A Compendium of One Hundred Demons: My Path to Immortality in a World of Demons and Monsters

"Young Master Xu, two hours have passed." Uncle Fu's voice came from downstairs.

Xu Yuan put away the iron sheet, straightened his clothes, and then went downstairs.

When Uncle Fu saw him, a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes: "Young Master Xu seems to have... made some progress?"

"Some gains have been made." Xu Yuan didn't say more.

"The young lady is waiting for you in the flower hall. She says she has something important to discuss with you."

In the flower hall, Shen Qingyi was talking to a man dressed in black, while the old village chief sat awkwardly to the side.

Upon seeing Xu Yuan enter, Shen Qingyi introduced him, "Xu Yuan, this is Chief Clerk Zhao from the Demon Suppression Division. Chief Clerk Zhao, this is Xu Yuan whom I mentioned to you."

This person was none other than the Registrar Zhao whom we had met at the Demon Suppression Office yesterday. However, he had changed his demeanor this time, no longer as lazy and perfunctory as yesterday, but instead seriously scrutinizing Xu Yuan.

"Blood Refinement Level 3?" Chief Clerk Zhao raised an eyebrow. "Boy, you were only at Level 2 yesterday."

"I was lucky; I managed to break through by sheer chance," Xu Yuan said calmly.

Zhao, the registrar, stared at him for a long time, then suddenly laughed: "Good lad, I misjudged you."

After saying that, he suppressed his smile and said in a deep voice, "This morning, I sent two of my men to investigate, and they just sent word—"

Upon hearing this, Xu Yuan's heart tightened.

"There is indeed demonic energy in the back mountain of Shuangshan Village, and... it's very strong!" Chief Clerk Zhao said solemnly. "Based on the secret methods of our Demon Suppression Division, it is very likely that the tiger demon will break free from its seal on the night of the full moon seven days from now. At that time, I'm afraid not only your village, but the surrounding dozens of miles will suffer."

"What should we do, sir..." Xu Laogen said anxiously from the side.

Registrar Zhao shook his head: "To tell you the truth, the Demon Suppression Division of Qingyang County can only mobilize five people, including myself, three of whom are newcomers who have just entered the Blood Refining Realm!"

Xu Laogen's face immediately turned deathly pale.

"However," Zhao, the registrar, changed the subject, "I have already reported this matter to the prefectural city, and the prefectural city's demon-suppressing department has agreed to send a demon-suppressing envoy at the Condensation Realm, who will arrive no later than... six days later."

Six days! Xu Yuan's heart sank. The full moon was seven days later. The timing was too tight.

"If the demon-suppressing envoy fails to arrive in time, what are the chances of killing the tiger demon with the current manpower?" Xu Yuan asked.

Registrar Zhao held up three fingers: "Thirty percent, provided that the tiger demon's strength is damaged after breaking the seal."

Xu Yuan remained silent. A 30% chance of success was too low!

"Is there no other way?" Xu Laogen asked in a trembling voice.

Zhao, the registrar, glanced at Xu Yuan and suddenly said, "Boy, you can devour the flesh and blood of mountain spirits without dying, so your physique must be somewhat special. If you can break through to the fourth level of Blood Refining within six days and fully temper your bones and muscles, perhaps... you can be of some help."

Xu Yuan's eyes narrowed: "Please enlighten me, Registrar."

Zhao, the registrar, took out a thin book from his bosom and tossed it to Xu Yuan: "This is a book called 'Blood Fiend Blade Technique' that I obtained when I served in the border army in my early years. Although it is a rudimentary martial art used in the army, it is effective in actual combat and quick to show results. If you can master it, you will have more power to protect yourself when facing the tiger demon."

Xu Yuan accepted the booklet: "Thank you, Registrar."

"Don't thank me too soon." Chief Clerk Zhao sneered. "I'll give you the sword technique, but you'll have to find your own cultivation resources. The Demon Suppression Division is dirt poor right now and doesn't have any extra pills for you."

Shen Qingyi suddenly spoke up: "Regarding resources, the Shen family might be able to help. Xu Yuan, what do you need?"

Xu Yuan pondered for a moment: "Qi and blood pills, or... the flesh and blood of demonic beasts."

Shen Qingyi pondered for a moment: "The Shen family still has some Qi and Blood Pills in their storeroom, as for demon beast flesh and blood..." She looked at Registrar Zhao, "Registrar Zhao, I heard that the Demon Suppression Division hunted a demon beast outside the city last month?"

