Chapter 636 - 176: The Third Layer of the Vajra Undying Body, Attaining the True Essence of "Undying

Chapter 636: Chapter 176: The Third Layer of the Vajra Undying Body, Attaining the True Essence of "Undying

South City, Qing Province. The Demon Suppression Bureau.

The towering black structure loomed like a colossal beast in Profound Armor, crouching amidst the bustling city.

Its murderous aura was bone-chillingly cold, a sight that could make one’s heart pound with fear.

The Demon Suppression Bureau was the sharp sword that maintained peace in Qing Province, with people constantly coming and going—

Either Demon Suppression Guards clad in Profound Armor, rushing about.

Or spies from various regions, riding hard day and night to report on bizarre cases.

Chu Fan, dressed in a simple and unassuming blue gown, slowly stepped across the tall, heavy threshold of the Demon Suppression Bureau.

The Demon Suppression Guards he encountered along the way stopped in their tracks, cupping their fists in respectful salute.

Several Demon Suppression Captains also smiled and nodded upon seeing him, their gazes filled with a hint of approval.

Ever since the battle at the Burial Demon Marsh, Chu Fan’s prestige within the Demon Suppression Bureau had soared, and now, everyone knew his name.

With a peaceful expression and a faint smile, he nodded back in acknowledgment to each person, never breaking his stride as he walked directly toward the assembly hall.

Just as he arrived before the two heavy bronze doors of the assembly hall, the doors were slowly pushed open from within.

A young man dressed in a snow-white brocade robe strode out, a piece of exquisite, creamy-white jade hanging from his waist. He was followed by two middle-aged guards whose auras were as deep and still as an abyss.

Chu Fan paused for a moment, his gaze sweeping coolly over the young man’s face.

The youth was uncommonly handsome, yet he carried an inborn arrogance, as if he were of imperial descent.

As he walked past Chu Fan, he didn’t even spare him a glance, acting as if Chu Fan were nothing more than a forgotten weed by the roadside.

In the instant they brushed past each other, a faint, elegant fragrance lingered in the air, then vanished.

’Zhang Tianyu...’

As the trio receded into the distance, Chu Fan turned his head slightly to watch their departing figures, his mind racing.

’This is the young master of the Zhang Family, one of the three great families of Qing Province. He’s also the elder brother of the late Zhang Ling’Er.’

’What is he doing here at the Demon Suppression Bureau?’

’The Zhang Family has always been insufferably arrogant, looking down on everyone. Even when dealing with the Government Office, they’re typically condescending and domineering.’

’And now, the relationship between the Zhang Family and the Demon Suppression Bureau is particularly... delicate.’

’I really didn’t expect to run into him here.’

Pushing his thoughts aside, he crossed the assembly hall and made his way with practiced ease to the private study of Demon Suppression Envoy Leng Qingqiu.

He gently pushed the door open. A refined, tranquil fragrance wafted out, a stark contrast to the murderous aura outside, instantly calming his mind.

Inside the room, Leng Qingqiu was seated behind a zitan wood desk. She wore a floor-length purple dress that complemented her cold, stunning, and noble aura. With a languid expression, she toyed with a lustrous jade slip in her hand.

Demon Suppression Captain Nangong Yue stood at her side, her brow slightly furrowed. The two of them appeared to be discussing something important.

Hearing the door open, both looked up at the same time.

Seeing that it was Chu Fan, a flash of surprise appeared in Leng Qingqiu’s phoenix eyes, which were as clear and cold as a winter pond. She then curled her lip into a half-smile. "Well now, what a rare guest. You vanish for over a month without a single word. Where did you run off to enjoy yourself?"

Beside them, Nangong Yue raised an eyebrow, her gaze sweeping over Chu Fan from head to toe, as if trying to discern something—

whether he was injured, or if his cultivation had improved.

"You jest, My Lord." Chu Fan smiled wryly and offered a cupped-fist salute. "There was no enjoyment to be had. I’ve spent this time more like an Ascetic Monk, having found a quiet, secluded place for closed-door cultivation. The moment I emerged, I rushed here to report back to you."

He paused, then asked in a seemingly casual tone, "By the way, I ran into Zhang Tianyu at the entrance just now. Do you know what business brought him to the Demon Suppression Bureau?"

"Hm?"

Leng Qingqiu’s languid expression tensed. Her eyes narrowed slowly, a scrutinizing light glinting within them. "You recognize Zhang Tianyu?"

A faint smile touched Chu Fan’s lips, but he didn’t elaborate.

’How could I not recognize him?’

’After completing the Refinement of the Zhang Family Ancestor’s Soul Division, I sifted through all of that old Demon’s memories.’

’Deep within that old Demon’s memories, I’ve seen this so-called "Qilin’Er" of the Zhang Family countless times.’

’I even know every last embarrassing detail of the trouble Zhang Tianyu caused in his childhood.’

Seeing that he didn’t answer, Leng Qingqiu didn’t press the matter and said nonchalantly, "That Zhang Tianyu came for his sister, Zhang Ling’Er."

"Some time ago, Zhang Ling’Er, the eldest daughter of the Zhang Family, was murdered. Not even her bones were left behind. The incident caused a massive uproar throughout Qing Province, and now everyone knows about it."

"The entire Zhang Family has been frantically using all their resources to hunt for the murderer. They, along with the smaller families sworn to them, have practically turned Qing Province upside down without rest."

"And yet, to this day, they still haven’t found a single useful clue. There’s been no progress at all."

As she said this, a mocking smile touched the corners of Leng Qingqiu’s mouth. "The Zhang Family has always been arrogant and conceited. Now that they know the Demon Suppression Bureau is investigating them in secret, they would absolutely never want to ask us for help."

"But Zhang Tianyu and his sister were born from the same mother and shared a very deep bond. Since he can’t find any leads on his own, he has no choice but to swallow his pride and come to the Demon Suppression Bureau to post a bounty for assistance."

"I see." Chu Fan nodded calmly, his expression serene, as if he were merely listening to some martial world gossip that had nothing to do with him. Inwardly, however, he was sneering.

’Investigate?’

’They can turn all of Qing Province upside down, and they’ll still never trace it back to me.’

He didn’t reply, but simply cast a meaningful glance at Nangong Yue.

That single look was enough to instantly ignite Nangong Yue’s fiery temper.

"What are you looking at me for?!"

Nangong Yue’s almond-shaped eyes flew open wide and her willow-like brows shot up as she roared, "If you have something to say, then say it! Or do you think I’m in the way? Afraid I’ll overhear some precious secret of yours?"