Rat Soil Tomb

The two sides finally opened up and began to introduce themselves.

Li Qi's introduction was simple. He claimed to be a Shaman who had occasionally encountered strange occurrences. He was from the Great Deer Kingdom, and the Daoist cultivator beside him was Shen Shuibi, Li Qi's good friend. The two were heading to the Swallowing Heaven Demon Nest together, intending to slay two demon heads.

He glossed over the question of whether he had a teacher or not, saying that as long as he didn't mention it, it wouldn't be considered a lie.

Zhang Lan then began to introduce herself.

Only then did Li Qi realize what Zhang Lan's situation was.

This unassuming fellow is named Zhang Lan, and he is a Sword Master of the Righteous Sword Palace.

The so-called Sword Master is a position within the Righteous Sword Palace.

Initially, the Palace Master of the Righteous Sword Palace spent a great deal of money to hire a master alchemist to forge 365 Circulatory Stars Treasure Sword to match the number of Zhou Tian. All of them were of the eighth rank, and then the position of Sword Master was established.

Any disciple who cultivates to the eighth rank and does not wish to remain in the sect as a manager can apply for the position of Sword Master. After passing numerous tests, they can obtain one of the precious swords and learn a formation technique.

The Sword Master usually travels around, upholding justice and spreading the story of the Righteous Sword Palace. He is also responsible for recruiting talented disciples to return to the mountain. He is mainly responsible for the reputation of the Righteous Sword Palace and handling some external affairs.

After all, many foreign affairs matters are not so simple.

Although the disciples also travel outside the mountain, their cultivation is still shallow and they cannot handle many important matters.

The other eight ranks each have their own responsibilities and hold certain positions within the sect, so they cannot easily leave their posts to handle affairs.

Those at the higher levels are even more difficult to move around.

Therefore, there is a position Sword Master. They receive a treasured sword from within the sect to prove their identity, and can also exchange goods and services. They are dedicated to traveling outside and have a great degree of freedom.

As Sword Master, Zhang Lan is usually a public-spirited person. This time, he was also going to the Swallowing Heaven Demon Nest to kill the demon. However, he encountered many strange things on the way. For example, almost all the border guards of the Hundred Forests Kingdom had withdrawn, but the people were still in the same place. Only a few troops were honestly helping to evacuate.

So he temporarily halted his journey to the demon's lair and helped these people evacuate. The White Rhinoceros Army was already the third army he had helped.

Hearing this, Li Qi was filled with doubt. He asked, "Brother Zhang, is this a common phenomenon?"

"What? Oh, you mean these relocated people? Yes, that's right. As far as I know, it seems to be the same throughout the entire Hundred Forests Kingdom, near the Swallowing Heaven Demon Nest. I'm also very curious," Zhang Lan replied.

"Something's not right. Where's their commander? I just checked, and a general in an army should be of the eighth rank, but I didn't see a commander here. An army without a commander is like a group of dragons without a leader. How can this be?" Li Qi asked in confusion.

Zhang Lan explained to Li Qi, "As far as I know, the commander of the White Rhinoceros Army has temporarily left to go to the capital to report on his duties. Before leaving, he ordered these soldiers to assist in the evacuation of the people. I saw that there were only 10,000 of them, and it would be too difficult to move more than 100,000 people, so I stepped in to help. Alas, it is a pity that so many good men have died in this battle. Now there are only more than 6,000 left."

"Strange, really strange. Why would a general's duty report be arranged in advance?" Li Qi frowned. This was all too illogical, but he didn't have enough clues to explain why.

"I know there's something strange about this, but whatever the reason, we can't just abandon the people. Brother Li, how about we team up for now and the three of us escort these 100,000 people back to safety first, and then go to the Swallowing Heaven Demon Nest to investigate? Sister Shen, what do you think?" Zhang Lan asked Shen Shuibi.

In Zhang Lan's view, although Li Qi was not weak and seemed quick-witted and agile, and what he did was admirable, he was still only a ninth-rank. If they really wanted to join hands to enter the Swallowing Heaven Demon Nest, they still had to consult this woman who had been in a daze from beginning to end.

After all, she was only an eighth-rank official.

When Shen Shuibi was asked this question, she was at a loss for words. After a moment of panic, she pointed at Li Qi and said, "Ask him. I'm with him."

After saying that, she quickly hid behind Li Qi.

Shen Shuibi has severe social anxiety.

Li Qi had already experienced this.

Zhang Lan looked stunned and somewhat surprised.

This woman, a dignified eighth-rank official, I thought she was on equal footing with Li Qi before, but now it seems that she is putting Li Qi in charge.

Who is this Li Qi? He didn't mention in his self-introduction that he comes from a major sect.

Even if it's a major sect, the protectors they send down must be seniors; they would never have him as their leader.

They don't seem like a married couple at all. Li Qi doesn't show any affection towards Miss Shen, and his words and actions are quite restrained, without the slightest impropriety. He is very polite and respectful.

On the other hand, Miss Shen often showed Li Qi some natural and intimate gestures, such as helping him dust off his clothes, supporting him without avoiding physical contact, or occasionally glancing at him, all very naturally, as if she had already gotten used to it.

