33. Prefect Zhu He
Challenge all the monsters in the Graveyard?
The crowd of onlookers began to stir, with one of them shouting, "Is it a challenge one by one?"
"No," the immortal said, "It's a one-time challenge, and no monster may escape under any pretext. Those who violate this rule will be severely punished!"
All the onlookers were in an uproar.
"All the monsters in the graveyard! I have to challenge them all at once!"
"Are we, the onlookers, also going to be challenged? Can't we just not go?"
"I don't want to go either, I just want to join in the fun."
"How can you challenge all the monsters at once?"
"Yeah, it's too difficult! Isn't this just offending a demon?"
"Quiet!"
The immortal roared, and all around fell silent.
"If your strength is insufficient to command respect, how can you become a prefect? Only by possessing unparalleled strength can you gain the recognition of our Demon Management Bureau. Those who disagree, step forward!"
As the immortal spoke, he removed the hood from his head and coldly swept his gaze over the monsters.
He was an ordinary-looking man with sagging cheeks, a smirking mouth, age spots on his cheekbones, a hooked nose, triangular eyes, sparse eyebrows, a fierce appearance, an eye patch over his left eye, and six neat little dots on his bald head.
He had the appearance of a fierce old monk.
Including Zhu Qianqian, the group of demons were dissatisfied with the selection requirements, but dared not speak out, occasionally whispering among themselves. Zhu Qianqian turned her head and glanced in the direction of Zhuque.
To be honest, she didn't want to fight Suzaku, but she also genuinely believed that, apart from Suzaku, the other demons were not worthy of being the Lord of the City.
Zhuque's amber eyes were fixed on the immortal, and there was something in them that Zhu Qianqian couldn't understand. It seemed to be mockery, or anger, or something else entirely.
The next moment, Zhuque moved and stepped forward.
Zhu Qianqian was startled and tried to call out to Zhu Que, whispering, "Hey!"
Zhu Qianqian was quite certain that Zhuque had heard her. The dark figure still pushed aside the other monsters and walked towards the open space in front of her, gradually revealing itself to the many eyes of the crowd.
The surrounding whispers gradually subsided, and Suzaku stepped out of the circle of demons, loosening his cloak as he walked, his lean and slender figure exuding an aura of towering strength.
A black, gold-plated cloak, reaching her ankles, fell casually to the ground. She walked to the open space in front of her and stood facing the bald monk, her back to the many tomb monsters.
All the demons and evil spirits present turned their gazes toward Suzaku.
Her face was as beautiful as the moon, her demeanor pure and aloof, her back ramrod straight—a truly dignified beauty. However, her expression was unfriendly, her eyes cold, as if she were displeased. The bald old monk raised a few sparse, pale eyebrows and rubbed two round balls in his hands together.
"You have a problem with that? Oh, you've managed to take human form, so you've gotten too powerful. Do you have a name? What kind of demon are you?"
Zhuque nodded slightly. "I am Zhu He, from the Crow Clan."
Zhu Qianqian, one of the demons, was stunned. The other demons also fell silent after Zhuque's words, their expressions bewildered.
Why do I call myself a member of the Crow Clan?
Oh...right, she is the lonely Southern Star Emperor, Vermilion Bird.
He came without telling the other Star Emperors, and even claimed to be the Raven... I guess he has some kind of plan?
Zhu Qianqian felt inexplicably uneasy, her hands clenched tightly, and the group of monsters were also surprised by Zhuque's self-proclaimed identity.
A demon who knew Zhu Qianqian whispered, "Is she really the Evil Crow? You're closest to the Master, and the best friend of all. Is she really the Evil Crow? Why have I never seen her before? Such a beautiful human form... Oh, I know, could it be that she took human form after you?"
"Uh... um... right..." Zhu Qianqian's eyes darted around, and she gave an ambiguous hum.
The monster chuckled and said, "You're all crows, how come you're so different?"
"What did you say?" Zhu Qianqian narrowed her eyes slightly, raising her fist threateningly. "Listen carefully, and don't cause trouble!"
"What complaints do you have about my selection process?" the bald monk grinned wickedly.
Suzaku's gaze gradually calmed. "I want to take on the challenge."
The bald monk's suppressed anger faltered for a moment, then he nodded in satisfaction. "Good, you've got guts. Zhu He, is it?"
He raised his long arm and announced loudly, "The challenge begins! All demons, heed my command! Kill Zhu He!"
Zhu Qianqian's pupils widened slightly, feeling that every word the bald man said was difficult to decipher.
kill?
Why?
Isn't this a selection challenge?
With a flicker of her turquoise pupils, Zhu Qianqian looked at the bald man who was leaping into the air with his arms outstretched.
A brief gust of wind swept by. Beneath the black robe, a circular emblem seemed to flutter and sway in the wind, its shape twisting and turning. Zhu Qianqian was slightly distracted by this strange emblem.
It was a very strange emblem; Zhu Qianqian had never seen it before.
