Chapter 124: Great Victory for the Navy

“Has the North Island Governor’s residence been completed?” Bai Li Feihong inquired.

“Sir, there are still three days left in the construction schedule. You will be able to move in soon,” Hu Zuowei replied respectfully.

It was not appropriate for the Governor to stay in the Demon Suppression Tower on Feiyuan Island. How would others perceive that?

The Feiyuan Chamber of Commerce had summoned the finest artisans and numerous martial experts to fell trees, constructing a residence modeled after the Governor’s mansion in Zhen Nan City. The house stood out at first glance.

“Then I will wait three more days,” Bai Li Feihong nodded. Now that the Demon Suppression Tower no longer required his protection, it was time to find a place to settle.

“Go and summon Chen Xingyan and the other four,” he ordered.

The assessment for the Demon Suppression Division had ended five days ago. After three months of training, they would be dispatched to various posts across Feiyuan Island: Zhen Nan, Baili, Yongsheng, North Island, and West Island. Monitoring stations would be established on North and West Islands, with Demon Suppression officers rotating in and out.

Feiyuan Island was vast, and the development plans for North and West Islands were unstoppable. Once the entire archipelago was occupied by humans, the demons and monsters there had to be eradicated. The blood purification had not wiped out all the evil spirits on Feiyuan Island.

Soon, Hu Zuowei summoned the five Demon Suppression officers to Bai Li Feihong’s office.

Chen Xingyan, Qin Suqing, Shangguan Zhen, Zhou Xiaoqing, and Yang Chengfei stood rigidly before Bai Li Feihong, not daring to breathe loudly. Even the proud young genius Chen Xingyan appeared restrained.

The Governor was younger than all of them but already a formidable figure able to rival the Zhen Nan naval forces—the undisputed strongest on Feiyuan Island. Though he had only been on the island for about fifty or sixty days, the events he stirred daily unsettled many factions.

“Chen Xingyan: three blood refinements, five bone temperings, thirty-six apertures, two martial wills—known as the Little Fire God,” Bai Li Feihong said with a trace of regret in his eyes.

Such cultivation achievements were dazzling anywhere. Three cycles of blood refining had placed him far ahead of many.

The other four officers looked at Chen Xingyan in surprise.

Chen Xingyan cupped his fists and said humbly, “I dare not mention such achievements before you, sir.”

“Why have you not completed all six bone temperings? Do you know the Demon Suppression Division requires martial cultivation at the Bone Refining Realm to become an officer?”

“I do not know, sir,” Chen Xingyan admitted. His pride was instantly shattered by Bai Li Feihong’s questioning.

“Completing the six bone temperings will transform your blood energy fundamentally. My only dissatisfaction with you is your lack of patience in refining the golden jade bones.”

His tone carried reproach.

“Pursuing realms blindly while neglecting martial fundamentals will cause you to miss great opportunities in your future cultivation. Since you have just entered the Spirit Refinement stage, return now and continue tempering your bones. Within three months, I want to see your six bone temperings completed.”

“Yes, I accept your command,” Chen Xingyan answered without complaint. Perfecting the Bone Refining Realm would greatly aid his future progress.

“This is a summary of my insights on bone refining. I hope it helps you,” Bai Li Feihong said, handing Chen Xingyan a notebook from the desk.

Chen Xingyan could barely believe his ears, his face glowing with excitement. “Thank you, sir. I will not disappoint your expectations.”

“Qin Suqing,” Bai Li Feihong called next.

A woman with advanced instinctive talent, if nurtured, would become a terrifying expert. With such gifts, she could anticipate any enemy attack. Her stunning beauty seemed a gift from heaven, though a trace of sorrow shadowed her brow.

“Yes, sir,” Qin Suqing stepped forward excitedly and saluted like Chen Xingyan.

She was merely a female student at Feiyuan Academy, inexperienced in cultivation. Her martial studies were simple techniques for circulating blood energy, derived through her own study of the Hidden Blood Method in the Academy’s library.

“Your comprehension is high, but to be honest, you are a blank slate in martial cultivation. In the coming three months, if you have any questions about martial arts, consult Zhang Shanling.”

“Besides, I see you wield a sword with good intuition. This sword technique I’m giving you—study it on your own, and if you don’t understand, come to me,” Bai Li Feihong said, handing her a thick book titled *Basic Sword Manual: One Hundred Techniques*.

