Trouble in the City's Bustling Alley, a Nature Spirit Seeks Recognition

Back at the Demon-Suppression Office duty room, Chu Bai wasted no time. He immediately sent for his two right-hand men, Hu Hao and Feng Qin.

A large map of Anping County's defenses was slowly spread across the desk.

Chu Bai extended a slender finger and circled the busiest, most densely populated market district at the center of the map.

"Has anything unusual turned up in the patrol records for this area over the past six months?" Chu Bai asked without preamble.

Hu Hao and Feng Qin exchanged a glance, both looking somewhat lost.

Feng Qin spoke first. "Captain, our Demon-Slaying Squad hasn't let up its patrols of the city once in the past six months.

"This market district is crowded and full of yang energy, so it's always been the safest part of Anping County. Aside from fights between ruffians, which fall to the County Yamen, incidents involving demons and evil spirits... there have been almost none."

Hu Hao nodded in agreement. "That's right. Most of the demons and evil spirits we've dealt with these past six months were in remote villages outside the city or on the wasteland along the Three-Bath River.

"When trouble does crop up in the city, it's usually some lowly wandering ghost. Before we can even get there, the incense offered to household stove gods has already scattered it."

This was common throughout Great Zhou.

Humans and demons walked different paths. Demons and unnatural forces mostly arose in cold, secluded places where few people ventured.

Humans gathered into towns and built cities precisely to rely on the shelter of thriving human presence and national fortune against them.

Generally speaking, the more prosperous a place was, the less likely trouble was to arise.

Yet after hearing their reports, Chu Bai's frown only deepened.

"Bring me the