Appointed Patrol Banner Commander, a Subordinate Ninth Rank Official

Three days passed like a white colt flashing past a crack, gone in the blink of an eye.

Li held a freshly baked flatbread, still hot, and insisted on stuffing it into Chu Bai's bundle.

"Father, Mother, head back."

Chu Bai shouldered his pack and bowed deeply to his parents. "The county town isn't far, and I travel quickly now. Whenever I have time, I'll come back to see you."

"All right, off you go. A government livelihood may be good, but slaying demons and vanquishing monsters is dangerous work. Make sure you look after yourself!" Li could not help reminding him once more.

Chu Bai nodded firmly, then turned without further hesitation and set off along the winding dirt road leading out into the wider world.

Several li beyond the village entrance, once he was certain no travelers were nearby, Chu Bai drew a deep breath and stirred his spiritual power.

On his wrist, the crimson [Fire Element Ring] gave a clear, ringing tremor.

The next instant, blazing spiritual light coursed through his body. Chu Bai kicked hard against the ground and shot dozens of zhang forward like a crimson arrow loosed from its bow.

The howling wind exploded beside his ears, and the scenery on either side raced backward into blurred afterimages.

Firestep Dash, full power!

A few days earlier, traveling at such speed would have blurred Chu Bai's vision somewhat, forcing him to rely on instinct and a rough sense of direction.

Today, however, was entirely different.

Even as he raced along, everything around him remained perfectly clear.

This was thanks to his tireless practice of the Scripture of Guarding the One, day and night, over the past few days.

Though he still had a long way to go before reaching minor attainment, and could extend his