Chapter 725 - 438: Master, Even Buddhas Need Guns to Save Demons in These Times!

Chapter 725: Chapter 438: Master, Even Buddhas Need Guns to Save Demons in These Times!

Kushi Town is located about twenty li southeast of the Lin Family Hill, in a barren hilly area.

The townspeople mainly live off quarrying gray stone. Although not wealthy, it is one of the key routes to the northern mountainous area.

At this moment, the roar of military vehicles broke the afternoon silence of Kushi Town.

A convoy of twenty trucks, stirring up dry yellow dust, came to a steady halt under the somewhat shabby archway at the town entrance.

Deputy Mo was the first to leap off the leading truck. Clad in a crisp officer’s uniform with shiny boots and a pistol at his waist, his gaze was sharp as an eagle’s.

Behind him, over a thousand elite soldiers swiftly disembarked, silently forming a perimeter.

Their uniform attire, fine standard rifles, and an aura of lethal discipline instantly subdued the scene.

The local gentry and notables, having received prior notice, had been waiting at the town entrance for quite some time and immediately came forward to greet them.

At the forefront was an elder in a silk robe, with graying hair and beard, none other than the mayor of Kushi Town.

His face adorned with a humble and warm smile, he stepped forward briskly, deeply bowing to Deputy Mo.

"Mayor Zhao Deming of Kushi Town, along with the local gentry, warmly welcomes Officer Mo and the Southern Army to our town!"

Behind Zhao Deming stood a dozen well-dressed gentry and wealthy locals, all bowing deeply with utmost respect.

In everyone’s eyes was a deep sense of awe and trepidation.

Reputation of the Southern Army, now widely known, they are the heavens of northern Qingzhou.

They were at their peak, dominating six counties.

This Officer Mo was the trusted enforcer under "Southern King Lu Xuan," someone they dared not to take lightly.

"Are you the mayor here?" Deputy Mo glanced casually at Zhao Deming.

In the next moment, his voice resonated throughout the area, "The Grand Marshal heard that Kushi Town was also troubled by the undead, and specifically sent us to inspect, clear out remnants, stabilize the area, and ensure that no demons shall reside under our Southern Army’s rule!"

Having said that, Deputy Mo’s gaze swept over the crowd, finally resting on Zhao Deming’s face: "What is the situation within the town? Is there anything unusual?"

At this, Zhao Deming quickly replied: "Thanks to Grand Marshal Lu’s blessings, and Officer Mo’s might!

Since the incidents at Lin Family Hill and Blackwater Town the other day, I’ve organized the militia to patrol day and night, closed the town gates, and fortunately, by heaven’s grace, no strange occurrences have been found within the town.

However, people are anxious, and many have already left. Now seeing Officer Mo and the Celestial Soldiers here, we... we can finally be at ease!"

His words were full of flattery, and other gentry surrounding him echoed: "Yes, yes."

"With Officer Mo’s presence, our hearts feel settled!"

"With Southern Army’s arrival, Kushi Town will be peaceful!"

"With Southern Army’s arrival, Qingtian has come!"

"Southern Army is mighty! Long live Grand Marshal Lu!"

Deputy Mo gazed down at the bowing gentry before him, a smirk of undisguised arrogance forming at the corner of his lips.

"Hmph, you people at least know your place, you’re all smart enough."

These words of superior approval seemed like Deputy Mo was bestowing them with grace, "Well said! Grand Marshal Lu is the sky over Qingzhou! He is our Lord Qingtian!"

Immediately, the arrogant curve on his face disappeared, Deputy Mo’s expression turned serious, and his gaze quickly scanned the hills outside the town, his orders dropping down.

"Listen, my army will take over all key roads within the town, seal off all surrounding passes,

Zhao Deming, you will immediately find me the guide most familiar with the terrain, and the whole town shall prepare and supply three days’ worth of provisions, without any errors!"

"By the Grand Marshal’s order! At dawn tomorrow, our Southern Army will advance and vow to eradicate all ghosts and specters from Blackwater Town and Lin Family Hill!"

Pausing for a moment, Deputy Mo nearly gritted out the next words, declaring each word slowly.

"Remember this clearly — under the domain of Grand Marshal Lu, under the Southern Army’s spearhead..."

"No damn demon or monster is allowed to become a spirit!"

The last sentence, like crackling thunder, made the hearts of Kushi Town’s gentry tremble, nodding repeatedly.

"Indeed! Indeed!" Mayor Zhao hurriedly answered, stepping aside, bowing to make a gesture of invitation.

"Officer Mo, please enter the town! The banquet is ready, though it’s a small place with simple dishes, it conveys our heartfelt intentions; we sincerely hope the General graces us with your presence."

Deputy Mo pondered for a moment, then nodded: "Sure."

He needed to learn more about the situation in Blackwater Town and Lin Family Hill from these people’s mouths.

Subsequently, Deputy Mo turned to his deputy and ordered: "One company to guard the town entrance, control the high ground; second and third companies follow me into the town, maintain vigilance."

"Yes!"

The orders were given, and the soldiers’ movements were uniform.

Only then did Deputy Mo, under the escort of Mayor Zhao and others, stride into Kushi Town.

On either side of the street, some daring townsfolk peeked through door cracks and window seams, secretly watching this well-equipped and imposing army, their eyes filled with curiosity and a hint of hope.

Mayor Zhao’s residence was indeed grand, a small fortress in this barren land.

The banquet was set in a spacious central hall, with the elegance of Jiangnan gardens.

Inside, the tables and chairs were polished bright, reflecting a sense of rural gentry’s reality and lavishness.

Deputy Mo sat at the head position, while Mayor Zhao and several gentry cautiously accompanied him with smiling faces below.

After a round of drinks, Deputy Mo’s gaze swept over the hall, his brows slightly raising.

The several banquet tables set up in the hall were quite conspicuous.

A few people sat at the eastern end, seemingly outsiders.

Three monks draped in bright yellow robes sat alone at a table, with only vegetarian dishes in front of them.