Promotion to Third-Rank Demon Suppression Captain

Rumble!

Shangguan Changyue's sword shattered the cave, and with a single leap, she landed atop the cliff.

Luo Chen spoke softly to her.

"Changyue, we've been gone for three days. The Demon Suppression Bureau must be in chaos."

"Now that the White Bone Great Sage is dead, there are still some Demonic Beasts fleeing through Heavenbreak Mountain that need to be cleaned up."

Shangguan Changyue nodded lightly, her expression returning to its usual frosty calm.

But Luo Chen knew that the Chief Director of the Demon Suppression Bureau was cold on the outside but warm within.

The two headed toward the outskirts.

An hour later, they encountered the Demon Suppressing Guards who had come searching for them.

Zhuge Yucheng and the Demon Suppression Captains hurried over upon receiving the news.

Seeing that Shangguan Changyue was unharmed, everyone finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Zhuge Yucheng stepped forward, about to reach out and examine her as he asked with concern.

"Changyue, are you hurt?"

Shangguan Changyue frowned and rebuked him coldly.

"Deputy Director, please mind the distinction between superior and subordinate."

"And address me by my title."

There was not the slightest trace of politeness in her tone.

A flash of anger crossed Zhuge Yucheng's eyes, but he concealed it well.

He resumed his arrogant young master's demeanor.

His gaze drifted to the youth standing behind Shangguan Changyue.

"Chief Director, who is this? Why is he with you?"

"My affairs require no explanation to you."

"If you have objections, have your elder brother come speak to me!"

Shangguan Changyue ignored him no further.

She nodded to the three Demon Suppression Captains and left without looking back.

Luo Chen hurried after her.

As he passed Zhuge Yucheng's side, he flashed him a brilliant smile.

His gleaming white teeth were somewhat dazzling beneath the sunlight.

A vicious glint flashed through Zhuge Yucheng's eyes.

Two hours later.

All the Demon Suppressing Guards scattered throughout the Heavenbreak Mountain region had gathered.

Shangguan Changyue returned to the main camp.

Below her sat Zhuge Yucheng and the three Demon Suppression Captains.

Though no one liked him, he was still the Deputy Director and qualified to attend the meeting.

The Demon Suppression Captains were reporting the events of the past three days to the two Directors.

In particular, they reported on the mysterious martial artist who had slain Li Tiankui deep within the mountains and rescued two Demon Suppression Captains.

"This subordinate inspected the scene carefully. There were no signs of any additional fighting."

"Li Tiankui and the Skin Tempering Demon should have been crushed in a one-sided battle. They had no strength to resist whatsoever."

Yue Wuchang recalled the matter carefully as he gave his report.

For some reason, Shangguan Changyue could not help thinking of Luo Chen.

She had the feeling that the mysterious martial artist who had acted was connected to Luo Chen.

But since Luo Chen had chosen not to say anything.

Shangguan Changyue would not take the initiative to ask.

She nodded lightly.

"Since this mysterious martial artist rescued them, he should not be an enemy. Let us set the matter aside for now."

"Now that the White Bone Demon has been eliminated, we will rest today. Tomorrow, we will begin clearing out the remaining Lesser Demons fleeing through the Heavenbreak Mountain region."

"Yes, Chief Director!"

The three Demon Suppression Captains answered in unison.

"Luo Chen, what's going on between you and the Chief Director?"

Near the mountaintop camp.

Wang Yue draped an arm around Luo Chen's shoulders.

He wore a mischievous grin.

"What could there be between the Chief Director and me?"

"We merely happened to meet in Heavenbreak Mountain."

Luo Chen did not want to explain anything.

The more he said, the more others would speculate.

Seeing that Luo Chen did not wish to say more.

No one dared press him, and they quickly changed the subject.

"You were right beside me that day. When I turned around, you brat had vanished. We brothers searched for you for ages."

Luo Chen scratched his head and said awkwardly.

"When we get back to Qingyuan City, I'll treat everyone to a feast at a restaurant."

"Haha, good!"

Remembering the youth he had seen earlier, Luo Chen asked.

"Who was that young man standing before the three Captains just now?"

