Chapter 118: Arriving Upon the Wind and Waves

"That old fellow hides himself extremely well. Even the Protector is looking for him and has been unable to dig him out.

But I have a feeling that he is still on Feiyuan Island.

He is also searching for the Black Heaven Stele, which the Cult seeks to obtain.

That old man is exceptionally well-informed. We thought this matter was known only to certain high-level members of the Cult."

Wang Qin's expression was cold and aloof.

Chen Tao sighed: "The Black Heaven Cult is inherently a loose religious organization. Our emergence has likely already been discovered by the sects, and their infiltration has, in all probability, already spread to our high ranks."

The emergence of the Black Heaven Cult is most feared by those in the sects.

The Imperial Court may not necessarily harbor a lethal malice toward the Black Heaven Cult, but the sects certainly would.

Fortunately, the Primordial Demon Sect is classified as an evil cult.

Theoretically, they would not collude with the righteous sects.

They are all enemies.

The enemy of an enemy can be a friend.

After this battle on Feiyuan Island, the Black Heaven Cult, which was initially the most powerful faction, has instead become the weakest.

Jia Renyi appeared at this moment.

"Has the news been confirmed?"

His tone was full of anxiety.

"It has been confirmed; it was a Desire-type god that struck."

Wang Qin answered affirmatively.

"This Protector is overwhelmingly powerful. There is no freedom left on Feiyuan Island. I thought that by escaping the borders of Feiyuan and coming to Feiyuan Island, I wouldn't have to suffer the oppression of the Demon Suppression Division, but now, this Protector has appeared."

Jia Renyi lamented.

Thinking of his life's work, the Yunlai Restaurant, he felt a surge of anger.

"I told you to contact the Cult. What instructions are there from within?"

Chen Tao interrupted his rambling.

"Apostle Chu Qingyi needs to be resurrected. His soul suffered a calamity from the scorching sun and was severely damaged. To restore it to its original state, a sacrifice is required."

Jia Renyi informed the two of the result of his communication.

"Besides that, what are the instructions regarding the Black Heaven Stele?"

Chu Qingyi is no longer a threat.

Even if he were still an apostle, his strength would not be enough to threaten the three of them.

Jia Renyi said: "Nothing else. Proceed according to the established plan to acquire the Black Heaven Stele."

Chen Tao and Wang Qin fell silent.

It seems the Cult will not support them for the time being.

"The Desire-type god has been severely injured; this is our chance, an opportunity to step onto the West Island for a deeper search," Wang Qin said, boosting morale.

She believed the Cult would not abandon them.

Joining the Black Heaven Cult was, in itself, a search for protection.

If the Black Heaven Cult were to abandon them, they could simply betray the Cult again.

...

"My Lord, tomorrow is the big day for our recruitment of Demon Suppression Officers. Here is the content of the examination; please take a look."

Hu Zuowei handed the document to Baili Feihong.

Baili Feihong glanced at it and said: "Fine, proceed with the examination as planned."

The Demon Suppression Division needs manpower—a massive amount of it. As long as there are no issues with their identity verification, they can be recruited if they meet the criteria.

The Demon Suppression Division needs to get on the right track.

Only then can he free himself to do more things.

Otherwise, he has to handle every single issue that arises.

Is he a leader or just a hired thug?

"My Lord, there are three hundred and twenty people signed up this time, including seventy-two students from Feiyuan Academy. I observed that these students have all reached the Blood Refining Realm."

Hu Zuowei took back the document already signed by Baili Feihong and smiled as he spoke about the recruitment situation.

"The students of Feiyuan Academy are good prospects, with solid backgrounds. I observed that many students at Feiyuan Academy practice the Blood Origin Technique, so there will be no problem transitioning to the Demon Suppression Technique."

Baili Feihong, having visited Feiyuan Academy, naturally assessed its students.

As for whether there is anything strange about Feiyuan Academy, that is not his concern.

He naturally possesses a set of skills to assess whether these students have any problems.

"My Lord, our Demon Suppression Division does not have that many quotas for Demon Suppression Officers. If we recruit too many at once, will we be questioned if we report it to the General Headquarters?"

Hearing Hu Zuowei's words, Baili Feihong was displeased.

"The General Headquarters will blame us? Does the General Headquarters know the situation of the Feiyuan Demon Suppression Division? Furthermore, the Demon Suppression Division of Feiyuan Island covers three cities. If we establish Demon Suppression Stations in these three cities, do we not need manpower? Additionally, the development of the North Island and the establishment of Demon Suppression Monitoring Stations on the West Island—do these not require manpower?"

Baili Feihong listed a series of institutions.

