219: Holy Fire Church News

The candle flames in the Core Hall of Beyond Heaven flickered, casting light upon Jun Xiaoyao's indifferent profile.

He pinched a white jade chess piece between his fingertips and placed it on the 'Western Regions' position of the chessboard, precisely pinning down the black piece representing the Sacred Fire Cult. The secret report spread out on the desk still smelled of fresh ink.

Zhao Gao had just sent it from The Net's main altar—after the leader of the Sacred Fire Cult fled back to the main altar wounded, he had actually formed an alliance with the 'Wolf Tribe' of the Northern Territory and the 'Poison Sect' of the Southern Border. The three parties had secretly reached a pact, seemingly intending to make a move on Beyond Heaven's Western Regions trade route before the autumn harvest.

'Young Lord, the dark lines The Net planted in the Sacred Fire Cult have sent back news. The three parties have agreed to meet at Black Wind Stockade on the third of next month to discuss their strategy against us.'

Zhao Gao stood with his hands hanging down, his voice lowered, 'The leader of the Wolf Tribe, the Azure Wolf King, is at the Late Stage Great Grandmaster Realm. The Sect Master of the Poison Sect, the Old Granny of Ten Thousand Poisons, is even at the Early Celestial Being Realm. Coupled with the fact that the leader of the Sacred Fire Cult, though severely injured, still possesses a deep foundation, these three parties joining forces will likely be difficult to deal with.'

Jun Xiaoyao slid his fingertip lightly across the chessboard, his gaze landing on the position of 'Black Wind Stockade.'

That location was situated at the border between the Western Regions and the Northern Territory. The terrain was treacherous, easy to defend and difficult to attack, and had always been a lawless zone, which happened to be convenient for the three parties' secret meeting.

He looked up at the water mirror. The images of the three leaders had already appeared in the mirror—the Azure Wolf King was draped in animal skins, his fangs exposed, and a violent aura radiated from his body; the Old Granny of Ten Thousand Poisons had a hunched back, venomous snakes coiled around her withered fingers, and her eyes were sinister; the leader of the Sacred Fire Cult, though pale, was still clutching that gemstone-encrusted scepter, revealing a ruthless unwillingness to give up.

'Is there any movement from The Unruly?' Jun Xiaoyao asked indifferently.

'The Marshal of the Unruly has already taken the 'Heavenly Sin' squad to infiltrate the vicinity of Black Wind Stockade and is currently setting up surveillance.'

Zhao Gao handed over another secret report, 'He said that the Stockade Master of Black Wind Stockade, 'One-Eyed Dragon', is at the Late Stage Innate Realm. He appears neutral, but in reality, he has secretly accepted benefits from the Sacred Fire Cult and has already agreed to seal the stockade gates when the time comes, preventing outsiders from approaching.'

A cold, sharp arc curled at the corner of Jun Xiaoyao's mouth: 'Neutral? There is no such thing as true neutrality in this world; it's just that the chips aren't enough.' He moved the white jade chess piece next to 'Black Wind Stockade,' 'Tell the Marshal of the Unruly to keep a close eye on One-Eyed Dragon. If he dares to actually make a move, pull out this thorn first.'

'Yes.' Zhao Gao replied, then added, 'Additionally, the System just prompted that the accumulated summoning points are enough to summon a new character. Shall we proceed now?'

Jun Xiaoyao pondered for a moment. Although Beyond Heaven currently had capable hands like Yang Zhi and Qu Feiyan, the combat power at the Heavenly Human Realm was still thin. Facing the alliance of three parties, it was indeed necessary to add some assistance. He nodded: 'Summon.'

