Chapter 13

A Night's Rest.

Chen Changqing woke up when the sky was just beginning to lighten.

During his year at the Demon Suppression Bureau, he had developed the habit of going to bed late and waking up early.

Especially the cultivation of the Pure Yang Art required absorbing the first purple qi of the day, which meant he couldn't sleep in.

Routine cultivation.

Feeling that his Pure Yang Art had grown a bit stronger, Chen Changqing smiled faintly.

Although there was still a considerable gap before breaking through to the ninth level, at least he had made some progress.

Suddenly.

His ears twitched.

Then he got up and opened the door.

The door opened.

He saw Zhang Long, who was about to knock on the door, raise his hand.

"Mr. Chen, you're up early!" The sudden opening of the door made Zhang Long's face freeze, but he quickly returned to normal.

"Inspector Zhang is also up early."

Chen Changqing smiled.

As he spoke, he walked to the table in the room and sat down.

"Inspector Zhang, please sit down!"

"Thank you, Mr. Chen."

Zhang Long placed the item he was carrying on the table and then sat down opposite Chen Changqing.

"Mr. Chen probably hasn't eaten yet. These are some local snacks from Lin'an City. You might not have the chance to taste them in the capital."

As he spoke.

Zhang Long opened the oil paper, revealing some rather exquisite pastries. A faint fragrance wafted out, making one feel relaxed and comfortable.

"Inspector Zhang is thoughtful."

Chen Changqing's smile became more evident, and Zhang Long also smiled slightly.

He picked up a pastry and took a small bite.

"Speaking of the demons causing trouble this time, do you have any other thoughts, Inspector Zhang?"

"I don't know much about demons. After all, I'm just a small inspector and don't have the qualifications to deal with such matters."

Zhang Long shook his head, but his expression didn't change much when talking about demons.

Then.

Chen Changqing asked some other questions, and Zhang Long answered them fluently.

For a while.

The two of them chatted for a long time.

Putting down the pastry, Chen Changqing stood up.

"Since that's the case, Inspector Zhang, take me to see the place!"

"Mr. Chen, aren't you going to eat?"

"No, eating too much in the morning is not good for digestion. We can eat after we're done with the matter."

"Um—"

Zhang Long was taken aback. Digestion? It was a strange term.

But he didn't think much about it.

Since Chen Changqing wanted to go, he should accompany him.

After all, once the demons were dealt with, they could all sleep soundly.

Walking down the street.

Chen Changqing looked at the bustling scene and smiled. "Although Lin'an City is not as prosperous as the capital, it has its own charm. Staying here for a long time would be a pleasant experience."

"If Mr. Chen likes it, you can come to Lin'an City more often in the future."

Zhang Long, who was walking beside him, smiled in agreement.

—

With Zhang Long leading the way, Chen Changqing followed him out of the city.

Ten miles outside the city.

Not a very distant place.

But once outside the city, the bustling atmosphere disappeared, replaced by a desolate and uninhabited landscape.

"Inspector Zhang, where are the villagers who were evacuated from the village now?"

Chen Changqing turned his head to look at Zhang Long as he spoke.

Hearing this.

Zhang Long replied without hesitation, "Most of the villagers have been temporarily relocated to nearby villages. Some who have relatives in the city have stayed there. For now, our main goal is to seal off the village where the demons appeared. There are no other specific requirements."

"Magistrate Zhao truly cares for the people!"

"Magistrate Zhao has been the county magistrate of Lin'an City for twenty years. He is indeed a good official. Over the years, many county magistrates have been replaced due to demon troubles, but Magistrate Zhao has remained steadfast, unafraid of the dangers posed by demons."

Mentioning Zhao Fang, Zhang Long's face showed admiration.

Chen Changqing nodded in agreement.

What the other party said made sense.

Demons.

Another term for evil spirits, as they are also called evil beings, hence the name "demons."

Before long.

The two arrived at a rice field. The crops in the field were lush and thriving, but they lacked a certain vitality.

"Mr. Chen, this is Gu Yue Village ahead."

Zhang Long pointed to the village ahead and said solemnly.

Gu Yue Village was the village where the demons had caused trouble.

Following Zhang Long's finger, Chen Changqing could see the houses in the distance, stretching out in a row.

Soon.

The two crossed the rice field and arrived at the village entrance, where a stone tablet inscribed with "Gu Yue Village" stood.

In addition.

There were six men in official uniforms guarding the village entrance, each with a tense expression, frequently looking into the village as if expecting demons to burst out at any moment.

Even with the scorching sun overhead, it did little to ease their anxiety.

"Inspector Zhang!"

"Inspector Zhang is here!"

Seeing Zhang Long and Chen Changqing arrive, the guards' faces relaxed considerably.

Zhang Long's expression was serious as he introduced the person beside him to the guards, "This is Mr. Chen Changqing from the Demon Suppression Bureau, who has come to eliminate the demons."

Demon Suppression Bureau!

As expected.

Upon hearing the name of the Demon Suppression Bureau, the guards' faces turned respectful, and they bowed to Chen Changqing, "We greet Mr. Chen!"

Despite Chen Changqing's young appearance.

They did not dare to be the slightest bit disrespectful.

The name "Demon Suppression Bureau."

In the Great Qin Empire, it was a walking brand.

No one who came from the Demon Suppression Bureau was a simple person.

"Has anyone entered or left the village since the demons appeared?" Chen Changqing looked at the desolate village and turned to one of the guards.

Hearing this.

The guard felt a great deal of pressure.

"Mr. Chen, since the demons appeared, no one has entered or left the village!"

"Alright, we are aware of the situation. You can return and report to your superiors. The rest is up to me and Mr. Chen." Zhang Long waved his hand, looking somewhat impatient.

"We will take our leave!"

The guards dared not say anything more and bowed to leave.

At the spot.

Only Chen Changqing and Zhang Long remained.

"Mr. Chen, do you want to enter the village now, or wait for a while?"

"Since we're here, let's go in now."

Chen Changqing let one hand hang down and pressed the hilt of his sword with the other, then stepped into Gu Yue Village.

Seeing this.

Zhang Long immediately followed him into the village.

As soon as they entered the village, a slight chill swept in from all directions.

The chill immediately triggered the protective Pure Yang Qi.