The more Hu Zuowei heard, the brighter his eyes became.

"My Lord, your subordinate understands. This recruitment will not be limited to the Feiyuan Demon Suppression Division; we can also stuff a large number of people into the subordinate institutions being established."

"Then go and get it done."

Baili Feihong waved his hand.

Hu Zuowei is decent enough.

However, the Demon Suppression Division is truly short of people.

It lacks management talent.

Apart from him, the Demon Suppression Division is essentially an empty shell.

This is a fact everyone knows.

After Hu Zuowei left, Baili Feihong sat quietly.

Encountering the Desire-type god this time showed him his own shortcomings.

Not shortcomings in cultivation, but in his ability to handle unknown dangers.

With his cultivation of the Eleventh Blood Refining and the Great Perfection of the Yuan Embryo Realm, he is a top-tier expert even within the territory of the Great Yuan.

A martial arts titan capable of suppressing a region.

Sometimes, no matter how strong one's martial arts are, one will still encounter helpless situations.

"Perhaps I haven't practiced enough martial arts."

"The All-Things Return to Origin Technique is powerful, but it is not comprehensive."

I still need to practice more martial arts.

"Qin Tiesheng, come to my office."

Baili Feihong's voice reached Qin Tiesheng's ears.

A few minutes later, Qin Tiesheng hurried over. It was truly difficult for an eighty-year-old man like him to still be running around Feiyuan Island.

"My Lord, did you call for me?"

Qin Tiesheng didn't feel that way.

At his age, he had no more pursuits in life.

However, the frustration of the past few decades had been reclaimed by him over the past month or so.

Now, he is a Grade-A Demon Suppression Officer of the Feiyuan Demon Suppression Division.

Within the prefecture, there are many people with higher official ranks than him, but due to the special status of the Demon Suppression Division, he can stand on equal footing with them.

Because the big boss behind him is Baili Feihong.

The strongest man on Feiyuan Island.

"Has the matter of the returned book collection been settled?"

Baili Feihong inquired.

Qin Tiesheng's expression was grave as he said: "My Lord, the true martial arts manuals of the Demon Suppression Division were actually all taken by the Southern Naval Fleet. Many martial arts manuals were bestowed upon military officers as rewards. Over the years, many of these officers died in battle, and these manuals became heirlooms for their descendants."

"You mean to say that it is difficult for me to recover these martial arts manuals, is that it?"

"Yes. In fact, the register of the library still exists, but it was taken by the Southern Naval Fleet. It now serves as the Southern Naval Fleet's library and has become their prized treasure."

Qin Tiesheng added: "As for the books scattered in the city, eighty percent have been recovered. However, these books do not involve very advanced martial arts; that is why they were allowed to flow out from the Southern Naval Fleet."

Being able to recover these books so smoothly was naturally due to Baili Feihong's reputation.

Besides, some of the books had already been thoroughly studied and copied by them.

Handing over the originals did not cost them anything.

It was just that they could no longer claim them as their unique martial arts.

Compared to the Demon Suppression Division showing up at their door, they were willing to return the originals.

"What I want is this part of the martial arts; these are the treasures that will strengthen our Demon Suppression Division. Every time a Demon Suppression Division is established, the General Headquarters bestows a batch of books. These are the martial arts collected and improved by the Demon Suppression Division."

"The reason a foundation becomes a foundation is because it allows a Demon Suppression Division to train a large number of Demon Suppression Officers."

"Without this batch of books, the Demon Suppression Division is like duckweed without roots."

"Moreover, the General Headquarters will not bestow more books upon us."

This is the rule.

The property of the Demon Suppression Division belongs to the local branch.

If lost, the local Demon Suppression Division is responsible.

Although Baili Feihong was not responsible for the loss, if the General Headquarters used this reason to force him to track down these books, he would have to complete the task.

"It looks like I have to go to the Governor's Mansion."

Baili Feihong was not very willing to step into the Governor's Mansion.

As the saying goes, kings do not meet kings.

But the Southern Naval Fleet is the only one that truly knows what is going on on Feiyuan Island.

The Desire-type god existed in the Pleasure District.

Yet the two governors of the Governor's Mansion were clashing with their divine senses near the Pleasure District.

Baili Feihong did not believe in coincidences.

The Southern Naval Fleet must know the details of the Desire-type god's existence.

There is another matter: the proprietress of the Yihong Brothel, Yu Meiniang, was invited to the Governor's Mansion that day.

Rumors outside say that Yu Meiniang is a mistress of Governor Yan Fei.

But Baili Feihong has seen Yu Meiniang; she is a virgin.

