So it turns out I'm the demon!

The reconstruction of the city of Fazhou is still in full swing.

Jiang Mu has been enjoying some peace and quiet these past few days.

We are either exploring side paths or shaping the great road.

They were living a very comfortable life.

Lin Anchang did not continue to pester him. It is said that he received a letter from the capital and returned to the capital.

On this day, Chang Dawei, who was originally stationed in the city to help with reconstruction, also received a transfer order and prepared to break camp and set off.

Inside a private room in a restaurant.

Chang Dawei picked up the wine pot and filled the wine cup in front of Jiang Mu. Listening to the sound of the wine flowing into the cup, he couldn't help but sigh: "Life is unpredictable. Back when I first met you outside Huzhou City, I was thinking of becoming your sworn brother. Now, I've been craning my neck so high that I can only see your back, Lord Jiang."

"You're saying these are both people with two arms and two legs, how come there's such a big difference?"

As he spoke, he picked up his wine glass, tilted it back, and downed it in one gulp, saying:

"Sometimes I really feel like God was dozing off when He created people, and just roughly molded us into rough bodies and threw us out, but you were the one who was carefully sculpted."

This guy is jealous of me.

Jiang Mu picked up her wine glass, took a sip, and smiled:

"General Chang, you flatter me too much. I was just lucky and had a few strokes of luck that I risked my life for."

"Luck is also a form of strength."

Chang Dawei waved his hand and poured himself another glass.

Jiang Mu picked up a peanut and popped it into her mouth, casually saying, "By the way, that deputy general named Chen Xuan died in the chaos of the demon army battle. That shouldn't have any impact, right?"

Chang Dawei curled his lip in disdain:

"He was just a castrated dog's adopted son. His death is no big deal. Don't worry, this blame won't fall on you. But I heard you're not planning to go help retake Yuan City as ordered?"

Jiang Mu nodded: "I have no obligation, no time, and no ability."

Chang Dawei was taken aback by these blunt words, then gave a wry smile: "I envy you. To be honest, I don't want to go either, but I'm in the military, and I have no choice."

Jiang Mu's eyes flickered slightly:

"So, your purpose in breaking camp this time is to go to Yuan City to wipe out the Red Umbrella Cult's rebel forces?"

"yes."

Chang Dawei sighed, "But I'm not the head coach, I'm just a poor guy in the forward battalion."

"And as you know, Yuancheng has already been lost. Defending a city is easy, but taking it back is difficult. It won't be possible to recapture it in less than three to five months, or even a year and a half." As he spoke, he hesitated for a moment, then suddenly straightened up and looked around.

He then leaned closer and whispered:

"Lord Jiang, the reason I invited you out for drinks today is actually to give you a piece of advice that I want to share with you privately."

"What advice?"

Jiang Mu raised an eyebrow.

Chang Dawei glanced around again to make sure no one was moving outside the private room before whispering:

"It's a secret letter my grandfather sent me last night via hawk. In it, he specifically instructed me to tell you one thing: from now on, never accept any star position arranged for you by the imperial court."

Jiang Mu paused, her eyes darkening as she stared at Chang Dawei with a strange look.

Chang Dawei shrugged:

"Don't look at me like that. I don't understand why the old man would suddenly say that."

"A star position is so precious; others would kill for it. But that's what the old man wrote. Anyway, I've conveyed his message; keep it in mind."

Star position...

Jiang Mu recalled the scene when he forcibly seized Shen Hufei's star position in Xiyun Town.

That star position was arranged by the imperial court.

He collected his thoughts and nodded solemnly: "Understood."

After parting ways with Chang Dawei, Jiang Mu strolled over to the Demon Slaying Division in Tanzhou.

As soon as they stepped into the courtyard, they noticed several unfamiliar faces. They were dressed in official robes, with swords hanging at their waists, and stood ramrod straight. They were clearly guards from the headquarters.

"Little Jiang."

Shui Miaozheng, who was in the main hall, waved to him with a gentle smile on her face.

