245: Thousands of men leave their hometowns and do not let their swords hide their sharpness (asking for monthly tickets)

Over six thousand li away, in Jinguancheng.

Countless people watched as the colossal golden figure, like a mountain, obliterated two Wucang Great Demons, then, amidst the overwhelming demonic light, laughed uproariously towards the sky before being swallowed by the demonic light. Their hearts were profoundly shaken.

It was as if that laughter echoed through this world, reverberating in everyone's ears!

Silence, yet deafening!

Demons in the sky, one man, one spear, battling at the border, bathed in blood on the battlefield, a truly stirring sight.

Watching that colossal golden figure dissipate with the wind into the world, some were deeply shaken, some had tears in their eyes, and some felt their blood surge, a thunderclap in their chests.

"Kill!"

A single sound.

Then it piled up into a thousand waves, one sound passing to another, echoing through the city.

Many of them were young Jianghu men, full of youthful vigor and untainted by too much worldly dust, who watched these scenes with shock, their chests tight, their blood surging, their eyes wide, unable to control their emotions. That majestic figure was deeply imprinted in their memories.

In an inn in the south of the city, on the third-floor window, a young man with a dignified appearance stood before the window. He saw the rampant demonic flames and also saw the colossal golden figure vanish into the world. He slammed his palm downwards, shattering the window frame into splinters, and clenched his fists tightly.

Then, he turned and quickly strode to the bed, pulling out a precious sword from the hanging rack beside it.

A cold gleam flashed as the sword was unsheathed, exceptionally sharp. He then kicked open the door, only to be stopped by a figure in the same room, "Junior Brother, where are you going?"

The one who stopped him was a steady-looking man, around thirty years old.

"To the front lines, to slay demons and eradicate evil," the young man raised the precious sword in his hand, his voice filled with fervor.

The steady man's brows twitched upon hearing this. He looked out the window, then at his Junior Brother, opened his mouth, and sighed,

"Junior Brother, the Fa Shan Army has been defeated. The front lines are extremely dangerous now, and lives are as cheap as grass."

However, upon hearing this, the young man's tone surged, "The Fa Shan Army hasn't been defeated, we have. We left Guangan Prefecture early, traveling thousands of li to come here, saying we were temporarily avoiding the conflict, waiting for the right time. But Senior Brother, have you seen those soldiers, and this Heaven-supporting General, who sacrificed their lives and shed their blood to protect the people behind the city? If we, who practice martial arts, are not moved by this, then what do we Cultivate for?"

The older Senior Brother's face showed some shame upon hearing this. He raised his hand and then lowered it, but still wanted to say, "Revered Master said to wait for the right time, meaning to wait for the many forces in Shu Land to gather. At that time, we will surely have a bloody battle with the demons, and then we can also display our abilities. For now, it's not time yet, not even that General..."

But the young man pointed out the window, his eyes blazing, "Senior Brother, listen."

Outside in the night sky, shouts of battle rose and fell, shaking the night.

And below this inn, tables slammed one after another, followed by rough shouts,

"Damn it, those cursed beasts."

"Why don't men carry Wu Hook Swords!"

"Avenge the soldiers on the front lines!"

"Count me in!"

"..."

Chairs and benches collided, human voices roared, and figures rushed out with shouts.

The young swordsman's eyes then flickered as he stared at his Senior Brother, "Senior Brother, if it's not time now, then when will it be?"

"I'm going!"

Saying this, he strode out the door and arrived at the inn's entrance. He put two fingers to his mouth and blew a sharp whistle.

Immediately, a horse's neigh came from the alley beside the inn, followed by the rapid thudding of hooves, like a sudden downpour. A white horse galloped out, rushing to the inn's entrance.

The young swordsman leaped onto the horse, raised the reins, and slapped the horse. Hooves flew as it galloped towards the South City Gate.

Silver saddle illuminating a white horse, sword on back, departing Jinguancheng, brimming with youthful spirit, unwilling for the precious sword to hide its gleam.

At this moment, in Jinguancheng, as the colossal golden figure that stood between Heaven and Earth scattered into golden light particles, like fireflies, it ignited countless sparks in people's eyes. Throughout the city, people and horses moved, shouts rising incessantly.

Amidst the shouts, brightly dressed, sword-carrying young men, rough and wild, all rushed towards the South City Gate, exiting Jinguancheng, transforming into a river of stars, merging into the vast darkness of the night, amidst the driving wind and rain.

And in the sky, those mysterious light figures at the very center of the incense projection also burst into brilliant streams of light, shooting southwards. Their obscure yet powerful Qi pierced through the night, whistling through the Void Realm.

The powerhouses from the Central Plains had all moved out!

Among them, several streams of light were particularly dazzling:

One figure, clad in a straw cloak and wearing a bamboo hat, seemed to have surging waves beneath his feet, lifting him up as he whooshed through the air.

