Chapter 82 People from Qingzhou

Shen Lian returned to his quarters and sat cross-legged on the bed.

[Host]: Shen Lian

[Realm]: Body Tempering Realm (5/10)

[Combat Strength]: 56~72

[Martial Arts]: Tiger-Taming Stance (Perfect) (7/10), Demon-Subduing Blade Technique (Perfect) (5/10)

Skill Points: 0

During this period, Shen Lian's combat strength has increased slightly, but it will still take some time before he breaks through to the sixth level.

After taking a deep breath, Shen Lian took out the "Bone Forging and Muscle Regeneration Pill" given to him by Zhao Shan. He was seriously injured in the battle with Mo Lin, and many of his ribs were broken.

"With this 'Bone Forging and Muscle Regeneration Pill,' I should be able to recover quite a bit."

Shen Lian looked at the pill in his hand and swallowed it directly. The moment the pill entered his mouth, it turned into countless streams that flowed into his body. A tingling sensation came from the broken bones, which was obviously the medicine was taking effect and constantly repairing his injured body.

An hour later, Shen Lian slowly opened his eyes and exhaled a breath of stale air. He gently moved his left arm; it was still slightly sore, but he could exert force normally.

"As expected of a pill specially made by the Demon Suppression Division, its effects are truly amazing." Shen Lian secretly marveled. If he were to rely on his own recovery, it would take at least half a month to fully recover. Now, he can recover 70-80% of his combat strength in just three to five days.

Footsteps could be heard outside the office.

Li Hu pushed open the door and entered, carrying a food box in his hand: "Brother Lian, I brought you dinner."

Shen Lian took the food box from Li Hu: "Hu Zi, how's the situation now?"

Li Hu smiled and said, "There's been progress on Elder Xu's side."

"What's the progress?"

Li Hu continued, "Old Xu discovered that 'Blazing Sun Sand' has a purifying effect on the demon stone. After Li Wen and the others took the medicinal soup mixed with 'Blazing Sun Sand' powder, their scales showed signs of degeneration, and their minds became much clearer."

Shen Lian nodded slightly and said, "This is good news. If we can help Li Wen and the others recover, we can not only save lives, but also get more clues from them."

"However, Elder Xu said that the quantity of 'Blazing Sun Sand' is limited, and it may not be able to sustain its consumption for a long time," Li Hu said worriedly.

Shen Lian frowned upon hearing this.

'Lieyang Sand' is produced deep in the volcanoes of southern Xinjiang, and mining it is no easy task, especially since Qinghe County is quite far from southern Xinjiang.

Shen Lian sighed softly, "This is indeed a bit tricky."

"Brother Lian, don't worry. The commander has already sent people to transport 'Blazing Sun Sand,' and it will arrive soon," Li Hu reminded him.

"That would be best." Shen Lian nodded.

……

The next day.

Shen Lian and Li Hu went to the forensic center immediately.

As soon as the two entered the forensic workshop, they smelled the mixed aroma of medicinal herbs and minerals. Old Master Xu was processing "Blazing Sun Sand".

"Elder Xu!" Shen Lian bowed respectfully.

Old Xu raised his head, his eyes bloodshot, clearly having not slept all night.

He slowly said, "Last night I gave Li Wen, Zhang Laosan and others a medicinal soup mixed with powder, and the scales on their bodies are showing signs of fading."

Shen Lian looked at the red sand particles on the table and asked, "How's the effect?"

"After Li Wen took it, most of the fins on his back shrank back, and he was fully conscious, able to clearly recall his experiences during the mutation. Zhang Laosan and the other two were in similar situations, but their scales were fading more slowly." Old Xu paused, his expression grave. "The problem is that the quantity is too small. To completely purify the thirty-seven contacts we found, we need at least a hundred jin."

Shen Lian understood Xu Lao's meaning: to break the current impasse, the 'Blazing Sun Sand' was undoubtedly the key. Fortunately, Zhao Shan had already ordered people to escort the 'Blazing Sun Sand'. Once the 'Blazing Sun Sand' arrived, Xu Lao could unleash his full power.