It looks like fireworks, or perhaps a human hand? The fingers on both sides are outstretched, as if cupping a lump of air upwards.
Is this the logo of the Monster Management Bureau?
While he was lost in thought, the monsters around him whispered among themselves.
"Should we... really take action?"
"Of course we need it, the Immortal Master has already spoken..."
"But……"
Not a single monster dared to step forward. They looked at each other, pushed and shoved each other, and retreated one after another.
Zhu Qianqian belatedly realized what was happening and gave an inappropriate laugh.
It seems that Suzaku has dealt with quite a few demons?
"Can't you understand human language, huh!" The bald monk roared when no one dared to step forward. "If you don't make a move, then this old monk will personally annihilate your graveyard!"
"..."
The demons hesitated even more, rustling and whispering undercurrents. After a few breaths, a wisteria spirit with its eyes closed let out a loud shout and charged forward first.
Immediately afterwards, two, three, and many more monsters rushed toward the unmoving Zhu He.
"Zhu—"
Zhu Qianqian was so anxious she wanted to call out her name, but many demons around her had already rushed away, each displaying their unique abilities and using all their strengths to launch a dazzling barrage of spiritual power and attacks at Zhuque. Zhuque stood with her back to the demons, unmoved, as if she hadn't heard the powerful attacks from the demons behind her.
At the critical moment, Zhu Qianqian's mind flashed to the image of Zhu Que standing against the light in the forest.
Actually, so much time has passed that Zhu Qianqian can't quite remember what Zhu Que's smile looked like back then. She only remembers that Zhu Que put his hand to the side of his mouth and smiled mysteriously.
"It's a secret."
What exactly are you here for?
Concealing his identity as Suzaku, he pretends to be an insignificant member of the Evil Crow Clan, and now he wants to challenge all the monsters in the Graveyard.
I understand it less and less.
Zhu Qianqian almost bit her tongue and screamed in panic.
"Zhu He!"
·
In less than the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, the monsters were all beaten to the ground, lying sprawled out in a large, chaotic mass.
Suzaku—who at this moment was disguised as Zhu He, the evil crow—brushed the dust off his body, bent down and slowly picked up the cloak, put it back on, turned his head, and his amber pupils reflected the bald monk's unpredictable expression, without saying a word.
"Selection..."
The bald monk took a few deep breaths, knowing what she was waiting for, and said helplessly in a deep voice, "The selection result: the Lord of the Tomb, Zhu He!"
"Walk!"
The bald monk angrily waved his arm, turned around and climbed back into the carriage. The carriage, bent under the weight, creaked a few times, and the silent, bowing evil spirits left the grave in an orderly fashion.
The monsters didn't dare to speak until the group completely disappeared at the edge of the graveyard.
"This is way too harsh!"
"Keep your voice down, what if someone hears you?"
"..."
Zhu Qianqian jumped up and went to Zhuque's side. "Congratulations! You'll be the Lord of the Palace from now on. Should I refer to myself as 'this humble one'? I knew you could do it..."
Zhu Qianqian choked up and lowered her voice.
Suzaku—no, Zhu He's expression is strange.
Zhu Qianqian stared at her for a long time, then asked cautiously, "Are you sad?"
"……Feel sorry."
"ah?"
Zhu Qianqian was completely confused. "Isn't becoming the Lord of the Prefecture a good thing? Why apologize?"
Zhu He shook his head speechlessly and chuckled, "Idiot."
"..."
Zhu Qianqian was unconvinced and muttered under her breath, "I'm not stupid, I'm the most hardworking evil crow in cultivation."
Zhu He turned around, his gaze sweeping over all the injured monsters around him, and suddenly he leaped into the air.
Zhu Qianqian took two steps back, looking up at the new queen, wondering what she was going to do.
Zhu He was suspended several feet high, his hands clasped in front of him, his eyes slightly closed, and golden light gradually gathered around him. From behind Zhu He, a pair of golden-red wings struggled out.
Zhu Qianqian held her breath and stared blankly.
With a whoosh, its wings suddenly spread open, stirring up a gentle breeze. A warm spiritual energy shone across the graveyard, and with its fiery wings outstretched, Zhu He seemed to be bathed in holy light, making him appear divine and incomparable.
Bathed in golden light, the monsters' wounds gradually healed, and they all stood up.
"Such warm light..."
Wow! My wounds are healing!
Zhu Qianqian was taken aback and looked down to check her wound.
It doesn't hurt at all. The abrasion will heal completely in a couple of days. Moreover, given her experience of recklessly challenging Zhu He, Zhu Qianqian knows that Zhu He is actually very restrained in his attacks.
But after being exposed to the golden light, the wound really did heal slowly, getting smaller and smaller until it disappeared, and the skin became smooth as before.
Is this Suzaku's ability?
But now she is the Queen of Ravens...
Zhu Qianqian was filled with mixed emotions.
She stroked her healed wound and wondered to herself, why would Suzaku pretend to be the Raven? What if she forgot she was Suzaku?
