"Chu Bai? Is that... really you?"
Zhang Cheng’s voice was a little hoarse, tinged with disbelief.
He had come to the Prefecture City Daoist School to recruit people, and when he saw the name "Chu Bai" at the top of the Immortal Official list, his first reaction was that it had to be someone with the same name.
After all, this was the Immortal Official Examination—a battlefield for the top third-year prodigies. How could a wet-behind-the-ears kid who had just left Anping County last year possibly be on that list?
He had triple-checked the records of origin and appearance at the Daoist School’s administrative office and even repeatedly questioned the Steward in charge of the records, but there was only one answer—
It was *that* Chu Bai.
Only now, seeing this familiar yet foreign young man standing before him and sensing the restrained but qualitatively changed aura about him, did Zhang Cheng have to accept the absurd reality.
One year.
Just one year!
The little guy who once had to fight with all his might just to pass the Daoist School’s entrance exam had actually surpassed a whole crowd of prodigies and legitimately secured a spot as an Immortal Official!
"This is simply..."
Zhang Cheng took a deep breath and shook his head. It took him a long moment before he managed to utter a single word:
"Unbelievable!"
After the shock wore off, Zhang Cheng quickly composed himself, his usual capable demeanor returning. He pulled over a chair, sat down, and got straight to the point without beating around the bush:
"Chu Bai, we’re old acquaintances, so I won’t bother with pleasantries. I came here to recruit you back to Anping County."
He lifted his teacup for a sip, his expression gradually turning serious.
"The situation in Anping County has changed. As you know, the County originally had two departments, the Law Enforcement and the Demon Slaying, one to handle human disasters and the other to deal with demon infestations.
But these are not peaceful times. With demons and humans intermingling, the two departments often bickered over jurisdiction, leading to very low efficiency."
"So, the higher-ups issued a decree to formally merge the two departments into one, now called the ’Evil Suppression Department’. Its authority is much greater than before, basically taking charge of any case in the County involving cultivators or demons."
At this, Zhang Cheng sighed, a trace of weariness showing on his brow. "But with this merger, our responsibilities have grown, and our manpower has become even more strained.
We’re especially short on capable experts who can hold their own and possess formidable combat strength.
That’s why I had no choice but to come to the Daoist School myself, to see if I could snatch a few promising talents to help put out the fires."
’Short on people?’
Chu Bai’s heart stirred.
He wasn’t too surprised about the two departments merging. After all, their functions were similar—both were dangerous jobs, living on the edge. Combining them would make coordination easier. But those three words, "short on people," held a different meaning for him.
Fewer people, more work.
And that meant... more cases, more demons, and more opportunities to earn Merit!
Seeing that Chu Bai’s expression hadn’t changed and he hadn’t outright refused, Zhang Cheng felt more confident and immediately laid out his offer:
"I know you have a spot as an Immortal Official, and as the top candidate, your standards must be high. It would be an insult to make you start as a common constable."
Zhang Cheng leaned forward, his gaze burning as he looked at Chu Bai, and said solemnly:
"You’ve been granted the White Talisman, so you already have Official Status. If you’re willing to join my Anping Evil Suppression Department, you’ll start as a ’Patrol Banner Inspector,’ directly leading a team and possessing independent law enforcement authority.
Furthermore, I’ll give you my word: as soon as you have a minor breakthrough in your Realm or accomplish a few meritorious deeds, I guarantee you a promotion to ’Evil Suppression Captain,’ serving as my second-in-command!"
"As for the compensation..."
Zhang Cheng counted on his fingers. "Fifty taels of silver per month and one bottle of Qi Gathering Pills. Additionally, you’ll have free access to study the supporting Cultivation Techniques and case files in the Evil Suppression Department’s inner repository. If there are any spoils from a mission, you get to pick thirty percent first, according to the rules."
Chu Bai nodded slightly, quickly calculating in his mind.
Objectively speaking, this offer was only average among the many olive branches being extended in the Prefecture City. Fifty taels of silver and a bottle of Qi Gathering Pills weren’t that tempting for him now.
However—
The shortage of manpower and the opportunity for Demon Slaying, however, struck his weak spot directly.
Compared to slowly climbing the ladder in a big dye vat like the Prefecture City, or taking it easy in some cushy Government Office, a grassroots department with real power like the one in Anping County would allow his [Merit and Demerit Shape Destiny] Fate Chart to operate much faster.
It was better to be a demon-quelling Furious Vajra in a small temple than a bell-tolling novice monk in a grand one.
Besides, Anping County was his hometown. He knew the place well. Zhang Cheng was also an old acquaintance, and that relationship would be a help.
Having thought it through, Chu Bai had already made up his mind. But he didn’t agree on the spot. Instead, he pondered for a moment, cupped his hands, and said:
"Master, I appreciate your sincere offer. However, this is a momentous decision, as it concerns my future immortal path. Please allow me to consider it further. I will give you, sir, an answer within two days."
Zhang Cheng wasn’t disappointed to hear this. Instead, a smile touched his lips.
’Not refusing outright means there’s a chance. Besides, his use of the title ’Master’ is very gratifying.’
He stood up and patted Chu Bai’s shoulder.
"Alright. This is a big decision; you should definitely think it over. I’m staying at the posthouse near the Daoist School. Come find me anytime once you’ve made up your mind."
After seeing Zhang Cheng off, Chu Bai watched the sky gradually darken outside his window, his fingers tapping lightly on the tabletop.
’The Evil Suppression Department... a Patrol Banner Inspector...’
The three-day period was over, and the group gathered once more in the quiet room.
The scent of sandalwood still lingered, but this time, the expressions on everyone’s faces were much more resolute than they had been three days prior.
Judge Li sat in the main seat, his gaze sweeping over the ten people below him, a confident smile playing on his lips.
He was well aware of the weight carried by the name of the Merit Department. He knew that if these youngsters had done even a little digging over the past few days, they would have discovered the staggering, heaven-reaching authority it held.

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