Tang Dynasty Demon Suppression Division

They've arrived. Li Yuan looked up, perked up, and listened intently.

Emperor Li Yan sat calmly on the dragon throne: "Establishing the position of Inspector General is a major matter; approval is granted."

Ye Hongyu spoke eloquently, detailing the contents of the memorial: "...The Demon Suppression Division has inspectors under its command, who are of the fourth rank and directly under the jurisdiction of the Commander-in-Chief. Their cultivation level is tentatively set at the Condensation Realm or above. They are stationed in various regions of the world and patrol their respective regions at any time..."

The officials remained silent. Those who were well-informed already knew that it was Li Yuan who had made the request, and the conditions inside perfectly suited him.

"What are your opinions regarding the matter of the Inspector General?"

Li Yan surveyed the surroundings with a deep, penetrating gaze.

After a brief silence, as Li Yuan had expected, dissenting voices soon emerged.

"Your Majesty, I believe this action is inappropriate."

An elderly imperial censor with gray hair stepped forward, his voice booming, "The Demon Suppression Division already has a well-established structure. If we were to add another position, Inspector, wouldn't that be redundant and simply create unnecessary redundancy?"

"Furthermore, the inspector wields considerable power; if the wrong person is chosen, he could become too powerful to control!"

As soon as this was said, many officials echoed it, with similar reasons. They were either worried that the inspection team would have too much power and would be difficult to check, or they believed that the existing system was sufficient and there was no need for further measures.

Li Yuan listened quietly without speaking. He was not good at this kind of court politics, and besides, the emperor had his own arrangements.

"You are all being too rigid. The situation is not what it was ten years ago. If we remain stagnant, it will be the court and the people who suffer."

An imperial censor stepped forward and debated with the group of scholars. This man, surnamed Wang, was the most upright and incorruptible, a lone official. Even if the emperor wanted to persuade him, he had to be willing himself.

"You are merely afraid of having more official positions created, which would seize the benefits that belong to you. Have you ever thought about the imperial court?"

Seeing him angrily refute each other with great momentum, silencing the opposing officials, Li Yuan was dumbfounded and full of admiration.

Luo Xuan and the others were clearly used to such scenes, remaining unmoved and letting the group argue and bicker.

Imperial Censor Wang's fighting prowess was astonishing. In less than half an hour, he had rendered everyone speechless and forced them to back down.

"Since no one has any further objections, we request Your Majesty's decision."

Ultimately, no matter how fierce the arguments in the court, the emperor's attitude is the key.

"What you, my esteemed ministers, have said is all reasonable."

Li Yan's expression was stern.

"I have a question. Demonic plagues are rampant in various regions, and the Demon Suppression Bureau is overwhelmed with the task. Furthermore, manpower is constantly being drawn from the northwest front. If we do not find a way to strengthen the defenses of the interior, who will take responsibility when the demonic plague spreads to the capital region?"

The hall fell silent.

Li Yan continued, "The position of Inspector is not meant to replace the existing Demon Suppression Bureau system, but rather to add a mobile force to deal with sudden demon attacks."

"I think this proposal is feasible. As for the selection of personnel and their authority, the cabinet can participate in the discussion."

The emperor's attitude was clear, and he granted the cabinet full authority to participate. The officials exchanged glances, then tacitly praised in unison, "Your Majesty is wise!"

After the court session, Li Yuan, as the advocate, participated in the cabinet meeting. After some bargaining and negotiation, the Demon Suppression Bureau was finally established, with Ye Hongyu concurrently serving as its head. Several inspectors were also appointed to oversee the inspection affairs of various regions.

The Inspection Bureau was thus established.

After the meeting, Li Yuan returned to the headquarters of the Demon Suppression Bureau with Ye Hongyu.

Ye Hongyu got straight to the point: "His Majesty means that he hopes you will serve as the Inspector General of the Capital Region."

Li Yuan frowned slightly.

Gyeonggi Province is located under the emperor's nose and is also the center of power. The emperor keeping him here is both an important position and a way to control him.