The beautiful woman was dressed in a light blue outfit that accentuated her voluptuous figure, especially the curves of her waist and hips. Paired with her bright and dignified face, she was truly a perfect, ripe beauty.

Looking into Jiang Mu's eyes, a moist, charming, and affectionate look unconsciously appeared.

There were two people standing next to her.

One was an elderly man in his fifties, thin in build, with a sharp glint in his eyes and an extremely strong aura.

The other was a middle-aged man with no beard.

He was dressed in a brocade eunuch's robe, holding a whisk in his hand, exuding an air of effeminate official authority.

He looks like a eunuch.

Shui Miaozheng quickly walked to Jiang Mu's side, first pointing to the old man and introducing him, "This is Chief Commander Yao, who came all the way from the capital." She then slightly turned to the side and pointed to the eunuch, saying:

"This is Eunuch Cao, who works in the Directorate of Ceremonial. He is here on behalf of His Majesty to convey a decree."

Eunuch Cao?

Chen Xuan's godfather?

Jiang Mu was taken aback, thinking to himself, "Speak of the devil and he appears."

As for this Yao Wenxian, although he had never met her, he had heard of her great reputation.

He is the deputy chief of the Demon Slayer Division, a powerful figure in the field.

Eunuch Cao scrutinized Jiang Mu with his narrow eyes. His voice wasn't as shrill as the eunuchs in plays, but it still carried an unsettlingly effeminate quality.

"Lord Jiang is truly a young hero. His Majesty has praised Lord Jiang more than once in the palace in front of me and all the civil and military officials, saying that Lord Jiang is a rare talent that our Great Qing Dynasty has not seen in a hundred years."

His outstanding achievements in slaying demons and monsters make him the foremost genius of his time, destined to become a pillar of the court and a pillar of the nation.

"Lord Jiang, you are truly favored by the Emperor."

Jiang Mu just stared at him expressionlessly, without saying a word.

The atmosphere in the hall suddenly turned cold.

The smile on Eunuch Cao's face froze for a moment, and a hint of annoyance flashed in his eyes.

He coughed lightly, pulled a bright yellow imperial edict from his sleeve, and with a flourish of his hands, proclaimed:

"Jiang Mu, receive the imperial decree."

The reward has arrived?

Jiang Mu casually cupped his hands in greeting: "Jiang Mu accepts the decree."

Seeing that Jiang Mu did not kneel, Eunuch Cao's pale face instantly darkened. He flicked his whisk and shrieked, "Lord Jiang, seeing the imperial edict is like seeing the emperor himself. Why do you not kneel?"

Seeing this, Shui Miaozheng quickly stepped forward to smooth things over:

"Please forgive me, Eunuch Cao, but Lord Jiang was accidentally shot in the knee while defending the city and has not yet fully recovered."

Jiang Mu glanced sideways at the beautiful woman.

This woman has even picked up his jokes.

Yao Wenxian, standing to the side, said frankly, "Since Lord Jiang is injured, the kneeling ceremony is unnecessary. I will speak frankly."

Jiang Mu, you made outstanding contributions in the defense of Fazhou City. Our headquarters has decided to appoint you as the deputy commander of Yunzhou City, and His Majesty has already approved it.

"Actually, with your battle achievements and cultivation, you would be more than qualified to be promoted directly to the rank of commander, but Commander Shui said that you are easygoing and dislike paperwork, so he didn't mention it."

Jiang Mu nodded and said: "Chief Water understands me."

Yao Wenxian continued:

"In addition, the imperial court has allocated a large amount of resources to Tanzhou City. Of course, the resources you personally receive will not be small either. There is also a superior magic treasure."

He raised his hand and waved.

Two guards carried in a black wooden box from outside the door.

The lid of the box is opened.

Inside, a suit of armor lay conspicuously.

The armor was entirely dark black, made of some unknown material. A crystal was embedded in the breastplate, with faint patterns of flowing fire shimmering within it. Paired with a scarlet cloak, it was truly awe-inspiring.

