If I, a death row inmate, am not to become a demon, am I to become a member of the Imperial Guard?

The horses' hooves echoed crisply across the empty streets as they trod the cobblestone path.

The gates of the Northern Garrison Command were right in front of us.

The vermilion paint and golden nails resemble a lurking beast in the dead of night.

The two dismounted.

He tossed the reins to the guards at the door.

The guards bowed and accepted it, not daring to ask a single question.

Zhou Yang and Qin Shuang walked in side by side.

The courtyard was very quiet.

The armor made a slight scraping sound only when a patrolling captain walked by.

There was a chilly smell in the air. It was the dampness emanating from the stone walls and the earth.

The two remained silent the entire way.

He walked straight to his residence in the backyard.

She stopped in her tracks when she reached Qin Shuang's door.

"I'll go check my things first." Her voice was a little hoarse.

Zhou Yang nodded.

"it is good."

He turned and walked to the room next to his.

Push open the door.

The familiar furnishings: a bed, a table, and a chair.

There was a weapon rack in the corner.

The top is empty.

Zhou Yang closed the door.

The room was dark, with only a sliver of moonlight filtering in through the window, casting a silvery sheen on the floor.

He did not light the lamp.

The darkness made him feel safe.

He carefully took something out of his pocket.

That was the fourth fragment of the dragon's spine found in the stronghold.

It is about the size of a palm, with sharp edges and fine dragon scale patterns engraved on it.

The fragment felt icy cold to the touch, like holding a piece of ancient ice.

Then the remaining three fragments were taken out as well.

Four fragments were arranged in a row on the table.

They seemed to be alive, trembling slightly and emitting a low hum.

Zhou Yang took a deep breath.

Cover the four fragments with your palm.

"Integration".

He was silent.

A scorching power surged from the palm of his hand.

The fragment lit up instantly, its blinding red light turning the entire room blood-red.

The wood on the table sizzled, leaving a charred mark from the high temperature.

Four fragments floated in the red light, slowly approaching.

They were like four iron filings attracted by a magnet, twisting, stretching, and finally colliding violently together.

There was no earth-shattering noise.

There was only one humming sound, as if from an ancient, great bell.

The sound penetrated the eardrums and resonated deep within the mind.

Zhou Yang groaned, feeling as if his head had been hit by a heavy hammer.

The light dissipated.

On the table, the outline of a short sword had already appeared.

It is more complete than before, with a smooth blade and clearly visible dragon scale patterns, but the tip and hilt are still damaged.

The icy chill emanated from the air, causing the surrounding temperature to drop several degrees.

At the same time, that familiar feeling echoed in his mind once again.

[4 Dragon Spine Fragments Detected]

[Initiating fusion... Fusion successful]

[Current repair progress of Blood Dragon Divine Weapon: 40%]

[Unlock New Ability: Dragon's Devour]

Lines of cold text were branded into his consciousness like a hot iron.

Next came the explanation of "Dragon Devour".

[Dragon Devour: An ability inherent to the Blood Dragon Divine Weapon. It can be actively activated to devour the inner energy and true qi of others, converting it into one's own cultivation. During the process, there is a small chance of stealing fragments of the opponent's cultivation technique.]

Zhou Yang's breathing suddenly became rapid.

Absorbing internal energy?

They can even steal cultivation techniques?

This is no longer a simple repair. This is a qualitative leap.

Previously, he could only gain cultivation by burning his lifespan. That was a one-way consumption.

Now, he has a way to "recover".

A weapon that can "drain mana" and "steal skills".

The value of this thing is immeasurable.

He reached out and gently grasped the unfinished Blood Dragon Short Sword.

The sword, once in hand, was no longer simply cold.

A faint, yearning throbbing sensation emanated from the sword, traveled up his arm, and entered his dantian.

Like a baby crying for milk.

It was as if a wild beast had caught the scent of blood.

Zhou Yang closed his eyes.

Try circulating the "Dragon Transformation Technique" within your body.

The vital energy flowed through the meridians along familiar routes.

Then, with a thought, he activated "Dragon Devour".

"Buzz!"

The true energy within his dantian seemed to have received a command, surging wildly towards his right hand, which was gripping the short sword.

In an instant, he felt like a punctured balloon, his internal strength draining away at an alarming rate.

A dull, aching sensation emanated from my meridians.

"This is... the price of devouring?"

He was startled.

Just as he was about to stop, something miraculous happened.

The Blood Dragon Short Sword was like a bottomless black hole, swallowing up all the true energy he poured out.

Immediately afterwards, an even purer and more violent power surged back from the short sword!

This force was even greater than what he had just exerted!

It carried a violent dragon's might, washing over his meridians.

The meridians, which had been somewhat dry, were instantly filled.

There was even a faint feeling of stretching.

Zhou Yang suddenly opened his eyes.

A look of horror flashed in his eyes.

This ability... is too domineering!

It's practically a perfect perpetual motion machine.

For every bit of effort you put in, you get back more than a bit in return.

He glanced at the corner of the table in the room.

It is solid hardwood there.

Zhou Yang raised his hand, gripped the short sword, and casually thrust it forward.

No techniques were used.

It's just the simplest kind of thorn.

"laugh."

A soft sound.

The tip of the sword left a faint afterimage in the air.

The thick corner of the table was cut off silently, like tofu.

The cut was as smooth as a mirror, reflecting a cold light under the moonlight.

There were no sawdust or debris.

It was as if that piece had vanished into thin air.

Zhou Yang sheathed his short sword, and was also stunned for a moment.

He had only activated Dragon Devour, and hadn't yet had a chance to use the power that had been channeled back into him.

Is the power inherent in the short sword itself so terrifying?