But this is precisely what Li Yuan dislikes the most. He doesn't want to stay in the capital and get caught up in power struggles. He needs real battles and the experience of growing stronger through life and death.

"My lord, I do not wish to remain in Gyeonggi Province. May I be allowed to go to Longyou Province instead?"

Li Yuan's eyes were full of hope. He longed to fight alongside his comrades and also wanted to go to the Northwest to find news of Chen Shuo.

"You know, that's impossible."

Ye Hongyu sighed.

Li Yuan's eyes darkened: "Then... may I apply to go to Hexi Circuit?"

Hexi Circuit, located between Longyou Circuit and Jingji Circuit, runs through the Hexi Corridor. Although it is the smallest of the sixteen circuits of the Tang Dynasty, it is of great importance.

Ye Hongyu's gaze sharpened slightly.

"Hexi Road?"

"Yes," Li Yuan said frankly. "The responsibility of Hexi Road is no less than that of Longyou. It is located in a strategic position and is the only way to the northwest front. However, the power of the Demon Suppression Division is relatively weak, which makes the transportation of supplies difficult."

The war between the Tang Dynasty and the demon race began in the Hexi Corridor. Later, the battle lines expanded outwards, and the main battlefield became the Longyou Corridor, but the Hexi Corridor remained one of the battlefields.

Due to the mixed forces, the power imbalance resulted in frequent incidents of goods being stolen.

"I can make a greater impact there."

The unspoken meaning he meant was that Hexi Circuit was neither too far nor too close to the capital, enough to make those watching him lower their guard, while being close enough to the northwest front to provide support if needed.

Ye Hongyu raised an eyebrow: "Are you sure?"

"Sure."

"Very well, I will pass this on to His Majesty for you," Ye Hongyu said. "As for the outcome, that is beyond my control."

Li Yuan was overjoyed. Ye Hongyu held considerable influence in His Majesty's eyes, and with her intervention, his chances of success increased even further. He quickly cupped his hands in thanks.

"Thank you for your concern, Lord Lao."

Ye Hongyu didn't delay and submitted Li Yuan's application that afternoon.

In the Zichen Palace, Li Yan looked at the memorial in his hand and remained silent for a long while: "This lad is quite interesting."

Eunuch Wang laughed and said, "Young people always want to explore the world. If Your Majesty forces him to stay, it will only trap him."

Li Yan smiled and said, "That's true. With his current level of cultivation, he is not yet capable of shouldering great responsibilities. The Hexi region is a mixed bag, which is a good opportunity for him to gain experience."

He picked up his vermilion pen and wrote "Approved".

When the news reached the Demon Suppression Bureau, Li Yuan was officially appointed as the Inspector of Hexi Circuit and took up his post immediately.

According to the previously agreed-upon details, he could be equipped with three Gold-Badge Demon-Slaying Guards and four Silver-Badge Demon-Slaying Guards.

Wu Yu was the first person confirmed. He was Li Yuan's brother, and the two had a great understanding. He was overjoyed to hear that he could go to Hexi with Li Yuan.

"Brother Li, when are we setting off?" Wu Yuguang quickly packed his luggage and ran over excitedly to report for duty.

"What's the rush? We still need to wait for everyone to arrive," Li Yuan laughed.

The next day, Li Yuan went to see Ye Hongyu. He had no trusted confidants and could only obey orders from above.

"I've already assembled the team for you; they're all experienced veterans. You two discuss it amongst yourselves, and we'll set off tomorrow."

So fast?

Li Yuan was somewhat worried. These people were supposed to follow him through thick and thin, and if they disobeyed orders or were seasoned veterans, then things would get complicated.

"Let's go take a look."

Li Yuan went to the martial arts training hall with Wu Yu. As soon as he stepped inside, he was stunned.

"Lord Li, it's been many days."

Xu Sheng greeted him with clasped hands.

"Brother Xu? It's you guys?"

Li Yuan's eyes were slightly red. On that day, Chen Shuo accompanied him on the trip to the Northwest, while Xu Sheng and the other seven were Chen's subordinates.

They went through life and death together, enduring the bitter battle of Tiger Wolf Gorge. Later, one of them sacrificed himself on the way back.