131: The Brotherhood in the Banner Rekindled; On the Road, They Meet Miaoyin and Ask About a Beauty

"Humph!"

As soon as Chen Dengming sent a Divine Sense to try to Zhu Xun, the other party immediately bared his teeth and glared at him fiercely, looking like he wanted to devour him alive. Clearly, he was difficult to communicate with and lacked sufficient intelligence and emotion.

At the very least, they lack the fear of those stronger than themselves.

This is precisely the weakness and advantage of low-level ghosts. Their advantage lies in their fearlessness and stubbornness, making them the best of cannon fodder and vanguard soldiers.

The downside is that they lack intelligence and critical thinking skills, are inflexible, and have a very limited range of combat methods.

Clearly, the cultivator who refined the Yin Soul did not initially intend to refine the butcher Zhu Xun; otherwise, the Qi Cultivation Seventh Level Yin Soul would not have been unable to extract even a basic level of intelligence.

At this moment, Zhu Xun's spirit clearly regarded Chen Dengming's Divine Sense greeting as an attack.

Whenever Chen Dengming's Divine Sense swept over it, it would react excessively by letting out low growls, baring its teeth, and making threatening gestures.

"This is troublesome. Zhu Xun wasn't initially able to have his intelligence extracted, and now they want to extract it again. I wonder how much of his intelligence remains within his soul?"

Looking at Zhu Xun's appearance, Chen Dengming felt a pang of emotion, after all, they were brothers who had fought side by side in the past.

As a result, after parting ways at Fengwu Workshop, they met again only to find that they were separated by life and death. Perhaps the only thing that was somewhat comforting but painful for Zhu Xun was that he had been turned into a ghost.

This is both fortunate and unfortunate. Unfortunate because it is painful, but fortunate because the soul has not completely dissipated. As long as intelligence can still be extracted, perhaps it can be considered another way of living, and the brothers can continue to be brothers in the banner.

"Senior Brother Chen, could this ghost be..."

At this moment, Qi Fen came up and tentatively asked questions, his expression solemn.

"Um"

Chen Dengming nodded slightly, looked at the Soul Banner that had gathered thousands of Yin spirits, pondered for a moment, looked at the crowd that had gathered around, and cupped his hands, saying, "Fellow Daoists, there is a Yin spirit within this Soul Banner, who is an old friend of mine."

Chen wanted to keep this only spoil of war, but since the spirit had left the Soul Guiding Banner, it would likely not survive long. He asked fellow Daoists to grant his request, saying he was willing to make a contribution.

"Why!"

Before he could finish speaking, Cao Yan raised his hand to stop him, saying, "Junior Brother Chen, there's no need to be so polite. Speaking of which, it was you Junior Brother proposed and advocated this plan to annihilate the enemy. Now that it has been a great success, we have not only reduced the risk of casualties, but the rescue mission is also basically half completed. This Soul Guiding Banner is useless to us, so there's no need to include it in the spoils of war."

Qi Fen also said, "Yes, Senior Brother Chen, without you, we might all have suffered casualties on this rescue mission. There's no need to be so polite with us."

"I should thank Senior Brother Chen again; this is the second time you've saved me."

Yang Lan also bowed sincerely and surprisingly began to change her Qi Fen to Chen Dengming, just like Senior Brother.

Thank you everyone!

Chen Dengming smiled.

People with affection and loyalty have many friends; the earth with virtue has no dead ends. These are all people worth befriending, generous, righteous, and not bothered by trifles.

He immediately grabbed the Soul Guiding Banner and tried to input a wisp of spiritual energy into it, but found that he could not activate it.

".@@#&"

At this moment, the Little Array Spirit within the Soul House transmitted Mnemonic in Yin Language.

Chen Dengming's heart skipped a beat.

Following the Mnemonic, the Soul Guiding Banner activated. Instantly, the banner flashed with Yin Wind light, and a chilling wind swept through it, drawing in thousands of souls. These souls were then stored in the Spirit Subduing Bottle.

At this moment, there were already two Soul Guiding Banner inside his Spirit Subduing Bottle.

Even if these spirits within the banners are not used in the future, after being refined with the Spirit Subduing Bottle, they will still possess pure Soul Power, capable of strengthening the power of Little Array Spirit.

