102: Imperial Capital Layout

The stone door of the Quiet Room silently slid open.

Lin Jingyu stepped out, his burly figure seemingly filling the corridor instantly.

His aura was balanced and restrained, but the invisible, profound pressure of the Dharma Aspect Realm still caused the two Demon Suppression Division Iron Guards waiting outside the door to gasp, subconsciously straighten their backs, slightly lower their heads, and look at him with deep reverence.

"Guest Official Lin, Commander Qin has been waiting for quite some time in the 'Zhenyue Pavilion'." one Iron Guard respectfully said.

"Lead the way."

Zhenyue Pavilion was located in the central hub of the Demon Suppression Division. The interior furnishings were simple and grand. A massive sandbox occupied the center, depicting the Imperial Capital and the surrounding thousand miles of mountains and rivers, with countless small flags marking key points, representing known demon dens or Evil Cultivator strongholds.

The air was filled with a faint scent of Saltpeter mixed with blood.

Qin Shanhe stood before the sandbox with his hands clasped behind his back, his Dark Official Robe making his figure appear even more imposing.

Sensing Lin Jingyu's arrival, he turned around, a sincere smile on his face, and personally stepped forward two paces: "Guest Official Lin, congratulations on stabilizing your Realm! The Dharma Aspect is complete; from now on, the sky is the limit!"

His tone was warm, and his posture was very humble.

Breaking into the Dharma Aspect Realm in one month, slaying a Demon King, and standing firm against a Corpse Demon—such a person was no longer a simple subordinate Guest Elder, but a powerhouse capable of influencing the Imperial Capital's structure.

"Commander Qin." Lin Jingyu nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping over the massive sandbox.

The Imperial Capital area on the sandbox was marked with exceptional detail and complexity.

Qin Shanhe understood, walked to the Imperial Capital area on the sandbox, pointed, and spoke with a solemn voice: "The Imperial Capital, the heart of the Great Yin, is also the most succulent feeding ground in the eyes of demons and Evil Spirits. The forces here are deeply entrenched and mixed, but generally speaking, they can be divided into four factions."

"First, the Imperial Clan Zhao."

He pointed to the Imperial City area, "They command Dragon Qi, have the deepest foundation, and possess experts like clouds. The Human Emperor Zhao Wuji is unfathomable. The Grand Eunuch, The Grand Eunuch, under his command, controls the 'Internal Factory,' whose henchmen are everywhere, insidious and ruthless. This person requires special attention." He gave Lin Jingyu a deep look, clearly already aware of the Vermilion Bird Gate conflict.

"Second, the Demon Suppression Division." Qin Shanhe pointed to the black tower symbol representing the Demon Suppression Division. "Directly subordinate to the imperial court, specializing in suppressing demons and evil spirits. Internally, it is also divided into factions. I manage the Black Prison Institute, focusing on external campaigns; there is also the 'Heavenly Mechanism Institute' responsible for intelligence and deduction, and the 'Evil Suppression Institute' responsible for internal suppression and Formations and Restrictions. There are many powerful Guest Elders within the Division, and I am not the only one in the Dharma Aspect Realm."

"Third, the Three Great Sects."

His finger moved towards the west, north, and south directions of the Imperial Capital. "In the West City is the Profound Heaven Sword Sect, renowned for its Sword Dao. Its Sect Master, Ling Juechen, is a contemporary Sword Dao giant. In the North City is the Divine Fire Palace, skilled in controlling fire and Artifact Refining. Its Palace Master, Zhurong, has a fiery temper and formidable strength. To the south is the Myriad Beast Mountain, which controls beasts and drives insects using sinister methods. Its Mountain Master, Granny Myriad Poison, is deeply cunning. The Three Great Sects have profound foundations, numerous Disciples, and great influence; even the Imperial Clan relies heavily on them, but they are also the most unruly."

"Fourth, the Four Great Clans."

Qin Shanhe pointed to several core areas within the Imperial Capital. "The Nangong Clan, imperial merchants and immensely wealthy, controls nearly half of the Dynasty's financial resources. Its Patriarch, Nangong Hong, is extremely cunning. The Ximen Clan, a family of generals and tigers, has deeply entrenched military influence. Its Patriarch, Ximen Lie, is fierce and overbearing. The Dongfang Clan, a Medicinal Pill and Talisman clan, monopolizes the supply of high-end Medicinal Pills and Talismans. Its Patriarch, Dongfang Ming, is deeply calculating. The Beiming Clan, the most mysterious, is rumored to specialize in assassination and ancient shamanism. Its Patriarch, Beiming You, is rarely seen. The Four Great Clans intermarry, their interests intertwined, and their influence reaches across the court and the common people."

He withdrew his hand and looked at Lin Jingyu: "Within the Imperial Capital, these four factions check and balance each other while also infiltrating one another. Demons, evil spirits, and the Evil God Cult often hide in the shadows of these forces or collude with them. Operating here, strength is fundamental, but you must also see clearly the whirlpools beneath this murky water."

