Yunshan County Lieutenant Liang Youtian

After the time it takes an incense stick to burn.

Lin Baichuan and his party of six rode their Unicorn Horses out of Seven Mile Slope Town and directly into Qili Slope behind the town, galloping along an official road within the rolling mountain range.

Qili Slope was not a peaceful place, but it was relatively safe during the day. At night, however, it became terrible. Not only was there poisonous miasma, but demons and monsters also roamed, making it extremely dangerous. This was why Li Da hadn't rushed day and night yesterday.

Daytime was different. As the sun rose, the morning sun blazed like a flame, filled with potent yang energy.

At this time, demons rarely appeared. Even the poisonous miasma would dissipate, making it naturally much safer than at night.

Therefore, they had to pass through Qili Slope during the day, preferably before noon.

The official road was rugged and winding through the mountains.

Despite it being daytime and the sun shining brightly, Qili Slope remained gloomy and chilling. Lin Baichuan and his party of six galloped onward, not daring to be careless, their nerves taut. Lin Baichuan held the reins in one hand and rested the other on the hilt of the Battle Saber at his waist, ready to draw and strike without hesitation at any sign of trouble.

Fortunately, the journey was uneventful.

As it neared noon, the party of six finally passed through Qili Slope and then, like a gust of wind, headed straight for Yunshan County.

According to the original plan, after passing Qili Slope, the group was supposed to travel day and night to reach Yunshan County as soon as possible. However, because Li Da and the others were injured, such high-intensity travel was not feasible.

So, they basically traveled during the day and rested and healed at night.

And so.

Three days passed in the blink of an eye. The Unicorn Horses traveled three thousand li each day, totaling nine thousand li in three days, plus the more than one thousand li from the first day. After traveling over ten thousand li, Lin Baichuan and his group of six finally arrived at Yunshan County.

During these three days, Lin Baichuan dared not relax his vigilance. He was cautious all the way, needing to guard against demons causing trouble on the road, as well as his own teammates. He feared they might stab him in the back and set a trap for him.

In fact, they encountered danger several times. There were mountain bandits blocking the road, and Li Da and the others actually wanted to use the bandits to attack him, intending to kill him with the bandits' hands. Fortunately, his physical strength had reached the Ten Thousand Jin Limit, and he had also comprehended Saber Intent. He managed to overcome each situation.

Three days later, Yunshan County City.

The County Office.

Lin Baichuan and his party of six rode their Unicorn Horses directly to the entrance of the County Office, immediately alarming the entire Yunshan County Office. A man in the county magistrate's official attire, with a weathered face, rushed out from the office with a group of people. He immediately cupped his hands in greeting towards Lin Baichuan and his six companions and said, "I am Liang Youtian, the Magistrate of Yunshan County. I pay my respects to the esteemed lords of the Demon Suppression Division..."

In the Great Xia Dynasty, the Demon Suppression Division was a self-contained entity. Although the Demon Slayer Guard was only the lowest level within the Demon Suppression Division, they were equivalent to seventh-rank officials.

Yunshan County, on the other hand, was merely a lower-tier county. Magistrate Liang Youtian was just a minor ninth-rank official. Seeing Lin Baichuan and his six companions, calling them "lords" was entirely appropriate.

"Magistrate Liang, I am Li Da, captain of the 13th team of the Seventh Battalion of the Cangwu County Demon Suppression Division. I am here today on orders to eliminate the demons in Yunshan County." Li Da glanced at the fawning Liang Youtian and said in a deep voice, "You previously requested assistance from our Demon Suppression Division, stating that demons were rampant in Yunshan County. Could you explain the situation in detail..."

"So it's Lord Li!"

Liang Youtian quickly replied, "My lord is correct. There are indeed demons causing trouble in our Yunshan County. Within a single month, they have already massacred three villages in Yunshan County, resulting in thousands of casualties among the populace.

Our Yunshan County Office sent yamen runners to apprehend them, but the result was heavy losses. Even the County Lieutenant, Lu Dechen, died at the hands of that demon.

I was truly helpless and had no choice but to seek help from the Demon Suppression Division.

Now that your esteemed lords have arrived, it is truly a cause for celebration. With your lords' intervention, I believe that damned demon will surely be killed."

Liang Youtian's lengthy speech caused all six of Li Da's group to frown slightly. Lin Baichuan, in particular, inwardly scoffed, cursing Liang Youtian as a seasoned politician who had spoken a lot of nonsense without providing any important information.

"Less nonsense, explain the specific situation."

Qin Qing, standing nearby, couldn't help but speak first, coldly reprimanding, "Where is the demon now? Which three villages were destroyed? Bring the detailed case files; I want to review them."

"Yes, my lord, please do not be impatient. I will have someone fetch them immediately..."

Liang Youtian was startled by Qin Qing's reprimand, his expression changing slightly. Then, he quickly put on a smile and said, "My lords have traveled a long way and are weary. I will have someone prepare some food and wine to welcome you.

Coincidentally, it will also take some time to retrieve those case files."

Everyone frowned slightly, then exchanged glances. Li Da, as the captain, finally said in a deep voice, "Since Magistrate Liang is so thoughtful, we shall not refuse."

"Not at all, not at all... Please come in, my lords."

Liang Youtian was overjoyed upon hearing this. He quickly ordered someone to pack up the food and wine, and then he personally led Li Da, Lin Baichuan, and the others into the backyard of the County Office.

Before long, a large table laden with fine dishes was served. It had to be said that Liang Youtian, the seasoned politician, did have some skills. After a few drinks, he immediately improved his relationship with Li Da and the others. Even Qin Qing, who had maintained a cold demeanor, seemed to soften slightly.

Only Lin Baichuan maintained his usual expression, ignoring Liang Youtian and eating and drinking quietly.

Of course, this was merely an outward appearance. Inwardly, he was observing everyone at the table.

The more he observed, the more he felt something was amiss.

Logically speaking, with the demon's rampage and the deaths of thousands of citizens in Yunshan County, Magistrate Liang Youtian should have been extremely anxious. After all, this matter not only concerned thousands of lives but also the fate of his official hat.

However, as it seemed now, Liang Youtian did not appear anxious at all. Not only did he not urge Li Da and the others to go and eliminate the demons as soon as possible, but he was also trying to delay the time by all means.

"Something is wrong, very wrong..."

Lin Baichuan thought to himself, his pupils narrowing slightly, a faint glint flashing within them.

However, despite his suspicions, Lin Baichuan did not show it. He knew very well that within this group, he was definitely not well-liked. Even if he expressed his opinion, Li Da and the others would not care, and might even refute or mock him.

Since that was the case, he couldn't be bothered to say anything. He would just remain vigilant and act according to the situation.

After three rounds of drinks and five courses of food.

Under the persuasion of Liang Youtian and other officials from the Yunshan County Office, Niu Zhenye, Luo Kang, and Wu Xiaoqi were completely drunk. Even Li Da was somewhat dazed and not fully coherent.

Under these circumstances, it was impossible for them to go and eliminate the demons.

Seeing this, Liang Youtian turned to Lin Baichuan and Qin Qing, who had not been drinking, and said, "Well, my lords, looking at the condition of Lord Li and the other four, I'm afraid they won't be able to eliminate demons today.

I have already prepared a courtyard for you lords. Why don't you stay here for the night, and we can discuss the matter of the demons tomorrow after Lord Li and the other four have sobered up..."

Lin Baichuan and Qin Qing exchanged glances, then subtly glanced at the four already tipsy individuals, Li Da and the others. Qin Qing then coldly nodded and said, "In that case, lead the way!"