Her internal energy is strong, and she should have practiced the foundational techniques of the Flower Sect.

The Flower Sect is involved in the Great Opium Case.

Chu Qingyi of the Black Heaven Cult comes from the Chu Village.

If Yan Fei has a connection to the Flower Sect, it is possible he is also deeply involved.

He hates being schemed against.

However, the situation is stronger than the man; he must establish the Demon Suppression Division as quickly as possible.

To leave behind seeds of demon suppression for Feiyuan Island.

Baili Feihong received news that he had entered the Hidden Dragon Ranking.

He might not stay on Feiyuan Island for very long.

His rise was too fast.

Whether the General Headquarters even knows of his existence is unknown.

After all, there are so many Protectors in the country.

It is normal for the big shots at the General Headquarters not to remember a small person like him.

Getting on the Hidden Dragon Ranking is different.

The General Headquarters will value him, the Imperial Court will value him, and he has also left a mark on the sects.

Jiang Yu'er of the Yin-Yang Heaven Sect is coming.

This was the news given to him by Gongyang Yan.

Furthermore, other sect experts at the Half-Step Divine Realm, or even the Divine Realm, are also coming.

The best way to make someone fall from the Hidden Dragon Ranking is to kill them and take their place.

He has already been viewed as a stepping stone by many.

A dangerous wave is already crashing down.

If the Demon Suppression Division cannot establish an effective mechanism, the advantage he has built on Feiyuan Island will immediately turn into nothing.

He is not worried about the others, but the eight old men would surely die.

"I must protect those who follow me."

If one cannot look after the lives of their subordinates, who will sell their lives for you?

"Apart from Feiyuan Academy, all books scattered on Feiyuan Island must be returned within three days. Have Inspector Yang go with you; their Chief will agree."

The Chief of the Inspection Bureau comes from Dongbin City and has a natural hometown advantage with him.

Additionally, the Dongbin Naval commander Huang Minghui is friends with the Chief of the Inspection Bureau.

Although Baili Feihong did not visit the Chief of the Inspection Bureau after arriving on the island, and the Chief did not seek him out, a tacit understanding had formed between them.

The Inspection Bureau will try its best to cooperate with the Demon Suppression Division.

It is right that the Chief of the Inspection Bureau does not come forward; otherwise, given Baili Feihong's ability to wreak havoc on Feiyuan Island, he would implicate the Chief.

"Understood, My Lord. With your support, this old man will not let you down," Qin Tiesheng said, patting his chest.

Despite being over eighty, his cultivation level is there.

If something really happens, he doesn't mind going on a killing spree.

That alchemist, Tefala, had crafted him a powerful leg.

It was enough for him to unleash some of the power of his prime.

"My Lord, the Protector's carriage has moved and is coming to our Governor's Mansion."

The valiant Zhong Ziling, clad in armor, quickly rushed into the Governor's Mansion to find Governor Yan, who was studying the military situation of the Devil's Strait.

Yan Fei was very calm.

He didn't even look up, staring at the maritime map in the water.

"Trouble General Zhong to go and receive him. After all, your appointment letter is on the way and will soon reach Feiyuan Island. With your status as Prefect, you can speak with him."

What Yan Fei feared was that the other party could see from his emotions that the strange event in the Pleasure District was related to him.

"Governor, if the other party makes any unreasonable demands, with my current status, I may not be able to make decisions for the Southern Naval Fleet anymore," Zhong Ziling said with a serious expression.

"This Governor authorizes you to handle it. I will bear all the consequences."

The war on the front lines is raging, and Yan Fei has no time or energy to spend on Feiyuan Island.

The Demon Suppression Division has already gained a foothold; this is an undeniable fact.

If he gets trapped in a struggle with the Demon Suppression Division, it will only drain his time and energy, causing him to neglect his duties, which could very well lead to his foundation becoming unbalanced and being taken advantage of by Qian Yuchen to seize his power.

The previous failure in the battle had already had a huge impact on the Southern Naval Fleet and him as a Governor.

Schemes can be played, but if one is not strong, it will provoke public outrage, and even the Crown Prince may not be able to protect him.

Yan Fei had already changed his mindset toward Baili Feihong.

Suppress him? He can't beat him.

Then let him guard his rear, and once he conquers the four directions and his position is stable, none of Baili Feihong's tactics will affect the Southern Naval Fleet.

"Yes, Governor, Ziling will go and prepare now."

Watching Zhong Ziling's disappearing back, Yan Fei sighed endlessly.

Putting his right-hand man in the position of Prefect of Feiyuan Island—who knows if it is good or bad.

But Fadi said, Zhong Ziling is in the position of Prefect.

