Jiang Yuechu was quite familiar with the courtyard where the few of them lived.
But today, as soon as she reached the entrance, she paused, a strange expression appearing on her face.
It was too quiet.
Usually, before even stepping inside, she could hear the boisterous noise from within.
Did the sun rise from the west today?
She reached out and pushed the courtyard door open.
Chen Tong was sitting on a stone stool, holding a worn rag, absentmindedly polishing his already gleaming waist saber.
The Monk No Abstinence was sitting cross-legged on the stone table, holding neither dice nor a chicken drumstick. Instead, he was clutching a string of prayer beads, eyes closed, murmuring incantations.
"Amitabha... Form is emptiness, emptiness is form... Money is paper, paper is money..."
Jiang Yuechu raised an eyebrow and stepped inside.
"What? Have you turned over a new leaf?"
Hearing the movement, the two men simultaneously looked up.
Seeing it was Jiang Yuechu, Chen Tong quickly tossed the rag aside, stood up, and cupped his fists.
"Lord Jiang!"
The Monk No Abstinence also opened his eyes, his profound expression instantly collapsing into one of misery.
"Amitabha, Lord Jiang is joking."
The monk sighed and patted his shriveled belly. "this poor monk is contemplating Poor Zen."
"Lost all your money?"
"How could I!"
Chen Tong exposed him from the side, chuckling, "This baldy went to Guanyin Lane a few days ago, insisting on 'blessing' a girl's rear courtyard. He ended up being chased out by the madam and her pimps, and they almost stripped his official robe for debt repayment. He's been tightening his belt these past few days."
"Slander! This is slander!"
The Monk No Abstinence flushed red, sticking out his neck as he yelled, "How can you describe a man of the cloth's business so vulgarly? I was..."
Jiang Yuechu couldn't be bothered to listen to this lecherous monk's sophistry.
Her gaze swept around the courtyard.
"Where is Liu Ke?"
Although the three of them had vastly different personalities, they were usually inseparable, and when they weren't on assignment, they were almost always together.
Chen Tong stopped smiling and pointed outside.
"He said a relative came to visit."
"A relative?"
"Yes, early this morning, an old man who looked like a steward came calling. He seemed to have quite the entourage, with carriages and guards."
Chen Tong scratched his head, his tone mixed with envy and confusion.
"We all know that Liu Ke has an unusual background, but his expression didn't look good. He seemed reluctant, but in the end, he still followed them..."
"Is Lord Jiang looking for him for something?"
Chen Tong asked, "If it's urgent, This subordinate will go retrieve him right away."
"No need."
Jiang Yuechu waved her hand.
Since it was a family matter, she had no interest in getting involved.
Moreover, Liu Ke usually kept things hidden; he likely wouldn't want people to know too many details about his background.
She walked to the stone table and casually brushed away the fallen leaves.
"I happen to be free today. I remembered the meal I owe you from last time."
The moment she finished speaking.
The Monk No Abstinence's previously listless eyes instantly lit up. He executed a carp jump and bounced right off the stone table. "Eat! Why wouldn't we eat!"
"Lord Jiang keeps her promises and is a woman of her word! this poor monk is thoroughly impressed! Utterly bowled over!"
"Since the Lord is treating..."
The monk's eyes darted around. He tentatively asked, "Then shouldn't the location... be a bit particular?"
Jiang Yuechu irritably replied, "Tonight, Fuyun Tower."
"Amitabha, marvelous, marvelous."
"Lord Jiang truly has the heart of a living Bodhisattva! The braised pork hock at Fuyun Tower is fatty but not greasy, melting in your mouth. this poor monk has been craving it for ages; I've only managed to gnaw on it twice in my dreams."
Jiang Yuechu shook her head helplessly, looking at the pathetic state of these two fellows.
But this was the reality for the lower ranks of the Demon Suppression Division.
They risked their lives daily just for a few taels of silver.
Going to a Money Pit like that was indeed a bit extravagant for them.
She turned to leave, but then paused slightly, as if remembering something.
"If that Liu Ke boy returns, remember to tell him."
"If it's inconvenient for him, or if he has family matters keeping him occupied, then forget it. No need to force him."
...At the same time.
Inside the Region city, at a certain restaurant.
Liu Ke crossed his arms, leaning back in his chair, coldly observing the young Young Master sitting opposite him.
"Why are you here?"
