Chapter 4 –
In the grand West Hall of the Imperial Court, the atmosphere was heavy. Maps of the empire were spread across the jade table, spirit crystals illuminating red markers where monsters had been sighted.
But one region was blank—River Town.
A middle-aged minister frowned deeply.
"Everywhere else, we report monster activity, demonic cultivators, destruction… Yet this minor town has been untouched for over two years. Too untouched."
The emperor tapped his finger against the table, his sharp gaze sweeping the room.
"A quiet anomaly often hides the loudest danger. If River Town is protected by a hidden power, I want to know who… or what… it is."
Murmurs filled the hall, but the decision was swift.
"Summon the Eleventh Investigation Unit," the emperor commanded. "Send their newly appointed captain. Her eyes are unclouded by politics."
A hush fell over the court as all understood. The emperor was speaking of Princess Qin Su, his third daughter.
—
Later that evening, Qin Su stood in her quarters, reading the sealed decree.
By Imperial Order:
Investigate River Town. Determine the cause of its unnatural safety. Report directly to the throne.
Her hands trembled slightly. She had been struggling with her unstable spiritual roots, a condition that weakened her cultivation and stained her reputation in court. Some whispered she had no future.
And now, she was being sent to a forgotten border town… Was this exile, or opportunity?
Her most loyal lieutenant stepped forward.
"Your Highness, shall I summon the unit?"
Qin Su shook her head. "No. Too much noise will alert whoever hides there. We travel with only the core squad. At dawn, we ride for River Town."
—
The journey was tense. For days, they fought stray demons and corrupt cultivators. Yet the closer they came to River Town, the calmer the land grew. Within a hundred kilometers, not a single monster stirred.
Her lieutenant spoke uneasily.
"Your Highness… this feels wrong. As if the land itself has been… cleansed."
Qin Su's unease grew.
And when they finally entered River Town, the laughter of children and bustle of markets greeted them, as though the empire's chaos was a distant rumor.
But her eyes narrowed when she was introduced to a man sitting behind piles of tax scrolls.
"Officer Wang Lai," the mayor said.
"Your Highness, this is our minor official."
A plain man in simple robes smiled lazily at her.
"Your Highness," Wang said, "I fear the only monsters here are late taxes. Shall I show you the scrolls?"
Something about his tone unsettled her more than any demon.
—
Cliffhanger:
That night, Qin Su lay awake, staring at the ceiling. His face, his casual smile, the herb he had given her… none of it added up. Tomorrow, she swore, she would uncover the truth about Officer Wang Lai.