The Spirit Warden Office did not impose strict schedules on its agents.
Wardens could choose their own working hours, take days off if they wished, or even stay home for several days without reporting. As long as they completed the required number of missions each month, no one would question them.
To most people, this flexible system meant freedom.
To Li Shen, however, it simply meant he could work more efficiently.
As usual, he was the first to arrive at the office that morning.
But instead of heading directly to the mission board, he climbed the wooden stairs to the second floor and entered the quiet reading room.
Sunlight streamed through the window beside the desk.
Li Shen opened a drawer and took out sheets of yellow talisman paper along with a small bottle of crimson ink.
Then he began drawing.
Preparation before battle was essential.
Because of his weak physique, talismans were his most reliable method of fighting spirits.
And talismans were consumable.
If he entered a fight without enough prepared charms and ran out mid-battle…
Well, that would be a very quick way to meet the King of the Underworld.
Holding the brush gently between his fingers, Li Shen closed his eyes and whispered a short incantation.
"Heaven above, earth below."
"Law of spirits and binding of shadows."
"By my hand, let wandering souls disperse."
When he opened his eyes again, the brush tip shimmered faintly with golden light.
The brush descended.
In a few swift strokes, a talisman was completed.
The golden glow faded.
The brush returned to its ordinary appearance.
Li Shen folded the talisman carefully and placed it into his sleeve.
Another layer of insurance.
Just as he finished, a cheerful voice sounded behind him.
"Li Shen! Want to take a mission together today?"
He turned around.
Standing at the doorway was a young girl wearing the dark uniform of the Spirit Warden Office.
She was petite with a lively face.
Her dark hair flowed freely down her back, and her bright eyes carried an energetic spark.
When she smiled, two small canine teeth appeared, giving her expression a mischievous charm.
Her name was Lin Qingyu.
Despite being the same age as Li Shen, she had already become one of the most accomplished junior Wardens in Blackwater City.
Her cultivation was impressive.
Her combat ability was even more terrifying.
For nearly a year, she had held the top position on the city's merit ranking.
Numerous troublesome spirits had fallen under her blade.
Mountain wraiths.
Corpse spirits.
Blood phantoms.
Even some experienced Wardens avoided those creatures.
Yet Lin Qingyu had eliminated them all.
Even someone like Li Shen—who worked tirelessly completing missions day after day—could only manage second place on the merit list.
"Looks like you've improved again," Lin Qingyu said, tilting her head slightly. "When did that happen?"
Li Shen smiled modestly.
"This small improvement is nothing compared to Warden Lin's achievements."
Lin Qingyu raised her chin proudly.
"Of course."
Recently, she had developed the habit of partnering with Li Shen on missions.
Partly because Li Shen was pleasant company.
And partly because his knowledge of supernatural creatures often proved surprisingly useful.
For Li Shen, the reason was much simpler.
Having a powerful partner significantly increased his chances of surviving dangerous missions.
In other words—
They made a very efficient team.
"So," Li Shen asked, "what mission do you have in mind?"
Lin Qingyu crossed her arms.
"A wealthy merchant died mysteriously in his estate on the eastern outskirts of the city."
"The family believes a malicious spirit is responsible."
"They've requested assistance from the Spirit Warden Office."
"Is the spirit still there?" Li Shen asked.
"According to the report, yes."
"And the reward?"
"Two hundred merit credits."
Li Shen raised his eyebrows slightly.
"That's generous."
"Split between us, it's one hundred each," she said.
For Li Shen, one hundred merit credits was a significant sum.
Enough to exchange for a Spirit Gathering Pill, which could help him attempt a breakthrough to the next cultivation stage.
But high rewards usually meant high danger.
Spirits worth this much were rarely mindless creatures.
They often possessed intelligence and supernatural abilities.
Which made them far more dangerous.
Li Shen remained silent for a moment.
Then he pulled three old copper coins from his sleeve.
"What are you doing?" Lin Qingyu asked curiously.
"A quick divination."
He tossed the coins onto the table six times.
After examining the pattern, he nodded slowly.
"The omen is favorable."
"What does that mean?"
"It means we may encounter some trouble," Li Shen replied calmly.
"But in the end, things should resolve themselves."
Lin Qingyu smirked.
"So you're coming?"
Li Shen nodded.
"But we should still be cautious."
She leaned closer and looked at him with interest.
"I didn't know you studied divination."
Li Shen shrugged.
"It's a survival skill."
"If I'm about to face something too dangerous, I'd rather know beforehand."
Lin Qingyu laughed.
"I'd get a headache trying to memorize all that nonsense."
"Then again," Li Shen said lightly, "you don't really need it."
"You just cut through everything that stands in your way."
The girl grinned proudly.
"Exactly."
The two exchanged amused glances before laughing.
As the top two agents on the merit list—and frequent partners—their casual banter had become a daily routine.
"Alright," Lin Qingyu said, patting his shoulder.
"Meet me outside in fifteen minutes."
"We'll deal with this quickly and be back before evening."
Li Shen nodded.
He appreciated her straightforward style.
Efficiency was always welcome.
---
Eastern Outskirts of Blackwater City
The merchant's estate stood near the edge of the city.
Behind the property rose a barren hillside.
Several scattered graves could be seen along the slope.
Even under the bright sunlight, the place felt strangely cold.
Li Shen slowed his steps slightly.
Eight years ago, a massive spirit outbreak had devastated the region.
Many people had died during that time.
The previous owner of his body had lost his parents during that disaster.
Their bodies were never recovered.
The memories lingered faintly in his mind.
"Are you scared?" Lin Qingyu asked casually.
She carried a massive saber nearly as tall as herself.
Despite its weight, she walked lightly and effortlessly.
Li Shen struggled slightly to keep up with her pace.
"I'm just conserving my energy," he replied.
His chest ached faintly as his heartbeat quickened.
Lin Qingyu slowed her steps.
"You're so weak," she said bluntly. "What if a spirit touches you and you collapse on the spot?"
Li Shen smiled calmly.
"I don't plan on fighting them directly."
He gestured toward the talismans hidden in his sleeves.
"That's what these are for."
"And besides…"
He looked at her.
"With Warden Lin protecting me, how could any spirit get close?"
Lin Qingyu snorted proudly.
"Of course they can't."
The corners of her lips lifted into a confident smile.
Two small dimples appeared on her cheeks.
---