Jian Ruyu shook her head, "Since Huang Changhe dared to do it, he wouldn't have been unprepared. Seven members of the Donghuang Cult came to kill you masked, and Huang Bingyao contacted you in secret."
Your deduction that they are members of the Donghuang Cult based on their words and actions is reasonable, but it cannot be used as evidence.
Deng Qing naturally understood this principle; he simply wanted Jian Ruyu to see his helplessness.
Deng Qing said, "But I can't understand why Huang Changhe would go to such lengths to deal with me."
Judging from what those Cloaked Figures said, they originally wanted to capture me alive; only when they couldn't capture me were they willing to kill me. And they kept mentioning wanting my blood.
Jian Ruyu pondered for a moment and said, "This is indeed strange. Now, wanting your blood is simply a means to get rid of the Wasteland Veins. But the Command Center has already made unified arrangements for this matter, and it is impossible to entrust it to someone to do privately."
If he stole your Blood Nail Wasteland Veins to steal credit, that doesn't make sense either.
Deng Qing Qingdao, "Could it be related to some kind of evil cultivation technique practiced by Huang Changhe?"
My blood wasn't anything special to begin with, but after it was pinned to the Wasteland Veins Wasteland Veins, it became connected to it. Now, when I pin it to the dragon's body, even someone else's blood won't work.
Who knows if there are any other changes between my blood and the Wasteland Veins? Since he dares to collude even with the Donghuang Cult, his ambitions are probably not small."
Jian Ruyu nodded and said, "It's not impossible."
Deng Qing said, "In that case, it's too dangerous for me to go any further. Perhaps I should just turn back."
When he agreed to Xiao Jinglin's request, he thought of himself as just someone who went along as a bystander, only needing to shed some blood when things got tough.
Now, however, they have attracted the forces of the Donghuang Cult, and behind these people stands Huang Changhe, a cultivator at the Furnace Realm.
This debt, of course, needs to be recalculated.
The Xiao Family's Baleful Veins are indeed a valuable resource, but Deng Qing felt it wasn't worth risking his life for them.
Jian Ruyu didn't directly answer Deng Qing's request, but instead posed a question, "Do you know why I charged so fast when the battle began?"
Deng Qing was taken aback, recalling that when the battle had just begun, Jian Ruyu, dressed in white, had indeed been at the forefront of the entire army.
In his view, Jian Ruyu did this in order to kill the powerful Qi Beast first and gain more benefits.
Since Jian Ruyu specifically asked, the answer is most likely not to be this.
Seeing that he did not answer, Jian Ruyu continued, "I want to get to the hiding place of the Wasteland Veins by myself first, and nail that damned Wasteland Veins down, so that you won't have to go in and risk it again."
After all, I promised you I wouldn't let you risk your life in this Desolate Soil again.
As she spoke, she shook her head. "It seems that it's not going to work now."
Deng Qing was taken aback. He hadn't expected that even after he had agreed to the mission, Jian Ruyu was still trying to keep her promise.
Jian Ruyu pointed westward. "It's because the Wasteland Qi ahead is too dense. It's so dense that it's impossible to suppress, and even experts at the Furnace Realm can't get in."
I tried twice, and both times I almost triggered Qi-Blood Storm. If I force my way in any further, I'm afraid I'll perish inside before I even see the Wasteland Veins."
Deng Qing was not surprised by what Jian Ruyu said.
Within the Desolate Soil, the denser the Wasteland Qi, the more disadvantageous it is for high-level Martial Artist.
He had heard Su Yun say that the reason why no Mortal Shedding Realm experts had appeared here was because they were not used to the violent Wasteland Qi here.
Deng Qing said, "Could it be that everyone has gathered here because the Wasteland Qi ahead is sinking too severely, and we can't get through?"
Jian Ruyu nodded. "That's right. I won't hide it from you. At first, when I saw that I couldn't break in, I thought I'd let you leave."
But upon reflection, it was tantamount to cutting off your opportunity.
