Chapter 108: The Task
Chapter 108: The Task
"The Demon Slayer Bureau operates differently from other government offices. Unless there's a large-scale demon outbreak, they don't typically exercise top-down control like other bureaus. Instead, they enjoy relative freedom and can take on tasks independently."
Xu Hongyu explained the workings of the Demon Slayer Bureau as they walked.
Having previously hunted demons outside the city under the Bureau's name, and with her unique status, Xu Hongyu naturally understood the Bureau far better than Chen Mu. Her explanation helped him grasp many aspects of its operations.
Firstly, an elite guard unit was stationed outside the city, protecting Yu City. Each of the seven counties in Yu Prefecture also had its own guard unit stationed at the county government, ensuring stability unless a large-scale demon outbreak occurred.
Consequently, the Demon Slayer Bureau's personnel were mostly scattered throughout Yu Prefecture, hunting and killing demons.
In essence, without a large-scale demon outbreak, the Demon Slayer Bureau functioned more like a loose organization. From the Commissioner down to the White and Green Robe Guards, all could independently take on demon-slaying tasks, exchanging demon corpses for corresponding merits.
The Bureau's tasks were based on intelligence gathered from all over Yu Prefecture, analyzed, and categorized into four levels—black, green, white, and purple—and displayed in the main hall.
The 'Black Level' tasks typically involved first and second-rank demons, posing minimal threats. A perfectly trained warrior could easily defeat any second-rank demon, and the Black Robe Guards could handle them unless their numbers were overwhelming.
Next were the 'Green Level' tasks, which often involved a small number of third-rank demons, requiring the Green Robe Guards with their Sinew Transformation cultivation to handle. These tasks usually came with specific intelligence about the demons' type and quantity.
After that were the 'White Level' tasks, still involving third-rank demons, but with unknown numbers and types, significantly increasing the danger and complexity. Either a large group of Green Robe Guards would be dispatched, or the White Robe Guards would lead the operation.
Finally, 'Purple Level' tasks involved fourth-rank demons and required the Deputy Commissioner or higher-ranking officials to intervene.
Soon, Chen Mu followed Xu Hongyu into the main hall of the Demon Slayer Bureau. The spacious hall bustled with about a dozen officials organizing documents or carrying items, yet the atmosphere remained quiet. Occasionally, Green or Black Robe Guards hurried in and out.
Xu Hongyu made her way to the innermost part of the hall, presented her identification badge, and calmly stated, "A White Level task."
An elderly official in charge of the tasks glanced at the badge and then retrieved a document, handing it to Xu Hongyu.
"Let's go," Xu Hongyu said, turning to Chen Mu and the others before heading out.
The process was surprisingly straightforward.
Chen Mu was slightly taken aback by the efficiency of the Demon Slayer Bureau's procedures. The entire process, including the assessment, was remarkably simple—merely presenting the identification badge, changing into the appropriate uniform, and accepting a task with a single sentence.
It was no wonder the atmosphere within the Bureau was so solemn. The Green and Black Robe Guards he had seen outside were always in a hurry, never stopping or engaging in idle chatter.
There was no need to meet superiors or manage subordinates; it was a direct, point-to-point process.
No wonder Xu Hongyu seemed so relaxed upon arriving at the Demon Slayer Bureau. Perhaps this type of bureau suited her better, as she didn't have to engage in political maneuvering as she did in the City Guard Bureau.
Xu Hongyu, Chen Mu, and Xiao He left the Demon Slayer Bureau and headed to a secluded area. There, Xu Hongyu took out the document and carefully reviewed it before handing it to Chen Mu. He accepted it, and together with Xiao He, they examined its contents.
The document provided vague information:
"In the northwest of Anyu County, about 150 li away, there are demons appearing and attacking villages, possibly wolf demons."
Aside from a general direction, there was no specific location or detailed intelligence about the demons, only a suspicion that they were wolf demons, with their strength and numbers unknown.
"This intelligence is rather vague," Chen Mu remarked, shaking his head slightly.
Xu Hongyu calmly replied, "White Level tasks are often like this. If the intelligence were more precise, it would likely be a Green Level task, and the merits earned would be significantly less... We shouldn't delay; let's depart now."
"Okay," Chen Mu agreed, his gaze steady.
Although his previous travels outside the city had only reached as far as the chaotic graveyard outside the city walls, this time, he would be venturing beyond the prefecture capital to the county government. However, his heart remained calm.
The current Chen Mu was no longer the timid and insignificant patrol officer struggling to survive in a chaotic world. With his current strength, he could easily vanquish ordinary demons and travel throughout the prefecture.
The trio quickly exited the inner city and headed for the outer city. Xu Hongyu picked up her pace, leaping over a distance of several dozen zhang, with Xiao He following closely behind. Chen Mu calmly kept up, and they swiftly moved through the narrow alleys, too fast for ordinary people to even see their figures.
Only those with considerable strength, like the members of influential factions, noticed Xu Hongyu's group dashing through the streets. But upon seeing Xu Hongyu and Chen Mu's white and green robes, they showed signs of fear.
"Demon Slayer Bureau!"
