Chapter 50: Heading to Qingzhou
Chapter 50: Heading to Qingzhou
The dawn's first light illuminated the misty dawn.
Outside the tranquil county town, over a dozen horse-drawn carriages were lined up in a row.
The ebony carriages were not adorned with auspicious patterns but instead with lifelike depictions of ferocious beasts, causing unease in those who gazed upon them.
The horses pulling the carriages were robust, with long and powerful limbs, their bodies jet-black, standing half a head taller than ordinary horses.
Their heads were covered in dark red velvet fur, and when they lifted their heads, a pair of vertical pupils stared at the side, letting out a loud snort.
Frightened, Niu Da hurriedly held his bundle and stepped back, "Where have I seen a horse with eyes like this, like a leopard."
The beggar approached, gently patting the horse's neck, and said with a smile, "This is a demihorse, it runs fast and steady, and can even travel at night. In two days at most, we'll be back in Qingzhou."
Demihorse, as they are called, are livestock tainted by demonic beings.
If they were to awaken, they would become true demonic beasts.
But under specialized training, generation after generation, their demonic nature weakens, and the possibility of awakening becomes almost non-existent.
After calming the demihorse, the beggar returned to Li Xinhan's side and whispered, "Currently, his learning is quite diverse. He has practiced body-tempering martial arts similar to the Vajra Sect, and he also has some proficiency in blade techniques, according to the county office, when he wields his blade, there's even a noticeable demonic aura."
"From my observations yesterday, his steps are light and agile, and I could even discern the foundation of the Spirit Snake Eight Steps."
"Hmm, it's too messy and chaotic, it doesn't seem like he has a proper master."
Just from what could be observed, he had already touched upon three completely different paths: body-tempering martial arts, demonic blade techniques, and the Demon Suppressing Bureau's light body skills.
The beggar spoke with a hint of helplessness, "With such a wild approach, he'd be no match for me in a single move."
Martial artists most detest disorganized and chaotic learning.
After all, their lifespan is limited.
Jumping from one thing to another, knowing a little of everything, may seem advantageous in combat, but in reality, it wastes a significant amount of time on any one skill.
"His talent should be no weaker than yours, and he's around the same age as you. I estimate that this is the reason why he lags behind you in cultivation."
Hearing this, Li Xinhan remained composed, "That's a good thing."
The diversity of his learning proves that he has no connections or a clean background.
"And, it's not just about age."
Li Xinhan's gaze wandered far away, watching the approaching figure, and said indifferently, "I'm a year and six months younger than him, and I had already reached the Jade Dew Realm more than two years ago. If it were me who visited the other day instead of you, he wouldn't have lasted a single move against me either."
Seeing that he was obviously emotional but trying to act nonchalant, the beggar was speechless. He muttered under his breath, "If it were Lord Lin who opened the door, you wouldn't have lasted a move either... It's not like it's a big deal, no need to be so envious."
Li Xinhan's mouth twitched twice, and he coldly humphed, turning and mounting his horse.
"..."
Old Liu stretched his body and yawned, too lazy to get involved in their argument.
Both from Qingzhou, with clean family backgrounds, and selected together into the Demon Suppressing Bureau, Li Xinhan had better talent and progressed faster, but he didn't have the habit of acting superior to his brothers. It was common for them to tease each other, and no one took it to heart.
He rubbed his neck and walked towards the group in the distance, "Are they here? Family members and servants, please board the carriages behind."
Chen Ji nodded and helped the slightly nervous Chen Jinyu onto the carriage filled with female relatives.
"Hmm..."
Old Liu turned around and was shocked by the bulky figure of Zhang the Butcher, "Forget it, you should take a carriage by yourself."
He led Shen Yi and Chen Ji onto the first carriage.
As Li Xinhan lightly tugged the reins, riding at the front, the other demihorses followed behind without needing a driver, as if they knew to follow.
"Once you reach Qingzhou, practice diligently. You're a promising talent, and in the future, you might even have the chance to add a cloud motif to your sleeve."
Seated in the stable carriage, Old Liu first gave Chen Ji an encouraging glance.
"Understood, sir," Chen Ji responded with a bow, knowing that the other party was merely giving face to Sir Shen.
"I won't beat around the bush with you," Old Liu said, turning to Shen Yi. He rubbed his hands together and asked, "What do you say? Are you interested in joining us? Captain Li has several pretty girls under his command, and you're not married yet, are you?"
Shen Yi lifted the curtain and glanced outside.
He saw only two riders, Li Xinhan and the beggar.
"Where are the others?" Shen Yi asked.
Old Liu sighed, "They're staying in Baiyun County, waiting for the Inner Camp patrol to come and take over."
"The Inner Camp?" Shen Yi was slightly curious.
Old Liu seemed reluctant to explain further, but when he heard a hum from Li Xinhan outside the carriage, he reluctantly said, "The Demon Suppressing Bureau in Qingzhou is divided into three camps. Aside from the place where these newcomers stay, there's also the distinction between the Inner and Outer Camps."
"The Inner Camp, aside from conducting timely patrols in the counties, spends its days in Qingzhou City, patrolling the streets, drinking wine... They are well-versed in the art of guarding, rarely leaving the city, and lead a boring life."
"Our Outer Camp is much more prestigious. Both the Commander and Lord Lin started from the Outer Camp when they were young. Not only do they have more freedom, but they also frequently travel with nature, enjoying the beauty of the world, living a carefree life."
Chen Ji listened with a dazed expression and asked softly, "If you're often wandering outside the city, won't you encounter many demons and monsters?"
"You..."
Old Liu glared at the young man, opened his mouth, and seemed at a loss for words, "It's not difficult for Shen to join the Inner Camp. Just have Captain Li put in a good word. His family is a prominent household in Qingzhou, never lacking in silver. He can pull some strings... The girls in our team are truly beautiful. Think it over."
Shen Yi lowered the curtain, feeling that the other party was like a pimp.
To be able to stay in a safe place for a lifetime, free from the fear of demon attacks, and have a steady job.
Such a good opportunity was irresistible to anyone.
Except him.
Without the support of a demon's lifespan, Shen Yi's so-called "talent" would be exposed instantly.
The true level of this body, even with a lifetime of hard cultivation, would only make him a decent swordsman.
Not to mention comparing him to these Demon Suppressing captains, even when compared to Chen Ji, he was far inferior.
"The Outer Camp is good. I'll follow the captain's arrangements."
Shen Yi retracted his gaze, appearing as if he truly believed Old Liu's nonsense.
Upon hearing this, Li Xinhan, riding outside the carriage, maintained his calm expression, but the hand gripping the reins loosened slightly.
"I knew you had an eye for talent!"
Old Liu clapped his hands happily and gave a thumbs up, "You saw our potential at first glance."
The Demon Suppressing Bureau valued merit highly, leading to intense competition among its members.
For Captain Li to get promoted, he needed to form his own team.
Compared to other teams led by deputy commanders, he was at a disadvantage due to his youth and inexperience when selecting personnel.
Someone like Shen Yi, who possessed skills, might not be considered exceptional by other deputy commanders, but to them, he was a valuable find.
"..."
Chen Ji stood in the corner, feeling slightly sentimental.
Both from Baiyun County, while Chen Ji and his companions worried about their future, Sir Shen was already a sought-after talent by the Demon Suppressing captains.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
