I Slay Gods and Demons in the Deceit Night

High Willow City, the southern district of the outer city, Linjiang Square.

On the plaque above the gate, the characters were clear, etched with iron hooks and silver strokes, three words inscribed: "Observatory."

Often, forces from various sides would call this place: "Linjiang Station."

According to the organization of the Observatory, the person at the helm was addressed as the Flag Commander; he was bestowed a commanding flag, and was required to report to Prefecture City, and register his name in the roster.

Under him, there were twelve individuals, known as junior flags, who received salaries but were not listed in the roster.

Additionally, there was one chief clerk responsible for managing documents and copying rosters, a person selected by the Outer South Bureau, which was in charge of the entire southern district.

As for others, such as the scribes, the warehouse manager, the mess hall, and the miscellaneous workers, they were arranged by each square division on their own, not interfered by the Outer South Bureau.

"A new Flag Commander for Linjiang Square has been decided upon."

Just then, a middle-aged man spoke in a low voice, "As expected, it's that 'Master' who assisted the Night Patrol in handling cases."

He was dressed in simple attire, exuding a scholarly air; he was the chief clerk selected by the Outer South Bureau three years ago.

But in the past three years, the position of Flag Commander of Linjiang Square had been vacant, with Liang Hu from Qingshan Square acting as a substitute.

At this moment, Liang Hu was seated in the chair of honor at the higher end, with a gentle smile on his face, yet he remained silent.

His gaze swept over the twelve junior flags below.

"Linjiang Square has always only had Flag Commander Liang." It was then that another middle-aged man asserted boldly.

"We only acknowledge Flag Commander Liang, not this so-called Master." A younger man spoke out loudly.

"Over the past three years, Flag Commander Liang has supervised both Qingshan and Linjiang Squares smoothly, with notable achievements."

Another young man said with conviction, "Who in the South Gate Command of the city, or the Square Chief of Linjiang, the Day Patrol or the Night Patrol, does not submit to him?"

"All the local powers, as well as the foreign merchant caravans from various places, aren't they all prospering under the guidance of Flag Commander Liang?"

"The Outer South Bureau arbitrarily replacing someone, wouldn't it throw the originally stable and prosperous Linjiang Square into chaos?"

"Chief Clerk Yang, you came down from the Outer South Bureau; you should understand the actual situation of Linjiang Square and report it accordingly."

Following that young man's remarks, the clerk beside him showed a calm expression, as if he had anticipated this situation.

Only then did Liang Hu speak up, rebuking, "Do not be impolite! Linjiang Square's peace and stability are not solely my Liang Hu's accomplishment; it's the result of the collective effort from all parties within Linjiang Square. This includes Chief Clerk Yang and all the junior flags..."

Having said that, he looked towards Chief Clerk Yang and added apologetically, "I apologize for my brothers' impoliteness just now, Chief Clerk Yang."

Chief Clerk Yang's expression was calm as he replied, "Flag Commander Liang is too serious."

Liang Hu nodded, then sighed, "However, you're also aware of Linjiang Square's situation. I, Liang Hu, am concerned that the new Flag Commander, being quite young, with shallow experience, may not be up to the task."

Chief Clerk Yang let out a breath and asked, "So, what are you suggesting, Flag Commander Liang?"

Liang Hu gestured a greeting with his hands and proposed, "I was considering staying for another year or half, to mentor this Master, to prevent him from mishandling affairs and causing errors in Linjiang Square. You know, these are troubled times..."

Chief Clerk Yang had a cold look as he said slowly, "If the new Flag Commander is willing, then there should be no problem."

Liang Hu laughed and replied, "No worries, I will discuss it with him. Just that some matters within Linjiang Square, when you report them, maybe you need not be too detailed."

Chief Clerk Yang lifted his gaze and finally understood.

The new Flag Commander had not yet arrived, and this play was performed first for him.

Liang Hu intended to dominate the new Flag Commander who was rumored to be Master, continuing to hold dual authority over the two squares.

But he was still cautious, hence he did not want Yang to report the full story to the Outer South Bureau.

"Regarding this matter..."