Liu Jin held his teacup, sipping it slowly.
Hearing the question, he set down the cup, a gentle smile appearing on his face.
"What kind of talk is that? We are brothers. Isn't it only right and proper for me to come visit you?"
"Heh."
Liu Ke sneered, "Cut the act. Did Father send you again? Do you think I'm embarrassing Luoyan Mountain Villa by being here, and you want to persuade me to return?"
Liu Jin shook his head.
"If this were earlier, your elder brother truly did harbor such thoughts."
He paused, his expression suddenly becoming serious.
"But now, I've changed my mind."
"Oh?" Liu Ke raised an eyebrow.
Liu Jin spoke earnestly, his tone sincere: "Although the Region is harsh, it is an excellent place to temper one's resolve! We were born in the Villa, accustomed to luxury, unaware of the suffering of the world, and ignorant of what true devotion to the nation means!"
"For you to have the determination to step outside that small world and come to the Demon Suppression Division to serve the country, your elder brother is deeply gratified!"
"..."
The expression on Liu Ke's face instantly became strange.
He was an illegitimate son and had suffered scorn in the Villa since childhood.
His other siblings had all tried every means possible to ensure he perished outside.
Only this nominal elder brother in front of him treated him tolerably.
But only just tolerably.
Usually, meeting him and exchanging a nod was the limit.
When had he ever been so open and intimate?
Liu Jin seemed not to notice his strange look and continued speaking on his own: "Your elder brother has decided! I will stay in the Region for a while longer to look after you. If you suffer any grievances in the Demon Suppression Division, or face any difficulties, just tell your elder brother!"
Saying this, he pulled a thick stack of silver notes from his sleeve and slapped them onto the table.
"Take these and spend them."
Liu Ke remained silent for a long time before finally speaking.
"Were you possessed by a Demon?"
"Ahem..."
Liu Jin coughed twice, finally unable to maintain his composure. He closed his folding fan and tapped his palm uncomfortably, seemingly realizing that his performance just now had been a bit excessive.
"Ahem... Your elder brother meant well. Your suspicion is truly disheartening."
Liu Ke didn't speak; he just pushed the stack of silver notes back toward Liu Jin.
The meaning was obvious.
Get to the point.
Seeing this, Liu Jin stopped pretending. He leaned forward slightly and lowered his voice, asking, "Let's not talk about that. Let me ask you, you've been in the Region for so long and you're part of the Demon Suppression Division, so your information should be good..."
He paused, a fleeting glimpse of a graceful figure appearing in his mind, causing his Adam's apple to involuntarily bob.
"Have you ever seen... a very special young lady in the city?"
Liu Ke was stunned, looking at him as if he were an idiot.
"A young lady?"
Looking for a young lady in this desolate Region city?
Is he sick?
Everyone knows the Region is windy and dusty, and very few natives here have fair skin.
Even if there were, the numbers wouldn't compare to the Longdong area where Luoyan Mountain Villa is located.
Seeing his expression, Liu Jin quickly waved his hand to explain. His mouth, usually so eloquent, was now somewhat clumsy.
"Not those vulgar, common types! I mean... the kind who..."
"She rides a black horse, dressed in black robes. Although she wears no makeup, she is as cold and aloof as the Guanghan Fairy, making one feel instantly that she does not belong to the mortal world..."
Liu Jin grew more excited as he spoke, even grabbing Liu Ke's arm.
"Second Brother, you work for the Demon Suppression Division. Have you seen such a peerless beauty?"
Liu Ke expressionlessly pulled his arm back.
Rides a horse.
Wears black robes.
Cold and aloof temperament.
With these characteristics combined, a name almost instinctively popped into his mind.
Jiang Yuechu.
But the moment the thought surfaced, he ruthlessly suppressed it.
What a joke!
What kind of person is Jiang Yuechu?
A Sixth-Rank Langjiang of the Demon Suppression Division!
If Liu Jin had seen her, he would naturally recognize the insignia on her clothes.
Furthermore.
Lord Jiang is either chopping down Demons or on her way to chop down Demons.
If he truly saw Lord Jiang's appearance, he'd probably be scared stiff.
Thinking this, a chill ran down Liu Ke's spine.
It definitely wasn't her.
Although this Region city is small, she's not the only person here.
It might be the Young Miss of some prominent family out riding, or a traveling heroine from the Jianghu.
