Realm of the Night God

Spirit Police Headquarters, conference room.

All Spirit Police gathered, including Talisman Master Wang Yiming and Formation Master Xiao Tong. However, at this moment, the expressions of these Spirit Police were far from pleasant.

Captain Luo sat in the main seat, Deputy Captain Zhou below him in the first position. Both had serious expressions, mirroring the discontent of the other Spirit Police.

The reason for this was the sacrifice of three brothers today, a significant blow to them.

The atmosphere in the conference room was oppressive. After a moment of silence, Captain Luo broke the silence.

"Today, we lost not only three Spirit Police but also three brothers. If Yang, the divine envoy, hadn't accompanied us, we would have lost even more brothers today."

The meeting began with Captain Luo's words, and throughout, he recounted the achievements of the three sacrificed Spirit Police over the years. He also reminded all Spirit Police to be cautious when on duty.

After the meeting, the other Spirit Police left, leaving only Captain Luo and Deputy Captain Zhou in the room.

"Be extra vigilant lately. I'm worried that the malevolent spirit you mentioned might target ordinary people," Captain Luo said with a troubled expression.

Deputy Captain Zhou expected Captain Luo to bring up the matter of the serpent demon first but was surprised that he addressed the malevolent spirit encountered at the black water pool.

"The soul of an ordinary person doesn't have a significant effect on a malevolent spirit. Even if she wants to consume souls to enhance herself, she would choose a malevolent spirit of similar or lower level of realm, and undead has no value in her eyes, let alone the soul of an ordinary person," Deputy Captain Zhou explained.

Captain Luo shook his head, not fully agreeing with Deputy Captain Zhou's assessment.

"While you make a valid point, we still have to be cautious. This extremely erratic malevolent spirit is quite dangerous. We never know what she might do. Moreover, even Yang, the divine envoy, lacks confidence in subduing her. If she truly targets ordinary people, even if I intervene personally, I wouldn't be her match. It's better to be safe and vigilant."

Deputy Captain Zhou nodded and reassured, "Captain Luo, rest assured. I will ensure that our brothers pay extra attention to this matter. However, compared to this malevolent spirit, I'm more concerned about the serpent demon that Yang, the divine envoy, brought back. Malevolent spirits choose their targets selectively, but demons don't. They devour humans just as we consume meat. I'm worried that the serpent demon will cause chaos in our town of Lecheng. If Yang, the divine envoy, wasn't protecting her, I would try to kill her even at the cost of my life!"

Captain Luo didn't respond immediately. He furrowed his brow, deep in thought, and after a moment, he spoke slowly.

"The reason humans consume animals and plants is to replenish the nutrients needed by our bodies. On the other hand, demons eat humans to absorb the human spirit within. The stronger the human, the more potent the spirit within their blood and flesh."

"The existence of the human spirit is unique. Besides its usefulness to demons, it has no effect on any other race or group, including humans themselves."

"Demons consume humans to absorb the human spirit, enhancing their cultivation. When other races or groups consume humans, it provides some nutrition but serves no other purpose. It's like us eating meat to satisfy our hunger. That's why I say, don't judge demons too harshly. It's not the demons that are wrong; it's the brutal rules of this world."

Deputy Captain Zhou didn't expect Captain Luo to speak in such a way. He knew Captain Luo as a straightforward and honest person with few words. Yet, the current Captain Luo felt unfamiliar.

Seeing Deputy Captain Zhou's shocked expression, Captain Luo patted his shoulder with a smile and continued, "Don't be so surprised. I am a human and a Spirit Police. I won't forget my responsibilities or my position. I'm just stating a fact. No matter how bloody and cruel this world is, I will always stand on the side of humanity. That's certain."

Deputy Captain Zhou sighed in relief, but he still felt puzzled.

"Why do you advise me not to have such a strong prejudice against demons? Regardless of right or wrong, our perspective as humans is different from theirs. Having some bias against them is normal."

Captain Luo shook his head, smiling, "Good and evil exist among both humans and demons. Not every human is virtuous, and not every demon is irredeemable. Some humans are more frightening and ruthless than demons. So, I hope you won't condemn them all with the same brush."

