In the reverberating crash, the distant village fell into panic.

After a moment, a few bolder fishermen crept out to look. The three flood dragon carcasses on the riverbank sent a chill through them, and they were about to retreat when one of them saw a face carved into memory.

A moment later, the villagers poured out of the settlement — the madman and the widow leading the charge.

When it was confirmed they hadn't been deceived, they dropped to the ground in a mass, kowtowing in neat unison toward the distant figure.

"…"

Chen Qiankun looked back, and something resigned and wondering came into his expression.

In this short time, Shen Yi had somehow built, through his own actions alone, a kind of presence here that rivaled the Division's.

These people might not know who the Demon Suppression General was. They definitely knew their river god.

"People don't show up without reason. You're not here for a social call."

Chen Qiankun turned back with a rueful acceptance. He was probably the most frustrated Demon Suppression General in the twelve prefectures — he'd personally named this young man his personal attendant, and this might be the first time the young man had actually set foot in Linjiang Prefecture.

Shen Yi unclenched the clasped hands and nodded. "At General Jiang's request, I'm here to inform the old General that the demons of Qingfeng Mountain have been eliminated."

Hearing that particular way of phrasing it, Fang Heng felt something go wrong in his entire body.

Commander Shen went off to be a demon-hunter — how is he also connected to Martial Elder Sister now?

And what is the situation with three flood dragons falling from the sky?!

He opened his mouth to ask — and found Chen Qiankun glancing sideways at him. "You, child — stop sticking your nose in where it doesn't belong. Step back."

Official business required even the most talented young people to give space.

"As you command." Fang Heng closed his mouth and retreated back among the Commanders with visible reluctance.

"Continue." Chen Qiankun looked back at Shen…