Demon-Slaying Battalion, Mystic Bone Sect

At dawn, the sky had only just begun to pale.

The morning breeze was cool, carrying the dampness of dew.

Yang Xiao passed through the corridors of the Deputy General Courtyard and followed the bluestone path toward Zhou Zheng's quarters.

Before long, he reached Zhou Zheng's courtyard gate.

The gate stood half-open, and a faint rustling came from within.

Yang Xiao knocked. When a reply came, he pushed the gate open and found Zhou Zheng packing.

Several bundles lay open, filled with spare clothes, dried rations, pills, and other odds and ends.

Zhou Zheng sorted the items into his bags one by one, his movements brisk.

He visibly froze when Yang Xiao entered.

"Deputy General Yang?"

He stopped what he was doing, looking surprised.

"What brings you here at this hour?"

Yang Xiao skipped the pleasantries. "Deputy General Zhou, are there any missions involving demons in the Aperture-Penetration Realm?"

For a moment, Zhou Zheng had no words.

He looked at Yang Xiao, a complicated expression flickering through his eyes.

The Golden Buddha Temple mission had ended only days ago, and Yang Xiao had personally slain a formidable Aperture-Opening Realm foe like Huiming.

Under the Demon Suppression Division's rules, he was entitled to at least a few days' leave after completing a mission. He could rest and recover; there was no need to rush into another assignment.

Yet here he was, asking for the next one before daybreak.

"Deputy General Yang." Zhou Zheng sighed and shook his head helplessly. "The Golden Buddha Temple mission just ended. By the rules, you still have several days' leave."

"And with the month of leave from the battle in Guanlan Commandery, you could take a good long break."

"There's no need to rush into another assignment. Rest properly, heal any hidden injuries, and consolidate your