Liu Ke shook his head and replied with certainty, "I haven't seen her."
The light in Liu Jin's eyes dimmed slightly. He pressed on stubbornly, "Are you sure you haven't seen her? Think carefully! Such an outstanding person, once seen, absolutely cannot be forgotten!"
"I really haven't seen her."
Liu Ke impatiently picked up his teacup. "I'm busy all day in The Department. The people I interact with are either rough men or Demons cut in half."
"Where would I find the time to stare at young ladies on the street?"
"Besides..."
He glanced at Liu Jin and sneered, "There aren't many women in this Region city who can afford to ride a tall horse and have the leisure to wander around."
"If there truly was a Heavenly Immortal like you described, the news would have spread throughout the entire city long ago. Would it wait for you to come and ask?"
Hearing this, Liu Jin sighed deeply, his expression crestfallen.
"That's true..."
"Such a celestial being naturally has an elusive whereabouts, making her hard to track down."
He reverted to his melancholic Young Master demeanor, reopened his folding fan, and fanned himself gently, looking out at the bustling street outside the window, his face filled with melancholy.
"Alas, since there is no fate, I cannot force it..."
...West of the Great Tang, past Yumen Pass, traveling another three thousand li enters the territory of the Demon Court.
Vegetation was sparse across the land, and strange rocks jutted out everywhere.
Inside a massive canyon.
Thousands of ragged Human Race individuals were carrying heavy Ore, moving laboriously like ants under the whips of the overseers.
Their expressions were numb, their eyes hollow. Heavy iron locks were fastened around their necks, and their backs were bent under the weight.
If anyone moved slightly too slowly, a whip lash would tear their flesh open.
If they collapsed, no one would care, and the Demons guarding nearby would simply divide and consume the body.
Boom—
A dull, massive sound came from deep underground.
The entire canyon, along with the towering peaks on both sides, began to tremble violently at that moment.
Crushed rocks rolled down, and smoke and dust rose everywhere.
The Human slaves who were working all prostrated themselves on the ground in terror, trembling.
Immediately after.
The hillside directly north of the central area cracked open without warning.
Boulders shot into the sky, and the roar shook the heavens.
Once the dust settled, a stone throne, fully five zhang high, was revealed standing majestically between heaven and earth.
Resting upon the throne was an extremely burly figure.
The figure was several zhang tall, clad in golden-red feathered heavy armor. On its head, a bright red comb resembled a crown of burning fire, pointing straight toward the sky.
Narrow, golden vertical pupils, radiating an innate arrogance, looked down upon the beings below, who resembled mere ants.
"Great King..."
A gray, dusty figure scurried out of a crack in the ground.
It was a hunchbacked Rat Demon.
It had a pointed mouth and sunken cheeks, wore an ill-fitting long robe, and held a Jade Slip in its hands, scrambling and crawling to the base of the throne.
It didn't even dare to look up at the terrifying figure, prostrating itself completely, its voice trembling.
"Speak."
The Rat Demon swallowed nervously and said cautiously, "White Ape Duke... is dead."
Hearing this.
The massive figure slowly opened its eyes, a hint of mockery flashing in its golden pupils.
"That old ape is usually the most afraid of death. What? Did his Lifespan run out, and he died of old age in some cave?"
"N-no... that's not it... He was killed..."
"He died at Yumen Pass. It is said... he was killed by someone from the Demon Suppression Division."
"Not only that..."
The Rat Demon paused, as the next words seemed even harder to utter.
"Name of the White Flood Dragon consciousness, the girl from the White Flood Dragon Clan, is also dead."
As soon as these words came out.
The terrifying figure slowly straightened up.
"Interesting... In just a short time, they killed two Core Formation Great Demons from my Demon Court. Since when did the Longyou Demon Suppression Division become so bold?"
The Rat Demon continued, "The White Flood Dragon Tribe is furious and has already gone to the Demon Court... Your Majesty... is quite troubled."
"So?"
The Rat Demon hesitated, then pulled a piece of dried human skin from its sleeve.
"Your Majesty has decreed that you set off immediately for the Region."
"First, investigate the truth behind Name of the White Flood Dragon consciousness's death. If her remains are still intact, you must bring them back to appease the White Flood Dragon Tribe."
"Second... kill two Core Formation experts from the Longyou Commandery, to console the spirits of our kinsmen in heaven..."