The divine manifestations began at the Gongwei Division.

Zhou Heng glanced at the dangerous countdown hanging in front of him.

Green indicates a reset state.

"So, you're part-time spies in the Imperial Guard, and you already knew that Shen Chong was the mastermind behind those demons?"

Zhou Heng asked calmly.

"I didn't know that before."

Lu Zian shook his head and said, "I only started to suspect him after you were attacked."

Several months ago, I discovered that demons were causing trouble in Ningyang County, so I secretly investigated.

I found out about the group of dog demons at Ningyang Post Station, and I also confirmed that there were people in the government office who were colluding with the demons.

I just didn't expect Brother Zhou to come, and I'm surprised you have such cultivation."

"Now that the dog demons have been identified, why let them run rampant?"

Zhou Heng frowned.

"Brother Zhou, I'm just a spy."

Lu Zian smiled bitterly, "I am powerless and helpless. I was also at a loss when I heard the news of Brother Zhou's accident."

Fortunately, those dog demons didn't actually hurt Brother Zhou.

After I found out about the dog demon in Ningyangyi, I reported the news.

Judging by the time, the people sent by the department should be arriving soon.

"The Guardian Division is short-handed, so there are bound to be areas that cannot be covered. That's why we spies are here. We only report the news when we find out where demons are causing trouble, and then the Demon Slayer Captains will come to quell the situation."

Lu Zian explained, "The situation in Ningyang County is somewhat special, and I didn't realize that Han Jun was actually a demon."

Zhou Heng pursed his lips.

Before it was exposed, Ningyang County was a peaceful place.

Who knows how much of this supposed peace and tranquility is genuine?

"Brother Zhou, you have made a great contribution this time. When you enter the Imperial Guard, you will surely rise to the top in one step."

Lu Zian has changed his form of address and no longer calls him Lord Zhou.

Both he and Zhou Heng knew that Shen Chong had only made Zhou Heng the acting head constable to frame him.

Now that everything has settled, Zhou Heng's status as acting head constable is obviously meaningless.

As for the Imperial Guard, Zhou Heng has not yet officially taken office.

"Brother Zhou, I will report your actions in Ningyang County truthfully."

However, before the Demon-Slaying Captain arrives, there is one more important matter.

Lu Zian said with a serious expression.

"What is it?"

Zhou Heng said absentmindedly.

He was contemplating his future path.

If it's the Guardian Division, or not, that's one option.

The benefits of the Imperial Guard are self-evident: they receive a salary from the imperial court and can also enjoy the resources of the Imperial Guard, such as martial arts and precious medicines.

However, there are also drawbacks, namely, living on the edge and risking one's life for wealth.

If he didn't join the Guardian Division, with his current strength, he could easily live a comfortable and peaceful life as a wealthy man if he were content with modest wealth.

But he was given a second chance at life, just to live a peaceful and wealthy life.

He wanted to roam the world freely and settle scores with pleasure.

He wanted to witness the glory of the pinnacle of martial arts.

He wanted to sleep more—no, he didn't.

"There is another demon hiding in Ningyang County."

Lu Zian said slowly, "This demon is different from other demons; it has never harmed anyone."

Brother Zhou, what do you think should be done with this demon?

Zhou Heng raised his head and looked at Lü Zian.

"None of my business."

…………

The people of Ningyang County were unaware of what was happening in the county government office.

They had no idea that the county magistrate was a demon.

The county government posted a notice stating that Magistrate Han Jun had suddenly died of illness, and the county lieutenant would temporarily act as magistrate, handling all affairs until a new magistrate was appointed by the prefecture.

Zhou Heng originally intended to leave Ningyang County and return to the capital.

But Lü Zian advised him to wait in Ningyang County, saying it was the order from above.

Zhou Heng decided to stay.

For several days, he searched almost every street in Ningyang County, but found no trace of any other demons.

Ningyang County has returned to its former peaceful and prosperous state.

On this day, Zhou Heng sat at a tea stall on the street, slowly sipping his cool tea.

