Tang Dynasty Demon Suppression Division

In a secluded alley on the edge of the West Market in Chang'an City.

Most of the buildings here are warehouses and warehouses. There are few pedestrians during the day, and it is even more silent at night.

One of the shops had a sign that read "Zhang's North and South Goods" in front of it, but at that moment a dim oil lamp was lit in the backyard.

In the courtyard were piles of wooden boxes covered with tarpaulins, emitting an unpleasant smell mixed with herbs, furs, and minerals.

A middle-aged man dressed as a waiter, looking weathered and worn, walked in briskly, carrying a gas lamp.

He looked around to make sure no one was following him, then walked straight to an inconspicuous room in the corner and knocked rhythmically on the door a few times.

The door opened silently a crack, revealing a wrinkled old face. The old man glanced at the middle-aged man, stepped aside to let him in, and then quickly closed the door.

The room was simply furnished with only a table, a chair, and a bed. Some account books and invoices were spread out on the table, making it look no different from the accounting room of an ordinary warehouse.

But upon closer inspection, the markings and numbers on those shipping documents reveal something strange about them.

"How is it? Have all the goods been put into storage?" The old man returned to his seat behind the table, his voice hoarse.

"The twelve boxes of mountain goods, which came in in three batches from different city gates, have all been placed at the designated location in Chuo Ouchen's place, ensuring that everything is in perfect condition."

The middle-aged man reported in a low voice, his sallow face expressionless.

"We've received a message from over there, asking about the quality of our new stock and when we can inspect it."

The old man took out a thin booklet from his pocket and pushed it in front of the middle-aged man.

"The information is all here. Li Yuan, fifteen years old, son of Li Chongwen, former Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, is currently a student in the Tian Shu Class of Shenwu Academy."

"During the Spirit Awakening Ceremony, I awakened a mutated talent, which was rated as level nine."

"Level nine!"

The middle-aged man's pupils suddenly contracted. He took the booklet and quickly flipped through it. It recorded Li Yuan's background, his performance at the academy, and even some daily details.

"It really is a big deal... No wonder the higher-ups went to such lengths, even mobilizing our entire Shadow Assassin team to the capital."

"The goal is clear." The old man tapped the table, "but it's also quite troublesome. Since enrolling, this child has never stepped out of the academy, except for the last time he went to Shenwu Pass with the team."

"The academy is heavily guarded by experts, and our people simply cannot get close."

"His only blood relative, Li Chongwen, is currently in Dali Temple prison, which is heavily guarded, and the target seems to have a bad relationship with his father, so it is unlikely that using him as a hostage will be effective."

"As for the Wang family, the target is clearly distant, and the Wang family itself has people in contact with them, so we shouldn't alert them."

"So, there's no chance to make a move right now?" The middle-aged man frowned.

The old man slowly shook his head: "Opportunities are always created by people, and this child cannot remain confined to the academy forever."

"As the year draws to a close, the college will have a year-end holiday. At that time, he will always come out, either to return to his residence, visit friends, or take care of personal matters. That will be our opportunity."

"What we need to do right now is to keep a close watch on all the entrances and exits of the academy, keep track of all possible outings, and at the same time figure out his activity patterns, interpersonal relationships, and so on within the academy."

"Furthermore, all our covert agents within Chang'an must be mobilized to gather all intelligence related to this boy and find possible breakthroughs."

A cold glint flashed in the middle-aged man's eyes: "If there's no opportunity, create one. If all else fails, stir up some trouble in the academy..."

"Be careful, don't expose yourself prematurely. The master's order is to spare no effort, but if we alert the target and make them wary, or attract the swift and decisive crackdown of the Demon Suppression Division and the academy, then we will suffer more losses than gains," the old man solemnly warned.

"I understand." The middle-aged man carefully put the booklet away, a cruel smile on his face. "The blood of a level nine genius... it must taste wonderful."

