Over here, everyone was satisfied with their meal and rested on the spot.
Meanwhile, the county magistrate finally realized something was wrong after reaching the foot of the mountain.
Because, after arriving here, no trace of anyone having just walked by was found.
After all, with such a large group, even a few hundred people walking by, it would definitely be noticeable.
But right now, it's clear that nobody's passing by!
"Damn it, we've been scammed!"
After regaining his senses, Third Master angrily punched the tree trunk hard.
"So, you're telling me now that hundreds of people just escaped right under my nose?" The magistrate's face turned ashen with anger.
"My lord, we didn't expect the other party to be so treacherous and cunning." Third Master quickly admitted his mistake, realizing he was in the wrong.
"I didn't expect that, so how did the other party come up with it? I think you're just stupid!"
The magistrate gave Third Master a severe dressing-down before taking a deep breath and asking, "The traces we just saw led down the mountain. Have we found anything else?"
"Tell me, have you made any other discoveries?" Third Master asked the thug who had gone to scout ahead.
"I saw it, but I'm not sure. The other way goes back," the thug said in a low voice.
"Go back?"
Upon hearing this, Third Master looked at the magistrate with suspicion, "No way, they're not stupid, why would they walk right into a trap?"
"No, perhaps they really did go back."
On the contrary, the county magistrate, after listening, raised his eyes and sneered, "The darkest place is under the lamp. The most dangerous place is actually the safest. So many of them have nowhere to go for the time being. If they go back to the workshop, we probably won't be able to imagine what will happen."
"Ah, I see. You are wise, sir. I knew immediately that it was impossible to go back." Upon hearing this, Third Master quickly began to flatter him.
The magistrate felt relieved upon hearing this and raised his eyebrows slightly, but still said, "However, this is just my guess. Besides the way back, are there any other possibilities?"
“Yes, there is another one that leads to the market, but I just checked that road and there are no obvious traces. It doesn’t look like anyone has walked on it,” the thug said truthfully.
"It's also possible that the other party deliberately made special arrangements. In any case, we must be prepared for both possibilities this time."
As the magistrate spoke, he looked up at the Third Master and said, “We will split into two groups. You will take one group to the market, and I will take the other group back to the workshop. If we do not find anyone at the market, you should come to the workshop immediately to meet me.”
"yes."
Third Master knew that he could only listen to the magistrate now, so he clasped his hands in a fist salute and quickly left with his men.
The county magistrate, on the other hand, ordered his henchman to take a shortcut back to the workshop.
We rushed as fast as we could and finally arrived before dark.
"Sir, look! There are indeed people in the kitchen, and the fire is burning!" an officer exclaimed excitedly.
"Do you need to tell me? I have my own eyes to see."
After the magistrate finished speaking, he sneered, "You actually dared to outwit me, well done! Let's see where you can run this time!"
"My lord, we're back." At this moment, Third Master's men also arrived.
"Good, good, you've come at the right time. This time we must wipe them all out in one fell swoop. Let's go!"
After the magistrate finished speaking, he led his men and rushed over.
"Enemy attack! Be on alert!"
Seeing a large number of people charging towards them, the soldiers on defense immediately picked up their shields and blocked them outside.
Hearing the commotion, Yun Zhourong and Yun Hongcheng all ran out.
Upon seeing this, Yun Hongcheng asked in alarm, "How...how did you know we were back?"
"Hmph, isn't that because the master is wise? Do you think such petty skills can fool the master's discerning eyes?" Third Master said disdainfully.
Yun Hongcheng, looking both nervous and ashamed, said, "Your Excellency, as the county magistrate, instead of speaking up for the people, you are aiding and abetting the wicked. Do you have any respect for the law?!"
"I am now acting on behalf of Heaven. You have all been bewitched by demons. In order to prevent you from harming others, I have no choice but to nip them in the bud."
The magistrate stood on a high place, his face flickering in the firelight, appearing both ferocious and indifferent.
"You're just a corrupt official, and you're hypocritical. You're clearly in cahoots with Third Master and his cronies, so why do you have to put on such a high-sounding facade!"
Song Shuyi shouted angrily, "If I manage to leave alive today, I will definitely report your evil deeds to the capital and make sure you never recover!"
"Hahaha…"
As a result, these words not only failed to intimidate the county magistrate, but also elicited his loud laughter.
Third Master sneered disdainfully, "Why do you think we dare to so openly enslave these lowly people? It's because this place is far from the emperor's reach, he has no jurisdiction here, hahaha..."
"That's right. In Yazhou Ridge, I am the only one in power, the local emperor. What is that old emperor? Do you think I'm afraid?"
At this moment, the magistrate completely let loose and readily admitted, "Third Master, even the entire Wang family is under my protection. You're just a hothead from out of town, yet you dare to meddle in other people's business. Aren't you just courting death?"
"The Wang family? You mean, the people behind you are the Wang family!" Upon hearing this, Yun Hongcheng showed a shocked expression.
"How about it, are you scared now?"
Seeing his reaction, Third Master proudly raised his chin. "That's right, I am a member of the Wang family. The entire Yazhou Ridge is under the control of the Wang family. You, an ant, dare to challenge authority? You are simply courting death."
"Well done, the Wang family! What a local tyrant!"
Just then, a majestic figure walked out of the room, followed by a whole row of soldiers.
"What's going on? They look like government officials' uniforms!" Third Master asked, puzzled, upon seeing those people.
Because it was dark, the magistrate could not see the face of the person opposite him, but when he saw that the other party was actually accompanied by officials, his first reaction was not fear or apprehension, but a cold laugh.
"Excellent, truly excellent! Not only have they colluded with demons to wreak havoc in the region, but now they even dare to impersonate government soldiers! Their crimes are compounded!"
The magistrate, unable to contain his elation, shouted, "You are plotting treason! Your entire family deserves to be executed!"
"To execute nine generations of a family, the magistrate truly wields immense power!"
To everyone's surprise, the man was not frightened. Instead, he took a few steps forward and stood in the light, sneering, "Then why don't you take a good look, Your Excellency, and see who I really am?"
"you?"
Sensing the other party's imposing aura, the county magistrate's heart stirred, and he squinted as he stepped forward to examine the situation closely.
Yes, this person does look somewhat familiar; it's as if I've seen him somewhere before.
The magistrate quickly thought of someone, his face instantly turning pale. He pointed at him in disbelief and stammered, "You...you are..."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
