Chapter 134
Chapter 134
In the next instant, the previously calm surface of the water exploded into a massive splash.
Shen Zhuoyang and Li Ziheng were both blasted out of the water.
And coming out with them was that green-faced, tusk-baring Water Ghost.
The Water Ghost had just been fighting Li Ziheng. Even after being blasted into the air, it still refused to settle down. It stretched out its sharp claws in midair, trying to take Li Ziheng’s life.
Li Ziheng was startled and immediately swung his peach wood sword, slashing at the Water Ghost.
At the same time, Xia Sheng threw out a Talisman, striking the Water Ghost and shattering its Spirit Soul.
Li Ziheng had been unable to pierce the Water Ghost’s defenses earlier, but for some reason, this time his sword actually pierced straight through the Water Ghost’s heart.
He hadn’t noticed Xia Sheng’s Talisman at all. He thought the Water Ghost’s defenses had simply weakened at that moment and that he’d managed to seize the opening, and he was instantly overjoyed.
He had finally taken down the Water Ghost!
The top prize this time was his!
With that thought in mind, after landing, Li Ziheng even shot Xia Sheng a smug look.
Xia Sheng didn’t spare him so much as a glance. Instead, she took a towel out of the bag she was carrying and handed it to Shen Zhuoyang. “Dry your hair.”
Shen Zhuoyang thanked her and took the towel, but instead of drying his hair, he immediately turned back to check on Li Ziheng and the Water Ghost.
He had been blasted into the air just now, and with his view obstructed, he hadn’t seen how the Water Ghost died.
Now, seeing the Water Ghost collapsed beside Li Ziheng with a sword wound on its body, he asked in surprise, “You killed this Water Ghost?”
Li Ziheng smiled proudly. “I did.”
No matter who had actually killed the Water Ghost, its death was still a good thing.
Shen Zhuoyang was happy for Li Ziheng. He walked over and patted him on the shoulder. “Well done. When we get back, I’ll have the higher-ups record a first-class merit for you. Keep it up. Maybe it won’t be long before you get promoted to deputy captain.”
Li Ziheng’s face lit up. “Thank you, Captain Shen!”
But just as the words left his mouth, Master Quede spoke from the side. “The Water Ghost just now wasn’t killed by Li Ziheng. It was Little Friend Xia who killed it.
“And the reason you were blasted out of the water was because Little Friend Xia was trying to save your lives.”
Shen Zhuoyang froze. Beside him, Li Ziheng immediately blew up. He had never expected that Master Quede, whom he had always respected, would actually lie through his teeth.
“Master, that Water Ghost clearly died by my sword. What does it have to do with that woman?”
As he spoke, disappointment showed in his eyes. “I have always respected you. Are you really going to play favorites and help that woman steal the credit, just so she can win first prize for this commission?”
What was he even talking about?
Master Quede was left a little dumbfounded by Li Ziheng’s words. “What prize money? Little Friend Xia joined this commission to save you and Captain Shen, you…”
“Master,” Li Ziheng cut him off before he could finish, “in my heart, you have always been someone as noble and clear as the moon and wind. I hope you won’t tarnish your own name by doing something this absurd just to help a woman steal credit.”
Master Quede: “…”
He had never been this speechless in his life.
Just a moment ago, he had even promised Xia Sheng that if she saved Li Ziheng, he would make Li Ziheng hand over all his belongings to repay her.
But looking at it now, it would already be a blessing if this man didn’t go straight over and start a fight with Xia Sheng. How could he possibly hand over everything he owned to thank her?
Thinking of how Xia Sheng’s good intentions had been wasted on this bastard, Master Quede grew both angry and anxious, and continued explaining, “I’m not helping Xia Sheng steal credit. She really was the one who saved you just now…”
Li Ziheng refused to listen to Master Quede’s explanation at all. He motioned for the other team members and prepared to leave.
Master Quede still wanted to stop them, but Xia Sheng grabbed his hand and said, “Forget it.”
Master Quede felt it wasn’t worth it for Xia Sheng. “How can we just forget it? This has to be made clear, or won’t you be the one taking the loss?”
“It’s fine,” Xia Sheng said lightly. “He’ll give me the money sooner or later. And it’s not a bad thing if people think he really killed the Water Ghost. That way, the real mastermind will lower their guard, and we’ll have a chance to catch that Eight-Eyed Mangui.”
Master Quede was still burning with frustration, but seeing how calm Xia Sheng, the person directly involved, was, he gradually settled down as well. “You already have a plan?”
“Mm. Let’s head back to the village chief’s house first.”
Master Quede had originally wanted to ask what Xia Sheng was planning to do, but worried there might be spies nearby, he ultimately swallowed all his questions and followed the others back to the village chief’s house.
When the village chief heard that they had already killed the Water Ghost, he said delightedly, “So many people came to our village before, one after another, and none of them could kill that Water Ghost. Who would’ve thought Mr. Li could take it down all by himself? That’s incredible!”
After just a couple compliments, Li Ziheng was practically floating. He waved a hand and said, “It’s not that impressive, really. The Water Ghost was just too weak. I stabbed it to death with a single sword thrust.”
“Oh my? You killed the Water Ghost with one thrust? And that’s not impressive? You’re too modest!” the village chief said with a flattering smile. “You’ve all worked hard today. Tonight I’ll prepare a celebratory feast for you. The villagers all want to properly thank you, our benefactor!”
Li Ziheng smiled too. “No need, no need. It’s our duty to eliminate evil and protect the good. We still need to hurry back and report in, so let’s forget the feast. Just live well from now on.”
“All right then.” Village Chief Li seemed a little disappointed. “Then I’ll see you off to the village entrance.”
With that, Village Chief Li personally escorted the group out of the village.
Along the way, Village Chief Li and several villagers crowded around Li Ziheng, praising him as if there were no one like him in heaven or on earth. They called him “benefactor” and “hero” over and over until Li Ziheng was so flattered he was nearly dizzy.
Walking beside Xia Sheng, Master Quede rolled his eyes. “That brat’s ego is about to shoot through the roof. He’s not even the one who killed the Water Ghost.”
Xia Sheng showed no particular expression. She seemed completely unconcerned about the matter, but every so often her gaze flicked toward Village Chief Li, unreadable.
When they reached the village entrance, the village chief watched them board the vehicle and even gave each of them a local specialty from the village.
He went on and on with words of thanks before finally letting the driver take them away.
As the car disappeared into the distance, the smile on the village chief’s face vanished instantly. He spat on the ground. “Idiots. They killed a stand-in and actually think they’re great heroes.”
After cursing, he turned to the villager beside him and coldly ordered, “Go tie up that girl from the Zhao family and bring her to me. She actually dared to call the police. She must have a death wish!
“The River God hasn’t eaten for days. It’s about time he had something to whet his appetite.”
The short, fat man standing beside the village chief nodded, then revealed a lewd smile. “That woman is going to end up in the River God’s belly anyway, so before that, can we…?”
“Have some ambition!” Village Chief Li kicked him in irritation, but he wore the same lascivious grin. “Handle it carefully and keep it quiet. Once you’ve tied her up, call me over too. I’ve never sampled a female college student before.”