"Messenger Lin Yan. Military intelligence delivered. Returning to camp to report."
Qin He held his arms at his sides, his voice steady and his expression calm, betraying nothing unusual.
The officer on acceptance duty took the military intelligence jade slip he handed over and swept it with spiritual power from his fingertips. Only after checking the return stamp on it and confirming that the handover procedure had been completed without a single flaw did he look up at Qin He.
"You took considerably longer than expected. Did you run into trouble on the road?"
Qin He's expression remained unchanged. He had polished his explanation on the return journey, and not a trace of panic showed on his face.
"A demonic outbreak suddenly struck the Central Army Camp, throwing everything into chaos. Delivery and handover of the intelligence were delayed by several days. Then, the day before yesterday, the entire Right Army Camp suddenly went on alert. Inspections at the checkpoints along the route were exceptionally strict. I was stopped and questioned several times, which delayed the handover further."
His account was half true and half false. A small-scale demonic disturbance had indeed broken out at the Central Army Camp, giving him ample reason for his late return. Anyone who checked would find no holes in his story.
The officer slowly nodded, a hint of weariness between his brows.
"Mm. After the disturbance in the restricted zone a few days ago, something serious did happen. Every army camp has been hearing enemies in the wind and the cries of cranes, and they're especially wary of outsiders. It's only natural that you faced some difficulties along the way. Now that the assignment is complete, you can collect the corresponding reward at the Quartermaster Office. Don't go far over the next few days.