In the front courtyard of the Liang Province Prefectural Governor's Mansion, the Demon Suppression Guards were busy packing their things.
The operation to purge the Demon Cult had lasted nearly a month from start to finish.
Now that their mission was complete, everyone was eager to return home.
Su Wanqing had already climbed onto Golden Radiance's back and was expertly adjusting her seat.
Lin Changqing swung himself onto Golden Radiance and patted its neck.
"Move out. Back to the Capital."
Golden Radiance raised its head and let out a low growl, then soared into the sky on four hooves wreathed in Golden Thunder.
Lu Jingchen led the Demon Suppression Guards in formation across the ground, their mighty procession heading toward the Capital.
Meanwhile, a thousand kilometers away, in Jing Province.
Deep beneath the ordinary-looking dye house west of Jiangling County, inside the Underground Palace at the Great Yu Main Altar.
The High Priest, Black Dragon, sat on a stone chair, holding a Message Jade Talisman that shimmered faintly in his hand.
Messages kept appearing on the talisman, each one reporting the latest movements of a Branch Sect.
When the final message arrived, the corners of Black Dragon's mouth slowly curled into a sinister smile.
"Excellent."
He slapped the talisman onto the table, murder roiling in his eyes.
"All the Branch Sects have withdrawn from Great Yu. I have nothing left to worry about."
He rose to his feet. His Dark Gold Robe stirred without a breeze, and the pressure of a Late Martial Saint Stage expert made the entire chamber tremble faintly.
"That damned Prince Wu'an has ruined the Holy Sect's plans time and again."
"He killed the Red Python Sect Leader, wiped out the Capital Branch Sect, foiled the Blood Sacrifice at the Flower Deity Festival, and pulled