In Deng Qing's deduction, these people should have been refined into tonics and swallowed by Li Dashan long ago.
But now, seven living, breathing people are standing right in front of me, the ones who just saved me from that predicament.
Deng Qing couldn't help but look behind them; although the cloaks were wide, they couldn't hide the bulges on their backs.
Especially that Senior Brother named Lu Kuan, when he turned to the side to gather his weapons, a high arched silhouette was revealed behind him.
Needless to say, these people, like Zhang Yan, had clearly absorbed the Wasteland Blood and had also undergone Mutation.
Deng Qing's doubts only grew stronger.
If these people are still alive, why have they never returned to the Celebration Hall? And why are they all here now?
As he was lost in thought, Fang Bingshan spoke up with a smile, "I've heard from Master that the hall has taken in an extraordinary junior brother. Junior Brother Zhang has also spoken highly of you. Seeing you today, it's clear that your reputation is well-deserved."
Deng Qing cupped his hands and said, " Senior Brother, you flatter me. If you hadn't arrived in time, I would have been in a sorry state."
"Junior brother is too modest."
Zhou Heng glanced at the blood pool and said, "With so many people surrounding you, you still managed to take down several in a row. If it were me, I'd probably have been forced off the stage long ago."
The group showered Deng Qing with compliments, making him feel somewhat uncomfortable.
As they were talking, a muffled rumbling sound suddenly came from afar.
Fang Bingshan turned his head and looked at him seriously. "We still have errands to run, we can't linger here."
He nodded to Deng Qing, "Junior Brother, let's talk properly after this matter is settled."
The others also cupped their hands in greeting, and Deng Qing quickly returned the gesture.
The seven people turned around, stood up, stepped onto the stone wall behind the platform, and climbed upwards one after another.
Upon reaching a height of over two zhang (approximately 6.6 meters), they all turned to the right, their movements as nimble as geckos navigating a wall.
In a short while, the seven figures disappeared into a pass in the northwest direction.
Deng Qing asked in a low voice, " Senior Brother Zhang, what exactly is going on?"
"What? What happened?"
"When we came to the Desolate Soil, weren't only you and me accompanying Master? Why are all the other Senior Brother here too?"
"Master is about to break through to a higher level. Such a major event, how could the Senior Brother not come after receiving the news?"
Zhang Yan pointed in the direction the seven people had left, "Actually, they all came in earlier than you and me."
Deng Qing frowned and asked again, "When you lost your mind earlier, were your senior Senior Brother still normal?"
Zhang Yan said, "They did have their fits, but with Master there, they were all suppressed. I was on duty outside at the time, so I was far away, which is why things went wrong."
"Does Master know why you're having these episodes?" "Master said it's Huang Changhe who's causing trouble."
Zhang Yan's voice turned cold when he mentioned this name.
Deng Qing's heart skipped a beat. "Does Master know that Huang Changhe has also come in?"
"Of course I know."
Zhang Yan glanced into the distance. "Today is the day when our Celebration Hall lineage settles all scores with him."
Deng Qing became increasingly confused.
He originally thought that Li Dashan was just using this errand to bring his disciples in and secretly plot to break through to a higher realm.
Judging from Zhang Yan's words, they had been prepared for a long time and wanted to settle things with Huang Changhe here.
Where is Master?
Zhang Yan did not reply, but pointed down the platform.
Deng Qing looked in the direction he was pointing, but all he saw was a surging wave of blood, nothing else.
Deng Qing was shocked, "In the blood?"
Zhang Yan nodded.
Deng Qing was so shocked that he couldn't speak.
He knew all too well how sinister the blood could be.
He had only used his sword to lift a small part of it and tried to extract it, but it made him feel uncomfortable all over.
He knew very well that the Blood Baleful Intent in the blood were extremely complex and dangerous.
Even with his own Grand Mastery level of the Devour Heaven Scripture, he dared not easily incorporate it into his body.
What makes Li Dashan dare to go down there? Can he really refine all of these things?
Deng Qing didn't believe it.