Zhao Gao immediately activated the summoning array. Golden runes appeared on the ground in the center of the hall, the light growing brighter and brighter, and a figure could be vaguely seen condensing in the light. The System panel appeared accordingly:

[Summoning Successful! Character: Xiao Feng]

[From: Jin Yong's 'demi-gods and semi-devils' world]

[Realm: Middle Stage Heavenly Human Realm]

[Martial Skill Cultivation Technique: 1. Eighteen Dragon-Subduing Palms: Fierce and unparalleled, the palm wind can split mountains and rocks, containing the deterrent power of Dragon prestige. 2. Dog Beating Staff Technique: Agile and treacherous, specializing in attacking weaknesses, hidden in the sleeve for surprise attacks. 3. Shaolin Internal Skill: Thick and enduring, capable of supporting high-intensity prolonged battles.]

[Status: Peak]

[Loyalty: 100%]

The light dissipated, and a large man wearing coarse cloth clothes appeared in the hall. He was eight feet tall, with a tiger-like back and bear-like waist, a resolute face, and eyes shining with spirit—it was indeed Xiao Feng. Seeing Jun Xiaoyao, he cupped his fists and bowed, his voice like a booming bell: 'Subordinate Xiao Feng, greets the Young Lord!'

Jun Xiaoyao looked at this righteous hero, a hint of satisfaction flashing in his eyes. The Middle Stage Heavenly Human Realm, coupled with the power of the Eighteen Dragon-Subduing Palms, was enough to deal with the likes of the Azure Wolf King. 'Hero Xiao, no need for formalities,' he pointed to the image in the water mirror, 'On the third of next month, there will be some 'excitement' at Black Wind Stockade. I need you to go with the Marshal of the Unruly to hold down the fort.'

Xiao Feng's gaze swept across the water mirror. When he saw the images of the Azure Wolf King and the others, his brows furrowed slightly: 'These people have an evil aura, they seem to be people who slaughter the innocent?'

'Exactly.' Jun Xiaoyao said, 'They intend to harm our Beyond Heaven trade route. Hero Xiao, you only need to intervene and stop them; no need to hold back.'

'Subordinate understands!' Xiao Feng said loudly, 'Anyone who dares to offend the Young Lord, Xiao Feng will ensure they have no return journey!'

After Xiao Feng left with Zhao Gao to familiarize himself with Beyond Heaven's affairs, Jun Xiaoyao looked at the water mirror again. In the mirror, the Marshal of the Unruly had changed into the coarse cloth short jacket of Black Wind Stockade and was disguising himself as a merchant with the members of the 'Heavenly Sin' squad, setting up points in the small town outside Black Wind Stockade.

'Marshal of the Unruly,' Jun Xiaoyao's voice came through the water mirror, 'Xiao Feng will arrive shortly. Let him be the main attacker, and you take the Heavenly Sin squad to be responsible for the perimeter interception. Don't let any living soul escape.'

The Marshal of the Unruly in the water mirror nodded slightly, the gaze under his hat brim as sharp as an eagle: 'Young Lord, rest assured. The 'Dragon Locking Array' has been set up around Black Wind Stockade. Unless they can fly, they won't be able to escape even with wings.' He pointed to several wine shops and inns on the edge of the town, 'Heavenly Sin members have already mixed into them. When the time comes, we will use fireworks as a signal to coordinate from inside and outside.'

Jun Xiaoyao nodded slightly and switched the water mirror to the Western Regions trade route. That was an important resource channel for Beyond Heaven, transporting profound iron ore and gemstones mined from the Western Regions. Once robbed, the losses would be heavy. The group responsible for guarding the trade route was the 'Xuan' Group of The Net. The group leader was 'Ying', who was at the Late Stage Grandmaster Realm. At this moment, he was leading the members to inspect the escort carriages. Each carriage was secretly equipped with signal flares, which would rise into the sky to warn of an attack.

'Ying's side needs another layer of insurance.' Jun Xiaoyao whispered to himself, then said to Zhao Gao, 'Have the 'Di' Group leader Wei Wuxian take ten members to reinforce the Western Regions trade route. His 'Ghost Dao Talisman Technique' is good at setting up defenses, which can make up for the shortcomings of the Xuan Group.'

