Chapter Seventy-three: Predicament

Lin Zhiyuan gritted his teeth against the pain, struggling to pull himself out of his predicament and attempt to stand. A searing agony shot up from his leg—his femur was broken as well. He realized that the attacker had held back at the last moment; otherwise, that palm strike would have been fatal. Terrifying. He had never encountered a Demon Suppressor who had tempered their body to such an extent. At least five cycles of blood refinement, bones honed to perfection. In the instant of the earlier attack, the exposed acupoints' auras had blazed like a sky full of stars. Here stood a monster who had opened all three hundred sixty-five acupoints of the human body. At least five martial wills had reached consummation.

"One must know oneself, recognize the times, and understand when to advance or retreat," Bai Li Feihong said with a light laugh, locking eyes with his opponent. Rising to his feet, hands clasped behind his back, he looked for all the world like a proprietor surveying his own domain. He wondered if Lord Gongyang would be satisfied with his current performance. As for this local commander who had come barreling in only to meet his end, Bai Li Feihong could hardly be blamed. Without the supporting green leaves, how could the blossom shine before Gongyang Yan? Of course, Bai Li Feihong harbored his own private designs. His colleagues involved in the opium case now seethed with anger and resentment toward him. The ferocity he demonstrated was meant to show them: it was not that he had sabotaged them, but that they were simply not up to the task. If he had led the mission, everyone of note in Dongbin City—everyone whose name was on the list—would have been dead. If they failed to complete the mission, they had only themselves to blame. If they resented him so deeply, perhaps that anger could be transformed into awe. Otherwise, once he became their leader, he would no longer employ such thunderous methods just for the sake of appearing approachable. So, for now, he would stage a dramatic spectacle—killing the monkey to warn the chickens. If, after watching the show, resentment still lingered, they would have to fend for themselves.

Knock, knock, knock—

"Feihong, please come in."

Hearing the voice from inside the office, Bai Li Feihong was momentarily taken aback. This was not Gongyang Yan’s usual manner. The word "please" had actually been used. He pushed open the door and entered the Commander's office. Gongyang Yan stood by the window, overlooking Dongbin City. Bai Li Feihong hurriedly cupped his fists and bowed. "Your subordinate pays respects, Commander."

"Three months of secluded training at HLD, and you’ve managed to forge your body to such a degree—truly impressive," Gongyang Yan said, turning around as sunlight streamed over her, giving her the ethereal air of a celestial maiden. "It seems you've mastered the first path of the Six Paths of Demon Suppression."

"I must thank you for the medicinal pills you provided, my lord. Without them, I couldn't have broken through as smoothly," Bai Li Feihong replied modestly.

"With your merit, those pills were yours by right," Gongyang Yan answered, her gaze scrutinizing Bai Li Feihong. A layer of blood-qi enveloped him, blocking her spiritual sense. His whole being radiated like a blazing furnace; approaching with one's mind felt like drawing near the sun, burning away the spiritual probe. Blood refinement—at least seven times. This man was born for body cultivation, possessing the bearing of the physical cultivators of old.

"The provincial government intervened in the opium case at my second brother’s behest. He meant well, trying to shield me from the storm. Gong Yu is our family’s honored guest; he sent the local commander here to meddle in Dongbin City’s affairs, hoping I would withdraw. But they don’t realize that no matter what they do, it’s all in vain." A trace of bitterness flashed across Gongyang Yan’s face.

"Has your mission changed?" Bai Li Feihong asked, frowning slightly. Much must have happened in these past three months.

"The Divine Surveillance Bureau has confirmed the identity of the Prophet. An imperial edict has arrived: unless the Prophet is eliminated, I may not return to the Gongyang clan, nor to the Empire, nor may I leave Dongbin City," Gongyang Yan said, gazing out at the splendid landscape that had now become her prison.

"Why such a drastic change?" Bai Li Feihong asked quietly.

"My second brother tried to use his connections to transfer me away, angering His Majesty," Gongyang Yan answered with a sense of resignation. She still didn’t understand why the emperor insisted she remain in Dongbin City. Bai Li Feihong was pondering the same question. It seemed his earlier suspicion—that Gongyang Yan had struck a deal with the emperor to remain here—was incorrect. There must be some secret about Gongyang Yan that compelled the emperor to confine her in Dongbin City.

"For me, this is a good thing," she said. "But for you, Feihong, as a Demon Suppressor, it is not."

"Why do you say so, Commander?"

"I taught you the Six Paths of Demon Suppression. The Headquarters already knows. They won't let you leave Dongbin City. The Six Paths was created specifically to suppress demons. I didn't practice this art, yet now you have mastered the first path. The Headquarters will certainly have you stay here to assist me," Gongyang Yan said, regret in her tone. Had her second brother not interfered, her plan would have succeeded: training Bai Li Feihong as the local commander, with him cultivating the Six Paths. She could have operated from the shadows, able to withdraw at any time, and even used Bai Li Feihong to control Dongbin City. Now, however, plans had changed. She had no choice but to adapt.

"You've reached the level of Spirit Refinement, but to become Commander, the Headquarters must approve. For now, I'm promoting you to First-Class Demon Suppressor and recommending you as Deputy Commander," Gongyang Yan stated directly.

"My deepest gratitude for your recommendation, Commander," Bai Li Feihong replied, genuine appreciation in his voice.

"Your task will be arduous. From this day forward, I will stand firm in Dongbin City, while your movements will not be restricted. You may investigate anything connected to this city: the Black Heaven Cult, the Underworld, Dali Mountain, the Ancient Ice Maiden Han Su—these are all extremely dangerous forces. I hope I'm not sending you into the fire."

Gongyang Yan turned to the window again. The world outside was full of wonders.

"My lord, why me?" Bai Li Feihong suddenly asked.

"In a gaggle of incompetents, a single uncut gem—do I have a choice?" Gongyang Yan retorted. "Besides, your path is also narrowing."

At these words, Bai Li Feihong's brow furrowed. He realized that his knowledge of the prophecy might already be known to those above. Instantly, he felt a surge of crisis. Would the royal family silence him? Not yet. Because, for now, he stood with Gongyang Yan. Should he waver, the Gu Liang royal family and the Demon Suppression Headquarters would not hesitate to eliminate him before he could divulge their secrets. Unless he fled overseas, he would have no hope of escape. His options were dwindling.

"Understood. I take my leave," Bai Li Feihong said, his expression turning somber.

"A clever man," Gongyang Yan mused. "My judgment was not mistaken."

"For some reason, the Divine Surveillance Bureau is watching me. But I know I am not the best candidate to resolve this crisis," she thought. "So, will it be handled through me? Is the final answer Bai Li Feihong?"

Dongbin City was far too quiet now. The Waterway Guild’s attitude was also peculiar. After the Demon Suppression Office took over the guild’s supervision, the Waterway Guild had thrown its full support behind the investigation of the opium case. Yet Gongyang Yan knew that many unseen forces were merely waiting for an opportunity. There must be a tremendous secret hidden in Dongbin City. Otherwise, someone of the Prophet’s stature would never have turned their gaze on such a small fishing port.

What, then, had the second Inspector done here all those years ago? Why had the first Commander been assigned to Dongbin City? And what legacy had he left behind? The mystery of why the Prophet had fixed their gaze on Dongbin City—surely, all these secrets were linked to those two predecessors.