Chapter 109: Suppressing a Thousand Miles
Pure to the extreme.
Auras of evil, bloodshed, savagery, and icy malice began spreading from North Island Prison, enveloping the entirety of Feiyuan Island.
Several taboo beings that had already fallen into slumber were awakened by the demonic aura. Displeased, they released their own presences in response.
Black radiance blotted out the heavens.
The setting sun turned blood-red.
The entire sky was shrouded in evil and bloodshed.
Fear spread.
Across Feiyuan Island, people were thrown into a state of panic.
At the Governor-General’s Residence, Governor Yan sprang to his feet, his gaze falling upon North Island like a beam of light.
“North Island Prison has been breached.”
“Who did it?”
“That waste, Zuo Fenghan! I gave him men whenever he asked, supplies whenever he needed them, and even helped him enter the Nascent Embryo Realm. Yet he couldn’t even hold North Island Prison!”
Yan Fei cursed furiously.
No one had ever seen him lose control so completely.
North Island Prison was one of the principal sources of income for the Southern Pacification Navy.
North Island was unlike the Feiyuan Trading Company.
Anything that happened within the Feiyuan Trading Company could be kept under his control.
After all, the overseas trade routes were in the hands of the North Island Fleet. Without their support, the Feiyuan Trading Company’s ships could not even leave these waters.
Moreover, after years of erosion, Yan Fei had already seized control of more than half the Feiyuan Trading Company.
Its elite forces were all people he had arranged.
Even if the Feiyuan Trading Company collapsed, there was still the Tianyuan Trading Company.
Change the shell, and the same business could continue.
North Island Prison was different.
Although the Southern Pacification Navy had benefited from the Demon Suppression Bureau’s work, it had still taken the navy several generations of effort to open up North Island.
Once the balance was broken, restoring it would be extremely difficult.
Demons and monsters would never show mercy.
“Governor, Deputy Governor Qian has come to see you.”
Zhong Ziling’s figure appeared behind Yan Fei.
She, too, had sensed that something had happened at North Island Prison.
“Don’t let him in.”
Yan Fei’s expression darkened.
The imperial court had sent Qian Yuchen to the Southern Pacification Navy for one very clear purpose: to keep watch over Yan Fei.
And he was no mere military inspector.
He fulfilled the duties of a military inspector while also serving as deputy governor—the nominal second-in-command of the Governor-General’s Residence.
The men Qian Yuchen had brought with him had been directly appointed by Lin Zhongjun as deputy chief of staff.
Lin Zhongshu had been made deputy commander of the White Tiger Fleet.
All three were deputies.
Yet each occupied a vital position within the Southern Pacification Navy.
Any movement within the navy could not escape the notice of these three men.
“Governor, Deputy Governor Qian’s injuries have already healed. His visit clearly means that he intends to interfere in the navy’s military affairs. If you refuse to see him, he may submit a memorial accusing you of misconduct. The impact on you would be considerable.”
A faint curve appeared at the corner of Zhong Ziling’s lips.
“A major incident has occurred at North Island Prison. Why not hand the matter over to these three rising officials? Wouldn’t that be ideal?”
“Ziling, North Island Prison is the lifeline of the Southern Pacification Navy. It concerns the construction of warships at the navy’s military arsenal, and it is also our treasury. Putting Qian Yuchen in charge would be no different from inviting a wolf into the house.”
Yan Fei tactfully refused.
“The governor is being shortsighted. Such a drastic change at North Island Prison can only mean that the Demon Suppression Prison beneath it has been damaged, allowing demonic energy to leak out. The great demons sealed below will all escape. From this moment onward, the land within a hundred miles of North Island Prison has become a forbidden zone. Our miners are bound to suffer heavy casualties.”
“Given Baili Feihong’s temperament, the Demon Suppression Bureau will certainly intervene. Since Baili Feihong intends to rebuild the Demon Suppression Bureau, exterminating demons and monsters is precisely its duty.”
“In the future, we may no longer need the great demons of North Island Prison to drive away demonic beasts. Nor will we need to waste manpower and resources suppressing the Demon Suppression Prison or performing blood sacrifices there.”
“We can develop the mines and build warships under the joint name of the military arsenal and the provincial government.”
“If the miners are attacked by demons, we need only report the matter to the Demon Suppression Bureau as required.”
“If the Demon Suppression Bureau proves incompetent, we can report it to the Ministry of War and have the imperial court take action against them.”
“Of course, some of the gentlemen’s shares may disappear.”
“After all, once North Island Prison is breached and the region becomes demon territory, the surrounding mineral veins will no longer be exploitable.”
