Chapter 91 Linshui County

The witch's sinister laughter echoed throughout the space, and black mist was released from her body, instantly enveloping an area of ​​twenty feet in radius.

From within the black mist, countless distorted infant faces emerged, emitting chilling cries that pierced the eardrums of everyone present.

"This is the 'Hundred Infants Illusion Array,' which can disrupt people's minds. Everyone, guard your minds!" Zhao Tiezhu shouted.

Shen Lian quickly activated the "Tiger Subduing Stance" mental technique to forcibly stabilize his mind.

Shi Lei, Chen Ping, and others each used their own methods to resist the illusion.

Zhao Tiezhu slashed horizontally with his heavy sword, the sword energy sweeping across like a gale, dispersing the black mist that enveloped the area in front of him, but the black mist quickly gathered back.

Shen Lian looked ahead and saw the black mist swirling around the witch.

At the center of the vortex, beneath the witch's feet, one could vaguely see a base made of piled bones, with dozens of fist-sized black pottery jars scattered around it.

Shen Lian pointed ahead and said, "Those pottery jars are very likely the core of the formation!"

Zhao Tiezhu looked in the direction Shen Lian was pointing and immediately shouted, "Shi Lei and Chen Ping, provide cover from the side! Shen Lian, come with me to break the formation!"

"yes!"

Shi Lei immediately swung his iron rod horizontally, dispelling the black mist in front of him.

Chen Ping fired several arrows in succession, forcing the witch to distract herself and parry.

Zhao Tiezhu and Shen Lian moved at the same time.

Zhao Tiezhu charged to the front, his heavy sword sweeping horizontally with the force of splitting mountains and shattering rocks. Several slashes came down, cleaving through the black mist in front of him.

Shen Lian used his full power to execute the "Spirit Serpent Step" and followed behind Zhao Tiezhu.

When the witch saw Zhao Tiezhu and Shen Lian rushing towards them, she immediately unleashed dozens of tentacles to attack the two from all directions.

Zhao Tiezhu unleashed several slashes, severing five or six tentacles.

Shen Lian strode forward, his longsword sweeping horizontally, the blade flashing like a bolt of lightning, severing the remaining tentacles.

Taking advantage of the opportunity, Zhao Tiezhu smashed three pottery jars with a single stroke.

The moment the earthenware jar shattered, the baby's cries abruptly ceased, and three wisps of black smoke drifted out and dissipated into the air.

The witch's aura weakened slightly.

"It works!" Seeing this from the outside, Shi Lei slammed his iron rod into the ground, dispersing the surrounding black mist. "Brothers, give it your all! Cover Brother Zhao and Shen Lian!"

Chen Ping fired several arrows in succession, aiming at the witch's vital points, forcing her to dodge.

Shen Lian seized the opportunity, sweeping his long sword horizontally and shattering the three pottery jars.

The black smoke billowing from inside the pottery jar was dispersed by the blade's energy before it could take shape.

The witch let out a shrill shriek, and the black mist around her surged violently, making the faces of the infants even more distorted and ferocious.

Zhao Tiezhu arrived with his sword in hand and smashed all the remaining pottery jars.

"You... ruined my life's work..." The witch's voice was full of resentment.

Zhao Tiezhu pointed his heavy sword at the witch and said coldly, "You've harmed so many innocent lives; today is your death day!"

"Surround and kill it!"

Zhao Tiezhu drew his knife and charged at the witch.

Shen Lian, Shi Lei, and the other demon-suppressing envoys followed suit, surrounding and killing the witch.

Zhao Tiezhu slashed out with his sword, the blade's energy like a rainbow piercing the sun, aimed straight at the witch's head.

clang!

The witch raised her hand to block Zhao Tiezhu's knife. The sound of metal clashing against metal rang out, and she was forced to retreat several steps, her figure becoming illusory.

Zhao Tiezhu sneered, "I'd like to see how long you can hold out."

Shen Lian, Shi Lei, and the others rushed forward, swinging their weapons down at the witch, unleashing a powerful burst of force in an instant.

Soon, under the combined attack of the crowd, the witch could no longer hold out.

Zhao Tiezhu appeared before the witch and killed her in one fell swoop.

After killing the witch, everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

"It's finally over." Shi Lei gasped for breath, his right hand gripping the iron rod trembling uncontrollably, clearly the battle had taken a toll on him.

All three witches were killed, and Zhao Tiezhu ordered his men to collect their remains as proof of the mission's completion.

The broken pottery jars were carefully placed into specially made magic-sealing bags.

Although these evil objects were destroyed, the remaining malevolent energy on them still needed to be taken back to the Demon Suppression Division for disposal.

"Is everyone alright?" Zhao Tiezhu asked, looking at the crowd.

Everyone shook their heads. Apart from one or two people who had suffered minor injuries in the battle, the others were unharmed.

This result is already excellent.

"Bury these bones properly," Zhao Tiezhu said in a deep voice. "They were all innocent lives; they cannot be left to rot in the wilderness."

The team members worked silently, using knives and swords to dig through the soil and collect the scattered bones for burial.

Shen Lian squatted beside a small skeleton, the remains of an infant, with tiny holes in the skull.

He remained silent for a moment, then gently placed the bones into the pit and covered them with soil.

"In this world, evil spirits are causing trouble, and the people are suffering," Chen Ping sighed softly.

Zhao Tiezhu patted him on the shoulder: "That's why you need to train even harder, kill more demons and monsters, and kill fewer innocent people. Let's call it a day, it's getting late."

After cleaning up the battlefield, the group searched the valley again to make sure there were no other evil spirits lurking there before returning along the way they came.

By the time they reached the foot of the mountain, it was completely dark. Two team members who had stayed behind led their horses to meet them. Seeing that everyone looked a little tired but no one was seriously injured, they all breathed a sigh of relief.