[Character: Wei Wuxian]

[From: Mo Xiang Tong Xiu's 'Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation' world]

[Realm: Peak Grandmaster]

[Martial Skill Cultivation Technique: 1. Ghost Dao Talisman Technique: Can set up barriers, create illusions, and has first-class ability to prevent sneak attacks. 2. Chenqing Flute: Uses flute sound to control corpse puppets, very powerful in group battles. 3. Yin Tiger Seal (Fragment): Can draw on resentment to protect the body and temporarily raise the Realm.]

[Status: Stable]

Zhao Gao took the order and left. Jun Xiaoyao looked at the chessboard again, his fingertips connecting the three points of 'Northern Territory,' 'Southern Border,' and 'Western Regions' in a line, cold light flashing in his eyes. Sacred Fire Cult, Wolf Tribe, Poison Sect—if they dare to move against his Beyond Heaven's interests, they must be prepared to bear the consequences.

Three days later, the small town near Black Wind Stockade gradually became lively. The Azure Wolf King brought ten Wolf Tribe warriors, dressed in animal skin gear with scimitars at their waists, and swaggered into the largest 'Welcome Tower' in the town. The Old Granny of Ten Thousand Poisons was wrapped in a black robe, followed by four maids wearing bamboo hats, and quietly moved into the remote 'Yuelai Inn.' The leader of the Sacred Fire Cult arrived last, carried in a sedan chair, escorted by eight Cultists, and went directly into the secret chamber in the back mountain of Black Wind Stockade.

The Marshal of the Unruly sat at a tea stall opposite the Welcome Tower, sipping coarse tea, taking all of this into his eyes. Xiao Feng, who was beside him, pretended to be drinking, but when he caught a glimpse of the Azure Wolf King from the corner of his eye, his brows twitched—this person had a very heavy smell of blood, obviously his hands were stained with blood.

'Hero Xiao,' the Marshal of the Unruly said in a low voice, 'The Azure Wolf King's 'Mountain Splitting Claw' is fierce and unparalleled. You need to be careful of the wolf poison carried in his claw wind. The Old Granny of Ten Thousand Poisons is even more difficult to deal with; she hides 'Bone-Eroding Bees' in her sleeves. Those who are struck will have their flesh and skin rot. You need to use fire to restrain them.'

Xiao Feng nodded, Internal Energy already condensing in his palms: 'No matter. The Dragon-Subduing Palms can repel evil toxins. If she dares to release the bees, I will burn those poisonous insects with one palm.'

As night deepened, three fireworks rose outside Black Wind Stockade, which was the agreed signal to act. The Marshal of the Unruly smashed his teacup, and ten black shadows rushed out from around the tea stall. They were the Heavenly Sin members. They quickly controlled the entrance and exit of the town. Xiao Feng and the Marshal of the Unruly headed straight for the gate of Black Wind Stockade.

'Who goes there? Dare to break into Black Wind Stockade!' One-Eyed Dragon led the stockade guards to block the door, his broadsword pointing directly at the two.

Xiao Feng couldn't be bothered to talk nonsense. The palm wind of Vast Dragon Regrets suddenly rose, and with the sound of a dragon's roar, he slapped toward One-Eyed Dragon. One-Eyed Dragon raised his sword to block, but was shocked by the palm wind, his tiger's mouth cracked, the broadsword flew out of his hand, and he hit the mountain gate with his whole body, spitting out a mouthful of blood. 'You... you are at the Heavenly Human Realm?!' He was horrified.

'Those who block me, die.' Xiao Feng stepped in, the Marshal of the Unruly followed closely behind, and the Heavenly Sin members began to clear out the miscellaneous soldiers in the stockade.

In the secret chamber at the back mountain, the three leaders were drinking and plotting, but when they suddenly heard the sound of fighting outside, their expressions changed drastically. The Azure Wolf King slammed the table and stood up: 'Someone is breaking into the stockade!'

The Old Granny of Ten Thousand Poisons waved her withered hand, and several poisonous bees flew out from her sleeves, guarding the door. The leader of the Sacred Fire Cult stood up, leaning on his scepter: 'It must be the people from Beyond Heaven! I didn't expect them to dare to come to our door!'