In fact, his biggest trump card against the Soul Devouring Sect cultivators is the Little Array Spirit. The Little Array Spirit can stun him for two or three seconds when it uses the Refining Spirit Technique against him.

In terms of the power of his Divine Sense attack, he should surpass even Foundation Establishment Late Stage Soul Devouring Sect. If he were to strike the opponent during a battle and seize the opportunity to unleash a critical hit, he could very well kill a Foundation Establishment Late Stage Cultivator.

Unfortunately, He Li fled too quickly when he sensed the situation was turning against him.

The ambush was a great success, and everyone estimated that there shouldn't be any more powerful experts among the Devil Cultivator surrounding Kong Ruiqin.

Otherwise, there would be no need to plan an ambush against them; they could have been captured along with Kong Ruiqin directly.

They immediately set off together and rushed to the town where they were being rescued.

As expected, things turned out differently.

The news of He Li Foundation Establishment Late Stage Devil Cultivator, fleeing in defeat had clearly already reached the ears of other Devil Cultivator.

When the group arrived in the town, the ghostly mist had already dissipated, and the Devil Cultivator had all hastily retreated. Kong Ruiqin and the others in the town were astonished, initially thinking it was some kind of conspiracy orchestrated by the Devil Cultivator. Only after seeing the group did they realize that they were safe.

When the two sides meet, there will naturally be a lot of polite greetings, gratitude, and flattery.

Chen Dengming, after hearing about Zhu Xun's experience, then thought about Jiang Qiang and Xu Wei's situation. He wasn't very interested, but after giving them a perfunctory response, he prepared to leave with the two groups.

One day later.

The group returned safely to the border crossing between the Turtle Snake Bee, thus completing their rescue mission.

Throughout the entire mission, the Sound-Image Pearl recorded everything. Given Chen Dengming's performance, he has certainly made a significant contribution. The specific amount of Sect Contribution and merits to be awarded will be assessed, recorded, and settled by the sect elders.

At this point, this period of service within the sect is essentially complete.

Because of the fact that they had experienced life-or-death rescues, the Longevity Sect would not frequently ask its Foundation Establishment cultivators to do such things.

If it were another sect, they might be a little more assertive in their approach.

Even for Qi Cultivation Cultivator, they were forcibly conscripted; they had no choice but to obey, for if they enjoyed the sect's benefits and rights, they had to fulfill their obligations.

However, the doctrines of the Longevity Sect are relatively gentle, not only in their external relations but also in their internal relations.

Therefore, after Chen Dengming's meritorious service this time, unless he actively applies for it himself, he may have to wait a long time before he is scheduled to perform dangerous missions.

"Ling'er, how is he? Judging from his condition, is it possible for him to regain his senses?"

Inside the pass, in a simple Wooden House where they were temporarily resting, Chen Dengming activated the Soul Guiding Banner Zhu Xun, the butcher, and inquired about the Little Array Spirit floating to the side, its body radiating spiritual light.

The Little Array Spirit stood with its hands behind its back, looking quite old-fashioned, its two little feet pacing in the air as it circled around Zhu Xun's spirit, scrutinizing it.

Perhaps because Chen Dengming was personally controlling the Soul Guiding Banner- Zhu Xun Banner, Zhu Xun's spirit was no longer grimacing or growling menacingly. It was merely floating motionless in place, looking both fierce and dazed.

After examining him for a while, the Little Array Spirit shook its head and said, "It seems there's little hope. The intelligence and memories within his Soul Body are almost shattered. To put it simply, two of his Three Souls Seven Souls are on the verge of collapse, and it will be very difficult for them to recover."

Seeing Chen Dengming frown, the Little Array Spirit pouted slightly and added with a dimple smile, "But, I still have a way."

"Speak quickly!" Chen Dengming said impatiently.

This Little Array Spirit, now at the age of thirteen or fourteen, loves to play pranks and is practically a mischievous little devil. He still prefers the innocent and easily fooled first-generation spirit, who can give whatever task he wants to his master.

The Little Array Spirit pouted, snorting inwardly, and crossed her arms, saying, "The best way right now is to send the Hundred Ghosts Banquet Travel Scroll into his soul every day through telepathy, and then feed it with pure Soul Power."

Slowly, perhaps his Three Souls Seven Souls, which were on the verge of collapse, will reunite as his strength increases, and he will eventually regain his memories and intelligence.