"Back to the city." Zhao Tiezhu mounted his horse.

Ten riders galloped along the official road under the cover of night.

Shen Lian rode on his horse, looking back towards Black Wind Ridge.

The shadows of the mountains loomed like lurking beasts. Although he had successfully vanquished the witch in today's battle, he felt little joy.

"How does it feel to be on your first mission today?" Zhao Tiezhu asked, riding alongside Shen Lian.

Shen Lian was silent for a moment, then said, "Evil spirits deserve to die, but..."

Zhao Tiezhu chimed in, "You think that killing one witch will only result in hundreds or thousands more? You think the people are too fragile and that we arrived too late?"

Shen Lian nodded.

Zhao Tiezhu sighed, "When I first joined the Azure Dragon Guard, I thought the same thing. Later, I realized something: we are not gods, we can't save everyone. But we can save one if we can, and kill one if we can. Every demon we kill might save one less family from suffering. That's enough."

You performed very well today, remaining calm under pressure and able to spot the weaknesses in the formation. However, I must remind you of one thing: never be distracted when facing the enemy. Today, when that witch launched her final counterattack, although your footwork was fast, you left an opening on the left side. If Shi Lei hadn't covered for you in time, you might have been injured.

Shen Lian felt a chill run down his spine: "Brother Zhao is right."

Zhao Tiezhu grinned and said, "That's how the brothers of the Azure Dragon Guard survive. With more practice, you'll adapt better."

An hour later, the city gates of Qingzhou came into view.

The city guards checked their waist tags and allowed them to pass. The ten people walked through the silent streets and returned to the Demon Suppression Bureau.

The Qinglong Guard's garrison was brightly lit. Zhou Mang sat in the main hall and rose to greet Zhao Tiezhu and the others as they returned.

"how?"

Zhao Tiezhu clasped his hands in greeting: "Commander, the three ghoul-eating witches of Black Wind Ridge have been completely wiped out. The remnants of the 'Hundred Infant Illusion Array' were discovered and have been cleaned up. No one on our side was seriously injured, and three were lightly wounded."

He gave a brief report on the mission.

After listening, Zhou Mang looked at Shen Lian and said, "Well done. To perform like this on your first mission, you truly deserve to have passed the eighth level of the Trial Tower."

"It was a stroke of luck," Shen Lian said, cupping his hands in greeting.

"No need to be so modest." Zhou Mang waved his hand. "The merit points will be distributed to everyone's waist tokens tomorrow. Those who are injured should go to the infirmary for treatment, and the rest of you should rest well."

The crowd dispersed. Shen Lian returned to the fifth team's room, fetched a basin of clean water to wash off the bloodstains, and changed into clean clothes.

The wound on his left shoulder, where the witch's tentacles had grazed, had scabbed over; the wound wasn't deep and didn't affect his mobility. He sat cross-legged on the bed, circulating the "Tiger-Subduing Stance" to regulate his breathing.

Blood and qi flowed through his body, nourishing his weary form. Today's battle had taken a heavy toll, but it had also honed his martial arts skills in the process.

The combination of "Spirit Serpent Step" and "Demon Subduing Blade Technique" became increasingly skillful, and "Flying Locust Stone Technique" also played a crucial role at critical moments.

"Still not strong enough." Shen Lian opened his eyes and muttered to himself.

The desire to become stronger has never been stronger.

Night deepened.

Shen Lian, however, was not sleepy.

He took out the bamboo slips containing the "True Qi Condensation Method" and continued to study them.

"To unify the ten acupoints, one must guide the Qi and blood from the ten major acupoints to converge in the Dantian, using the seed of true Qi as a guide to break through the barrier of the Qi Sea..."

He has now opened six apertures, but is still some distance from achieving the perfection of ten apertures. However, if he can comprehend the mystery of "ten apertures returning to one" in advance, it will greatly benefit his future breakthrough.

Shen Lian closed his eyes and guided the Qi and blood in his six orifices according to the instructions.

The first acupoint is on the Yongquan point of the left foot, where Qi and blood gush forth like a spring; the second acupoint is on the Yongquan point of the right foot, echoing the left foot; the third acupoint is on the Laogong point of the left palm, the fourth acupoint is on the Laogong point of the right palm; the fifth acupoint is on the Tanzhong point in front of the chest, and the sixth acupoint is on the Mingmen point on the back.

Shen Lian tried for half an hour, but only felt the six streams of qi and blood colliding in his meridians, which were difficult to harmonize for a while, and instead caused his meridians to ache slightly.

He immediately stopped and did not continue trying.

Haste makes waste!

Shen Lian understood this principle very well: the most important thing in martial arts cultivation is to avoid being too hasty and to proceed step by step in everything.

The next morning, Shen Lian went to the Qinglong Guard's garrison early to report for duty.

Many people had already begun their morning practice at the training ground. Zhao Tiezhu was instructing several new team members on swordsmanship when he saw Shen Lian approaching and waved to him.

"Brother Shen, you've come at the right time. The Black Wind Ridge mission is a mid-grade C-level mission, fifty merit points per person. Here's your share."

Zhao Tiezhu handed a wooden plaque to Shen Lian, on which was engraved the number 'fifty', which was the merit point for completing the Black Wind Ridge mission.

Shen Lian took the wooden plaque and put it into his pocket.

After receiving the mission reward, Shen Lian did not linger at the Azure Dragon Guard's garrison. He went directly to the Demon Suppression Division's warehouse. Fifty merit points were not much, but they were enough to exchange for some pills to aid cultivation.

Shen Lian exchanged three bottles of "Qi Nourishing Pills" in the storeroom. These pills can warm and nourish the meridians and stabilize the Qi and blood, making them perfect for him to take when cultivating the "True Qi Condensation Method".