There was also a hazy woman in white, transcendent and ethereal, walking through the Void Realm. Beneath her feet, colorful lotus petals bloomed, and as the petals danced, a seven-colored Lotus Platform formed beneath the woman's feet, shining with brilliant Divine Light, supporting her as she spectacularly broke through the sky.

And a great sword flew through the sky, its light extending into a line, forming a thin white line that suddenly sliced open the night.

Although these dazzling streams of light did not intentionally release their Qi, the anomalies they displayed made the various Heavenly Gate forces scattered throughout the Shu Land feel a sense of danger, and their expressions changed dramatically.

When did so many people come to Jinguancheng!

Their minds raced, and whispers spread. Some simply transformed into streams of light and followed.

For a time, streams of light rose rapidly across Heaven and Earth.

Among these streams of light, there was a young man in white with golden embroidery, wearing a jade crown, and with a Qilin embroidered on his chest. He stood with his hands behind his back on a black Flying Boat, two zhang in size, whistling through the rain.

At this moment, his expression was constantly changing, but a fervent gleam appeared in his eyes.

"Ai Lao, you said that small tree manifested by that person, is it truly a Qi Luck Spiritual Root, a Heaven-tier treasure of such caliber?"

"Eldest Young Master, sixty years ago, this old man was fortunate enough to have seen a Heaven-tier Spirit Root treasure emerge from afar. At that time, countless powerhouses fought over this item, their blood flowing like rivers, and it was finally obtained by a great Divine Ability user from Langya Grotto-heaven. It is said that for this item, several Grotto-heavens even tore off their masks. And that small tree just now was incredibly mystical; even its projection gathered the essence of Heaven and Earth. Young Master must have felt it too; there's absolutely no mistake. It seems those elusive fellows are rushing there for this very reason. It appears the news from the Imperial Court was correct: the Qi of Heaven and Earth here is being reshaped, and such a Heaven-tier Luck treasure will be born. It seems that Ninth Mountain Vice General luckily obtained a stalk!"

Behind the white-clad man, a figure completely shrouded in a white robe spoke in a hoarse voice.

It was indeed the Revered Master and servant duo from the Li family of the Central Plains!

"You say, did that Zhonglang General die or not?" Li family's Eldest Young Master's voice turned grim as he spoke, recalling the colossal projection that spanned Heaven and Earth just now, and the overwhelming ferocity it displayed. A strong sense of trepidation flashed in his eyes.

He had never expected that the Ninth Mountain Zhonglang General, whom he had initially thought he could easily kill, would be so terrifying.

Wu Zang!

At this moment, his eyes flickered intensely. If this Ninth Mountain Zhonglang General was still alive, he would never provoke such a great Divine Ability user. He wasn't foolish; he didn't have the capital to stand before such a figure. Even with the Li family's backing, he would never do such a stupid thing. After all, one's own strength was the true foundation.

But now, he pondered, "If that person has fallen, wouldn't the Heaven-tier Luck treasure fall into the hands of the demons? Wouldn't going now be too late?"

Ai Lao, behind him, slightly clasped his hands. His old voice also seemed uncertain, "That person's Primordial Spirit Dharma Idol was shattered by the Great Demons who arrived, and it dissipated into Heaven and Earth. This old man also can't be sure, but for such a Heaven-tier treasure, even if there's only a sliver of hope, it will attract countless people to investigate. Even if it falls into the hands of demons, there will be people who dare to fight with them. Others probably understand this, but Young Master also saw how eagerly these people are rushing there. If that person isn't dead, he must have suffered severe injuries. Young Master should understand the implications."

"Moreover, this old man sensed two dangerous Qi among them. It's very likely that a Wu Zang Great Divine Ability user is hidden among them. If that Zhonglang General truly isn't dead, I'm afraid it will be another bloody storm. Given Young Master's and my strength, this old man actually doesn't recommend participating."

"Please, Young Master, make a careful decision!"

The old servant, shrouded in white robes, had a calm mind, analyzing the situation, and then threw the problem to the Li family's Eldest Young Master in front of him.

The Li family's Eldest Young Master's eyes flickered rapidly, his brows furrowed as he weighed the pros and cons. Then, he raised one hand from behind his back, and a white stream of light flew out from his gold-edged sleeve.

The white stream of light shimmered, revealing a palm-sized white Flying Sword. It was pure white and flawless, trembling slightly, sparkling with dazzling Spiritual Light, like a small fish, swimming erratically before the Li family's Eldest Young Master.

This item was called the Myriad Li Sword Talisman, capable of rapidly crossing ten thousand li in a short time. This talisman was extremely troublesome to refine and quite rare, used for transmitting messages at critical moments.

"Tell the clan to send a clan elder over!"

"No matter what, if such a Heaven-tier treasure truly exists, even if there's only a sliver of hope, we must try. Otherwise, if there's a real opportunity, it will be too late to regret. Moreover, since this kind of thing has already appeared, it will likely continue to manifest in the future. I, Li Rulong, don't want to fall behind."

Saying this, he took the Myriad Li Sword Talisman into his hand and pressed it to his glabella.

