Killing Intent on a Rainy Night

As evening fell, by the west gate of the gymnasium.

The squad members stood or sat, guarding the steps of the main entrance.

No one in the squad had spoken for a long time. They all waited quietly, watching the sky gradually darken.

"No need to be nervous." Zhang Feng leaned against the wall, naturally sensing the heavy atmosphere within the squad.

He spoke to comfort them, "There are many guards around, and the gymnasium is protected by a large number of divine statues.

If any of the Demon Race appear, just follow my orders."

Lu Ran and the others were indeed believers, but as rookies, they had no ability to handle things on their own.

As Zhang Feng said, there were many believers on guard around.

Unless a great misfortune occurred and they encountered an evil being up close, it wouldn't be their turn to act.

The true purpose of this night watch mission was to help the novice believers get started, change their mindset, and so on.

It wasn't really about letting these students risk their lives.

Zhang Feng continued, "Rain Alley City is just a small county town with a small population, and there's only one divine statue located in the suburbs.

For many years, powerful evil beings have rarely descended upon us."

Lu Ran: "..."

Why did these comforting words sound more and more like setting up a trope?

"You are the first of this batch." Zhang Feng changed the subject.

"Yes." Jiang Ruyi nodded gently, gazing into the distance.

Outside the west gate was an open space, and further west were bushes and an iron fence. Beyond the fence was a road lit by streetlights.

Under the dim yellow light, the fine rain was clearly visible, like a curtain of water.

"As long as you get through this night safely, your performance this time won't be bad," Zhang Feng said softly.

Deng Yutang suddenly spoke, "I see that the student squads that arrived later were all assigned to the interior of the shelters, while only we are guarding outside?"

Zhang Feng nodded, "The interior of the buildings is naturally safer than the exterior.

Only the top ten teams are allowed to guard the outer sides of the major shelters.

So, as long as you can get through tonight safely, your base score will be much higher than other squads."

Deng Yutang understood and requested, "Brother Zhang, if low-level evil beings attack, let us try our hand."

To get a good score, a base score alone wouldn't suffice.

As early as before they set out, everyone had learned that Zhang Feng was a Sword Lotus Believer at the River Realm, second stage.

River Realm!

As expected of the Moon Watcher group that guarded the city, their strength and realm were truly high.

Mist, Stream, River, Yangtze, Sea.

For believers, the River Realm was a watershed and a label for the strong!

Even though Lu Ran had only taken half a month to advance two levels to Mist Realm, third stage.

It was important to know that within Great Xia, at least half of the believers remained forever in the Stream Realm!

These believers spent their entire lives unable to cross the threshold and enter the "River Realm."

The phrase "watershed" was absolutely significant!

When a believer cultivated to the River Realm, their application of divine power would undergo a qualitative leap.

River Realm believers could condense divine power into flowing water, and then project the water outwards, allowing it to flow and wrap around their bodies.

This "Water Flow Armor" was equivalent to a life-saving charm and also your capital for charging into the enemy ranks!

If you already had a defensive divine technique, it would be even better.

You had an extra layer of armor compared to others, which in some situations was equivalent to an extra life!

"The city defense mission is by no means child's play," Zhang Feng emphasized again. "I know you want to achieve good results, but the prerequisite for everything is to obey orders.

Otherwise, I will deduct points from you."

"Understood." Deng Yutang felt helpless and could only nod.

Last time, during the Evil Dog Village assessment, the military's accompanying instructor had graded them. This time, for the city defense mission, the Divine Affairs Bureau's Moon Watchers would be the judges.

Beside him, Lu Ran's voice came, "The school's ranking reward this time is a weapon, Young Master Deng."

Deng Yutang: "What?"

Lu Ran teased, "The Tianchen Spear you're holding is worth millions. Do you even care about the reward the school gives?"

Deng Yutang looked at Lu Ran, who was sitting on the steps, and shrugged indifferently, "Just for fun."

Lu Ran nodded with mock seriousness, "Thanking the lousy school for a few trinkets?"

"Heh heh~" Jiang Ruyi couldn't help but chuckle.

"Brother Lu, that's not quite right!" Deng Yutang also chuckled, "You aim for first place for the reward?"

Lu Ran nodded, "Yes."

Deng Yutang tilted his head, a large question mark appearing above him.

He stammered for a long time before speaking, "No, I aim for honor!"

"Right." Lu Ran was receptive to advice, changing his tune, "It's also for honor."

Deng Yutang: ???

Also?

"Stop teasing him." Jiang Ruyi said with a soft laugh.

"Oh." Lu Ran extended two fingers, his fingertips slowly brushing the cold blade.

He wasn't going to replace the Xiaguang Saber. Of course, if he got another sword...

Could he try a dual-wielding style?

"Woooo~~~"

Suddenly, a low horn blast pierced the night.

Lu Ran slowly stood up, following the sound, and gazed north.

