34: How deep is the water in the provincial capital's Demon Suppression Division?

Li Dong hadn't expected that Zhang Wu would come looking for him again the night before he was scheduled to depart for the Prefecture.

This time, Zhang Wu's expression wasn't as enthusiastic as it had been during the day; his face was grim, as if a heavy stone weighed on his mind. He didn't shout in the courtyard but went straight into Li Dong's room, closing the door behind him.

"Little brother, sit." Zhang Wu gestured to a nearby chair, then plopped down himself, rubbing his hands as if organizing his thoughts.

The atmosphere in the room instantly became completely different from before, a bit heavy.

"You're leaving tomorrow, and there are some things I need to talk to you about again. They might not be pleasant to hear, but you must listen." Zhang Wu looked up at Li Dong.

Li Dong nodded, signaling him to continue.

"The Prefecture Demon Suppression Division might not be what you imagine," Zhang Wu slowly began. "It's not just about abundant Cultivation resources, a large area, and many experts. It's one of the cores of our Great Gan Dynasty's entire Demon Suppression System, understand? A core!"

He emphasized, "What does this mean? It means it involves too many aspects! The regions it governs, the Rank of demons it faces, and… the intricacies within—they are a hundred times, a thousand times more complex than our small Mu Shi County!"

"I mentioned factions to you last time, but that was just a general idea." Zhang Wu leaned forward slightly. "I need to be clearer with you. Those so-called conservative, radical, and neutral factions aren't just simple ideological disputes. Behind them, there might be big figures from the Prefecture or even the capital, ancient families with long Legacies, and powerful Sects! Understand? Deeply entrenched!"

"What they're fighting for isn't just credit for suppressing demons; it's real power, territory, and resources! For these things, their struggles are incredibly ruthless! They'll use any means necessary, sometimes even more brutal than fighting demons!"

Zhang Wu's expression turned somewhat grim, as if recalling unpleasant memories. "Some factions, to achieve their goals or to strike at opponents, often use subordinates as cannon fodder or scapegoats! Someone like you, with no real Foundation but dazzling talent, designated by the Prefecture to be transferred…"

He paused, looking at Li Dong with a complex gaze. "To put it bluntly, in their eyes, you are both a juicy piece of meat everyone wants to snatch, and possibly a useful tool, or even… a disposable item."

Hearing this, Li Dong's heart also sank. Pressure, real pressure, washed over him. The internal struggles of the Prefecture sounded even more blatant and dangerous than he had anticipated.

"Brother, I also spent some time in the Prefecture back then." Zhang Wu sighed, with a hint of desolation. "I was young and hot-blooded, thinking I had some skill. What was the result? I was almost sold out and helped count the money! I suffered a great loss before I understood that in that place, strength alone isn't necessarily enough; you also need to know people, know which side to take, and know how to… protect yourself."

His tone shifted, becoming somewhat contradictory. "But then again, taking sides also carries risks. What if you choose the wrong side? Or what if the big shot you follow falls? So, in the end, the only one you can truly rely on is yourself! Only when you become strong enough—so strong that no one dares to easily touch you—can you truly gain a firm footing."

Li Dong listened silently. Zhang Wu's words, more systematic and much heavier than his scattered reminders last time, resonated deeply. He recalled the vague warnings his father, Li Shanyue, left before his disappearance, and then connected them to Zhao Zhen's conspiracy during the baptism ceremony, and that mysterious deacon… The waters of the Prefecture Demon Suppression Division were likely deeper and murkier than he had imagined! This was no longer just undercurrents; it was a massive whirlpool, capable of swallowing people at any moment.

"And then there are the missions." Zhang Wu continued, "The missions in the Prefecture are not the same concept as those in our county. They are much more difficult and much more dangerous. They often require cross-regional operations, facing stronger and more bizarre demons. Of course, the merit rewards are indeed generous, making it a good way to quickly improve one's strength."

"But you must remember, act within your capabilities! Never let merit cloud your judgment and rush in recklessly! How many astonishingly talented young people have fallen on missions that seemed tempting but were far beyond their abilities!"

Li Dong took all of this to heart. It seemed that methods of improving strength also came with higher risks.

"As for what you asked before, about the abnormal demon activity in Mu Shi County and that deacon using special incense…" Zhang Wu's expression became serious again. "I'm still investigating. But honestly, my authority here in Mu Shi County is limited, and it's difficult to delve deeply into many things. That deacon's roots are likely in the Prefecture."

He pulled out a small, oil-paper-wrapped item from his in my arms and handed it to Li Dong.

"These are some scattered pieces of information I painstakingly gathered, all concerning the Prefecture, possible anomalies similar to ours, and faint traces. It's messy, unsystematic, and might even just be coincidental." Zhang Wu instructed, "Take it with you and pay attention. Perhaps… you might find some clues. But remember what I told you, absolutely! Absolutely be careful!"

"Before you have absolute certainty, you must not alert the enemy! The people or forces involved at these levels are definitely not simple! Once exposed, you might be even more dangerous in the Prefecture than encountering powerful demons outside!" Zhang Wu's voice dropped even lower.

Li Dong took the small oil-paper package; it felt somewhat heavy in his hand. Inside, perhaps, lay the key clues to unraveling the mystery. More about the conspiracy of that mysterious organization?

"Finally," Zhang Wu stood up, preparing to leave, "when you arrive at the Prefecture, be cautious about making friends; don't trust everyone. Especially those who are overly enthusiastic towards you, or those who deliberately suppress you—be extra vigilant."

"Also, you have quite a few secrets, don't you, kid?" Zhang Wu glanced at him meaningfully. "Like your Cultivation speed, and the huge commotion you caused during this baptism… Try to keep what you can hidden. The principle of 'an innocent man is guilty because of the treasure he possesses'—I don't need to teach you that, do I? Being too conspicuous easily attracts unnecessary trouble and covetousness."

Hide his strength? Li Dong understood. The System, spirituality fragments, altar resonance… these were indeed his trump cards and should not be easily revealed.

"I understand. Thank you for your guidance, Brother Zhang." Li Dong stood up and sincerely thanked Zhang Wu. He could feel that Zhang Wu was genuinely worried about him, speaking from the heart.

This long conversation gave Li Dong a clearer and more severe understanding of the Prefecture he was about to enter. That place was a coexistence of opportunities and dangers, and the degree of danger far exceeded his previous estimates.

But this did not deter him; instead, it strengthened his resolve to become stronger.

Only by possessing absolute power that could crush everything could he fearlessly face any storm, firmly establish himself in the huge whirlpool of the Prefecture, and even… become the Dominator of his own destiny!

Zhang Wu patted him on the shoulder, said no more, turned, opened the door, and walked out.

Li Dong stood in place, clutching the small oil-paper package.