Upon hearing about the opportunity, Deng Qing's eyes lit up immediately, just like a bachelor hearing about a wife, eagerly awaiting what would happen next.
Jian Ruyu said, "I've already spoken with Old Han. There's an unnamed place ahead. Just wait and see."
All the Wasteland Qi converged in that direction, indicating that the Wasteland Veins must be hiding there. After the Wasteland Qi dissipates slightly, the Wasteland Qi accumulated in that unknown place will not diminish much, and even Furnace Realm expert will still be unable to reach it.
So, think about it, what kind of situation would that be?
Deng Qing's heart was filled with excitement. He knew, of course, that Jian Ruyu was saying that with the strength he had gained from killing Huo Dongfeng, he would be a top-tier fighter inside and would certainly achieve great things.
However, while his sense of self-interest was being stirred, his sense of caution was also activated at the same time.
Is there really absolutely no risk?
Deng Qing savored it for a moment, but did not think so.
The reason why experts at the Furnace Realm cannot go deeper is because the Wasteland Qi is difficult to control, but others may not have a method to deal with the Wasteland Qi, but Huang Changhe may not.
He cultivates the Pure Jade Method, a technique specifically designed to deal with Wasteland Qi.
What Deng Qing least wanted to see was that his calculations, based on common sense, would turn out to be completely illogical.
Take Huang Bingyao, for example. His chest was even smashed open, yet he could still jump up and run wildly. Who can he complain to?
Deng Qing then shared his concerns and analysis.
Jian Ruyu said, "You've thought things through carefully, but you don't need to overthink it. Whether Huang Changhe has practiced the Pure Jade Method or not, and whether his Pure Jade Method can withstand the fierce Wasteland Qi, doesn't matter."
The key point is, if I don't want him to go in, he can't get in.
Deng Qing was taken aback, but immediately guessed what was going on. He felt his blood boil and bowed to Jian Ruyu, saying, "Thank you, senior. Your kindness is immense. I will repay you in my next life."
"Knotting grass and carrying a ring? What does that mean?"
"Well..."
Deng Qing gave a perfunctory explanation.
Jian Ruyu waved her hand. "Don't make it sound so tragic. You don't need to repay in the next life; just do it in this one."
As she spoke, she strode forward, and in a few strides, she emerged from the Dense Forest.
Deng Qing was startled. He suddenly realized something and quickly followed.
Deng Qing was secretly delighted. This was what a good senior should be like.
When something happens, they really step up.
Deng Qing took two steps and said, "Isn't it inappropriate for a junior to follow along?"
Jian Ruyu didn't even turn her head. "What's wrong with it? I'm not afraid, so why are you?"
Deng Qing said, "This junior is afraid of causing trouble for the senior."
Jian Ruyu smiled and said, "What trouble could I possibly have?"
Having said that, she flicked her sleeves and headed towards the high slope where the sun was shining brightly.
Deng Qing hurriedly followed, and as they passed the area where the Martial Exam Student had gathered, Deng Qing even cupped his hands in greeting to the crowd.
Chen Hong cupped his hands and asked, "Brother Deng, what brings you here?"
Deng Qing smiled, did not answer, and quickly brushed it off.
Chen Hong, Lin Li, and the others exchanged glances, their eyes involuntarily following Deng Qing's movements.
High up, on a vast Green Terrace, Great Banner flutters in the wind.
Huang Changhe had actually seen Jian Ruyu long ago. A powerful cultivator like him would be alert if he was being watched, let alone being watched by such a cold gaze.
He glanced at Jian Ruyu out of the corner of his eye, then quickly withdrew his gaze and continued talking to Feng Xiuquan.
He guessed that Jian Ruyu had come to avenge someone, but he wasn't afraid.
This is a public place, after all; even if Jian Ruyu is arrogant, he still has to be mindful of the impact.
Furthermore, he was confident in his own abilities and believed he was in no way inferior to others.
Jian Ruyu dares to be so forceful, then let her see what it means to be outmatched.
