Chapter 76: I Am a Man From the Qiao Family
"These pilgrims can go in, but I can't?"
The young Taoist at the entrance of the Taoist temple listened to this and became a little impatient and said:
"Precisely because you are a government official, you cannot enter."
With that said, the commotion at the entrance had already caught the attention of the surrounding crowd.
Other Taoists from the temple frowned and came over, and some of the onlookers gradually got closer.
"Why can't a government official enter?" Qiao Mu's gaze also glanced at the crowd coming to watch, and his voice became more loud:
"As a government law enforcer, the Great Yan's law enforcer, is this not Heyang City under the jurisdiction of Great Yan? Why can't I enter?"
However, what surprised him a little was...
After hearing this, the people didn't show any obvious surprise or approval on their faces. Some pilgrims even frowned, clearly not agreeing with what he said.
Xuantian Sect has only been in Heyang City for half a year.
But these people seemed to have already gotten used to the presence of the Xuantian Sect immortals.
This is different from when Qiao Mu stood up against the City Lord's family in Yan City before.
City Lord Guo Yan was quite famous back then, and although the people of Yan City didn't speak, they always knew right from wrong in their hearts.
But now it's different.
Qiao Mu is facing the Immortal Gate, the immortals who are seen as untainted by the secular world.
The Taoists at the entrance of the Taoist temple just found it funny when they heard this.
"Are you pretending to be ignorant while actually knowing everything, constable?" one of the Taoists laughed.
"The laws of Great Yan belong to Great Yan. This is the residence of Immortal Gate."
"What does the law of mortals have to do with Immortal Gate?"
Speaking of this, the faces of these Taoists also showed a hint of undisguised superiority.
They were once members of the Great Yan Imperial Court, but now that they have entered the Xuantian Temple and put on a Taoist robe, they have transformed into members of Immortal Gate.
Even if they are just gatekeepers at the entrance of this Taoist temple, they are still considered higher than the citizens of Great Yan.
Qiao Mu calmly said, "If a cultivator from Immortal Gate is suspected of killing innocent people and committing violent acts within the city, what would happen?"
Upon hearing this, the Taoists' faces slightly darkened.
Just as they were about to reprimand, a young female cultivator walked over from a distance, also attracted by the small commotion.
"What happened?" the female cultivator asked.
"Senior Sister Ming Yue."
"Sister."
These few Taoists quickly greeted each other.
Female Cultivator Ming Yue is the servant of the Sect's Holy Maiden and is highly favored by Saintess Wu Qingxin because of her ability to control beasts.
Therefore, her status naturally rises. Although she is a servant, she is slightly higher than the average Immortal Gate disciple, not to mention those miscellaneous disciples at the entrance of their Taoist Temple.
"Are you... that Sheriff Qiao Pifu?"
After Female Cultivator Ming Yue examined him for a while, she recognized this person.
Originally, she didn't pay much attention to the names of mortals, but this person had repeatedly provoked her and last night almost broke through her tiger-hunting technique, so she had a strong impression of him.
"Now that the main character has arrived, I won't waste any more words." Qiao Mu spoke up.
"Immortal Ming Yue, I have found the true form of that temporary monster."
"Oh? Did you come here specifically to inform me? That's thoughtful." The moonlit face showed obvious joy.
Without saying a word, Qiao Mu ignited the previous magical lamp, and the green flame that appeared trembled sharply, floating towards the small cat lying at Qiao Mu's feet...?
"Is this the true form of that mystical cat?" The moonlit face showed a slight astonishment.
She had indeed dealt with this temporary monster before, but she failed to capture it. However, she never expected that the temporary monster she struggled to capture would be the small cat lying limply on the ground.
"Good, well done." She quickly concealed her surprise and walked up:
"This temporary monster has committed multiple homicides within the city, and such a beast must be brought into my Immortal Gate for punishment, to repay the sins it has committed with endless years."
However, Qiao Mu remained motionless.
"So, Immortal Ming Yue has also confirmed that this magical lamp points to the true form of the temporary monster?" Qiao Mu asked.
"Of course." The moon gazed intensely at the cat at Qiao Mu's feet, sounding a little eager.
Isn't this constable a bit silly? Why didn't he secretly give me the monster and why did he have to do it at the entrance of Xuantian Temple? If other disciples from different sects see this, they might try to take credit from me... Ming Yue felt somewhat displeased.