·
Perhaps it was because they called themselves the Raven Clan, or perhaps it was the sense of kinship from being of similar ethnicity, that Zhu He gave the Raven Clan special treatment, personally leading many of them in cultivation.
After training under Zhu He, many of the crows were pleasantly surprised to find that they had actually evolved the divine power of "living towards death"! The crows became even more loyal to Zhu He, and their suspicions about Zhu He's true identity gradually faded.
However, the crows are inherently unruly. Zhu He is lenient towards other monsters in the cemetery, but he is quite harsh on the crows, especially the cunning and wicked ones, for whom Zhu He's punishments are extremely severe.
Gradually, many crows became dissatisfied with Zhuhe's punishment.
...
Day and night alternate, things change and stars shift.
Some time later, the bald monk arrived uninvited, saying he had important matters to discuss with Lord Zhu He. This time he did not come in a sedan chair, but alone, still holding two balls in his palms, spinning them around.
Zhu Qianqian, who had been promoted to the position of "King of Evil Crows" protector, served tea to the side with resentment.
The bald immortal's gaze swept around the drafty wooden hut, the two balls in his hand spinning in the process. He chuckled, "Zhu He, you're a prefectural lord now, how come you're still so poor?"
Zhu He was not annoyed. He gestured for Zhu Qianqian to serve tea and calmly asked, "What brings you here, sir?"
"It wasn't me looking for you, it was the higher-ups. The various prefects have all been chosen, and I, Shi Jinxiu, submitted their portraits to our research institute director. Guess what? The director took a liking to you at first sight!"
Zhu He's brow twitched. "Aren't you the Monster Management Bureau? How did you turn into a research institute?"
The bald-headed immortal choked, then quickly slapped himself twice, "Pah! Pah! Pah! I misspoke! Forgive me, forgive me!"
Zhu Qianqian, holding the tea tray, was startled. Who suddenly slaps themselves while talking? If you say something wrong, just say it slowly. What's going on here?
"I, Shi, misspoke! I deserve to be punished!"
"That's right. Our predecessor was the Monster Research Institute. After the Bureau was abolished by the Immortal Alliance, our institute took over the name and became the only Monster Bureau in the blessed land."
Zhu He and Zhu Qianqian exchanged a glance. Zhu He frowned. "How come I've never heard of this before?"
"That's natural. After all, research institutes don't have a good reputation, so we immortals should keep a low profile. Of course, of course, our aim is to maintain harmonious development between the human and demon races! Harmonious development, huh!"
As he spoke, the bald immortal smiled at Zhu He, his withered, chrysanthemum-like old face becoming even more wrinkled.
"Although you have already attained human form, you still need to improve your understanding of many unspoken rules and etiquette in the human world... So, come with me here and let our Director personally teach you. As long as you serve him to his satisfaction, I guarantee you will become the only Lord of this blessed land!"
Even the most obtuse monster could understand the implication of his words.
Zhu Qianqian was instantly enraged, her eyebrows furrowed, and azure lotus flames ignited around her. "Insolence! How dare you insult the King of Crows! Shut your mouth!"
Shi Jinxiu was startled by the sudden burst of flames. Zhu Qianqian was standing between the two people who were negotiating. The flames suddenly erupted and burned the corner of Shi Jinxiu's clothes. A large patch of his black robe was immediately charred. Then, the flames spread rapidly across Shi Jinxiu's clothes like snakes.
Shi Jinxiu was shocked and exclaimed, "What kind of fire is this! It can't be extinguished! How dare you! Where did this little monster come from! How dare you attack this old monk! Your whole clan will be in deep trouble!"
Zhu He gently raised his hand, "Qianqian."
Zhu Qianqian reluctantly extinguished the flames.
Shi Jinxiu was still in shock. Despite her disheveled state, she didn't put down the two round balls in her hands, clenching them tightly in her palms. "How is this possible? It's only been half a year, and your cemetery has such a powerful monster? Is she your guard?"
The news that the Raven Clan's cultivation progressed rapidly was indeed true.
Shi Jinxiu's eyes darted around, and a different thought formed in his mind. He immediately changed his attitude and said with a fawning smile, "Zhu He, oh no, Lord, please take my words to heart..."
"Serve?"
Zhu He gently savored those two words, smiled slightly, and remained seated, his gaze sweeping over. "How should I serve you?"
Those amber eyes were calm, eerily so.
Shi Jinxiu felt something was off, but upon hearing this, he was delighted and slowly sat down, saying meaningfully, "You are the Prefect, how could you not understand? If you serve our Director well, he might listen to you in the future..."
He paused, and suddenly flames erupted around him.
Shi Jinxiu: ...?
The pain came later than the sight. Shi Jinxiu first saw a golden yellow light in his vision, then the air suddenly began to distort, followed by a terrible, scorching heat that relentlessly assaulted him.
Shi Jinxiu immediately screamed in agony.
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