At Wang Yue's words, he looked around before lowering his voice.

"He is one of the two Deputy Directors of our Demon Suppression Bureau, Zhuge Yucheng."

"He's a spoiled young master. His elder brother is Zhuge Xing, a Northern Border prodigy as famous as the Chief Director!"

Luo Chen nodded in understanding.

He knew of Zhuge Xing.

Zhuge Xing ranked second on the Latent Dragon Ranking, one place above Shangguan Changyue.

Seeing him deep in thought, Wang Yue explained quietly.

"Zhuge Xing ranks second on the Latent Dragon Ranking. He is a true favored child of heaven."

"But don't underestimate our Chief Director either."

"Those few in the top five of the Latent Dragon Ranking are not far apart in strength."

"The ranking is largely based on past achievements. Of course, age, cultivation, and talent are all indispensable as well."

"As the saying goes, in martial arts there is no second place. Only when they truly cross blades can victory or defeat be decided."

After hearing Wang Yue's explanation, Luo Chen understood a little more.

He asked curiously.

"Is this man pursuing the Chief Director?"

"Hehe!" The surrounding Demon Suppressing Guards chuckled.

They merely smiled without speaking.

Luo Chen understood. So it was only wishful thinking on his part.

Time slowly passed.

Luo Chen had mysteriously vanished for three days before returning with Shangguan Changyue. No one dared ask about what had happened.

Luo Chen was more than happy to enjoy the peace and quiet.

He began following the Demon Suppressing Guards as they cleared the Heavenbreak Mountain region.

Unfortunately, his luck was poor. Half a month passed, yet he did not encounter another Demonic Beast.

That was only normal. By now, the capable Demonic Beasts of the Heavenbreak Mountain region were either dead or had fled.

The Demonic Beasts scattered throughout this region were pitifully few.

For the next few years, this region should remain peaceful.

The half-month-long cleanup came to an end.

All the Demon Suppressing Guards began their return to the city.

Upon returning to Qingyuan City.

Luo Chen bid everyone farewell and first returned to Liu Manor to let them know he was safe.

"Chen'er, it has been over a month since we last saw you. You've grown thin out there."

Madam Wang reached out to stroke Luo Chen's cheek as she spoke heartbrokenly.

"It's good that you're back. This time, the commotion was enormous. Even I heard about it in the city."

Liu Xingsheng patted the youth's shoulder and spoke with satisfaction.

"Brother Pot, Brother Pot, hug!"

Little One opened her arms on the ground.

Luo Chen smiled and bent down to gather her into his arms.

Watching the brother and sister, the Family finally shared a rare dinner together.

The next day.

Luo Chen went to the Demon Suppression Bureau to Report for Duty as usual.

But he received a summons from Shangguan Changyue.

He arrived at the pavilion in the deepest part of the Demon Suppression Bureau.

Luo Chen and Shangguan Changyue sat facing one another.

Shangguan Changyue extended her hand, and a Demon Suppression Captain's token appeared in her palm.

"This is a Third-Rank Demon Suppression Captain token. There are currently two vacant Demon Suppression Captain positions, and you are also a Blood Moving Peak martial artist."

"During this campaign against Heavenbreak Mountain, you accumulated enough merit to serve as a Demon Suppression Captain."

"This..." Luo Chen accepted the token, hesitation on his face.

He had not expected Shangguan Changyue to suddenly promote him.

He had not prepared himself at all.

"You need not refuse. With your strength, you are qualified for the position."

Shangguan Changyue stared at him meaningfully.

Luo Chen suddenly felt guilty, though he put on an innocent expression.

Shangguan Changyue did not continue the subject.

Instead, she explained.

"With your talent, you need not serve as a Demon Suppression Captain the way others do, taking turns to patrol their territories."

"That would consume too much time and energy and delay your progress."

"You only need to cultivate within the city normally. You will be called upon only when Demonic Beasts arise that ordinary Demon Suppressing Guards cannot handle."

Luo Chen understood. This was like an elite squad, handling only Demonic Beast incidents that gave ordinary Demon Suppressing Guards headaches.

"Good!"