Promotion, Acting Head of the Demon Hunting Office

"What?"

Chu Jiang was stunned. Li Feng was the leader of the Demon Hunting Office, a Xiantian expert.

No one in Baishi County should have been able to kill him.

The other three were even more shocked, but secretly delighted.

Regardless of the reason for Li Feng's death, the Demon Hunting Office could not remain leaderless for long. A new person would definitely be chosen to take charge.

Assistant Magistrate Liu continued, "Before the official appointment from the court arrives, the Demon Hunting Office needs someone to manage the situation."

He then looked at Chu Jiang, "Captain Chu, you are quite familiar with matters concerning demons. You will serve as the Acting Head and take over all affairs of the Demon Hunting Office."

Chu Jiang's eyes lit up. Such a good thing? It was like pie falling from the sky.

"This subordinate accepts the order!"

He wouldn't care anymore. Even if there was some conspiracy behind it, he wouldn't be afraid.

If his strength was great enough, no matter how many schemes there were, he could break them all with his own power.

Liu Ding and Li Dagang's eyes widened, their faces full of disbelief.

"Quite familiar with matters concerning demons"? Wasn't that practically colluding with demons and bringing them into people's homes for dinner? How could someone like that be the spokesperson for the Demon Hunting Office?

Lord Li Feng, although not a completely upright official, had never made deals with demons. How could Chu Jiang, someone who often mingled with demons...

It was simply ridiculous.

Assistant Magistrate Liu saw the changing expressions on their faces and said calmly, "This is the result of discussions between myself, Clerk Hu, and even the County Magistrate. You will obey!"

The three fell silent. The higher-ups in Baishi County had spoken. They could only reluctantly accept: "We understand. From now on, we will obey Captain Chu's... uh, no, Head Chu's orders."

"Alright, Head Chu, you stay. The three of you may withdraw for now." Assistant Magistrate Liu waved them away.

After the three left.

Assistant Magistrate Liu said, "The death of Li Feng has angered the higher-ups. They have instructed us to thoroughly investigate the cause of Head Li's death within a month. After you take over, you will focus on this matter."

"If this matter is handled well, your position as the acting head of the Demon Hunting Office will be officially confirmed without issue. The County Magistrate and I will vouch for you with the Prefect."

"This is the intelligence we have gathered so far. Take a look."

Chu Jiang raised an eyebrow.

Damn it.

He knew these two old men wouldn't be so kind as to let him be the spokesperson for the Demon Hunting Office. It turned out they were looking for a scapegoat.

As local chief executives, they were undoubtedly responsible for Li Feng's death. Bad luck could even cost them their official positions.

Trading a month as acting head for their own official careers seemed like a profitable deal. They had calculated it quite well.

Chu Jiang put on a troubled expression and said to Assistant Magistrate Liu, "Lord Li Feng's death is unusual. My strength is low, and I fear I may not be up to the task!"

"Magistrate, your strength is immense. Wouldn't handling this case be a piece of cake for you?"

Assistant Magistrate Liu's mouth twitched slightly. "Low strength"? You're practically half a Xiantian expert, and you're playing the innocent lamb with me.

He understood that Chu Jiang wanted to gain some benefits from him, otherwise, he wouldn't have agreed so readily.

Thus, Assistant Magistrate Liu said helplessly, "Speak, what do you want? Money, or women... As long as it's not excessive, this official can satisfy you."

Assistant Magistrate Liu sighed inwardly. It seemed he had to bleed heavily today.

"Money, women...?"

Chu Jiang took a deep breath and shook his head. "Magistrate, I only wish to obtain some martial arts manuals, preferably of a higher grade, so that I can better serve the court and work for the county."

Assistant Magistrate Liu was taken aback. Where did this kid get this idea? He usually loved those two things the most, but today he was asking for martial arts manuals?

Also, were martial arts like cabbage? Asking for a higher grade.