" Junior Brother Deng, you don't need to overthink it."
Zhang Yan said, "Now that you're here, just stay put. The terrain here is high, so the blood won't reach you for a while."
Furthermore, your Wasteland Blood has already been refined, so this matter is no longer your concern. The affairs of the Celebration Hall will be handled by our master and us Senior Brother.
"If you find a way out later, just leave and don't worry about us."
Before Deng Qing could speak, Zhang Yan patted him on the shoulder and said, "Take care of yourself."
Having said that, he leaped up the stone wall, using his hands and feet to move, and in the blink of an eye, he had swung up the wall and disappeared into the narrow passage.
Deng Qing watched Zhang Yan leave, then looked back at the blood pool.
The surging blood splattered on the stone platform, and there was no trace of the Donghuang Cult who had just fallen into the water.
And Li Dashan was in this blood.
Those Personal Disciple whom Deng Qing thought were dead all rushed to protect him.
Deng Qing frowned more and more as he thought about it. Just then, a creaking sound came from the northwest.
Deng Qing looked up and saw a large number of stone platforms slowly moving toward them in the distance.
Blood gushed out from the large stone platform, and streams of blood squeezed out between the bases, causing the stone platform beneath Deng Qing's feet to tremble.
He steadied himself and looked closely; it was the Command Center post.
More than a hundred armored soldiers stood on several stone platforms, their battle formation imposing and their aura formidable, far surpassing that of the hastily assembled Martial Artist.
Deng Qing glanced at one of the high platforms and suddenly stopped.
Huang Bingyao was also there.
His right sleeve was empty as he stood behind several armored soldiers, his eyes gleaming as he stared intently at Deng Qing.
Deng Qing was puzzled. "I've changed my face completely, how can you still recognize me?"
Huang Bingyao's eyes suddenly flashed with a chilling killing intent, Deng Qing immediately reacted, tracking his movements with his Qi-Blood.
One's appearance can be changed, but one's Qi-Blood cannot be replaced. Huang Bingyao has one's own blood in his possession, so finding one would certainly not be difficult for him.
Having figured this out, Deng Qing was no longer bothered to cover it up.
He took the water bottle from his waist, unscrewed the stopper, splashed some water on his face, peeled off the Mongqi Hide, revealing his true face.
Then, Deng Qing put away the Mongqi Hide, glanced at Huang Bingyao, and then focused his gaze on the person at the front.
The man was in his forties, with a slightly yellowish complexion, a short beard, and wore black iron armor. He was surrounded by a group of armored soldiers, making him quite imposing.
Deng Qing recognized this man; he knew his name was Tang Xingyao and that he was the deputy commander of the Front Line.
Huang Bingyao was whispering in Tang Xingyao's ear, glancing at Deng Qing every now and then.
Deng Qing didn't need to listen to know that this guy wouldn't say anything nice.
Sure enough, after Huang Bingyao had only said a few words, Tang Xingyao looked at Deng Qing with a fierce gaze.
Suddenly, Tang Xingyao pointed at Deng Qing, and two armored soldiers behind him strode forward, each wielding a chain and throwing it out.
Splash!
Two streaks of dark light flashed through the air, and the three-edged iron claws at the front of the claws slammed into the stone platform beneath Deng Qing's feet.
Instantly, pebbles flew everywhere.
Two armored soldiers pulled back, and the iron claws and hooks sank into the cracks in the rocks. The two chains tightened immediately, instantly forming an iron chain bridge that could be stepped on.
Deng Qing sensed something was wrong and said loudly, "My lord, please forgive me! Do not listen to Huang Bingyao's one-sided story! This man colluded with the Donghuang Cult to assassinate Director Cao. After the plot failed, he cut off his own arm to escape."
Many of our comrades were present at the time, including Xiao Jinglin of Maoling and Su Yun, who can all testify. Now that this scoundrel Huang Bingyao is mingling with you, sir, please be extremely careful!
"What a thief crying 'stop thief!'!"
