Fox Murong

The next day, Wei Xuanfeng arrived early at the Demon Suppression Bureau's examination grounds.

The examination grounds were enormous, enough to hold over a thousand people. Blades, spears, swords, staves, archery targets, and stables filled the surrounding area.

Besides him, there were nine other martial artists dressed in the same saber constable uniforms.

There were men and women alike, but the most eye-catching among them was a short-haired girl with brown hair.

She looked to be in her early twenties. Her features were exquisite and lively, and her fox-like eyes were especially captivating. Yet the baby fat on her chin added a touch of cuteness to that seductive charm.

She was tall and slim. Her measurements did not seem particularly impressive, but her waist was narrow and her legs long, and the curves beneath her black uniform had their own unique allure.

It was clear that the girl was naturally outgoing. She had only been here a short while, yet she had already made herself familiar with all the other examinees.

"Hey, it's rude to keep staring." Noticing Wei Xuanfeng's gaze, the girl walked over openly and confidently. "My name is Fox Murong. Fox as in fox, Murong as in admiring vanity."

Before she even reached him, Wei Xuanfeng caught a faint scent of gardenias.

So this is the scent of youth.

"The flower is in full bloom. If I didn't take a couple of looks, wouldn't that make me seem incapable of appreciating beauty?"

"You're interesting. You can make lust sound so righteous." Fox Murong gave a seductive smile, her voice soft and syrupy. "What's your name?"

"Wei Xuanfeng."

"Wei..." Fox Murong pondered for a moment after hearing it, then her expression turned strange. "You're that scumbag constable who slept with someone's fiancée, then beat up her fiancé?"

"Fuck... how did you know?"

"I naturally have my own channels..." Fox Murong said smugly. "It's fine. I'm not exactly a good person either. I won't look down on you, so don't feel inferior."

"Do I look that insecure?"

"Uh... then don't be too proud either..."

Wei Xuanfeng and Fox Murong exchanged a smile.

After chatting for a few moments, Wei Xuanfeng discovered that although Fox Murong seemed blunt and carefree when she spoke, she was actually employing plenty of professional conversational tactics.

She was constantly, intentionally or otherwise, fishing for information.

Wei Xuanfeng did not mind, though. There was still plenty of time before the examination began, and having a beauty to chat with and pass the time with was not bad at all.

As the two spoke, a group of people slowly ascended the martial platform in the examination grounds.

They were too far away for Wei Xuanfeng to hear what they were saying.

But from their expressions alone, it was clear that the white-bearded elder among them was undoubtedly an important figure.

Everyone surrounded him.

"Hey, do you know who that old man is?" Noticing Wei Xuanfeng's gaze, Fox Murong lightly bumped him with her shoulder.

"You know even this?" Wei Xuanfeng could not help but speculate about Fox Murong's background.

"Of course!" Fox Murong said with some pride, lowering her voice. "He's the commander of our Liang Province, a Martial Saint realm expert—Yang Xuyan."

Her words surprised Wei Xuanfeng somewhat.

The Martial Saint realm could be considered the very pinnacle of martial arts in this world.

Kang City, where he lived, was merely a small city under Liang Province. The so-called commander was the highest-ranking leader of the Demon Suppression Bureau within an entire province.

His status was no less than a provincial governor from Wei Xuanfeng's previous life coming to a tiny county town to serve as an invigilator for the college entrance exams.

No, more accurately, it should be the high school entrance exams...

"What is he here for?" Wei Xuanfeng asked.

"How about I go up and ask?" Fox Murong wore a perfectly serious expression.

"So there are things you don't know after all."

Just as Fox Murong was about to fire back at Wei Xuanfeng's teasing, a martial artist in a flying-fish uniform strode over.

"Quiet! Line up properly! I am Wu Santong, one of the chief constables of the Kang City Demon Suppression Bureau, and also your examiner today!" His voice was not loud, but it carried immense authority. "You little bastards are lucky. A great figure has come today, so all of you perform well!"

"Yes!"

The ten of them, Wei Xuanfeng included, answered in unison.

After sweeping his gaze over the crowd, Wu Santong slowly spoke.

"Before the practical examination begins, I'll put the ugly words first. People can die in the practical examination, and there will be no compensation. If you leave now, there is still time."

"..."

"Good. Since no one is leaving, then if you accidentally die during the examination, don't blame me for not warning you."

With that, Wu Santong raised a hand and pointed south.

"Fifty li from here lies a mountain called Wumeng Mountain. Most of the demonic beasts in the mountain are servant-level, and soft-boned rabbit demons are the most numerous."

