Demon-Seeking Plate

Jingyang County lay north of Chang'an, like a lock and key guarding the heart of Guanzhong.

The land rose in the north and fell away to the south. The muddy Jing River rushed down from the Loess Plateau to the northwest.

Terraces rolled along both banks. With deep soil and abundant water, this had been Qin's breadbasket since ancient times.

As the saying went, "For every stone of Jing River water, several pecks are mud."

Autumn rain had turned the official road to mire. Hooves flew, flinging strings of yellow-brown mud.

The Scarlet-eyed Steeds had astonishing stamina. After half a day at a gallop, they had reached Jingyang.

"Jingyang County governs five townships and more than ten villages. We're in Yunyang Township now."

Gu Changge rode closer, his expression grim.

"Cross that ridge to the north, and you'll reach Chongwen and Yongle Townships."

Jiang Yuechu looked where he pointed.

Paths crisscrossed the fields in the distance. It should have been harvest season, yet scarcely a farmer could be seen at work.

Great swathes of crops lay flattened in the mud, as though something had rolled over them.

The distant villages looked lifeless. Not a wisp of cooking smoke rose from them.

"Whoa—"

The black-cloaked elder at the front hauled sharply on his reins.

The demon horse beneath him whinnied and reared high.

The pounding of hooves stopped.

The elder narrowed his eyes and scanned the way ahead.

"The last urgent report said the Ghost Gold Demon King vanished around here."

"We've ridden hard for half a day. Judging by that beast's speed and habits... I fear it's already eaten its fill and found somewhere to chew its cud."

The elder turned and swept his gaze over the people behind him.

"Leave that old Ghost Gold Demon King to me."

"If