Deputy Captain Zhou remained silent, his brow furrowed in contemplation. Captain Luo continued, "Not all demons consume humans. Some choose to increase their cultivation by ingesting various precious materials rich in spiritual energy. Others absorb the abundant spiritual energy of the earth and sky to enhance themselves. Though such demons are rare, they do exist, just like the rarity of vegetarians among humans compared to meat-eaters."

"Does eating meat make a person inherently evil? From the human perspective, of course not. So, is a demon that consumes humans unforgivable? From the demon's perspective, certainly not. It all boils down to different perspectives. If we can change their perspective, what do you think would happen?"

When Captain Luo spoke these words, Deputy Captain Zhou didn't immediately comprehend. However, after a moment, he seemed to have grasped something and looked at Captain Luo with disbelief.

"Captain Luo, are you suggesting... asking demons to change their stance and stand on our side? How is that possible?" Deputy Captain Zhou said, his expression incredulous.

"It may be impossible or not, depending on whether the benefits offered can entice them. Whether human or demon, as long as sufficient benefits are provided, changing one's stance isn't out of the question. Not everyone thinks the way I do, but such individuals certainly exist, and demons are no exception," Captain Luo explained.

The shock on Deputy Captain Zhou's face didn't dissipate with Captain Luo's words. He continued to stare at Captain Luo and asked, "What are you planning to do?"

"I plan to invite the serpent demon to join our Spirit Police!" Captain Luo stated decisively, as if he had already made up his mind on this matter.

Deputy Captain Zhou's initial shock intensified upon hearing Captain Luo's words. Even his eyes widened in disbelief.

"What! Captain Luo! Are you joking? The serpent demon is a demon! How can she join the Spirit Police?"

"Why not? Do you remember our duty?" Captain Luo countered.

"Of course, I remember! That's exactly what I wanted to ask you! Do you remember our duty?" Deputy Captain Zhou's emotions grew intense.

"I certainly know what our duty is, and I won't forget it for the rest of my life!" Captain Luo affirmed.

"Since you remember our duty, why would you entertain such an idea, inviting a demon to join the Spirit Police? Are you out of your mind?" Deputy Captain Zhou, usually respectful towards Captain Luo, spoke with an emotional tone, disregarding whether his words and attitude might offend Captain Luo.

Deputy Captain Zhou's reaction wasn't surprising. First, Yang Haoran, and now Captain Luo—both of their perspectives were difficult for him to understand. This lack of understanding led to his heightened emotional state.

"I'm not insane; on the contrary, I'm very rational," Captain Luo stated.

"Rational? Inviting a serpent demon who eats humans to join the Spirit Police is called rational?" Deputy Captain Zhou questioned emotionally.

"The serpent demon has indeed consumed humans, an unchangeable fact and her wrongdoing. But as long as she is willing to join the Spirit Police, she can help us protect more ordinary people and gradually cleanse herself of her sins."

"While it is tragic for the ordinary people who have been devoured by the serpent demon, and I sympathize deeply, I won't abandon an opportunity to strengthen our Spirit Police team each time they sacrifice a person. Our Spirit Police in Lecheng is too weak. Except for you and me, our other brothers can handle minor issues, but facing stronger opponents, they risk their lives. Each sacrifice weighs heavily on my heart, like a knife cutting through. If this continues, it won't be long before only you and I are left in the Spirit Police."

Deputy Captain Zhou remained silent. His expression was complex, maintaining his silence because at this moment, he didn't know what to say.

"To protect more ordinary people and reduce the casualties of our Spirit Police, the best course of action is to enhance our strength. Personal growth in a short time is unrealistic, but recruiting skilled individuals to strengthen the team is a possibility. So, whether human or demon, as long as they are willing to join our Spirit Police, I'll accept them without hesitation!"

Captain Luo's expression was serious, his voice low. From his words, it was clear that he had already made a decision.

Deputy Captain Zhou, now completely calm, looked at Captain Luo, who appeared troubled. He somewhat understood Captain Luo's well-intentioned plan.

Although Captain Luo's approach seemed unfair to some victims, it was a method to ensure the protection of more ordinary people. It was just a method that some people might find hard to accept.

"Even if you want to invite the serpent demon to join us, she may not agree," Deputy Captain Zhou remarked.

"Whether she agrees or not, I will give it a try. It's not just the serpent demon; even the black talisman master we rescued this time, I want to try. Even if she is from the Fu Sect!" Captain Luo declared.