Imperial City, Ji Wang Fu.

  The princess sat in front of the dressing table, looking at the elegant and noble face in the mirror, with delicate makeup, but the smile on her lips was slowly fading away.

  She was playing with a jade bangle in her hand.

  As her five fingers clenched into a fist, the bangles shattered with a loud crash, and the shattered jade fragments failed to injure her fair skin.

  "Are you saying that the Qingzhou General did not come to the Wang Manor for a visit?" The princess turned around, her voice calm, but it sent chills down one's spine.

  Filled with anticipation, I waited for a whole day and night, already thinking of how to mock Jiang Yuanhua when the time comes.

  Up until this moment, the entrance of the Wang estate was still deserted.

  The maid knelt on the ground, her whole body trembling: "Princess... this time the general who entered the capital is not the one you know... it's that General Xuanjia who came to the Wangfu last time."

  “……”

  The princess of Zhi raised an eyebrow.

  Qingzhou has changed its commander-in-chief, what about Jiang Yuanhua?

  Is he dead?

  If so, then the current crisis in Qingzhou is probably much more severe than I had imagined.

  "Hmm."

  She sneered and said that Jiang Yuanhua's good disciple didn't come, but instead let General Shen come over, was he unwilling to bow his head to her?

  At this point, King Ji's consort lightly waved her sleeve: "If it were him visiting, just say that the palace is not in the mansion. What a cheap thing, the master doesn't show up, and let a small one take the lead."

  Isn't giving a young person the nominal title of commander just treating him as one?

  "Your Highness..."

  The maid's slender body trembled even more violently, and she whispered in a frightened tone: "That general may not come to the palace after all."

  They, as people around them, best understand how to guess the thoughts of their masters.

  Before seeing the Qingzhou General last night, someone was sent to the Wu Temple in the name of the Wang Mansion to make inquiries.

  When those guards returned today, their faces were strange to the extreme.

  "What does it mean?" The king's wife's fingers, which were stroking her hair, paused slightly.

  "General Shen has been promoted to General-in-Chief, he didn't come to the Imperial City to ask for help..." The maid lifted her head, and then her face was kicked, her whole body rolled out four or five times, and her cheekbones were all sunken.

  She covered her face in horror, but still tried hard to swallow the plasma down her throat.

  "Are you playing dumb riddles with me?" Princess Ji Wang slowly stood up and walked in front of her.

  The maid suppressed her sobs, panting and saying: "Shen Daoren has been promoted again, now he is the Deputy Inspector of the Demon-Suppressing Department! There's also no news about any demon disasters in Qingzhou."

  Upon hearing this, Princess Ji suddenly froze.

  Demon-quelling Department Patrol Officer?

  She suddenly realized she might have guessed wrong.

  Has the evil spirit of Qingzhou been resolved? But even so, how did this patrol officer rise up?

  Even if they personally beheaded the Demon King, it would still be far from enough to qualify for this position.

  "Master Shen! Master Shen has entered the Wu Miao Temple's first courtyard! He is now a disciple of the Wu Miao Temple!"

  The maid didn't dare to hesitate anymore and told all the information she had in one breath, then covered her face and bowed down again.

  "Ah."

  The princess of Zhi's body stiffened for a long time, then let out a mouthful of air and sat up again.

  If saying Patrol Messenger's identity only made her astonished, then the meaning represented by Wu Miao disciple was completely different.

  In name, Wu Miao is on an equal footing with Xuangong Cave and Wutong Mountain.

  Even if it has declined now, there are still cultivators of the Immortal Transformation Realm sitting in town.

  The pride of the King's wife comes from her origin in the immortal gate, looking down on the secular royal court, but now Shen Yi has entered a real martial temple, that is to say, a true and proper immortal gate disciple.

  Moreover, Wu Miao even prepared a vacant position of touring envoy for him, which shows how much he valued him, and it's not an exaggeration to call him a true disciple.

  In terms of status, it is even higher than this princess who has some connection with Xuangong Cave.

  After a long silence, she squeezed out a smile: "Let someone go and pick one of the treasures in the palace, that kind of treasure that nourishes the soul, and then send it to the Wu Temple to congratulate Mr. Shen on his promotion."

  Several guards outside the door nodded in agreement.

  They had not gone far when Queen Ji suddenly spoke up: "Forget it, prepare the carriage. I will go congratulate him myself."

  If I'm not mistaken, there was no grudge between her and General Xiao Shen.

  It's always right to make friends with such a young and talented person in advance. Don't let those two surnamed Jiang cause any misunderstandings between you and Shen Yi, leaving unnecessary estrangement.

  The guards were all stunned, and then secretly scolded in their hearts.

  They previously said they would refuse him at the door, but now the Wang family is proactively going to congratulate him.

  "But on the surface, he didn't dare show any disrespect: 'We'll go prepare the carriage immediately.'"

  About an hour later.

  The magnificent carriage of the Wang Mansion slowly drove out of Chang Street and soon stopped in front of the Wu Temple.