This can't be...

Was it Miss Shen who was pursuing him?

This Li Qi is quite capable.

Thinking this, Zhang Lan's gaze towards Li Qi immediately changed.

Previously, I had been deeply impressed by Li Qi's ability to preside over the sacrificial rites and his righteous act of stepping forward, so I was willing to address him as a brother of the same generation.

Now, however, the look in his eyes as he gazed at Li Qi was filled with even greater respect.

Li Qi felt a chill run down his spine. Why did Zhang Lan's gaze become so... well, how should I describe it?

If I had to find an adjective, I'd probably call it "reverence"?

What do I have that makes this person worthy of respect?

Li Qi couldn't understand, so he coughed twice and changed the subject. "Ahem, Brother Zhang is right. Then I will perform another sacrifice to drive away the sickness here and improve the health of these people. We will set off tomorrow."

Since he had plenty of time, Li Qi didn't mind taking a little longer; it would only take half a month at most.

He'd been traveling all the way from the Green Mountain Kingdom for almost half a year, so half a month wouldn't have been a problem.

He is already a cultivator, and his lifespan is far beyond that of ordinary people. He also needs to gradually develop a sense of time.

"You can even perform a ritual to dispel illness? That's amazing. I, who only know how to fight, can't compare," Zhang Lan exclaimed in admiration.

Righteous Sword Palace is a martial arts sect, and all practitioners cultivate martial arts. Zhang Lan is naturally an eighth-rank martial artist, but he seems to have also cultivated some other methods.

Upon hearing this, Li Qi voiced his doubts. "By the way, speaking of which, Brother Zhang, I see that you seem to practice martial arts. You don't use many fancy techniques, but I noticed that you used the Solar Lung Meridian Geng Metal Sword Qi earlier. This is clearly a Daoist technique. The sword in your sword case should be the Circulatory Stars Treasure Sword. Why didn't you use it in the battle before?"

If Zhang Lan is a martial artist, it means that he has not shown his strength before and has been holding back, and has not even drawn his sword. What does this mean?

Zhang Lan laughed upon hearing this and explained to Li Qi, "Haha! Brother Li, you don't understand. If we go all out from the start, those demons will definitely not fall for our trap and will be well-prepared."

"I will use my Daoist skills to mislead them about my strength. At the crucial moment, I will use my martial arts skills to get close and draw my sword. This is my only chance of survival. I will kill one first, and then fight off the other. According to my estimation, I have a 30% chance of turning the tables and saving these more than 100,000 people. Moreover, I am 100% confident that I can take both of them down with me." Zhang Lan said confidently, raising his head.

Li Qi then realized what was happening.

Although the other party was reckless, he could not be completely brainless after cultivating to the eighth rank. It turned out that he had already thought it through before making a move.

However, Zhang Lan immediately added, "But this time we still have to rely on Brother Li. Alas, my Martial Way Divine Intent is not up to par. I didn't even realize that there was someone else flanking us. If it weren't for you discovering the third one in advance, I'm afraid we would have really been defeated this time."

At this point, Zhang Lan asked curiously, "Brother, what's going on? How did you manage to detect the concealment technique of an eighth-rank demon when you were only a ninth-rank cultivator?"

"I possess a wisp of Daoist energy within me, making me adept at observation. Any trace of it will surely not escape my notice," Li Qi replied truthfully.

"I see." Zhang Lan was satisfied with the answer, so she stopped asking questions, stepped back a little, and prepared to end the conversation and begin to meditate Qi regulation.

Li Qi had one more question he hadn't asked, so he asked at the end, "Before you rest, brother, could you answer one more question for me? You Sword Master travel all year round, carrying treasures in your hands. What happens to the sword if it is lost, for example, stolen, or if you simply die?"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Lan laughed as if he had heard a joke, saying, "What's there to worry about? If something happens to the Sword Master outside, the sword will naturally fly back to the mountain gate."

"Not only will they fly back, but they'll also record the surrounding situation before they leave. Once they get back, the sect will handle it themselves, which is very convenient. They're not afraid of dying, as someone will definitely seek revenge!"

His tone was so straightforward that Li Qi was speechless for a moment, unable to respond.

"No one can stop them?" Li Qi asked again.

Zhang Lan replied, "To stop the Circulatory Stars Treasure Sword from returning to itself, at least a sixth-rank expert is needed. Wouldn't it be a huge advantage for a sixth-rank expert to deal with an eighth-rank expert like me? Besides, there are only a few sixth-rank experts within a radius of 100,000 miles. We can go door to door and ask them one by one, and we'll be able to find them."

Well, Li Qi now understands the Righteous Sword Palace's way of doing things.

This is truly worthy of a martial arts sect...

It's somewhat of a mental illness.

The two temporarily ended their conversation; Zhang Lan went to heal her wounds, while Li Qi spent the entire night setting up the altar.

This time, he is going to arrange a ritual to ward off illness, which only requires one person.

First, wine and food are served, then cow horns are blown and gongs are sounded, and colorful flowers and medicinal herbs are arranged to form a wreath.

