Shen Qing?Huangfu Rou had some impression of the name.
If she remembered correctly, it should have been the out-of-towner who came to seek a position at the Military Department a month ago.
At that time, due to the lack of positions in the Military Department, she had arranged for him to be placed in the Guardian Martial Department. She had not expected him to be so capable.
Huangfu Rou unconsciously took a few more glances at Shen Qing.
As it turned out, this was her first time meeting this out-of-towner.
One had to say, he was indeed handsome.
After a long while, sitting in the chief seat, Commander Jia Zhiping. His body subconsciously leaned forward, squinting his eyes, he asked, "You say you killed the Eagle Demon?"
"Yes!" Shen Qing clasped his hands and replied with even more respect, "The body of the Eagle Demon has already been brought here, and I hope for your examination, Lord."
Commander Jia Zhiping glanced at Chief Officer Zheng Yuanqiu and skeptically said, "Let's take a look."
He suddenly stood up and quickly walked toward the inner courtyard of the Guardian Martial Department Office.
The inner courtyard of the Guardian Martial Department had already become bustling.
As soon as the crowd approached the main courtyard, they could already smell the blood that permeated the air.
Many officials who hadn't gone out involuntarily gathered, forming small circles, pointing at a demon's body and discussing in low tones.
"Tsk, tsk, tsk, looking at this Eagle Demon's size, its spread wings could probably cover half the sky! It's much bigger than we imagined."
"Indeed! With such a size, even if it didn't run, just standing in front of me, I wouldn't think I could be its opponent. No wonder we kept losing to this Eagle Demon before."
"Who would have thought that it would ultimately fall into the hands of our Guardian Martial Department."
"This new officer from the Sixth Group has some skills."
…
While the officials were all bustling with discussion, a series of steady and powerful footsteps approached from afar, interrupting everyone's conversation.
The crowd looked toward the sound only to see Jia Zhiping, Huangfu Rou, and other important officials from the government office stepping steadily into the courtyard with grave expressions, quickly falling silent.
They very consciously moved to the sides, automatically clearing a path.
Through this path, a huge Eagle Demon's body came into their view.
The Eagle Demon's body lay quietly on the ground, motionless.
The essence blood on its wounds had already dried, and its feathers had lost their luster, no longer vibrant.
Yet, seeing its sharp beak, enormous body, and sharp talons, one could still imagine its impressive figure soaring through the skies while living.
"Is this the Eagle Demon you mentioned?" Jia Zhiping's voice was not loud, but it clearly reached everyone's ears, carrying an undeniable authority.
Chief Officer Zheng Yuanqiu looked at the Eagle Demon, his expression momentarily stunned, feeling somewhat at a loss.
He had just mentioned how difficult the Eagle Demon was to deal with, and Huangfu Rou had confirmed it again, elevating the necessity to handle the Eagle Demon to the level where only an Innate Martial Master could contend with it.
Now, just as he had finished speaking, his subordinate officer had already killed the Eagle Demon, which supposedly required an Innate Martial Master, and the body was now lying in front of the Commander.
What did this mean?
This demon disaster had appeared over and over again without resolution.
Did my arrival as Commander instantly lead to its demise?
Such a coincidence?
Isn't this person just making excuses for his own incompetence?
Chief Officer Zheng Yuanqiu's gaze swept over the Eagle Demon's body, a hint of deep thought flashing in his eyes. After a moment, he slowly said, "Lord Commander, this is indeed the Eagle Demon. This demon has committed many evils, and now that it has finally been executed, it truly pleases everyone's heart."
Commander Jia Zhiping questioned, "Didn't you just say that this demon was difficult to deal with, requiring an Innate Martial Master to intervene?"
"Haha," Zheng Yuanqiu laughed heartily, "That was all thanks to Lord Huangfu's efforts."
"Me?" Huangfu Rou's eyes were filled with bewilderment.
"Lord Commander, unbeknownst to you. Shen Chasi was recommended by Lord Huangfu, and I could see his extraordinary ability at a glance. Today, when a demon-related murder occurred in Baili Village, I immediately sent Shen Chasi there, and just as I expected. Shen Chasi has exceptional abilities; he managed to execute this troublesome Eagle Demon in just one day."
"Honestly, I was also startled today by Shen Chasi's efficiency in slaying demons."
