Chapter 702

Chapter 702: Matters of the Twilight Hills

In the open wilderness under the night sky, several dim blue flames rose, illuminating the surroundings. After dealing with the evil spirits on the road, the few white-robed swordsmen began to clean up the battlefield, finishing off any spirits that were still alive.

“Check one more time to make sure everything has been thoroughly eliminated.”

“Yes, Captain.”

The white-clad man at the forefront shook the blood off his blade and then wiped it meticulously with a cloth. His complexion was pale, and he appeared somewhat thin, around 20-30 years old.

These half-breeds of the Chi Clan and the Dynasty’s people had combined traits from both sides. They were neither as pale and greenish as the Chi Clan nor as warm-blooded as ordinary humans.

Although there were no deaths among the white-robed swordsmen in this battle, two companions were injured and would need several months to recover.

A few minutes later, they checked everything and supported their wounded comrades towards the Dynasty’s border. They needed to report the situation they encountered and also provide a tally of the results. This was the reason for their existence.

Deep in the night, inside a fortress at the border.

The fire pits in the campsite burned with crackling flames, emitting a faint smell of tar. Military soldiers patrolled the city walls, wearing brown-scaled armor. Compared to the unprotected outside world, this place was much safer.

In a courtyard within the fortress, several injured soldiers were receiving treatment from military doctors. They first removed their clothes and washed the wounded areas. Then, the doctors cleaned the bruises, realigned the bones, used various methods to accelerate healing, applied herbal medicines, and bandaged them up.

Painful hisses echoed in the courtyard, followed by some jesting among the men. It seemed they were quite accustomed to such a life.

In another nearby building, the team leader was reporting the situation.

“At that time, we stopped these evil spirits and engaged in battle with them.”

“Very good. I will send someone to check the area and bury the bodies afterward.”

An elderly man with a few gray hairs sat behind a wooden platform. The table was covered with various documents, papers, and writing materials. He was an officer stationed at the border, specifically responsible for handling the incursions of demonic beasts and evil spirits.

After discussing official matters, the white-clad man shared his feelings during this period.

“The number of demons emerging from the Yama Mountains is increasing, many times more than usual. If this continues, there will likely be significant casualties.”

His brows furrowed tightly.

“I understand your concerns, Yinchen, but I have already reported this to my superiors,” the old man stroked his beard.

“But sir, why hasn’t there been any action from the authorities despite all this time?”

“I don’t know. Perhaps they are hesitant,” the old man looked outside and then called Yinchen closer, whispering, “I heard that the Prefect has suppressed these matters.”

“Why would he do that?”

“Perhaps the Prefect doesn’t want to get involved with the affairs of the Twilight Hills.”

“He’s said to have clashed with other high-ranking officials in the court and was transferred here. Many are now looking for his weaknesses.”

“If that’s the case, shouldn’t he address it more seriously?”

“You don’t understand the ways of the court,” the old man shook his head. Though not a high-ranking official, he was well-informed about court affairs due to his work with documents.

“In your eyes, losing people is a big deal. But in the court, people die every day across the land; it’s nothing unusual.”

“Moreover, this area isn’t central to the Twilight Hills. There are fewer people here, and occasional attacks by demonic beasts aren’t uncommon. No one can use this to impeach the Prefect.”

“But if things continue like this, the Chi Clan in the Yama Mountains…”

As someone with half-Chi blood, the white-clad man couldn’t completely ignore this matter.

“I know about your bloodline, but Yinchen, I’ve watched you grow up. I hope you’ll find a girl from within the Dynasty and settle down in the interior. Don’t keep thinking about the Chi Clan.”

“After all, you’ve grown up here and haven’t received any favors from the Chi Clan. Instead, you’ve suffered because of your bloodline. Why care so much about outsiders?”

“The Chi Clan are descendants of criminals, not citizens of the Dynasty. The court won’t concern itself with their fate. Besides, the major sects in surrounding provinces still hold grudges against the Chi Clan and won’t send help.”

“I see, sigh…” The white-clad man sighed, seemingly realizing his idealism.

“What will happen if this continues?”

“I don’t know. But if this trend continues, even if the demons in the Twilight Hills fully erupt, it will take over a decade. By then, I might not even be alive. Haha.”

The old man was quite composed. Without any heirs, he lived alone, unburdened by anything.

“Now, even if things escalate, it’s internal to the Twilight Hills. Speaking of which, I understand why the Xuanpao Riders are tolerating these rumors.”

“What rumors?” the man asked.

“Things like travelers encountering strange and frightening events in certain places.”

“Many people are talking about this, causing merchants to avoid this border region. With no merchants staying, local residents are moving inland.”

“This suits the Prefect’s wishes, reducing the Dynasty’s citizens at the border. Even if things worsen, few people will die.”

“What happens next?”

“Next? Although he’s currently dormant, he will likely return to Luo Capital in a few years. That’s the next person’s concern.”

“But why not just issue an announcement directly instead of using such tactics? Isn’t it troublesome?”

“Haha, Yinchen, you don’t understand the rules of the bureaucracy.”

“If he issued an announcement, it would mean he knew the truth and severity of the matter. If he knew but did nothing, it would give others leverage against him.”

“But if he really wanted to act, it wouldn’t be easy.”

“The chaotic dragon veins and immortal caves in the Twilight Hills are beyond what even the Red Phoenix could handle. Even if he could eliminate the demons, it would only be a temporary solution. He might be trapped here for his entire life in this remote Twilight Hills. How could someone with his ambitions be content with wasting his prime years here?”

“So, it’s better to pretend not to know. If something happens, he can say he’s focused on the livelihood of the people in the province and has no time for external matters. Strictly speaking, the matters in the Twilight Hills aren’t within his jurisdiction.”

Though he hadn’t personally questioned the Prefect, the old man guessed most of it based on his experience in the bureaucracy.

(End of Chapter)