Chapter 43: Special Treatment—The Birth of a Deformed Demon Fox

“My hatred for monsters and demons is irreconcilable. I want to go to the Monster Prison, and I must work hard to reform those fiends, make them realize that killing for profit is wrong, and that murdering and eating people is unforgivable. Leave the monsters and demons in the Shengjing Branch to me. I volunteer to go to the Monster Prison and serve as a vanguard!”

This single declaration left everyone at a loss.

Wait a minute, Lin Yi—wake up! You could easily become a department leader, get yourself a comfortable position in logistics. Why insist on going to the prison? That place is crawling with monsters and demons—it’s a death sentence!

Suddenly, the previously unnoticed Tu Honglie stood up.

Just moments ago, because of Mu Yuqing, Tu Honglie had been dealt such a blow that he collapsed, dazed and unable to recover. Now, once again ignored by everyone and still fuming, he fixed his wide eyes on Lin Yi and let out a cold chuckle.

Such reckless arrogance could only lead to an early grave. How could anyone survive long in that Monster Prison?

He wasn’t about to waste his energy on a dead man.

Clenching his fists, Tu Honglie knew that from today on, he could only rely on himself.

Mu Yuqing, so you choose Lin Yi? I’ll make you regret it!

Saying nothing, Tu Honglie left straight away.

No one called after him—victors take all, and after consecutive humiliations, Tu Honglie probably didn’t have the face to remain at the Bureau of Paranormal Investigations.

Mu Yuqing narrowed her gaze.

“A gentleman remains at ease, while the petty are beset by worries.” Tu Honglie was the epitome of a petty man; she’d best be careful around him.

She shook her head—now was not the time to dwell on Tu Honglie. What mattered was finding out why Lin Yi refused to join her team and instead chose a position as a Monster Prison warden, a job that could claim one’s life.

Turning around, Mu Yuqing’s eyes reddened as if she might weep, and she asked Lin Yi, “Lin Yi, do you really want to go to our division’s prison? The Monster Prison is no laughing matter. How about… you join my team instead?”

At this point, An Miaoyi stepped in to support her. “I agree with Mu Yuqing. Lin Yi, you should reconsider.”

As the two tried to persuade him, Zhao Kaishan’s eyes darted back and forth. He nodded. “Boss Lin Yi, I think they’re right. You should stay on as a leader and leave the dirty work to us. If it comes to it, I’ll give up my shot at leadership and go to the Monster Prison myself.”

The crowd grew rowdy.

An Miaoyi and Mu Yuqing tried to convince Lin Yi, but not everyone was rooting for him. Some, who had previously turned pale and shied away from Wang Changshan for fear of being implicated, now smirked at Lin Yi’s apparent foolishness. Volunteering for Monster Prison work—wasn’t that courting death?

Such a person was hardly a threat; a few years in the Monster Prison and his health would be ruined, if he survived at all.

“So what if he’s strong? With only F-level potential, he dares set foot in the Monster Prison? All it takes is a little scheming, a trap in that place, and he’s done for!”

The miasma of misfortune is deadly to one’s potential—even those with high potential find it eroded over time. But Lin Yi was already at rock bottom, his F-level potential couldn’t drop any lower. Exposed long-term to the baleful energies and their taint, how could he possibly fare well?

A few hostile figures snickered to themselves, hoping Lin Yi would stubbornly see his decision through.

Lin Tianming was stunned by Lin Yi’s resolve to join the Monster Prison. Looking at him, Lin Tianming remembered Lin Yi’s words—his vendetta with monsters and demons was irreconcilable.

After a while, as the others continued to persuade him, Lin Tianming smiled and said, “Lin Yi, are you sure about this? How about this—since that department is short-staffed, you can work there for a year or so. If you don’t like it, you can transfer. Our field team could always use someone as talented as you.”

Lin Tianming left room for reconsideration. With his words, the matter was nearly settled.

An Miaoyi and Mu Yuqing wanted to press further but stopped when they saw Lin Yi’s face—he was even more elated than when he’d placed first and received his reward.

They soon realized why Lin Yi’s expression seemed so familiar. He’d shown the same look—a manic, almost pathological excitement—when facing two vengeful spirits in his third trial. That was the joy of a hunter spotting his prey.

Lin Tianming waved his hand again. “Very well, Lin Yi, you’ll have special privileges. In the Monster Prison, you’ll also have the rights of a field agent. You can choose which days to be out in the field and which days to serve as a warden.”

“And you, Zhao Kaishan, since you want to accompany your boss, you’ll go to the Monster Prison too. That’s settled. An Miaoyi, you and the others, show Lin Yi around the Bureau, distribute his credentials and gear.”

With that, Lin Tianming glanced at Lin Yi one last time and departed.