Lin Jingyu's gaze swept over the dense markings on the sandbox, pausing especially on the red dots representing powerful demon dens. His tone was flat: "If the water is murky, kill the fish. Whirlpools? Smash them with a single punch."

All he ever cared about was where the demons were numerous and strong enough to provide massive evolution points.

Upon hearing this, Qin Shanhe was not annoyed; instead, the light in his eyes intensified.

He admired Lin Jingyu's overbearing arrogance and pure killing intent that looked down on everything!

"Good! Guest Official Lin is straightforward!" Qin Shanhe clapped his hands. "There is one matter that requires the action of a powerhouse like Guest Official Lin."

He pointed to an area in the northwest corner of the Imperial Capital on the sandbox, shrouded in dense black Qi—the Black Prison Abyss.

"This place is one of the entrances to the underground Demon Cave beneath the Imperial Capital, connecting to a vast subterranean Demon Kingdom. Recently, the anomalies in the Demon Cave have intensified, with a large number of powerful demons pouring out, assaulting the Seal set by our Demon Suppression Division. Several elite Reconnaissance Teams have been lost inside, completely vanishing. Among them were many experts at the Peak of the Divine Treasury Realm."

Qin Shanhe's expression was grave. "Preliminary judgment suggests there might be a Dharma Aspect Realm Ghost King entrenched deep inside, commanding the demons, intending to open a larger passage to welcome the subterranean Demon Kingdom's army!"

"The high-level officials of the Demon Suppression Division have resolved to dispatch a top-tier powerhouse to lead a team deep into the core of the Demon Cave, ascertain the source of the anomaly, and, if possible, slay or severely wound the Ghost King to stabilize the Seal! This is a Class A Top-Secret Mission, extremely dangerous!"

He stared intently at Lin Jingyu. "Guest Official Lin has just entered the Dharma Aspect Realm, possesses earth-shattering combat power, and is the most suitable candidate for this mission! If you accept, you will have access to the Demon Suppression Division's resources during the mission, and the mission Merit will be doubled! Furthermore..."

Qin Shanhe lowered his voice: "The core area of the Demon Cave was once the place where a Senior from our Dynasty, who Cultivated the Physical Body, passed away. Rumor has it that his Remains contain supreme essence of Qi and blood, which is a great tonic for Physical Body Cultivators! Only the core members of the Division know this information."

Slaying a Dharma Aspect Ghost King! Massive evolution points! Plus the potential Remains of a Senior!

A sharp light flashed in Lin Jingyu's eyes, and he accepted without hesitation: "I accept."

Qin Shanhe was overjoyed: "Excellent! I will arrange it immediately! In three days, the Elite Team will assemble, and you will have full command to strike straight into the core of the Demon Cave!"

Just then, a report came from outside the pavilion: "Reporting to the Commander! Eunuch Wang of the Directorate of Ceremonial has arrived, specifically asking to see Guest Official Lin, saying he was ordered by The Grand Eunuch to present a congratulatory gift!"

The atmosphere inside the pavilion instantly solidified.

Qin Shanhe frowned slightly and looked at Lin Jingyu: "The Grand Eunuch... he moves fast."

Lin Jingyu was expressionless: "Let him in."

Soon, a eunuch with fair skin, dressed in a Brocade Palace Robe, walked in under the guidance of Eunuch Wang, accompanied by two followers whose auras were cold and whose eyes were sharp as eagles.

The eunuch held a jade plate covered with Red Silk, displaying a professional smile on his face, but a trace of imperceptible arrogance lay deep in his eyes.

"This servant, Little Shunzi, is ordered by Lord Wei to specifically congratulate Lord Lin on achieving the Dharma Aspect Realm! Lord Wei was delighted to hear of your Divine Might and has specially prepared a small gift to express his sincerity."

Little Shunzi's voice was shrill, and his posture was low, but the two words "Lord Wei" were enunciated particularly clearly.

One follower behind him glanced at Lin Jingyu with scrutiny.

The other follower was expressionless, his aura restrained.

Eunuch Wang stood beside him, forcing a smile, his eyes flickering.

Little Shunzi lifted the Red Silk, revealing three items on the jade plate: a Dragon Blood Bodhi full of Spiritual Qi (a Sacred Healing Medicine); a bottle of Nine Revolutions Jade Marrow Pills (for increasing cultivation); and a black Token, neither gold nor jade, carved with the ferocious head of a Bixie beast—the Internal Factory Guest Elder Token!

"Lord Wei said that Lord Lin is a young hero with limitless prospects. If you do not disdain it, holding this Guest Elder Token means you are an Internal Factory Guest Elder, enjoying respected status, access to the Internal Treasury's resources, and the power to supervise all officials, with the authority to execute first and report later!"

Little Shunzi said shrilly, with a hint of temptation, "Lord Wei is eager for talent; how many Dharma Aspect powerhouses in the Imperial Capital desperately seek such an honor!"

