30: There are too many merits to spend!

Li Dong, at the Mu Shi County Demon Suppression Division outpost, truly had a spotlight on him wherever he went.

Deputy Hall Master personally led him through the outpost's corridors.

The deacons and team members they encountered along the way were all very respectful, their eyes filled with awe, and a hint of an indescribable complexity. After all, he had taken down Zhao Zhen, that old schemer. This incident was enough for everyone to gossip about for a year or two.

As Zhang Wu walked, he introduced the Demon Suppression Division's merit System to Li Dong.

"Kid, you really need to understand this," Zhang Wu patted his arm, not lightly. "In the Demon Suppression Division, merit points are your lifeline. Slaying demons, suppressing evil, and completing missions—all can earn you merit. Don't underestimate this. It can be exchanged for Spirit Stones, Medicinal Pills, Magical Artifacts, and even some secret techniques that are impossible to find outside."

"The rules, well, they look like a lot, but it's really just the same old thing," Zhang Wu continued, his tone carrying a hint of a seasoned veteran. "Your 'Extraordinary' Rank this time directly earned you a massive amount of merit points. Let's put it this way: it's enough that others might not accumulate this much even if they cultivated from Body Refining to Foundation Establishment, or even higher."

Li Dong listened, understanding everything clearly. The hundred merit points Zhao Zhen had given him before, supposedly as a reward, now seemed barely enough to buy a steamed bun with soy sauce. Compared to the enormous sum brought by the 'Extraordinary' Rank, it was simply an insult.

"Merit points can also be exchanged for a spot to further your cultivation at the Prefecture Demon Suppression Division, but that's not just about having merit. It also depends on whether you have the ability, and if there's someone above willing to promote you." Zhang Wu said this, then turned to look at Li Dong, grinning. "But you, kid, you have the ability, you have the Rank, and as for someone above... I think that's coming soon too."

Li Dong nodded. Zhang Wu's words were a clear indication: the commotion he caused was too great, and the Prefecture must have already noticed him. This was a good thing, but also a troublesome one.

They arrived before a dark stone door, covered in ancient runes that emitted a faint glow. This was the Demon Suppression Division outpost's treasury, and ordinary people had no right to approach it.

The deacon guarding the door had white hair, but his eyes gleamed with sharpness. Upon seeing Zhang Wu, he respectfully saluted, and when his gaze shifted to Li Dong, his eyes clearly brightened, filled with curiosity and scrutiny.

"Deputy Hall Master, is this..." The deacon didn't finish his sentence, but everyone understood his meaning.

Zhang Wu laughed heartily: "That's right, this is young brother Li Dong. He received an 'Extraordinary' Rank in this baptism and has specially come to claim his reward."

Upon hearing this, the deacon's respect deepened. He immediately formed hand seals and opened the stone door.

The treasury inside was not as grand as imagined; instead, it appeared somewhat ancient, but the Spiritual Qi in the air was so dense it almost condensed into droplets. On rows of wooden shelves, various jade bottles, scrolls, weapons, and Ores were neatly arranged, each exuding an extraordinary aura.

The deacon led them to a stone platform. Above it, a huge light screen floated, densely covered with text—a reward list.

Li Dong's gaze swept across the light screen, and his heart involuntarily beat a few times faster.

Massive merit points! Although there was no specific number, the word "massive" itself was enough to be shocking.

High-grade Spirit Stones! Essential for Foundation Establishment Stage Cultivators, with pure energy that could save a lot of time spent meditating to convert Spiritual Qi.

Rare Medicinal Pills (Foundation Establishment Realm exclusive)! Various Medicinal Pills with names he had never heard of, whose value was evident just from their names.

A Medium Grade Foundation Establishment Realm Magical Artifact! Both offensive and defensive! Magical Artifacts had strict Ranks, and a Medium Grade Magical Artifact was definitely a treasure that could greatly enhance a Foundation Establishment Stage Cultivator's combat power.

And... a recommendation slot to further his cultivation at the Prefecture Demon Suppression Division!

This slot was the most crucial. No matter what, Mu Shi County was just a small place. The Prefecture, that was the true grand stage. There was a broader world, stronger Cultivators, deeper secrets, and of course, potentially more dangers.

Li Dong's expression remained calm, but his heart was already blooming with joy. This wave of rewards was like pie falling from the sky, and the kind with an extra-large chicken leg. Zhao Zhen, that old dog, had painstakingly arranged the worst position for him, but it had unexpectedly turned into a blessing in disguise, allowing him to gain explosive experience, Breakthrough to Foundation Establishment, and now receive this Heaven-Defying reward. Trying to scheme against me? You tried to steal a chicken but lost the rice!

Just as he was immersed in the joy of his harvest, the System's notification sound suddenly rang in his mind.

"Ding! Detected special information within the recommendation slot, linked to a certain faction in the Prefecture Demon Suppression Division. Host, please use with caution."

The System notification sounded abruptly, like a discordant note suddenly inserted into a cheerful melody.

