Chapter 83: Tragedy

As expected, one should never attempt to peer into the affairs of beings too powerful. Fang Yue wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth with his sleeve, gazing for a long while at the flickering candle on the table before shaking his head and letting out a bitter laugh.

He had used the “Revelation” divine power several times, and twice encountered danger. The peculiar strength of this world’s mighty figures was utterly unfathomable. This time, the foe was so formidable that Fang Yue was injured without even glimpsing their face.

If he ever again wished to spy on powerful beings, he would need to exercise the utmost caution.

Just now, he seemed to have momentarily fallen beneath the earth. The Sea Dragon King’s painted barge should have been on the sea—could it be that someone even more powerful was directing the Sea Dragon King from behind the scenes?

Fang Yue shook his head; he could not unravel this mystery. The mastermind was far too strong for him to provoke at present.

He straightened his robe and walked out of the room.

“Master Fang, they’re looking for you over there,” a servant waited outside.

“Take me there.”

...

The main hall was lit by several candles, shining brightly.

When Fang Yue entered, more than a dozen people were already inside: Ren Junlin, Qian Dagui, Yuan Zhixing, Fang Baoliang, the town mayor Deng Hetong, and others.

From the mouths of pirates, everyone had learned of the dire peril facing all of Ping’an County—not only in Yutou Town, but in every village and even the county seat, all were being ravaged by pirates.

And this time, the pirates were not just after wealth—they sought lives. Yutou Town had been lucky, narrowly escaping disaster, but what to do next left everyone anxious and lost.

When Fang Yue entered, the lively hall fell silent, all eyes fixed upon him.

After a series of recent events, Fang Yue's reputation in Yutou Town was at its zenith.

Mayor Deng Hetong stood, cautious, and said, “Scholar Fang, we have seized the pirates’ three ships. Besides their goods, there are several women kidnapped by the pirates. How should we handle this?”

Fang Yue glanced at Deng Hetong; he did not fully trust the mayor of Yutou Town. “Let Fang Baoliang and Ren Junlin oversee this matter.”

Fang Baoliang, who had been sitting quietly, looked up in surprise.

Fang Yue continued, “As for the women kidnapped by pirates, those who wish to leave, give them some silver and let them go. The goods on the ships and all the loot seized from the pirates should be tallied—part goes to the townsfolk and servants who fought, and part to compensate those harmed in the town.”

He looked to Ren Junlin. “Brother Ren, I’ll need you to send a few servants and accountants from your family, with Fang Baoliang in charge.”

Ren Junlin nodded, “Alright, I’ll make arrangements.”

Fang Yue turned to Fang Baoliang.

Fang Baoliang was stunned that such an important task was entrusted to him, but he nodded, accepting the responsibility.

Fang Yue addressed the assembly: “With these arrangements, does anyone have other opinions?”

Everyone agreed. Not only were Fang Yue’s plans reasonable and morally sound—even if some harbored ulterior motives, none would dare voice them.

Fang Yue continued, “These are extraordinary times. Vigilance must not wane. All townsfolk and servants must assemble and remain on standby. Also, Qian Dagui, this town is your domain—take some men and deal with any who seize the chaos to loot or act lawlessly as you see fit.”

Qian Dagui snorted, “Don’t worry. If any bastard dares make trouble, I’ll skin him alive.”

With matters settled, Fang Yue rubbed his forehead. Attempting to spy on the mastermind had resulted in backlash and injury, and though he had used merit points to recover, it had drained him physically and left him weary.

He lifted his head, glancing lastly at Yuan Zhixing, the young swordsman sitting silently nearby. They did not get along, but Fang Yue cared little—so long as Yuan Zhixing was willing to act when needed.

...

Night fell; the moon was a slender crescent.

Tonight, Ping’an County seat was destined to be sleepless.

Cries of battle echoed everywhere in the city, flames soaring into the sky.

In less than a day, by dusk, the city was overrun by pirates. Then came the slaughter, continuing from sundown until now.

Innocent civilians were butchered, blood pooling on the streets; women were violated and killed, even infants in swaddling were not spared.

Amidst the blazing city, the pirates’ wild laughter mixed with the terrified screams of ordinary folk.

The entire county seat became a hellish realm, devouring lives ceaselessly.

Women cowered in their cellars, trembling, listening to the terrifying shouts and pirates’ crazed laughter outside, praying desperately for divine protection.

But there were no gods here—if any, only evil ones.

No gods, no saviors; no one would come to rescue them.

Once those in power made their decision—even the court compromised—the fate of all the county’s people was sealed.

Three days later, when enough had been killed, only a handful might survive, left to face a city now turned into a haunted necropolis.

Many powerful beings were aware of this human tragedy, but either they were behind it—or watched on indifferently.

At their level, they no longer regarded themselves as ordinary folk.

...

“It’s over. All is lost.”

Within the county office’s grand hall, Deputy Magistrate Zhang’s face was deathly pale.

He had received the county seal to act as magistrate, feeling triumphant at first, but before a few days had passed, pirates breached the city.

Now, his official position—and even his life—were in jeopardy.

“Why hasn’t reinforcements from the provincial city arrived? The threat of pirate attack was reported long ago!”

Registrar Zeng was equally distraught. He was one of Zhang’s faction. When Magistrate Hu was still present, he had sided with Zhang, opposing the newly appointed Hu.

After Hu was dismissed and transferred, Zhang became acting magistrate, and Zeng’s status rose with him.

Tonight, all that was past—now survival was all that mattered.

“Master, why don’t we gather our belongings and flee the city under cover of night?”

A staff advisor with a thin mustache suggested.

“Flee? Is that possible? The entire city is under pirate control, they’re killing indiscriminately; no one will escape.”

Deputy Magistrate Zhang said bleakly, “Besides, as an official, I am bound to protect this land. Even if I escape, what good would it do? Better to…”

“Sir, it’s bad! Pirates have breached the county office!”

A bloodied bailiff rushed in.

Outside, the cries of battle rang out, as if the trumpets of death in the night.

“Bring me a blade,” Deputy Magistrate Zhang suddenly became calm.

“Sir, you…”

“I’ve feared blood since childhood—seeing it makes me dizzy; I’ve always been timid. After passing the imperial exam and becoming an official, I dreaded others discovering my cowardice, so I forced myself to act brave, only to become a laughingstock.

Today, things cannot end peacefully; I will make one last show of courage.

Sheriff Zhao and Captain Li died defending the city—now it’s our turn.”

With a blade in hand, Zhang summoned all his strength and roared, “Follow me, everyone! Slay the pirates!”