Yao Wenxian smiled proudly:

"Jiang Mu, this 'Black Tortoise Armor' was a divine artifact worn by Zheng Wuji, one of the founding heroes of our Great Qing Dynasty and a war god general. It is impervious to water and fire, and unharmed by lightning."

Even if one were to withstand a full-force attack from a tenth-realm powerhouse or a tenth-order demon, the wearer's life would be spared.

Defensive magic items?

Jiang Mu stepped forward and touched the armor, a bloodthirsty and icy feeling emanating from his fingertips.

To be honest, he was somewhat disappointed.

He had originally hoped to obtain a powerful magical artifact capable of causing massive damage.

But then again, even if the imperial court possessed such a world-destroying weapon, it probably wouldn't issue it to an uncontrollable prodigy like him. "Besides..."

Yao Wenxian added, "The imperial court will also do its best to help you gather information on other star-ranked cultivators in the same star system as you."

Jiang Mu cupped his hands in thanks: "Then thank you very much, Chief Commander Yao."

Seeing that Jiang Mu still ignored him, Eunuch Cao said in a cold voice:

"Lord Jiang, the person you should thank most is His Majesty. Without His Majesty's appreciation and cultivation, no matter how talented you are, you may not have achieved such glory today."

Those who serve their rulers must never forget the principle that both thunder and rain are acts of imperial favor!

Thank you, Mom! I'm so grateful!

Jiang Mu completely ignored Eunuch Cao, turned to Yao Wenxian, and smiled broadly:

"General Manager Yao, you must be tired from your long journey. How about I treat you to a couple of drinks?"

Eunuch Cao's expression turned completely gloomy, and his hand holding the whisk was trembling.

He had spent most of his life in the Directorate of Ceremonial, and he was always the one giving others attitude; there was no reason for him to be ignored.

Shui Miaozheng felt both helpless and amused as she watched this scene.

She stepped forward to ease the tension, smiling gently:

"Eunuch Cao, please don't mind him. Lord Jiang isn't good with words. You've come from afar, delivering the imperial decree with great effort. I've prepared a small feast at the best restaurant in the city to welcome you and wash away the dust of your journey..."

"No need!"

Eunuch Cao flicked his whisk, interrupting Shui Miaozheng, and coldly snorted.

"I still have an imperial order to carry out and must rush back to the capital to report. I'm afraid I can't afford the welcoming banquet in Fazhou City."

After saying this, he handed the imperial edict to Shui Miaozheng and stormed off in a fit of rage.

Yao Wenxian watched Cao Gonggong's figure disappear outside the gate before turning around and laughing heartily at Jiang Mu:

"Back in the capital, Manager Ran told me that you were an extremely arrogant young man who didn't exactly mince words with the court. Today, I've witnessed it firsthand and learned a lot."

"But you're just a young man, it's understandable that you're a bit impetuous. At your age, with such cultivation, it would be abnormal if you weren't a little arrogant." Jiang Mu immediately said seriously:

"General Yao, you're mistaken. I, Jiang Mu, am utterly loyal to the court and deeply grateful to His Majesty. How could I possibly be disrespectful in the slightest?" Yao Wenxian smiled and shook his head, saying:

"Alright, enough of the small talk. The reason I've come to Fazhou in person is actually for two important matters. First, it concerns the former garrison commander, Tian Wenyuan."

Although the Water Steward has already given a detailed report, I know there must be some hidden details. If Lord Jiang is willing, I hope to hear it from you personally.

Jiang Mu smiled enigmatically: "What if I don't want to say?"

"Then we won't force you."

Yao Wenxian said magnanimously, "After all, Tian Wenyuan was heartless and insane, attempting to sacrifice the entire city in blood. He truly deserved to die. My questions are merely a formality."

He changed the subject, "Then let's talk about the second thing. I'd like to examine your health myself."

According to the Water Master's report, you were possessed by the remnant soul of the demonic tyrant "Wenren Guhong" before, and it was through his power that you severely injured Tian Wenyuan. But you should know that being possessed by such a powerful being causes great damage to one's soul and foundation.