Though the title seemed casual, Bai Li Feihong had poured great effort into it. He was also a sword master, possessing one of the six supreme martial dao paths in swordsmanship. He had studied numerous top-tier sword techniques, distilling their essence into this manual.

The other four officers glanced at the thick book with curiosity but lost interest upon reading the simple title.

Qin Suqing, intelligent as she was, immediately understood this was a personalized sword manual tailored by the Governor for her circumstances and accepted it happily.

“Shangguan Zhen, this *Thirteen Golden Radiance Horizontal Exercise* is suitable for you. As for other martial arts...” Bai Li Feihong continued.

This top-tier horizontal exercise technique had been revised by Bai Li Feihong, enriched with many additions to fully unlock Shangguan Zhen’s potential.

“Thank you, sir,” Shangguan Zhen said calmly as he accepted it. He had heard of this supreme horizontal exercise technique; successful cultivation would enhance his defense.

Bai Li Feihong smiled silently. Though this was a simplified version, if Shangguan Zhen reached its peak, he might one day teach him the full *Golden Radiance Invincibility Horizontal Exercise*.

“Zhou Xiaoqing, this is a technique I created based on the Wave Dragon School’s martial art, called *Roaming the Sea*,” Bai Li Feihong said, turning to Zhou Xiaoqing, whose pure and sweet appearance was tinged with worry—a good young lady indeed.

“Thank you,” Zhou Xiaoqing replied coldly as she took the manual.

“Everyone else, please leave,” Bai Li Feihong said, his gaze settling on Yang Chengfei.

“Yes, sir. I take my leave,” Yang Chengfei said respectfully as the other four officers departed.

“They are all promising talents, the future pillars of the Demon Suppression Division. No matter their past, once they join, they become Demon Suppression officers,” Bai Li Feihong said, addressing Yang Chengfei directly.

Yang Chengfei understood.

“Your spiritual affinity is actually dangerous, Inspector Yang,” Bai Li Feihong noted.

“Sir, I am now your soldier, no longer an inspector,” Yang Chengfei replied respectfully.

“Your superintendent asked me through an intermediary to nurture you carefully,” Bai Li Feihong said, recalling the cautious yet sharp superintendent he had never met. The superintendent evidently wished to cultivate Yang Chengfei, intending for him to eventually lead the Inspection Department.

Yang Chengfei was taken aback, ashamed, and lowered his head silently.

“You are excellent; among those assessed, you are the most suited to be a Demon Suppression officer.”

“You flatter me, sir,” Yang Chengfei replied modestly.

“Time will prove everything,” Bai Li Feihong smiled. “Step forward.”

Yang Chengfei bowed slightly and stepped closer to listen.

Suddenly, a vertical silver light appeared between Bai Li Feihong’s brows; his divine eyes opened halfway, and a beam of silver light shot forth, entering Yang Chengfei’s brow.

“This is the Demon Suppression Six Dao Sutra. The first three paths, if you can cultivate successfully, you may go to the Imperial Capital to request the full texts from the General Command.”

Of course, even the first three paths were abridged versions. The cultivation methods were accessible, but the third path’s divine abilities were only partially transmitted.

...

“I must leave something for Feiyuan Island,” Bai Li Feihong murmured, standing on the rooftop.

Gazing at the pitch-black starry sky, he was lost in thought.

Since his battle with Xue Ming, his mind had been unsettled.

As his realm ascended and his understanding of the world deepened, his inner turmoil grew. The higher his cultivation, the more his sharpness seemed to wane.

Today, by passing down some of his techniques, Bai Li Feihong was paving a path for himself.

He was unsuited to be a Governor, to guard a place and maintain peace.

His nature and heart harbored a subtle resistance to this arranged fate.

“When more people pin their hopes on you, it is not always a blessing.”

“Countless chains bind your hands and feet.”

“Reputation, duties, rules...”

He took a deep swig from his wine flask; the fiery taste intoxicated him.

“Looking back, the most comfortable month of my life was actually my first month on Feiyuan Island.”

“To release all inner pressure.”

“To crush everything with my fists.”

“It seems I am meant to walk alone, a lone wolf.”

“Now that the Demon Suppression Division is fully functional, many matters can be delegated. I can quietly seclude myself in the North Island residence and cultivate in peace.”

“Divine abilities, martial forms, martial saints.”

“No need to suppress myself anymore.”

“Just charge forward with a focused mind.”

“If something can’t be solved, just cheat.”

“That is my way.”

As for passing down techniques, it was no big deal.

