Zhou Cen, having navigated the complexities of the social world for years, quickly regained his composure despite the initial awkwardness.

"He’s in Peng City, serving as our Bureau's Chief Inspector."

"The Bureau? What is that?" Ling Ji's gaze swept over Zhao Jiong and his colleagues, a hint of curiosity in her eyes.

"The Bureau, officially known as the Special Affairs Administration, handles all non-human incidents," Xing Miao interjected, seizing the moment to provide clarity and prevent Zhou Cen from omitting critical details. "To ensure peace between humans and demons, any demon integrating into society must register with the Bureau, leaving a trace of their aura. This helps track down perpetrators if a crime is committed. Additionally, the Bureau educates newly transformed demons on societal norms, aiding their integration into modern life."

"The one you seek, Chief Inspector Jie Zhi, oversees the Bureau's operations, mediates disputes, and adjudicates contentious cases. His authority is substantial."

"He always had a knack for such roles," Ling Ji remarked with a hint of bitterness. Back when she met him, he served beside Gao Yao, helping adjudicate crimes with unwavering justice.

Yet, this paragon of fairness had sided against Shi Xi during the heavenly trial, condemning her despite knowing her actions were to save lives. Ling Ji still couldn't fathom why Jie Zhi had delivered such a verdict. She needed to confront him, but not before giving him a good beating.

"Young lady, you seem well-informed about our Bureau," Zhou Cen remarked, still smiling affably despite being outmaneuvered. "But there are a few things you might have missed."

Xing Miao gestured for him to continue, "Please, enlighten us."

Zhou Cen obliged, "Given the Bureau's responsibility over all non-human matters nationwide, our headquarters are heavily guarded. Unauthorized entry is nearly impossible, especially for demons."

"Our measures against demons are even more rigorous than those against humans," he added, raising his voice slightly for emphasis. "Of course, with your capabilities, Lady Ling Ji, you could break in. But it would cause significant trouble and draw a lot of unwanted attention."

"So what?" Ling Ji responded indifferently. She had never shied away from causing a scene.

"The world has changed. Rules have changed. You need to understand these new rules to avoid hitting a wall," Zhou Cen said with a smile. "You could ask Miss Xing Miao here for specifics."

Xing Miao's eyes darkened, but she didn't follow Zhou Cen's lead. "Lady Ling Ji, we now know his location. The rest will be easy."

"And weren't you hungry earlier? Now that we have someone offering food, let's make good use of it," Xing Miao suggested, turning to Zhou Cen before he could react. "Director Zhou, if you want Lady Ling Ji's help to stop the flood, you'll need to show enough sincerity."

"Lady Ling Ji's services come at a high price."

Ling Ji's mood soured at the mention of stopping the flood. She frowned, ready to refuse outright, but Xing Miao tugged at her sleeve.

Stolen story; please report.

"Lady Ling Ji, we can demand a large amount of food in return," Xing Miao whispered, knowing this would tempt Ling Ji despite her other motives.

Unexpectedly, Ling Ji shook her head, rejecting the offer of food. "No."

"Lady Ling Ji, countless lives are at stake. Whatever you want, just name it. As long as you stop the flood in Fengchuan County, the Bureau will meet your demands," Zhou Cen pleaded, abandoning strategy for straightforward negotiation.

"No," Ling Ji repeated firmly, her icy gaze silencing Ye Jianghuai and the others as they tried to intervene.

Ye Jianghuai and Mu Bai fell silent under her glare. Jin Hong, standing behind Ling Ji, supported her with silent resolve.

Zhou Cen, faced with her unwavering stance, felt a headache brewing. He had anticipated many scenarios but hadn't expected outright refusal without negotiation.

Wasn't she always enticed by food? Why didn't it work this time? What had changed?

His eyes searched Ling Ji for any clues, but her cold expression offered no compromise.

Zhou Cen realized he was facing a genuine dilemma.

He couldn't comprehend Ling Ji's resolute attitude, having not experienced the upheaval of over five thousand years ago.

Shi Xi had stolen the mystical earth to save mortals from a devastating flood, only to be condemned by the gods and perish on Feather Mountain.

