The Carp Demon held the prefect's token, commanding a group of officials at the government office.

    Yet his anxiety lingered, and an ominous premonition grew stronger.

    He suspiciously glanced around but found nothing unusual.

    "What's wrong?" asked the Green Fish Spirit who accompanied him.

    The Carp Demon replied, "I feel unsettled."

    The Green Fish Spirit chuckled, "Afraid? With us here, there's no need. In knowledge, we pale before you. But in cultivation? Killing three brats and protecting you is effortless."

    The Crab Spirit added, "Rest assured. Since you carry the Great King's decree, we'll protect you even at the cost of our lives."

    Somewhat comforted, the Carp Demon relaxed.

    Indeed!

    Why worry? Though formidable, the enemy couldn't match their strength. These demons beside him were the Great King's elite subordinates, each exceptionally powerful.

    His tension eased.

    "Perhaps I'm overreacting," he sighed. "Moreover, the thieves haven't appeared for days—maybe they fled. My rash vow to capture them... If I fail, the Great King's punishment will be severe."

    Suddenly, he noticed a short official approaching.

    The ill-fitting uniform hung loosely on the figure.

    Odd at first glance.

    As they passed each other, the Carp Demon turned abruptly, "Halt! Show your—"

    Before he finished, the "official" blurred into motion. A vise-like grip locked onto his arm. "INTRUDERS IN THE COMPOUND!" he shrieked, pupils contracting.

    The surrounding demons startled.

    "Audacious vermin!" roared the Green Fish Spirit, ready to strike—

    —only to gape as both the Carp Demon and Jiangliu sank into the ground, vanishing without trace.

    "Where?!"

    The demons panicked, searching frantically. Humiliation burned their faces.

    They'd boasted moments ago, yet their charge disappeared under their noses!

    ......

    Disoriented, the Carp Demon blinked at the spectral wasteland.

    Thick yin energy swirled like mist. Even as a centuries-old demon, he shivered under the bone-chilling aura assaulting his very essence.

    "Am I dead? Is this the underworld?!"

    "Not dead. I brought you here." Jiangliu's voice froze his blood.

    The demon stared at the youth in oversized uniform—the killer of Shrimp, Loach, and Clam Spirits!

    "Where are the imprisoned Land, Mountain, and River Deities?"

    "What is your Great King's origin?"

    "Where is Liu Hong?"

    Jiangliu stated coldly, "Answer these three questions, and your death will be swift."

    The Carp Demon's eye twitched. Swift death? This brat thought him helpless? Though wary of the sword techniques, he refused to cower.

    Snapping open his fan, he sneered, "I surpass those weaklings you slew. Attacking alone? Reckless folly!"

    He surged forward in a whirlwind of demonic energy—

    —as Jiangliu summoned the Huntian Zhenhai Sword and Diamond Demon-Subduing Pestle.

    Left hand forming seals, the hovering blade split into a dozen watery duplicates.

    The Carp Demon paled, his energy faltering.

    He shattered one sword with his fan, smashed another with a palm strike, dodged several more—

    —then screamed as his fan shattered against an oncoming blade.

    Thud!

    A sword pierced his collarbone, pinning him. Another sealed his dantian. Tendons in his limbs severed, he collapsed.

    Yet none of this mattered compared to the primary blade—

    —the Huntian Zhenhai Sword hovering at his forehead, poised to extinguish his consciousness.

    Gone was the scholar's poise. Trembling, he stammered, "Y-you... what ties do you have with the Dragon Palace?!"

    Jiangliu raised an eyebrow, "You recognize this blade? A gift from an elder who received it from the South Sea Dragon King himself."

    The Carp Demon disbelieved—yet the sword's aura was undeniable.

    Choking on blood, he wheezed, "Had you shown this earlier, I'd have answered! Why delay?!"

    "You fear it?"

    "All aquatic demons kneel before its dra