Unfortunately, the distance was too great. Even with the bright lights of the street and buildings, he couldn't see anything.

He only sensed that the night rain was getting heavier.

"Is it starting?" Deng Yutang clenched his Tianchen Spear.

"Yaa!"

"Help, evil! Demons!"

"Ahhhhhh!" Very abruptly, screams erupted from the gymnasium behind them.

The sound was incredibly piercing, causing them to instinctively turn and look into the venue.

"Hold your positions!" Zhang Feng shouted sternly, "No unauthorized actions or leaving your posts."

The screams from inside continued, but Lu Ran could only imagine the chaos unfolding within.

The quiet rainy night had been utterly shattered.

"Mmm." Tian Tian's heart leaped into her throat, her small hand tightly gripping Jiang Ruyi's palm.

In her other hand, Divine Power surged, ready to cast Lotus Shield at any moment.

"Roar!"

Another roar came from the north, and this time, the source was very close.

Everyone immediately looked, and about a hundred meters away, a massive figure shrouded in mist appeared.

"Mist Shadow Person!" Deng Yutang stepped forward, blocking the group.

The Demon Race · Mist Shadow, also known as the "Mist Shadow Person" in folk tales.

"Its realm is very high." Jiang Ruyi frowned, her mind tense.

The Demon Race had numerous types with varying characteristics.

But there was a common trait: generally, the larger the demon, the higher its strength and realm.

The Mist Shadow Person in the distance was at least 3 meters tall, exuding immense pressure.

This was at least a River realm Mist Shadow Person!

It was humanoid, composed entirely of gray mist. Its misty face lacked features, appearing demonic and terrifying.

From the moment it appeared, it was like a source of pollution, constantly releasing thick gray mist in all directions.

"Don't move, maintain vigilance!" Zhang Feng naturally recognized the enemy's strength.

"Over here!"

"Kill!" Several angry roars sounded. A Moon Watcher squad stationed to the north had already charged.

Seeing this, Tian Tian felt a slight sense of relief.

However, Zhang Feng suddenly reached up and touched his ear.

The voice from his hidden earpiece caused his expression to change drastically!

"Close your eyes!" Zhang Feng blurted out, issuing a rather extreme command.

"Huh?"

"Close our eyes?" The group was astonished.

In this extremely dangerous environment, opening one's eyes was an act of courage, and closing them required courage too!

"Close your eyes!" Zhang Feng commanded again, looking up towards the sky in the west.

Above the iron fence, a surge of energy was brewing.

The next moment, a slender figure suddenly materialized and plunged into the bushes.

It also took on a human form, but its face was withered and shriveled like a corpse.

It had an incredibly ugly hide, yet possessed a pair of crystal-clear, radiant green eyes.

Demon Race You Tong!

It was also known to the common folk as the "You Tong Ghost."

When you encounter such a creature, absolutely! Absolutely do not make eye contact with it!

One wrong move, and you might get lost within its gaze, even willing to dig out your own heart to offer to the evil spirits.

"Rise!" Zhang Feng knelt on one knee, pressing a hand fiercely onto the ground.

Instantly, a giant lotus bloomed from within the bushes.

The sturdy iron fence was forcefully severed by the rapidly closing petals, along with the bushes, and the You Tong, all of them were engulfed by the flower bud.

"How could this be?" Zhang Feng questioned in his heart.

The Mist Shadow Person that appeared to the north, and the You Tong Ghost that appeared directly in front, were both River Realm evil spirits?!

This was human society, not the depths of a demon lair, let alone a higher-level battlefield of gods and devils.

Moreover, this was just an ordinary full moon night.

It wasn't that powerful evil spirits couldn't invade, after all, anything was possible on the fifteenth night of the lunar calendar.

But the probability felt off!

The frequency of River Realm evil spirits appearing was even more off!

Zhang Feng had been on duty for ten years, and this was the first time he had encountered two powerful River Realm evil spirits appearing one after another, clustered together.

River Realm, was not just a watershed for human cultivators, but also a strength watershed for the Demon Race.

Rain Alley City was just a small county town!

In the past, the evil spirits drawn to such small places were overwhelmingly below the Stream Realm.

"Dong!"

The lotus bud trembled, the evil spirit within raging, attempting to break free from its prison.

"West Gate - Gate 4, requesting backup!" Zhang Feng's face was stiff, divine power surging in his other hand as he pressed it to the ground again, "You can open your eyes and continue to be on guard!"

"Hiss!"

A scream came from within the lotus bud, the You Tong's.

Presumably, Zhang Feng had cast another spell, drawing the sword from the lotus?

Lu Ran received the order and opened his eyes immediately, seeing only a giant, pure white lotus bud.

Such a beautiful and flawless flower was out of place in this gloomy, rainy night.

"Lu~"

Just as Lu Ran was sensing the stark contrast, another sound came from his left.

His heart leaped, and he abruptly turned his head to look.