He sacrificed his life for mortals who could do nothing for him in return. Ling Ji had vowed never to make the same mistake, never to save those weak, foolish creatures again.

Though she admitted some of her anger was misplaced, it mattered little. She was a demon, and demons and humans were fundamentally different.

"Boom!"

Suddenly, a bolt of lightning struck from the sky, too fast for Ling Ji to react, hitting her squarely.

Ling Ji was stunned. What was happening?

Everyone around her, human and demon alike, was equally shocked. Xing Miao, nearest to her and not instinctively fearful of lightning like Jin Hong, was the first to react, rushing to her side.

Someone else moved even faster.

"Ling Ji!" Ye Jianghuai grabbed her shoulders, his eyes scanning her anxiously. "Are you hurt?"

Ten minutes earlier...

Outside the new rescue station, Haizhou watched the distant floodwaters from a window, silently praying, "May the mountain god bless Fengchuan County, stopping the flood and saving more lives."

In Peng City, a thirty-story skyscraper reached into the clouds, topped with a statue of a phoenix ready to take flight. Sunlight streamed through the phoenix's eyes, casting a golden glow on a woman in a black suit standing by the window, enhancing her slender silhouette.

"Ms. Bai, there's been no word from Dong Shanmin. His phone is unreachable. They should have arrived in Fengchuan County by now," a short-haired woman said, her voice tinged with anxiety.

"They won't be in danger," Ms. Bai reassured, her calm and firm voice offering some comfort. "And the relief supplies?"

"Floodwaters have submerged all roads to Fengchuan County. The convoy can't get through," the short-haired woman reported, her voice growing softer with frustration.

"And helicopters?"

"No landing spots available," the woman replied, her frustration evident.

Ms. Bai frowned, recognizing the dire situation.

She moved to the window, contemplating a solution.

Taking a deep breath, she spoke with calm authority, "We can't give up. We must find a way to deliver the supplies."

Turning to the short-haired woman, she instructed, "Contact the aviation companies. See if they can arrange airdrops. Also, reach out to local authorities to explore setting up temporary landing zones."

Fengchuan County, a small town without an airport, had its few flat areas now flooded, and the high ground crowded with evacuees. Finding a landing spot was nearly impossible.

Bai Luan, her brow furrowed, instinctively touched a black scale hidden at her chest. Its coolness provided some comfort, easing her anxiety.

The food for Lady Ling Ji was also stuck. If the flood didn't recede, her lady would go hungry.

Letting her deity go hungry was unacceptable for a devout follower.

"May some deity show mercy and stop the flood in Fengchuan County," she silently prayed.

At Xianmiao Village on Mount Fengling...

Mu Lin and Qian Sanduo sat in front of the television, closely monitoring the news from the disaster area. Hearing that the rain in Fengchuan County had stopped and the army was rescuing survivors, Mu Lin wiped tears from his eyes. "That's good. It'll be easier to help the children now."

"Indeed," Qian Sanduo echoed, wiping his eyes as well. "I hope the floodwaters recede soon."

"Yes, let's pray this disaster ends soon," Mu Lin agreed, clasping his hands in prayer. "May the gods bless us."

Qian Sanduo followed suit, praying sincerely.

Unbeknownst to them, their prayers stirred the power of faith within Ling Ji, resonating with their plea.

"Boom!"

Another bolt of lightning struck, causing everyone's scalp to tingle. As the lightning flashed, several figures instinctively shielded Ling Ji.

Contrary to everyone's expectations, the lightning didn't strike directly this time. It exploded half a meter above their heads, leaving their ears ringing and briefly deafening them.

"What happened?" Zhou Cen and his team, though experienced, were baffled by the unusual lightning behavior.

"Are you alright?" Despite their confusion, they showed concern for Ling Ji, knowing they needed her help. Zhou Cen stepped forward, risking another strike. "Are you hurt?"

"No," Ling Ji's muffled voice emerged from beneath the pile of bodies, laced with anger. "Get off me. Let it strike. If I, Ling Ji, feared lightning, I wouldn't be a dragon!"

If it dared strike again, she would ascend to devour the thunder itself!

Xing Miao and the others exchanged glances but didn't move.

---