After about three or four breaths, the Li family's Eldest Young Master urged a hand seal. The palm-sized Myriad Li Talisman vibrated with a humming sound, and its white light intensified.

Li Rulong waved his hand, and with a hum, the white light immediately transformed into a white rainbow, leaping into the Void Realm behind him. It flashed, and in an instant, it had escaped several li, quickly disappearing into the night, moving at an extremely high speed.

After doing all this, Li Rulong's previously hesitant gaze turned ruthless, then a cold smile flashed across his face, "Those people probably went directly to Weiyuan Pass to try their Luck. The dangers there are unknown, so you and I won't get involved in that excitement."

"Young Master has a plan?" Ai Lao, behind him, asked.

"We'll go find the Ninth Mountain Army that retreated. Who knows, there might be some unexpected gains. But still, be cautious and act according to the situation." Li Rulong smiled.

"That sounds like a good idea. It's good that Young Master has a plan!"

Meanwhile, in Jinguancheng, in that courtyard, Zhao Quanzhen's eyes were burning as he watched the General's projection dissipate into Heaven and Earth. A thunderclap rose in his chest. Then, seeing the powerful Qi in the sky all leaving the city, his face showed surprise and doubt.

"Teacher, are these people also going out of the city to slay demons?"

The old man in plain clothes, however, looked displeased and even cursed, "Nonsense! If one or two people moved, this old man would believe it, but all of them getting hot-headed together? If this old man isn't mistaken, these fellows are heading for the Qi Luck Spiritual Root."

"Qi Luck Spiritual Root?" Zhao Quanzhen had been focused on watching the colossal golden figure furiously battle the Great Demons, its indomitable will standing proudly between Heaven and Earth. His heart was stirred, and because he was far away, he hadn't paid too much attention. Now, hearing the words 'Qi Luck Spiritual Root,' he immediately snapped to attention.

Of course, he had heard of this item's great name. The Dragon Spring in their Wudao Mountain Forbidden Ground was such a Heaven-tier treasure, rumored to bring the dead back to life and regrow flesh on bones. Cultivating within it also led to incredibly fast progress. He had once ranked among the top three in a grand competition, earning the opportunity to Cultivate in the Forbidden Ground for a month, but this spring went deep underground. When they entered the Forbidden Ground, they were only permitted to Cultivate on the surface and had never seen the true appearance of the Dragon Spring.

This shows the importance of this spring to Wudao Mountain!

And this was also the news his father had mentioned in his previous letter.

"That tree?" Zhao Quanzhen reacted.

"Exactly!" The old man in plain clothes' expression flickered, "This item appeared in the hands of this Ninth Zhonglang, and now his life or death is unknown. These fellows are like cats smelling fish, wanting to try their Luck. This old man doesn't know what they're thinking."

"Teacher, are you saying?" Zhao Quanzhen's bright eyes filled with anger.

"Hmph, what else could it be? If this Ninth Zhonglang isn't dead, they'll find a way to seize this Heaven-tier treasure. After all, they saw this Ninth Zhonglang's Dharma Idol shatter; even if he didn't die, he must have suffered severe injuries." The old man in plain clothes snorted, clearly disdainful.

"Teacher, then do you think that Lord is still alive?" Zhao Quanzhen had personally witnessed that Lord's desperate struggle in the face of despair, first slaying six Demonic Path Dao Fruits, then two Wucang Great Demons. How overbearing! But he also saw the tragic scene. Although he didn't want such a heroic figure to fall, he felt that in such a situation, there was truly no chance of survival.

"A good person is naturally blessed by Heaven. He has great Karma; such a person should not die. With such heroic spirit, this old man truly wishes to befriend him. Quanzhen, what this Ninth Zhonglang did is what this Revered Master wants to teach you." The old man in plain clothes sighed.

"Yes, Disciple will remember!" Zhao Quanzhen's tall figure bowed deeply, a solemn bow.

"Let's go!" At this moment, wisps of cloud Qi began to rise from beneath the old man in plain clothes' feet.

"Teacher, where are we going?"

"This fire I stoked has caused trouble. If that Ninth Zhonglang isn't dead, this old man must lend a hand. And there's someone who might know if this Ninth Zhonglang is still alive; I need to find him."

"The novelist Teacher mentioned?" Zhao Quanzhen quickly thought of someone. His Teacher had told him about the profundity of the novelist's Cultivation method, which made him connect the dots.

"Exactly! That person should be among the retreating Ninth Mountain Army!"

After the old man in plain clothes finished speaking, the cloud Qi beneath his feet quickly enveloped the Revered Master and Disciple. Then, with a swirl, the two vanished from their original spot.

And on Yunding Peak, in the Xuntian Hall, an indignant roar erupted.

"Take this news to the Great General!"

"This envoy will personally go out!"

"Kill!"

"..."

That night, Jinguancheng boiled. Thousands of men left their hometowns, heading to the front lines, vowing to fight a bloody battle against the demons.