Before the words fell, the door of the secret chamber was shattered by palm power with a 'boom.' Xiao Feng stood proudly at the door, his eyes like lightning: 'You guys conspired to intercept my trade route. Today is your death day!'

The Azure Wolf King roared and turned into a gray shadow to pounce. His sharp claws brought a fishy wind and grabbed at Xiao Feng's face. Xiao Feng did not retreat but advanced. Seeing the Dragon in the Field, his palm momentum changed, cleverly avoiding the claw attack, and he printed a palm on the chest of the Azure Wolf King. The Azure Wolf King screamed and flew backward, knocking over the table, and the blood sprayed from his mouth was mixed with broken bones.

Seeing this, the Old Granny of Ten Thousand Poisons hurriedly blew a whistle, and the Bone-Eroding Bees surged toward Xiao Feng like a black cloud. Xiao Feng took a deep breath, and both palms came out together. The palm wind of Soaring Dragon in the Sky swirled upward, forming a fire dragon, instantly burning the poisonous bees to ashes. 'Petty tricks.' He snorted coldly, and the palm wind turned toward the Old Granny of Ten Thousand Poisons.

Under the horror, the old woman threw out a handful of poisonous powder, but her figure had already been locked by the palm wind. Only a 'bang' was heard, and she flew out like a broken kite, hitting the stone wall. Her black robe was shattered, revealing her withered body underneath, and she was breathing her last.

Seeing this, the leader of the Sacred Fire Cult was Soul Flying Away and Spirit Scattering, and turned to run from the secret passage, but was blocked by the Marshal of the Unruly. 'Cult Leader, stay.' The Marshal of the Unruly shook the chain gun in his hand, the tip of the gun pointing directly at his throat.

The Cult Leader's face was pale, and his scepter slammed into the ground. The ground cracked, and several fire pillars spewed out. 'Want to keep me? Not that easy!' He used the cover of the fire pillars, actually wanting to rush out of the gap.

How could Xiao Feng allow him to escape? The palm wind of Seeing the Dragon in the Field swept across, scattering the fire pillars, and then Divine Dragon Swings Tail, kicked the Cult Leader in the back. The Cult Leader staggered toward the Marshal of the Unruly and was precisely pierced through the shoulder by the chain gun, nailed to the stone wall.

'Speak, who else participated in this matter?' The Marshal of the Unruly twisted the tip of the gun, increasing the force.

The Cult Leader screamed in pain, but gritted his teeth and said nothing. Xiao Feng stepped forward, his palm wind condensing: 'Don't want to talk? If I hit this palm, your Sacred Fire Cult's century-old foundation will probably turn into flying ash.'

The Cult Leader's face changed drastically. He knew that Xiao Feng could do what he said, so he had to say intermittently: 'Still... still... the 'Ice Plains Castle' in the Northern Territory... they agreed... to send troops to contain your eastern line...'

The Marshal of the Unruly and Xiao Feng looked at each other, and coldness flashed in their eyes. Jun Xiaoyao was right, these people were indeed more than just three parties.

'Solve them.' The Marshal of the Unruly said to Xiao Feng.

Xiao Feng nodded, the Dragon-Subduing Palms fell, and three muffled sounds came from the secret chamber. The leaders of the three parties were all executed.

At the same time, on the Western Regions trade route, the 'Binding Immortal Array' set up by Wei Wuxian just blocked the ambush squad sent by the Poison Sect.

He played the Chenqing Flute, inducing the resentment to turn into ghost shadows, trapping dozens of Poison Sect Disciples in the array. The members of the Xuan Group took the opportunity to harvest, and the battle was resolved in a moment.

Jun Xiaoyao in front of the water mirror watched all this and slowly put away the chessboard. He picked up a new white jade chess piece, which shone with cold light under the candlelight.

Ice Plains Castle, huh? It seems that this game of chess still needs a few more pieces.