NOVEL NEXT Chapter 27: Taking Down Li Kan
Chapter 27: Taking Down Li Kan
Like the settings in many novels, the Great Peace Dynasty has always maintained a “zero tolerance” attitude towards demons.
Ever since a yellow-skinned creature almost ascended to the throne a hundred years ago, the living environment for demons within the Peace Dynasty region has become increasingly difficult. Not only is “no forgiveness for demons” written into the laws of the Peace Dynasty, but the Mirror Division has also established the first official anti-demon agency – the “Willow Leaf Division.”
For ninety-nine percent of demons, once discovered, what awaits them is relentless pursuit until their demise.
The remaining small portion are locked up in the Mirror Division’s specialized “Demon Suppression Prison,” becoming “production machines” for certain precious materials.
Day and night, giant spiders spewing silk, fish with scales suitable for making armor, nine-zhang white snakes capable of producing the most poisonous substances… One by one, these demons yet to transform are captured from all corners of the country and brought to the Demon Suppression Prison until every bit of their value is squeezed out.
The Demon Suppression Prison is the only legal breeding ground for demons. If anyone dares to keep any monstrous creature privately, regardless of the reason, it is considered “treason.”
There is absolutely no possibility of turning a blind eye.
So when Wei Changtian accused Zhang Hongwen of “raising demons,” it undoubtedly condemned him to a crime grave enough to implicate his entire family.
…
The air in the hall was almost solidified.
The clear and transparent tea had cooled down, and Li Kan stared at Wei Changtian with widened eyes, his adam’s apple moving slightly.
He couldn’t judge whether this matter was true or false.
But Wei Changtian’s expression was serious and he didn’t seem to be joking.
“…”
After a while, Li Kan finally calmed down a bit and asked, “Young Master Wei, do you know what you just said represents?”
“I do.”
Wei Changtian nodded, “It means the entire Zhang family is going to lose their heads.”
“…”
Li Kan took a deep breath and asked again, “Do you know that there can be no falsehood in this matter?”
“Of course, since I dare to say it in front of Master Li, naturally I have ample evidence.”
Wei Changtian spoke with conviction.
In the novel, Xiao Feng used the leverage of Zhang Hongwen’s “raising demons” to threaten the Zhang family into serving him, ultimately becoming a powerful weapon against the Wei family.
Even if fate were to oppose him now, it couldn’t change this established fact.
“Alright…”
Seeing Wei Changtian’s certainty, Li Kan finally believed half of it.
After a long silence, some other thoughts began to form in his mind.
If Zhang Hongwen were to die because of this crime, he could indeed move further.
Of course, the Wei family must have their own motives, but he didn’t know what they wanted from him…
He could discuss it with Wei Xianzhi!
“Young Master Wei, this matter is too significant. Let me go to your residence tomorrow to see Lord Wei before…”
Li Kan made up his mind to negotiate directly with Wei Xianzhi, but before he could finish, Wei Changtian interrupted him directly:
“Master Li, only I know about this matter for now.”
“W-What?”
Li Kan was stunned, his tone full of disbelief. “Wasn’t this discovered by the Mirror Division?”
“No.”
Wei Changtian shook his head, “It was discovered by my people, and I personally confirmed it, it is absolutely true.”
“How can I trust you?”
Li Kan asked almost subconsciously.
In his mind, the “credibility level” of Wei Changtian and Wei Xianzhi were not at the same level.
Facing the skepticism, Wei Changtian didn’t explain much, just said calmly, “Master Li, whether you believe it or not doesn’t matter, but I can tell you this…”
“As long as I want, Zhang Hongwen will be imprisoned within three days.”
“…”
As long as I want.
Li Kan keenly caught the keyword and knew that Wei Changtian was about to make a request.
After a moment of thought, he gritted his teeth and decided to lay it all out.
“Young Master Wei, since we’ve come to this point, let’s be direct.”
“What do you need from me to act against Zhang Hongwen? What do you require?”
“Hahaha! Master Li is straightforward!”