  Inside the carriage, Princess Ji Wang opened the box beside her and looked at the deer horn made of jade-like material. She stretched out her hand to gently stroke it for a moment, making sure that this gift was substantial enough before nodding in approval.

  Two maidservants got off the carriage and walked towards the Town Demon Office's main hall.

  Liu Kun had just finished a day's worth of official business and was rubbing his sore wrists when he heard a soft, gentle voice coming from in front of the cabinet.

  "Princess Ji Wang is visiting, could you please help me inform the adults?"

  Hearing this, Liu Kun looked up in confusion: "Who is visiting?"

  A dignified princess, and also the notorious Princess of Ji, what is she doing running to the Town Demon Department's main office?

  "Could it be that I still can't visit you?"

  One of the younger maidservants glanced around, but didn't see the figure she wanted to see, and immediately furrowed her brow.

  The slightly older one patted her arm and said in a gentle voice, "The princess personally came to congratulate the newly appointed Mr. Shen, she and Mr. Shen are old acquaintances."

  Another old acquaintance?

  Liu Kun suddenly thought of the river crane at dawn, and as the wife of King Ji, she shouldn't be boasting wildly.

  But... if they were really good friends, why would they come to this place and ask a constable of the Demon Vanquishing Department about someone.

  Adding to the queen's reputation, tsk, really treating oneself as a stupid pig.

  He shook his head and politely said: "Sorry, Mr. Shen is not here, please go back."

  The young maid was slightly stunned, then changed her expression and coldly said: "Where did Lord Shen go?"

  Listen to the tone of this question.

  Liu Kun raised an eyebrow, slowly got up and looked down at these two maids.

  He slowly closed his book, a hint of mockery playing on his lips: "Hmph."

  The slaves of two royal palaces actually inquired about the whereabouts of the inspector, and even if Queen Ji personally came to ask, she could only get a cold shoulder.

  Town Demon Patrol Envoy, investigating evil spirits and heresies of aristocratic families.

  Among them, Queen Jeong of the Hyeon-gwang-dong clan was the most prominent one.

  This matter has become so ridiculous that it's like a thief asking about the whereabouts of the police chief.

  “……”

  Two maidservants were swept over by those mocking gazes.

  Suddenly realized that this is the Demon-Suppressing Department outside of the Imperial Court, and it doesn't follow the rules of the Wang Fu.

  "Liu Mou's status is lowly, but he doesn't dare to casually reveal Mr. Shen's news."

  Liu Kun packed up his things and headed out of the yamen, saying casually: "If there's a need, I'll report to Magistrate Shen when he returns. If it's really urgent, you two can wait outside. As for how many days you'll have to wait, I'm not quite sure."

  "You!"

  The young maid stared after him with wide eyes, wanting to shout in anger, but was pulled back by another maid.

  The two of them quickly walked back to the carriage and stood by the curtain, reporting in a low voice.

  "Not here?"

  The princess of Zhi raised the curtain of her carriage and gazed out calmly.

  She gazed at the towering Wu Temple, silent for a long time, and then a hint of a profound smile appeared on her lips: "Make this palace wait?"

  Pull down the car curtain.

  The king's consort's face turned even more gloomy.

  A newly joined disciple of the Wu Temple, not learning any martial arts, not in the government office, can't just go out for a stroll? Are you trying to fool me with this nonsense? It's clear that someone had made prior arrangements and didn't want to see me.

  It doesn't matter.

  He's just a disciple of the Wu Temple, what's so great about him?

  Really thinks he's some kind of big shot now.

  She adjusted her rapid breathing, but a moment later, she still lost her composure and slammed the green jade deer horn to pieces: "You're deceiving people too much!"

  ……

  On a certain official road of the Daqian Dynasty.

  The black-scaled demon horse's figure was exceptionally handsome as it galloped, transforming into a flowing light that flashed by, like an evil crocodile soaring through the air.

  Zhang Xuan suddenly slapped his forehead: "It's bad!"

  "What's wrong?"

  "Director Shen, I forgot to pick up the reward for my colleague..."

  Zhang Xuan wore a dark and cold xuan armor, but couldn't exude even half a bit of overbearing aura, looking like an old farmer whose back was bent by the weight of life.

  "It's nothing, come back and get it together." Shen Yi withdrew his gaze and continued to ride his horse.

  "Return?" Zhang Xuan found that the words of this patrolling official were always confusing to listen to, and so was his handling of affairs. It was just like how he had inexplicably left the Imperial City now.

  I heard that you are from Qingzhou, is this how the Demon Suppression Division speaks and handles matters over there?

  "Director Shen, I'd like to report again on the situation in Songzhou."

  Zhang Xuan hesitated for a moment, although he had already said it three or five times, but he was still not quite at ease.

  Because Mr. Shen's expression didn't change at all after listening, and his response was just a simple nod, it even made him wonder if the other person had heard him or not.

  Those were two demon kings!

  "Whatever."

  Shen Yi didn't mind this and was willing to talk about it. At least it's more interesting than Jiang Yuanhua constantly talking about his apprentice.

