Surrounding the usual army camp, there were numerous teams and lone travelers temporarily residing, adhering to the army’s rules, and possibly joining as fresh recruits when needed. However, generally, the army did not impose restrictions. But now, Xu Ziqing noticed that outside the tents, many shen cultivators and regular cultivators seemed very tense, only daring to whisper softly and not move easily.
As soon as Xu Ziqing arrived, two soldiers stepped forward with fierce presence and serious expressions, asking, “Who goes there?”
When they were near the camp, Tianfu had already been set down, but now he clutched Xu Ziqing’s clothes and hid behind him. Seeing the soldiers’ attitude, he shivered and shrank even further behind Xu Ziqing.
Uncertain about what had happened at the camp, Xu Ziqing speculated that it might be related to Tianfu. If that were the case, then Tianfu’s identity might be quite extraordinary. But if it was not related to him, then they shouldn’t act rashly. So he held Tianfu’s small hand and gently said, “I was hunting demons nearby. My nephew is tired and probably won’t make it back, so I wanted to rest here for a bit… Would it be possible for you to make it convenient?”
It was common for passersby to borrow a place to rest, and the two soldiers looked down, noticing the seemingly bashful Tianfu. They exchanged glances and, after sizing up Xu Ziqing, stepped aside to let him pass. “Go on in.”
After saying that, Xu Ziqing observed the soldiers’ expressions in secret. He noticed that they did not show any signs of recognition when looking at Tianfu, which made him frown slightly. They actually didn’t recognize him… This meant that such tight defenses were not aimed at finding Tianfu. Xu Ziqing couldn’t help but feel a bit disappointed.
If Tianfu truly belonged to this place, one had to wonder if his father or uncles had noticed his absence and were searching for him. If they hadn’t… Even though there must have been significant events occurring at the camp that made them unable to split their attention, it was still too careless.
Thinking this, Xu Ziqing led Tianfu into the Li family army camp.
At this point, until the significant issue at the camp was resolved, he dared not easily bring little Tianfu to look for relatives.
Quickly setting up the tent, Xu Ziqing took Tianfu to get some food, and then sought out a few cultivators to talk.
What they discussed was, of course, the current situation.
He simply asked, “Do you know why… things are like this?”
Since they were both cultivators, the young man being questioned was in a good mood and whispered, “A few nights ago, the sky suddenly tore open, and three great demons led over a dozen high-level demons in a night raid. There were also many mid-level and low-level demons, making it quite an imposing sight.” He paused before continuing, “Fortunately, the Li family army was always prepared and reacted immediately to confront the enemy. Despite that, they still suffered heavy casualties. Later, several shen masters stationed within the army took action and killed two of the great demons and eliminated the high-level ones, but one of the great demons managed to escape…”
Xu Ziqing listened intently and interjected, “Is that so?” Then he sighed, “That must have been a magnificent scene. Those shen masters are quite skilled! It’s a pity I arrived a few days too late and didn’t get to witness it…”
Hearing this, the young cultivator shook his head and said, “They were indeed impressive, but the casualties were not few. Later, just cleaning up the bodies took a lot of effort.”
Xu Ziqing asked again, “So they became even more vigilant after that?”
The young cultivator sighed, “Not just that…” His expression turned grave. “Furthermore, because the battle that day was fierce, many low-level and mid-level demons inevitably fell to the ground. Although most of them were killed, some of them managed to devour soldiers and then disguise themselves as those soldiers, hiding away. If they are not found quickly and they manage to conceal themselves perfectly, in the future, they could become hidden dangers within the Li family army, potentially threatening the entire camp!”
Thus, after the demons were driven away, the entire army immediately went on high alert, and not only the soldiers within the camp but also all the residents there were thoroughly checked.
After the demons transformed, they could not completely conceal their aura during the initial days, so as long as a thorough investigation was conducted, this disaster could be resolved.
Because of this, everyone in the camp felt increasingly anxious and vigilant.
Upon hearing this, Xu Ziqing finally understood.
In light of such a significant event, it was no wonder that Tianfu’s disappearance went unnoticed.
However, during the search, Tianfu’s uncles and father should have realized that he was missing from the tent, but they likely assumed he had already perished…
Thinking this, Xu Ziqing exchanged a few more words with the young cultivator before taking Tianfu back to the tent.
In the nearby camp, the defenses were even stricter compared to those that allowed others to take refuge. At such a crucial juncture, Xu Ziqing could only stay with Tianfu for a few more days and look for an opportunity to inquire about Tianfu’s family. Whatever actions those individuals took would likely have to wait until the situation here had calmed down.
The fact that there were two more people at the Li family army camp did not raise any alarms.
Aside from Xu Ziqing, other shen cultivators and regular cultivators had also come by recently, and they received the same information. However, some left out of fear, while others chose to stay, hoping for a chance to join the Li family army.
The Li family army had indeed suffered some losses in vitality during this campaign, so it wasn’t out of the question for them to take the opportunity to recruit more soldiers and slightly lower their requirements.
