The Hunt

The four finished their discussion and prepared to set out.

As Yang Xiao stepped through the encampment gate, he noticed several figures approaching together outside.

They drew closer along the gravel path in the dusk. All wore the uniforms of Deputy Generals, and every one of them was in the early stage of the Aperture-Opening Realm.

Puzzled, he looked back at Zhou Zheng.

With Azure Mist City in this state—six Demons blocking the way and a Demon King suspected to be in the Mysterious Core Realm holding the city lord's residence—these early-stage Deputy Generals still dared to come?

Zhou Zheng seemed to read his confusion and nodded toward the approaching figures.

"You've only just joined the Demon-Slaying Battalion. You don't know how rare a gathering of Demons like this is."

Meng Jiu smiled beside him and held up a finger.

"Demons at this level usually treasure their lives more than anything. Once they spot the Demon Suppression Division, they run as far as they can. If they burrow into the deep forests, there's no catching them."

He paused, his gaze passing over Yang Xiao's shoulder to Azure Mist City in the distance.

The city lay dark beneath the dusk, with faint firelight flickering in only a few alleys.

"This time, the Seven Demons dared to set their sights on a whole city. It's like dropping bait into a pond."

"Every Deputy General in Qingzhou who can make it here will bite that hook."

"Even if they can't bring down those seven great Demons, they can still catch a few small fish and shrimp. One kill brings in an easy few dozen Merit points. It's worth it."

Understanding dawned on Yang Xiao, and he nodded.

"Let's go."

Yan Tieyi called out, clearly unable to wait any longer. Broadsword in hand, he