Coaxing! Naked co-opting! It was clearly an attempt to bind Lin Jingyu to the Directorate of Ceremonial's Chariot!

Qin Shanhe's face darkened slightly; the Directorate of Ceremonial's reach was too fast! He looked at Lin Jingyu.

Lin Jingyu's gaze swept over the three items, pausing briefly on the Dragon Blood Bodhi and the Nine Revolutions Jade Marrow Pill, finally resting on the Guest Elder Token that exuded a cold, power-hungry aura.

He suddenly reached out and picked up the Guest Elder Token.

A hint of smugness flashed in Little Shunzi's eyes. The follower surnamed Qian smirked slightly, while the follower surnamed Sun maintained a cold expression.

Qin Shanhe's heart sank.

Crack!

A sharp snap echoed, particularly grating in the silent pavilion!

Lin Jingyu's five fingers closed slightly, and the Guest Elder Token, which symbolized the authority of the Directorate of Ceremonial and was made of extraordinary material, shattered inch by inch in his palm as if it were rotten wood!

It turned into Dust, scattering down!

"!"

The smile on Little Shunzi's face instantly froze, turning into shock and disbelief.

Follower Qian's pupils contracted sharply, and his grip on the Water-Dividing Dagger tightened suddenly.

Follower Sun's eyelid twitched, and the Long Whip at his waist moved slightly without wind.

Eunuch Wang shivered in fright, his face turning pale.

Lin Jingyu opened his hand, letting the powder flow through his fingers. His voice was calm and flat, yet carried a chilling coldness that made hearts palpitate:

"The items stay."

"The Token is broken."

"Tell The Grand Eunuch, Lin only kills people; he doesn't take sides."

"Dare to reach out again," he raised his eyes, his cold gaze sweeping over Little Shunzi and the two followers like a tangible blade, "and I'll chop it off."

Boom!

A violent and ferocious Dharma Aspect pressure erupted, sweeping across the entire Zhenyue Pavilion like an invisible giant wave!

Thump! Thump!

Little Shunzi and Eunuch Wang bore the brunt, as if struck by a heavy hammer to the chest. They screamed and immediately collapsed to their knees, blood spilling from their mouths and noses, trembling like chaff, their eyes filled only with boundless terror!

Follower Qian grunted, retreated several steps, his face deathly pale, barely able to hold the Water-Dividing Dagger in his hand!

Only Follower Sun managed to stand firm, but the dark red Long Whip at his waist instantly straightened like iron, emitting a low hum. He was clearly under immense pressure, and his gaze towards Lin Jingyu was filled with shock!

The might of the Dharma Aspect, wrath like a prison!

"Scram." Lin Jingyu withdrew his pressure, as if shooing away flies.

The three of them acted as if granted amnesty. Qian and Sun helped the limp, incontinent Little Shunzi up, scrambling and fleeing the Zhenyue Pavilion in disgrace, forgetting even to take the jade plate.

Qin Shanhe looked at the filth and dust on the ground, then at the unperturbed Lin Jingyu. Amidst his shock, a sense of satisfaction welled up!

How many years had it been since someone dared to slap the face of the Directorate of Ceremonial so decisively! He took a deep breath and solemnly cupped his fists: "Guest Official Lin, such Courage!"

Lin Jingyu walked up to the jade plate and picked up the Dragon Blood Bodhi and the Nine Revolutions Jade Marrow Pill.

"System, convert."

[Ding! Converting Dragon Blood Bodhi (Millennium)! Gaining evolution points: 15,000 points!]

[Ding! Converting Nine Revolutions Jade Marrow Pill (Supreme Grade) * 10! Gaining evolution points: 30,000 points!]

With a flash of light, the two Treasures disappeared. Even a mosquito's leg is meat.

He then looked at Qin Shanhe: "The Demon Cave mission, give me the Team Roster. We depart in three days." His tone brooked no argument.

"Understood!" Qin Shanhe immediately took out a Jade Slip. "The roster is here; they are all elites. Among them, the second-in-command, 'Bloody Hand' Tu Gang, is at the Ninth Layer Peak of the Divine Treasury Realm, experienced and useful. We gather at the Black Prison Abyss entrance in three days!"

Lin Jingyu took the Jade Slip and swept it with his Divine Sense, noting the information.

As he turned to leave, the dilapidated yin prison token lying quietly in the corner of his Storage Ring seemed to fluctuate extremely faintly, and a bone-chilling intent flashed and disappeared, as if triggered by the aura of the Demon Cave.

His steps paused slightly, then returned to normal, and his burly figure disappeared at the pavilion entrance.

Qin Shanhe looked at the empty doorway, then at the Black Prison Abyss on the sandbox where black Qi surged, a sharp light flickering in his eyes: "Demon Cave... Ghost King... Lin Jingyu... this pool of water is about to be completely stirred up! The Grand Eunuch... Hmph!"

He grabbed the powder of the shattered Guest Elder Token, and with a burst of Internal Force from his palm, the powder completely vanished into nothingness.