The Prefecture Demon Suppression Division, also had factional struggles?

This recommendation slot was not purely a reward; it also contained something else?

Li Dong's brows subtly furrowed. A place like the Prefecture was very deep, which was expected. But he hadn't thought that even a recommendation slot could be involved in factional struggles. It seemed that when he went to the Prefecture, he would need to be even more careful with every step. An old schemer of Zhao Zhen's Rank would probably only be considered a small monster in the novice village of the Prefecture.

However, the System being able to warn him of risks in advance was his greatest reliance.

"Young brother Li, what Magical Artifact would you like to choose?" The treasury deacon asked when he saw Li Dong had finished reviewing the list.

Li Dong reined in his thoughts and turned his gaze to the Magical Artifact list. Swords, sabers, axes, hammers, shields... all sorts of Magical Artifacts, a dazzling array.

He ultimately chose the most inconspicuous Magical Artifact, named the Mystic Iron Demon Suppressing Ruler. This Ruler was entirely black, forged from an unknown Mystic Iron. It was heavy in hand, and its surface was engraved with ancient patterns. The System indicated that this item could be large or small, used as a brick to hit people, transformed into a Ruler's shadow to attack enemies, or used for defense, and it had additional damage bonuses against demons and evil spirits.

Both offensive and defensive, and with a built-in Demon Suppression effect, this was simply tailor-made for him. After all, what he would mainly deal with in the future were demons and evil spirits.

After choosing the Magical Artifact, Li Dong looked at the merit point exchange list.

Massive merit points! He had to plan this carefully. He used a large portion to exchange for the Spirit Stones and Medicinal Pills needed for Foundation Establishment Stage Cultivation, enough to last him for a long time. Then, he exchanged for some information about the Prefecture Demon Suppression Division. Although this information was only superficial, it could at least give him a preliminary understanding of the Prefecture Demon Suppression Division's organizational structure, key figures, and power distribution, so he wouldn't be completely in the dark when he arrived. Knowing yourself and your enemy was always beneficial.

Zhang Wu watched Li Dong orderly choose and exchange, a hint of admiration flashing in his eyes. This kid didn't drop the ball at crucial moments; he knew what he needed most.

"The Prefecture is not as simple as Mu Shi County," Zhang Wu cautioned again, his tone carrying a hint of solemnity. "Factions abound, with open and hidden struggles, far more complex than you imagine. Taking this recommendation slot is an opportunity, but it could also be a hot potato. They value your potential, but this potential could also attract others' jealousy and suppression."

"Remember, when you get to the Prefecture, always be extra careful," Zhang Wu said in a deep voice. "Don't easily trust anyone; the only one you can rely on is yourself."

Li Dong nodded solemnly, indicating that he would take Zhang Wu's words to heart. He knew that Zhang Wu was genuinely looking out for him.

"Oh, right, Deputy Hall Master," Li Dong asked, seemingly casually, "that deacon with a special spice scent on him, on the day of the baptism... how much do you know about him?"

Zhang Wu's expression instantly became serious. He stared at Li Dong, his eyes deep, as if trying to see through his thoughts.

Li Dong did not shy away, meeting his gaze calmly.

"Why are you suddenly asking about him?" Zhang Wu asked.

"I just found him a bit strange." Li Dong didn't state it definitively, but he still subtly mentioned, "The matter of the giant python outside the outpost before... I always feel it's somehow connected to certain people within the Demon Suppression Division."

Zhang Wu was silent for a moment, then slowly spoke: "That deacon's background is indeed somewhat complex. He's not a local; he was transferred from above."

He didn't directly answer Li Dong's suspicion about the giant python incident, but his expression and tone already spoke volumes.

"You, kid, have sharp senses," Zhang Wu said in a low voice. "I've been secretly investigating the giant python incident. It's quite involved."

He paused, then looked at Li Dong again: "Regarding that deacon, I will also investigate him secretly. After you go to the Prefecture, you must be even more careful. Mu Shi County is just a small pond; the waters of the Prefecture are deep. Those spices... might not just be a personal preference."

Li Dong nodded, feeling even more certain about the connection between that deacon and the giant python incident. Zhang Wu's reaction also confirmed his suspicions: there were indeed problems within the Demon Suppression Division.

When he left the treasury, Li Dong felt as if he had been reborn. Not only had his cultivation entered the Foundation Establishment Realm, but he also had massive resources and a handy Magical Artifact. More importantly, he had obtained the ticket to the Prefecture.

The road ahead would certainly not be smooth. But so what? Mountains of daggers and seas of fire were like a stroll, and the underworld was a frequent haunt. He now had the capital to venture forth.

"Alright, you've received all your rewards." Zhang Wu looked at the sky. "You, kid, go back and consolidate your cultivation. There will be a specific notice about going to the Prefecture in a few days."

Li Dong, holding his newly acquired Magical Artifact and Storage Pouch, bowed to Zhang Wu: "Thank you, Deputy Hall Master."

"Less talk," Zhang Wu waved his hand. "We're all on the same side. Go."