the place, shut the door behind him...

He was here to kill.

Both red-robed men rose to their feet, drawing blades. Their uniforms glowed in the candlelight, but their faces had gone pale.

They’d reviewed his record. Xie Jinhuan never needed a second strike to kill. Even facing monsters, he barely dirtied his sleeves. Even alone, he was terrifying.

As for why he was here—everyone knew. No need for explanations.

Zhou He knew Xie Jinhuan was formidable, but he hadn’t thought he’d be so bold as to retaliate against the Chilin Guard. He tapped his finger on the table before speaking:

“You’ve got guts, Xie Gongzi. But the city’s on high alert right now—every district hunting demon spies. We’re not pushovers. Isn’t coming here to settle a grudge a little... unwise?”

Xie Jinhuan pulled out a chair near the entrance and sat. He placed his sword on the table.

“Thanks to the awe-inspiring reputation of the Chilin Guard, no one dares approach this place. That little server—even if he hears screams—will pretend he didn’t. The nearest patrol’s half a tea’s time away. That’s more than enough to kill all three of you ten times over.”

Zhou He tilted his head, listening. No noise outside. He frowned. The man wasn’t lying.

“We were all present during the search. If something happens here, and you think no one will suspect you, you’re dreaming.”

Xie Jinhuan spread his hands, calm as a pool:

“No need to worry. I faked the monster outbreak at Zihui Mountain, pinned it on demon cultists, and slipped out of Jiguan Ridge unnoticed. Disposing of a few corpses? I’ve done it before.”

“You—!”

The three men stiffened.

Zhou He had wondered if Xie Jinhuan was bluffing. But this—this was a confession. His face twisted.

“The demonic aura at Zihui Mountain... it was you?”

Xie Jinhuan had no plans to leave survivors tonight. If even one lived, the game would be up. He spoke with eerie honesty:

“Yes. I dug up a Demon-Suppressing Tomb there a few days ago. Accidentally released a monstrous demon. Now it’s clinging to me. I’ve been putting out fires to cover it up. You almost caught me today—lucky I cleaned up in time.”

“......”

You son of a...

They’d suspected something—but this?! This was beyond insane.

Everyone in Danyang, the Dan Prince included, thought Zihui Mountain had birthed a particularly strong beast—dangerous, but manageable.

But a sealed tomb? That meant the thing inside was so powerful it couldn’t be killed.

That level of demon? Last time the world saw one was a century ago—the Corpse Ancestor of the Witch Sect Rebellion, who nearly wiped out a third of the population.

If what Xie Jinhuan said was true... forget surviving the night—Danyang could be razed before morning.

Even Zhou He, with nerves of steel, glanced instinctively toward the window, hoping to spot some trace of the demon that had all of Danyang trembling.

But Xie Jinhuan remained composed.

“I’ve answered your suspicions, Zhou Daren. Now it’s your turn. What grudge does the Chilin Guard have with me? Why the need to kill me off?”

Zhou He wasn’t an idiot. He didn’t answer, only said coldly:

“With the city hunting demons and you admitting to such a heinous crime, you really think the court won’t crush your monster?”

Xie Jinhuan leaned back, perfectly at ease:

“Oh, the court could crush it—if they knew about it.

“But you three are elite. You know patrol schedules. The next one passes here in under a tea’s time.

“If you answer my question, maybe you can hold out till they arrive. Maybe signal them. Maybe survive.

“If you don’t, no hard feelings—I’ll just ask your superior.”

With that, his hand dropped to the sword.

Both Chilin Guards paled.

Zhou He rose but didn’t strike. That demon backing Xie was no bluff—he had to stall.

“Wait!”

Xie Jinhuan let go of the hilt and gave him a listening look.

Zhou He calculated how long he could buy. Every second counted.

“You want the truth? Fine.”

Xie Jinhuan nodded. “Better not lie. You know what I can do. If I catch you spinning tales, I won’t sit through them—I’ll end it right there.”

Zhou He sighed. There was no point lying.

“Three years ago, there was a haunting at the Imperial Hunting Palace on Mount Yugeng. It scared the emperor and his concubines...