Zheng Yuanqiu's words caught Jia Zhiping and Huangfu Rou in their praise, making them impeccable.
This Eagle Demon was difficult to deal with, but with my keen eye for talent, using the right person for the job, I didn't expect to accidentally slay the Eagle Demon.
"This is also the first time I have learned of this, and I am quite surprised."
"I have not said a single lie."
After Zheng Yuanqiu's explanation, Commander Jia Zhiping felt there was some sense in it, and he easily accepted it without further thought.
In his view, the process was not important, as long as there was a result.
Jia Zhiping carefully looked Shen Qing up and down, recognizing that Shen Qing's cultivation was only at the Qi Cultivation Realm and his Qi Sea had not even condensed. He asked with a smile, "How did you hunt this Eagle Demon?"
Hearing the words "Lord Commander," Shen Qing had guessed the identity of the middle-aged man before him—he was the newly appointed Commander by the Great Zhou Court to Yongzhou.
An Innate Realm Martial Master. S~eaʀᴄh the ηovelFire.ηet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.
One of the top few important figures in Yongzhou City.
He dared not show any negligence and stepped forward with both hands clasped in front of him, respectfully saying, "My cultivation is mediocre, but I excel in archery. I have a Heavy Bow that can pull fifty shi, which just happens to suppress these bird-transformed demons. Thus, I was fortunate to slay the Eagle Demon."
"Very good, very good!" Commander Jia Zhiping said joyfully, "How can I not reward such an example?"
Shen Qing took a step back and said, "It is all due to the leaders' excellent command. I dare not take credit."
"Rest assured, I always punish where due," Commander Jia Zhiping said with his hands behind his back, "and reward where merited."
Shen Qing lowered his head and said nothing.
Jia Zhiping looked towards Shen Qing and said, "You have not yet broken through to the Qi Hai Realm. As a reward for slaying the demon, I specially grant you three days to observe at the Martial Arts Hall and learn a Martial Art, without the need for Elixirs or Silver Tael. Not only that, but your official salary this month is doubled."
Shen Qing quickly expressed his gratitude, "Thank you, my lord."
Seeing that his subordinate was so efficient, Jia Zhiping couldn't help but feel very pleased.
The foundation of Great Zhou needs such capable officials.
I must keep control over such capable officials.
Jia Zhiping glanced at Shen Qing, seriously memorizing his face and name, intending to promote him more in the future.
"Lord Huangfu, take some people with me to Baili Village to check something. I need to verify something and take care of the scene," he said.
"Yes, Lord Commander."
"Let's go."
Seeing Jia Zhiping and others about to leave, Shen Qing walked over to Zheng Yuanqiu and whispered, "Lord Chief Officer, the corpse of this Eagle Demon is also a rare treasure, shouldn't we give some to the Lord Commander?"
Zheng Yuanqiu immediately reacted.
If it wasn't for Shen Qing's reminder, he would have almost forgotten about it.
Zheng Yuanqiu hurriedly said, "Lord Commander, this Eagle Demon's body is useless to me. You might as well take it."
Jia Zhiping remained silent, not responding, and continued walking toward the door.
Understanding, Zheng Yuanqiu, feeling the pinch, instructed his followers, "Prepare immediately and transport this Eagle Demon's body to the Lord Commander's residence."
The many followers in the Military Department quickly complied.
Leading the way, Huang Furo glanced back at Shen Qing.
Shen Qing, feeling the gaze, met his eyes.
Huang Furo silently withdrew his gaze and did not say more, swiftly departing the Guardian Martial Department.
After these people had left, Zheng Yuanqiu let out a sigh of relief; this time he had finally managed to avert a crisis.
He patted Shen Qing on the shoulder, happily saying, "Well done."
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Shen Qing humbly lowered his head and modestly declined any praise.
This performance greatly pleased Zheng Yuanqiu.
In fact, Shen Qing was also very pleased.
Now that Zheng Yuanqiu had given the Eagle Demon's body to the Lord Commander, the remaining matters like the Demon Core were no longer his concern.
If Jia Zhiping discovered any issues, the blame would fall on Zheng Yuanqiu's shoulders.
It would not be related to him.
He could now rightfully keep the items he obtained from the Eagle Demon.
Perfect.