The Spoils Afterward

Several days later.

In Cloud Province.

In Lingshui Commandery.

The region bordered the Great Marsh. Waterways crisscrossed it, and merchant ships and painted pleasure boats came and went without end.

Vendors' cries filled the long street, alive with the bustle of everyday life.

The three entered the city and headed straight for the City God Temple at its center without stopping to rest.

They arrived outside the Lingshui Commandery City God Temple.

Long Zhi stepped forward and presented her Heavenly Patrol Division badge.

The immortal official guarding the gate stiffened. Not daring to delay, he hurried inside to announce them.

Before long.

Hasty footsteps sounded from within the temple.

The man who emerged was broad and stout, with a bulging belly. His official robes looked a little tight on him.

Smiling broadly, he stepped forward and bowed. "I didn't know the esteemed officers of the Heavenly Patrol Division were coming. Forgive me for failing to welcome you!"

The Heavenly Patrol Division patrolled on Heaven's behalf, and its officers outranked local officials.

One of them was even a seventh-rank Sky Patrol Guard!

As a local City God, he naturally dared not neglect them in the slightest.

Long Zhi nodded faintly, her expression stern. Unlike usual, she made no move to take over the conversation.

"You're too courteous, City God. We're here on official business. Sorry for the trouble."

"No trouble, no trouble."

The Lingshui Commandery City God waved his hands, making the flesh of his face jiggle. "It's my good fortune to have you visit Lingshui Commandery."

The City God Bureau and the Heavenly Patrol Division had distinct duties: one oversaw matters of yin and yang, while the other patrolled on Heaven's behalf. But both served the Heavenly Court, and their paths crossed often enough.

So an unexpected visit from Heavenly