Chapter Seventy-One: The Deputy Guardian of the Town

The next morning, Bai Li Feihong officially returned to the Demon Suppression Bureau. After some inquiries, he understood why the atmosphere in Dongbin City was so tense. The widespread impact of the opium case was only part of it; more significantly, the provincial bureau of East Prefecture had dispatched wardens to Dongbin City.

The opium case had been taken over by the provincial Demon Suppression Bureau. Four wardens had arrived, ostensibly not interfering with the affairs of the city's bureau, yet their presence in the headquarters had caused many demon suppressors to waver, some even willingly becoming their lackeys. It wasn’t only the demon suppressors, but also the apprentices. The first batch of demon suppression apprentices, about to become full suppressors, had been recruited, and subsequent batches followed. Many promising talents had been lured away by these four wardens.

"The provincial Demon Suppression Bureau, as the superior institution to Dongbin City’s bureau, these four wardens may not be a match for Lady Gongyang," Bai Li thought, "but as superiors, Lady Gongyang cannot simply confront them openly. The bureau’s left and right wardens can handle two of them, but the remaining two are without opposition."

Bai Li Feihong smiled. This was his opportunity.

Typically, the provincial bureau was structured with one chief and three deputy wardens: the Left Deputy Warden, the Right Deputy Warden, and another, the Central Deputy Warden—though often this position wasn't filled. Those who reached the warden level usually sought promotion to chief positions elsewhere, unwilling to serve as someone else’s assistant.

After three and a half months away from the headquarters, Bai Li noticed many unfamiliar faces.

“Warden Bai Li?” Yan Ruyu looked up, her bright, clear eyes flickering with delight. “You’ve been gone a long time for your mission.”

“Miss Yan, I encountered pirates on HLD, and with the abundance of monsters there, the task was delayed,” Bai Li replied, his smile gentle.

Seeing Yan Ruyu again, she was as dazzling and graceful as ever.

“The provincial bureau has taken over the opium case,” Yan Ruyu said. “You initiated the investigation; I suspect these four wardens will each come to question you. They’re no ordinary people—all Heaven-rank wardens, already forging the Seed of Primordial Embryo. Moreover, they serve under Commander Gongyu of the provincial palace. You must be careful.”

Commander Gongyu—just the title indicated his cultivation had reached the Divine Ability realm. The Primordial Embryo realm corresponded to warden generals, while commanders matched the Divine Ability realm. The wardens themselves were divided into four ranks:

Upon breaking through the Spirit Refining realm, one could be granted the Yellow-rank warden title.

Comprehending Martial Will, one received the Black-rank warden title.

Peak Spirit Refining realm brought the Earth-rank warden title.

Those who understood the subtlety of the Primordial Embryo, positioned between Spirit Refining and Embryo realms, could be awarded the Heaven-rank warden title. In the provincial bureau, wardens without local jurisdiction mostly reflected their strength, not their official rank. Internally, the bureau prioritized rank before title.

Gongyang Yan was Dongbin City’s chief warden; that was her official title. Within the bureau, her internal rank was that of a warden general, possessing a warden general’s power. The internal ranks of the left and right wardens were not public, but Bai Li suspected Linghu Xue and Tie Wuyai, at minimum, possessed Earth-rank strength.

“Thank you for the warning, Miss Yan. However, this is Dongbin City’s bureau, not the provincial one. If they want to trouble me, they’ll need Lady Gongyang’s approval.”

“Lady Gongyang has been quite elusive lately, rarely appearing in the bureau,” Yan Ruyu revealed another important piece of information.

“I see.” Bai Li produced ten pieces of Black Soul Jade from his pocket, placing them before Yan Ruyu, along with a small booklet.

“Ten Black Soul Jades,” he said, “and here’s intelligence on the whale demon at HLD. This mission could only be completed to the first stage. The whale demon is extremely powerful and dwells in the depths; only Lady Gongyang could handle it.”

Bai Li’s face showed a hint of helplessness. His words were half-truth, but the whale demon’s strength was certainly above Spirit Refining, not inferior to Primordial Embryo experts. In the sea, it was nearly impossible to deal with. That was why Bai Li had given up.

“Very well, I’ll process your task settlement.” Yan Ruyu quickly reviewed Bai Li’s submitted intelligence and judged it sufficient for the whale demon’s first stage mission. She recorded it in the task ledger.

“You’ve earned ten Ding-grade merits, one Bing-grade merit, and a hundred gold coins.”

Bai Li made a request: “Please use my merits to select a batch of martial arts techniques for me.”

Yan Ruyu looked up in surprise. “The greatest taboo in martial arts is biting off more than you can chew. Acquiring so many techniques may not help you improve, but rather slow your progress.”

“Thank you for your concern, Miss Yan. I know what I’m doing,” Bai Li replied, shaking his head, withholding the truth. He intended to refine several martial wills and temper his Martial Embryo.

“Alright, do you have any specific requirements for the techniques?”

“Anything that enhances my offensive and defensive abilities—those two categories, as many as possible.”

Bai Li did not choose movement techniques; his mastery of the Free-Flowing Step was not yet at its peak, and cultivating it had consumed much of his focus. Other movement techniques would not help him much. Offensive and defensive techniques, however, could shape martial wills beneficial to the growth of his Martial Embryo.

“You’ll have to wait a while for the exchange,” Yan Ruyu said after a moment’s silence.

“In that case, thank you, Miss Yan.” Bai Li bowed in farewell.

Yan Ruyu’s background was not simple. She had come with Gongyang Yan and managed crucial resource channels within the bureau. With her presence, learning what happened in the bureau was as easy as seeking her out.

The four Heaven-rank wardens, each having forged the Seed of Primordial Embryo, could command the bureau in any other prefecture. The Central Deputy Warden position was key—the first among deputies. The four wardens’ constant presence suggested they were waiting for a chance to claim this position. Once Lady Gongyang was away, the Central Deputy Warden could preside over the bureau.

Most prefectural bureaus did not appoint a Central Deputy Warden, fearing the chief warden’s authority could be undermined. Yet, the provincial bureau was pushing for this, hoping to install a warden-level expert in the role. Lady Gongyang might not withstand such pressure. Nonetheless, all warden appointments were managed by the central bureau; the provincial bureau could only recommend, as could the Dongbin City bureau.

"There’s still hope," Bai Li thought, his heart burning with ambition. Becoming a warden would grant him monthly cultivation resources, a privilege far beyond what demon suppressors could achieve. Moreover, his status would rise, aiding his future plans to gather allies.

He wanted to investigate the series of anomalies in Dongbin City, but knew he could not do it alone. To uncover the forces and motives behind the opium case, he needed loyal followers to help with the arduous tasks.