The Heavenly Court is gone, I don't want to be a True Lord.

The remaining three envoys were so terrified that they stumbled backward uncontrollably.

They were core envoys of the Joyful Cult, who had practiced the evil art of absorbing the essence of life for many years and considered themselves to be quite powerful. However, in front of this dark figure, even their courage to make a move was rapidly dissipating.

Zuo Qi took light steps forward, each step feeling like a blow to the hearts of the crowd, causing their blood to boil and their minds to shatter.

Zuo Qi was satisfied with the combat power he had demonstrated.

It was worthwhile that I had accumulated the momentum of the Dragon-Slaying Halberd Technique before the surprise attack.

Zuo Qi's Dragon-Slaying Halberd Technique has made rapid progress during this period. Although he has not yet broken through to the third level, he has grasped some of its true meaning.

This martial art emphasizes momentum; he can mobilize a large amount of blood and qi within his body to accumulate momentum at an extremely fast speed.

Although it cannot last, when it explodes, ordinary three-training is no match for it.

One of the envoys managed to make a move, his hands flailing wildly. Zuo Qi's heart skipped a beat, and he felt a fragrant breeze waft by his side. Then he saw a naked woman rushing towards him.

A sense of debauchery rose in Zuo Qi's heart, his male instincts surged, and he had an urge to take off his clothes for pleasure.

Fortunately, he was resolute and his spiritual attributes far surpassed those of ordinary people. He only paused for a short while before recovering.

Looking at the person, she was not a beauty at all, but a demon with white hair on its back and sharp fangs!

Zuo Qi lowered his head, his face hidden under his bamboo hat, his third eye slightly open, discerning the weakness of the demon before him, and then raised his halberd.

In an instant, the demon before him was annihilated!

This is just a demon with twenty years of cultivation.

With another forward thrust, he pierced through the demon-summoning envoy with his halberd, pinning him to the wall.

"To associate with demons, one truly becomes a demon!"

Nearby, several disciples of the Joyful Sect were stopped by Ni Heng and He Xiao.

After a short while, the temple returned to quiet.

Zuo Qi stood still, while all the Xijiao members, their hands and feet severed, wailed in pain. Several envoys had their vital points pierced, their blood and qi spilling out, rendering them useless.

There are always some spineless people among these people. Someone provided a piece of information: Wang He came out this time to negotiate with the Xu family's Fengmai branch.

Zuo Qi and the other two exchanged a glance, all of them looking solemn.

What about the Xu family?

This was a really fruitful trip.

"Xiao'er, go somewhere else and keep an eye on these people, just make sure they don't die."

He Xiao is meticulous, so entrusting him with such a task as guarding the area is a sure way to avoid any mishaps.

"Xiao Heng, go back to the city and tell Miss Yu Chan that we captured the Xijiao envoy. Tell him to inform Lord Lu Xun, the garrison commander, about Zhao Heihu when he passes by the garrison."

The contribution to this matter was significant, and the three of them didn't need to keep it all for themselves. Sharing some of the spoils with Lu Xun's clansmen was only right.

Ni Heng looked excited. "Don't worry, Brother Qi, I'll set off now and make sure to inform Miss Yu Chan before dawn."

……

After making the arrangements, Zuo Qi returned to the garrison and learned about Sun Bao's situation, which sent a chill down his spine.

"Don't worry, Bao, this won't just pass like this."

Sun Bao had lost one eye and was seriously injured. Hearing Zuo Qi's words, he wanted to say something.

Zuo Qi stopped him from continuing, saying, "I'm sorry you had to suffer because of this. I'll find a way to heal your eyes."

Sun Bao was deeply moved, feeling that he had followed the right person.

Qi Ge is ruthless to his enemies, but equally ruthless to his own people.

……

Night fell.

Lu Zhuo usually goes to bed early. He cultivates the Yellow Grade Fundamental Method of the Lu Family, the Purple Qi Gong. Although it is not a divine skill that absorbs sunlight, his blood and qi circulate faster when the sun rises early in the morning, making his cultivation speed stronger.

