Gu Changge let his hand drop listlessly, stuffed the demon-seeking plate back into his bosom, his face filled with a dejected expression.
"It is This subordinate's incompetence... If my strength were just a little stronger... even if I could have just blocked one strike from that Beast, you wouldn't have had to be distracted, allowing that old demon to escape."
As the younger brother of the Right Demon Suppressing Envoy and a direct descendant of the Gu family in the capital, he had grown up amidst countless praises since he was young.
Although he had never been arrogant or domineering, he still held himself in high regard.
But today...
"That's enough."
Zhao Zhongliu casually brushed off his cloak and said indifferently, "Do not put on such a childish display."
"You..."
"You are still young. Core Formation at seventeen or eighteen, Core Formation in your early twenties... even in this old man's era, that was rare."
"It is our generation that is incompetent, failing to clean up this world, and failing to secure enough time for you all to grow."
Gu Changge stood frozen in place, his eyes slightly red.
Jiang Yuechu stood to the side, listening quietly.
Looking at the old man's slightly hunched figure, her heart trembled slightly.
Whether in her past life or this one, how many people in high positions could say such words?
Most of them let their subordinates sacrifice their lives and pave the way to achieve their own fame and fortune.
Someone like Zhao Zhongliu... is truly too rare.
Jiang Yuechu lowered her eyes, pressing this touched feeling deep into her heart.
"Miss Jiang."
Zhao Zhongliu's voice interrupted her thoughts.
Jiang Yuechu snapped back to reality and hurriedly cupped her hands.
"This subordinate is here."
Zhao Zhongliu looked her up and down, a trace of appreciation flashing in his eyes.
"You are very good. Whether it is Heart-Nature or methods, you are stronger than this kid."
Gu Changge gave a bitter smile on the side, but did not refute.
"Although that old one escaped, these few young ones all died by your hand. This trip to Jingyang, although not a complete success, you deserve the primary credit."
Although he had not seen how the other two died, the tragic state of their deaths... it was obvious he knew whose handiwork it was.
"After returning, the rewards that are due will not be short a single cent. I will personally make a note for you in the merit book."
Jiang Yuechu cupped her hands: "Thank you, Deputy Commander-in-Chief."
For such tangible benefits, she would never refuse.
Zhao Zhongliu nodded, as if remembering something.
"If I remember correctly... you came to Chang'an this time for the Martial Temple, right?"
Jiang Yuechu did not hide it, "Exactly."
"Ink Dot Realm at seventeen or eighteen..."
Zhao Zhongliu smacked his lips, a trace of complexity flashing in his eyes.
Even though he had reached the Mountain Gazing Realm, he could not help but feel a little emotional at this moment.
"Seize this opportunity well."
He reached out and patted her shoulder, his tone becoming a bit more solemn.
"You, young lady, have a ruthless heart and dark methods. This point is quite to my liking."
"As long as you can obtain the Spiritual Seal from the Martial Temple and step into the Ink Dot Realm."
"I will give you a grand gift."
Jiang Yuechu was stunned.
A grand gift?
Something that a Deputy Commander-in-Chief would call a grand gift must certainly not be an ordinary item.
"This subordinate will definitely do my best."
"Mm."
Zhao Zhongliu said no more, turned to look at Gu Changge, "What are you still standing there for? Call someone to transport these few corpses back."
"Although these few Beasts are dead, their skin, flesh, and bones are all good Materials for Artifact Refining and medicine making. Do not waste them."
"Yes!"
Jiang Yuechu stood to the side, her gaze falling on the mangled corpses.
Her throat moved slightly.
A trace of imperceptible regret flashed in her eyes.
Four Core Formation Realm ones, ah.
If it were at any other time, in this wilderness, with no one around...
She glanced at Zhao Zhongliu not far away.
If she used the Blood Food Technique in front of him, she feared that in the next second, that iron rod would smash onto her forehead.
Moreover...
Jiang Yuechu felt the Golden Core inside her body that was already round and flawless, with no room for further advancement.
If she poured any more into it, it would just overflow.
Unless she stepped into the Ink Dot Realm and broke the Bottleneck, swallowing these few corpses would be a waste.
It might even cause her to suffer from an excess of Qi and blood in her body.
"Forget it."
Jiang Yuechu withdrew her gaze, secretly sighing that it was a pity.
"Just treat it as feeding the dogs."
...
A few hours later.
The Demon Suppression Guards arrived one after another and began to clear the battlefield.
Because Zhao Zhongliu was injured, he did not want to stay longer and took the original few people to return to the capital first.
The journey was silent.
When the towering city walls of Chang'an appeared in her line of sight again, it was already late.
The city gates had long been closed.
But for the people of the Demon Suppression Division, this was naturally not a problem.
After showing their waist tokens, the city guard officer hurriedly ordered his men to open the side gate and respectfully let them pass.
They entered the city.
Zhao Zhongliu did not waste words and reined in his horse directly at the intersection of Vermilion Bird Street.
"Alright, let's end it here for today."
"You are all tired too, go back and rest."
"As for the rewards, there will be documents issued tomorrow."
After speaking, the old man shook the reins and, taking his few attendants, headed straight for the General Bureau office.
"Respectfully sending off the Deputy Commander-in-Chief!"
After Zhao Zhongliu's figure disappeared into the night.
Gu Changge finally let out a long sigh, his whole body looking as if it had been fished out of water, slumped on the horse's back.
"Miss Jiang, it's fortunate you were here today, otherwise those few little Beasts would have really escaped."
Jiang Yuechu's expression was calm, "Lord Gu is overstating it. Colleagues should help each other."
Gu Changge gave a bitter smile and did not dwell on this topic anymore.
"It is already late at night. Aside from the night guards, everyone else at the General Bureau has probably gone to rest. If there is anything, it will have to wait until tomorrow."
Jiang Yuechu nodded slightly.
This was reasonable.
After this journey, killing demons and traveling, even if she had a body of iron, she couldn't help but feel a bit exhausted.
Mainly because of this outfit...
She looked down.
The cuffs and hem of her robe were covered in dried, blackened bloodstains mixed with mud, emitting a foul, fishy stench...
"Miss Jiang, as you are new here, do you have a place to stay in Chang'an?"
He paused, then added another sentence.
"If not, I have a few villas in the capital. Although they are not luxurious, they are quiet. If you don't mind..."
Before he could finish, Jiang Yuechu raised her hand to interrupt him.
"No need to trouble yourself, Lord Gu."
Since she decided to go to the General Bureau tomorrow, she might as well take advantage of the free time now to pay a visit to the Wei Residence.
Back in the Region, she had often freeloaded meals.
Now that she was in Chang'an, going to freeload a meal and stay for the night, she figured that girl wouldn't chase her away with a broom.
Thinking of this, the corners of Jiang Yuechu's mouth slightly curved up.
"I already have a place to go."
"Since that is the case, then I will not insist."
Gu Changge laughed heartily and cupped his hands in a salute to Jiang Yuechu.
"In two days, when you are settled at the General Bureau, I will definitely set up a table at Pingkang Ward and invite you for a good drink to welcome you!"
Jiang Yuechu did not refuse, just nodded indifferently.
"Easily done."
"Then... farewell."
"Wait..."
"Does Miss have other matters?"
"The demon-seeking plate..." Jiang Yuechu turned her head to the side and said softly.
"...Rest assured, leave it to me."