Volume Two: The Winds Rise in Anxi Prefecture Chapter 157: You Have a Way with Women

“Understood!”
The dark cultivator nodded.
“Do your best. What I want is results!” County Magistrate Wang instructed, “The one who died a few days ago must have been your senior uncle. Your sect only has the two of you left.”
“He’s dead—don’t you want to avenge him?”
The dark cultivator’s face twisted instantly, a surge of hatred rising in his heart. “Rest assured, Lord Wang, I will do my utmost.”
“Good. Go now!”
Wang dismissed him with a wave of his hand, and the dark cultivator left the room.

...

Changxian County, Demon-Slaying Division.

Chen Xuanfeng had already packed his belongings.

The two deputy chiefs sat respectfully in the hall, awaiting Chen’s orders.

“After I leave for Anxi Prefecture, all matters of the Changxian Demon-Slaying Division will be handled by you two,” Chen said, glancing at them. “Handle minor affairs yourselves; for major issues, send a secret letter to Anxi Prefecture for my decision.”
“If any demons appear, one of you will stay to manage the division while the other leads a team out to exterminate them.”
“Yes, sir!”
The two deputies bowed in obedience.

“All right, you may leave.”

Since becoming the chief of the Changxian Demon-Slaying Division, Chen Xuanfeng had grown more confident, already exuding the authority of a superior.

After they left, Chen did not hurry to depart.

About half an incense stick’s time later, a figure sneaked into Chen’s courtyard.

Who else could it be but Wang Yunshan?

“Chief Chen, as per your request, I came secretly. No one saw me.”

Wang Yunshan cupped his hands respectfully.

“How long have you been with the Demon-Slaying Division?” Chen asked.

“Seven years, Chief Chen,” Wang replied.

“How do you feel staying here?” Chen inquired. “Speak boldly; I won’t blame you.”

“My luck has been good. When I first joined, there were about ten of us; six have perished, and I remain.” Wang Yunshan sighed.

Each demon hunt often involved casualties.

Surviving this long was truly fortunate.

They were exchanging their lives for money.

“Do you want to be promoted to Demon-Slaying Guard?” Chen asked.

“To say no would be a lie.”

If such a good opportunity existed, even if my wife opposed tonight, Wang Yunshan thought, he would still go to the entertainment district to celebrate.

“Once I leave for Anxi Prefecture, you must regularly compile all the division’s affairs into a record and send someone with it to me in Anxi Prefecture.” Chen said slowly.

“This… I don’t understand. Why me?”

Wang Yunshan was puzzled.

If anyone had close ties with Chen Xuanfeng, it was Lu Jiuzhang and Zhou Cheng.

Lu Jiuzhang had already gone to Anxi Prefecture; thus, Zhou Cheng would be the natural choice.

“Zhou Cheng is barely literate and holds too high a position—too conspicuous. After careful consideration, you are the best choice. Besides, you can read a little; no need to involve outsiders.”

“Rest assured, if you do well, when I return from Anxi Prefecture, I will promote you to Demon-Slaying Guard!”

Chen said firmly.

“Thank you, Chief Chen!”

Wang Yunshan bowed deeply; this was a great honor.

“All right, you may leave. I’ve spoken with Zhou Cheng; if there’s a demon hunt, he will find a way to keep you safe. You just focus on gathering intelligence for me.”

“...”

After arranging everything, Chen Xuanfeng set off for Anxi Prefecture.

Lu Jiuzhang had arrived in Anxi Prefecture nearly ten days ago and was due to depart with Chen to participate in the demon extermination plan.

...

Elsewhere, Anxi Prefecture.

Inside a residence.

Just as Lu Jiuzhang was about to leave for the Dao Hall to practice, Director Zhao arrived again.

“Director Zhao, you seem to have plenty of free time these days! Aren’t you supposed to be handling important matters at the Thousand Mechanisms Tower?” Lu Jiuzhang asked.

“The Tower has a grand steward in charge; I’m only a director, not responsible for major duties,” Zhao said, looking at Lu Jiuzhang. “But Lu Demon-Slayer is quite leisurely, staying in the refined quarters of Anxi Prefecture these days without official business.”

“Hahaha, just following orders. Since no tasks have been assigned, I have free time, which is only natural.”

Lu Jiuzhang laughed.

“Where do you plan to go today, Lu Demon-Slayer? I can accompany you.”

Zhao volunteered.

She was quite curious about Lu Jiuzhang, eager to uncover his identity.

If Lu Jiuzhang truly had a powerful background, recruiting him would be a great boon to her family.

The Thousand Mechanisms Tower was controlled by twelve great families. Zhao's family was not among the top and was suppressed by several others.

Their profits and influence had been shrinking yearly.

Conflict was on the verge of eruption; if Zhao’s family continued like this, the twelve great families might cease to exist, with the dominant ones devouring Zhao’s family entirely.

Aristocratic conflicts were always brutal.

“To the Dao Hall.”

Lu Jiuzhang said.

The two walked out together.

At the alley entrance, five or six people approached, led by none other than Chen Xuanfeng.

“Chief Chen!”

Lu Jiuzhang quickly cupped his hands in salute.

“And this is?”

Seeing the woman disguised as a man beside Lu Jiuzhang, Chen asked.

“She is Director Zhao of the Thousand Mechanisms Tower in Anxi Prefecture,” Lu introduced.

“Oh, Director Zhao.”

Chen greeted politely.

“Chief Chen, you flatter me. I’m just a director, unworthy of such respect.” Zhao returned the greeting without arrogance or servility.

“I have urgent business with you.”

Chen was straightforward after brief pleasantries.

“Very well.”

Lu Jiuzhang nodded.

Knowing the two were about to converse, Zhao cupped her hands. “Lu Demon-Slayer, Chief Chen, please talk. I will return to the Tower.”

“I had planned to cultivate with Director Zhao, but urgent matters prevent it. I hope you won’t take offense.”

Lu apologized.

“You are too polite. I was bored and wanted to accompany you, but it seems I have no chance now. Perhaps next time.”

After saying this, Zhao left.

Once she was gone, Chen looked at Lu playfully. “You have quite the charm; you’re always surrounded by so many admirers.”

“They’re just friends, Chief Chen, please don’t mock me.”

Lu Jiuzhang replied.

“All right, enough about that. I just arrived in Anxi Prefecture. Let’s go to your place and have some tea.”

Chen said, “It wasn’t easy to find where you lived.”

“I borrowed a friend’s residence for a temporary stay. It’s a modest courtyard; please don’t mind.”

Lu said.

“Enough, enough. You can be refined in front of women, but not before me. I come from the military; I’ve lived in plenty of humble places.”

Chen was carefree.

As long as it sheltered from wind and rain, nothing else mattered.

The two turned and entered Mo’s small courtyard.

Seeing the large black dog and the small white one, Chen merely nodded in acknowledgment.

Then, they entered inside for a private discussion.