Chapter 234 The Mysterious Case of the Backer

Shen Suning nodded lightly upon hearing this, her gaze sweeping over the figures of other teams outside the barracks.

"The Demon Hunting Division isn't just our Team C. Qin Zheng of Team A is extraordinary in terms of seniority, strength, and background. He has always been regarded as Thousand-Household Liao's successor. Team A has many skilled individuals under its command, each with considerable strength."

"Although Zhu Hongyu of Team B is a woman, her methods are sharp, and her subordinates are not mediocre either. While Team D and Team E are weaker now, there are also veterans who have toiled for many years and feel it's their turn."

She paused, her voice involuntarily dropping lower, her face etched with worry.

"What's more, there's someone like Jiang Yuheng, who also had a conflict with Chen Mu a few days ago."

"Chen Mu's seniority is too shallow. His sudden promotion means countless people will be secretly watching, waiting for him to make a mistake, or to disobey orders. The Squad Leader position commands a team of ten, but we inevitably cooperate with other teams. Orders during wartime are a matter of life and death. If he cannot command respect and his orders are not followed, it will only lead to disaster."

Lu Dachuan opened his mouth, wanting to retort, but then realized that everything Shen Suning said was reasonable. He stewed for a long time before muttering,

"Then... what should we do? We can't just give up for fear of choking, right? Brother Chen's abilities aren't fake!"

Shen Suning pondered for a moment.

"Strength is the ultimate truth, there's no denying that. But human hearts are complex; not everyone only recognizes fists, especially those seasoned veterans and individuals with intricate connections. Chen Mu needs to be prepared."

Just as she was speaking, Chen Mu returned from the training ground. He had just finished his morning movement practice, and though fine sweat beaded on his forehead, his breathing was remarkably steady and long. Zhuifeng trotted at his heels, its little tail wagging happily.

"What's wrong?"

Chen Mu entered the courtyard, his gaze sweeping over the three of them. Lu Dachuan immediately poured out Shen Suning's concerns like beans from a bamboo tube, finally adding,

"Brother Chen, don't be afraid. All of us brothers support you. If anyone is unconvinced, tell them to come find old Lu!"

After listening, Chen Mu's face showed no change. He walked to the well, drew a bucket of cold water, and splashed a handful onto his face, instantly feeling refreshed.

"Miss Shen's concerns are valid."

Chen Mu stood up, wiped his face with his sleeve, and looked at Shen Suning.

"However, for those with ulterior motives, even if I were to humble myself and curry favor now, it might not be useful; it might even lead to me being looked down upon. Since Banner Master Cheng gave me this position, I will take it. As for commanding respect..."

"If they are unconvinced, they can challenge me in a martial arts examination; I will accept it. If they think my seniority is insufficient or my command improper, they can prove it during a mission. When I lead a team, I only recognize two rules: first, follow orders; second, do my best to ensure those who follow me survive. If these two can be achieved, whether they are convinced or not will naturally become clear over time."

Shen Suning looked at Chen Mu, the worry in her eyes fading a little. Feng Qing, who had been inserting the wiped arrows one by one into his quiver, finally spoke.

"Clean and decisive."

It was unclear whether he was referring to the arrows or Chen Mu's attitude.

...

Two more peaceful days passed.

That afternoon, the barracks were stiflingly hot. Lu Dachuan reluctantly sat up against his quilt, directing Ling Xiaoning to fan him. Feng Qing, uncharacteristically, wasn't wiping his sword but adjusting the string of a new bow. Chen Mu, meanwhile, sat cross-legged on his bunk, eyes closed, introspecting and quietly experiencing the subtle sensations brought by the Wind and Rain Induction Mantra.

Suddenly, a hurried sound of footsteps approached from afar, stopping at the barracks entrance.

"Team C members, everyone who can move, come out!"

It was Bai Junyi's voice, tinged with obvious anxiety.

Everyone was startled. Bai Junyi's injuries had not yet healed, and Banner Master Cheng had granted him special permission to recuperate in the barracks, coordinating affairs mostly through Huo Chao or scribes. What could make him rush over personally in such a hurry?

