Chapter 147: A Form of Protection! But Why So Happy?

Although Zhang the Butcher’s aura was formidable, who was Lin Yi? Just considering the countless times Lin Yi had traversed the mysterious realm of “Nerve Severance,” he had encountered far more overwhelming energies than Zhang the Butcher’s. The repelling aura of Pang Han from “Nerve Severance” was something Lin Yi had felt countless times!

Previously, Lin Yi’s spirit had been pushed to its limits under the dual assault of the enchantress Zhang Fang and the mermaid demon, combined with the “Nerve Severance” realm. Thus, the energies Zhang the Butcher wielded failed to shake Lin Yi as profoundly as Zhang imagined.

A full minute passed, and Zhang the Butcher felt his strength beginning to wane, yet Lin Yi remained unscathed. With a snap, Zhang the Butcher’s cigarette dropped to the floor. Finally, he waved his hand dismissively. “Get out.”

Lin Yi chuckled softly, immediately nodding. “Goodbye, Director Ding. Goodbye, Chief Zhang.” With that, he turned and left.

Outside, Lin Yi retrieved his phone. He had long known that although the badge was an AI-powered big data system with evolving calculations and autonomous intelligence, ultimately, Zhang the Butcher’s word was final.

Just moments ago, after Zhang the Butcher had given him his assignments, his phone had already buzzed. The call wasn’t a private contact but a task notification from the AI big data system — presumably the orders Zhang the Butcher mentioned.

Though Zhang the Butcher’s chest bore no badge, his flamboyant shorts certainly did. Lin Yi doubted any human could process such tasks so swiftly.

The assignments made clear that Lin Yi was responsible not only for the first level of the demon prison, the Dingzi Zone, but also for the second level, the Bingzi Zone.

Shortly after Lin Yi closed the office door behind him, Director Ding Junjie’s expression grew astonished. He stared at the door, then turned to Zhang the Butcher. “Chief Zhang, Lin Yi is incredibly strong. Even I can’t withstand your aura, yet he endures it with ease. Either his mind is exceptionally resolute, or his consciousness and soul are extraordinarily solid... and your aura targets the spirit and soul.”

Zhang the Butcher nodded gravely, no longer displaying his usual coarse demeanor. “Exactly. To be powerful, one’s consciousness and soul must be unyielding. That’s why spirit cultivators can easily improve their physicality, yet those without strong consciousness cannot advance quickly or break through limits. Lin Yi is extraordinary — no wonder he’s the greatest prodigy, able to exchange blows with Wang Tiandi below the master level. His future achievements are limitless.”

Ding Junjie was shocked; he had never heard Zhang the Butcher praise anyone. He recalled a few years back when a genius named Huang Feijie had appeared in the Paranormal Investigation Bureau. Others praised Huang, but Zhang predicted he wouldn’t become a true prodigy. Indeed, Huang, though possessing an A-level potential, had only progressed from a D-level to a B-level expert — far inferior to Lin Yi.

Ding Junjie’s eyes flickered. “I wonder what Lin Yi’s true potential is... Surely it can’t be some trash F-level. I’d guess at least—”

Zhang the Butcher cut in, “At least S-level, maybe higher. I’ve increased his responsibilities to urge faster growth. Now that he’s in the spotlight, better to have him busy with chores in the demon prison, reducing his outings. It’s a form of protection. I hope he doesn’t resent it.”

Ding Junjie nodded. “Hopefully Lin Yi understands the intentions behind Chief Zhang and Director Lin’s decisions. Outside, the red mist obscures all; strange incidents will surely increase. With so many demons and spirits around, Lin Yi might attract unwanted attention.”

Meanwhile, Lin Yi was thrilled examining his assignments. If Zhang the Butcher and Ding Junjie saw his expression, they’d be stunned again — they never expected Lin Yi to be happy about having more chores rather than frustrated.

Lin Yi was unaware that the apparent bullying had been a deliberate arrangement among Zhang the Butcher, Ding Junjie, Lin Tianming, An Yingxiong, and Master Mu.

Lin Yi’s talent had become widely known; no demon or spirit would ignore him. Thus, keeping him busy inside the demon prison and limiting his excursions was a protective measure.

If necessary, Zhang the Butcher thought Lin Yi should remain inside the prison indefinitely until he grew stronger.

Two zones, many tasks — for an ordinary employee, it was grueling. With a hundred rooms per zone and one hundred demons per zone, that meant two hundred demons total.

Just feeding the demons and completing other tasks would consume at least ten hours a day, not counting special needs like moving rooms or meal breaks.

All told, time spent inside the demon prison would be around thirteen to fourteen hours daily.

But for Lin Yi, this was a blessing.

He realized that his workload was indeed heavier than that of other Paranormal Investigation Bureau employees. For example, veterans said that killing one demon per day was standard.

Lin Yi’s quota was ten demons daily, with specific, orderly procedures — no reckless slaughter. The task required stripping the skin intact, removing eyes carefully, extracting the skull without any flesh or blood contamination.

Killing a single demon took at least an hour.

Lin Yi’s task list demanded ten demon kills.

Each detail was meticulously recorded.

For instance, in room 16 of the first floor Dingzi zone, he was to slay a python demon, ensuring every scale remained intact when removed.

“No, I underestimated the time. Five demons on the first floor, five on the second. Even with my experience and familiarity, each kill will take about half an hour,” Lin Yi mused.

“Ten demons mean five hours, plus feeding, observation, and maintaining the prison rooms — I’ll be here for twenty hours a day.”

His initial excitement faded into a slight frown at the long hours. Yet he resolved that he’d simply not leave for now, bringing his parents here and focusing on cultivating within the demon prison.

Ten demons offered ample opportunity for him to reap benefits; on second thought, the workload wasn’t so bad.

With a bright expression, Lin Yi headed toward the Dingzi zone.

Zhang the Butcher pulled a tablet from behind his flashy shorts and opened it to view surveillance feeds.

With rapid taps, he quickly located Lin Yi’s position.

Before enlarging the image, Zhang the Butcher remarked to Ding Junjie, “The task was pushed through the AI system. There’s no way Lin Yi won’t be shocked by it. He was so cocky earlier — time to teach him a lesson.”

Ding Junjie smirked — this was the Zhang the Butcher he knew.

Earlier, he’d thought Zhang was a different man when hearing his praise for Lin Yi.

True to character, Zhang sought payback.

Soon, Ding Junjie noticed Zhang’s expression darken. Standing beside him, he realized Zhang was no longer smiling.

His gaze shifted to the monitor.

On screen, Lin Yi was joyfully marching toward the Dingzi zone, showing no signs of discomfort despite the long hours and confinement.

What was going on with Lin Yi?

Most demon prison staff would be terrified by such an assignment, yet Lin Yi was gleeful.

Ding Junjie rubbed his eyes to confirm what he was seeing.

“Must be a mistake... How can this kid not feel any discomfort? So happy, too... Could it be he already knows this is a form of protection?”