"Chen Yang, did you..."
Early the next morning, Kong Yue sensed something as soon as she saw Chen Miao.
"I got lucky. After returning from the Eastern Mausoleum yesterday, I sensed an opportunity to break through, so I pushed straight through to the Netherworld Realm."
Before Chen Miao could explain further, Kong Yue said in realization, "It seems the Old-Year Locust Lord's soul tempering helped you cover that final stretch."
"Good. Only after reaching the Netherworld Realm can you count as a true Demon-Suppressing Guard."
Kong Yue was happy about Chen Miao's advancement.
"Let's go. It's time to report our results to the Banner Commander. We shouldn't keep him waiting too long."
Chen Miao naturally had no objections. Soon, the group arrived at the Demon-Suppressing Bureau and waited outside the Fire-Banner Commander's office hall.
Wang Tingsong's and Fan Yu's squads were waiting there as well.
To Kong Yue's surprise, Wang Tingsong didn't come over to say anything when he saw them arrive this time.
She wasn't quite used to how solemn he looked.
Fan Yu, on the other hand, was the same as ever, looking at her with a hint of disdain.
They waited for about an hour before a voice came from inside.
None of the three squads showed any resentment over the long wait. They stepped into the hall.
As soon as they entered, they saw Banner Commander Han Yu seated at the head of the hall.
This time, however, his trusted right-hand man Wu Bin was absent, as was the newly appointed Banner Assistant Chen Wei. Only one of the Fire Banner's Banner Assistants remained at Han Yu's side.
"Banner Commander, everyone is here."
The Banner Assistant spoke.
"Mm. Begin."
At that, the Banner Assistant turned to Chen Miao and the others. "Report your respective findings from