“But this will have no effect on the Southern Pacification Navy. We can simply enjoy North Island’s resources without worry.”
Zhong Ziling explained everything in an unhurried voice. The more Yan Fei listened, the brighter his eyes became.
“Brilliant. Since Governor Qian has arrived, then as the deputy of the Governor-General’s Residence, protecting the Southern Pacification Navy’s wealth is his responsibility. As the son of the Great Yuan Bank’s president, Young Master Qian must be highly skilled with money. From now on, we shall leave this matter to him and have him secure the navy’s rear.”
Governor Yan allowed his arm to be severed and his wrist to be cut without the slightest trace of regret.
In the end, North Island’s resources would still fall into the hands of the Southern Pacification Navy.
If Qian Yuchen failed to recover the property belonging to the navy, the soldiers of the Southern Pacification Navy would hate him to the bone.
After all, the ore from North Island was directly tied to the navy’s military provisions.
A short while later, Qian Yuchen set out with Lin Zhongjun and Lin Zhongshu, eager to venture deep into North Island.
The Governor-General’s Residence assigned him a marine detachment to command.
“Brother Qian, be careful. This may be a trap.”
“Hmph. I know Yan Fei has no good intentions. But the mineral resources near North Island Prison are abundant, and the mining equipment is already in place. If we can take control of them, we will hold one of the Southern Pacification Navy’s lifelines in our hands.”
How could Qian Yuchen not know that this would be a difficult bone to chew?
Terrifying demonic energy blotted out the sky.
Yet the Great Yuan Bank on Feiyuan Island had provided him with records and ledgers detailing North Island’s income and expenditure. The figures amounted to an astronomical sum.
Even Qian Yuchen, who had never needed to worry about money, was shocked.
A single year’s income was already more than ten times the imperial court’s military appropriation.
No wonder the Southern Pacification Navy had no desire to leave after arriving on Feiyuan Island.
No. He had to seize North Island.
This was the best way for him to establish himself within the Southern Pacification Navy.
“We should still proceed with caution. We know very little about North Island Prison. With such terrifying demonic energy erupting, the few of us may not be able to handle it.”
Lin Zhongshu urged him to reconsider.
Qian Yuchen remained unmoved.
“We didn’t come to Feiyuan Island for a vacation.”
There was one more important point Qian Yuchen did not mention.
The Southern Pacification Navy was a mountain, and he was an outsider.
He had come under imperial orders, giving him a natural advantage.
With three experts of the Nascent Embryo Realm, they formed a powerful force wherever they went.
Bearing an imperial edict and possessing considerable strength, he could practically walk sideways.
But of all the things he should not have done, he should never have appeared before Baili Feihong.
Nor should he have tried to take the courtesan Yu Meiniang from the Pleasure Quarter.
The moment Qian Yuchen saw Yu Meiniang, he thought of the past friendship between Governor Yan Fei and the Yu family.
Yu Meiniang was a honored guest of Governor Yan. Qian Yuchen simply refused to believe it.
He assumed Governor Yan was protecting Yu Meiniang.
All he needed to do was take her for himself, and Governor Yan would have no way to stop him.
After all, Yu Meiniang was a fugitive from the Music and Dance Bureau.
By forcefully claiming her, he would gain a beauty and suppress Governor Yan’s arrogance at the same time. Why would he not do it?
Yet that reckless brute Baili Feihong had smashed half his face without so much as a word of warning.
If not for his extraordinary regenerative abilities and the sacred healing medicine passed down through his family, he would have been disfigured.
His new teeth had already grown in.
Fortunately, there had been no lasting damage. In a few more days, he would be restored completely.
But his movements had been exposed, and Baili Feihong had overpowered him.
The incident had spread throughout the Southern Pacification Navy, and even across Feiyuan Island.
For all of Baili Feihong’s dominance, he had lost three crucial advantages within the Southern Pacification Navy.
Still, news of his clash with Yan Fei had already spread.
The two had fought to a draw.
There were even rumors that Governor Yan had deliberately yielded half a move to the Demon Suppression Bureau’s Guardian Envoy.
Were it not for the imperial decree, the Southern Pacification Navy would not have paid him the slightest attention.
A disgraced cur dreaming of becoming their governor?
If he truly became governor, would that not leave them forever beneath the Guardian Envoy?
For that reason alone, the many soldiers of the Southern Pacification Navy would never submit to him.
He needed to establish his authority.
He needed achievements.
The emergence of demons from North Island Prison was the perfect battle in which to make his name.
The three men made no attempt to conceal themselves. With overwhelming momentum, they entered North Island.
Every faction on Feiyuan Island was watching the situation there.
