9: Commander of the Imperial Guards, Xiahou

Counties were divided into three classes, and Guobei County was a major one—densely populated, ranked among the highest. Situated on a crucial thoroughfare in Jiangsu and Zhejiang, it held significant strategic value and attracted the close attention of the imperial court. It was directly governed from Nanjing, with troops stationed there by special order.

As the local magistrate, Zhou Lixing held a sixth-rank official position. One more step up, and he could become a metropolitan official; with more experience, he might be transferred to the capital. Should fortune favor him further, he could attain a court appointment and have an audience with the emperor himself, bringing honor and renown to his family for generations.

Over the past years, he had achieved modest success: Guobei County enjoyed favorable weather, a peaceful populace, and a thriving economy. Merchants and travelers came and went in a steady stream, and the county’s prosperity was on the rise. Promotion seemed within his grasp.

But now, Guobei was gripped by panic and anxiety. Demons and monsters ran rampant, wantonly killing, and he found himself powerless to act. The soldiers dispatched to assist had not only failed to capture the fiends but had suffered heavy losses themselves; morale was shattered, and they could barely defend themselves.

All he could hope for now was that the court would not hold him accountable; as for promotion, he had long since abandoned any illusions.

“Master, Chief Wang has returned,” reported a maidservant.

Zhou Lixing perked up. “Has Daoist Yi been invited?”

News of last night’s events had already spread throughout Guobei County: a demon had infiltrated the Chen residence, only to be driven back by a young Daoist. Zhou had immediately sent someone to invite him.

“Master Chen has come, bringing a Daoist with him. It must be Daoist Yi.”

“Excellent. Go tell Chief Clerk Zhang to bring Zhao Cheng and the other masters to wait in the rear hall. I’ll be there shortly.”

Since the demon attacks had begun and Lanruo Monastery had closed its doors, Zhou had sent people everywhere to find exorcists. Of nearly a hundred so-called masters, only three or four had real ability.

Zhou Lixing hurried to the front hall and found his old friend chatting amiably with a young Daoist, the chief constable standing nearby. On seeing Zhou, the constable bowed.

“Brother Chen, I’ve been waiting for you.”

“Zhou Lixing, my dear magistrate, you jest! You sent for me at the crack of dawn—how could I dare not to come?” Master Chen replied sarcastically, his displeasure evident as he set his teacup down with a thud.

Zhou paid it no mind, laughing heartily before turning to Yi Fan. “You must be Daoist Yi, the man who caught the demon? Truly, you are gifted at such a young age.”

“This humble Daoist greets your excellency,” Yi Fan replied, rising quickly, not daring to show any disrespect. As magistrate, Zhou Lixing represented the imperial court and held the power of life and death over the common people.

Never mind that today Zhou needed his help; under any other circumstances, even gaining an audience would be difficult.

“Daoist Yi, there’s no need for such formality. Demons are wreaking havoc, and with Lanruo Monastery sealed, we must rely on you to help capture them and protect the people,” Zhou said.

“When fiends threaten the innocent, it is the duty of those who cultivate the Dao not to stand idly by. Rest assured, your excellency, I will do all I can,” Yi Fan replied solemnly.

After a few more pleasantries, Zhou Lixing led everyone toward the rear hall, chatting amiably along the way, his demeanor warm and approachable.

Inside, they found an elderly man sitting with three monks. At their entrance, all rose to their feet. Zhou wasted no time with small talk and made his introductions at once.

“Daoist Yi, this is Chief Clerk Zhang.” After introducing the elder, he continued, “This is Daoist Zhao, abbot of Xiangyang Temple on Tiger Mountain. His power is renowned, and his Demon-Subduing Sword is famous for a hundred miles.”

Daoist Zhao was quite elderly—at least fifty or sixty—with a flowing white beard and the air of a true immortal. Noticing Yi Fan’s gaze, he nodded kindly. “Young friend, are you a disciple of the master at Yitian Temple?”

Yi Fan was taken aback. “Senior, did you know my teacher?”

Daoist Zhao stroked his long beard and smiled. “We were friends of old, discussed the Dao together years ago. I held him in great esteem. But why is he not here?”

“Alas, senior, my master passed away half a year ago.”

Daoist Zhao looked stricken, a shadow passing through his eyes. He sighed and said no more.

Once their exchange ended, Zhou continued, “These three are Masters Yuanlin, Yuanzhen, and Yuanxing from Zhenfa Monastery. When the demon attacks began, they came forward to help of their own accord. Their dedication is truly admirable.”

“There’s no need for praise, Lord Zhou. To banish evil is the duty of monks,” one replied.

The three monks were tall and thin, their robes wide and flowing, yet they radiated an aura both weighty and gentle.

After the introductions, everyone took their seats. Yi Fan sipped his tea uneasily. He had thought himself an accomplished cultivator, having reached the “Enlightened Aperture” stage, but now, seeing these others—particularly Daoist Zhao and the monks—he realized their powers rivaled, if not surpassed, his own. Daoist Zhao especially emanated a sense of fathomless depth.

Indeed, there’s always a higher mountain and a stronger man.

A sense of urgency crept into Yi Fan’s heart. With Lanruo Monastery closed and demons prowling the county, his own abilities might not be enough to ensure safety.

As Yi Fan pondered this, the others conversed for a while longer.

“Honored masters, the demon attacks have grown ever more brazen of late—killing in broad daylight and bringing untold suffering to the people. As the official responsible for this region, I am filled with shame at my inability to protect my charge,” Zhou Lixing said, rising to bow deeply. “I beg you to instruct me.”

Yi Fan and the others quickly rose in response, exchanging glances. Daoist Zhao spoke first. “There’s no need for such ceremony, Lord Zhou. We will do all we can.”

After a pause, he added, “But, relying on only a handful of us may not be enough. I must urge your excellency to seek outside reinforcements.”

Zhou hesitated, wanting to say more. Of course, he knew that a few men alone could never truly eradicate the demons. But the problem was, there were no outside reinforcements to be found.

Just days before, he had sent people to Nanjing for help, but each time, the messengers died mysteriously before even leaving the city. After several such incidents, he had given up.

Yi Fan understood. From his confrontation with the demoness the previous night, he could tell that the situation was far from simple. If outside help were possible, they would not have been summoned at all.

After some thought, Yi Fan said, “Since there are no reinforcements, we must first secure our position and then look for opportunities to break through.”

Zhou’s eyes lit up. “Oh? Daoist Yi, do you have a plan?”

All eyes turned to Yi Fan, who did not shrink from their gaze. Smiling, he said, “After last night’s battle, I have learned a thing or two about these fiends and know where they are gathering within the county.”

“Excellent! Since we know where they are, I must ask you all to go and capture them, to ensure peace for the people of Guobei,” Zhou exclaimed, clapping his hands with joy.

At that moment, a sudden commotion erupted outside. A servant burst in, panic-stricken.

“Such unruly behavior!” Zhou scolded. “What is going on?”

“Master, a large force of soldiers has arrived outside the yamen, escorting a carriage.”

The servant knelt, trembling with fear.

A large force of troops? Zhou was startled. “Did you find out who is leading them?”

The servant presented a black waist token. “They gave me this and asked you to see it, my lord.”

“Commander of the Imperial Guards, Xiahou?”