Chapter 228: Interrogation, False Accusation
The second basement level, filled with a gloomy, chilling air.
Candlelight flickered, the smell of decay and rot permeating the air.
Countless demon beasts were locked in cages, sometimes roaring, sometimes wailing, full of hatred for the human race.
“Demon beast blood essence can be used to cultivate secret techniques, refine medicinal pills, and also used for medicinal baths; it has many uses. Therefore, live demon beasts are more valuable than dead ones.”
Wei Kun, dressed in common clothes, with a calm expression, stepped into the second level.
He flicked his sleeves, signaling the others to bring in and imprison the demon beasts captured during this mountain expedition.
These demon beasts still needed further interrogation.
The Four Great Noble Families all wanted to know who exactly had obtained the treasure.
Everyone followed into the second level of the Black Prison, their expressions curious, scrutinizing their surroundings. Seeing the demon beasts, some ferocious, some listless, most of them revealed shock in their eyes.
There were too many!
Especially for the martial artists from the county town.
They had previously been completely unaware that so many demon beasts were imprisoned beneath the county town.
At a rough glance, there had to be at least several hundred!
In the dark and deep recesses of the Black Prison, there were three terrifying and bloody auras. Even a slight sense of them made one’s heart tremble with fear.
“Those imprisoned in the deepest part must be the Three Great Demons!”
“It’s terrifying. My back feels cold even before getting close.”
“Could the great demon blood essence I exchanged for with merit points in the Martial Alliance be from here?”
“…”
Many martial artists looked towards the darkness in the deepest part, their eyes filled with both fear and curiosity.
The opportunity to observe great demons up close was truly rare.
It was also Chu Liang’s first time on the second basement level.
He had a Black Prison token, but last time he only wandered around the first level, obtaining information about the Stone Gate treasure from a Green Robe Gang Vice Gang Leader.
After that, he hadn’t been back.
He stepped into the depths of the Black Prison. The further in he went, the stronger the oppressive feeling emanating from the Three Great Demons became. Soon, the forms of the Three Great Demons came into view.
“A dog demon and two bear demons.”
Chu Liang stopped, his gaze calm, looking straight ahead.
All three great demons were lying on the ground, bound by heavy chains. Although their auras were powerful, they looked very weak, all emaciated, their bodies covered in marks of torture. They remained motionless, as if dead.
Within the Martial Alliance, there was a valuable medicinal ingredient called “Black Bear Great Demon Bile,” which required a large number of merit points to exchange for. It was likely extracted from these two bear demons.
“Don’t underestimate their current weakened state. Once they break free from their restraints, they will undoubtedly cause devastating carnage.” Qi Cang approached, speaking in a deep voice.
“Chu Liang’s concerns are not unfounded, but we are of humble status and cannot interfere in this matter.”
Qin Yuandao also approached, dressed in a scholar’s long robe, his expression gentle.
He smiled warmly and said to Chu Liang, “Chu Liang, the Noble Families are extremely concerned about the treasure. We will all be questioned. You are a prime suspect. Have you thought of an explanation?”
“I have.”
Chu Liang was very calm. With his ability to lie, deceiving the Noble Families wouldn’t be a problem.
If they didn’t believe him…
He could just swear to heaven, making a vicious oath right in front of them.
Martial artists generally valued oaths, unlike Chu Liang, who didn’t care much about them.
The Black Market Master also approached, dressed in a black robe, and said coldly, “You’ve caused quite a bit of trouble this time. Reach the Skin Tempering Realm soon, don’t delay. If you need treasures for the breakthrough, come directly to the Black Market and find me. I can borrow a breakthrough treasure from the Prefectural City Black Market that increases the success rate by at least forty percent.”
“Thank you.”
Chu Liang cupped his hands. Although this Market Master was cold, he had shown goodwill towards him several times.
A treasure with a forty percent success rate was quite valuable.