He then ordered the soldiers to set up camps for the people in a circular pattern, with flower wreaths symbolizing the human circle.

Then he unleashed his golden energy, ripped open his own arm, and used his blood to smear nine talismans. He placed eight of them on the eight sides of the wreath and one in the center.

Bury the talisman in the ground and cover it with soil to a depth of two feet and five inches.

The Sacrificial Ritual is completed.

The fragrance of medicinal herbs and flowers is pure.

The Blood Qi and energy of Shaman are divine.

The two are combined with talismans and flower garlands resembling human rings, and are connected through Shaman Path means. The pure energy of the flowers resonates with the Blood Qi of the Shaman. Through this connection, the energy of the flowers and medicinal herbs dissipates into the entire encampment, driving away the original sickness.

The Blood Qi of the Shaman then transformed into Li Qi's illusory body, like a divine general, guarding the eight directions and the center to prevent the return of the disease.

In this way, the effect of curing diseases in the group is achieved.

If the wreaths and Blood Qi- infused illusions in this process were replaced with other things, such as various highly poisonous herbs or demonic blood, then what would be unleashed would be Curse cast through sacrifice, capable of killing over 100,000 people.

Of course, whether it's Curse or exorcising illness, the Shaman himself has to bear all the costs and consequences, which is actually not an easy task.

After finishing, Li Qi was exhausted and simply lay down on the ground to sleep.

Sleep is the best way to recover.

Of course, it's possible not to sleep, but it's like the human body being a microcosm without night, which would only prevent the defensive qi from entering the yin.

If the defensive qi cannot enter the yin and remains in the yang, the Yin Qi, causing constant restlessness, emotional turmoil, and mental unease.

Therefore, getting enough sleep is very important. As the saying goes, "When you are awake, your spirit dwells in your heart." For this reason, anything that doesn't get enough sleep will definitely have side effects.

With higher cultivation levels, the microcosm within the human body becomes more robust, naturally enabling one to remain awake for longer. However, one still needs to rest eventually, otherwise it will have a detrimental effect on the microcosm within the human body.

Sleep and wakefulness are inherently changes of Yin and Yang, which correspond to the transformation of the universe. Forcibly reversing them is not impossible, but unnecessary.

Everyone went to rest, and after the soldiers arranged for all the civilians to sleep, it soon became late at night.

Late at night, only Shen Shuibi was not resting. She was holding a Silver-furred Rat in her hand, the very same eighth-rank guard she had killed.

Although he was the strongest among the three eighth-rank individuals, he was no match for Shen Shuibi.

"Rat Soil Tomb ..." Shen Shuibi tilted her head, recognizing the origin of this thing.

The so-called "Rat Soil Tomb" is a special kind of strange beast group.

The Records of the Western Regions states. "In the middle of the main road of the desert, there is a mound called the Rat Soil Tomb. The rats in it are as big as hedgehogs, and their fur is gold and silver. Whenever the chief of the group comes out of his hole to roam, the group of rats follows him."

Once upon a time, two countries were at war. A powerful nation led hundreds of thousands of troops to conquer the border city and stationed its army near the Rat's Grave.

Another small country had only tens of thousands of soldiers, but was no match for them. However, they knew that the rats in the desert were strange, so they treated them as if they were gods.

Within days of the battle, the small country was completely annihilated by the attack and conquest, with no one to turn to for help. The king and his ministers were terrified and at a loss for what to do. They resorted to offering sacrifices and burning incense to the rats, hoping that their spirits would send them to reinforce their army.

That night, the young king dreamed of a giant rat that said, "I respectfully wish to assist you. I urge you to prepare your troops early. We will fight tomorrow, and you will surely be victorious."

Knowing of the divine intervention, the young king mustered his troops and ordered them to march before dawn and launch a surprise attack.

When the great nation heard this, it was overjoyed and prepared to go into battle. However, just as it was about to go into battle, it suddenly discovered that rats had gnawed through the saddle, clothing, bowstring, and all the straps of the armor.

When the enemy troops arrived, they were unarmed and had no choice but to be bound and executed. As a result, the small country killed their general and captured their soldiers.

The great powers were terrified, believing it to be divine protection.

The young king, deeply grateful for the rat's kindness, built a shrine and set up sacrifices. Generations of people respected and revered these offerings, cherishing them greatly. Thus, from the king to the common people, everyone in the kingdom performed sacrifices to seek blessings. They would walk to the rat's burrow, Lower Vehicle, and hasten to its nest, bowing in respect and offering sacrifices to pray for good fortune. They would offer clothing, bows and arrows, incense, flowers, and food, all with sincere devotion, and thus receive many blessings. If no sacrifices were offered, disaster would strike.

"This should be a group of strange beasts that only exists in the Western Buddhist Kingdom, which is even further west than Wushen Mountain... How could it appear in the Baiyue region?" Shen Shuibi, somewhat puzzled.

Wushen Mountain is only in the southwest of the world, but the Buddhist Kingdom is due west, the westernmost part of the world.

"Never mind, it probably migrated here... Never mind." She put the Silver-furred Rat into her Mustard Seed Bag.

This thing is still somewhat useful to Li Qi.