"I want martial arts not just for myself, but for the peace of tens of thousands of people in Baishi County. The stronger my strength, the more secure our fight against demons will be?"

Chu Jiang wasn't lying about this.

As the ancient saying goes: "In poverty, one should cultivate oneself; in prosperity, one should help the world."

He didn't have a choice before, but now he just wanted to be a good person.

"Alright, wait a moment!"

Assistant Magistrate Liu sighed. Why did this guy's expression look so genuine? If you want benefits, just say so, why bring up such far-fetched reasons.

After the time it takes for an incense stick to burn.

Assistant Magistrate Liu returned from outside, holding two yellowed books in his hands. One was thinner, and the other was thicker.

Assistant Magistrate Liu introduced them to Chu Jiang: "This thinner one is the Great Vajra Palm. This palm technique is fierce and domineering, with immense power. I obtained it by chance. Although it only has one move, its power surpasses most Houtian martial arts."

Then, he picked up the thicker book and said, "And this one is the Clear Wind Art, a top-grade Houtian martial art. When cultivated to the perfected realm, its speed can rival that of a Xiantian expert."

Chu Jiang took the two martial arts manuals and pondered inwardly.

This Great Vajra Palm seemed to have similarities with the Great Strength Fist he had learned before, both being strength-oriented martial arts.

However, judging by the name, the Great Vajra Palm was clearly more powerful. Perhaps its complete version was even a Xiantian martial art.

And regarding the Clear Wind Art, Chu Jiang felt very satisfied. It perfectly compensated for his shortcomings in movement techniques, allowing his strength to be further enhanced.

"Oh right, I have a personal matter I need to trouble Head Chu with," Assistant Magistrate Liu said suddenly.

"Assistant Magistrate Liu, please speak. Within my capabilities, I can help."

Chu Jiang didn't make any promises he couldn't keep. If it was outside his capabilities, saying anything would be pointless anyway.

Assistant Magistrate Liu hesitated for a moment before speaking, "It's about that kid Liu Guangwu's sister... I know you wouldn't have done this, but Zhang Liancai abducting his sister behind your back is ultimately against the law."

"Moreover, Zhang Liancai used to be your subordinate, and you know him well. So, I'd like to ask Head Chu to investigate and bring his sister back."

Assistant Magistrate Liu knew that Liu Guangwu's sister's disappearance was likely instigated by Chu Jiang. Even if he wasn't the mastermind, Chu Jiang, with his understanding of Zhang Liancai, would definitely know where he hid the girl.

Whether she returned or not was just a matter of his word.

However, one couldn't be too blunt.

In official circles, once you speak too definitively, you leave no room for retreat.

You have to leave yourself enough room to maneuver.

Hearing Assistant Magistrate Liu's words, Chu Jiang frowned. He was also puzzled about where Zhang Liancai had hidden the girl.

He said that only he knew.

Wait...

Chu Jiang fell into thought, searching through fragments of memory in his mind.

The original owner's memories were too jumbled, containing everything. Especially one cluster of memories that was in a state of chaos; every time he probed it, there was only emptiness.

March 8th, went to Drunk Flower Pavilion to listen to the courtesan sing...

March 10th, harassed Widow Wang on the main street...

March 13th, gambled at the casino, lost 100 taels... 14th, gambled again, won 300 taels... 15th, lost 200 taels...

March 20th, a Pig Demon came looking for you, asking you to take it out to eat...

April 1st, Zhang Liancai prepared an underground cage for you...

Huh?

Underground.

He seemed to have mentioned it offhand. The person was probably there.

This guy is truly amazing.

"Assistant Magistrate Liu, I'll go back and investigate then. I won't stay any longer," Chu Jiang said.

"Then I wish Head Chu a swift victory. In a month, the county officials and I will celebrate your success!"

Assistant Magistrate Liu said with a smile.

After Chu Jiang left, his expression instantly returned to calm, as if he were contemplating something.