"Your examination is to bring back enough left ears from rabbit demons. The time limit is seven days."

"Those who return alive and bring back one of the top three quantities will pass the examination."

"There is some equipment on the table behind me. Take it, then set off."

At his signal, Wei Xuanfeng followed the crowd toward the chopping block that had just been carried in.

In his mind, he recalled the original owner's experience.

A servant-level demon was roughly the equal of three to five ninth-layer Martial Disciple realm warriors.

But the soft-boned rabbit demon was an exception. Even a group of experienced hunters could kill one with traps and bows.

Because they were so weak, soft-boned rabbit demons were even Kang City's main source of meat.

Having them kill rabbit demons for the assessment was not particularly harsh.

The only thing worth noting was that Wumeng Mountain contained other members of the Demon Race as well, so they had to be careful.

"Hey, Old Wei, want to team up?" Fox Murong sidled up beside him with easy familiarity.

"Team up?" Wei Xuanfeng turned his head, one brow lifting casually.

Their height difference let him glimpse some rare scenery through her collar.

Not bad. Though the lotus bud had only just broken the water's surface, it was rather cute.

"Cooperate, obviously. I'm really strong." Fox Murong bared her teeth, looking adorably fierce. "What was that saying again? Oh—if you want to kill me, you'll have to step over your own corpse first."

"No need."

"Fine, suit yourself."

The moment she heard that, the girl quickened her pace and caught up with the other examinees. Watching them whisper among themselves, Wei Xuanfeng's lips curled faintly upward.

When he reached the chopping block, a demon slayer handed him a bundle and an Embroidered Spring Saber.

"There's a Horse-Armor Talisman, a brick of salt, a waterskin, a pouch, and a Great Strength Pill in the bundle. Don't try to play hero. Do your best to come back alive."

After taking the bundle and thanking him, Wei Xuanfeng found a corner and opened it, checking the contents one by one.

The Horse-Armor Talisman was a talisman inscribed in cinnabar by a talisman master. Amid the ghostly scribbles on the yellow paper, Wei Xuanfeng could only make out the words "five hundred li."

Its use was simple as well: stick the Horse-Armor Talisman to one's leg, then drip a drop of essence blood onto it.

The user's running speed would then increase dramatically, allowing them to sprint five hundred li in one breath without stopping.

The Great Strength Pill was likewise meant to preserve one's life, a medicinal pill that traded physical exhaustion for strength.

Once he had confirmed everything was correct, Wei Xuanfeng returned to the drill grounds.

After everyone was ready, Wu Santong stepped before the crowd once more.

"The carriages are outside. Five to a carriage. Set off."

After watching everyone leave, Wu Santong returned to the martial arts platform.

At that moment, Yang Xuyan was the only person on the platform.

"Lord Yang, all ten blade recruits have been sent off. In addition, the thirty martial world people from Kang City have also been arranged to enter Wumeng Mountain." He bent at the waist, head lowered.

No one could see his eyes.

"By my count, it has been half a year already, hasn't it?" Yang Xuyan, seated in a grand master's chair, took a sip of tea before speaking slowly. "For the past half year, we have constantly sent people into Wumeng Mountain to die. I imagine we've thoroughly numbed those wolf cubs of White Lotus Mountain by now. Pacification Commissioner Wu, summon the troops. In this campaign against White Lotus Mountain, if you can find the Earth Immortal Spring Lotus, the foremost merit will be yours."

"Thank you, Commander."

"For this mountain campaign, you will lead the force. I will hold this city for you." Yang Xuyan spoke unhurriedly. "Be more cautious. Black Banner has also set its sights on the Earth Immortal Spring Lotus. You must be careful, especially of those around you."

"Black Banner..." A trace of gravity flickered across Wu Santong's face.

"Yes. A few days ago, I severely wounded a Black Banner elder. Unfortunately, he escaped. With his methods, he will surely seize someone's body." Yang Xuyan sighed. "Discuss it with the Southern Pacification Bureau and have them pay closer attention to the city's movements. If they find any suspicious martial artists, execute them first and report afterward."

"Commander, that cannot be done," Wu Santong hurriedly said. "Those rice-eating parasites in the Southern Pacification Bureau will only use this order to abuse their power for personal gain. By then, people may die unjustly..."

"It doesn't matter, Santong. It doesn't matter how many people die." Yang Xuyan waved a hand. "Better to kill by mistake than let one slip through. Enough. Do as I say. Go."