In just a few days, the story of how Li Qingxian, a righteous champion against the demons, had been persecuted spread like the wind throughout the world.
In teahouses and taverns, on streets and in alleys, beneath the Old Scholar Tree, countless commoners discussed how the treacherous minister Jie Linfu had forced Du Bo away, leaving Li Qingxian's army alone to defend an empty city-only for heroes from all quarters to return and defend Taigu City together.
Afterward, to repay those heroes, Li Qingxian shared his Beyond-Rank cultivation methods.
Anyone who defended the river could learn them.
With some people deliberately or unwittingly fanning the flames, plainspoken slogans that anyone could understand began spreading one after another.
"His father Gang Feng died remonstrating with the throne. How can we let his son Qingxian be persecuted too?"
"Head north to Taigu City and aid Gang Feng's son!"
"A true man should head north to defend the river, ready to return wrapped in his horse's hide!"
"Join Taigu City and learn Beyond-Rank divine arts!"
"Defend the river for three years and stake your chances on a divine art!"
"Far-Reaching City and Taigu City teach divine arts for free!"
Gradually, all manner of strange slogans spread everywhere.
By the time local authorities tried to intervene, they found they were already too late. The rumors also grew increasingly exaggerated, so after issuing a few official statements, they could no longer be bothered.
After so many years of war between the Human Race and the Demon Race, commoners everywhere were long since exhausted.
Yet the Beyond-Rank cultivation methods were like a tiny flame in the night, stirring thoughts in those whose hearts remained restless.
Gradually, people from across the country began making their way to Taigu City or Far-Reaching City.
Like Taigu City, the major