He thrust his sword out again.

This time, he mobilized the power that had flowed back and attached it to the sword.

"puff!"

A muffled thud.

The entire solid wood table is bisected through the middle.

The fist-sized hole had charred edges and was still emitting wisps of smoke.

The violent aftershocks plowed a shallow trench in the ground around the table.

Zhou Yang looked at his masterpiece, his pupils slightly contracting.

"So strong."

He muttered to himself.

Is this the divine weapon with forty degrees of restoration?

The newly unlocked ability alone more than doubled his attack power.

In the future, when facing the enemy, there will be no need for a direct confrontation.

As soon as the sword touches the opponent, it can drain his internal energy like a leech.

Moreover, there is a chance to plunder cultivation techniques...

This reminded Zhou Yang of the Heavenly Principle Sect's bizarre speed.

If he could steal fragments of the opponent's cultivation technique, he would have one more trump card.

He carefully put the short sword back close to his body.

I feel more confident than ever before.

trouble?

He kills as many as come.

Just then.

There was a knock on the door next door.

"Tap, tap."

It's very light.

It's Qin Shuang.

Zhou Yang walked over and opened the door.

Qin Shuang stood at the door, holding a stack of papers in her hand.

Candlelight shone from the room behind her, illuminating her profile.

Her face was still somewhat pale, but her eyes had regained their clarity.

"Is the inventory complete?" Zhou Yang asked.

"Mm." Qin Shuang nodded.

"Come in and have a seat."

Zhou Yang stepped aside to let her in.

Qin Shuang walked into the room, glanced at the table that had been pierced through, and raised her eyebrows almost imperceptibly.

But she didn't ask anything.

He simply placed the paper in his hand on another intact stool.

"This is the result of this operation."

As she spoke, she unfolded the top sheet of paper.

It was a hand-drawn map.

Several points were marked with cinnabar on the surface, one of which was the stronghold they had just destroyed.

"There are three ledgers, recording some of their financial transactions over the past few years. The amounts are huge, involving several shops in the capital."

"There are also seven secret letters, written in code, which I'm having deciphered. But I'm certain they're contacting someone else."

"And...this."

Qin Shuang took out a black iron token from under the paper.

The token is engraved with twisted patterns.

It was the same one he had touched on that member of the Heavenly Principle Sect.

"This is an identity token from within the Heavenly Principle Sect," Qin Shuang said. "Based on our comparison with the prisoners we captured before, only core figures at the level of branch leader or above possess this kind of token."

She paused, then looked up at Zhou Yang.

"Two leaders of the incense shop died in that stronghold."

Zhou Yang's gaze fell on the token.

"So, in other words, this time we've uprooted the Heavenly Principle Sect's foundation in Anyang County?"

"Not only that." Qin Shuang shook her head.

"I only reported the stronghold in Anyang County. In the report to the commander, I only mentioned this place. As for the clues you found in the capital, and Bao'en Temple..."

She stopped.

Zhou Yang understood what she meant.

Keep something in reserve.

Never reveal all your cards.

This woman was always more cautious and profound than he imagined.

"Will the commander make any moves?" Zhou Yang asked.

"Yes," Qin Shuang replied confidently.

"The Heavenly Principle Sect's infiltration of the Northern Garrison Command is a slap in the face to him. He will never let this go. Next, there will probably be a major purge in the capital."

"And what about us?"

"Us?" A faint smile seemed to appear on Qin Shuang's lips.

"We are the biggest contributors to this operation. Once the approval comes through, you, the captain, and I will be promoted to deputy commanders."

Zhou Yang didn't say anything.

He just looked at Qin Shuang.

In the candlelight, her face appeared much softer.

The daytime chill seemed to melt away in this warm light.

"What are you thinking about?" Qin Shuang felt a little uncomfortable under his gaze.

"I'm thinking," Zhou Yang said slowly, "that after the promotion, will my salary be a little higher?"

Qin Shuang was taken aback.

Immediately, the smile could no longer be hidden and spread across her lips.

"Dream on."

She tidied up the things on the table.

"I'll report these things first thing tomorrow morning. You...get some rest."

After she finished speaking, she turned to leave.

"Qin Shuang." Zhou Yang suddenly called out to her.

Qin Shuang stopped and turned around.

"What's wrong?"

Zhou Yang looked at her and remained silent for a moment.

"Does the wound still hurt?"

Qin Shuang subconsciously touched her lower back.

There, the wound was wrapped in bandages, but it still felt burning hot.

But at this moment, after Zhou Yang asked her that question, the pain seemed to have faded a lot.

She shook her head.

"It doesn't hurt anymore."

After saying that, she quickly walked out of the room.

Zhou Yang stood at the door, watching her return to her room and close the door.

The expression on his face gradually faded.

He turned around and went back inside.

He walked to the window and opened it.

A night breeze blew in, carrying a hint of coolness.

He looked down at his hands.

Spread your fingers open, then slowly clench them.

He could feel that new, violent power flowing through his veins.

The repair of the Blood Dragon Divine Weapon is just the beginning.

Five more fragments of the dragon's spine.

Once all the fragments are found, this divine weapon will be completely restored.

What kind of power would that be?

Lifespan, cultivation level, cultivation techniques, divine weapons.

He has more and more chips to play.

The murky waters of the capital city are the hidden hand behind the Heavenly Principle Sect.

These things that once made him feel apprehensive and uneasy no longer seem so frightening.

He raised his head and looked at the night sky in the distance.

A bright moon hangs in the sky, cold and aloof.

Just like the sword in his hand.

Zhou Yang's gaze gradually deepened.

The more troubles you encounter, the more opportunities you have.

His journey is still long.