bookpub Chapter 5 Huikong
Chapter 5 Huikong
The fields were quiet, with birds occasionally landing on the ground to forage for food.
Fang Hongxuan leisurely untied the reins, letting the black horse graze on the weeds. At the same time, he respectfully presented it with a vegetarian package.
"I've gained nothing, and I don't know when I'll be able to truly join the Demon Suppression Division."
Huikong stood up and took the beads, slowly turning them in his hand. He chuckled, revealing his few remaining yellow teeth: "To do something well, you must first have the right tools."
"Have you done your homework today?"
Fang Hongxuan then scratched his head as if waking from a dream.
Huikong sighed, "Although you cannot cultivate internal energy, you can't go wrong with honing your muscles and bones."
"Before I pass away, I will find Phoenix Blood Grass for you and refine Nirvana Pill to rebuild your meridians and embark on the path of cultivation."
"But before that, I hope you will study the scriptures carefully and ponder them deeply, so that you can avoid some detours in the future."
Fang Hongxuan lowered his head in shame. He wanted to tell Monk Huikong about his current situation several times, but after hesitating, he ultimately couldn't bring himself to speak.
"call out"
A tower-shaped signal flare suddenly exploded in the dimly lit sky.
"It's a rallying signal!"
"Master, the department is about to assemble, I must go now."
Fang Hongxuan fled as if escaping. Monk Huikong stared intently in the direction Fang Hongxuan had gone, his dark eyes fixed on the string of beads in his hand, which spun faster and faster.
...
Inside the Demon Suppression Division
As soon as Fang Hongxuan stepped through the gate, the remaining five demon-slaying captains turned around and focused their gazes on him.
"Now that everyone is here, let's begin." A dignified middle-aged man at the head of the table surveyed the surroundings before speaking slowly.
This person was none other than Hou Minghui, the head of the Demon Suppression Division of Mixian County. Sitting on either side of Hou Minghui were Liang Qiuzhe and Xie Zirui.
As for those further back, only Cui Xiangyu and Peng Zhihui remained.
Hou Minghui solemnly took out a scroll depicting a pagoda as black as ink.
"This item is the core treasure of the Demon Suppression Division, the Demon Suppression Tower."
Five years ago, a celestial demon descended from the sky, carrying meteorites, and rushed straight towards the Demon-Suppressing Tower. Not only did the tower shatter, but all the demons imprisoned inside also escaped.
"Although there are many capable and extraordinary people in the court, it is impossible to capture all the thousands of demons. Even worse, some have escaped by secretly hiding the remains of the Demon-Suppressing Tower."
Hou Minghui then unveiled another scroll, which prominently displayed an image of a fragment of the Demon-Suppressing Pagoda. His expression then became even more solemn.
"We have received a handwritten order from Governor Zhao Xuanyu of Cangzhou to thoroughly investigate the Heart-Eating Demon and related cases."
"According to reliable sources, the Heart-Eating Demon brought fragments of the Demon-Suppressing Tower into Cangzhou five years ago. Although our Mixian County is close to the border, we cannot let our guard down."
"Master, the vast Cangzhou encompasses nine prefectures and twenty-eight counties. That Heart-Eating Demon is quite a figure, and I imagine he wouldn't even look down on our godforsaken place, Seeking Immortal County."
Although Liang Qiuzhe had a fiery temper and was straightforward, he wasn't a reckless fool. After stating his opinion, he said no more and instead focused his attention on Hou Minghui.
"Yes, Master. According to the information sent back by the Chief Commander, the Heart-Eating Demon has a particular fondness for the hearts of the strong."
"Our Seeking Immortals County can't even muster a full complement of regular personnel for the Demon Suppression Division, so how can we expect to attract such powerful individuals?"
The meticulous Xie Zirui offered the same advice.
The remaining two had no intention of speaking at all; after all, as disciples, they only needed to listen to their master's teachings.
Fang Hongxuan had no right to speak; he wasn't even a formal member, so how could he talk big?
"This is the governor's order; you must obey it. If you discover anything unusual, do not act rashly; report it immediately!"
Hou Minghui put away the picture album and then swiftly presented the second priority.
"An unknown plague is spreading in Sishui County, suspected to be caused by a plague demon. The Demon Suppression Division of Sishui County has sent out requests for assistance to the surrounding counties."
