Were They Really Here to Bring Gifts?

The moon shone bright in a sky thinly scattered with stars.

Listening Wind River's once empty, silent county town gradually came to life as the Great Tang forces poured in.

The Demon Suppression Bureau's elite moved swiftly, each attending to their own duties.

Before half the evening had passed, the Great Tang banner flew from the city wall, proclaiming that the deserted town had changed hands.

In the south of town stood a sprawling mansion.

Old Red Flood Dragon strode across its high threshold with his hands clasped behind his back, Niu Ben, Hu Cuihua, and several other demons following him.

"Not bad. Plenty of room. This is where we'll stay from now on."

Old Red Flood Dragon surveyed the rockery and flowing water in the courtyard, then nodded in satisfaction.

Niu Ben looked uneasy. "We've only just arrived, and we're taking one of the best places... Won't that turn everyone against us?"

Old Red Flood Dragon snorted and headed for the main hall. "What's this compared to what's ahead? Follow Her Highness, and someday we'll be living in an immortal's Cave Abode. Get our things sorted out. Don't let Her Highness think all we're good for is eating for free."

The demons said no more. Each picked a room he liked and began moving his luggage in.

At the center of town, inside the former county office...

Jiang Yuechu stood alone atop the stone steps, watching lights kindle one by one across the town.

Her expression was calm. She made no move to involve herself in the countless details of settling everyone in.

The Great Tang forces had their own strict procedures. There was no need for her to handle everything herself.

Before long, steady footsteps sounded outside the courtyard.

Zhao Zhongliu led You Wujiang, Gu Wanlan, and Zhou