Over the years, I've gotten used to getting up at 3 AM to practice my exercises.

Before I had finished washing up, I heard a commotion outside.

Lu Zhuo was displeased. Why start making a fuss so early? Soldiers are always restless and love excitement.

Just then, a guard came in to report that Ni Heng was requesting an audience.

Lu Zhuo was taken aback at first, then personally went out to welcome Ni Heng in.

"Brother Ni, is there something important that you've come over so early in the morning?"

Ni Heng looked excited. "We've discovered something concerning the Xijiao sect. It's related to a man named Zhao Heihu in the garrison. Brother Qi said we need your help to subdue Zhao Heihu."

Lu Zhuoneng was valued by the Lu family, so he was no fool. After a moment's thought, he asked thoughtfully, "It seems that you three brothers have made a great contribution this time."

Ni Heng remained silent, but he understood that Zuo Qi was sharing his credit.

He immediately clasped his hands in a fist and palm salute, "Brother Ni, the clues you provided are very important. On behalf of the entire garrison, I thank you very much. I will remember this matter."

Ni Heng smiled and nodded, then turned and left.

They left very cautiously. If the sorcerers of the happy Sect could infiltrate Zhao Heihu, who could be sure that there weren't any Xi Sect members among the guards?

……

Murong Qiong still hasn't returned, but the Provincial Administration Office has sent a letter saying that news has come back from the capital that the city garrison commander will return before the end of the year.

Fortunately, the demon's lair in Baoyue Lake did not revive. Although the floating corpse demon was troublesome, the Six Doors, in conjunction with the Provincial Administration Commission, conscripted all the martial artists in the city and barely managed to suppress it.

Although the atmosphere inside Fukuyama Castle remained tense and solemn, at least normal order had been restored and military control had been lifted.

After receiving the message from Ni Heng, Lin Yuchan did not hesitate and immediately drove Ni Heng to the city garrison.

Lu Xun had a good relationship with Tang Yu, a commander of the Six Doors. After learning the news, in front of Lin Yuchan, he sent someone to find Tang Yu, who was by Baoyue Lake, and told him everything.

Whether it was the core envoy of the Xijiao sect, his purpose was still to connect with the remnants of the Xu family.

This immediately caught Tang Yu's attention.

He had always suspected that the sudden outbreak of the demon nest in Baoyue Lake was orchestrated by someone behind the scenes. Since Baoyue Lake was built by the Xu family when they were at the height of their power, it was only natural that he suspected the Xu family.

Now that there was a clue about the Xu family, Tang Yu was quite excited.

"Brother Tang, this is Ni Heng, one of the key witnesses who discovered the whereabouts of the Joyful Cult. Currently, the sorcerers of the Joyful Cult are being guarded by his two sworn brothers."

After a pause, Lu Xun continued.

"These three brothers are all outstanding individuals. Their eldest brother, Zuo Qi, recently joined the Six Doors for his meritorious service, and Ni Heng and his second brother, He Xiao, also aspire to join the Six Doors. Brother Tang, don't you think we should give these young men a chance?"

Lin Yuchan also said with a smile, "As the saying goes, one should not avoid recommending relatives for the best. I am willing to recommend Ni Heng and He Xiao to the Six Doors on behalf of the Lin family."

Tang Yu immediately understood.

To be honest, if what Ni Heng said is true, such merit is indeed enough to be admitted to the Six Doors.

As the Six Doors is a direct subordinate agency of the current emperor, who personally serves as the General of Heavenly Strategy, its membership is subject to extremely strict vetting, and members of aristocratic families are not allowed to join. However, since Zuo Qi and the other two are merely guest retainers of the Lin family, it is not a problem.

The highest-ranking official in the Six Doors of Fushan City is a fifth-rank Zhenfu (a military officer), under whom are three sixth-rank Qianhu (commanders of three thousand households). Tang Yu, as one of the three Qianhu, recommending a few people to join the Six Doors is nothing special.

He was willing to give them face.