A few days later, the incident of the great demon attack gradually faded from people’s conversations. While the camp had not relaxed too much, the atmosphere was no longer as tense as before.
Things began to liven up here.
Feeling that the time was right, Xu Ziqing took Tianfu and started to frequently step out of the tent, lingering close to the army camp.
After much contemplation, although it was unclear how many people knew about Tianfu’s existence since he possessed protective treasures, his family status must be significant. If Tianfu’s figure appeared often, someone would inevitably notice that he was still alive, and eventually, someone would come to look for him… By then, he could hand Tianfu over to his closest relatives. And indeed, that was how it turned out.
One day, Xu Ziqing saw a soldier notice him and Tianfu from a distance. The soldier hurriedly turned and ran away, prompting Xu Ziqing to think, Here it comes!
That night, someone indeed arrived at the tent.
Xu Ziqing lifted the tent flap with his hand and smiled at the visitor, saying, “I’ve been waiting for you for a long time.”
The visitor was a burly figure, clearly a formidable warrior, and his aura was concealed, giving an impression of extreme danger… Someone at the Gathering Origin realm couldn’t evoke such a feeling in Xu Ziqing.
Thus, this person was at least in the Entering Tribulation realm, and definitely not just at the lower level.
Upon hearing Xu Ziqing’s words, the man did not react much but instead focused his gaze on Tianfu, who was soundly asleep in his arms. A flicker of light glinted in his eyes, and he seemed somewhat agitated. It appeared that he indeed recognized Tianfu.
Xu Ziqing felt a slight relaxation in his heart; with no malice but concern, this shen cultivator must know Tianfu very well.
The man carefully examined Tianfu and then looked back at Xu Ziqing, gesturing for him to “follow me.”
Seeing this, Xu Ziqing quietly stood up, holding Tianfu in his arms without any disturbance, ensuring he did not wake him.
The man, noticing this, softened his expression towards Xu Ziqing.
Before long, the man’s figure disappeared into the night, and Xu Ziqing followed closely behind, soon entering the barracks.
Due to the token in the man’s hand, no one obstructed them. Within just a few movements, they arrived deep within a sea of tents, where a massive tent stood tall. Its exterior appeared ancient yet radiated a powerful aura.
This place… must be extraordinary!
Xu Ziqing was taken aback.
Given the location and the grandeur of this tent, he might have underestimated Tianfu’s true identity!
Just as he was contemplating this, the man had already lifted the tent flap, inviting them inside.
Xu Ziqing stopped thinking and hesitated no longer, stepping inside.
As soon as he entered, he felt an intense, scorching heat envelop him.
This heat seemed to penetrate through every pore, diving deep into his meridians, causing his blood to boil and the true essence in his dantian to surge, making the entire inner world feel like it was engulfed in a volcanic eruption! However, it wasn’t truly painful.
The heat was not directed at him; it merely emanated naturally, catching him off guard and jolting him momentarily.
Xu Ziqing immediately looked up and, at first glance, saw a seemingly withered and frail old man seated at a high position within the tent.
The old man appeared powerless, even shriveled and unremarkable. Yet, with the sharpness of a wood-element cultivator, it felt as though he could see blood and fire in that moment, witnessing countless battle intents, numerous iron wills… along with endless slaughter, bloodshed, and combat.
Undoubtedly, he was the leader of the Li family army!
General Li Xinglong, the Demon Slayer!
##########################
More than twenty low-level demons pounced from the rift, quickly surrounding seven or eight ordinary cultivators.
The cultivators frowned and remarked, “Why did we attract so many? This might be a bit difficult.” Despite saying this, they quickly summoned their magical treasures, preparing to unleash powerful attacks against the weak points of the many low-level demons, fighting desperately.
They had long since become proficient; initially, they could often dispatch a demon with a single blow, but as time passed, their attacks became somewhat slower.
After about two quarters of an hour, they had slain many, leaving only three or four that still refused to give up.
However, just as these cultivators had killed a considerable number, two mid-level demons suddenly burst forth from the rift, screeching as they pounced toward them! Even more terrifying was that behind these two mid-level demons were over a dozen low-level demons, charging out together!
Seeing this, the cultivators could not help but smile wryly.
Immediately, one of them called out, “Please, Daoist Yun, lend us your assistance!”
At that moment, from a tall stone hill on the left side, a white figure descended rapidly, accompanied by a slender black-gold light. In the blink of an eye, it transformed into several arcs of light, circling around the demons.
In the next moment, the bodies of those low-level demons froze, and a tiny hole appeared atop the tumors on their heads. Then, it exploded, causing them all to collapse to the ground.
Among the two mid-level demons, one turned to charge at them.
Another burst of black-gold light flared, and a blood hole suddenly appeared in the chest of that mid-level demon, as the light descended from the sky, piercing straight through its spine!
Translator: Lynn
Translations are not 100% correct. Please let me know if there are typos/mistakes in the chapter.
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