Chapter 33: The Hero's Command

The magistrate of Yanggu County was a man in his forties, and by the standards of official selection in the Song Dynasty, he appeared to be a refined and handsome gentleman of his age. He wore the most ordinary long robe and sat at his desk with a cup of tea in hand. On the desk lay the black pouch Wang Liang had just delivered.

As Wang Liang entered, the magistrate slowly raised his head. Wang Liang noticed a flicker of divine light in the man's eyes, followed by a sharp, shrewd look that quickly vanished. Every subtle change fell within Wang Liang’s observation. He surmised that the hint of divine light was the manifestation of the official’s fortune and power, probing whether Wang Liang harbored any hostile intent. The fleeting shrewdness, however, was the true nature of the Yanggu magistrate. To have held his post for so long in such a dangerous place and managed everything so thoroughly, he could not possibly be a fool.

Wang Liang respectfully bowed and stood aside, waiting for the magistrate’s inquiry.

The magistrate, seeing Wang Liang’s impeccable manners, sighed inwardly and pushed the black pouch forward.

“This item was meant for Little Yi. It bears my personal seal. If he did not willingly give it to you, you would not have been able to hold it safely. Can you tell me what happened to him?”

Wang Liang promptly recounted everything from his time at the tavern onwards. He included the departure of two men who seemed to be tiger hunters, the incident at Demon Ridge, and the initial attempt to seek refuge at the Temple of the Mountain God, where they faced a terrifying assault. Wang Liang described how he protected the corpulent merchant Wang Yi and fought their way out, only for Wang Yi to perish on the road despite escaping Demon Ridge. He spared no detail.

The magistrate listened in silence, never interrupting—not even when Wang Liang paused to recall particulars. When the tale was finished, the magistrate nodded. “I understand the matter. What, then, made you change your mind and come to me?”

Wang Liang showed no embarrassment. His reluctance to meet the magistrate had been evident from the start; he had no hidden intentions. When the magistrate posed the question, Wang Liang simply placed Ximen Qing’s personal seal on the table.

Upon seeing the seal, a glint flashed in the magistrate’s eyes—he was surely tempted by Ximen Qing’s estate. Yet he wondered why Wang Liang had sought him out, knowing that many in the county coveted the inheritance.

“I spoke with Master Lu. I imagine these past days he has been busy preparing for the assault on Demon Ridge. Whether targeting bandits or monsters, such an operation requires the deployment of troops, and all the logistics must be managed properly. As for grain, I cannot intervene. Concerning medicinal supplies…”

Wang Liang paused here, watching the magistrate’s expression.

The magistrate understood; Wang Liang was seeking a legitimate pretext—one that would allow him to participate in the campaign against Demon Ridge. Moreover, his demands were not insignificant.

“The matter of attacking Demon Ridge has indeed been discussed between City God Lu and myself. This time, we must conquer the demon-infested ridge and bring peace to the people of Yanggu County. Your willingness to take part is certainly welcome. Let me draft an order: I hereby conscript you as a righteous volunteer for Yanggu County, granting you the right to participate in the campaign against Demon Ridge. You are permitted to recruit a hundred volunteers, bringing your own provisions, weapons, and arrows.

To ensure your fighting strength, you are authorized to recruit dark forces—the likes of thieves, wanderers, ghosts, monsters, ancestral spirits, and similar beings. During the county’s defense, these beings may freely operate within Yanggu. Enemies defeated in battle grant you first rights to one-third of the spoils; anything more must be purchased. All merit will be overseen by the Heavenly Dao, so you need not worry—no merit will be withheld. After the campaign, rewards will be granted according to the standards for regular militia; outstanding service may earn an official military post…”

As he spoke, the magistrate wrote swiftly on a sheet of paper. At the end, he looked up at Wang Liang. “Is there anything you’d like to add?”

“Supply issues before and after the campaign.”

“That, I can only grant you a limited purchase order. Supplies are scarce; to requisition more from elsewhere would take too long. We must ensure the regular militia is provided for first.”

The magistrate quickly added this clause, then produced his official seal and pressed it down firmly.

Wang Liang noticed that, as the seal met the paper, a faint golden glow emanated from the otherwise ordinary sheet. It felt much like the time he received the Thunder Department’s decree from the Celestial Master—a mysterious power now protected him.

He carefully read the order twice, then thanked the magistrate.

The magistrate said nothing further, pushing the black pouch toward Wang Liang.

“Take this as well. Do not bring it before me again, or my household will be distressed.”

He cast a wary glance toward the rear courtyard, as if afraid someone might burst forth.

Wang Liang understood exactly to whom the magistrate referred. He had no intention of meddling in another’s family affairs. After stowing the pouch and the order, he took his leave.

As he stepped out the main gate of the county office, Wang Liang noticed shadows lurking nearby. He could see Full Garden of Fortune and Longevity had been keeping a close watch on the proceedings. Yet the official aura around the county office was so strong, he could not remain fully present and had to rely on instinct, hiding in the darkness and waiting for Wang Liang.

Wang Liang had not forgotten the matter with the three ghost cultivators. He beckoned to the shadows, leading them back to their usual gathering spot—a secluded alley where even at noon, sunlight was scarce.

Upon arrival, Reckless Ghost and Penny-Pinching Ghost had already joined them.

Wang Liang took out the magistrate’s order and showed it. “What do you think?”

After reading the order, Reckless Ghost declared, “Count me in! Righteous volunteers—I'll do it.”

“Me too.”

“And me. Besides, I know a Ghost King from the mass grave, who commands five vengeful spirits of considerable strength. I can bring him along.”

Hearing this, Wang Liang grew curious. “Don’t you have Yin soldiers? Can they fill the ranks?”