After exchanging the ammunition, Shen Lian returned to the courtyard.

"The seventh acupoint is showing signs of loosening. If I can open the acupoint, I can step into the seventh heaven," Shen Lian thought to himself.

He then swallowed a Qi-nourishing pill and began to cultivate cross-legged.

Three days have passed since I returned from Black Wind Ridge.

During the day, Shen Lian trained with the fifth team of the Azure Dragon Guard, and his cooperation with Zhao Tiezhu, Shi Lei, Chen Ping and others became increasingly tacit.

In his spare time, he continued to study the "True Qi Condensation Method" while using the "Qi Nourishing Pill" as an aid to continuously erode the barrier of the seventh acupoint.

"All members of the Azure Dragon Guard, assemble in the main hall immediately!"

On this day, just as the morning training session at the martial arts training ground ended, Zhou Mang's voice resounded throughout the entire area.

Everyone's expressions tightened, knowing that something important must have happened, and they all hurried over.

Inside the main hall, Zhou Mang stood at the head of the table, his face very serious.

Zhou Mang got straight to the point: "I just received a secret report that several bizarre murders have occurred in the Linshui County area in the northern part of Qingzhou in the past half month."

The local county government investigated but failed to identify the culprit, and instead lost two people. The incident had a very negative impact, and the Demon Suppression Division decided to send an elite team to thoroughly investigate.

His gaze swept over Zhao Tiezhu below: "Zhao Tiezhu."

"Your subordinate is here!" Zhao Tiezhu immediately stepped forward.

"This case in Linshui County will be handled by your team. The mission level is tentatively set as Grade C, High Rank," Zhou Mang said.

"Your subordinate will do his utmost!" Zhao Tiezhu clasped his hands in acceptance of the order.

The merit points for a Grade C superior mission far exceed those for a Black Wind Ridge mission, but the level of danger is inevitably much higher.

Chu Xiong then spoke up, "Linshui County is located on the border, adjacent to the foothills of the Black Mountain Range, and the situation is complex. Spring and Autumn Period."

Chu Chunqiu stepped forward and said, "Nephew... Your subordinate is here."

"Your first team has no urgent missions lately, so this time you will go with the fifth team to support each other. The two teams must cooperate closely to find out the truth and eliminate the threat," Chu Xiong said with his hands behind his back.

Chu Chunqiu immediately cupped his hands in greeting: "Yes! I will certainly live up to the expectations of the Commander and Deputy Commander."

Zhao Tiezhu frowned almost imperceptibly, but still clasped his hands in a fist salute: "With the help of the brothers from the first team, we are more confident in this mission."

Shen Lian stood behind Zhao Tiezhu, a cold smile creeping across his face. This arrangement, seemingly reasonable, actually placed Chu Chunqiu and himself in the same mission.

Within the Demon Suppression Division, there was already competition between guards from different teams, not to mention the old grudges between them. Chu Xiong's actions brought the competition into the open, and added a sudden element of uncertainty during the mission.

Zhou Mang nodded slightly and said, "You have half a day to prepare. At the beginning of the 11 PM, assemble at the North Gate and depart. Any necessary supplies can be obtained from the warehouse according to the quota. Remember, ascertaining the truth is the top priority. Be cautious in all matters and communicate information promptly."

"Yes!" everyone responded in unison.

After the meeting, the fifth team returned to their quarters.

Shi Lei couldn't help but whisper, "Brother Zhao, it's probably not that simple that Deputy Commander Chu arranged for the first team to be with us."

Chen Ping calmly analyzed, "The Linshui County case sounds more troublesome than the Black Wind Ridge case. With the First Team, such a strong team, on our side, the safety is indeed higher. But Chu Chunqiu... I don't really like him."

Zhao Tiezhu waved his hand to interrupt: "Alright, the division's arrangements have their reasons. The first team is strong, and Chu Chunqiu is even at the seventh level of cultivation. With them around, we have a better chance of dealing with powerful evil spirits. Let's do our jobs, abide by the division's rules, and complete our mission. We are all brothers of the Azure Dragon Guard. With a formidable enemy at hand, we must unite against it."

"clear!"

"Go and prepare yourselves," Zhao Tiezhu instructed.

The crowd dispersed.

Shen Lian returned to his small courtyard, sat cross-legged on the bed, took out a Qi-Nourishing Pill and swallowed it, then focused his mind into his body.

"If I can break through to the seventh level before going to Linshui County, my chances of success will be much greater," Shen Lian said, taking a deep breath.

Shen Lian guided the surging blood and qi within his body, concentrating it at the 'Qi Sea Acupoint' and launching a frenzied attack. A throbbing pain shot through his meridians, but Shen Lian remained focused, circulating the meridian-stabilizing techniques from the 'True Qi Condensation Method' and gritting his teeth to persevere.

Once, twice, three times...

Click!

The surging blood and qi instantly rushed into the newly opened acupoints.

In an instant, Shen Lian felt a lightness all over his body, his limbs and bones were filled with new power, and his five senses became more acute.

[Host]: Shen Lian

[Realm]: Body Tempering Realm (7/10)

[Combat Strength]: 78~98

【武学】：伏虎桩（圆满）（9/10），伏妖刀法（圆满）（8/10）、灵蛇步（小成）（2/3）、飞蝗石手法（小成）（2/3）

Skill Points: 2

The Seven Heavens are complete!

Shen Lian opened his eyes, clenched his fist, and felt the surging power within his body. His combat strength limit was approaching one hundred, a qualitative leap. More importantly, the opening of the Qi Sea Aperture gave him stronger control over his own Qi and blood, laying a more solid foundation for the future 'Ten Apertures Unified' and his breakthrough to the True Qi Realm.