Li Hu interjected, "The commander has already sent people to Qingzhou Prefecture to arrange for the shipment, but it will probably take another half a month to arrive."

Shen Lian pondered for a moment and then asked, "Could we use other materials instead?"

Old Xu shook his head and said, "According to the Records of Strange Tales of the Southern Frontier, 'Blazing Sun Sand' is the essence of earth fire that is condensed and can only be formed after a hundred years of sedimentation in the lava pools of the heart of a volcano. The book mentions a kind of 'imitation sun sand' that is made from cinnabar, hematite, and other materials, but its effect is less than 30%, and the refining process is time-consuming and laborious."

Shen Lian understood that only the 'Blazing Sun Sand' produced deep within the volcanoes of Southern Xinjiang could possibly restore Li Wen and the others to full health.

After spending some time at the forensic workshop, Shen Lian and Li Hu left.

"Senior Brother Shen, the three Silver Badge Envoys from Qingzhou have arrived. Commander Zhao requests your presence in the council hall," a Demon Suppression Envoy informed Shen Lian.

Li Hu licked his lips: "Has the Silver Badge Envoy of Qingzhou arrived?"

The Silver Badge Envoy holds a transcendent position in Qingzhou and possesses considerable strength. He has come here to thoroughly investigate the matter of the "Witchcraft Cult".

"I understand," Shen Lian nodded.

Li Hu looked at Shen Lian and asked, "Brother Lian, what did you think the Silver Badge Envoy wanted to see you about?"

Shen Lian stroked his chin and said, "It's probably related to the 'Witchcraft Cult'."

A short while later, Shen Lian arrived at the council hall.

Zhao Shan, Chen Biao, and Sun Yan were in the council hall, where there were three unfamiliar men and women dressed in the same white clothing, and they were very young.

These three were the Silver Badge Envoys sent by Qingzhou Prefecture.

"Commander-in-Chief!"

Shen Lian strode into the council hall and clasped his hands in greeting to Zhao Shan.

Zhao Shan smiled and waved, saying, "Shen Lian, you've arrived. Let me introduce you; these three are the Silver Badge Envoys sent by Qingzhou Prefecture."

Zhao Shan then introduced the identities of the three Silver Badge Envoys.

The leader was Jiang Han, who was in his early twenties. He wore a silver robe with cloud patterns and had a long sword hanging at his waist.

Shen Lian looked over, and the [Combat Power Detection] was quietly activated.

[Combat Strength]: 122~155

Shen Lian was secretly surprised. Jiang Han was only in his early twenties, but his combat strength was even stronger than Zhao Shan's.

The woman on the left is named Su Qing. She is tall and has a cold look in her eyes. Her combat power is also amazing, reaching 120-144, and she should not be underestimated.

The young man on the right is named Tieshan. He is also in his early twenties, with a strong and muscular build like a bear. He carries two axes on his back and is taciturn, but when he stands there, he is like an iron tower with a very powerful aura. His combat strength is in no way inferior to Jiang Han and Su Qing.

Is this the power of the Silver Badge Envoy?

Shen Lian was horrified when he sensed the fighting power of Jiang Han and the other two. These three were all only in their early twenties, but their strength was extremely high.

No wonder he became a Silver Badge Envoy at such a young age.

Zhao Shan cupped his hands and said, "Lord Jiang, this is Shen Lian, the key figure in the Xiaoshi case and the battle of Jiangxin Island."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Han and the other two all looked at Shen Lian, their gazes seemingly trying to see through him.

Jiang Han nodded slightly and said, "I heard that you defeated Chu Chunqiu and won the championship in the 'Demon Hunting Trial'. You are indeed not to be underestimated."

"You flatter me, sir," Shen Lian said, clasping his hands in greeting.

Jiang Han raised his hand to indicate that Shen Lian didn't need to be polite. He then glanced at everyone in the hall and said, "Commander Zhao has already reported the matter of the 'Witchcraft Cult.' Qingzhou Prefecture takes this very seriously and has specially sent us here to assist."

