33: State government recommendation quotas delivered to your door

Li Dong had just stepped out from behind the heavy stone door of the Spiritual Qi cultivation chamber. Before he could properly appreciate the relatively thinner but still fresh air outside, he saw a figure rushing towards him like a whirlwind.

Upon closer inspection, it was Zhang Wu. The Deputy Hall Master's face, usually so composed, was now beaming with excitement, as if he had stumbled upon some peerless treasure.

"Brother Li Dong! You've finally come out of seclusion!" Zhang Wu strode up to him, his large, fan-like hand slapping heavily on Li Dong's shoulder with considerable force, making Li Dong's recently stabilized Qi waver.

This guy, still so unrefined.

But judging by his expression, something great had clearly happened.

Sure enough, the next second, Zhang Wu pulled out a scroll-like object from his Pregnant. Its material looked quite Advanced, and it carried faint Spiritual Qi fluctuations along with the unique markings of the official government. "Look! Look at this!"

He thrust the scroll directly into Li Dong's hand, his voice trembling with excitement: "The official transfer order from the Prefecture! It's here! They specifically requested you to go to the Prefecture Demon Suppression Division for further study and training!"

A transfer order? Li Dong raised an eyebrow and unrolled the scroll.

The handwriting was strong and vigorous, and the wording was quite polite, even showing clear signs of importance. It began by highly commending his outstanding performance in achieving an 'Extraordinary' rating during the Demon Suppression Baptism. Then it mentioned his previous Achievements of slaying a Foundation Establishment Realm giant python. Finally, it was the official invitation—or rather, the transfer order—inviting him to depart immediately and report to the Prefecture Demon Suppression Division headquarters.

The transfer order also explicitly stated that special transportation would be arranged for him to travel to the Prefecture, something called "Cloud Steed Post Station," an official channel that sounded much faster than traveling by himself. It further promised that upon arrival at the Prefecture, he would be provided with superior Cultivation conditions and resource allocation far exceeding those of the county stronghold.

This treatment, tsk tsk, was a world apart from his previous situation in Mu Shi County.

It seemed that the 'Extraordinary' rating carried far more weight than he had anticipated.

Zhang Wu, seeing that Li Dong had finished reading, leaned in and lowered his voice, though his excitement was still palpable: "Brother, you've really shaken things up this time! An 'Extraordinary' rating! How many years has it been since our Mu Shi County Demon Suppression Division produced one? The last record was decades ago! Add to that your achievement of slaying a Foundation Establishment Stage Demon Beast, and these two things reported up directly startled those arrogant bigwigs in the Prefecture!"

He gestured, almost spitting: "They held a small meeting and unanimously agreed that you are a rare young Genius, a true uncut jade, seen only once in a century! You must be immediately transferred to the Prefecture, where the best resources will be used and great effort will be put into Cultivating you! Understand? Great effort in Cultivating!"

Li Dong's heart also stirred slightly. Previously, he only thought the Prefecture might notice him, but he didn't expect such a quick and high-level response. It seemed he had underestimated the combined impact of the 'Extraordinary' rating and slaying a Foundation Establishment Stage Demon Beast across realms. This influence had far exceeded the scope of Mu Shi County's small pond.

Zhang Wu chuckled, a hint of schadenfreude on his face: "You wouldn't believe how a certain someone reacted when this transfer order came down."

Li Dong knew without asking who he was referring to.

"That old dog Zhao Zhen," Zhang Wu said with great satisfaction, "I had someone keeping an eye on him. When his subordinates brought the news back, he was reportedly recuperating in his secret chamber. Upon hearing the news, 'pfft,' he spat out another mouthful of old blood and immediately smashed all the Medicinal Pill bottles he was using for healing!"

"He originally planned to wait until your Baptism was over, then, relying on his status as Deputy Hall Master and his deeply entrenched connections in the county stronghold, he would somehow make things difficult for you, marginalize you, and slowly deal with you," Zhang Wu slapped his thigh. "But what happened? Hahaha! A single transfer order from the Prefecture directly cut the ground from under him! All his petty schemes ended before they even began! Don't you think he's furious? He was so angry he almost passed out on the spot!"

The imagery... Li Dong could almost picture Zhao Zhen's old face twisted in fury.

"That old coot still didn't give up," Zhang Wu's tone shifted, carrying a hint of mockery. "He tried to struggle a bit, using some of his connections in the Prefecture to slander you, saying that for someone so young to have such Cultivation and achievements, you must have taken some crooked Evil Path or obtained some Demonic Path Legacy. In short, he wanted to tarnish your Achievements."

Li Dong frowned slightly.

"And guess what happened?" Zhang Wu laughed. "The bigwigs in charge at the Prefecture didn't even bother with him! They only look at talent, potential, and solid achievements! Who would believe Zhao Zhen's baseless nonsense? On the contrary, his actions made the Prefecture appreciate you even more!"

"Think about it," Zhang Wu analyzed eloquently, "to make a Foundation Establishment Realm Deputy Hall Master lose his composure and shamelessly resort to such mad jealousy and slander, how outstanding must this young man be? Doesn't this precisely prove your extraordinary nature in reverse? Zhao Zhen's actions were practically a divine assist! Hahaha!"