No one dared to stop them, and everyone quickly made way.
Within Yu City, the Demon Slayer Bureau's personnel were untouchable. Anyone who obstructed them or caused trouble would be swiftly killed, often without consequence.
Chen Mu swiftly navigated through the area, quickly reaching the familiar territory of Chen Mu.
"Nine Li..."
Chen Mu leaped several zhang into the air, following behind Xu Hongyu. His gaze swept across the surroundings, and along the route, he spotted his former residence. From a distance, he caught sight of the familiar streets and alleys, and the two dilapidated houses he had lived in for many years. A hint of nostalgia flashed through his mind.
He recalled the hardships he endured, even skimping on meat. Yet, within just a few years, he had risen from a patrolman to the deputy magistrate, and now, a Green Robe Guard of the Demon Slayer Bureau. His ascent had been swift and remarkable.
Chen Mu's momentary sentimentality passed in a flash.
The group's figures soon vanished into the alleys, unnoticed by most of the locals still residing there. Only one person stood outside the alleys, gazing at the direction where Chen Mu and his companions had disappeared, seemingly lost in thought.
This person wore the uniform of a patrolman, and compared to a few years ago, he appeared more mature, with a noticeable growth in his beard. It was Ren Yan, Chen Mu's former colleague. After a few years, he had finally been promoted to the position of a patrolman.
"That person..."
Ren Yan watched from a distance as Xu Hongyu and her group disappeared into the distance, standing in place, dazed.
From a slightly farther distance, Ren Yan didn't catch a glimpse of Xu Hongyu, who was the first to pass by. Chen Mu and Xiao He moved swiftly, appearing somewhat blurry, but he still managed to see a side profile, vaguely familiar.
Was that Chen Mu?
Ren Yan was certain it was Chen Mu, and he remembered that Chen Mu had been promoted to the Wutongli Guard Bureau some time ago, but had resigned a few months back, his whereabouts unknown.
Some said that Chen Mu's future was uncertain, but the attire he wore earlier...
"A Green Robe Guard of the Demon Slayer Bureau..."
Ren Yan shook his head silently, a hint of self-mockery on his face.
This was a level he could never reach, a level that could easily crush him. Even Min Baoyi, the deputy magistrate of Nine Li, would have to pay his respects to a Green Robe Guard. It wasn't just a matter of status.
In the past, he had dared to compete with such a figure for fame and fortune.
If he were to mention his rudeness now, a single word from Chen Mu could ruin him forever. But for a minor character like him, perhaps Chen Mu wouldn't even remember him.
...
Chen Mu didn't notice Ren Yan, and even if he did, he likely wouldn't pay much attention or have any interest in acknowledging him.
The only ones Chen Mu would care about were his former followers, Liu Song and Li Tie. When he resigned, he had reassigned Liu Song and Li Tie back to Nine Li and placed them under Min Baoyi's command. He still secretly maintained a network of informants from Wutongli, and as his former trusted aides, they held a significantly higher status, even receiving polite treatment from Min Baoyi.
Soon, they exited the city.
Xu Hongyu took out a map and glanced at it briefly before saying, "Anyu County is in Yu Prefecture, a bit remote. There's a mountain range called Autumn Forest Range between it and the prefecture. Usually, merchants and cargo travel by water or take the official road, bypassing the mountain range. But we need to move faster, so let's cross the mountain range directly."
Chen Mu examined the map and noticed that Anyu County and Yu City were connected by a long, winding river that flowed through Yu City. However, this waterway was full of twists and turns, navigating the complex terrain.
As for the official road marked on the map, it bypassed the mountain range, which stretched for over a hundred li, making it a significant detour. The distance was at least doubled, but merchants still preferred this route due to its safety.
The official road was well-maintained, with waystations at regular intervals, each guarded by the Imperial Army. Traveling on this road significantly reduced the risk of encountering bandits, thieves, or ferocious demons.
"Autumn Forest Range..."
Chen Mu studied the marked area on the map, and information about it came to mind.
During his time with the Yu Clan, he had thoroughly read various books, including the Great Xuan Annals and records about Yu Prefecture. He knew a lot about the Autumn Forest Range, such as the fact that the outer regions supported many local woodcutters and hunters from nearby villages, making it relatively safe.
As for the inner regions, they weren't too far from Yu City, so there weren't any particularly vicious demons. Occasionally, young nobles from the inner city would even be taken by their elders to hunt and train in the Autumn Forest Range.
Even without Chen Mu, Xu Hongyu's strength alone was sufficient to cross the mountain range without issue.
Xiao He noticed Chen Mu's contemplative expression and thought he might have a suggestion, so she looked over at him. Xu Hongyu also paused, and they both turned their attention to Chen Mu, seemingly valuing his opinion even though this was his first time leaving the city.
However, Chen Mu simply shook his head and said, "I have no objections. You're in command, Xu."
Xu Hongyu looked at Chen Mu with clear eyes and suddenly said, "There's no need to be so formal. There's not much difference between us now. From now on, just call me by my name."
With that, she led the way towards the Autumn Forest Range.
(End of Chapter)
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