The emergence of demons was no trivial matter.
If they caused a catastrophe, everyone’s lives and safety would be threatened.
The entire island was on the verge of descending into chaos and a dark age.
For the moment, disorder had not yet broken out.
That was because everyone believed the Southern Pacification Navy could protect them.
“The Demon Suppression Bureau is at work. All unaffiliated personnel, get off North Island!”
The voice reverberated across Feiyuan Island.
As it spread, the demonic energy filling heaven and earth melted away with astonishing speed, like snow beneath the blazing sun.
A terrifying martial expert rose into the air and stood at the boundary between Baili City and North Island, blocking Qian Yuchen and the others.
His imposing figure faced away from them.
Qian Yuchen’s expression darkened as though he had swallowed a dead rat.
Vital energy surged around Lin Zhongjun and Lin Zhongshu. Baleful auras emerged, and their eyes filled with vigilance and fighting spirit as they stared at the figure before them.
“Baili Feihong, I have official business to attend to and no time for you. Move aside.”
Qian Yuchen looked at Baili Feihong without the slightest friendliness.
He had already contacted his family and asked them to send experts to support him.
But they would need some time.
“Oh? Isn’t Yan Fei the governor of the Southern Pacification Navy? When did that become you?”
Baili Feihong came back to himself, descended to the ground, and looked at him with a smile.
“I am Qian Yuchen, an official bearing an appointment from the Ministry of War. I serve as deputy governor of the Southern Pacification Navy.”
Worried that Baili Feihong might suddenly attack, Qian Yuchen quickly displayed his credentials.
“Oh. After all that, you’re only a deputy governor. A mere second-in-command, yet you dare act arrogantly before this Guardian Envoy? Are you asking for a beating? And the two of you…”
Baili Feihong turned his gaze toward Lin Zhongjun and Lin Zhongshu.
“From this moment onward, North Island is designated a restricted zone by the Demon Suppression Bureau. Without an order from this Guardian Envoy, no one is permitted to enter.”
“Anyone who steps onto North Island will be treated as a heretic in league with demons and monsters, and killed without mercy!”
A fierce killing intent flashed in Baili Feihong’s eyes as he looked at the three men. His gaze passed over them, fell upon the provincial government, and then shifted toward the Governor-General’s Residence.
“Baili Feihong, do you intend to monopolize everything? There are industries belonging to the Southern Pacification Navy on North Island. I represent the navy and will ensure that its property is not violated.”
Qian Yuchen braced himself against the killing intent and spoke angrily.
Baili Feihong merely smiled. Without replying, he turned and entered North Island.
Eight Demon Suppression Envoys arrived on horseback in a hurry.
“Guard this boundary. If anyone enters, notify the Guardian Envoy. I will kill them.”
Baili Feihong’s voice drifted back from afar.
“Yes, sir!”
The eight old men stood tall and proud at the border between North Island and Baili City.
Yang, the Inspector of the Patrol Division, also arrived with his men.
“Inspector Yang, go set up checkpoints. Warn outsiders and prevent them from entering North Island.”
“Also, put up a proper shelter. These old bones of ours cannot stand for too long.”
Qin Tiesheng gave the order to Inspector Yang.
Inspector Yang cupped his hands.
“Yes, Lord Qin.”
He immediately arranged for his patrol officers to carry out the command.
Following the Demon Suppression Bureau meant they would share in the spoils.
Why would they refuse?
“Brother Qian, what do we do now?”
“Do we force our way in or leave?”
Lin Zhongjun and Lin Zhongshu wore grim expressions.
As former commanders of the Imperial Guard, they had seen countless great figures in the imperial capital.
Even cabinet ministers and the commander of the Demon Suppression Bureau had to greet them politely and request permission to pass.
They had believed that after coming to the Southern Pacification Navy, they would soon seize control of its authority and become regional overlords.
But now, an undeniable fact lay before them.
The Guardian Envoy of the Demon Suppression Bureau was extraordinarily troublesome.
According to the Bureau’s hierarchy, this man already possessed the strength of a Guardian General.
A Guardian Envoy of such rank would not normally appear in a remote place like Feiyuan Island.
At most, the Demon Suppression Bureau would send an expert of the Spirit Refinement Realm to govern a local branch.
In an emergency, support could be requested from the provincial capital.
But Feiyuan Island was special.
It lay overseas.
Although its administrative status was equivalent to that of a province, it was not actually governed by any provincial-level authority.
According to the Ministry of War, Feiyuan Island was the Southern Pacification Navy’s base. The navy could therefore be allowed to assume complete control of the island and become its superior administrative authority.