After laughing, Zhang Wu's expression became serious again. He looked at Li Dong solemnly: "Brother, the Prefecture's transfer order is a great thing, an opportunity, there's no doubt about that. I'm truly happy for you. But..."

He paused, his tone growing a few shades heavier: "Let me be frank, the Prefecture is not like our Mu Shi County. The waters there are very deep, like a Dragon's Den. Within the Demon Suppression Division, factions are numerous, and the open and hidden struggles are a hundred times more intense than here. As an outsider, someone so young yet in a high position (even if just for study, your starting point is already very high), and receiving so much attention and resource allocation, countless people will be envious, and countless people will be watching you."

"At that time, various difficulties, tests, ostracization, and suppression are inevitable. You must be mentally prepared." Zhang Wu spoke earnestly, "Once you're there, it's not like in Mu Shi County where I can back you up. Many times, you can only rely on yourself."

Li Dong nodded, his expression calm. He had long anticipated this. Great trees don't grow in greenhouses. To improve his strength faster and access higher-level powers and secrets, the journey to the Prefecture was imperative. Risk and opportunity coexist; this is an eternal truth.

"I understand, Brother Zhang." He put away the transfer order. "Thank you for the reminder. I must go to the Prefecture this time."

He paused, then asked: "Brother Zhang, can you tell me a bit about the general situation at the Prefecture Demon Suppression Division? Like the organizational structure, and the main factions, so I can have a better idea."

Zhang Wu pondered for a moment, organizing his words: "The Prefecture Demon Suppression Division's hierarchy is more complex than our county's. The basic level is still Deacon, above that are Deputy Commanders, Commanders, and then Demon Suppression Envoys. It is said that there are even higher-level existences above Demon Suppression Envoys, but those are beyond our level of access."

"As for factions..." Zhang Wu frowned. "That's even more complicated. Broadly speaking, there are conservatives who advocate for steady development and incremental progress; there are radicals who advocate for proactive attacks and thorough eradication of Yao Beasts without leaving future troubles; and then there's a portion of people who remain neutral or form their own factions, focusing on certain special Domains, such as research, intelligence, Formations, and so on."

"But this is just a general classification. In reality, within each faction, there are smaller cliques, and interpersonal relationships are intricate. Sometimes, they even form temporary alliances or turn against each other over a certain mission or resource allocation. The specific details, no one can fully explain; you'll have to gradually explore and carefully discern them yourself once you're there."

Li Dong silently noted this information. It seemed the Prefecture was indeed a big melting pot.

He then remembered that matter.

"Brother Zhang, regarding the giant python from before, and that Deacon with the special spice scent during the Baptism..." Li Dong brought it up again. "You said last time that his background was complex, and you were secretly investigating. Is it possible that similar figures, or clues related to this special scent, also exist in the Prefecture?"

Zhang Wu's expression immediately became serious: "You're still concerned about this?"

"That Deacon's subtle actions during the Baptism, and the strangeness surrounding the giant python incident, always make me feel it wasn't a coincidence," Li Dong admitted. "I suspect there might be traitors colluding with Yao Beasts within the Demon Suppression Division, perhaps even an organization."

Zhang Wu was silent for a moment, then slowly nodded: "Your suspicion is not unfounded. I found some clues about that Deacon, and they indeed point to a certain power in the Prefecture. But his actions are extremely secretive, and he seems to have high-level protection, so my progress here is slow."

He looked at Li Dong, his gaze sharp: "Your trip to the Prefecture this time is indeed an opportunity. You can pay attention and see if you can find any clues related to that special spice scent. But remember, you must be extremely careful! Before you have absolute certainty, you must not alert the enemy! Since they dare to cause trouble within the Demon Suppression Division, their strength and influence must not be underestimated. Once exposed, you will face great danger."

Li Dong understood. It seemed this murky water was even deeper than he imagined.

Going to the Prefecture was not only to improve his strength and seize opportunities but also to take the initiative in investigating the Yao Beast conspiracy. At the same time, it could temporarily help him avoid some lingering troubles Zhao Zhen might cause in Mu Shi County. Although he wasn't afraid, too many flies were annoying.

"I remember, Brother Zhang."

Seeing that he understood, Zhang Wu said no more, only patting his shoulder again: "Alright, I've said what needed to be said. The transfer order says that the special vehicle from the Cloud Steed Post Station will pick you up in three days. Prepare well these next few days, and say goodbye to your sister."

"Oh, right," Zhang Wu said as if remembering something, "Besides the transfer order and resource allocation, your 'Extraordinary' rating also earned you a substantial Merits point reward from the Prefecture. Go to the treasury later to claim it and see if there's anything else you need to exchange for; don't waste it."

"Okay." Li Dong agreed.

Zhang Wu then gave a few more instructions about being careful on the journey before turning to leave, his back radiating a sense of relief and anticipation.

Li Dong stood still, holding the weighty transfer order, his gaze fixed on the distance.

The Prefecture... new challenges, new opportunities, and the conspiracy hidden in the shadows.

A slight curve appeared at the corner of his mouth.

Bring it on, I'm ready.

He turned and walked towards his sister Li Qingyan's residence. Some things needed to be arranged in advance.