At last promoted to deputy thousand-household commander; a visitor claims they are all family

After putting the Vicious Fiends through all eighteen forms of torture and tormenting them to death, Jia Huan harvested another four hundred-plus experience points and led his men back to the Celestial Pivot Office.

Outside the window, rain poured down in torrents as Jia Huan buried himself in case files.

After nearly two hours, firm, ringing footsteps sounded in the corridor.

He restrained his emotions and rose to greet the arrivals.

Nearly thirty officials filed in-a truly imposing procession!

The Northern Commandant Office's counterparts from the Southern Commandant Office led the group, accompanied by eunuchs from the Directorate of Ceremonial and officials from the Ministry of Personnel.

Every pair of eyes fixed on the young man as an assistant commissioner of the Southern Office declared in a voice like a great bell:

"Jia Huan of the Northern Commandant Office has shown resolve and valor, rooting out the vermin of the nation and rendering service to the state and its altars. By resolution of the Authorities, he is hereby promoted to deputy thousand-household commander!"

Two eunuchs approached bearing boxes and proclaimed solemnly:

"Bestow the saber!"

"Bestow the armor!"

One held a weapon box containing an Embroidered Spring Saber forged from refined meteoric iron. Cold light gleamed along its entire length, and its power was five times that of his previous weapon.

The other eunuch held a brocade box containing soft armor woven with gold thread. Resistant to swords and sabers, it was a life-saving treasure.

Such were the privileges of a deputy thousand-household commander!

Jia Huan respectfully accepted them.

Officer Fu stepped forward and placed three trays on the desk.

A waist token engraved with python claws-the claws alone radiated formidable authority!

An identification plaque granting access to the second floor of the Case File Archive.

And a brand-new Flying Fish