◈◈◈
Most supplementary treasures could only increase the success rate by ten or twenty percent. Even so, they would still be fought over by countless Blood Coagulation Realm martial artists at exorbitant prices.
The Black Market was actually willing to lend Chu Liang one directly, without any additional requirements, and didn’t even mention a return date. They clearly intended to continue betting on him, all the way.
To the side, Qin Yuandao’s expression was warm, smiling without speaking.
Only he knew that Chu Liang had most likely already broken through.
Soon, the martial artists of the Four Great Noble Families began to act, taking everyone away one by one, calling them individually to the interrogation rooms in the Black Prison to inquire about the mountain valley treasure.
It was soon Chu Liang’s turn.
“Chu Liang, come with me.”
The one questioning him was none other than the gray-haired elder, Wei Kun.
The two entered the interrogation room and sat facing each other.
Although Wei Kun was old, his eyes were not cloudy. Instead, they contained a sharp glint, like a sharp sword, seemingly able to see through anyone’s soul.
He looked at Chu Liang, a terrifying pressure emanating from him, surpassing the Skin Tempering Realm strength he had previously displayed.
This old man, who drove the Marquis’s carriage, was actually a Tendon Tempering Realm expert!
Bang!
The door of the interrogation room slammed shut, the candlelight flickering for a moment.
At that moment, an even greater pressure erupted, like a mountain, like a sea, pressing down on Chu Liang.
Wei Kun roared, his voice like thunder, shaking one’s heart, “Chu Liang, where did you hide the treasure?!”
He didn’t ask if Chu Liang had obtained the treasure, but directly asked where he had hidden it, as if he was certain that Chu Liang had taken it.
This roar was soul-stirring, like a demonic sound piercing one’s ears, causing the entire interrogation room to tremble.
If it were anyone else here, unprepared and suddenly roared at, they would likely be frightened to the point of mental collapse, subconsciously answering the question.
But Chu Liang only frowned slightly.
Why shout so loudly?
He calmly replied, “When the treasure appeared, I was still far away. Although I saw the blood light soaring into the heavens, I didn’t have time to rush over.”
Seeing his calm demeanor, Wei Kun was momentarily surprised.
“Good lad, no wonder you were able to stand out in the barren land of Anping County Town. You do have some skills!” Wei Kun knew that his previous tactic was useless, his voice returning to normal.
His gaze was like an eagle’s, sharp and deep, fixed on Chu Liang’s face.
“Chu Liang, there’s no need to lie to me. I know you took the treasure.” Wei Kun said slowly.
“Elder Wei, please don’t falsely accuse me. I have no grudge against the Marquis’s Manor.” Chu Liang replied calmly.
“I’m not falsely accusing you.” Wei Kun looked at him and said, “Chu Liang, I have a unique secret technique that can observe treasure light. The treasure light on you is strong, far exceeding ordinary people. You must have obtained a heaven-defying treasure.”
Hearing this, Chu Liang’s heart relaxed, but his expression remained unchanged.
Both little rats had indicated that the treasure light on him was now very faint. If judged by the treasure light, it could at most determine that he possessed mid-rank treasures.
This level of treasure could not be called heaven-defying.
Therefore…
This old man must be bluffing him!
If it were an ordinary person, they would likely believe it. After all, the Marquis’s Manor had numerous secret techniques, and it wasn’t impossible for them to have a treasure-seeking secret technique.
Chu Liang said sincerely, “Elder Wei, I did indeed obtain the legacy of a Tendon Tempering Realm expert, but surely the Marquis’s Manor wouldn’t stoop to stealing such a minor legacy?”
“Haha, you sly lad. Stop beating around the bush. You know what I want.”
Wei Kun narrowed his eyes, his aura imposing. His withered hands, like eagle claws, slowly tapped on the stone table.
“Chu Liang, let me be frank. If you don’t hand over the treasure, you won’t leave this place alive today.”
