I Can Devour Spirits

In the past three years, within Xianggu County, the owners of major businesses such as pawnshops, dye workshops, pharmacies, weapon shops, gambling dens, fur stores, inns, and restaurants have either left, died, or retired. Even Hu Huanhuan from Huaying Building has stepped back, becoming a nominal owner.

The Huaying Building, which she founded singlehandedly, no longer belongs to her, though she is still in charge of managing it.

Three years ago, Ximen Yong’s business already had connections with the Prefecture City over there. So, initially, when Duan Rong heard that Ximen Yong had moved his Ximen Family business to the Prefecture City, he didn’t find it strange.

But now, upon careful thought, there’s likely more to it. Even if there were connections with the Prefecture City, it wouldn’t mean abandoning the main base entirely; at least a shop would remain here.

The Ximen Family, however, moved both the shop and the staff to the Prefecture City altogether.

It seems Ximen Yong is indeed shrewd. He must have sensed something amiss and promptly moved, thus avoiding being completely wiped out.

Nevertheless, the new County Magistrate is quite formidable.

The owners of these businesses, each with deep roots and considerable strength, all with varying backgrounds in some cases.

Yet, they were all dealt with!

Apparently, the past three years in Xianggu County must have been quite eventful! All major forces have undergone a complete reshuffle.

However, there are exceptions. The only force in Xianggu County that remains untouched is the Yuan Shun Escort Agency.

Duan Rong recalled the incident Yang Zhen mentioned, from half a month ago, where Xiao Zongting incited escort masters against Ruan Fengshan. Many masked experts entered the escort agency to support and maintain order for Ruan Fengshan, and even the government personnel stepped in to assist him.

At this moment, the overhead view of Xianggu County seemed to revolve in Duan Rong’s mind, and among them, two figures like black holes made Duan Rong ponder deeply and feel he couldn’t quite comprehend them.

One was Ruan Fengshan, the owner of Yuan Shun Escort Agency, and the other was Sun Qian, the County Magistrate of Xianggu County!

As a matter of fact, three years ago, Duan Rong had met Sun Qian. But after three years, Sun Qian’s image had become quite vague in his mind.

At that time, it was after the Talent Selection Conference when they were ambushed by the Filthy Blood Sect, and Zhu Qunxiang led them back to the County Government Office.

When they returned to the County Government Office, the new County Magistrate Sun Qian had already taken office.

Sun Qian personally discussed the Filthy Blood Sect ambush case details with them in the courtyard flower hall, leaving testimonies and signatures from all parties present.

However, the next morning, they left Xianggu County and went off to report to the sect.

Even though Duan Rong’s memory of Sun Qian’s appearance has blurred, he vaguely recalls the new County Magistrate seemed sharp, humble, and measured, not at all like a brutal greedy character.

How could he dare to devour everything in Xianggu County? Wasn’t he worried that the major forces would band together against him?

"Unless...?" Duan Rong’s thoughts reached this point, and his eyes flickered continuously.

Unless this County Magistrate has greater forces behind him, powerful enough to suppress the major leaders within Xianggu County.

When Duan Rong thought of this, an answer surged in his heart—Could it be the Filthy Blood Sect?

This answer is also related to Ruan Fengshan’s identity! When Xiao Yu showed Duan Rong the letter her father left her, Duan Rong already suspected that the attack Ruan Fengshan orchestrated years ago was actually against the old shopkeeper, borrowing the power of experts within the Filthy Blood Sect.

This County Magistrate Sun Qian might use the same strategy, only his ambitions seem larger.

Back then, Ruan Fengshan wanted nothing more than Yuan Shun Escort Agency, while County Magistrate Sun Qian wants the entire Xianggu County.

Duan Rong unwittingly walked towards the street corner, standing there, staring blankly at the County Office’s main gate.

"If that County Magistrate Sun Qian’s backing is indeed the Filthy Blood Sect... then wouldn’t the new leaders of major forces in Xianggu County also be members of the Filthy Blood Sect?"

"In that case, this whole Xianggu County..."

Duan Rong stood there, though the sun shone upon him, he unexpectedly shivered, his skin prickling with goosebumps.

At this moment, an old lady carrying a basket walked past the alley. Seeing Duan Rong strapped small, poorly dressed, and just seemingly chilled, shivering suddenly.

The old lady sighed compassionately, took out a baked cake from her basket, and tucked it into Duan Rong’s arms before swiftly leaving.

Duan Rong held the hot, freshly baked cake in his hand, turning around, but the old lady had already turned into another fork in the alley.

Duan Rong had been a bit stunned and hadn’t seen the old lady’s face nor had time to thank her.

The only regret Duan Rong felt while dressed as a little beggar was not being able to properly savor the culinary delights on the streets and alleys, which he hadn’t tasted for three years.

Now, looking at the baked cake in his hand, Duan Rong immediately salivated. Seeing its oval appearance and densely sprinkled sesame on the surface, he knew it must be Lu’s baked cake. This cake also contained fragrant green onion and salt and pepper inside, a bite would be full of flavor.

Duan Rong immediately took a bite, the steam puffing out, scalding his nose.

Chewing the crispy outer layer and tender inside of the cake, a burst of crispy, salty delight exploded on his taste buds, and suddenly, Duan Rong’s eyes moved.

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