How much should I feed?

"His appetite shouldn't be that big now; a few thousand low-level wraiths should be enough for him for many years."

"Good!" Chen Dengming breathed a sigh of relief.

He currently holds two Soul Guiding Banner, with nearly four to five thousand low-level Yin spirits and possibly quite a few mid-level Yin spirits as well.

These spirits were useless to him. As a cultivator from the Evergreen Sect, he couldn't possibly imitate the Soul Devouring Sect cultivators by wielding the Soul Banner to kill and steal souls. Fighting with others would be improper and dangerous.

Using the spirits as food resources for nurturing spirits is just right. The Little Array Spirit can't finish eating them all in a short time, and feeding another Zhu Xun is also very simple.

The Little Array Spirit added, "Once he gets stronger, you can integrate him into your Law Artifact to become its spirit, which will greatly enhance the Law Artifact's power. He looks pretty fierce, so it should work, right?"

"What does this have to do with whether he's fierce or not?"

Chen Dengming rolled his eyes, glanced at the Little Array Spirit's chest, and was about to say that he thought the little spirit was pretty fierce, when suddenly the low growl of the Black Cloud Leopard that was keeping watch came from outside the door.

Then, Zhou Yunji's voice came from outside the door.

He casually put Zhu Xun into the Soul Guiding Banner- Zhu Xun Banner, and when Open Door, he saw Zhou Yunji carrying two cups of tea. He politely handed one to Chen Dengming and said with a smile.

"Junior Brother Chen, what are your plans? Are you going to return to the sect, or stay here in the War Zone to continue accumulating merits and contributions?"

Chen Dengming took the teacup and ushered Zhou Yunji into the room, asking in surprise, "Of course we're going back to the sect. Haven't you had enough of fighting yet?"

Zhou Yunji chuckled, took a sip of tea, and lowered his voice, "Junior Brother Chen, let me tell you, now is the time to make a fortune. If you go back, you'll miss your chance to get rich."

What kind of wealth can you possibly gain from raising poisonous insects?

Staying in this War Zone, occasionally catching a powerful Demon Beast or killing Devil Cultivator is considered a contribution to the war effort, and you can keep the spoils for yourself."

Seeing that Chen Dengming remained unmoved, Zhou Yunji clicked his tongue and said, "Look at you, you must be worried about safety. Actually, now that our mission is over, this period without missions is the safest. Staying inside the Formation, if there's a chance to beat someone when they're down, there's no danger in making a move."

I think you have a real talent for combat. Let's launch a sneak attack together, tsk, that'll be very profitable."

Zhou Yunji rubbed his fingers together, a suggestive smile on his face.

Chen Dengming shook his head and laughed, "Forget it, Senior Brother Zhou, I personally don't like fighting and being ruthless. This kind of way of making money by fighting across War Zone isn't suitable for me. Senior Brother Zhou, you should also be careful."

He didn't say the next line, "If you walk by the river often, you'll get your shoes wet sooner or later."

The saying "murder and arson bring wealth" is indeed true. This time, not to mention his military achievements, just from killing that Foundation Establishment Middle Stage Devil Cultivator, he looted twelve High-grade Spirit Stone and hundreds of Mid-grade Spirit Stones from the other party's Storage Bag.

I won't go into detail about other Law Artifact, elixirs, and Soul Guiding Banner.

All these gains are enough to buy a top-tier second-tier magic Law Artifact.

It's more than enough for his cultivation; there's no need to risk anything for resources that might not be immediately useful.

Zhou Yunji had clearly tasted the success of his sneak attacks and was finding it hard to stop.

After offering one word of advice, Chen Dengming decided it was best not to try to persuade him any further.

Judging from the other person's regretful expression, he clearly felt it was a loss that he hadn't been able to make a fortune in the War Zone.

However, opinions vary on this matter, and it's best to do it at noon, because something bad will happen sooner or later.

He had always wanted to join the Longevity Sect, because he felt that its Longevity Sect suited his taste.

It now appears that not everyone in the Longevity Sect and the Evergreen Sect came for the sake of doctrine. People die for wealth, birds die for food, and some people are born with an adventurous spirit.