"I'm afraid that demon left some hidden danger within you. You are the precious darling of Daqing, and we cannot afford to let anything happen to you."

A sense of vigilance arose in Jiang Mu's heart.

The other party's purpose was probably not just to check for signs of possession, but also to take this opportunity to explore what secrets were hidden in his body.

After all, the speed at which he had leveled up by defeating enemies of higher ranks was far beyond what was reasonable.

Curiosity and skepticism are inevitable.

Moreover, since the dignified Deputy Commander-in-Chief has come in person, he must have brought a high-level magical artifact specifically for investigation.

Jiang Mu sighed, "I guess I probably can't refuse this request, right?"

Yao Wenxian laughed heartily again, gently stroking his beard as he said:

"Lord Jiang, you are overthinking it. As I just said, if you do not wish for us to examine you, we will not force you."

It's only for your safety. The danger of being possessed is really troublesome and shouldn't be underestimated.

"Really not going to force me?" Jiang Mu stared at him suspiciously.

"Of course it's true." Yao Wenxian nodded.

Jiang Mu fell into deep thought.

Although he was certain that he had tricked Wenren Guhong out using the [Curse of Subordination], he couldn't be sure that the old devil hadn't left behind some hidden tricks. Using the authorities for a medical check-up wasn't entirely a bad thing.

As for the magic slot.

He was confident he wouldn't be discovered.

Even when Wenren Guhong was fully possessed, he couldn't detect anything unusual, let alone external detection.

"Alright then, I'll go along with it."

Jiang Mu nodded reluctantly, "When is the checkup? Right now?"

Yao Wenxian shook her head and said:

"No rush, let's wait two more days. For this level of exploration, I need some time to set up a special formation to avoid damaging your soul."

"OK."

Jiang Mu readily agreed, picked up his armor, and turned to walk out the door. "Then I'll rest at home for the next few days. Just send someone to call me when the time comes." Yao Wenxian paused for a moment, then called out to his retreating figure, "Hey, didn't you just say you'd treat this old man to a drink?"

"I have no money!"

Jiang Mu left without looking back, uttering two words before walking away.

Shui Miaozheng stood to the side, covering her mouth and chuckling softly.

Yao Wenxian stood there stunned for a long time, then finally chuckled helplessly, shaking her head and sighing, "That rascal..."

He turned to look at Shui Miaozheng, who stood smiling, his official demeanor gradually softening as he spoke in a gentler tone:

"Miaozheng, I made a special trip here this time, not only because of Jiang Mu's matter, but also because I have some things on my mind that I want to talk to you about."

When your father was alive, he was my former superior. We former subordinates at headquarters still remember his kindness.

Over the years, you've been able to take charge in France on your own, and we've done our best to look after you in every way we could.

When you failed to reach the Star Realm last time, we old guys at the Headquarters felt sorry for you. But don't take it to heart. The path of cultivation is long, and temporary gains and losses are nothing.

If the opportunity arises in the future, we would still be willing to lend you a hand.

Shui Miaozheng curtsied, a faint, relieved smile playing on her red lips:

"General Manager Yao, you've gone to so much trouble. You don't need to worry that I'll be discouraged. Cultivation is all about following fate and accepting whatever comes. Besides... I really don't care about star positions anymore."

Yao Wenxian's gaze lingered on the beautiful woman's radiant face, her eyes sparkling with spring, and he tentatively stroked his beard as he asked:

"Is it because of that brat Jiang Mu?"

Shui Miaozheng's pretty face flushed red, and she avoided Yao Wenxian's gaze, not denying it.

"It's good that you can think positively about it."

Yao Wenxian laughed heartily, "In this life, some hurdles seem insurmountable, but once you overcome them, looking back, they're just a low threshold."

Shui Miaozheng pursed her lips, the shyness on her face gradually fading, and suddenly asked:

"General Manager Yao, there is something that I have kept in my heart for many years, and today I dare to ask you for confirmation."