A young man dressed as a constable came running over.

"Master Zhou——"

Niu Jingui looked at Zhou Heng with admiration and said breathlessly.

"I'm no longer the acting head constable, so please don't call me 'sir' anymore."

Zhou Heng put down his teacup and said calmly.

"Lu Xiucai said that Lord Zhou has made great contributions and will soon be promoted to the Demon-Slaying Captain of the Guard. The captain is a seventh-rank official, the same rank as the county magistrate."

Of course I have to call you sir.

Niu Jingui was rightfully so.

"Whatever, did you need something?"

Zhou Heng asked.

"It's my uncle."

Niu Jingui said, "My uncle said he was grateful for your care, so he would like to invite you to his home for a meal."

"No need."

Zhou Heng shook his head and refused.

"I also said there was no need to be so polite."

Niu Jingui said, "But my uncle insisted that I come, saying that he wanted to give Lord Zhou a reward."

Lord Zhou, tell me, what merit could a blacksmith possibly have given you?

My uncle raised me from childhood, and he insisted that I come and invite you, so I had no choice.

Niu Jingui muttered to himself, and Zhou Heng pondered for a moment.

"Let's go."

He stood up and said.

"Thank you for the honor, sir."

Niu Jingui was overjoyed and led the way.

Niu Jingui and his uncle lived behind the blacksmith's shop.

As soon as he entered the door, his uncle Ma Qichang kicked Niu Jingui out.

Zhou Heng glanced at the floating numbers in front of him, then sat down in the room with an air of nonchalance.

Ma Qichang closed the door, turned to face Zhou Heng, his honest face full of deep wrinkles, looking worried.

Zhou Heng lowered his eyelids, and out of the corner of his eye, he caught a glimpse of a black mist.

The demon that Lü Zian mentioned was Ma Qichang, the blacksmith in this blacksmith shop and Niu Jingui's uncle.

At that time, Zhou Heng shut Lü Zi'an up with the retort, "What's it to me?"

Unexpectedly, this demon actually came to me today.

Zhou Heng recalled Niu Jingui's ramblings on the way.

Twenty years ago, the blacksmith shop owner accidentally saved a beggar.

The beggar then stayed at the blacksmith's shop as an apprentice.

One year later, an epidemic broke out in Ningyang County, and the blacksmith shop owner and his wife unfortunately contracted the disease.

The beggar took care of the shop owner and his wife tirelessly for a year, but the couple eventually succumbed to their illness, leaving behind a young child.

The blacksmith shop also collapsed and its staff scattered.

That beggar raised the child alone, acting as both father and mother. He not only raised the child to adulthood but also reopened his blacksmith shop.

He always treated the child as his own, and spent all the money he earned on the child.

Both were saved, but one spent twenty years repaying the debt of gratitude, while the other was insatiable.

Zhou Heng sighed inwardly.

Those who wear human skin are not necessarily demons; they could also be beasts.

"Master Zhou——"

Ma Qichang bent both knees.

A long, sheathed sword was extended and caught his knee.

"sit."

Zhou Heng calmly picked up his chopsticks and took a bite of food.

"Since you've chosen to be a blacksmith, then do it well."

Don't waste your skills.

He slowly finished eating the dishes on the table, put down his chopsticks, and walked outside.

As Ma Qichang watched Zhou Heng's retreating figure, his eyes gradually reddened.

Niu Jingui clung to the door frame.

"Uncle, what exactly did you give Lord Zhou? What other good things do we have that I don't know about?"

Niu Jingui asked curiously.

"You are the most precious person in our family."

Ma Qichang replied, his voice somewhat hoarse.

"Jin Gui, you're not getting any younger, it's time to find a wife—"

As Zhou Heng, who had already stepped onto the street, heard Niu Jingui and Ma Qichang's casual conversation, a slight smile appeared on his lips.

suddenly.

He paused, then slowly turned around.

At the end of the long street, a young man holding a long sword was quietly watching him.