Finally, as Zhou Yunji was leaving, he suddenly remembered something, paused, and reminded him, "Junior Brother Chen, since you want to go back, I won't force you. However, I just came from the battle merit record office and saw a group of Rogue Cultivator being driven over by the Wonderful Sound Sect cultivators. Weren't you asking about the Wonderful Sound Sect and that... what?"

"The Luo Family?"

Chen Dengming's expression changed slightly. After thanking Zhou Yunji, he headed straight for the battle merit record area in the distance.

Halfway there, he slowed down, took out the Heart-Illuminating Mirror of Shattering Delusions and Exposed His True Self to examine his current appearance.

He now appeared refined and elegant, though he had lost some of his former domineering aura and gained some shrewdness. Beneath his broad forehead, his tiger-like eyes gleamed with a captivating charm, and he looked much younger, lacking the Bai Mao and mature air of the old Chen.

Now, even if Xu Wei saw him, she might not recognize him.

Chen Dengming was immediately satisfied and set off again.

In a corner near the battle record office, a group of disheveled and dusty Rogue Cultivator were forming a long queue at what appeared to be a makeshift shed.

This group of Rogue Cultivator was sent from a nearby stronghold of the Wonderful Sound Sect. The purpose was to complete the handover of work between the two sects, sending these Rogue Cultivators to serve in the Formation area near Turtle Snake Peak, responsible for guarding the gate Formation. At critical moments, they would also board spirit boats to form a Qi Rogue Cultivator army to launch attacks on Demon Beast.

Once they accumulate enough merit, the Rogue Cultivator can end their service and move to the safe and resource-rich heartland of the Eastern Region to live.

At that time, Longevity Sect will also provide them with certain subsidies, such as reducing or waiving the rent for the first few months of their stay in the Marketplace.

However, given the handover work they are currently completing, accumulating enough credit will still require a considerable amount of time and effort.

At this moment, the queue was bustling with people and filled with noise.

Some people were chatting in hushed tones, while others were calculating their accumulated war merits. Occasionally, a few sighs would be heard, as if lamenting when this would ever end.

Seeing this, a shrewd-looking middle-aged cultivator in the crowd couldn't help but sigh, muttering to himself, "When will this end? It probably won't last even a few years. Sigh."

As he spoke, he glanced at another Rogue Cultivator beside him. The other man was holding his newly received travel permit, waiting to have his merits recorded again. Judging from the tired yet resolute look on his face, he had clearly become accustomed to the hardships of this kind of service.

Behind them was another female cultivator. Her hair was almost completely dried up, and her once delicate face was now filled with exhaustion. She held a slip of paper in her hand, on which she had recorded her own contributions.

Noticing the man's gaze, she glanced away briefly, then smiled and spoke into her voice.

"Fellow Daoist Jiang, our lives might be better now that we've come from the Wonderful Sound Sect to the Longevity Sect. The Longevity Sect has always had a good reputation; they shouldn't exploit us so much, right?"

I should still have some Spiritual Qi left each day, so I'll use Cleansing Technique to tidy myself up.

Jiang Qiang chuckled, tugged at his smelly robe, and forced a smile. They encouraged each other telepathically, "I've forgotten exactly when I last used Cleansing Technique to take care of myself. The Wonderful Sound Sect really exploits us."

The two communicated telepathically, while their gazes subtly swept over a Foundation Establishment cultivator from the Wonderful Sound Sect not far away. They both felt somewhat guilty about what they were saying.

Suddenly, the Foundation Establishment cultivator turned around and looked in their direction.

Both of them turned slightly pale with fright, but in the next instant, they realized that the Foundation Establishment cultivator was not paying attention to them, but was looking at two figures flying in from the side of them.

"He is Foundation Establishment cultivator from the Longevity Sect."

"And there's another one, with an ivy pattern on his chest. Is that Foundation Establishment cultivator from the Evergreen Sect?"

"Changchun and Changshou are essentially one family. In the future, when you encounter cultivators from the Evergreen Sect, just flatter them and say, 'This fellow Daoist from the Longevity Sect is a senior.' They will definitely be pleased."

A slight murmur rippled through the crowd. Some of the Rogue Cultivator exchanged glances with awe and whispered among themselves.

"A big shot."