Soon, Jian Ruyu passed through the outer armored soldiers and walked straight up to them. Feng Xiuquan also noticed that something was wrong.
Jian Ruyu was wearing a mask, Feng Xiuquan couldn't see her expression, but the way she charged straight over made it clear to anyone that she wasn't there to discuss military matters.
Feng Xiuquan coughed lightly and said in a low voice, " Elder Jian, please be mindful of the occasion. If there's anything else, we can discuss it later. The troops are currently assembling; for now, military affairs should be the priority."
Feng Xiuquan was bitter inside. If he had known Jian Ruyu was there, he wouldn't have taken the position of commander.
With so many people watching, he, as the commander, should at least act like one.
But the person in front of me is someone I can't afford to offend.
If you say something too harsh and she really gets angry in public, you'll be the one who loses face.
Jian Ruyu said coldly, "It's none of your business."
Feng Xiuquan's face darkened.
Jian Ruyu turned to look at Huang Changhe, " Huang Changhe, Deng Qing is the Sword Examiner I recommended. Your targeting of him is targeting me. I don't know if I've made myself clear."
Jian Ruyu's commotion wasn't particularly large, but everyone's attention was focused on Feng Xiuquan, the central figure, and they clearly saw the commotion Jian Ruyu had caused.
At that moment, as soon as Jian Ruyu spoke, everyone around him, big and small, understood. Many people were whispering among themselves, asking who Deng Qing was.
Huang Changhe frowned almost imperceptibly.
Sure enough, Deng Qing went to complain.
However, he remained calm.
If there were truly conclusive evidence against Jian Ruyu, he wouldn't be making this claim now.
Since Jian Ruyu uses this excuse, it precisely shows that she doesn't have anything that can be openly presented.
Huang Changhe slowly straightened his cuffs, cupped his hands to Jian Ruyu, and said, "I have long heard of Elder Jian's renowned reputation; he must be a reasonable person."
We can't just listen to a few petty words and then disregard the bigger picture without distinguishing right from wrong, can we?
After he finished speaking, he still held his hands in a perfunctory gesture, showing no lack of courtesy.
At the same time, he was also shocked, wondering how Deng Qing, a third-rate Martial Artist from a small County Seat, had caught Jian Ruyu's eye.
Jian Ruyu's eyes suddenly turned cold. "You dare to lecture me?"
"I wouldn't dare!"
Huang Changhe was filled with anger and resentment. He was a powerful figure in the True Yang Martial Sect, and even after coming to this Frontline Command Center, he was still highly valued.
If Jian Ruyu hadn't been so famous, Huang Changhe would have uttered even more vicious words long ago.
"Don't dare? I think you're quite bold."
Jian Ruyu pointed at Huang Changhe, "You'd better give me an explanation, or I'll take matters into my own hands."
Huang Changhe stood ramrod straight. "I respect Elder Jian, but that doesn't mean I should admit to a fabricated crime."
There are rules in the military. As someone in charge of discipline, Huang dares not be ambiguous on matters of right and wrong.
Elder Jian, if you have something to say, you might as well explain it clearly. In front of all of you, we can surely determine right and wrong.
Seeing that the two were getting increasingly tense, Feng Xiuquan quickly stepped forward and said, "Gentlemen, please listen to me."
There may be more to this than meets the eye. The situation on the Front Line is urgent, and it is not advisable to create any further complications.
The bigger picture, please consider the bigger picture.
As he spoke, he winked at Jian Ruyu, hoping Jian Ruyu would give him face.
Jian Ruyu, unmoved by the eight winds, "I only know that my affairs are for the greater good."
As soon as she finished speaking, she flashed like lightning, shooting straight into the Huang Changhe.
The entire audience was stunned.
Deng Qing was also stunned. This young lady was really reckless!
Regardless of winning or losing, Deng Qing felt his blood boiling. When would he be able to reach Jian Ruyu's level, able to say without hesitation in such a high-level game, "I'm the one who matters"?