At the beginning of the Wei hour (1-3 PM), at the north gate of Qingzhou City.

All ten members of the fifth team were present, with Zhao Tiezhu leading the way. Not far away, the first team of ten had also lined up.

Chu Chunqiu wore dark gold soft armor and held the Overlord Spear. His aura was several times stronger than when he was in the Trial Tower. Behind him stood Zhou Tong, Wang Chuan, Chu Wenyuan, and others, each with a powerful aura and exceptionally sharp eyes.

The two teams, totaling twenty Azure Dragon Guards, remained silent.

"Set off!"

Without saying a word, Zhao Tiezhu spurred his horse and galloped out of the city gate.

Chu Chunqiu waved his hand and ordered, "Follow us."

Twenty riders charged out of Qingzhou City and sped north along the official road.

The thunderous sound of horses' hooves kicked up billowing dust.

Linshui County is located on the northern border of Qingzhou, about 200 li away from Qingzhou City.

Even at top speed, it would take almost a day to travel that distance.

When they stopped at a post station for a short rest, the two groups did not disturb each other, sitting in their own groups with almost no communication.

Only Zhao Tiezhu and Han Lie, the captain of the first team, briefly exchanged the known information about the case.

According to Han Lie, the case in Linshui County is indeed bizarre.

The victims all went missing after going out alone at night and were found dead in secluded places the next day, their bodies covered with dark red spiderweb-like patterns.

The coroner invited by the county government and an old Taoist priest from the area could not figure out what was wrong.

One of the Demon Suppression Envoys from the Fifth Heaven, dispatched by the Demon Suppression Bureau to the area, was attacked during a night patrol. He was seriously injured and fled back, but his companions who went with him did not return.

Night falls.

The two teams set up camp in the woods beside the official road.

The team members took turns keeping watch at night, while the rest of the team took the opportunity to rest and recover their strength.

Shen Lian was not sleepy. He sat under a tree a little distance from the campfire. After breaking through to the seventh level, his perception and control over his qi and blood had become even stronger.

The group finally arrived in Linshui County the following afternoon.

The city walls were low and old, revealing the vicissitudes of this small border town. Upon seeing the Demon Suppression Division's badge and uniform, the guards immediately and respectfully allowed them to pass.

The streets of the town were deserted, with few pedestrians, most of whom looked anxious and hurried along. An uneasy and oppressive atmosphere enveloped the small town.

The county government had already received the news. The county magistrate was a thin, middle-aged scholar surnamed Sun, who was currently waiting anxiously at the entrance of the government office with the county clerk, the head constable, and others.

Upon seeing Zhao Tiezhu, Han Lie, and the others arrive, they hurriedly came forward to greet them.

"Gentlemen of the Demon Suppression Division, you have finally arrived! I have been waiting for you so long!" Magistrate Sun's voice trembled, clearly indicating that he had been under considerable pressure these past few days.

"Magistrate Sun, there's no need for such formalities. The case is of utmost importance," Zhao Tiezhu said in a deep voice. "Take us to see the deceased's body."

"Yes, yes, this way please!"

Morgue.

Three bodies covered with white sheets were placed side by side.

Zhao Tiezhu gestured, and a team member stepped forward to lift the white cloth.

Despite being mentally prepared, everyone's hearts sank when they saw the corpse's true appearance; the body was covered with dark red, spiderweb-like patterns.

"Where is the wound?" Han Lie asked.

The coroner replied, "Your Honor, apart from a very tiny pinhole-like mark at the Baihui acupoint on the top of the head, there are no other wounds."

Upon hearing this, Shen Lian stared intently at the source.

Beneath the gray hair of one of the corpses, there was a tiny, almost invisible hole at the Baihui acupoint, with the surrounding skin being slightly darker.

Chu Chunqiu squatted down and examined it for a while before saying, "This doesn't seem to be ordinary demonic power; it's more like... a mark left by some kind of evil ritual."

"A heretical ritual?" Zhao Tiezhu looked at him.

Chu Chunqiu stood up and said, "I have seen similar records in my family's ancient books. Some cults in the southern border have rituals that use the blood, qi, and soul of living people to refine evil artifacts or perform secret techniques. The victims will then have unique runes left on their bodies. However, the runes in those records are slightly different from these."

Magistrate Sun quickly replied, "What this gentleman says is true! The injured Demon Suppression Envoy, Lord Zhang, also had the same suspicion!"

"Take us to see Lord Zhang," Zhao Tiezhu said decisively.

The injured demon-suppressing envoy Zhang Huan was placed in a quiet room in the backyard of the county government office. He had lost an arm, and the wound was wrapped in bandages.

Upon seeing Zhao Tiezhu and the others arrive, Zhang Huan struggled to get up.

"Brother Zhang, there's no need for such formalities. We've come to inquire about the details of that night, so please tell us." Han Lie pressed him down.

After catching his breath, Zhang Huan said, "That night... I was on my routine patrol of the abandoned residential area in the west of the city with my assistant, Xiao Li. Around midnight, we suddenly smelled a strong stench of blood. Then, we saw a humanoid shadow, about the height of an average person, 'float' out from the depths of the alley. It had no feet, moved silently, yet its speed was astonishing!"

He paused, then continued, "I immediately drew my sword to defend myself. That dark figure... it seemed to pause for a moment, then suddenly pounced on us! I swung my sword, and the blade actually passed right through the middle of the dark figure, as if I had hit air, but a layer of frost immediately formed on the blade! Little Li was... was hit head-on by it. I only heard his short scream, and then... then he fell down. The dark figure seemed to linger on him for a moment before turning to me."