If necessary, when skill points accumulate, he could always use the *All Things Return to Origin Cauldron* to simulate and refine further.

Divine powers were the same.

As long as skill points were sufficient, reaching the peak and simulating anew, upgrading and enhancing, no one could catch up.

These five Demon Suppression officers were merely byproducts of his casual efforts.

After all, the vast Governor role could only nurture these five officers to barely achieve some progress under his guidance.

There would be no sleep tonight—not just for Bai Li Feihong, but for the five officers as well.

A spirit hawk flew across the distant ocean and landed at the Governor’s mansion.

“Sir, a battle report has arrived: the navy of the Faradi Empire at Devil’s Strait has been completely annihilated, and the strait has been seized,” Lu Zhiwei reported excitedly.

Yan Fei stood up, tears of joy streaming down as he held the report.

“Such a great victory must be reported immediately to the court.”

“Yes, sir. I will send the report to the court via the spirit hawk immediately.”

Lu Zhiwei moved toward the door but was called back.

“Notify Governor Qian Yuchen to draft the dispatch. Also, organize the fleet and send all warships from Feiyuan Island to reinforce Devil’s Strait.”

“We caught the Faradi Empire off guard and destroyed their Paladin fleet. But since the Faradi Empire has allied with other kingdoms, they will surely build a stronger navy to retake Devil’s Strait.”

“If we cannot withstand their next assault and lose the strait, the gains we have made will be lost, and even the Zhen Nan naval forces will suffer great damage.”

Yan Fei calmed his mind and began planning the next steps.

The battle won was now past.

What mattered was holding the victory.

“Governor, I will call the staff for a meeting to discuss the next operational plan,” Lu Zhiwei said thoughtfully. Yan Fei’s words helped him regain composure.

The situation for the Zhen Nan naval forces remained tense.

The Faradi Empire would undoubtedly commit all their naval power to reclaim Devil’s Strait.

The decisive battle was about to begin.

“If it’s a fight between armies, I’m not worried. But if the Faradi Empire deploys their Holy Mages, it will be a disaster for the Zhen Nan navy,” Yan Fei sighed.

“Can we request reinforcements from the court? Previously, it was a war zone, but now that we control Devil’s Strait, it’s our territory. Our occupation and your entry as Martial Saints complies with the treaty,” Lu Zhiwei suggested.

“Your proposal is good, but it should be submitted to the military department,” Yan Fei replied calmly.

Upon receiving the news, Qian Yuchen’s expression darkened.

“Yan Fei, that old fox, has indeed prepared everything.”

“Perhaps his defeat last time was deliberate?”

Lin Zhongjun agreed, “That’s possible—arrogant troops are doomed to fail. The Faradi Empire’s great victory and the Zhen Nan navy’s heavy losses have made their soldiers overconfident despite their generals’ vigilance.”

“Now with the victory at Devil’s Strait, perhaps Brother Qian’s chance has come,” Lin Zhongshu held a different view, seeing opportunity.

“Why do you say that?” Lin Zhongjun asked.

“The Emperor has begun to suspect Governor Yan. A defeat was tolerable, but a victory would only prompt the court to summon him to the military department for promotion. Only then could they rest assured.”

Qian Yuchen pondered deeply.

“I’ve sent a secret message to the Princess to have her intervene.”

Soon, a memorial and a private letter were dispatched to the Imperial Capital via spirit hawk.

“Yan Fei is truly skilled,” Bai Li Feihong murmured.

The Zhen Nan navy had already seized Devil’s Strait, the vital golden shipping lane controlled by eighteen nations led by the Faradi Empire—the richest in the world.

Yet Bai Li Feihong harbored no ill will toward Governor Yan.

He only wished to restore the Demon Suppression Division’s duties on Feiyuan Island, which the Zhen Nan navy had obstructed.

Now that the Demon Suppression Division was reactivated and the Zhen Nan navy no longer interfered, there was no need to trouble them further.

Both departments operated independently, both for the great Yuan Empire.

“Previously, it was all small skirmishes that didn’t affect the world order.”

“This time, the elite navy of the Faradi Empire sank to the ocean floor. If the Zhen Nan navy holds Devil’s Strait firmly, the Yuan Empire’s navy will grow ever stronger.”

Because they had the resources to absorb any losses and feared no battle.

“The decisive maritime conflict between the old and new empires is about to begin.”

“The outcome will be decided not by ordinary soldiers.”

“Looks like I must begin my deep training in the Devil’s Sea sooner than expected.”