Only then can he, Yan Fei, rise to prominence, completely shake off the current trough, and ride the wind to soar.

He is willing to listen to Fadi's words.

Zhong Ziling sighed.

Giving Fadi to Governor Yan Fei—she didn't know if it was a good thing or a bad thing.

She knew that Yan Fei letting her go, letting her leave the Southern Naval Fleet and become the highest parent-official of Feiyuan Island, was because of Fadi whispering in his ear.

The Governor had been kind to her.

Now, he is letting her leave.

She had no objections.

The Prefect of Feiyuan Island is definitely a good position.

She would become the most powerful Prefect in the history of Feiyuan Island.

Zhong Ziling stood before the Governor's Mansion.

Waiting for Baili Feihong's arrival.

At this moment, she no longer had that trace of arrogance from before.

She knew of that ancient, taboo existence.

The Desire-type god.

A strange and powerful existence.

The Southern Naval Fleet had no way to deal with it.

Yet, it was repelled by the Protector.

The carriage stopped steadily at the Governor's Mansion.

Baili Feihong stepped out of the carriage.

"General Zhong, long time no see." Baili Feihong looked at the valiant Zhong Ziling, sighing that the Governor's Mansion was full of talent.

Unlike the Demon Suppression Division, which was full of the wounded, disabled, and elderly.

"Protector Baili, in a few days, you won't be able to call me General Zhong anymore," Zhong Ziling said with a faint smile.

"Oh? General Zhong has been promoted to Prefect? Then I must congratulate you."

Baili Feihong did not show any emotional fluctuations.

"Protector Baili is indeed well-informed."

"No, ever since I knew that Prefect Chen was harmed by the Primordial Demon Sect's evil cultivators, I already knew the result. The position of Prefect could be filled by Deputy Governor Qian, or by certain generals of the Southern Naval Fleet."

Baili Feihong showed a slight smile: "I, for one, dislike Governor Qian."

"The North Island development plan is your open scheme, intended to let Governor Yan block Deputy Governor Qian from becoming Prefect?"

"It used to be a nominal position, but now it has real power. If Deputy Governor Qian became Prefect, it would be uncomfortable for both of us. I don't like fence-sitters who please no one, so it's better to let General Zhong serve as Prefect."

"Protector Baili has good strategy; this official must thank you properly."

Zhong Ziling's mood was very complicated.

In the future, this will be her opponent.

She knew the military situation and understood that the Southern Naval Fleet's strategy was that if they won this great victory, the strategy would surely shift to establishing a military base in the Devil's Strait to guard the gate of the coastal sea.

"Military matters are urgent. This Protector's visit today is nothing major; I just want back some things that belong to the Demon Suppression Division."

Zhong Ziling frowned.

She thought of Han Feiyuan, thought of the Feiyuan Chamber of Commerce.

When the Protector comes to collect debts, it is like the King of Hell demanding a life.

"Protector Baili, let's discuss it inside. Please."

"Sorry to trouble you, General Zhong."

...

"Old Zhang, the catch in this place is super abundant. If I couldn't catch it all by myself, I wouldn't have brought you along."

On the calm sea, a fishing boat was casting its nets. With the heavy, dragging sensation, both their faces were filled with smiles.

Just then, a giant shark leaped from the sea.

It had grown hands, its eyes were blood-red, and it rode the waves, looking greedily at the fishing boat.

"Monster..."

"Monster!! Row the boat fast!!!"

Old Zhang roared.

He picked up the knife lying nearby and cut the dragnet with one stroke.

He quickly hoisted the sail, preparing to flee the scene.

But how could the shark monster let such a sweet snack escape its grasp?

It used its hands to control the water flow, lifting the boat.

"Stupid human, in front of the future Master of the Four Seas, you catch my subjects and still want to run?"

The shark monster's cold voice echoed across the ocean, making the sea breeze roar.

The two fishermen fell into despair.

They were in the middle of the ocean, with nowhere to run.

"Yin and Yang cut through the dusk and dawn."

The chanting came from across the horizon. Before the person arrived, the two fishermen who heard the voice already saw the sea splitting, and the powerful shark monster was cleaved in two by a sword.

The water flow it controlled collapsed with a bang, and the fishing boat fell heavily onto the sea level.

The intense vibration caused both of them to fall onto the deck of the boat.

They stood up and looked at the newcomer.

Carrying a divine sword on his back, stepping on a light boat, riding the wind and waves, he disappeared from their sight at an extremely fast speed.

"Truly an immortal among men," the fisherman Old Zhang exclaimed.

The other fisherman, however, was depressed; the loss of the catch had caused them heavy losses.