Su Qing said in a clear voice, "The 'Witchcraft Cult' has been lurking in the southern border for three hundred years. This time, they are plotting against Qingzhou, and I'm afraid they won't give up easily. Now, 'Xiaoshi' incidents have occurred in various counties of Qingzhou, and the Demon Suppression Divisions of each county are doing their best to investigate."

Jiang Han nodded slightly and went straight to the point: "Commander Zhao, the Qingzhou Prefecture has read your report. The matter of the Witchcraft Cult is no small matter. Once the Tide-Summoning Array is activated, millions of lives in Qingzhou's counties will be in danger. We have been ordered to come here, firstly to thoroughly investigate this case, and secondly to eradicate the Witchcraft Cult's strongholds in Qingzhou."

Zhao Shan asked solemnly, "Do the three of you believe that the 'Witchcraft Cult's' true target is the 'Yu King's Cauldron'?"

Jiang Han nodded and said, "The Yuwang Cauldron is an ancient artifact used by King Yu to suppress the water eyes of the nine rivers. If it falls into the hands of an evil cult, it can control the rivers and cause floods."

Zhao Shan spread the sheepskin map he had taken from Mo Lin on the table and said in a deep voice, "My lords, this is the map we took from Mo Lin, marking seven strongholds along the Qinglong River. We have already scouted Jiangxin Island, but we have not yet ascertained the true situation of the other six places."

Jiang Han bent down to examine the map closely, his finger tracing the markings on it: "According to intelligence from Qingzhou Prefecture, the Witchcraft Cult has been secretly infiltrating Qingzhou in recent years, focusing on cultivating 'Water Demon Guards.' These seven strongholds should be key nodes for them to deploy demon stones and transform mutants. Although Mo Lin is dead, there are still other envoys or elders in the cult in charge. We must act quickly to prevent them from activating the Tide-Summoning Array ahead of schedule."

Zhao Shan nodded emphatically, believing that with the help of the Qingzhou Demon Suppression Division, the current situation could be stabilized.

Su Qing said, "Commander Zhao, Qingzhou Prefecture has allocated 500 catties of 'Blazing Sun Sand,' which can be delivered to Qinghe County within three days."

"That's excellent!" Zhao Shan said with a smile.

What the Demon Suppression Division of Qinghe County lacks right now is "Blazing Sun Sand," and the fact that Qingzhou Prefecture sent "Blazing Sun Sand" has undoubtedly solved their urgent problem.

Jiang Han said, "Of the seven strongholds along the Qinglong River, the one on the river island has been exposed, and the other six must be on alert. The most urgent task is to investigate separately and find out their strengths and weaknesses."

Tieshan clenched his fist and said, "I'll lead a team and take down this one right away." He pointed to the location marked "Black Stone Beach" on the map.

Zhao Shan pondered for a moment and said, "Lord Tie is brave and skilled, but the 'Witchcraft Cult' is mysterious, and there may be an ambush in its stronghold. I suggest that we send a small team to investigate secretly first, and then discuss a plan to wipe them out."

Jiang Han nodded slightly: "Commander Zhao has thought things through thoroughly. Next, Su Qing will lead three people to the south to investigate 'Luoyanpo' and 'Bailudang'. Tieshan will lead five people to the north to investigate 'Heishitan' and 'Laolongtan'. Commander Zhao and I will stay in Qinghe to oversee the overall situation and investigate the remaining clues at 'Guikuxia' and 'Duanlongya'."

Zhao Shan gave the order according to Jiang Han's wishes.

The arrival of the three Silver Badge Envoys from Qingzhou Prefecture boosted the morale of the entire Demon Suppression Division.

During this period, everyone in the Demon Suppression Division was on high alert because of the "Xiaoshi Case".

No one knows what the "Witchcraft Cult" plans to do next.

The Demon Suppression Division was in a completely passive position.

The arrival of Jiang Han and his two companions was undoubtedly a shot in the arm for everyone in the Demon Suppression Division, allowing them to relax a little.

After Zhao Shan gave the order, all the demon-suppressing officers of the Demon Suppression Division sprang into action and began searching the six locations marked on the map.

The next morning.

Several groups of people gathered in front of the Demon Suppression Division in Qinghe County.

