Demon Suppression Bureau

Biodata

Authority and Mandate

The Demon Suppression Bureau was founded by Great Tang's Grand Ancestor Emperor to oversee demons and monsters under heaven. Its officers may execute first and report afterward under imperial authority. 102

• Slays demons and exterminates monsters; this is described as the Bureau's central rule and duty. 20 26
• Investigates anyone colluding with demons, including civil and military officials, nobles, and martial sects. 20
• Holds authority above ordinary officials and laws: it may oversee civil and military administration and suppress the martial world. 20
• Patrol Envoys may investigate misconduct within the Bureau itself; for serious offenses, they may execute first and report later. 114
• Its work is dangerous enough that many talented martial artists prefer sects, wealthy households, or the army over enlistment. 18

Organization

Central and Regional Commands

• The Demon Suppression General Bureau is based in the Imperial City of Chang'an. 20 158
• Great Tang has fifteen circuit commanderies beneath the main bureau; the Longyou Circuit Commandery manages demon-related affairs in Longyou. 20
• In Jiangnan East Circuit, the Suzhou Commandery General Headquarters oversees eighteen commanderies, each with a branch office and a Demon Suppression General. 161 163
• The General Bureau is led by a Commander-in-Chief, a position held by Bai Yulou during later events. 472 532

Longyou Battalions

Known Ranks and Posts

Uniforms and Identification

The Bureau is identified by black fitted uniforms patterned in crimson, with a Horizontal Blade worn at the waist. These symbols are widely recognized by civilians, martial sects, officials, and demons alike. 3 20 41 57

• Black-and-crimson uniform — The standard attire of Demon Suppression Guards; later inspection ranks use black, white, silver, or gold robes. 3 20 158
• Horizontal Blade — Standard weapon issued to new guards; the black-iron blade is described as sharp enough to sever hair blown against it. 18
• Waist token — Bears “Demon Suppression” on one side and the holder's name on the other; exempts the bearer from inspections and permits unimpeded entry to and exit from Great Tang's cities. 18
• Silver Robe and Gold Token — Insignia issued to a Silver Robe Patrol Envoy. 159
• Cloud Tide mount — A one-horned, cloud-hoofed divine steed reserved exclusively for Silver Robe Patrol Envoys. 196

Recruitment and Benefits

The Bureau evaluates recruits primarily by ability and merit rather than origin or past offenses. 18 37

• New Ninth Rank guards receive five taels of silver monthly, three shi of rice, ten jin of meat, a standard Horizontal Blade, two uniforms, and a waist token. 18
• The Bureau provides compensation for injuries, posthumous honors for those killed in service, and free academy admission for dependent family members. 18
• Eighth-rank officers and above receive free housing in the Demon-Pacifying Ward; Ninth Rank guards may purchase homes there cheaply. 37
• Staffing shortages have led the Bureau to relax recruitment standards, accepting discharged soldiers and jianghu figures with useful skills. 35
• Despite its pay and benefits, frequent demon outbreaks, patrol requirements, and high casualty risk regularly leave the Bureau overstretched. 18 22

History

The Bureau's name carries a severe reputation throughout Great Tang. It is said that an Imperial Guard of the Demon Suppression Bureau arriving at one's door is like the King of Hell arriving; even children fear its name. 1

During Jiang Yuechu's early career, the Longyou Command lacked a Commander. The vacancy weakened the Bureau's standing against entrenched noble clans and sects, especially Jeweled Temple, which expected the Regional Command to show it deference. 102

The Bureau's authority was reasserted through investigations into Jeweled Temple's collusion with demons. Following the execution of monks Huiming and Huiyuan, the Longyou command received orders to investigate and execute any temple found to be collaborating with demons. 43 106 Later, Bureau forces mobilized to surround Jeweled Temple on Qituo Mountain. 229

When demons simultaneously rose across Jiannan and Longyou, the Bureau suffered severe losses and struggled to hold the line. More than half of fifty-four commanderies reportedly fell in a single night, and local Bureau offices were devastated. 316 317 Surviving guards later regrouped as Jiang Yuechu's campaigns reclaimed demon-held prefectures. 322

Relationships

• Great Tang imperial court — The Bureau is an imperial institution empowered to enforce demon-related law and supervise officials. 20 102
• Jeweled Temple — A major Longyou sect whose protection of demons and defiance of Bureau authority escalated into open conflict and siege. 42 106 229
• Demon Court and demon clans — Principal enemies; demons recognize the Bureau as a major threat and avoid confronting its forces directly when possible. 57 70
• Martial sects and noble clans — Subject to Bureau investigation when suspected of collusion with demons, though powerful local factions can challenge its practical authority. 20 41 102
• Great Tang army — Normally separate from demon-suppression operations, but military forces are deployed when demonic calamities exceed the Bureau's capacity. 267

Notable Incidents

• Jiang Yuechu's recruitment — Wei He offers Jiang Yuechu protection, official status, and freedom from pursuit of the Jiang Family case in exchange for Bureau service; she joins as a Ninth Rank Guard in Longyou. 18
• Black River investigation — A Mysterious Battalion squad investigates the reversed Black River and the demon threat at Backwater Bay, where the remains of a prior Yellow Battalion team are discovered. 22 28
• Hechuan and Jeweled Temple conflict — Bureau officers investigate the Black Bear demon despite Jeweled Temple claiming it as a guardian spirit beast; the confrontation results in the execution of obstructing monks. 41 43
• Yumen Pass infiltration — Jiang Yuechu deliberately admits demon infiltrators disguised as Bureau personnel, then exposes and eliminates them inside the pass. 61 63 66
• Jiangdong reinforcement — Half of the Capital City's patrol forces are dispatched to aid Jiangdong amid widespread demonic unrest. 160
• Demonic horde suppression — The Bureau faces collapse during coordinated invasions of Jiannan and Longyou before surviving forces participate in the liberation of occupied territory. 316 322