However, Qiao Mu remained motionless, not showing any intention to hand over the monster cat.
"If this is what they call an impermanent monster, then... what kind of creature was the one that appeared at the murder scene in the west courtyard with Immortal Ming Yue last night?"
Qiao Mu's gaze turned cold, and his speech sped up:
"Immortal Ming Yue, your whereabouts were suspicious last night, unexpectedly appearing at the residence of the deceased, Jiang Long."
"And next to the lifeless body of Jiang Long, I found this kind of fur."
Qiao Mu took out the prepared animal fur from the small bag and held it in his hand.
With one hand holding the fur, he lifted the limp little cat in his other hand.
The fur of this creature is visibly longer and thicker, and it feels harder. The most special thing is that the fur shows a faint shimmering white color under the sunlight.
Even without using any magical means to detect, just by using their naked eyes, ordinary people can easily tell that this long fur didn't come from the small cat in Qiao Mu's hands.
Speaking of this, Ming Yue finally stopped in her tracks.
She had already realized that Qiao Mu was not a friendly visitor.
"What do you want to say?" she asked, feeling a bit restless.
Qiao Mu said, "In order to investigate the Case of Impermanent Monster, I, as the chief hunter, must enter the residence of Xuantian Temple and compare the fur of the spiritual beasts raised by the Xuantian Sect one by one, in order to find the killer monster in the Case of Impermanent Monster...."
Before Qiao Mu could finish his words, the female cultivator Ming Yue waved her hand to interrupt him.
"Stop!" she commanded.
"As an esteemed member of the Immortal Gate, how dare you, a mere insignificant hunter, slander us?"
"If you want to enter, can you just enter? Immortal Gate is a sacred place, not a place where you can act recklessly."
Unknowingly, the crowd at the entrance of the Taoist temple had gathered more and more.
Many pilgrims were attracted to this commotion, after all, a government law enforcement officer arguing with the Immortal Gate's deity at the entrance of Xuantian Temple... This was something that would never happen in the past!
"The deity of Xuantian Sect letting evil beasts commit murder? Impossible, right?"
"But that constable seems very sure and even brought evidence..."
"If the deity of Xuantian Sect is innocent, what harm is there in opening the temple gate and letting the constable take a look? It won't be troublesome."
"That's the deity of Xuantian Sect, they have always protected the peace and harmony of Heyang City..."
The people were discussing and talking.
Public opinion was almost entirely in favor of Xuantian Sect.
After all...
Qiao Mu, dressed in a blue uniform, represents the government and the law enforcement officials of the Great Yan at the grassroots level.
In the forty years since the Inhuman War, the Great Yan Imperial Court has imposed heavy taxes on the people, causing hardship for many years. Naturally, the government doesn't have a good impression in the eyes of the people.
The immortals of the Xuantian Sect, on the other hand, are all highly accomplished individuals who have achieved immortality and are free from worldly concerns. They are truly the aspiration of the people.
With these two factions conflicting, right at the entrance of the Xuantian Temple, it is not hard to guess which side they lean towards.
"The constable over there, please don't cause any trouble." Shouts could be heard from a distance.
A middle-aged man wearing an official uniform and with a big belly hurriedly approached, sweat visible on his forehead.
Today is the fifteenth day, and he had originally come to the Xuantian Temple to offer incense. However, he was surprised to hear that something had happened here even before he reached the temple. So, he could only rush over.
"Constable over there, step back!" the official exclaimed.
"Are you trying to disturb the peace of Immortal Gate and tarnish its reputation?"
"What investigation? I have never heard of this matter being related to Immortal Gate. Stop fooling around!"
Qiao Mu turned his head to look at the sudden appearance of the official and suddenly asked,
"May I ask, sir, what is your official position?"
The chubby official immediately understood in his heart: even this constable didn't recognize him, it seemed that he was indeed just a minor character.
He coldly said,
"I am the Heyang Prefecture magistrate, holding the 5th rank."
"According to the laws of Great Yan, government constables are not allowed to trespass into the residence of Immortal Gate. What is your intention?"
"You, as a constable, have already made a serious mistake. If you cause trouble again in front of Xuantian Temple, I can immediately dismiss you from your position!"
In Heyang Prefecture, a 5th rank assistant is equivalent to the deputy of a 4th rank governor, and their position is highly respected.
