Zhenshan Commandery Has Never Had a Deputy General. If You're Willing, You Can Fill the Vacancy

Two days later, just past noon.

A cloud of dust rose from the mountain road to the northwest.

Chu Qingtian rode the Demon Horse, and there was an inescapable air of anxiety about him compared to when he left the county.

The hem of the faded red cloak was scorched, a long burn mark was left on the shoulder of the black armor, and even a corner of the half-gray beard was scorched.

A dark wooden box appeared beside his saddle.

The box was small, but it was tightly bound by iron hoops. If you got close, you could smell the Yao Qi seeping from the cracks, along with a burnt smell.

The Demon King's arm sealed inside was the only thing that the Core Illumination Realm Demon King had left behind.

He chased it for two days and two nights, severely injuring it and severing its arm, but ultimately failed to save its life.

Realizing that the enemy was retreating and seemed to be subtly trying to lure him away from Zhenshan Commandery, he rushed back without stopping.

After several days of trekking in the wilderness, a layer of weariness lingered in his eyes.

But at that moment, only one thought remained in his mind: I hope nothing bad happens in Zhenshan Commandery.

Riding his Demon Horse into the city, Chu Qingtian dismounted.

Before he even stepped through the door, a Squad Leader who was left in charge of guarding the mansion came up to him, as if he had something to say.

Something happened?

Chu Qingtian's gaze lingered on his face for a moment, and he immediately understood, his expression turning serious.

"General Chu, the Blackstone Mining Area was attacked by the Mountain Ridge Demon King two days ago, and half of the mine vein collapsed."

"Out of more than three hundred people, only thirteen were found alive."

Chu Qingtian stood there, his gaze dark and gloomy.

"Is the Mountain Ridge Demon King still in the mining area?"

No sooner had he left than the Mountain Ridge Demon King made his move; that beast was quite the schemer.

The Squad Leader was taken aback. "They are indeed still in the mining area, but..."

Before Chu Qingtian could finish speaking, he mounted his horse angrily, his eyes filled with murderous intent.

Even if we can't catch up with that Core Illumination Demon King, surely we can do something to you?

How dare you lay a finger on my Zhenshan Commandery! Even if we have to dig three feet into the ground, we'll at least leave your head behind!

The Blackstone Mining Area is much shorter than when he left the county.

Half a mountain collapsed into the ground, leaving behind rubble of all sizes. Among the rubble, the massive corpse of a Stone Ape lay sprawled.

Its body was five zhang tall, and its skin was grayish-white with rock-like patterns. Even when it was lying on the ground, it looked like a small mountain.

Even though he was completely dead, the corpse pressed against the ground still exuded a suffocating, oppressive atmosphere.

Chu Qingtian stood before the corpse, his killing intent instantly vanishing, replaced by astonishment.

Mountain E... is dead!?

Who else in Zhenshan Commandery can kill it?

He stepped forward and examined the man closely. He saw numerous wounds on the man's arms, chest, and abdomen, and a deep, long cut across his throat beneath his stone-like head.

This should be the fatal wound.

Chu Qingtian remained silent for a moment.

No one knew better than him how powerful the Stone Ape's physique was.

Many years ago, he fought against the Mountain E. In that battle, he thrust his spear into its shoulder blade, but the spearhead was held in place by flesh harder than rock, only three inches deep.

This body is impervious to ordinary swords and spears.

But now it's dead here, its throat pierced through.

I don't know whether to say it's because of great strength or good weapons.

Chu Qingtian sighed before the corpse, then looked at Cheng Su, who was standing guard a step behind, his voice filled with curiosity.

Who killed him?

He had a vague suspicion in his mind, but he couldn't quite believe it.

Without hesitation, Cheng Su raised his hand and pointed into the distance.

"It is indeed Lord Yang."

Chu Qingtian followed his hand and saw Yang Xiao sitting alone in the mountains, meditating with his eyes closed.

He looked away and took a deep breath.

Tell me the whole story from beginning to end.

Cheng Su responded and recounted the events of two days ago in detail.

Chu Qingtian listened quietly. Halfway through, the weariness that had returned to his face slowly faded, and his eyes grew brighter and brighter.

It turned out that the demon Demon King the Core Illumination Realm had deliberately revealed his presence, and was actually coming for him.

The moment I, the Demon Suppression General of Zhenshan Commandery, set out, Zhenshan Commandery will be emptied.

Its true weapon, however, is the Mountain Ridge Demon King.

Taking advantage of the absence of generals in the county, a Stone Ape smashed the mining area, burying the lifeblood of Zhenshan Commandery and its people underground.

What happens next?

If no one stops it, it might not stop at one mining area, but will destroy the entire Zhenshan Commandery!

Chu Qingtian's heart sank little by little.

Having raced for so many years, he has never been afraid of anything.

But at this moment, for the first time, he felt a genuine sense of lingering fear.

If only Cheng Su and the people of this prefecture had been there that day... Zhenshan Commandery would truly have perished.

He raised his head and looked at the rock again.

The young man who had been sitting cross-legged had stood up at some point. When he saw him looking over, he walked down the stone slope to stand in front of him, clasped his hands in greeting, and spoke.

"General Chu."

Chu Qingtian looked at the young face and remained silent for a moment.

"Come with me."

The two entered the General's Residence one after the other.

Chu Qingtian sat down in the main seat and gestured for Yang Xiao to sit down, but before Yang Xiao could even sit down, he had already spoken.

That's always been his way; he doesn't beat around the bush.

"Zhenshan Commandery has never had Deputy General."

"If you're willing, I can fill this vacancy for you."

Cheng Su, who was following behind the two, clearly changed his expression.

He knew all too well the weight of those words.

Zhenshan Commandery has never had Deputy General. It's not that it couldn't be established, but that General Chu never did.

This old general was stubborn and inflexible. In the entire Qingzhou, only Pei Xuance could keep him in check. Over the years, countless people had tried to gain a title under his command, but he had never given in to any of them.

Now, however, he has brought these words to the attention of a young man from another county.

Cheng Su's breathing became lighter, yet he couldn't help but admire her.

Because Lord Yang truly possesses that ability!

Chu Qingtian paused, then added, "I'm not young anymore; I can't hold the position of Demon Suppression General forever."

He raised his eyes and looked at Yang Xiao.

"After I retire, I will recommend you to the Demon Suppression Division as the next Demon Suppression Demon Suppression General."

Cheng Su's heart skipped a beat.

Having followed Chu Qingtian for many years, he knew better than anyone that this Demon Suppression General always only talked about military affairs and never made promises about the future lightly.

Even though he had lived in Zhenshan Commandery since childhood, he had never received any preferential treatment.

Now, Chu Qingtian has actually placed the position of the next Demon Suppression General in front of a junior.

This shows that his evaluation of Yang Xiao is extremely high!

If the former's position Deputy General represents recognition, then the position of Demon Suppression General represents unreserved trust and full support!

Cheng Su opened his mouth, but couldn't utter a single word.

The hall fell silent for a moment.

Yang Xiao remained silent, but quickly went over the words in his mind.

He recalled his journey, from Qingzhou to Viewing Waves, and from Baisha Commandery to Zhenshan Commandery.

The reason he was able to obtain the Pill Pattern so quickly was not by guarding one place, but by constantly moving and killing.

If he were to truly settle down in Zhenshan Commandery, he would find peace and stability, but his path would come to an end.

Moreover, there's one more very practical thing to say.

He was already Pei Xuance's Deputy General.