After Lu Mingfang reset the identity jade plate, he handed it back to Zhang Yuhe and reminded him,"You must arrive in Cloud City within a month and complete the handover with the current town guard disciples."
Zhang Yuhe nodded. "Is Senior Brother Ming here?"
"The town guard, Ming, is inside the mansion."
The current town guard of Yunzhong Mansion, Ming Fuqian, had yet to complete the formal handover. Technically, he was still in charge.
"Lead the way," Zhang Yuhe said.
Under the guidance of a golden-armored monk, Zhang Yuhe soon arrived at the mountaintop.
There stood a magnificent mansion, perched quietly atop the peak. Engraved above the grand gate were the solemn characters: Yunzhong Town Guard Mansion.
At that moment, a plump young monk strolled out of the building.
"Ah, this must be the new junior town guard. I've been expecting you."
"I've seen Senior Brother Ming," Zhang Yuhe greeted respectfully.
"Come in, Junior Brother. I'll walk you through the situation here in Yunzhong Mansion."
With enthusiasm, Ming Fuqian led Zhang Yuhe through the gate and into the mansion.
They soon settled in the inner hall, where several elegant maids arrived, offering tea and fruit desserts. Once they departed, Ming Fuqian smiled and asked,"You seem unfamiliar. What's your name, Junior Brother?"
Zhang Yuhe replied politely, "Senior Brother, my name is Zhang Yuhe. I joined the inner sect about a hundred years ago."
"A hundred years ago… Zhang Yuhe…" Ming Fuqian tapped his fingers lightly on the table, as if trying to recall something. Suddenly, realization dawned on him.
"You're the disciple who joined the sect a hundred years ago using a token!"
"Yes, that's me," Zhang Yuhe said, slightly embarrassed.
Although none of the people he'd met recognized him personally, they all seemed to know his name. Clearly, his background set him apart from other inner disciples.
Zhang Yuhe took the identity jade card and responded respectfully, "Yes."
Lu Mingfang nodded and handed over another jade slip."This contains important information regarding your responsibilities as a town guard. Review it carefully."
Before Zhang Yuhe could speak, Lu Mingfang's tone turned serious.
"When an inner disciple takes on the role of town guard, they must uphold the prestige of the Dao Holy Sect. Be vigilant of the Demon God Sect. If you discover any trace of them, report it immediately. Anyone found colluding with the Demon God Sect is considered a traitor to humanity and must be executed without mercy."
"The Demon God Sect is pervasive. Since this is your first appointment as a town guard, be especially cautious. If you encounter any issues beyond your ability, report them to the sect at once."
Zhang Yuhe stood by and listened attentively, nodding from time to time.
"I'll take my leave now. If anything arises, I'll contact you through the identity jade plate."
After finishing his instructions, Lu Mingfang turned into a streak of light and disappeared into the distance.
Zhang Yuhe held the jade slip and stood silently in thought.
According to historical records, demons had invaded Yufantian 100,000 years ago, triggering a war that lasted centuries. In the end, the Dao Holy Sect had led the charge to repel the invaders.
But the war hadn't eradicated the threat. Though repulsed, many demons had survived, going into hiding across Yufantian. Even after 100,000 years, the Dao Holy Sect had been unable to eliminate them completely.
Worse still, remnants of the demon clan had incited the locals to form the Demon God Sect, leading to the worship of the Demon God—and their power had been steadily growing ever since.
Zhang Yuhe often saw discussions about the Demon God Sect on the chat channel and on Skynet, the information network of the Blue Star Immortal Cultivation Alliance.
Clearly, the Demon God Sect and its demon allies were still active, making trouble and threatening the dominance of the Dao Holy Sect. That explained why Lu Mingfang had emphasized their threat—it was possible that the Demon God Sect might stir up trouble in Yunzhong Mansion during Zhang Yuhe's tenure.
"I just hope it doesn't interfere with my cultivation," Zhang Yuhe thought.
To him, this assignment was merely a change of scenery for his cultivation. If troublemakers showed up, he'd simply eliminate them. If they proved too strong, he'd retreat and call for backup.
Back at his pavilion, Zhang Yuhe packed his belongings, then transformed into a stream of light and flew toward the sect's mountain gate. As he flew, he reviewed the jade slip.
The responsibilities of a town guard disciple were clear: monitor the region and maintain the order established by the Dao Holy Sect.
First, prevent rule-breaking and ensure adherence to sect laws.
Second, watch for any affiliations with the Demon Race or the Demon God Sect. Those discovered to be in collusion were to be eliminated without hesitation.
Clearly, the Dao Holy Sect regarded these factions as their greatest threat. Tracking the Demon Race and Demon God Sect was the highest priority.
As for the native powers in the region, they were of secondary concern. Their roots were deep, and should they step out of line, they would face swift retribution from the sect.
In essence, town guard disciples only needed to monitor local forces and remain alert for any demon-related activity. Aside from that, they were free to focus on cultivation at the mansion.
Zhang Yuhe activated the Heavenly Desolate Flying Immortal Technique. His figure moved like an immortal streaking across the sky, his speed astonishingly fast.
He quickly exited the Dao Holy Sect's territory. Upon reaching Zhongzhou City, he didn't linger. He presented his identity jade card and used the teleportation array to travel to Hezhou, and from there to Yunzhongfu City.
This time, he neither had to pay nor wait in line. As an inner disciple of the Dao Holy Sect, he enjoyed countless privileges—free teleportation was the least of them.
"Back again," he murmured.
Stepping out of Cloud City's teleportation hall and taking in the familiar surroundings, Zhang Yuhe couldn't help but sigh.
A hundred years ago, he had merely passed through Cloud City before leaving via teleportation. Now, he returned with a new identity.
"Let's head to the Town Guard Mansion and complete the handover. The current town guard disciples are probably eager to leave."
According to Lu Mingfang, the previous guard was close to a breakthrough and needed to return to the sect for seclusion. That was why Zhang Yuhe had been assigned here.
Serving as a town guard didn't require remaining on-site for a full hundred years. Short departures were allowed, provided they weren't excessive. For extended absences, the sect would send a replacement. Any unfinished tenure would be made up later.
Zhang Yuhe soared toward the town guard mansion. Though air travel was forbidden within Cloud City for most cultivators, that restriction didn't apply to him. As the town guard envoy, he was exempt from the city's flight prohibition.
To the north of Cloud City, a solitary peak rose into the sky, with a winding stone path leading to its summit. Atop the mountain stood the Cloud Town Guard Mansion.
As Zhang Yuhe passed the foot of the mountain, a loud shout rang out.
"Who goes there?!"
A squad of golden-armored monks dashed down the path, summoning their magical weapons as they eyed Zhang Yuhe warily.
In response, Zhang Yuhe retrieved his identity jade card and tossed it forward. The card enlarged dramatically, and brilliant golden characters blazed across the sky:
[Yunzhongfu Town Guard]
"I've seen the Keeper!"
Upon seeing the plaque, the golden-armored monks immediately bowed and greeted him with deference.