"I will go to Sishui County with Xie Zirui and Liang Qiuzhe to provide support. Cui Xiangyu and Peng Zhihui, you two are responsible for the safety of Mixian County."
Given the urgency of the situation, Fang Hongxuan will take over the responsibility of patrolling the mountains, which was originally assigned to the two of them. You will be in charge of patrolling the surrounding Kanze Mountains, Fengsha Mountains, and Jinghu Mountains.
The Kanze Mountains, Fengsha Mountains, and Jinghu Mountains form a triangular formation, allowing you to travel from the Kanze Mountains back to Mixian County via the Jinghu Mountains.
Regardless of the outcome, when we return, you will be awarded a third-class merit.
"Fang Hongxuan, are you willing?"
Fang Hongxuan was no longer able to hear what Hou Minghui was saying; his mind was filled with the extraterrestrial demon that had destroyed the Demon-Suppressing Tower five years ago and the Heart-Eating Demon that had fled to Cangzhou.
It was only when Peng Zhihui, who was standing in front of him, secretly kicked him that he snapped back to reality and hurriedly replied:
"Master, I am naturally willing."
Hou Minghui nodded slightly, then spoke again:
"In the past, patrols were always conducted in pairs. But now the department is short-handed, so we'll have to make do with you, kid."
"As for the necessary talismans and magical artifacts, you will be provided with a standard configuration for three people. You will also be given an extra set of Sparrow Feather Armor."
What is the standard configuration?
One copper armor talisman, one evil-suppressing talisman, one armor horse talisman, one compass, one ink line dyed with cinnabar and chicken blood, and one pot of dog blood wine—that's all.
Fang Hongxuan slowly rose and cupped his hands in greeting: "I will certainly live up to the expectations of the Chief. I also hope that the Chief will provide me with information on cases involving evil spirits in Mixian County and its surrounding areas."
"Go to the gift room to get it. You go and prepare; we'll depart tomorrow." Hou Minghui waved for Fang Hongxuan to leave.
As they passed Cui Xiangyu and Peng Zhihui, the two men exchanged knowing glances, looking extremely envious.
Fang Hongxuan left expressionlessly.
...
Fu Sheng Inn
Li Yuanzhi had just taken his seat in the private room and was calling for the waiter to bring wine.
Two burly and robust constables sat at the table with him, and the three of them clinked glasses and chatted happily.
The sliced cooked beef, dipped in water, was fed to Li Yuanzhi, followed by a sip of aged Shaoxing wine.
"ha.."
Satisfied, Li Yuanzhi finally put down his wine bowl. He stared at Fang Hongxuan in a daze for a while before finally managing to utter a sentence:
"What brings you here, kid?"
"It's alright. Although we've been drinking, it hasn't interfered with our official duties. Right now, we're monitoring the prisoner," one of the constables said with a slightly tipsy laugh.
Seemingly sensing that Fang Hongxuan was preoccupied, Li Yuanzhi stood up and took out his sword: "You all eat first, I'll just say a few words to him, I'll be right back."
When the two arrived at Luoxiang, Fang Hongxuan told them about his upcoming mountain patrol.
Li Yuanzhi, who was originally reeking of alcohol, suddenly sobered up. He first gritted his teeth and frowned, then kept rubbing his face with his hands.
"Why would we send you to patrol the mountains? You won't be back for at least three to five months. Not to mention the numerous bandits on the road, there are countless demons and evil spirits in the deep mountains and forests."
"Why don't we just leave the Demon Suppression Division? After all, our lives are more important."
Forcibly suppressing his overwhelming emotions, Fang Hongxuan comforted him, saying, "Although this journey is dangerous, it is also my time to make a name for myself."
"The Chief Judge has stated beforehand that if any cases arise that cannot be resolved, they should be recorded. They will be dealt with together when they return."
"As for the necessary talismans and magical artifacts, they are all readily available. The Master even distributed a set of Sparrow Feather Armor."
"Given all this, there shouldn't be any major problems."
Fang Hongxuan was determined to patrol the mountain. This wasn't just to accumulate merit points, but also to explore ways to heal himself.
"You can talk to Master yourself; don't let him worry about me."
Li Yuanzhi frowned several times before finally letting out a long sigh.
"You lad, Lu Lai is always alert, so I'm not worried about that. The outside world isn't like this Mi Xian County; it's full of all sorts of shady characters and crooked practices. Take good care of yourself..."