Huang Bingyao was both angry and amused. His empty right sleeve billowed in the wind, and his left hand pointed directly at Deng Qing. "Back then, it was clearly you who released the smoke, scattered the troops, and took advantage of the chaos to kill Director Cao and his guards. I, Huang, barely escaped with my life! How dare you spout such nonsense and distort the truth!"
Tang Xingyao raised his hand and said, "Regardless of who is right or wrong, Deng Qing, come here and talk." Deng Qing knew that Tang Xingyao was probably already prejudiced, and if he went over now, he would probably not get a good result.
He cupped his hands and said, "My lord, whether Huang Bingyao is loyal or treacherous can be verified immediately."
As he spoke, Deng Qing pointed at Huang Bingyao, "Have Huang Bingyao take off his clothes and show his severed arm. Once the adults see it, they'll know that his bones and flesh are no longer those of a normal person."
Huang Bingyao sneered inwardly, showing no sign of panic.
Deng Qing saw this and immediately sensed something was wrong.
Tang Xingyao said, "Previously, Mr. Huang was ordered to cooperate with Elder Huang, but he was inadvertently tainted by the Wasteland Qi, and his physical body underwent Mutation. He has already reported this matter to me."
Once this matter is resolved, I will find a way to reverse the Mutation for him. Mr. Huang was injured in the line of duty, so we cannot accuse him of being Spy based on that alone.
As for Cao Chun's death, you say it was Mr. Huang's doing, he says it was your doing, and both sides have their own version of events, so it's impossible to tell the truth at the moment.
Once we return and gather all the witnesses, the truth will naturally be revealed.
The most urgent task at hand is to get the present matter done. Every moment of delay increases the risk of unforeseen complications.
As he spoke, he pointed to the chains, " Deng Qing, return to the unit immediately."
Deng Qing's mind raced, but Huang Bingyao seized the opportunity and said loudly, " Lord Tang, even now, can't you see? This kid is clearly guilty!"
The adults have already said they'll investigate when they get back, but they haven't convicted him yet. If he had nothing to hide, he would have come already; why is he making excuses?
Tang Xingyao looked at Deng Qing, his expression growing cold. " Deng Qing, don't you understand what I'm saying? If you don't come over here, don't blame me for using force."
The armored soldiers behind him gripped their weapons tightly, glaring menacingly, while the four in the front row had already stepped to the chains.
Huang Bingyao smiled, thinking to himself, "No matter what, I will make this scoundrel die here today."
"My lord, please calm down. I have evidence. If Huang Bingyao is Spy, our operation to secure the Wasteland Veins will be extremely dangerous. You must be careful."
As he spoke, Deng Qing took out the Divine Shadow Stone from his Waist Pouch, sent his Internal Breath into it, and a clear light immediately rose from the stone's surface.
The light spread out, revealing the figures of a group of people.
Xiao Jinglin stood at the front, his face and clothing clearly visible. " Director Cao was killed by Huang Bingyao. I, Xiao Jinglin, can testify to that."
Immediately afterward, Su Yun stepped forward, "That's right, I, Su Yun, can also testify!"
"I saw it too!"
"It was Huang Bingyao who did it!"
"We are all witnesses!"
In the video, the crowd shouted in succession, and everyone's expression changed.
Tang Xingyao's brow furrowed into a deep frown.
They had only heard Huang Bingyao say that Deng Qing murdered Cao Chun, but now so many people have come forward to identify him, including the young master of the Xiao Family Maoling.
Seeing that it was about time, Deng Qing immediately sent in his Qi-Blood and shut down the Divine Shadow Stone.
He couldn't let the video continue playing; there was still footage of beautiful women dancing with swords saved later.
"Fake!"
Huang Bingyao was filled with shock and anger. He pointed at Deng Qing and said, "These people were clearly being held hostage by you, and that's why they had no choice but to give false testimony for you! At the time, you were killing people indiscriminately, and they were afraid you would kill them to cover it up, so naturally they let you do as you pleased!"