Ahead, Jian Ruyu flashed like lightning, and Feng Xiuquan's guards reacted swiftly, striking before Feng Xiuquan could give the order.
Thirteen Bone Tempering Fourth Layer, simultaneously brandished their weapons and formed a defensive formation to surround the enemy.
Jian Ruyu kept walking, his right hand emerging from his sleeve, flicking his finger.
With a whoosh, a burst of energy pierced through the blade and struck the left shoulder of the oncoming guard. The man's eyes snapped open, his long sword fell to the ground, and he froze in place.
The other guards were all greatly alarmed.
Almost simultaneously, Jian Ruyu's fingers snapped shut, and his index, middle, and ring fingers flicked out in succession.
The force of the energy pierced the air, its movement as swift as tearing silk.
In an instant, all the guards were struck by the projectiles and rendered immobile.
Deng Qing was dumbfounded. He had witnessed Jian Ruyu's acupoint striking skills before, but he never expected them to be so wondrous.
Is this even human?
In fact, it wasn't just Deng Qing who was shocked; everyone on and off the hillside was watching the commotion.
Almost everyone was shocked by Jian Ruyu's astonishing skills.
After all, it's extremely rare for a powerhouse of this caliber to participate in a battle.
Why isn't it moving?
"The acupoints have been sealed..."
"I've heard that the commander's personal guards are only used by those at the Bone Tempering Fourth Layer!"
"This is terrifying! Sealing acupoints with a flick of the finger—a demonic technique?"
"
Amidst the murmurs, Huang Changhe frowned, silently adjusting Jian Ruyu's threat level in his mind.
Feng Xiuquan was furious.
These men were all his personal guards. In front of all the opposing forces, they were all pinned to the spot by Jian Ruyu's single pointing. What difference was there between this and slapping him, the commander, in the face?
I'm a commander, after all. I gave you the honor of Jian Ruyu jade, but you didn't accept it. If things really get out of hand, I'll be in the right.
Feng Xiuquan and said in a muffled voice, " Elder Jian, that's enough!"
Before the shout had even finished, Feng Xiuquan had already closed in on Jian Ruyu, and with a palm strike, he instantly vanished into a phantom.
The powerful True Qi released from his palm transformed into a storm, causing the robes of several people nearby to billow and the gravel and sand on the Green Terrace to dance wildly.
Jian Ruyu gave a light snort, spun around, and swung her palm to meet the attack.
With a loud bang, the two palms collided, and a powerful gust of wind exploded outwards.
The Great Banner was taut from the impact, and the flag exploded with a loud bang.
Those who were standing closer quickly retreated, while those with lower cultivation levels struggled to maintain their balance by somersaulting.
After the palm strike, Feng Xiuquan retreated five steps, while Jian Ruyu remained perfectly still, except for his white robes being lifted by the wind, and the ground did not even crack.
Laymen watch the spectacle, experts see the details; many important figures are already secretly taking notice.
After all, everyone knows how powerful Feng Xiuquan's palm strike was.
Such immense force, once it entered Jian Ruyu's body, vanished as if it were a mud ox sinking into the sea.
A collective gasp filled the air.
" Commander Feng retreated?"
"He's Furnace Realm Fourth Layer!"
"How is this possible..."
The entire audience was abuzz with discussion, which had already reached a fever pitch.
After all, Furnace Realm Fourth Layer is definitely a top-tier powerhouse capable of controlling the situation in a prefecture.
However, when they faced each other head-on, Feng Xiuquan knocked back by a single palm strike and was firmly suppressed by Jian Ruyu.
Huang Changhe was also dumbfounded. In his mind, he had silently raised Jian Ruyu's danger level to the maximum.
He knew Jian Ruyu was strong, and had even heard of her record of killing elders of the Donghuang Cult, but he never imagined that this woman could be so strong.
Even Feng Xiuquan couldn't stop her. Unless he played his last trump card, fighting this woman would be nothing short of thrill-seeking.