With his position in Heyang City, he didn't need to come forward to defend Ming Yue, a disciple of the Female Cultivator and member of the Immortal Gate. It would lower his status.
Ming Yue, a female cultivator, isn't that important, but the Blue-eyed Flying Tiger is the spirit pet of the Saintess from the Immortal Gate.
Now that Qiao Mu has exposed this matter in public, it affects the reputation of the Immortal Gate. Therefore, he has to step forward and scold little constable Qiao Mu.
Upon hearing such commotion, Ming Yue's heart became slightly certain.
Just a moment ago, when Qiao Mu exposed the truth in front of so many people, she felt a bit panicked.
But now, taking a closer look...
The opinions of the people in Heyang Prefecture clearly favor the Immortal Gate. Even the officials of the Great Yan Imperial Court are scolding Qiao Pifu and demanding his dismissal.
When even the citizens and officials of Great Yan stand on her side, why would she panic?
Instead, it was Qiao Pifu, the detective who persisted in investigating the case, who was all alone at this moment, almost being overwhelmed by everyone's criticism.
It was Qiao Pifu who should be worried!
It was just him, a mere commoner, going against the rules of Heyang City!
However, at this moment, Qiao Pifu remained calm.
No matter how the officials scolded and threatened, no matter how the people gossiped, he stood alone, unwavering and unafraid.
"You want to dismiss me from my job?"
Suddenly, Qiao Mu smiled at this moment.
As the chief constable of Heyang City, he naturally had to follow many restrictions and rules.
"Is it possible that it's not me who is wrong, but the laws of Great Yan?"
The fat official first looked surprised, then his face turned dark and the muscles on his face trembled with anger.
He heard the constable continue:
"If even as a law enforcer, I cannot uphold justice... then what is the use of wearing this official uniform?"
As soon as he finished speaking.
He stood in the middle of the street and, in front of everyone's eyes, he ripped off the police uniform he was wearing.
Underneath the uniform, he was dressed in a martial artist outfit that allowed him to move freely. It was clear that he had prepared this in advance, rather than acting on impulse.
"A law enforcer? I am not one anymore."
By taking off the official's attire, it also meant that Qiao Mu was no longer a member of the government and no longer represented the laws of Great Yan.
Holding his sword, Qiao Mu stood alone at the entrance of Xuantian Temple, facing the roaring crowd, the furious expression on the fat official's face, and the towering Immortal GateXuantian Temple in the north of the city.
He walked step by step towards the gate of Xuantian Temple, his voice becoming louder and echoing in the ears of the people around.
"Now I am no longer a government constable, just a common man without a job."
"Can immortals take lives and allow beasts to kill people?"
"If the laws of Great Yan cannot control immortals, then I, Qiao Pifu, will take charge!"
The crowd was shocked.
Even the Taoists guarding Xuantian Temple were momentarily stunned, unable to react immediately.
The gazes of the people also subtly changed after Qiao Mu took off his official uniform.
The official uniform of a constable represents the background of the government.
The people didn't like the officials of the Great Yan government very much. They often feared them more than respected them. Most of them believed that these officials were only trying to take their money or get promoted.
But if a constable bearing the pressure of a 5th rank official were to publicly remove his official uniform and enter the Xuantian Temple...
This is obviously unrelated to promotion and wealth.
This constable who disregards his official uniform and enters the Xuantian Temple seems truly different from the officials they usually encounter, doesn't he?
Suddenly.
The little cat beneath Qiao Mu's feet suddenly perked up its cat ears.
Originally limp on the ground, at this moment it seemed to sense something, its pupils narrowed and it became cautious, hiding in the shadow behind Qiao Mu.
Next moment.
A roar as loud as thunder echoed from a distance, the rolling sound waves shaking the air.
This sudden eruption of a roar made those pilgrims involuntarily cover their ears, and even those who were closer were blown back a few steps by the sound waves.
"The Saintess's Flying Tiger?"
The Xuantian Temple cultivator who had just tried to stop Qiao Mu suddenly had a change in expression.
This fierce tiger of the Saintess has quite a reputation at the Xuantian Temple's base. Being underage and ferocious in nature, it gives trouble to these low-level cultivators who can neither hide nor fight back.
The one with the biggest change in expression was the Female Cultivator Ming Yue.
Although the roar of the Blue-eyed Flying Tiger could be heard from a distance, the source of the sound wasn't from the back of the Xuantian Temple, but rather near the foot of the mountain?