However, the Ministry of War’s proposal had been rejected while under discussion in the cabinet.
Qian Yuchen was caught between a rock and a hard place.
By now, a large crowd had gathered not far from the boundary.
Many among them were spies belonging to the various factions on Feiyuan Island.
“We…”
“Blood Subdues Mountains and Rivers!”
A cold voice rang out.
Blood energy surged like a dragon, coiling above North Island.
It transformed into a blazing sun, and terrifying blood energy enveloped the island.
From North Island, it spread toward every corner of Feiyuan Island.
Wherever it passed, all baleful and unclean auras were purified instantly.
The terrifying might was like that of a divine being, a sage seated upon Feiyuan Island. With a single shout, he could annihilate every demon, monster, ghost, and spirit across the island.
Boom!
The demonic beasts hidden across North Island were instantly consumed by raging flames and reduced to ashes.
Under such divine power, no demon, monster, ghost, or spirit could escape its fate.
“The Blood General Guardian…”
Qian Yuchen’s face turned pale with terror.
“Blood energy transformed into a dragon, and the blood dragon became a sun. This is a fourth-stage Divine Ability.”
Among Divine Ability Lords, it would still be considered a formidable technique.
A Divine Ability Lord was an existence akin to a god among mortals.
The higher one climbed in martial cultivation, the greater the disparity became.
“Leave. Now!”
Qian Yuchen hurriedly called on his two companions to withdraw.
Lin Zhongjun and Lin Zhongshu had also once been commanders of the Imperial Guard, and both were descendants of military families. Their knowledge and experience were in fact even greater than Qian Yuchen’s.
When Baili Feihong unleashed the Divine Ability Blood Subdues Mountains and Rivers to purify Feiyuan Island’s demonic energy, if he harbored the slightest ill will toward them and marked the three of them as demons with a single thought, they would face the full bombardment of that terrifying technique.
Even if they survived, they would be left severely wounded.
They employed an escape technique and returned directly to the Governor-General’s Residence.
This was no longer a matter they could interfere with.
At the Governor-General’s Residence, Governor Yan wore an expression of shock.
“He has grown stronger again.”
Yan Fei knew that Baili Feihong cultivated the Six Paths of Demon Suppression Scripture and was also a Blood Refining practitioner.
His Blood Refining cultivation had reached at least the Ninth Refinement. Yet now, in Yan Fei’s eyes, Baili Feihong resembled the Blood General Guardians stationed in the imperial capital.
His blood energy covered an entire region, protecting the people and shielding them from demonic calamity.
“North Island Prison has been suppressed.”
In Baili Feihong’s eyes, North Island Prison resembled a hell of endless slaughter. Countless corpses had been torn apart by demons and monsters.
The place was filled with innumerable wronged souls.
Their resentment had accumulated over the years and been absorbed by the demons.
The demons imprisoned within the Demon Suppression Prison had not weakened. Instead, they had grown even more powerful.
The auras of more than a dozen great demons had condensed into layer upon layer of black membranes, sealing the breach in the Demon Suppression Prison and resisting the radiance of his blood energy.
The Demon Suppression Prison had become a refuge for demons.
It was no longer a place of suppression.
“Damn them! They actually performed blood sacrifices on the Demon Suppression Prison year after year, nurturing demons and using their demonic energy to drive away the surrounding beasts!”
Baili Feihong cursed.
If the demons within the cage continued devouring one another and evolved through a method akin to cultivating poisonous insects, an incomparably terrifying demon would surely be born.
Once a demon broke through its limits and transformed into an undying True Demon or True Fiend—an existence almost indistinguishable from a manifestation of the laws—the entirety of Feiyuan Island would be powerless against it.
At that point, only blood energy could restrain such a being.
“They cannot remain.”
“Not a single one!”
His blood energy contracted and compressed into his palm, transforming into runes.
The blood energy shaped the five elements of heaven and earth.
Faintly, the Five-Element Demon-Suppressing Palm showed signs of transforming into the Grand Five-Element Demon-Suppressing Divine Ability.
He pressed down with one hand.
The five elements annihilated all things, descending upon the Demon Suppression Prison like a millstone of apocalypse.
The director of the Prison Suppression Division, who had been frozen solid, felt the ice and snow melt away. He raised his head toward the sky and seemed to see a divine being overturning the clouds with a wave of his hand, intent on erasing North Island Prison from existence.
“Run!”
There was no time for hesitation. Controlling his blade with divine will, he transformed into black radiance, pierced through the overwhelming pressure, and fled North Island Prison.
“Hold… the line…”
A despairing wail rose from the demons.