Chapter 50: Journey to Qingzhou
Chapter 50: Journey to Qingzhou
As the first rays of dawn illuminated the land, a thin mist hung in the air just outside the quiet town. Over a dozen carriages were lined up, ready for the journey.
The wooden bodies of the carriages were adorned not with auspicious patterns, but with vivid depictions of ferocious beasts, causing unease in those who gazed upon them.
The horses harnessed to the carriages were sturdy and robust, their limbs long and powerful. Their coats were pitch-black, and they stood a full head taller than ordinary horses. A layer of dark red fur covered their heads, and when they raised their heads, a pair of vertical pupils were revealed, along with a loud snort directed at the horse beside them.
Startled, Niu Da quickly moved to the back, hugging his bundle. "What kind of horse has eyes like a leopard?"
The beggar walked over and gently patted the horse's neck, smiling. "This is a half-demon. They run fast and steady, and can even travel at night. It'll take us no more than two days to get back to Qingzhou."
A 'half-demon' was a term used for livestock that had their bloodlines tainted by demonic energy. Should they awaken their intellect, they would become true demons.
However, under specialized training and selective breeding over generations, their demonic traits weaken, and the possibility of them awakening intelligence becomes almost non-existent.
After calming the demonic horses, the beggar returned to Li Xinhan's side and spoke in a low voice, "From what I've gathered, his learning is quite diverse. He has practiced body-tempering martial arts similar to the Vajra Sect, and he also has some attainments in knife techniques. According to the Constable, when he wields his knife, there's a noticeable demonic aura."
"From my observations yesterday, his gait is light and agile, and I could vaguely discern that he has a foundation in the 'Spirit Serpent's Eight Steps'."
"Hmm... It's too diverse and chaotic. It doesn't seem like he has a proper lineage."
Body-tempering martial arts, demonic knife techniques, and the light movement skills of the Demon Suppression Bureau—just from what could be discerned, this person had dabbled in three completely different paths.
The beggar spoke with a hint of helplessness, "And with this kind of wild and unstructured learning, he managed to take me down with a single move."
Those who cultivate martial arts most despise a chaotic and unstructured approach to learning.
After all, one's lifespan is limited.
Picking up a bit of this and that, knowing a little about everything may seem advantageous in combat, but in reality, it wastes a significant amount of time that could be spent mastering a single art.
"His talent is probably not inferior to yours, and he's around the same age as you. I estimate that this is the reason he lags behind you in terms of realm."
Upon hearing this, Li Xinhan remained expressionless. "That's a good thing."
The diversity of his learning proved that he had no connections or backing.
"Also, it's not that he's around the same age."
Li Xinhan's gaze drifted into the distance as he watched the approaching figure. "I'm one year and six months younger than him. Moreover, more than two years ago, I had already reached the Jade Liquid Realm. If it had been me who came to his door the other day instead of you, he still wouldn't have lasted a single move against me."
Seeing that Li Xinhan was clearly bothered but was trying to act nonchalant, the beggar fell silent. He whispered a quiet retort, "If it had been Director Lin who showed up, you wouldn't have lasted a single move either... It's not a big deal, just an insignificant crush."
Li Xinhan's mouth twitched, and he coldly huffed before turning and mounting his horse.
"... ."
Old Liu stretched his body and yawned. He didn't feel like getting involved in their argument.
Both of them were from respectable families in Qingzhou and had been selected to join the Demon Suppression Bureau together. Li had better talent and progressed faster, but he didn't have a habit of flaunting his status among his peers. It was common for them to poke at each other's soft spots, and no one took it to heart.
Old Liu rubbed his neck and strode towards the few people approaching them. "Are you all here? Family members and servants, please board the carriages at the back."
Chen Ji nodded and helped the slightly flustered Chen Jinyu onto the carriage filled with female family members.
"Hmm..."
Old Liu turned around and was surprised to see the bulky figure of Zhang the Butcher. "Never mind, you should take a carriage by yourself."
He led Shen Yi and Chen Ji onto the first carriage.
As Li Xinhan gently pulled on the reins and rode at the front, the other demonic horses followed suit without the need for drivers, falling into step behind him.
"Understood," Chen Ji replied with a respectful bow, aware that the other man was merely giving face to Lord Shen.
"I'll be blunt with you," Old Liu said, turning to Shen Yi.
"Go ahead." Shen Yi lifted the curtain and gazed outside.
Among the riders, he noticed only Li Xinhan and the beggar.
"Where is everyone else?" Shen Yi asked.
Sighing, Old Liu explained, "They remained in Boyun County, awaiting the arrival of the inspectors from the inner camp to take over."
"Inner camp?" Shen Yi inquired, intrigued.
Old Liu seemed reluctant to elaborate further, but the sound of Li Xinhan's hum from outside the carriage prompted him to relent. "The Qingzhou branch of the Demon Suppression Bureau is divided into three camps. Aside from where this group of newcomers stay, there's also an inner and outer camp."
"The inner camp is responsible for periodic inspections of the counties, but most of the time, they remain in Qingzhou City, patrolling the streets and enjoying their drinks... They are well-versed in the art of defending the city and rarely venture out, leading a rather dull life."
"Our outer camp is much more prestigious! Both the General and Director Lin started their careers in the outer camp. We have more freedom and often find ourselves in the company of nature, appreciating the beauty of the world. It's a carefree life."
Chen Ji, listening intently, asked in a hushed tone, "If you're often wandering outside the city, won't you encounter a lot of demons and evil creatures?"
"You..." Old Liu glared at the young man, at a loss for words for a moment. "It wouldn't be difficult for Brother Shen to join the inner camp. Just a word from Head Li will do the trick. His family is one of the most prominent clans in Qingzhou, and they have no shortage of money or connections... The girls in our team are truly beautiful; you should give it some thought."
Lowering the curtain, Shen Yi couldn't shake the feeling that the other man resembled a pimp.
The offer was tempting—a lifetime of safety from demon attacks, a secure job, and perhaps even a beautiful wife.
It was an opportunity that anyone else would find hard to refuse.
Anyone but him.
Without the support of demon lifespans, Shen Yi's so-called "talent" would be exposed as a sham.
In reality, his true skill level, even with diligent training throughout his life, amounted to that of a proficient knife wielder.
Compared to these Demon Suppression Bureau officers, not to mention Li Xinhan, he fell far short.
"The outer camp is excellent. I'll leave everything to the discretion of the officer." Shen Yi averted his gaze, appearing to be convinced by Old Liu's exaggerated claims.
Hearing this, Li Xinhan, riding outside, maintained his calm expression, but his grip on the reins relaxed slightly.
"I knew you were a man of insight!" Old Liu exclaimed, clapping his hands in delight and giving a thumbs-up. "You recognized our potential right away."
The Demon Suppression Bureau placed great emphasis on merit, fostering intense competition among its members.
To advance in rank, Li Xinhan needed to assemble a capable team of his own.
Compared to other squads led by more senior captains, he was at a disadvantage due to his youth and inexperience, making it all the more crucial for him to recruit talented individuals like Shen Yi.
"..."
Chen Ji, sitting in the corner, couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder.
Hailing from Boyun County themselves, he and his companions were still uncertain about their future, while Lord Shen had already become a sought-after talent by these Demon Suppression officers.
(End of Chapter)
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