I know my father died from a demonic calamity, but I've heard that when His Majesty first ascended the throne, he didn't actually like my father's ways. Back then, my father was in dire straits, but the court's support was slow to arrive. Could there be...?"

"Miaozheng."

Yao Wenxian interrupted her, speaking earnestly:

"Don't delve too deeply into things that are uncertain. The world is like a furnace, and life is like a maze. Some things, if buried in the ground for a long time, may not be the truth when they are dug up, and may even hurt the person who dug them up."

The demon that killed your father has long been vanquished, and the imperial court has done its utmost to make amends to you over the years. The past is like smoke; if your heart is filled with too much obsession, it will only block your path forward.

Shui Miaozheng remained silent after hearing these words of comfort.

Yao Wenxian paused for a moment, then said:

"Besides, if there's anything they're hiding from you, it's nothing more than that great demon Jiang Chaoxi being somewhat involved in your father's death." "Jiang Chaoxi?"

Shui Miaozheng frowned, her phoenix eyes wide with surprise.

Yao Wenxian nodded: "That's right. There were rumors back then that your father had secretly colluded with Jiang Chaoxi..."

"Nonsense!"

Anger flashed across Shui Miaozheng's bright and pretty face as she retorted sharply.

"My father spent his life slaying demons and monsters, a man of unwavering integrity. He hated demons and evil cultivators more than anything. He would have been mortal enemies with a great demon like Jiang Chaoxi; how could he possibly collude with him?"

"I know my former boss's character, of course."

Yao Wenxian waved her hand reassuringly.

"Of course, this was just a wild guess from the Imperial Guard at the time. It was rumored that Jiang Chaoxi had once told someone that Shui Zongsi was his only confidant and friend."

But His Majesty is wise and did not completely believe such nonsense. Moreover, even if Jiang Chaoxi really said those words, it was highly likely that she was deliberately trying to sow discord within the court.

He paused, then continued:

"Besides, Jiang Chaoxi herself has long been punished by heaven, and these old matters should have been put behind us long ago."

Shui Miaozheng was still quite angry.

My father was an upright man throughout his life, yet even in death he was smeared with such filth.

And that big devil Jiang Chaoxi is disgusting too.

Even on his deathbed, he still made baseless accusations, ruining his father's reputation.

It's a shame this guy died so young. If he were still alive, she would definitely poke a few holes in him herself before she would stop!

"Achoo!"

Jiang Mu had just stepped into her new house when she sneezed loudly.

He rubbed his itchy nose and muttered, "Strange, which little vixen is cricketing behind my back again?"

Follow the corridor to the backyard house.

As soon as the beaded curtain was lifted, a faint, pleasant herbal fragrance wafted out.

Looking around the screen, the beautiful scenery before her made Jiang Mu's heart flutter.

There, the young healer Chu Lingzhu was lying face down on the bed.

She was completely naked except for a towel that covered her from her shoulders to her waist, revealing her rounded shoulders, slender waist, and long, fair legs.

Lan Rou'er was kneeling to the side, her sleeves rolled up, gently massaging Chu Lingzhu's back and waist.

"Wow, you certainly know how to enjoy life."

Jiang Mu joked,

"So you really think of yourself as the principal wife? You've even started treating Rou'er like a personal maid?"

Lan Rou'er quickly blushed and explained in a soft, sweet voice:

"Brother Jiang, you've misunderstood. It wasn't Lingzhu who ordered me around. Lingzhu said that the essence of herbs and plants in my body, combined with this massage technique and her concocted ointment, can help widen her meridians and cleanse her marrow and bones..."

Jiang Mu said, "Only you would believe that."

Lying on the bed, Chu Lingzhu didn't shy away from it. She turned her head, glared at Jiang Mu, and grumbled in a muffled voice:

"I don't care. Even if it's based on seniority, I should have been the first wife."

"Big hammer."