Before Chief Clerk Yang could finish, he noticed Liang Hu's smiling face suddenly stiffen.

Seeing this, he couldn't help but turn to look outside.

He was not a martial artist and didn't sense the commotion outside.

But he knew Liang Hu very well.

Given Liang Hu's reaction, there must be someone at the door, someone he did not wish to see.

All eyes converged on the entrance.

Then, they saw a figure, against the backdrop of the blazing sun, approaching slowly.

His black robe was adorned with golden threads, resplendent as the sunlight.

He was tall and upright, with an air of confidence.

A long saber hung on his left hip with a dark scabbard.

On his right, he carried a small crossbow with a quiver of arrows.

His demeanor was cold; his steps leisurely as he stepped over the threshold and entered the hall.

"Who goes there, daring to intrude upon Linjiang Station?"

```

A middle-aged man in the middle of the flags suddenly bellowed with an ice-cold tone.

"..."

The newcomer's gaze remained unchanged as he raised his left hand.

In his hand, he held a small flag inscribed with the words "Linjiang".

The expressions of everyone present remained unchanged.

Especially the middle-aged man who had just scolded, his eyes now held a trace of mockery.

In fact, when Lin Yan arrived, everyone recognized his identity by the distinctive robes of the Observatory's Flag Commander.

This scolding was simply indicative of Linjiang Station's attitude towards the new Flag Commander.

This attempt at intimidation was too crude... Chief Clerk Yang thought, and with a slight greeting, he said, "Chief Clerk Yang Wang of the Linjiang Station greets the Flag Commander."

This address also represented his stance.

Thus, Liang Hu and his twelve subordinates' expressions turned quite unsightly.

Especially among those twelve, several looked at him with anger in their eyes.

"Is this the Master?"

Liang Hu laughed once, sitting at the top, cupped his hands and said, "I am Liang Hu, Flag Commander of Qingshan Square and concurrently managing Linjiang Square for three years. Finally, a new Flag Commander has come to share some of my burdens. I'm truly glad."

Swinging his right hand, he ordered, "Why are you not hurrying to offer Master a seat?"

Immediately, one of the smaller flags brought over a chair, respectfully inviting the Master to sit down.

"..."

Lin Yan's expression was indifferent as he looked at the chair beside him, then raised his eyes to the main seat above.

He sighed, put away the Linjiang flag, and tucked it at his waist.

Then, he slowly extended his hand, and under everyone's watchful eyes, grasped the hilt of his knife.

Suddenly, a flash of light!

The knife was unsheathed!

The chair split in two!

The atmosphere in the room instantly turned tense.

And Lin Yan's knife, slowly shifting, pointed upwards, and he calmly said, "Come down from my seat!"

"Master, I've come here to assist you..."

Liang Hu began angrily, but suddenly felt a chill in his heart.

His gaze shifted slightly, and his voice grew softer and softer.

Because he clearly sensed the killing intent.

He also remembered the other's recent nickname.

In a daze, he felt a coldness enveloping his entire body.

It was as if a voice somewhere was telling him.

Either get down from there completely.

Or, keep sitting there, and your head will roll down.

"..."

Under the silent atmosphere.

Everyone suddenly felt a chill.

Even the twelve loyal to Liang Hu now felt this biting cold and wanted to speak out in support but found their bodies stiff.

This new Flag Commander was much more ruthless than the rumors suggested!

They all involuntarily looked towards Flag Commander Liang Hu but found that Liang Hu, under the direct aim of the knife's edge, had a very strange expression on his face.

The next moment, he slowly stood up.

And the hearts of the twelve flags sunk.

Liang Hu slowly moved aside, his face ashen.

Lin Yan, without sheathing his knife, simply holding it, walked to the main seat, slowly sat down, and looked down at everyone.

As his gaze swept over, no one dared to meet it. They all hung their heads and lowered their eyes, not daring to look directly.

Mere rabble... Lin Yan thought to himself, his gaze as usual, finally settling on Liang Hu seated at the lower left.

"Flag Commander Liang, what brings you to my Linjiang Station as a guest?"

```