"If this is true, joining the Six Doors will be a natural progression. I also greatly admire such loyal and patriotic heroes."

Lu Xun said with a smile, "There are so many loyal and patriotic heroes in the Great Yue. Not to mention those far away, Fushan City is thriving under the rule of Murong City, all thanks to the Six Doors."

……

The sky was dark.

At the foot of Dongshan Mountain, in a farmhouse some distance from the village.

The entire Six Doors, comprised of centurions, captains, and officers under Tang Yu's command, stood solemnly gathered here, nearly seventy people in total.

There were even more officials at the entrance.

Some of the banner officers, unaware of what had happened, were still discussing amongst themselves, their expressions tense and solemn.

Inside the main room, led by Tang Yu, four centurions surrounded Zuo Qi and his two companions. A detailed map was laid out on the table.

Starting from Dongshan, the map covers hundreds of mountain ranges east of Fushan, clearly marking mountain paths, rivers, and areas where demons often appear.

After Zuo Qi and the other two finished recounting their experiences, Tang Yu let them leave.

Then he spoke.

"Everyone knows what happened, right? I need to get the confession of the sorcerer, Commander Sun, first thing tomorrow morning."

"Commander Liu, how's the investigation into Yang Nuo at the docks going?"

"Reporting to Commander Qian, according to my investigation, Yang Nuo of the Dock Affairs Office has connections with the Xu family's Feng Clan. The Xu family's Feng Clan has been purchasing longevity powder from the Xi Jiao people, and there has always been a connection between the two. This meeting must have a deeper scheme."

Tang Yu and the others discussed this matter.

One of the centurions, Liu Chong, suddenly spoke up to someone beside him, "Old Nie, can this Zuo Qi be trusted?"

Old Nie looked at Liu Zhong with surprise. "Is it something you should be concerned about whether you believe it or not?"

Didn't you see that Commander Tang has already started making arrangements for this? You've wasted all these years in officialdom.

Asking Zuo Qi whether he is trustworthy at this point would be a slap in Tang Yu's face, wouldn't it?

Liu Chong did not receive a reply, but his expression remained unchanged. Instead, he met the gazes of the crowd and said with a smile.

"Speaking of which, I've even heard of Zuo Qi before. He actually lifted a cauldron weighing over five thousand jin in a strength contest at the Lin family's training ground. He's truly a young hero."

Everyone pondered Liu Zhong's words carefully, feeling that there seemed to be a hidden meaning in them.

Sure enough, Liu Chong continued, "Moreover, this young hero is not only skilled at lifting the cauldron, but also recently captured a strange giant snake in Nankou Bay, earning him the title of 'Dragon Capturer of the River Estuary' from the locals. I heard that someone even put on an opera about it. It's incredible, truly remarkable."

Upon hearing this, everyone's expressions immediately turned strange.

Everyone knows that the city garrison commander, Murong Qiong, is not only skilled in martial arts but also has a reputation for enjoying opera. Countless people in the city cater to his tastes.

But this trend never reached the Six Doors, after all, the Tian Ce Mansion was personally led by the emperor.

In an instant, some people labeled Zuo Qi as someone skilled at scheming.

Of course, everyone could see that Liu Chong had some issues with Zuo Qi, but they couldn't figure out what kind of conflict had occurred between the two.

……

The following day, orders were issued one after another from the small courtyard.

Each of the centurions led their men in different directions, intending to investigate everything thoroughly.

The confession of the Xijiao sect is shocking. Over the years, the remnants of the Xijiao sect have killed more than a thousand people in the depths of Fushan, and have associated with many bandits and outlaws, trafficking women and children.

The only pity is that their hiding place was not discovered during interrogation.

According to those who enjoy teaching demons, that valley is the lair of the Desire Demon, and it is shrouded in mist all year round. Apart from the Four Desire Venerable Masters and above, no one knows its exact location.

However, Tang Yu had anticipated this, and although somewhat disappointed, he didn't say anything.

The only option is to target the Xu family's Feng lineage. If we can kill or capture those old monsters from the Feng lineage alive...