Wei Changtian laughed twice, knowing that half of his mission for today was accomplished.
“To be frank, Master Li, I need a small favor from you.”
“A few days ago, I heard that the Liu family instigated many thugs to accuse me of several crimes. It seems they even want a trial at the Three Offices… Master Li, do you know if this is true or false?”
“Uh…”
Li Kan was stunned, not expecting that Wei Changtian came for this matter, and even more surprised that Wei Changtian could find out about it.
It should be noted that the mastermind behind this Three Offices trial is the Liu family, and there are very few people who know about it, from the Ministry of Punishments to the Censorate, and even the Judicial Office. The secrecy was very strict, aimed at catching the Wei family off guard.
This was also why he didn’t consider it earlier.
But who would have thought that while they were being secretive, Wei Changtian had already found out!
Could this guy really be in control of an intelligence organization even more elusive than the Mirror Division?
Li Kan’s gaze towards Wei Changtian changed for a moment.
But he probably couldn’t imagine that the one leaking secrets this time was Li Yang.
Guard against thieves day and night; it’s hard to guard against those from within!
“It’s true.”
Since Wei Changtian had brought it up, Li Kan also knew that hiding it now was meaningless, so he admitted frankly, “The Liu family personally inquired about this case. Few people know about it, and it has been secretly pushed forward.”
“Okay, I understand.”
Wei Changtian nodded directly and said, “Master Li, I only need you to tell me one thing.”
“What?”
“The list of witnesses in this case, and where they are currently detained?”
“…”
Li Kan’s face changed instantly. “Are you… going to kill them?!”
“Master Li, I didn’t say that.”
Wei Changtian smiled, “You just need to give me the list and the addresses, and I’ll handle the rest.”
“This…”
Li Kan was stuck in a dilemma.
He was well aware that this choice wasn’t just about exchanging intelligence for a chance of promotion; it was about his career, and even his life.
The Liu family or the Wei family?
If what Wei Changtian said was true, then choosing the Wei family seemed more reliable.
After all, even if he handed over the list of witnesses, the Liu family might not necessarily find out that it was him, at least not in the short term.
But if he didn’t hand it over, he would undoubtedly be at odds with the Wei family from this moment on.
But… was what Wei Changtian said really true? Did Zhang Hongwen really raise demons?
Li Kan was extremely conflicted, but he couldn’t afford not to choose.
Just as he hesitated for half a day without being able to make up his mind, Wei Changtian suddenly turned his head and looked at the landscape painting behind him, casually asking, “Master Li, this painting has a distant artistic conception. Do you know which master it is from?”
Li Kan was stunned but still answered truthfully, “It’s from Ye Yian.”
“Ye, the Painting Saint!”
Wei Changtian clicked his tongue, “Tsk tsk, such a large painting must be worth a fortune.”
“Young Master Wei, this painting was a gift from a good friend of mine.”
Li Kan said seriously, “At that time, I didn’t know its value, otherwise I would have definitely refused it!”
“Clap clap clap clap!”
The sound of applause suddenly echoed in the quiet hall, full of mockery.
Watching Li Kan’s face turn crimson, Wei Changtian clapped his hands while laughing, “Master Li, that’s being modest. A mere fortune, it shouldn’t mean much to you, right?”
“Young Master Wei! What do you mean by that?”
“What do I mean?”
Wei Changtian walked up to the landscape painting and touched the small boat depicted on it.
“Just this treasure hidden behind the wall should be enough to buy dozens of paintings by Ye Yian.”
“…”
“Clang clang crash!”
The sound of tables and chairs toppling over came from behind. Li Kan, an older man, was actually scared speechless and collapsed on the ground.
This time, he had no choice left.
“Young… Young Master Wei, from… from now on, I will obey your orders. Please… please spare me…”
Wei Changtian didn’t turn around or answer. He simply repeated the question he asked earlier, “Where are those people hidden by the Liu family?”
“At Ren’an Lane, Loctus Alley…”