“My superior at the time—Khan Jingchuan, centurion of Wangjing Command—was in charge of palace security. He took the blame, but couldn’t find the cause.

“As it happened, Xie Wen, then constable of Wanan County, was patrolling the palace perimeter during the emperor’s visit. To close the case, Khan tried to pin the breach on Xie Wen’s ‘negligence,’ claiming he let the evil slip in. But there wasn’t solid evidence, so Xie Wen was just demoted and sent to Lingnan...”

Xie Jinhuan listened patiently, then asked:

“Three years ago, I went to Lingnan with my father. On the road, we were ambushed by a black mist-covered monster. Still don’t know what it was. That your doing too?”

Zhou He was still hoping the patrol would show up in time. He kept his tone even.

“Xie Wen already took the fall. He had no chance of returning to court. Khan had no reason to strike again. The one investigating that case... was Centurion Duan. If you make it out of Danyang alive, ask him.”

Xie Jinhuan nodded slightly. Zhou He didn’t seem to be lying.

“Appreciate the advice. I’ll do my best to survive. Anything else?”

The tavern fell silent again.

Zhou He scrambled to find something to stall with.

But before he could speak—

Coo—Coo—

?!

Zhou He’s heart sank. That was a bird call—coded signal. Someone was outside.

Xie Jinhuan wouldn’t wait. Zhou He tried to strike first—his hand moved for his blade—

Shing!

But—

Swish swish—!

With a flick of the wrist, Xie Jinhuan sent two teacups spinning across the table like blades.

Slash!

Each found a throat. The two Chilin Guards barely got their swords halfway out before their arteries sprayed red.

Zhou He, being a centurion, had faster reflexes. He leapt back, drew his sword—but before he could reach the window—

BOOM—!

Xie Jinhuan, previously seated, shot across the room in a blur. Steel flashed in his hand.

His left foot stomped down, and the blade arced upward—a silver streak in the firelight!

Clang!

Sparks exploded! Zhou He managed to parry—but the force behind the strike was monstrous.

His blade cracked—half an inch deep—and the blunt force smashed into his ribs.

Crack!

He staggered. His organs felt like they’d been scrambled. Desperate, he struck at Xie’s throat with his left hand—

But Xie Jinhuan caught his °• N 𝑜 v 𝑒 l i g h t •° wrist mid-air like a dragon catching prey.

Crunch—CRACK—!

He yanked Zhou He’s arm up, reversed his grip, and slashed upward—severing it completely.

Then—Slice!

The follow-up swept across his unguarded neck.

Blood fountained.

Xie Jinhuan had already spun past him, lifting the rain cloak on his way out.

Ssshhh!

Three red-robed bodies hit the floor. All three had their left carotids cut—arterial geysers spraying across the dim tavern like grotesque fountains.

Crash—

Zhou He, clutching his neck with his remaining hand, slammed into the table. His eyes still wide with horror, he glanced toward the street, trying to scream.

But his windpipe was gone. No sound came.

Xie Jinhuan shielded himself with the rain cloak, calmly stepped over the dying men, and approached the window.

“They signaled. Patrol’s just now hitting the street. If you'd waited for footsteps before moving, you might’ve had a better shot.

“Not that it changes much. For less noise, I’d have just snapped your neck instead. Better death pose, too.”

Clack.

The window shut.

Thud.

Zhou He collapsed, flailing a foot toward a stool—trying to make noise.

But the stool had been moved—just far enough to be forever out of reach.

Xie Jinhuan walked to the front door, took one last glance to ensure no evidence remained. He placed a silver ingot on the counter as tavern compensation.

Then bent slightly and slipped out.

Click.

The door shut behind him. Silence fell.

Hhhh—hhh...

Zhou He lay on the floor, rasping. His vision dimmed. His final thoughts:

“Yang Dabiao’s got a brother like this? He’s about to soar...”

“That’s what they mean by ‘when a man rises, even his dogs and chickens ascend.’ Xie Gongzi’s good-looking, skilled, righteous, and treats even low-level officers like brothers. If he doesn’t rise, who does?”

“He’s at Wuwei Pavilion right now, drinking with the Princess... just him! That’s some damn treatment...”

...

Step, step, step...

Footsteps and lantern lights faded into the distance.