Bloody filth filled the wilds, and foul energy rose in steaming clouds.
Eastern Secret occupied the eastern side of Green Peaks, bordering the Wilderness of Witches. Its vast territory encompassed two wilds and one mountain.
Fish River Wilds, near Horse-Tethering Road, and Far Spirit Wilds, bordering the Wilderness of Witches, lay to the west and east of East Secret Mountain respectively.
The disciples of Guarding the Azure Camp were now stationed in White River Wilds.
A long river had originally flowed through this land. The locals called it Fishville River, named for its abundant fish, shrimp, and other aquatic bounty.
Now, however, the river had turned black and foul-smelling, with dead fish floating belly-up across its surface.
"The people of Eastern Secret have probably all been wiped out by Black Wind Valley."
Clad in a black Daoist robe with a Dharma Sword on his back, Liu Xiaowen swept his gaze over the surroundings. Not a single mortal was in sight.
They had advanced along the way, slaying evil creatures, and already secured Fish River Wilds. After a brief rest, they could prepare to enter the mountain.
Liang Yong squatted nearby, counting the dead fish in the river and occasionally taking a swig of strong liquor. Suddenly, he rose and said coldly:
"What vile methods. Taking their knives to ordinary mortals."
He looked back. Every village along their route had been abandoned, without a soul remaining. The former fields were tainted with bloody filth; not even a weed could grow there anymore.
"Even if we reclaim this place, restoring the Spirit Land alone will take a great deal of effort. Black Wind Valley has emptied the houses and stripped the wilds bare. Who knows what's left?"
All Liang Yong had seen along the way were hideous evil creatures, grotesque mixtures of