"Has this Blue-eyed Flying Tiger escaped from its spiritual beast cage?"
"Just last night, I specifically fed it 6th rank blood to keep it calm for a while. How could it go mad again so quickly?" Ming Yue's heart trembled.
.....................
The side entrance of the Xuantian Temple directly faced a street, separated by a corner from the main street where Qiao Mu was.
Qiao Mu was causing a lot of trouble over there, but this street was calm and peaceful.
Today is the fifteenth, and there are more pilgrims on the street than usual.
On the street paved with blue stones, there was a family carrying a table out of their house and placing it in front of their door. They then put candles, steamed buns, rice wine, and a statue of a graceful white-robed immortal on the table.
"There are too many pilgrims offering incense at Xuantian Temple today, and the smoke is too thick. It's not good for the child. Let's not go this time. We can worship right outside our own door," said Qian Qian.
Qian Qian came out holding a delicate porcelain doll, and the rest of the family lit incense candles.
In the midst of the smoke, each member of Qian Qian's family took turns kneeling before the table, closing their eyes and praying silently while burning incense.
"Little one, come and pray too."
A woman held the hand of the little girl and taught her to kneel in front of the table like the adults and bow.
The Qian family was not wealthy, and Qian Qian, whose vitality was declining, was thin. The little girl, on the other hand, had a slightly chubby face, with a round and smooth appearance. With her big blinking eyes, she looked adorable.
"Little one, don't just bow down. Say some blessings for Immortal Xuantian," Qian Qian reminded with a smile.
"What...what should I say?" the little girl asked, confused.
"Just say something, like wishing for good health," he replied.
"Okay." The little girl earnestly imitated the adults, kneeling down and closing her eyes, and said word by word:
"I wish Immortal Xuantian good health and good luck in everything."
"Haha..." Several adults by the altar burst into laughter. They never expected to hear such a prayer. The wrinkles on their faces relaxed.
"Did you teach her to speak like that just now?" Qian Qian also laughed.
These past few days, as he investigated the Case of Impermanent Monster, he felt quite exhausted. But as he looked at his little daughter like this, the tiredness in his heart seemed to fade away without him realizing.
He was about to collect the offering table when suddenly there was a loud noise behind his ears.
Roar!
All of a sudden, there was a thunderous tiger roar that shook the ground, almost tearing apart eardrums.
He turned his head to look.
A towering emerald-eyed giant tiger with wings stretched out, descending from the sky, trampling several unsuspecting worshippers on the street under its feet.
The tiger moved swiftly and fiercely. While everyone was terrified, the tiger's claws effortlessly tore apart the bodies of the worshippers beneath it. Its pristine white fur quickly became stained red with blood, emanating a terrifying aura.
"This tiger..." Qian Qian's eyes widened slightly. He wasn't seeing the fearsome appearance of this tiger for the first time, as he caught a glimpse of it last night... However, he was concerned about the cultivator and didn't reveal the truth.
While he was in a daze, the giant tiger seemed to be attracted by the food on the altar. It spread its wings and pounced, stirring up a stench as it flew towards him.
The Immortal Xuantian on the altar was blown away by the strong wind and smashed to pieces upon hitting the ground.
The giant tiger landed next to the altar, opening its jaws wide. The little girl in front of the table stood there, stunned, only half a meter away from the tiger.
The little girl was so small that she didn't even reach the height of the tiger's mouth.
"Nan--" Qian Qian's eyes widened, and he took a step forward with a burst of energy, but the injury in his chest caused a sharp pain, slowing him down.
At this moment, time seemed to slow down.
He watched helplessly as the tiger opened its mouth wide and pounced towards the girl next to the altar.
He was very close to his own daughter, close enough to smell the foul odor from the tiger's mouth.
But in the end, their footsteps slowed down a bit.
Every action has consequences... In this final moment, this thought crossed his mind.
Suddenly, he remembered the injury he suffered last night while protecting the young constable. He clearly saw a fleeting giant tiger figure next to Immortal Ming Yue in the courtyard, but he lied and claimed not to know...
In the blink of an eye.
A familiar voice rang out like thunder.
"Heavenly Demon Disintegration Method！"
A figure covered in blood-red light, pounced on the giant tiger sideways, just like a hungry tiger attacking its prey, and actually sent the giant tiger flying several meters away.