Chen Mu was the first to open his eyes, getting up and stepping out. Feng Qing and Ling Xiaoning followed behind him. Looking up, Shen Suning had also gathered around.

Bai Junyi's face was even paler than the previous two days, with beads of sweat on his forehead. One hand pressed against his old rib injury, his breathing was unstable, but his eyes were sharp and urgent.

"Deputy General Bai? What happened?"

Shen Suning quickly stepped forward, supporting one of Bai Junyi's arms.

Bai Junyi waved his hand, indicating he could still stand, his gaze quickly sweeping over the group, his words rushed.

"Just received an urgent report! Fifty li south of the city, in Kaoshan Village, a branch of Night Cen Mountain, strange things have been happening continuously these past few days!"

He took a breath before continuing.

"Within five days, four girls, all sixteen or seventeen-year-old maidens, have successively gone missing. They disappeared from their own homes at night without a trace; windows and doors were intact, and their families noticed nothing!"

"Initially, the village chief thought it was a highly skilled thief and reported it to the authorities. The county yamen also dispatched Constables to investigate, but found nothing."

"But just the night before yesterday!"

Bai Xiaoqing's voice dropped, carrying a hint of chill.

"An old man who got up in the middle of the night vaguely saw a black shadow flash across the village, moving extremely fast. As the black shadow swept over the rooftops, something like wings seemed to spread from its back!"

"The old man was scared Soul Flying Away and Spirit Scattering, collapsing to the ground. By the time he recovered, the black shadow was long gone. He scrambled to find the Lizheng, who then realized something was wrong, thinking it wasn't an ordinary thief but possibly a demon at work! At daybreak, he sent someone to report to the Prefecture yamen, and the yamen transferred the case to our Demon Suppression Division."

Everyone was silent for a moment before Feng Qing spoke.

"What's the situation at the Division now?"

Bai Junyi's face showed bitterness.

"What situation could there be? Thousand-Household Liao took the elite of Team A and most of Team B to the Southern Wilderness and has not yet returned. The Tian Di Xuan Three Teams... sigh, General Squad Leader Huo is bogged down with a huge mess over there. Team D and Team E suffered heavy losses pursuing a band of wandering corpse-ghouls and are still recuperating and replenishing. Right now, the only ones the Division can field..."

His gaze fell on Chen Mu, Shen Suning, Feng Qing, and a nervous Ling Xiaoning.

"Are just us from Team C... the only ones who can still move."

A sudden silence fell over them. Lu Dachuan, stretching his neck to listen from inside the room, wanted to curse but could only pound the bed board in frustration.

"Banner Master Cheng's meaning is..."

Bai Junyi looked at Chen Mu, his tone solemn.

"This case is bizarre. The demon abducting people is elusive and has already harmed several individuals. It must be investigated as quickly as possible. Chen Mu is ordered to lead a team to Kaoshan Village and Xiaohe Village to investigate! Shen Suning, Feng Qing, and Ling Xiaoning will go with you. Lu Dachuan, Shi Yong, and Li Si, whose serious injuries have not healed, will remain in the barracks, ready to be called upon."

Bai Junyi specifically emphasized that Chen Mu was ordered to lead the team, clearly paving the way for Chen Mu's upcoming assessment.

"Your primary task is to ascertain the truth, determine if it is indeed a demon, what kind of demon it is, what its characteristics are, where its lair might be, and gather all clues."

"But remember, your numbers are too small. If you encounter a formidable enemy, do not engage. Protect yourselves, understand?"

"Understood!"

Chen Mu replied in a deep voice. Shen Suning and Feng Qing also nodded solemnly. Ling Xiaoning looked at their team of only four, swallowed, and straightened his back forcefully.

Bai Junyi took out a command token and an official document from his Huai. He handed them to Chen Mu.

"This is Banner Master Cheng's command token and a summary of the case file. With this, you can mobilize local villagers for assistance and request necessary support from the county yamen. There's no time to lose; prepare immediately. You depart in half an hour!"