Silver-ranked Envoy Su Qing, dressed in a silver cloud-patterned robe with a slender sword hanging at his waist, selected Lin Feng, Chen Yun, and several experienced Demon Suppression Envoys. The five of them, lightly armed, rode out of the city first, heading straight for 'Falling Goose Slope' fifty miles away.

Luoyanpo is a dangerous place with a sharp bend in the Qinglong River below. The current is swift and the river is said to be very dangerous, with boats often capsizing there.

Meanwhile, Tieshan, along with Wang Lin and other demon-suppressing envoys, went to the "Black Stone Beach" north of Qinghe County for a thorough investigation.

Shen Lian, Jiang Han, and Zhao Shan set off to investigate the remaining areas.

The Qinglong River has a rapid current and sheer cliffs on both sides.

Jiang Han, Zhao Shan, and the others boarded a covered boat and broke through the morning mist, heading downstream.

Jiang Han stood at the bow of the boat, his clothes fluttering, scanning the river and the banks.

Zhao Shan quietly explained the situation of Qinglong River to Jiang Han from the side.

"Ghost Cry Gorge gets its name from the mournful winds that often sound like ghosts weeping. The gorge is narrow and full of hidden reefs, and ordinary boatmen would never venture in. Thirty years ago, a group of river bandits occupied this place, but they were later wiped out," Zhao Shan said.

Shen Lian circulated the "Tiger Subduing Stance" mental technique, and his internal energy and blood flowed slowly.

Half a day later, the ship approached the entrance to "Ghost Cry Gorge".

The wind howled, cutting through the jagged cracks in the rocks and making strange noises.

The waterway began to narrow, and the light dimmed considerably.

"Stop the ship!"

Jiang Han immediately ordered everyone to drag the boat to a river bend and hide it, covering it with tree branches.

"Everyone, sneak in on foot. Shen Lian, you and Wang Hu and the others will go ahead to scout. Be careful while you're exploring," Jiang Han said to Shen Lian.

"yes!"

Shen Lian immediately accepted the order and, together with Li Hu, activated their movement techniques, groping their way forward along the rugged cliff face.

The Ghost Cry Gorge is very damp, and the stone walls are covered with moss.

Shen Lian activated [Combat Power Detection], sensing the area within a radius of thirty feet.

The plank road was in disrepair for many years, with many wooden planks rotten and broken, requiring two people to use their hands and feet to cross it.

Li Hu wiped the sweat from his forehead and exhaled, "This place is even stranger than the island in the middle of the river; there isn't even a bird here."

"Be careful, I don't think this place is as simple as we think," Shen Lian whispered a warning.

Shen Lian, Li Hu, and the others continued on their way.

About fifteen minutes later, a platform appeared at the end of the plank road, with several dark blue pebbles scattered around its edge.

Shen Lian crouched down to examine it; the broken stones had cracks, and they were indeed Xiao Stones.

"It seems this is their hideout." Shen Lian slowly stood up and looked at the rock wall in front of the platform, where there was a half-person-high entrance, the opening of which was covered by vines.

Li Hu parted the vines, and a cold, eerie atmosphere emanated from the cave entrance.

Several people lit tinder and entered. The entrance was very narrow, only allowing one person to pass sideways. After entering, the space opened up into a natural grotto.

In the center of the grotto was a pile of ashes, and next to the ashes were several broken pottery jars, with traces of dried liquid remaining on the bottom of the jars.

"Brother Lian, this..." Li Hu said in surprise.

Shen Lian frowned and said, "They must have conducted some kind of experiment. Everyone, search the surrounding area and see if you find anything."

"yes!"

The numerous demon-suppressing envoys dispersed and began exploring the cave.

Soon, the group had explored the entire cave, but found nothing inside, clearly indicating that the other party had already left.

Li Hu gritted his teeth and said, "It seems they received the news and withdrew from here."

Shen Lian nodded: "If that's the case, things will get a bit complicated."

They came here to wipe out the remnants of the "Witchcraft Cult," but now that the enemy has withdrawn, their efforts have undoubtedly been in vain.

Li Hu asked, "Brother Lian, what do we do now?"

"Let's retreat first."