27: Unrest is brewing

Liuyun Market no longer allowed strangers to enter or exit. The Bailing Sect and Liuyan Valley of Wei Country, originally supported by the Great Xin's Four Great Sects, wanted to counterattack the Evil Path. Unfortunately, for some unknown reason, the Evil Path's strength had become extremely powerful, and the Cultivators who participated in the counterattack failed again.

The Bailing Sect and Liuyan Valley of Wei Country are now besieged by the Evil Path, with their Sect gates closed, completely surrounded. Heretical Cultivators have already begun to move towards Great Xin, and Liuyun Market, a relatively large stronghold at the junction of Wei Country and Great Xin, is certain to become a battleground.

At this time, a Golden Core cultivator arrived at Liuyun Market. This person was none other than He Butong from North Wind Valley, whom Lin Feng had met before. Recently, Cultivators venturing out into the Qingyun Mountain Range from outside Liuyun Market frequently went missing, and Lin Feng, Xiong Hu, and others had not ventured out for some time.

Because they hadn't ventured out for a while, Lin Hu and the others had run out of Spirit Stones. Lin Hu had recently broken through to Qi Refining Stage 4, and Qi Liang and Qi Kun had finally broken through to Qi Refining Stage 3.

Breakthroughs in cultivation are accompanied by increased demands for Cultivation resources. Therefore, the three had recently been trying to persuade Lin Feng to join them in hunting Yao Beasts. Lin Feng initially wanted to refuse, but considering that his own cultivation had recently broken through to Qi Refining Stage 6, his consumption of Medicinal Pills had greatly increased, and he also needed Body Refining, plus he had a Silver Shadow Leopard.

Even Talismans crafting was becoming a strain for Lin Feng, so he ultimately agreed to the three's invitation to go to the Qingyun Mountain Range. The four had already discussed it and decided to only hunt in the outer areas this time.

They knew that although the Yao Beasts in the outer areas were relatively weaker, their numbers were large, and occasionally powerful Yao Beasts would appear. As long as they acted carefully, they should be able to gain something. Lin Feng and the three others prepared everything, brought the necessary weapons and Medicinal Pills, and set off on their journey to the Qingyun Mountain Range.

On the way, Lin Feng pondered to himself that he was now at Qi Refining Stage 6, and his strength had greatly increased, but facing the upcoming battles, he still needed to be more cautious.

After all, the Evil Path's strength was no longer what it used to be and should not be underestimated. The four proceeded cautiously on the road, constantly alert to their surroundings. Soon, they arrived at the outskirts of the Qingyun Mountain Range and began to search for suitable hunting grounds.

After some searching, they finally discovered traces of a Yao Beast pack and decided to take action there. Lin Feng and the three others had clear divisions of labor and coordinated seamlessly.

Lin Feng was responsible for ranged attacks, using his Talismans crafting skills to launch Talismanic Incantations to suppress the Yao Beasts; Xiong Hu was responsible for close combat, his Physical Body strength was powerful, allowing him to easily deal with some weaker Yao Beasts; Qi Liang and Qi Kun were responsible for vigilance and support, always ready to respond to emergencies.

The battle quickly began, and Lin Feng and the others, relying on their excellent strength and seamless coordination, gradually gained the upper hand. However, just then, a powerful Yao Beast suddenly appeared and launched a fierce attack on the four. Lin Feng and the others were immediately plunged into a bitter struggle.

This Yao Beast was a Fire Toad Beast, its body resembling a giant toad, its skin glowing like flames. It was clearly a Late Stage Tier 1 Yao Beast. This beast could spit flames, preventing Lin Feng and the three others from getting close, while Lin Feng's Spirit Beast had hidden itself when the battle began.

In the sight of Lin Feng and the others, the Silver Shadow Leopard did not appear. It knew how to conceal its aura and was currently lurking in the shadows, looking for the best opportunity to strike. Facing the fierce offensive of the Fire Toad Beast, Lin Feng and the three others dared not be careless. They each performed their duties, cooperating closely, trying to stabilize their position.

Xiong Hu wielded his short sword, engaging in close combat with the Fire Toad Beast. Each attack carried astonishing power. However, the Fire Toad Beast's skin was incredibly tough; even Xiong Hu's full-strength blow only left shallow wounds on its body.

Qi Liang and Qi Kun constantly moved around, looking for opportunities to distract the Fire Toad Beast, while also being vigilant for other Yao Beasts that might appear. Their vigilance was excellent, providing Lin Feng with a good environment for ranged attacks.

Lin Feng stood in the distance, rapidly forming hand seals. Talismanic Incantations took shape in his hands and were then accurately thrown towards the Fire Toad Beast. The Talismanic Incantations exploded in the air, releasing dazzling light and powerful energy, causing considerable damage to the Fire Toad Beast.

However, the Fire Toad Beast did not retreat because of this; instead, it attacked even more ferociously. The flames it spat out were like raging fire Dragons, sweeping towards Lin Feng and the three others. Seeing this, the four quickly used their movement techniques, dodging the flame attacks.

Just as the four were in a bitter struggle, the Silver Shadow Leopard finally found an opportunity to strike. It suddenly darted out from the shadows, as fast as lightning, pouncing directly on the Fire Toad Beast's flank. The Silver Shadow Leopard's sharp claws left deep wounds on the Fire Toad Beast's body, and blood splattered.

The Fire Toad Beast, in pain, let out a deafening roar, its attention instantly drawn to the Silver Shadow Leopard. Seeing this, Lin Feng and the three others seized the opportunity to launch a counterattack.

At this moment, Lin Feng, relying on his speed being faster than the Fire Toad Beast's, took advantage of its inattention. With a flick of his hand, three silver needles shot out towards the Fire Toad Beast. When it sensed danger and tried to dodge, it was too late, and it was struck by Lin Feng's Three Yangs Carrying Yin Needles.

The Fire Toad Beast, just struck, was still very strong and tried to chase them, but not long after, its body began to sway. It was clearly poisoned by Lin Feng's Three Yangs Carrying Yin Needles. At this moment, Lin Feng and the three others turned and attacked the Fire Toad Beast again. The Fire Toad Beast was in poor condition at this time and was killed by the four.

Just as the four were all happy after killing it, Xiong Hu and the two others, disregarding their injuries from the recent fight, went to dissect the beast, preparing to sell it for a good price upon their return.

Lin Feng pulled the three of them back, giving them a look, and at the same time, with a confident expression towards the dense forest ahead, he said loudly, "Fellow Daoist, you've been watching for a long time, aren't you going to show yourself?"

As Lin Feng's words fell, a rustling sound came from the dense forest ahead, and then a figure in black slowly walked out. This person had a stern face and sharp eyes, clearly not someone to be trifled with. He glanced at the fallen Fire Toad Beast, then turned his gaze to Lin Feng and the three others, a cold smile playing on his lips.

"I didn't expect you several juniors of the Qi Refinement Stage to be able to kill a Late Stage Tier 1 Fire Toad Beast. You indeed have some ability. How did you discover me?" the man in black said slowly, his tone filled with disdain and contempt.

Lin Feng's expression remained unchanged, but he was secretly vigilant. He could feel that this person's strength was far above theirs; he was definitely an opponent not to be underestimated. Xiong Hu and the two others also looked solemn, tightly gripping their weapons, ready for battle.

"Who is Your Excellency? Why are you hiding here?" Lin Feng asked in a deep voice, trying to figure out the other party's background. Lin Feng, with Keen Observation and Spirit Rhinoceros Eye, could easily detect the nearby magical fluctuations and some movements in the wind and grass. How could he tell the other party that he had entries? Instead, he changed the subject and asked.