“Thank you, Director Lin!” Lin Yi replied eagerly.

It was done! The Monster Prison beneath the Bureau of Paranormal Investigations felt as if it had been made for him. At last, he could make full use of the “Godslayer Scripture” and reap all its benefits.

Turning around, Lin Yi saw Zhao Kaishan trembling like a leaf, his face ashen, eyes hollow, muttering to himself, “It’s over, I’m doomed. Assigned to the Monster Prison, and unlike Boss Lin Yi, I can’t switch roles at will. I’m done for…”

The others wore expressions of relief, keeping their distance from Zhao Kaishan—even the she-dragon among them did the same.

With Director Lin Tianming gone, many sighed for Lin Yi, wishing he’d reconsider.

Lin Yi waved them off.

An Miaoyi and Mu Yuqing gave up as well. If Lin Yi enjoyed this work, he should do it. Once the Monster Prison’s baleful energies took their toll, Lin Yi would realize it was no place to grow stronger and likely seek a transfer.

Besides, Director Lin Tianming had said Lin Yi could switch roles whenever he wished.

Soon, led by An Miaoyi and Mu Yuqing, the group took a whirlwind tour of the Bureau headquarters.

There had been seventeen candidates initially, but after Xu Lianyou and Tu Honglie left, only fifteen remained.

Lin Yi couldn’t poach anyone for his team, so the other departments began recruiting from the rest.

Of course, Zhao Kaishan was left out. By Director Lin’s orders, Zhao Kaishan had to stick with Lin Yi in the Monster Prison until Lin Yi decided otherwise.

With new recruits joining and a monster like Lin Yi among them, everyone soon clamored for a meal.

That afternoon, although it wasn’t proper to skip work, Director Lin Tianming made an exception—everyone with free time, including the test candidates, could go out.

To celebrate, they went to a famous spot: Fat Lin’s Porridge Shop on Antique Street.

Lin Yi’s salary and benefits had already been arranged—he’d receive double pay as both a Monster Prison warden and a field agent, over one hundred thousand per month.

All standard equipment had been distributed: energy detectors for monitoring fluctuations, aptitude testers, high-tech flashlights, laser guns, black dog’s blood kits, and even a selection of talismans—everything a paranormal investigator might need.

Additionally, everyone received a copy of the “Compendium of Monsters and Demons,” which recorded the characteristics and weaknesses of many creatures, much like an abridged version of the “Godslayer Scripture.”

At the meal, Lin Yi was in high spirits with An Miaoyi and Mu Yuqing at his side, plus a chorus of flattery from the others.

Zhao Kaishan, however, had no appetite—he looked utterly deflated.

The test candidates like Lin Yi were also granted some free vacation time, but Lin Yi scoffed at the idea, thumping his chest and declaring, “So long as monsters and demons walk the earth, so long as the planet stands, I, Lin Yi, will not take a holiday!”

His impassioned vow won applause from An Miaoyi and Mu Yuqing, not to mention endless bootlicking from the crowd.

Only Zhao Kaishan, watching Lin Yi’s fervor, grew more dispirited and sighed.

Apart from Lin Yi, even the she-dragon was fired up, proclaiming she’d start work that very afternoon, wasting not a moment.

After the meal, the crowd surrounded Lin Yi as they prepared to leave.

Clap clap clap clap.

The “Godslayer Scripture” turned its page.

“Deformed Demon Fox: one hundred sixty-three years of cultivation, excels at disguise and heart-cursing sorcery, fond of flaying skin, eating carrion, and impersonating humans. Responsible for one hundred sixteen deaths. Must be slain!”

On the page for the Painted-Skin Ghost, a new illustration appeared in the “Godslayer Scripture.”

Lin Yi’s eyes froze, then he cupped his fists to the group. “Sorry, everyone, I have something to take care of. Why don’t you all go ahead?”

Many nodded, and An Miaoyi and Mu Yuqing told Lin Yi they’d wait for him at the Bureau headquarters.

After the crowd dispersed, Lin Yi stood at the entrance of Fat Lin’s Porridge Shop, his gaze sharp.

All traces of his earlier carefree demeanor vanished, replaced by grave seriousness.

“The Painted-Skin Ghost is actually a Deformed Demon Fox? Wasn’t it in Talented Scholar’s Court? Why is there one here, too… No, the Painted-Skin Ghost at Talented Scholar’s Court killed three hundred and four people; this Deformed Demon Fox here has killed one hundred sixteen—so they’re not the same! And the name isn’t Painted-Skin Ghost, but Deformed Demon Fox!”

“It’s broad daylight and the Deformed Demon Fox has appeared—so it’s likely the Painted-Skin Ghost can appear during the day as well!”