Immortal Travel of Longevity

"As for Fu Hongmei," the Badger Demon continued, "I sent him to work in the Demon Market. Most of the time, he patrols the perimeter with the other demons, stopping mortals from entering or guiding those who wander in by mistake back out."

Chen Changsheng nodded, setting the matter of Fu Hongmei aside. "The world hasn't been peaceful these past few years," he said. "Prince Jin has traveled far and wide, making the acquaintance of many cultivators and demons. He knows a great deal. Has he ever come looking for trouble with you?"

"He did, Mister," the Badger Demon replied. "Prince Jin sought me out the year before last. He wanted to recruit me into his ranks, or have me serve as a retainer..."

"What did he offer?" Chen Changsheng asked.

"He said that if he ascended the throne as emperor, he would issue an edict to help me become a true City God," the Badger Demon said.

Chen Changsheng nodded. "Sounds like a good offer. But looking at you now, it seems you refused?"

The Badger Demon nodded. "I won't hide it from you, Mister. Though I act on behalf of the City God Lord, it's only after taking this seat that I realized how difficult the role is. I've handled thousands of matters over the years, big and small, and only now do I understand how hard it is to distinguish good from evil, right from wrong. As a City God, there is simply too much to do."

He sighed. "I simply don't have a City God's abilities."

Looking up, the Badger Demon added, "Sometimes, you really just have to know your own limits."

The Badger Demon gave a helpless smile. "You give me too much credit, Mister. Back then, Donglin Ward nearly became a Demon Market. Only because you didn't punish me for that did I get the chance to make amends. Otherwise, who knows what Donglin Ward would look like today."

Chen Changsheng smiled. "The Mortal World has its rules, and the mountains have theirs. The two cannot be mixed. The Human Dao has ghosts and gods to protect it, but the Demon Race also needs to find a place to settle down. Just like what you're doing now—hasn't the Demon Market already begun to take shape as it develops?"

The Badger Demon froze, faintly guessing the deeper meaning behind his words, but not daring to be certain.

Chen Changsheng let out a breath and said, "With the Human Dao flourishing, qi destiny is surging rapidly. The Spiritual Energy of plants and trees is rising, and bathed in the essence of the sun and moon, more and more demons in the mountains are gaining intelligence."

"A few years ago, His Majesty established celestial officials specifically to manage the demons emerging in the mountains, to prevent them from endlessly committing evil and bringing disaster to the Mortal World. Yet to this day, very few celestial officials have stepped forward. The world is in chaos, and the mountains are as well."

Chen Changsheng looked up at him. "Do you think it's a good thing for this to continue?"

The Badger Demon opened his mouth, momentarily at a loss for words, before hurriedly replying, "For... for the Human Dao, it is absolutely not a good thing..."

He didn't dare speak plainly, terrified that Mister Chen was testing him.

Chen Changsheng nodded. "Back then, Donglin Ward nearly became a Demon Market, but under your management, it never stirred up any real trouble. Clearly, you are quite experienced in this regard. You could perhaps give the matter This Chen just mentioned a try."

The Badger Demon's heart burned hot, a new light entering his eyes.

"B-but Mister," the Badger Demon paused, calming his racing thoughts before continuing, "the three hundred years... they haven't passed yet."

"This Chen is giving you this opportunity," Chen Changsheng said.

The Badger Demon stared blankly, but then he heard Mister's tone shift. "However, the karma you forged is something you must resolve yourself."

Hearing this, the Badger Demon stood frozen for a long time. Then, he dropped to his knees and kowtowed in a deep bow.

A second bow!

A third bow!

"I, Badger, shall confess my sins, accept the punishment, and settle this karma."

Chen Changsheng did not say a word.

Soon after, the Badger Demon walked out of the temple, his expression solemn.

That very night.

The 'City God' who had protected Donglin Ward for decades walked into the City God Temple in the neighboring ward.

Binding Chains and a Soul Whip lashed across his body, yet he never let out a single groan.

.

.

By the time Chen Changsheng finished reviewing the files on the desk, night had already fallen.

He couldn't help but marvel at the Badger Demon's talents. Impartial in enforcing the law and clear in distinguishing right from wrong—if the Badger Demon were a mortal, he would undoubtedly make for a just and upright magistrate.

Many of the cases were handled with such brilliance that even Chen Changsheng found them extraordinarily clever.

He was a rare talent indeed.

Chen Changsheng looked up, only to see Miss Yun sitting in a temple chair, fast asleep with Lihua in her arms. Yu Hongjin was sprawled across Miss Yun's lap, sleeping deeply.

He stood up and stepped closer, looking down at her slightly aged face and noticing a strand of hair falling loose by her temple.

After a brief pause, Chen Changsheng reached out and tucked that strand of hair back behind her ear.

Miss Yun opened her eyes, and their gazes met in the quiet night.

Now over fifty years old, Yunxiang suddenly flushed and lowered her head.

Realizing what he was doing a moment too late, Chen Changsheng pulled his hand back.

Neither spoke, both averting their eyes.

This awkward atmosphere was ultimately broken by Yu Hongjin.

"Mmm..."

Yu Hongjin woke up and rubbed her eyes.

As soon as she opened them, she noticed that the two people around her were acting strangely.

Frowning slightly, Yu Hongjin asked, "What's wrong?"

"Ahem..." Chen Changsheng cleared his throat lightly.

Miss Yun reached out to stroke Yu Hongjin's hair and said, "It's nothing."

Not quite understanding, Yu Hongjin stood up and stretched lazily.

Looking outside, she saw that the sky had already turned dark.

"It's already dark? I can't believe I slept this long."

Gathering her wits, Yu Hongjin looked down and spotted the sleeping Mao'er.

"Stinky cat! Get up! No more sleeping!"

Lihua was startled awake by the noise. Opening its eyes, it still looked a bit dazed as it mumbled, "Is it time to eat?"

"Eat, eat, eat. That's all you know how to do," Yu Hongjin muttered. "How are you even lazier than I am?"

Yunxiang didn't know whether to laugh or cry, wondering if Yu Hongjin was scolding the cat or scolding herself.

Once everyone was awake, they found an inn in the ward to settle into.

With nothing to do that night, Chen Changsheng suggested, "I heard there's a Demon Market outside the ward. Would Miss Yun like to take a walk?"

Before Yunxiang could answer, Yu Hongjin and Lihua both got excited.

"A Demon Market?"

"Are there only demons inside?"

"A market? What are they selling? Do they have wine?"

"Do they have anything good to eat?"

One fish and one cat chattered back and forth, making an endless racket.

Yunxiang smiled. Seeing their enthusiasm, she said, "Then let's go take a look. I've never seen what a Demon Market looks like, either."

"Why didn't we go during the day?" Yu Hongjin asked.

"A Demon Market is different from mortal markets," Chen Changsheng explained. "It only gets lively at night."

"Ah, got it."

Yu Hongjin understood and urged, "Then what are we waiting for? Let's go, let's go."

She could hardly wait any longer.

A market run by demons was something she had never seen before. There might even be some good wine inside!

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