A Demon Suppression General had come to the demon-hunters' guild hall — which was surprising enough in itself.

Even more surprising, however, was that vial of blood essence, vivid crimson and carrying the presence of a blue-faced lion.

"Another Core-Nurturing demon lord from Qingzhou?"

"Another Jade Liquid-realm cultivator?"

"Hold on — this Silver-bell demon-hunter is also called Shen Yi?"

The woman overseeing things at the guild hall found each detail she heard more familiar than the last, and finally just asked directly.

Chen Qiankun gave a dry cough. He hadn't realized Shen Yi had made such a name for himself in the capital — barely two months out of Qingzhou, and even the demon-hunters' guild hall could drop his name without blinking.

The woman gave a resigned smile. "No need to wait in line. Head right in."

"Ah?"

Chen Qiankun walked back out of the hall in faint bemusement. Since when did Qingzhou have this kind of pull at the War Temple?

He cupped his fists apologetically toward the colleagues who'd been waiting far longer.

Every one of them returned the gesture with a cheerful smile, not the slightest trace of resentment.

Ever since word of the Song Prefecture business had gotten around, every province was quietly dreading the day its own crisis came knocking — and when that day arrived, they'd all be counting on that Inspector.

By comparison, jumping a queue was nothing.

"Strange."

The old general couldn't quite work it out, but turned back to the carriage and passed the news to Lin Baixi.

"Then I'll go in..."

Lin Baixi looked rather deflated.

Chen Qiankun glanced back on instinct, and sure enough — those two figures from before had long since vanished.

"Never mind. You go do the refinement first. Once it's done, this old man will take you to find him."

"I don't want to go."

Lin Baixi rubbed at her face, working to look normal, and walked into the main hall with a sullen air.

Right now, all she wanted was to go back to Qingzhou.

Looking up at the thirteen glorious golden dharma forms,…