  He really can't understand how the other side managed to praise Jiang Qiulian's goodness from all angles and then forcibly stuffed it into his own ears, just like brainwashing.

  "……" Zhang Xuan sighed: "Forget it."

  In fact, there's nothing much to say, Song Prefecture is the smallest of the nine prefectures, governing only eight counties.

  Such a small place has caught the attention of two demon kings.

  The entire Xongzhou's Town Demon Division and the demon catchers have actually only done one thing for these two hundred years.

  That's desperately provoking a dispute between the two demon kings.

  From designing traps for their wives and subordinates, to intentionally spreading rumors about precious treasures, causing the two kings to fight each other, and even spreading rumors about who was stronger... they used every trick in the book, and finally managed to make them sworn enemies.

  Even so, Song State paid a heavy price as well.

  Eight counties lost four counties.

  These four counties are now ruled by one Oni King and another Oni King is guarding outside of Shō Province.

  Presenting a situation of mutual restraint among three parties.

  The Song State's General lost half of its cities, and the power of incense was insufficient. Even the boundary of Wu Xian was about to be unsustainable.

  But what truly broke this balance...

  The demon king Shouyuan outside of Songzhou is about to die, and seven or eight of the demon kings under his command have also died. The remaining ones have scattered like birds and beasts, and are no longer able to resist another demon king.

  "That demon king wants to use the incense and candlelight to build a temple and become a god... If it's allowed to occupy Songzhou, then unless someone at the level of a divine realm intervenes, who can stop it?"

  Zhang Xuan sighed.

  Those who can become a great general in suppressing demons must have been young and ambitious, with hot blood and a vow to achieve greatness.

  Who would have thought of using the power of demons to resist demons?

  Even for the death of a demon king, it would be a great headache.

  Deification?

  Shen Yi's eyebrows furrowed slightly.

  This kind of thing had happened before. The river monster in Shuiyun Township was also thinking along these lines and proclaimed itself a river god.

  But even if it's said that they have a strong backing, they're only relying on their geographical advantage, occupying an inconspicuous rural town, not even the county seat takes them seriously.

  The demon king of Songzhou occupied as many as four counties.

  These incense and candle offerings are almost enough to support the emergence of a martial immortal.

  "Will ordinary people believe it?"

  At first, the river monster was because of the Yangchun River, and the villagers relied on the Yangchun River for a living.

  A demon king, what can he do for the people of four counties?

  "Rather die than be faithless; no choice but to believe."

  Zhang Xuan closed his eyes. The so-called benevolence and severity were used in tandem, but in reality, it was not the case. As long as the severity was taken to the extreme, benevolence became unimportant.

  In that purgatory of human life, being able to retain a single thread of one's existence is already the greatest blessing.

  "Lord Shen, the demon general of Songzhou Town has been killed or wounded more than half, and we can't even protect the last four counties."

  It's more like wailing than asking for help.

  Zhang Xuan was not just venting his frustrations, he still had the opportunity to enter the capital and chat with people here, compared to the ordinary people in those four counties, this bit of pressure seemed insignificant.

  He wanted Lord Shen to understand the severity of this matter.

  The other party has just entered the Wu Temple and, unlike other Wu Temple disciples who have lived through long years, no longer regards themselves as ordinary people, always looking down on the nine states with a high and mighty attitude.

  The loss of lives is just a number of losses after defeat in his eyes.

  It can be made up for later.

  If Wu Miao is willing to put aside his pride and seek out Xian Men, perhaps many disasters can be avoided.

  Strength is already insufficient, what's the point of doing something to make a comeback, clinging to the nominal three-party alliance.

  Even if it means letting Xuan Guang Dong first summon a great dryness mixed yuan sect master!

  “……”

  Shen Yi didn't say another word, only tightening the reins, and the demonic horse under him accelerated again, not turning back towards the Imperial City, but continuing to head towards Songzhou.

  *sigh*

  Zhang Xuan had no choice but to lower his head and follow.

  I only hope that after witnessing the miserable state of Songzhou with their own eyes, they can speak a few words of praise for Songzhou in front of Wu Miao as a younger brother.

  As the road becomes increasingly rugged.

  A somewhat desolate city appeared before one's eyes, with tattered flags inserted at the city gate, and human heads piled up on top of the wall.

  "Mr. Shen, go around from the right side."

  Zhang Xuan looked up with some embarrassment and couldn't say the second half of his sentence.

  People from Tongtong Town returned to Songzhou.

  It's actually necessary to avoid the demon's territory first, how ridiculous and laughable it is.

  “……”

  Shen Yi grasped the reins tightly and gazed calmly at the city walls in the distance.

  He closed his eyes.

  The next moment, a dark deity surrounded by auspicious clouds stood quietly in mid-air, as if an immortal had descended into the world.

  The dark god's face was indifferent, with a pair of eyes full of murderous intent.

  The lady in blue didn't know what was ahead and wasn't interested in knowing either.

  She only knew that when she was called out by her master, it was time for a big kill.

  Even if it's the King of Demons inside, what can be done about it?

  Scoff, it's not like I've never killed before.

  (End of chapter)