The title was casually mentioned by the beggar.
Chen Ji and the others didn't react much.
But Zhang the Butcher, who had been in a daze, suddenly snapped out of it and pinched his own belly hard.
Ouch! It wasn't a hallucination!
But why?!
Zhang wasn't the type to envy his friends; he just couldn't wrap his head around it.
Though he wasn't particularly interested in court affairs.
The General of Qingzhou was a figure on par with the leaders of major sects, and with the Demon-Suppression Division's transcendent status in the martial world, the General could pretty much call the shots in Qingzhou.
For ordinary martial artists, the General was more like a character from a storyteller's tale, something to pass the time with after a meal.
How could such a figure suddenly be connected to someone close to them?
"Don't talk nonsense!"
Old Liu frowned and glared at the beggar.
Spreading rumors without any basis, really, begging for too long has made your mouth loose.
He shook his head and turned back to Shen Yi, smiling wryly, "In the message to the General, there was indeed a mention of you, but the General is often away, and who knows when he'll return. Even if he does... well, it's best not to get your hopes up too high."
Old Liu was a straightforward man, not wanting Shen Yi to be too disappointed later, which would be a waste of a promising talent.
He casually glanced to the side, and Zhang the Butcher got the hint, scratching his head as he entered the hall to chat with Chen Ji and the others.
"Officer Lin has been affected by demonic magic and has been escorted away from Baiyun County to seek the General. He won't be returning to Qingzhou for now."
Old Liu lowered his voice, "Once you join the Demon-Suppression Division, we're all brothers risking our lives... these brothers aren't afraid to take a hit for you, but they also don't want to see you rise too quickly, especially as a newcomer. It's human nature, so please understand."
It was a brief but clear message.
More of a reminder than a reprimand.
Shen Yi pondered for a moment and understood the underlying message.
The "talent" he had deliberately shown in front of Lin Baiwei had indeed worked.
But everything comes with a price.
Despite the smiles on the faces of those around him, deep down... they probably weren't as happy as they appeared.
These were people who earned their merits with their lives.
If he really acted like he had climbed to a high branch, having a strong background would be one thing, but if not, he'd be asking for trouble.
"Following Li Xinhan's suggestion, we'll send you back first. Everything will proceed as usual, don't leak any information, and we'll make arrangements after the two officers return."
After saying this, Old Liu fell silent.
Li Xinhan might have a temper, but he wasn't a bad person.
If Shen Yi had his own plans or felt that they were suppressing him, then that was that, and they'd let him be.
"I have no objections."
Shen Yi shook his head.
Joining the Demon-Suppression Division was for two reasons: to have a backer when fighting demons, and for martial arts and precious medicines.
The former would give him more information channels when facing demons, rather than being in the dark about the outside world beyond the county.
With enough demon lifespan support.
Plus the aid of martial arts and precious medicines, his progress would be much faster than going it alone.
Compared to these tangible benefits, empty fame that only brought trouble wasn't something Shen Yi valued much.
As the other had said, any real benefits would have to wait until the officers returned.
Old Liu quietly observed his expression.
Seeing Shen Yi's clear eyes, saying he had no objections, and genuinely not caring.
This reaction surprised him.
Everyone knows that promises don't fill your stomach, but when such a huge opportunity falls into your lap, even if it's 99% fake, how many people could completely ignore it?
Of course, there was another possibility: Shen Yi had already taken a bite of the pie.
"Damn, did you really win over Officer Lin?"
Remembering the oversized clothes on Lin Baiwei yesterday, Old Liu gritted his teeth, his steadfast belief suddenly wavering.
The others quickly knocked him to the ground, "You're asking for trouble!"
Spreading rumors about a demon hunter, if those ascetics who frequented demon lairs heard, they'd skin this kid alive.
"We're here on official business, just passing through Baiyun County, in a bit of a hurry. You should go home and pack up, you can come with us."
The beggar pressed Old Liu's face to the ground, smiling helplessly at Shen Yi.
...
Outside the yamen.
Several selected young men excitedly clenched their fists.
In a world of demonic chaos, having some martial skills was undoubtedly the fastest way to rise in status.
Though they were just ordinary constables and soldiers today, if they could pass the Demon-Suppression Division's trials, even the county magistrate would have to treat them with respect when they returned to Baiyun County.
Thinking of this, they couldn't help but glance at the young man ahead.
No one was blind or deaf; though they couldn't hear clearly what the officers and Shen Yi were discussing, just their attitude made it clear.
Officer Shen wasn't going for the trials like them.
It's a pity they hadn't built a relationship before; trying to cozy up now would seem awkward... at least having the same hometown would give them some face in the Demon-Suppression Division.
"Boss Shen, I need to go home to spend some time with my mother and comfort my wife."
On the other hand, the two closer to Shen Yi didn't overthink it.
Niu Da was in a hurry to get home, scratching his crotch, and was about to run off.
Chen Ji had long thought Shen Yi was no ordinary man, even believing it wouldn't be strange if the General took him as a disciple.
Whether it was trials or directly joining the force, it was just a matter of time.
"Officer Shen..." he cupped his hands.
"That's enough."
Shen Yi sorted out his thoughts and waved his hand.
Finally, he could shed this constable's uniform, putting an end to the misdeeds of his past self.
Not serving in the yamen, there was no need to call him "Officer."
But watching Niu Da's back, he felt a twinge of something.
Leaving home was supposed to be a time of great sorrow.
Shen Yi tried hard to summon some sadness, but upon reflection, he had no relatives to bid farewell to, no home to remember, and the small room he lived in belonged to the yamen.
Only two friends he could talk to, one was coming with him, and the other...
Shen Yi glanced back at Zhang the Butcher, who was grinning and following behind, remembering his earlier mention of returning to Qingzhou to see an old flame.
Well, the other was likely coming too.
He couldn't very well go bid farewell to the Green Scale Mother.
"Let's go eat out."
Shen Yi shook the silver notes in his hand.
"Let's go, let's go, my mouth's been tasteless for days, let's find three flute players and singers."
Zhang the Butcher slapped his belly hard.
"..."
Who brings silver notes to a restaurant?
Chen Ji took out a silver ingot from his waist and sighed, "Two will do, I don't need one."
"No problem, I'll take two."
Zhang the Butcher generously patted his shoulder.
Thanks to the big shots for the monthly votes and tips, and for yesterday's reads.
This newbie writes roughly, and there's still a chapter update missing.
Really grateful that everyone is willing to keep reading and helping out.
(End of Chapter)