Clerk Zhao's eyes lit up: "That's true. That Ironhorned Sheep was a first-tier demon soldier, and it took a lot of effort to kill it. There's still a lot of meat left in the yamen's ice cellar. If you need it, I can sell it to you—of course, you'll have to pay!"

Xu Yuan touched his pocket and found only a few taels of silver.

Shen Qingyi smiled and said, "I'll cover the money for you first, Xu Yuan. You just focus on your cultivation. I'll bring people to accompany you back to Shuangshan Village in six days."

Xu Yuan was taken aback: "Miss Shen, this is too dangerous..."

"The Shen family has a long-standing cooperative relationship with the Demon Suppression Bureau, so I naturally have to represent the Shen family in such an important matter as hunting tiger demons." Shen Qingyi's tone was calm, yet carried an undeniable firmness. "Moreover, although I am not skilled in martial arts, I have some knowledge of formations, which may be of some help."

Registrar Zhao nodded, saying, "Miss Shen is right. Dealing with the tiger demon requires more than just brute force; a formation is indeed necessary." He paused, then looked at Xu Yuan, "However, Miss Shen's status is noble, and for her to personally risk her life like this, you certainly have a lot of influence!"

The atmosphere in the flower hall suddenly became subtle after Zhao, the registrar, finished speaking.

Xu Yuan held the thin booklet "Blood Fiend Blade Technique" in his hand, his gaze sweeping over Shen Qingyi and Zhao Zhubu's faces, his mind racing.

There's no such thing as a free lunch, a principle he understood all too well, especially in this chaotic world of demons and monsters.

"Miss Shen, Registrar Zhao," Xu Yuan said slowly, "I will always remember your kindness, but I wonder... what do you two need me to do?"

Zhao, the registrar, and Shen Qingyi exchanged a glance, a hint of approval flashing in their eyes. This young man was not only exceptionally talented, but also insightful. He wasn't the kind of naive youth who thought everyone in the world should help him for free.

"Excellent!" Chief Clerk Zhao picked up his teacup and took a sip. "Then I'll be frank. The Demon Suppression Division will take care of the matter of the tiger demon in Shuangshan Village, and the Shen family will also provide assistance. But in exchange, you will need to stay in the city to help defend it when the Xiongnu invade the south."

"A defensive aid?" Xu Yuan frowned slightly. "I'm only at the third level of Blood Refinement. How much of a role can I play on the battlefield?"

"Don't underestimate yourself." Shen Qingyi took over the conversation, her voice calm yet carrying a convincing analysis, "You devoured the flesh and blood of the mountain spirit and survived, single-handedly killed more than ten bandits, and were able to reach the third level of Blood Refinement from scratch in just a few days—such talent and opportunities are far beyond what ordinary people can compare to."

She paused, then continued, "More importantly, you seem to have a special way of dealing with evil spirits. The Xiongnu army often has shaman priests who are skilled at controlling spirits and casting spells. Ordinary martial artists find these methods quite troublesome, but you... might be exactly the person we need."

Xu Yuan was slightly shocked. So that's how it is. They valued his ability to deal with demons and evil spirits.

Chief Clerk Zhao added at the opportune moment: "Of course, we won't let you work for nothing. During the defense of the city, the armory in the city will be open to you. You can choose the weapons and armor that suit you. If you make meritorious contributions, you will be rewarded according to military regulations. We will never treat you unfairly."

Xu Yuan was silent for a moment, then asked, "When will the Xiongnu arrive?"

"Scouts report that the vanguard has crossed Black Wind Ridge and will reach Qingyang City within ten days." Clerk Zhao's expression was grave. "This is why the magistrate ordered martial law and kept the city gates tightly closed. The garrison in Qingyang County numbers no more than five hundred, plus household guards and able-bodied men, barely a thousand. But the Xiongnu vanguard has at least three thousand cavalry!"

Three thousand against one thousand, cavalry against infantry—the disparity in strength is self-evident.

Xu Yuan looked at the old village chief, Xu Laogen, whose eyes were filled with despair—the village was facing imminent demonic calamity, and the county town was also in grave danger. He didn't know how to lead the villagers to survive.

"I agree," Xu Yuan finally nodded, "but on two conditions."