Deng Qing sneered, " Xiao Jinglin is the Xiao Family of Maoling. Me, kidnap him? Mr. Huang, you overestimate me."
Furthermore, with so many people present, each with their own cultivation level and background, how could I possibly hold them all hostage?
If you saw it with your own eyes, why didn't you save them instead of running away first?
Huang Bingyao's face turned pale with anger. "You broke my arm, how am I supposed to save someone?"
Deng Qing turned to Tang Xingyao and cupped his hands, saying, "My lord, I have something else to say. Not only Huang Bingyao, but his master Huang Changhe is also suspected of treason."
These words caused a stir among the crowd, with even members of the Donghuang Cult Sect whispering among themselves.
Elder Xia, the leader of the Donghuang Cult Sect, had a grim face and said loudly, "That's right, Huang Changhe is one of our men. Are you scared? If you are, then get out of here!"
Deng Qing said, "The thieves are trying to cover up their crimes! Your Excellency must be careful."
Tang Xingyao's brows were furrowed in worry.
This time, the Command Center post relied on this elder of the True Yang Martial Sect for their deep dive into the Underground Palace.
If he really is Spy for the Donghuang Cult, the consequences are unimaginable.
"How dare you! How dare you!"
Huang Bingyao shouted angrily, "You're getting more and more outrageous! I think you're the one who's ruining the affairs of the Imperial Court, you're the Spy!"
Deng Qing remained unmoved and said loudly, "My lord, you might as well think about what the Donghuang Cult is fighting us for? It's the Wasteland Veins!"
But they seemed completely unconcerned about the pulse diagnosis. With the outcome still uncertain, what gave them such confidence?
According to Deng, they clearly placed all their hopes on Huang Changhe!
Tang Xingyao remained silent.
He already felt that this trip was somewhat strange.
The people from the Donghuang Cult have entered, but they haven't launched a major offensive to seize key locations. Now that things have reached a critical juncture where they're fighting tooth and nail, the other side has only sent an elder-level figure to hold the line.
This is so strange!
Seeing Tang Xingyao's face grow increasingly gloomy, Huang Bingyao was alarmed and quickly said, "Sir, you must not listen to the instigation of villains!"
For the sake of the Imperial Court court, my master braved all dangers, forcibly suppressing his vital Qi-Blood and risking his life to enter this place.
"Which of those experts at the Furnace Realm outside would be willing to take such a risk? If he had ulterior motives, why would he do this?"
Huang Bingyao grew increasingly agitated as he spoke, "My master's integrity is as clear as day! How can he be slandered like this because of a few baseless accusations from this petty thief?"
Tang Xingyao patted Huang Bingyao on the shoulder and nodded, saying, "Of course."
Huang Bingyao breathed a sigh of relief, only to see Tang Xingyao turn to Deng Qing, point at him, and say, "How dare you speak ill of an important minister in front of the army! Stay there and reflect on your actions!"
Deng Qing bowed respectfully, understanding the situation perfectly.
Huang Bingyao was stunned. Just moments ago they were going to arrest him, and now he was being told to stay put and reflect on his actions?
Is this self-reflection?
Huang Bingyao thought to himself, "It seems that Tang Xingyao has clearly been persuaded."
Just as he was about to speak again to persuade him, he suddenly heard a loud splash from the northwest. Looking over, he saw a stone platform breaking through the blood-red waves and rapidly moving towards him.
The stone platform was much taller than the surrounding ones, and its four sides were carved with animal patterns.
The blood splashed onto the surface made it look as if several stone beasts were spitting blood.
An old man sat cross-legged on the platform. His wide cloak was spread out behind him, and his hood hung down, revealing a pale face. The old man's hands were placed on his knees, his eyelids were half-closed, and a row of Wasteland Spike was neatly arranged behind him.
This gentleman is none other than Huang Changhe.
Deng Qing's eyelids twitched.
Huang Changhe was sitting still, but he already felt a tightness in his chest and his Qi-Blood and qi were becoming restless.
The surrounding armored soldiers also noticed something amiss, and their whispers gradually ceased.
