Upon Chen Nan's appearance, everyone was taken aback. They wondered why the Demon Suppression Division would be present. Of course, some individuals observed with knowing glances, such as Song Linhui or Duke Tao, Tao Wenyuan. They were aware that the planned execution of Wang Lan was a setup for Chen Nan. However, they hadn't anticipated Chen Nan arriving with the entire Demon Suppression Division. Was he intending to openly confront them? How interesting indeed!
Wang Lan was the most incredulous. She stared at Chen Nan in shock. Was he the Director of the Demon Suppression Division? She hadn't expected Chen Nan to hold such a position, nor had she thought they would meet again in this lifetime. Their parting had led her to believe their paths would never cross again. Who could have predicted his timely arrival? If he had been a moment later, she would have lost her head.
"So it's Commander Chen of the Demon Suppression Division!" Tuo Kai said with a faint smile. "May I ask why Commander Chen is preventing the executioner from carrying out his duty?"
Chen Nan's gaze was calm. "Wang Lan is involved in a case concerning demons. I need to take her back to assist with the investigation."
Tuo Kai frowned. "May I ask Commander Chen, what case is Wang Lan involved in?"
Chen Nan raised an eyebrow. "Does the Demon Suppression Division need to explain its investigations to you?"
This statement immediately angered Tuo Kai. "Chen, Wang Lan's crimes are unforgivable, and she deserves to be executed publicly. Stop using the Demon Suppression Division to pressure us!"
"We won't fall for your tricks!" They all understood that Chen Nan intended to use the guise of assisting the Demon Suppression Division to rescue Wang Lan. However, they absolutely could not hand Wang Lan over to him. If they did, the Tuo family would lose all face and become a laughingstock of Guangling Prefecture.
Chen Nan sneered. "So what if I use the Demon Suppression Division to pressure you?"
At these words, the strong individuals of the Demon Suppression Division drew their swords and sabers, preparing for a confrontation. Seeing this, Tuo Kai fell silent, but his eyes burned with killing intent. In terms of combat power, the Demon Suppression Division was far superior not only to the Guangling County office but even to the Prefect's office. With four Divine Constables at the peak of the Body Seizing realm alone, they were an insurmountable force in Guangling Prefecture. If a fight broke out, the Guangling County office would have no chance.
"Commander Chen, you are the Director of the Demon Suppression Division, a Level Six Yin Messenger of the court. How can you engage in such bullying?" Tuo Kai asked with a cold smile. "Aren't you afraid the common people will have a problem with this?"
"How dare you!" Chen Nan roared. "You, a Level Five Yin Messenger, dare to speak to me in such a tone?"
"You dare to defy a superior?"
"Do you believe I'll have you punished right now?"
Duke Tao and Song Linhui exchanged knowing smiles. The gloves were off! It was truly worth the trip to witness this unfolding drama.
Tuo Kai paused, then his eyes filled with frost. He was a Level Five Yin Messenger. While several individuals in Guangling Prefecture held higher ranks than him, none dared to offend him. Even Yuan Zun treated him with respect. To think that today he would be reprimanded by a junior right to his face. This was a public humiliation!
He suppressed his anger. "Commander Chen, Wang Lan's crimes are unforgivable. Even if the King of Heaven himself came, he wouldn't be able to save her today!" He had set a trap, hoping to lure Chen Nan into it. While Chen Nan had fallen into it, it wasn't in the way he had imagined. This man's methods were too extreme; he acted completely unpredictably, making him impossible to guard against or handle. He hadn't expected Chen Nan to be so audacious as to lead the Demon Suppression Division to storm the execution grounds. He understood Chen Nan's intention: to intimidate him and establish his authority in front of the people of Guangling Prefecture. He wanted to disrupt the current power structure of Guangling Prefecture.
Chen Nan let out a heavy snort. "What the King of Heaven can do, my Demon Suppression Division can also do."
"What the King of Heaven cannot do, my Demon Suppression Division can also do."
"Today, I'd like to see who dares to obstruct the Demon Suppression Division's investigation."
"Four Divine Constables, heed my command!"
"Yes, Commander!"
The four Divine Constables stepped forward simultaneously.
Chen Nan declared, "Protect the witness Wang Lan. Anyone who dares to approach, kill without mercy!"
"Yes!" The four responded respectfully and moved like phantoms to the execution platform, shielding Wang Lan.
Tuo Kai, enraged, sputtered, "Chen Nan, you are publicly storming the execution grounds and rescuing a notorious criminal. Aren't you afraid of public outrage? Aren't you afraid the people will turn against you?" He knew he couldn't defeat Chen Nan in a direct confrontation, so he resorted to using public opinion against him.
Indeed, as Tuo Kai spoke, many of the onlookers began to whisper. In their eyes, Wang Lan was guilty. Chen Nan's forceful removal of her under the pretense of a Demon Suppression Division investigation made no sense.
Chen Nan chuckled. "Are the people unhappy with me?"
"Don't you have any idea who the people are unhappy with?"
"What? Has your brain been waterlogged?"
Tuo Kai, incensed, exclaimed, "I can't believe such a crude person as you has become the Director of the Demon Suppression Division!"
"Go to hell!" Chen Nan roared. "Let me tell you, my crudeness or refinement depends on the person. trash like you doesn't deserve my respect!" He became more agitated. "Damn it!"
"You really think I'm afraid of you?"
"You! As the Magistrate of Guangling County, as the father and mother of the people, you fail to stand up for them. Instead, you bully others and coerce confessions through torture. Do you really think your Tuo family can control everything?"
"Let me tell you, you old bastard."
"If you push me too far, I'll kill both of you right now!"
"I'll annihilate your entire Tuo family. Then we'll see how you continue to inherit the position of Magistrate!"
This declaration sent shockwaves through the crowd. Countless people stared at Chen Nan in astonishment. Was this a Level Six Yin Messenger of the court? Why was he spewing such profanity? He was unlike other officials, who spoke ambiguously and subtly. One had to analyze their words carefully to understand their true meaning. Chen Nan, however, said what he thought. In fact, his direct way of speaking made him feel relatable, especially his insults towards Tuo Kai, which brought cheers from many. The reason was simple: many people resented the Tuo family's monopolization of the Magistrate position. They were like local tyrants, imposing oppressive rules that made life unbearable for the common people. Yet, no one could oppose them or overthrow the Tuo family's rule.
Hearing Chen Nan's threat to annihilate his family, Tuo Kai roared, "If you have the guts, try laying a finger on me!"
"If you dare to touch me,"
"I'll make sure you know the consequences of crossing my Tuo family—"
Before he could finish, a sharp slap echoed like a clap of thunder, reverberating in everyone's minds! Chen Nan casually picked his ear with his little finger and asked calmly, "I've already touched you. Now, can you tell me the consequences of crossing the Tuo family?"