He saw a surge of energy on the wall of a building, and then, a black dog descended from the sky, crashing heavily onto the concrete ground.

"Woof!"

The black dog barked wildly. Its entirely black body suddenly lit up with alluring deep red patterns.

And from its mouth, sparks scattered.

Demon Race Blood Disaster!

It was actually the evil spirit race that humans least wished to see, the Blood Disaster Hound, capable of igniting raging fires!

And its body length was around 1.4 meters.

This meant, it was a Mist Realm, Fourth Stage Blood Disaster Hound?

One small stage higher than Lu Ran, and two small stages higher than the other three!

Lu Ran's pupils contracted slightly as he watched the Blood Disaster Hound open its massive maw, firelight igniting within.

"Jiang Ruyi!" Zhang Feng, his hands still on the ground, decisively commanded, "Form ranks to engage the enemy. Lu Ran?!"

"Chi!"

Before Zhang Feng could finish speaking, Lu Ran had already darted out.

Divine Technique Immortal Hooves!

What do you call a launch-style start?

Lu Ran's feet sprouted hooves, and he charged directly into the rain curtain.

"Baa~"

A small, light bleat, like an infant's cry, even more chilling than the screams of the Mist Shadow Person or the You Tong Ghost!

The little lamb's mournful cry also pierced through the layers of rain and drifted into the Blood Disaster Hound's ears.

"Ruff?" The Blood Disaster Hound, its attention drawn by Lu Ran, instinctively turned its head.

Yes, Lu Ran didn't charge directly at the Blood Disaster Hound. He didn't want to be engulfed by flames.

The fire that should have sprayed towards Gate West-4, due to the dog's head turning, scattered into the rainy night and shot towards the distant iron fence.

"Whoa!"

Lu Ran's heart pounded. He continuously sprayed Divine Mist from his feet, feeling a surge of flames behind him.

"Help! Help..."

Lu Ran fled frantically, while the Blood Disaster Hound searched for the lamb's location, its scorching pillar of fire sweeping wildly.

"Brother Lu!" Deng Yutang, alarmed and anxious, charged towards the Blood Disaster Hound with his spear.

Another talisman flew past Deng Yutang's side, catching up from behind.

"Crack!!"

Electric arcs flashed, and current overflowed.

The rapidly shot Electric Shackles Talisman precisely attached itself to the Blood Disaster Hound's neck.

Jiang Ruyi's divine power surged, her raincoat rustling.

The noble Law Master had made her move!

Her beautiful eyes fixed on the Blood Disaster Hound, her fingertips trembled as she quickly drew another Electric Shackles Talisman.

"Help..." Lu Ran stopped in his tracks and looked at the numb Blood Disaster Hound. "Help with this?"

"Ha!" Deng Yutang sprang forward, holding the Tianchen Spear, and lunged directly at the Blood Disaster Hound.

His momentum was such that he intended to pierce a hole through the Blood Disaster Hound's body!

"Woof!!"

The Blood Disaster Hound roared in anger. Relying on its internal energy and powerful physique, it trembled and opened its mouth.

Truly a demon of Mist Realm, Fourth Stage!

It could actually tremble and open its mouth under the Goddess Jiang's hard control?!

Seeing this, Deng Yutang, who was charging forward, felt his heart lurch!

Flames had already begun to ignite in the Blood Disaster Hound's mouth.

"Baa~~~"

At the critical moment, the little lamb's mournful cry came through the layers of rain.

Tragic and desolate, as if weeping and complaining.

The Blood Disaster Hound was indeed a bit embarrassed, a bit of a dog.

As a demon, the Blood Disaster Hound had actually fallen prey to a devil!

Driven by primal desire, it uncontrollably turned its head, its eyes filled with violent greed, and once again looked towards the weak, crying creature.

Sometimes, having too keen hearing isn't a good thing.

Deng Yutang, however, did not hear the sound of lamentation. His tiger-like eyes were bright, and he unhesitatingly leaped forward, thrusting his spear directly at the dog's head.

"Clang!"

The spear tip forcefully pierced the dog's head, then heavily struck the cement ground with a crisp sound.

Although it was a demon of Mist Realm, Fourth Stage, the Blood Disaster Hound was made of flesh and had no defensive techniques.

"Die!"

Deng Yutang swept his spear horizontally. The million-level divine weapon displayed its worth, extremely sharp, slicing through the dog's body.

From beginning to end, his charging steps had not stopped.

That little fat sheep lurking in the dark was Deng Yutang's greatest confidence!

"Good!" Zhang Feng let out a soft shout, his expression also somewhat astonished.

In just three to five seconds, he had guessed almost every step of the team's actions incorrectly!

Following the gazes of the others, Zhang Feng turned his head and saw Lu Ran standing alone in the rain.

Judging by the reactions of the team members.

So, this young man was the creator of all this?

Continuing with four thousand words, requesting some votes~