Chapter 49: Homeland Sorrow

The title was spoken lightly by the beggar.

Chen Ji and the others showed no reaction.

But the butcher suddenly snapped out of his shock and pinched his big belly hard.

Ouch! Not an illusion!

But why?!

The butcher was not envious of his friends—he simply couldn’t make sense of it.

Though he wasn’t particularly interested in court affairs.

But the Regional Commander of Qingzhou was of the same rank as the Sect Masters of major factions, and the Demon Suppression Office held a position above the martial world; he could command absolute authority in Qingzhou.

To ordinary martial cultivators, he was more like a legendary tale told by a storyteller slapping his wooden clapper for amusement.

How had he suddenly become connected to someone nearby?

“Don’t talk nonsense!”

Old Liu frowned and glared at the beggar.

Spreading rumors about something that hasn’t even begun—after begging so long, your mouth has no gate.

He shook his head, turned back to Shen Yi, and smiled bitterly: “The letter to the Regional Commander did mention it, but the official is always away and we don’t know when he’ll return—even if he does come back… you’d better not hold out too much hope.”

Old Liu was a straightforward man; he didn’t want the other to suffer emotional collapse from a crushing disappointment and waste a promising martial talent.

He glanced casually to the side, and the butcher immediately understood, scratching his head before entering the main hall to chatter with Chen Ji and the others.

“Master Lin has been afflicted by demonic magic and has been escorted away from Baiyun County to seek the Regional Commander—he won’t return to Qingzhou for now.”

Old Liu lowered his voice: “Once you join the Demon Suppression Office, you’re brothers who’ve shared life and death… these brothers won’t hesitate to take a blade for you, but they also won’t want to see you leap straight to the top—especially newcomers. It’s human nature; try to understand.”

Brief and to the point.

More a reminder than a warning.

Shen Yi paused briefly, then understood his meaning.

The “talent” he had deliberately shown before Lin Baiwei had indeed worked.

But everything comes with a cost.

Though everyone before him wore smiles, in truth… their hearts were probably not as happy as they appeared.

They were all men who traded their lives for merit.

If you act like you’ve climbed to a high branch, it’s fine if your background is solid—but if it isn’t, you’re just inviting suffering upon yourself.

“According to Li Xinhan’s instructions, we’ll send you back first, and everything will proceed as usual—don’t leak any rumors. Wait until both officials return before making further arrangements.”

After speaking, Old Liu fell silent.

Brother Li may have a foul temper, but his heart isn’t bad. If Shen Yi has his own plans or feels we’re suppressing him, then that’s all I’ll say—do as you wish.

“I have no objections.”

Shen Yi shook his head.

Joining the Demon Suppression Office serves two purposes: one, to have backing when killing demons; two, access to martial arts and elixirs.

The former gives me more information channels when facing demons, instead of being blind beyond the county walls as I am now.

With sufficient demonic lifespans to sustain me.

Combined with martial arts and elixirs, progress will be far faster than going it alone.

Compared to these tangible benefits, empty titles that only bring trouble for now mean little to Shen Yi.

As the other said, even if there are real benefits, you still have to wait for them to return to claim them.

Old Liu quietly observed his expression.

Seeing Shen Yi’s clear gaze, hearing him say he had no objections, and noticing his genuine indifference.

This reaction surprised him inwardly.

Everyone knows a painted cake won’t fill your stomach, but when such a huge opportunity lands on you—even if it’s 99% fake—how many can truly ignore it?

Of course, there’s another possibility: he’s already eaten the cake.

“Damn, you didn’t actually land Lin’s favor, did you?!”

Remembering Lin Baiwei’s loose clothes yesterday, Old Liu gritted his teeth, his conviction suddenly wavering.

The men behind him quickly shoved him to the ground: “Are you trying to get yourself killed?!”

Spreading rumors about demon hunters—if those ascetics who haunt demon dens hear it, they’ll flay you alive.

“We’re on official business and only stopped by Baiyun County temporarily—we’re pressed for time. Go home, pack quickly, and you can join us.”

The beggar pressed Old Liu’s face into the ground and shrugged apologetically at Shen Yi.

…

Outside the government office.

Several selected young men clenched their fists with excitement.

In this demon-ridden age, having martial skill is the fastest way to raise one’s status.

Though they’re just ordinary constables and soldiers today, if they pass the Demon Suppression Office’s trials, even the County Magistrate will treat them with courtesy when they return to Baiyun.

Thinking of this, they couldn’t help but glance at the young man ahead.

No one was blind or deaf—even if they couldn’t hear exactly what the Captains said to him, the attitude alone was clear.

Shen the Constable isn’t here to join the trials like us.

Too bad we never had close ties; now trying to curry favor feels forced… but at least we share the same hometown—once inside the Demon Suppression Office, that might earn us a little face.

“Shen Boss, I need to go home and spend more time with my old mother, and comfort my wife.”

The two closest to Shen Yi had fewer thoughts—Niu Da was eager to go home, fiddled with his crotch, and turned to leave.

Chen Ji had long sensed Shen Yi was no ordinary man—even if the Regional Commander truly took him as a disciple, he wouldn’t be surprised.

Whether through trials or direct appointment, it was only a matter of time.

“Master Shen…” he bowed.

“Enough,” Shen Yi said, shaking his head as he gathered his thoughts.

Finally, he could shed this constable’s robe—it was a final break from the past’s vile deeds.

No longer serving in the office, there was no need to call him “Master.”

Yet he felt something watching Niu Da’s back.

Leaving one’s hometown is usually filled with sorrow.

Shen Yi tried hard to summon some sorrow—but after thinking carefully, he had no relatives to bid farewell to, no home to remember; the room he lived in belonged to the office.

Only two people he could talk to: one was coming with him; the other…

Shen Yi turned to look at the butcher, who grinned behind him, recalling his earlier remark about returning to Qingzhou to see an old lover.

Fine—the other one will probably come too.

He couldn’t go say goodbye to the old mother of Qinglin.

“Let’s go eat,” Shen Yi shook the banknote in his hand.

“Come on, come on! My mouth’s been bland for days—get three more girls to play flutes and sing!” The butcher slapped his belly hard.

…

Who carries banknotes to a restaurant?

Chen Ji pulled out a silver ingot from his waist, sighed: “Two’s enough—I don’t need any.”

“No problem, I’ll use two,” the butcher clapped his shoulder generously.

Thank you, dear patrons, for your monthly tickets and tips, and for your continued reading yesterday. This newbie’s writing is rough, and I still owe one update—thank you for still reading and helping.

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(End of Chapter)