The two discussed some details in hushed tones before the middle-aged man quietly left, and the secluded warehouse returned to its tranquility in the night.

Shenwu Academy, in the small bamboo grove behind Tingzhu Pavilion.

Night fell, and the stars twinkled in the sky.

Two figures were rapidly clashing in the open space, with the sounds of fists and feet colliding coming from time to time.

After several months of intensive training, Li Yuan and Wu Yu have both changed a lot. Wu Yu's face has lost its youthful naiveté and gained a more resolute look.

His fist techniques were steady, his footwork solid, and his body was full of vigor. There were faint signs that the airflow would spontaneously circulate with the force of his fists, indicating that he had reached the peak of body tempering and touched the threshold of the Qi Induction Realm.

Li Yuan's changes are even more noticeable. He is still slender, but his muscle lines are smooth and full of explosive power.

His movements were concise and sharp; with each punch and kick, a condensed, pale golden aura flowed naturally, giving each strike a power far exceeding its surface.

This is a sign that the Primordial Realm has stabilized.

He also had a deep understanding of the "Hundred Forging Basic Boxing Manual". He had mastered the thirty-two boxing techniques and could apply them to actual combat. The seemingly simple moves often had a surprising effect when he used them.

The two exchanged blows, fighting with great enthusiasm.

Wu Yu's defense made it difficult for Li Yuan to win quickly, while Li Yuan's unpredictable and tricky attacks also put Wu Yu under great pressure, making him the perfect whetstone.

"Brother Li, be careful!"

Wu Yu let out a low shout, his blood and qi surging, and threw a punch like a heavy hammer, with the faint sound of wind and thunder.

Li Yuan's eyes narrowed. Without dodging or avoiding, he thrust out his right fist straight out, a pale golden aura gathering on the tip of his fist, intending to meet the attack head-on.

The two fists were about to collide.

"stop."

A clear, melodious voice rang out, and at the same time, a gentle force appeared between the two, gently deflecting the impending clash of fists.

The two men withdrew their fists and stepped back, looking towards the source of the sound. They saw Liu Hongyan, dressed in a crimson outfit, standing by the bamboo grove. The moonlight shone on her beautiful face, adding to her cool and aloof demeanor.

"Instructor Liu." The two hurriedly bowed.

Liu Hongyan's gaze swept over the two of them, and she nodded slightly: "Not bad, you've both made rapid progress."

"Wu Yu, you are just one step away from reaching the Yuan stage. If you focus on your studies these next few days, you will achieve it naturally."

"Li Yuan, your realm has been completely stabilized. Your true qi is refined, far surpassing that of ordinary beginners. It seems you have mastered that basic fist technique quite well."

"Thank you for your guidance, Instructor," the two said in unison.

Liu Hongyan looked at Li Yuan: "The dean wants to see you. Go to Wenhua Academy now."

The dean summoned him? Li Yuan's lips twitched slightly: "Yes."

"I'll go too, I need to see the dean about something," Wu Yu said hurriedly.

Liu Hongyan glanced at him indifferently: "The dean only summoned Li Yuan."

Wu Yu scratched his head sheepishly. Li Yuan nodded to him, indicating that it was alright, and then followed Liu Hongyan away from the small bamboo grove.

After passing through the academy in the night, they arrived at the Wenhua Academy study. Liu Hongyan gestured for Li Yuan to go in by himself, then turned and left.

Li Yuan straightened his clothes and gently knocked on the door.

"Come in," came Su Wenyuan's gentle voice.

Li Yuan pushed open the door and entered.

The study was brightly lit, and Su Wenyuan sat upright behind his desk. To Li Yuan's slight surprise, there was another person in the study.

The man was about forty years old, with a serious face and a dignified posture. However, his gaze toward Li Yuan was scrutinizing.

"Student Li Yuan greets the Dean and this esteemed person."

Li Yuan bowed respectfully, but secretly wondered about the man's origins.