Zhang Huan's voice trembled: "I swung my knife desperately, but it was completely immune to physical attacks. It pounced on me, and I instantly felt my blood freeze, my qi and blood stagnate. In a panic, I activated a 'Yang Flame Talisman' issued by the department. A flash of fire, and the black shadow seemed to let out a shriek, retreating abruptly. I seized the opportunity to cut it off... One of its tendrils extended out, and that's what wrapped around my arm... Then I desperately fled back. When I looked back, the black shadow and Xiao Li were gone..."

After hearing Zhang Huan's description, everyone's expressions became even more solemn.

"Unfazed by weapons, chilled to the bone, it feeds on blood and energy, its form resembling a blood shadow..." Chu Chunqiu pondered, "This is no ordinary demon. The fact that the 'Yang Flame Talisman' mentioned by Lord Zhang could frighten it away shows that it fears the power of yang fire. The blood patterns and the hole in the Baihui acupoint are most likely marks left after it absorbed blood and energy."

Zhao Tiezhu looked at Han Lie: "Captain Han, what do you think?"

Han Lie said in a deep voice, "The information that Brother Zhang risked his life for is very important. This thing fears fire, moves like a shadow, and sucks the essence of the living. Combining this with Brother Chu's previous guess, it is very likely that it is some kind of evil creation or a special evil spirit. We need to find its lair or its activity pattern."

"Magistrate Sun," Zhao Tiezhu said, looking at the magistrate, "where did the most recent murder occur? Is there any pattern among these cases?"

Magistrate Sun hurriedly replied, "Your Honor, the most recent case occurred the night before last, near the old brick kiln in the west of the city."

The next three incidents occurred on the edge of a mass grave in the north of the city, at an abandoned river god temple in the south of the city, and in the dead-end alley behind the county government office. All three happened between midnight and 1-3 AM. The deceased were all young, middle-aged men with no prior connection to each other.

After hearing Magistrate Sun's report, Zhao Tiezhu and Han Lie exchanged a glance.

"It seems this thing's hunting range is unpredictable, but its hunting time is concentrated between midnight and 11 AM," Han Lie pondered. "The old brick kiln in the west of the city... Brother Zhang was attacked in the abandoned area in the west of the city, there's probably something wrong with that area."

Chu Chunqiu suggested, "Why don't we split into two groups? One team will set up defenses in the west of the city tonight. The other team will search the old brick kiln and abandoned residential areas to see if we can find any clues."

Chu Chunqiu's suggestion was accepted by everyone.

After a brief discussion, Zhao Tiezhu and Han Lie decided that Zhao Tiezhu would lead the fifth team to investigate the old brick kiln and abandoned residential area in the west of the city.

Han Lie led the first team to deploy defenses at several key intersections on the western outskirts of the city.

Before leaving, Han Lie took out several talismans and distributed them to the members of the fifth team: "These are 'Yangyan Talismans,' which have a restraining effect on evil spirits."

Shen Lian took the talisman, which was warm to the touch, and carefully put it into his pocket.

"Thank you, Captain Han!" the group said to Han Lie.

Han Lie waved his hand and said, "We're all brothers, no need to be so polite."

Zhao Tiezhu and Han Lie each led their own men to carry out the operation.

After a night, both teams returned exhausted.

Zhao Tiezhu led his men to search the old brick kiln and abandoned residential area in the west of the city, but they found nothing. Han Lie and his men also returned empty-handed.

"That thing is very cunning," Han Lie said, frowning. "Last night we set up ambushes at three intersections. Around midnight, we did feel a chilling aura approaching, but it only flashed by each time and disappeared before we could surround it."

Chu Chunqiu leaned against a pillar, his fingertips tracing the shaft of the Overlord Spear: "It seems to be able to sense our presence. Zhang Huan was alone that night, but last night we were scattered in the west of the city, and it didn't dare to approach us at all."

Zhao Tiezhu looked at Magistrate Sun and asked, "Are there any other places in the city similar to abandoned old houses, cave dwellings, or deserted temples?"

Magistrate Sun pondered for a moment, then hesitated and said, "Besides the area in the west of the city, there is also an abandoned dyeing workshop in the east of the city, which was destroyed by fire more than ten years ago and has not been rebuilt. There are also several air-raid shelters at the foot of the old city wall in the south of the city, which were dug during the war and are now abandoned."

Another place is five miles outside the city, on the banks of the Blackwater River, where there is a dilapidated "River God Temple". It is said that it was very popular a hundred years ago, but after several floods that drowned many people, it gradually fell out of business.

A few years ago, some daring young men went in, and came out insane, saying they had seen the River God appear.

But that's from the old almanac; I haven't heard of anything unusual in recent years.

"The River God Temple?" Shen Lian asked, frowning.

The night Zhang Huan was attacked, they encountered a shadowy figure after smelling blood in an abandoned residential area. If that thing needed a secluded lair, this riverside temple, abandoned for many years and rarely visited by people, would be perfect.

Chu Chunqiu had clearly thought of this as well. He straightened up and said, "Captain Han, Captain Zhao, I suggest we go to the River God Temple immediately to investigate. If it really is its lair, the yang energy is strong during the day, so it will most likely be lying dormant. It's the perfect time to search."

Han Lie and Zhao Tiezhu exchanged a glance and nodded in unison.

"Magistrate Sun, send men to block the roads around the River God Temple and prevent people from approaching," Han Lie ordered.

"Yes, Your Excellency will take care of it immediately!"

At 3:45 AM, two squads of Azure Dragon Guards rode out of the city and headed north along the Blackwater River.

The Blackwater River gets its name from the dark black silt in its riverbed, and its current is gentle. Reeds grow abundantly along the riverbanks, and the air is filled with mist.

The five-mile journey was over in the blink of an eye.

