Chapter 292 - 184: Rank 5

Chapter 292: Chapter 184: Rank 5

Zhao Poni’s expression was calm when he saw the Tier Three Demon.

Although the Dragon and Tiger List had become a joke, it was undeniable that the top few on the list all possessed the power to single-handedly kill a True Essence Realm cultivator.

That Su Mu could slay a Tier Three Demon was well within his expectations.

But his expression changed instantly when he heard Xu Chongyuan’s next words.

"A Demon Investigator from the Demon Court?"

Zhao Poni’s voice was grave. "Are you certain?"

Su Mu looked toward Xu Chongyuan. He had only been in charge of the killing; the autopsy was Xu Chongyuan’s job.

"I’m ninety percent certain."

Xu Chongyuan said grimly, "An ordinary demon wouldn’t be able to resist the temptation of human flesh. Besides, a regular demon wouldn’t carry a map."

Zhao Poni stared at the beast hide spread out before him, carefully examining the scrawled, graffiti-like lines.

To be honest, he couldn’t make heads or tails of it.

In this regard, Xu Chongyuan truly possessed a talent that others lacked.

It made sense that someone like Xu Chongyuan, who could probably strike up a conversation with any demon he met, would be able to comprehend their way of thinking.

"If we want to be sure," Xu Chongyuan said, "the most direct way is to follow this route ourselves. If it truly leads through Daxing Mountain..."

If it allowed them to bypass the powerful Native Great Demons in the depths of Daxing Mountain and its nearly impassable, treacherous terrain to reach the untamed lands beyond, it would mean the Demon Court truly had a clear path for invasion.

That would spell major trouble.

The Demon Court’s army was far more terrifying than a Demon Tide.

Wuling City already struggled to defend Daxing Mountain against the occasional Demon Tides.

If the Demon Court’s army were to suddenly appear, Wuling City would surely be unable to hold them off.

Once Wuling City fell, the Demon Court’s army could strike deep into the heart of Da Xuan. The consequences would be unthinkable.

"This is a matter of grave importance. However, a single piece of beast hide is likely not enough to convince the Lord Commander to send reinforcements to Wuling," Zhao Poni mused.

A single Beast Hide Map, even if it were genuine, wasn’t enough to confirm that the Tier Three Demon was a Demon Investigator for the Demon Court.

What if it was just a particularly curious demon?

The Taiping Bureau was already short on manpower. It was impossible to dispatch reinforcements to Wuling City based on unverified intelligence. Jingzhou Prefecture was short-staffed as well.

"We must first verify the intelligence," Zhao Poni said. "Alright, Captain Xu, you and I will scout this route. If we confirm that it’s truly passable, we’ll request aid from Jingzhou Prefecture."

"Absolutely not!"

Su Mu and Xu Chongyuan blurted out in unison.

The expression on Zhao Poni’s face froze.

’What is this? Do my words carry no weight anymore?’

’Su Mu, I can let it slide. The two cloud patterns on his lapel mark him as one of the Taiping Bureau’s stars.’

’But you, Xu Chongyuan, are you asking for a beating?’

’Has it been so long since I, your Governor, last sparred with you that you’re getting cocky again?’

"Heh heh, that’s not what I meant."

Xu Chongyuan chuckled, unfazed by Zhao Poni’s glare. "Boss, if you leave, who’s going to be in charge of Wuling City?

Crossing Daxing Mountain could take several months at best, maybe even a year or two. As the Governor of the Wuling Taiping Bureau, how could you possibly be away for that long?

Besides, if something were to happen to us along the way... I’m just a Taiping Captain. My death wouldn’t be a great loss. But the Wuling Taiping Bureau cannot lose its Governor."

"Bullshit! You’re allowed to die, but I’m not?"

Zhao Poni cursed. "If I die, the Wuling Taiping Bureau will still have Su Mu. With his current power, he’s more than qualified to take over as Governor."

"I can’t accept that."

Su Mu shook his head. ’Don’t just pay me lip service,’ he grumbled inwardly. ’Why don’t you actually give me the Governor’s position?’

Then again, Su Mu knew that Zhao Poni didn’t actually have the authority to appoint a Governor.

"Lord Zhao, you can’t hog such a great opportunity for meritorious service for yourself. I agree with Captain Xu; the Wuling Taiping Bureau cannot be without you.

So, please let me and Captain Xu go scout the route instead."

Zhao Poni opened his mouth, but before he could say anything, Su Mu pressed on.

"Lord Zhao, if this trip uncovers the truth, the merits should be enough for me to get another promotion, right?

I’m very eager to advance. So please, you must give me this chance to earn merit!"

Su Mu said with a completely earnest expression.

Xu Chongyuan: "..."

’Junior Brother Su is a true role model for our generation,’ Xu Chongyuan thought. ’He makes ambition sound so noble and refined. I really need to learn from him.’

"Boss, you’re already a Governor. You’ve got to let us brothers get a chance to advance, too. You can’t just hog all the glory," Xu Chongyuan said with a cheeky grin.

"You two—"

Zhao Poni was too angry for words.

’These two...’ he thought. ’Do they really think I’m trying to steal their glory?’

’Am I, Zhao Poni, someone who cares about a little merit?’

’What’s so great about scouting the depths of Daxing Mountain?’

’Leaving aside whether the route left by the Tier Three Demon is even real, the journey would be fraught with danger even if it is.’

’What if they run into a High Tier Demon?’

’What’s more, if the route is a fake, venturing deep into Daxing Mountain would be a suicide mission.’

’Can two youngsters like you possibly handle something so dangerous?’

’Are you fighting for the chance to die?’

"This mission is too dangerous. I am the strongest person in the Wuling Taiping Bureau—" Zhao Poni said.

"Boss, are you sure about that?"

Xu Chongyuan blinked, his tone earnest.

Zhao Poni was instantly at a loss for words.

It was true that he had the highest cultivation realm in the Wuling Taiping Bureau, but as for being the strongest... that was debatable.

He wasn’t even sure who would win if he and Su Mu were to fight now.

’Even without the Five Flames Heaven-Shaking Bow, he might not have a guaranteed victory against Su Mu.’