Huang Bingyao immediately bowed, "Master!"
Huang Changhe did not respond. He slowly opened his eyes, glanced at Tang Xingyao first, and then fixed his gaze on Deng Qing.
Tang Xingyao cupped his hands and said, "Greetings, Elder Huang."
The armored soldiers behind him all bowed in salute.
Huang Changhe waved his hand, "No need, I'm exhausted from holding on this long, let's get down to business."
Just as Tang Xingyao was about to ask about the arrangements, Huang Changhe pointed at Deng Qing and said, "The situation here is more complicated than expected. The supplies we prepared may not be enough. Let him come over and lend me a hand."
Tang Xingyao's eyelids twitched, and he turned to look at Deng Qing.
Deng Qing immediately said, "Whether Elder Huang is Spy or not is another matter. I have already handed over the materials I need to secure the Wasteland Veins to the Command Center. The quantity is so large that there is absolutely no problem with not having enough."
Now that everything is ready, Elder Huang can simply proceed.
Why did you have to call me over? Are you trying to use official business to settle a personal score?
Tang Xingyao was certainly aware of this as well.
He personally oversaw the preparation of all necessary items for this operation, and everything was already in place.
Huang Changhe's request made him even more uneasy.
Huang Changhe sneered, "Do I need to explain my actions to a junior like you? This is a matter of great importance to the Imperial Court, and you cannot shirk your responsibilities. I summoned you, so come! You have to come whether you like it or not."
" Junior Brother Deng!" Deng Qing turned his head and saw Zhang Yan standing by the pass, beckoning to him, "Come this way!"
As he spoke, he swung out a chain, which shot towards him.
Beside Zhang Yan stood two Senior Brother wearing cloaks, all three of them staring at Huang Changhe.
Just as the chains were about to strike the Stone Pillar, Deng Qing deflected them with his sword. "Don't worry, Senior Brother, with Lord Tang here, I'm fine!"
Deng Qing was unwilling to let the war spread to Zhang Yan.
Huang Changhe glanced in the direction of the pass, then turned to Tang Xingyao, " Deputy Envoy Tang, you disobeyed orders in the face of battle and refused to serve the Imperial Court. What is your punishment?" Tang Xingyao's face was gloomy.
He knew Huang Changhe was pressuring him to make a statement, but once he did, he would have to take action.
But the Divine Shadow Stone that Deng Qing took out, the strange changes in Huang Bingyao, and the unusual behavior of the Donghuang Cult were all swirling in his mind.
However, they cannot do without Huang Changhe right now, since the only one who can truly preside over the pulse diagnosis here is the one right in front of them.
Just as Tang Xingyao was in a state of great distress, a loud boom suddenly resounded from the depths of the pass.
However, it was Zhang Yan and the two Cloaked Figures who poured a large amount of blood into the blood pool.
The next instant, a strong fishy smell spread out.
As soon as Deng Qing took a breath, the Wasteland Blood in his Dantian reacted.
Wasteland Blood!
What the group poured out was a large amount of Wasteland Blood.
This Wasteland Blood was extremely viscous; when it rushed into the pool, the entire pool suddenly trembled.
In an instant, a streak of green light swept across the bottom of the water, followed by several more.
The blue light grew denser, swirling and turning within the blood, drawing the previously chaotic waves of blood towards a single direction.
The stone platform beneath Deng Qing's feet suddenly shook, and the chains taut and clanged loudly.
Everyone was busy steadying themselves, but their eyes were all fixed on the water.
The blue light gathered more and more, connecting back and forth, leaving a long outline in the blood pool.
The outline wound around the stone platform, spanning a large body of water; its beginning and end were not yet clearly visible, but its middle section had already arched up.
Whoosh!
Large amounts of bloody water were lifted off the surface of the pool and then poured down, revealing a bluish section of the back.
A deep murmur rose from the bottom of the pool.
Someone shouted in disbelief, " The Vein Dragon has moved!"
" The Vein Dragon has stirred; it's time to tame the Wasteland Veins!"