A dilapidated ancestral temple came into view. Most of the blue brick walls had collapsed, and the roof tiles of the main hall were sparse, revealing rotten beams.

The courtyard was overgrown with weeds up to waist height, with several broken stone beasts hidden among them.

The two teams of Qinglong Guards reined in their horses and stopped outside the River God Temple.

"This place... has a very heavy yin energy." Chu Chunqiu dismounted, holding the Overlord Spear, and scanned his surroundings.

Han Lie and Zhao Tiezhu dismounted at the same time and waved to signal the crowd to disperse and maintain vigilance.

Shen Lian followed behind Zhao Tiezhu, his right hand resting on the hilt of his sword. His gaze swept over the stone beasts, and he noticed stains on one of them, which looked like dried blood.

"Watch your step," Chen Ping whispered a reminder.

Scattered among the weeds on the ground were scattered white bones, some of them animal bones and others human finger bones.

The two teams of twenty Qinglong Guards were divided into four groups and entered through the main gate and the gaps in the side walls.

Chu Chunqiu led the first group of the first team to break in through the main gate, Zhao Tiezhu led the second group of the fifth team to bypass from the left flank, and Han Lie led the remaining team members to control the outer perimeter and the rear.

Shen Lian followed Zhao Tiezhu across the collapsed east wall. Inside the wall was a deserted courtyard, the ground paved with bluestone slabs, the cracks of which were covered with moss.

Directly in front were three connected side rooms, their doors and windows long since rotten, the dark entrances like the gaping mouths of wild beasts.

"It smells of blood," Shi Lei said in a low voice.

Zhao Tiezhu made a hand gesture, and Shen Lian and Chen Ping immediately moved closer to the left wing room, while Shi Lei and another knife-wielder guarded the right side.

Shen Lian approached the doorway of the left wing room, quietly activating the [Combat Power Detection], but found no fluctuations in combat power. He took a deep breath and then stepped into the room.

The interior was simply furnished, with only a wooden table and two crooked chairs.

Shen Lian scanned the area and noticed drag marks on the ground leading into the inner room. He exchanged a glance with Chen Ping and slowly stepped inside.

A corpse lay across the floor of the room.

It was a middle-aged man, dressed in coarse cloth shorts, lying face up on the ground, his eyes wide open, dying with his eyes still open.

His entire body was covered in spiderweb-like dark red patterns, exactly like the corpses in the morgue. A tiny needle mark was clearly visible at the Baihui acupoint on the top of his head.

"Another one..." Chen Ping gasped.

Shen Lian squatted down and examined the corpse on the ground.

"The time of death is no more than twelve hours," Shen Lian said in a low voice.

"Shen Lian, Chen Ping, have you found anything?"

Zhao Tiezhu's voice came from outside the house.

The two men left the room and reported the situation to Zhao Tiezhu.

"Another person has died, and the time of death is very recent," Shen Lian said in a deep voice. "That thing is very likely nearby."

Zhao Tiezhu's expression was grave: "Have you found anything in the main hall?"

Shi Lei walked out of the right wing and shook his head: "Nothing's wrong, but there are some wet marks on the ground, like water stains, but it hasn't rained in the last few days."

"Water stains?" Shen Lian's heart skipped a beat. "Take me to see them."

On the floor of the right wing room, there were indeed several irregular water stains, which were particularly conspicuous on the dusty bluestone slabs.

Shen Lian squatted down, dipped his finger in the liquid, and brought it to his nose to sniff.

"This taste..." Shen Lian frowned and said, "It tastes like river silt, but with something else mixed in."

Zhao Tiezhu said in a deep voice, "Go to the main hall."

The interior of the hall was dimly lit, with a few rays of sunlight shining through a hole in the roof, illuminating the dust floating in the air.

"Captain Han!" Chu Chunqiu's voice came from the main hall, "We've found something here!"

The group quickly entered the main hall.

The interior of the hall was more spacious than I had imagined, and in the center was a stone statue of a deity, which should be the legendary River God.

Chu Chunqiu stood behind the statue of the River God, his Overlord Spear pointing at the ground.

Han Lie and Zhao Tiezhu quickly stepped forward, followed closely by Shen Lian and the others.

Several bluestone slabs on the ground behind the statue were pried open, revealing a deep, downward-facing hole.

"This is it," Chu Chunqiu said in a deep voice. "The smell of blood is the strongest here, along with that peculiar water stain we smelled earlier, which extends all the way into the cave."

Han Lie took out a tinderbox, lit it, and peered into the cave.

Below are man-made steps, steep and bottomless, leading to who knows where.

"I'll go down and scout ahead." Chu Chunqiu picked up the Overlord Spear.

"Wait," Han Lie stopped him. "The situation inside the cave is unknown; we can't act rashly. Let someone skilled in exploration come first."

Chen Ping took out a small mechanical mouse, wound it up, and placed it at the entrance of the hole. The mechanical mouse quickly climbed down the steps and disappeared into the darkness.

Chen Ping then took out a bronze mirror, on which a blurry image appeared, which was the scene transmitted by the mechanical rat.

Everyone held their breath and stared intently at the scene reflected in the mirror.

The mechanical mouse climbed down the steep stone steps, and the image on the bronze mirror became clearer.

At the end of the stone steps is a naturally formed cave.

The cave is about three zhang high and more than ten zhang wide. Stalactites hang from the cave ceiling, and the ground is full of strange rocks. An underground river meanders from the depths of the cave.

Dozens of skeletons are scattered on the rocks on both sides of the underground river.

Several bloated corpses, all dressed in tattered clothes, were floating on the river. They were likely missing residents of Linshui County.

Han Lie said in a low voice, "It seems this place is the lair of that evil creature."