From this point on, Zuo Qi had nothing to do with the matter anymore.

After all, these days the Six Doors value merit. Whether it's cultivation resources or martial arts manuals, a lot of merit is required. There's only so much merit for one thing. Zuo Qi and his two companions have already had their share, so naturally others will have to share the rest.

Of course, Zuo Qi didn't want to get involved any longer. Both the happy Cult and the Xu family were enormous to him, so it was best not to stand out too much for the time being.

……

After handing over the people from the Xijiao sect to the Six Doors, Zuo Qi concealed his merits and returned to the garrison to faithfully perform his duties.

In order to reduce his presence, he rarely showed up when inspecting the six garrisons every day.

With Zhao Heihu's case as a precedent, the remaining guards were quite obedient, saving him a lot of effort.

Lin Yuchan sent word that Ni Heng and He Xiao's joining the Six Doors was a done deal.

From then on, all three of them could be considered to be living off the official family.

Ni Heng's dream of returning home in glory is not far off.

Early in the morning, Zuo Qi took Sun Bao to the garrison camp. Lu Zhuo's interrogation of Zhao Heihu had ended, and as expected, he was just an insignificant nobody.

"Go, do what you want to do. Whatever you do, I'll be behind you."

Zuo Qi patted Sun Bao on the shoulder, then turned and left.

Lu Zhuo smiled smugly, "Brother Zuo, I heard from Xun Bo that you also discovered the clues about Yang Nuo?"

Zuo Qi glanced at Lu Zhuo with surprise.

He laughed and said, "Congratulations, Brother Lu. It seems that Commander Tang has entrusted you with handling Yang Nuo's matter. You're going to make a great contribution again."

Lu Zhuo didn't hide anything, "Uncle Xun got me this job, and I'm doing you a favor, brother."

After a pause, Lu Zhuo continued.

"Brother, don't overthink it. You've already done a great service by capturing several envoys from the Joyful Cult. Uncle Xun is helping you with the work of the General Headquarters. Yang Nuo's matter is just icing on the cake for you. There's no need for you to make such a fuss."

Zuo Qi nodded knowingly. "Brother Lu, rest assured. Please tell Lu Tongshou that I will remember your kindness in recommending me. I will do my best to serve you in the future."

Giving it our all?

Lu Zhuo pondered the word; if it were someone else, they would probably use grand words like "I would die ten thousand times over."

But Zuo Qi spoke so earnestly, and I remembered that Lu Wan had once told him some things about Zuo Qi.

Knowing that the person before me values ​​promises and relationships, I'm sure he's serious about giving his all.

"Brother Zuo, please don't be so polite."

Half a day later, news came from the garrison camp that the prisoner Zhao Heihu, stubborn and unrepentant, sought death in prison and tortured himself to death.

When He Xiao was inspecting the garrison, he told the remaining guards about this, and they immediately became even more obedient.

Those who aspire to fame and fortune only realize the immense difficulty once they actually venture into the mountains.

Just like taking the civil service exam in a past life, those who haven't taken it always think it's very easy, but once they actually take it, they know how difficult it really is.

……

In the mountains and forests.

Zuo Qi and his two companions, along with Da Hong, groped their way through the mountains.

He Xiao stopped every now and then to check his direction.

They were going to the mountains to find the Mysterious Lotus of Unblocking Meridians, an opportunity that Zuo Qi had heard about from the wind in the Silent Demon Nest.

Five days have passed since the secret of the blessing wind. Apart from the news of the Tongluo Xuanlian on the second day, the news in the other days has been insignificant. Although there was a person of considerable status among them, the other party did not say anything important.

All things considered, the effect of this blessing is rather lackluster.

I wonder if there will be any surprising secrets in the next few days.

As for the thousand Heavenly Fortune Points from the Silent Demon Nest, he planned to offer them as a sacrifice when he heard a secret of value similar to the Mystic Lotus of Unblocking Meridians.

There's no other reason than that fate is something that might be linked to good fortune. Being able to hear valuable secrets means that one's luck is just right.