Jiang Mu walked to the basin stand, scooped up a ladle of water to wash her hands, casually took a piece of green ointment from the porcelain bowl next to her, melted it in her palm, and then nodded her chin towards Lan Rou'er.

"You go and rest, I'll give her a massage. We can also test the effectiveness of this ointment."

Chu Lingzhu felt a pair of warm, large hands rest on her waist. Her body stiffened, and she blushed as she said, "I think you're just using massage as a pretext to take advantage of me."

"Yeah, you're pretty smart, you figured it out."

Jiang Mu shamelessly admitted it.

His large hand slid down the girl's slender waist, grasping Chu Lingzhu's straight and shapely calf, skillfully massaging the acupoints on it. Although the girl's legs were not as plump and fleshy as Shui Miaozheng's, they were firm, smooth, and well-proportioned.

It exudes the elasticity and vitality unique to young girls.

Jiang Mu turned to look at Lan Rou'er standing to the side, and suddenly remembered something and said:

"By the way, Aunt Shui is coming over tonight. You two shouldn't go back to your own rooms tonight, stay in the master bedroom, and the four of us can play mahjong together."

Although Chu Lingzhu and Lan Rou'er had no idea what Jiang Mu meant by "playing mahjong," even a fool could understand the subtext in his words. Chu Lingzhu spat, "Dream on! I don't want to!"

Although she felt ashamed to be with her best friend Rou'er, she had at least gotten used to it.

But I'm not very familiar with that water steward.

Lan Rou'er lowered her head and said weakly, "I... will listen to Brother Jiang."

Jiang Mu immediately beamed with joy and reached out to flick Lan Rou'er's pert little nose: "That's right, as expected of my little Rou'er, so sensible, you're just what I want."

As night deepened, the moon and stars became fewer.

The night wind, like a philandering rogue, skillfully scaled the courtyard wall and swept into this spacious mansion that had just changed hands, causing the shadows of the trees to sway and dance.

Then it slipped through the crack in the door, causing the light and shadows in the room to sway and tremble.

Two more figures appeared at the gate opposite the Jiang family mansion.

Both were draped in large black cloaks, completely concealing their figures and faces in the shadows of the hoods, like ghosts wandering in the night. The female guard unlocked the door and pushed open the courtyard gate.

Bai Xiang walked in and said calmly:

"We thought that after such a long delay on the road, Yunzhou City would have already fallen to the demon army by the time we arrived. We didn't expect it to hold out. We underestimated that woman, Shui Miaozheng."

The female guard closed the courtyard gate tightly and followed behind Bai Xiang, whispering:

"My lord, I heard while gathering intelligence on the road today that although Fazhou City has been defended, Yuan City has already fallen."

It seems that Daqing's national fortunes have come to an end.

Bai Xiang did not respond.

She removed her cloak, revealing a pure and beautiful face, her eyes showing signs of fatigue from days of travel.

Bai Xiang rubbed her temples and said wearily:

"I've been too exhausted these past few days, and I need to stay home and recuperate for a few days. Try to find out where Jiang Chaoxi inherited her legacy. I can sense that it's in this city, very close, very close... but the exact location is hard to pinpoint."

"Yes, Master." The female guard nodded respectfully.

The two were walking towards the main house.

Suddenly, Bai Xiang stopped in front of the vegetable garden.

The next moment, the woman's aura suddenly changed, and a chilling aura erupted from her body.

The air in the courtyard had gotten a few degrees colder.

The female guard felt a chill run down her spine as she sensed her master's sudden, terrifying killing intent. She looked in the direction of Bai Xiang's gaze with a puzzled expression.

Then I saw that the vegetable garden seemed to have been trampled on.

The female guard immediately realized why her master was so angry.

She hesitated for a moment and whispered:

"Master, this courtyard has been empty for some time. It's possible that stray cats or dogs from the neighborhood wandered in at night..."

Bai Xiang's beautiful eyes flashed with murderous intent, and her silver teeth clenched so tightly they made a grinding sound.

"Whoever it is, find them and castrate them!"