Chu Chunqiu stared at the bronze mirror, his gaze sharp, and said, "There is still space deep in the dark river. The mechanical rats cannot go any further, so there should be living creatures inside."

Zhao Tiezhu gripped his heavy sword tightly and said, "Since it's a lair, that thing must be down there. Should we go down now, or wait until nightfall?"

Han Lie pondered for a moment and said, "This creature is vulnerable to the power of yang fire, and its strength should be weakened during the day. We have a better chance of winning if we attack when it is weak. However, the space below is cramped, and if all twenty of us go down, we won't be able to maneuver properly."

"I'll lead the first team down," Chu Chunqiu said first. "I have the cultivation of the seventh level of the Heavenly Realm, and Zhou Tong, Wang Chuan, and Chu Wenyuan are all at the peak of the sixth level. Five people per team is enough to deal with any emergencies. Captain Zhao can lead the fifth team to guard the cave entrance to prevent that thing from escaping and to provide support at any time."

Zhao Tiezhu nodded and asked, "What does Captain Han think?"

Han Lie pondered for a moment: "Chunqiu is right. Someone must guard the cave entrance to prevent that thing from escaping through other exits. But the situation down below is unclear; the two teams need to maintain contact. Chen Ping, can your mechanical rat transmit sound?"

Chen Ping took out a pair of small copper tubes from his pocket: "These are 'sound transmission tubes.' Leave one at the cave entrance and take the other down. The sound can be clearly transmitted within a hundred feet. However, someone needs to be here to operate the mechanical rat and monitor the situation inside the cave at all times."

Zhao Tiezhu said, "Shen Lian, Chen Ping, and Shi Lei, the three of you stay with me and guard the cave entrance. The rest of the fifth team members will be scattered around the perimeter of the River God Temple. Captain Han, will you go down with the first team, or stay up here to command?"

Han Lie said in a deep voice, "I will go down with the first team. Although Chunqiu is strong, he is still young and inexperienced. If something unexpected happens, I can make a decision."

Once the plan was finalized, everyone immediately took action.

Chu Chunqiu, Han Lie, Zhou Tong, Wang Chuan, and Chu Wenyuan organized their equipment. Chen Ping handed one of the communication tubes to Han Lie and left the other at the cave entrance.

The mechanical mouse continued its exploration inside the cave, and the image on the bronze mirror slowly moved, revealing details of various parts of the cave.

"The source of the underground river is in the northwest corner, where there is a deeper cave from which water flows," Chen Ping said, pointing to the bronze mirror. "There are fresh ripples on the water's surface; that thing is very likely hidden in that cave."

Chu Chunqiu gripped the Overlord Spear tightly: "Let's go."

The five people stepped into the cave one by one and went down the stone steps.

Zhao Tiezhu, Shen Lian, Chen Ping, and Shi Lei guarded the cave entrance, while the remaining members of the fifth team dispersed to various key points outside the walls of the River God Temple to set up defensive lines as planned.

Chen Ping kept his eyes fixed on the bronze mirror. The mechanical rat climbed onto a rock, and his gaze shifted to the cave in the northwest corner.

The cave entrance is about the height of a person, and the interior is deep and dark, making it difficult to see clearly.

"Something's wrong!" Chen Ping whispered.

The image on the bronze mirror vanished instantly.

"What happened?" Shi Lei asked hurriedly.

Chen Ping's face was grim as he said, "The mechanical rat has been destroyed. It seems to have been interfered with by some force, severing its connection."

Shen Lian and Zhao Tiezhu exchanged a glance, both seeing the seriousness in each other's eyes.

The situation down in the cave was more dangerous than expected.

"Is the microphone still working?" Zhao Tiezhu asked Chen Ping.

Chen Ping shook his head and said, "I didn't hear Captain Han or the others."

Zhao Tiezhu frowned and said, "According to the plan, Han Lie should send back a message after a quarter of an hour, regardless of whether there is any discovery or not. Now, a quarter of an hour has passed."

Shi Lei said, "Brother Zhao, we can't just sit here. What if Captain Han and the others get into danger..."

"Wait another half an incense stick's time," Zhao Tiezhu said in a deep voice. "If there's still no news, I'll take three people down to meet them. Shen Lian and Chen Ping will stay at the cave entrance, ready to retreat at any time."

Shen Lian frowned slightly: "Brother Zhao, I'll go with you."

"No, you stay." Zhao Tiezhu shook his head. "If something happens to us down here, you and Chen Ping lead the men to retreat and send the message back to Qingzhou."

Shen Lian wanted to say something, but Zhao Tiezhu stopped him by raising his hand: "This is an order."

A faint static suddenly came from the microphone in Chen Ping's hand: "...Target detected...not just one...it's..."

The sound stopped abruptly there.

"Captain Han!" Zhao Tiezhu snatched the microphone and called out several times, but there was no response.

His face was ashen, and he made a decisive decision: "Shen Lian, Chen Ping, you two stay here. If we haven't returned after an incense stick's time, immediately retreat back to the city and report to the Demon Suppression Division!"

"Yes!" Shen Lian and Chen Ping had no choice but to agree.

Zhao Tiezhu led the other two demon-suppressing envoys down the stone steps.

Shen Lian and Chen Ping obeyed Zhao Tiezhu's orders and stood guard outside.

Time passed second by second.

"It's been half an incense stick's time already," Chen Ping said, looking up at Shen Lian.

"Wait a little longer," Shen Lian said, taking a deep breath. "Brother Zhao said we should wait for the time it takes for an incense stick to burn."

Chen Ping nodded and looked towards the cave entrance.

suddenly!

A violent tremor came from deep within the cave entrance, accompanied by a dull thud.

Immediately afterwards, a figure staggered up the stone steps!

It's Wang Chuan!