Huang Changhe thought to himself, "A wise man doesn't fight a losing battle." Without further hesitation, he dashed down the hillside.
His Movement Technique were unpredictable and elusive, swaying continuously, and he was already thirty feet away. Huang Changhe was secretly rejoicing when suddenly, a person appeared in front of him, blocking his way. Who else could it be but Jian Ruyu?
Huang Changhe was terrified. He unleashed a powerful force with both palms, but instead of hitting Jian Ruyu, he swept a small tree about five zhang away in half.
Just as Huang Changhe was about to change his move, a white, soft hand suddenly appeared on his chest. No matter how many times he dodged, the hand remained on his chest like a maggot clinging to his bone.
The next instant, her delicate hand pressed down, like a canna lily falling onto tender tofu.
With a crack, Huang Changhe's chest shattered, Jian Ruyu, unleashed its power, causing Huang Changhe to spit blood.
Jian Ruyu withdrew his palm and gracefully retreated.
Huang Changhe straightened up, staggered a few steps, then his legs suddenly gave way and he collapsed to the ground.
He tried to get up by supporting himself with one hand on the ground, but he couldn't stand up even after two attempts.
The entire audience was stunned.
Huang Changhe Huang Changhe a renowned figure, and judging from his imposing presence just now, everyone had to admit that he was a powerful figure.
Yet, even the terrifying Elder Huang couldn't withstand a single move from Jian Ruyu.
"This is what will happen to anyone who acts unreasonably again!"
Jian Ruyu uttered these words and drifted away, leaving the entire audience in complete silence.
Feng Xiuquan's face turned ashen, as if a dark cloud had descended upon him.
He muttered to himself, "Unreasonable? I wonder who's being unreasonable here!"
These words rolled through his mind several times, but he never dared to say them aloud.
His right palm was still tingling, and his whole body ached, making him curse inwardly again: Why is this madwoman getting stronger the crazier she gets?
The Jian Ruyu, had just left, as if a sudden clap of thunder in spring had startled all the frogs awake.
The entire hillside was filled with chattering and discussion.
Long Xiu watched Jian Ruyu's departing figure and murmured, "I knew Elder Jian was powerful, but I didn't expect him to be this powerful."
Lin Li let out a breath. " The Martial Dao Institute is indeed full of hidden talents. When I see them on ordinary days, I just think they are ordinary elders, but when we actually fight, I realize how much they are lacking."
Su Yun said in a low voice, "No, no, not all elders are that powerful. I dare say Old Han would definitely not be able to beat Feng Xiuquan."
It has long been said that Elder Jian grows stronger when facing powerful opponents, and his true strength remains unknown.
Everyone nodded in agreement.
Feng Xiuquan of the Furnace Realm Fourth Layer, and even Jian Ruyu could only raise his hand and strike him with a single palm.
That's an incredibly terrifying ability.
As they talked, Long Xiu and the others' gazes fell on Deng Qing.
"Brother Deng, you're so lucky! You've unexpectedly gained such a powerful backer. That's remarkable."
"In full view of everyone, Elder Jian specifically stood up for Brother Deng. I really don't know how Brother Deng cultivated this relationship."
"Hey, you also have to be handsome. Look at Brother Deng's peach blossom eyes, he looks so affectionate even when watching Wasteland Beast Offal. He has a natural advantage in terms of appearance."
"With such a senior figure willing to protect me, I'll have much less trouble ahead."
Chen Hong didn't reply, but his mind was already racing.
He was wondering if the Black Token he had sent out was of a lower rank.
He admired Deng Qing's skills, but he never expected that this guy's ability to lick people was so amazing. He could even make Elder Jian was supposed to be aloof from strangers, feel comfortable. This was defying the heavens!
This is no longer a poor, unknown kid; he has clearly become a big shot on his own.
Fine, if I can't cling to Elder Jian's coattails, I can at least cling to you, Deng Qing! Upgrade your card!