Jiang Qiang looked up at the two Foundation Establishment cultivators flying overhead. Seeing that the Wonderful Sound Sect Foundation Establishment cultivators from the Miaoyin Sect, whom he usually revered, had taken the initiative to greet them and exchange pleasantries with them, he couldn't help but feel a sense of emotion.

Foundation Establishment cultivators from major sects are really arrogant!

This Wonderful Sound Sect Foundation Establishment cultivator from the Myriad Sounds Sect may seem to be Foundation Establishment, but one is, after all, Immortal Sect Nascent Soul Ancestor has already perished, while the other is a major sect with three Nascent Soul Nascent Soul and a Spirit Transformation ancestor. They are completely incomparable.

Seeing this, Jiang Qiang felt a pang of sadness. "If Brother Chen were still alive, he should have already Foundation Establishment by now, right? I wonder if he's joined the Longevity Sect?"

If he joined, he would definitely Foundation Establishment; his talent is so exceptional. If he didn't join...

Upon realizing this, he couldn't help but feel a sense of loss.

Because he couldn't be sure whether Chen Dengming had joined the Longevity Sect, where he was now, or what his situation was.

Therefore, even though he was now in the territory of the Longevity Sect, he did not dare to inquire casually. However, the reason why he was willing to risk crossing the War Zone to come here was because he still held a glimmer of hope.

"Senior Brother Cao, what matter requires your personal attention? You could have just informed me telepathically."

At this moment, in mid-air, the Foundation Establishment cultivator from the Wonderful Sound Sect took the initiative to greet Chen Dengming and Cao Yan. He first smiled and bowed, then looked at Chen Dengming and said politely.

"And who is this fellow Daoist?"

Cao Yan laughed heartily, patted Chen Dengming's shoulder affectionately, and said, "Fellow Daoist Hou, this is Junior Brother Chen Ming. Junior Brother Chen Ming is a rising star of the Evergreen Sect, and his combat strength even surprises me. He is now considered a member of our Longevity Sect. I personally brought him here to find you this time."

"Oh?"

Hou Wanzong looked surprised and filled with respect. He immediately bowed to Chen Dengming and exclaimed, "I have long admired you. It's a pity we didn't meet sooner!"

This was no exaggeration. He knew very well that the cultivators of the Longevity Sect were quite proud. Now, Cao Yan, a cultivator at the Foundation Establishment Late Stage, was praising a Foundation Establishment Middle Stage cultivator from a lower sect so solemnly and even personally taking him on a trip. This was enough to show how powerful Chen Ming was.

"Senior Brother Cao and Fellow Daoist Hou are too kind. I have come here to inquire about something from you, Fellow Daoist Hou. If there is any trouble or inconvenience, please forgive me and do your best to help."

Chen Dengming smiled and clasped his hands in a polite and humble manner.

Hou Wanzong's smile widened even more. "Senior Brother Chen, what are you saying?"

Even if Senior Brother Cao hadn't come, I, Hou Wanzong, would absolutely help you with anything you asked!

Chen Dengming smiled and said, "I wanted to ask Fellow Daoist Hou about a Foundation Establishment female cultivator from your sect. Her name is Lüo Bing, and she comes from the Luo Family in the Southern Region."

Hou Wanzong was taken aback, then a knowing yet meaningful smile appeared on his face. "Oh~~~ Senior Brother Chen, so your real intention wasn't the wine, but rather the beauty?"

My junior sister Luo is indeed a beautiful and graceful young woman, pursued by many Immortal Sect men from various immortal sects, but unfortunately she...

He paused, realizing his mistake, and looked at Chen Dengming awkwardly, saying, "But, Senior Brother Chen, this Junior Sister Luo, who is she?"

Chen Dengming, "I know that Fellow Daoist Luo Ping is engaged to Luo Ping of the Luo family, and it seems they are already married, but I still want to inquire about her whereabouts."

Cao Yan's expression turned strange upon hearing this.

Hou Wanzong hesitated awkwardly, but his expression gradually turned to admiration and appreciation, showing a sense of mutual respect.

This Senior Brother Chen seems to really have a taste for this; no wonder Senior Brother Cao admires him.

But he was indeed very bold and courageous. He thought about it, but he never dared to speak so openly in front of others.

(It's the last day of the month, everyone, let's clear out our monthly votes! I said that if we get 10,000 monthly votes, I'll add three extra chapters next month, each with at least 5,000 words. Let's give it a try!)