He was covered in blood, a gruesome wound on his chest so deep it exposed bone, blood gushing out continuously. His face was deathly pale. Seeing Shen Lian and the other man, he roared, "Run! Down below... down there are..."

Black mist billowed at the cave entrance, and several pitch-black tentacles coiled towards Wang Chuan!

"Help!"

Shen Lian let out a low shout and unleashed the full power of the "Spirit Serpent Step". He instantly covered a distance of three zhang and drew his longsword, slashing at the tentacles.

Those tentacles were severed instantly.

Shen Lian grabbed Wang Chuan and dragged him away from the cave entrance.

Wang Chuan collapsed to the ground, gasping for breath, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth. He gripped Shen Lian's arm tightly, his eyes filled with terror: "Shen... Shen Lian... retreat... what's down there... isn't a demon... it's..."

Before he could finish speaking, his head lolled to the side and he fainted.

Shen Lian quickly examined Wang Chuan's injuries. He had lost too much blood and suffered internal organ damage, but he was still alive. He immediately took out the hemostatic powder he carried with him and tore off a piece of his clothes to bandage Wang Chuan's wounds.

Chen Ping, his face pale, stood guard at the cave entrance with his crossbow in hand: "Brother Shen, what does Wang Chuan mean by 'not a demon'? Also, what about Brother Zhao and the others..."

"Chen Ping, take Wang Chuan and immediately evacuate from the River God Temple to rendezvous with the brothers on the outskirts. Send someone back to the city immediately to request reinforcements," Shen Lian said in a deep voice. "I'll go down and take a look."

"What?!" Chen Ping exclaimed in shock. "The situation down there is unclear, even Captain Han and the others..."

"Precisely because the situation is unclear, we can't just leave," Shen Lian interrupted him. "Brother Zhao, Captain Han, Chu Chunqiu, and the other two brothers from the Fifth Team are all down there. If we all retreat, they won't have any chance at all."

Chen Ping's lips moved, but he finally gritted his teeth and said, "I'll go down with you!"

"No," Shen Lian shook his head. "If you escort Wang Chuan out, the outer defense line will also need someone to oversee it. Otherwise, if that thing escapes through other exits, the people of Linshui County will be in danger."

Chen Ping hesitated for a moment, then nodded emphatically: "Alright! I'll take Wang Chuan out and immediately send someone to request reinforcements. Brother Shen, you... please be extremely careful!"

Shen Lian patted him on the shoulder and turned to walk towards the cave entrance.

Shen Lian took a deep breath and activated the "Tiger Subduing Stance," allowing his blood and qi to flow throughout his body, dispelling the chill that had invaded his body.

He held the Yangyan Talisman in his left hand and a knife in his right, descending the stone steps one by one.

After descending about thirty feet, the stone steps lead to the natural cave.

Dozens of desiccated corpses hang from the stalactites hanging from the cave ceiling.

"Captain Han? Brother Zhao?" Shen Lian called out in a low voice.

no respond.

He slowly stepped into the cave, his foot landing on a piece of broken bone, making a soft 'crack' sound.

Suddenly, ripples appeared on the surface of the underground river.

Shen Lian turned around instantly, the tip of his knife pointing at the river.

Beneath the surface, a dark shadow slowly rose to the surface.

It's Zhou Tong!

His eyes were wide open, his expression frozen in extreme terror, his skin covered with dark red spiderweb patterns, and the needle hole at the Baihui acupoint on the top of his head was clearly visible.

Shen Lian's heart sank.

Zhou Tong was already dead, but his body was being carried by the underground river, slowly drifting towards the cave in the northwest corner.

"Lead me there?" Shen Lian's eyes were icy.

Without further hesitation, he leaped onto a protruding rock and, in a few bounds, reached the cave entrance.

On the opposite bank of the deep pool, there is a naturally formed stone platform. A shadowy figure can be faintly seen moving on the platform.

Shen Lian walked around the pool and stepped on a hard object. He looked down and saw a broken spear tip, which was Chu Chunqiu's Overlord Spear.

"Even the Overlord Spear is broken..." Shen Lian said solemnly.

Beyond a pile of boulders by the pool, the entire stone platform comes into view.

The stone platform is about three zhang square and five chi above the surface of the pool.

Shen Lian immediately began the [Combat Power Detection], frowning as he looked ahead.

[Combat Strength]: 130~150

[Combat Strength]: 132~154

[Combat Strength]: 128~144

"Three..." Shen Lian took a deep breath, gripping the long sword tightly in his hand.

These three combat power data are extremely strong.

"Shen Lian?" Zhao Tiezhu's pupils contracted sharply upon seeing Shen Lian. "Why are you down here? Where are Chen Ping and the others?"

"Chen Ping led Wang Chuan out and has sent someone back to the city for reinforcements." Shen Lian quickly stepped forward to join the four men. "Brother Zhao, how are your injuries?"

"They won't die," Zhao Tiezhu said through gritted teeth, "but these three devilish things are a bit troublesome; it's difficult to kill them."

Chu Chunqiu didn't turn his head, and said coldly, "Are you here to die? Even Zhou Tong..."

"Zhou Tong is dead; his body is floating on the underground river." Shen Lian interrupted him, his gaze sweeping over the three dark figures. "What are they?"

Han Lie gasped, "It's not a demon... it's an 'Evil Shadow,' an evil creature artificially created. It feeds on the blood and energy of the living, its soul is resentment, and its body is made of water veins. Physical attacks are almost ineffective; only the power of Yang Fire can harm them."

Zhao Tiezhu squatted on the edge of the stone platform, his sword already drawn, a Yangyan talisman affixed to the blade. He said in a deep voice, "Wang Chuan sent out a distress signal when he escaped, but reinforcements won't arrive for at least half an hour. We have to hold on."