A great battle to slay a demon took place in Chaonan City, beside the turbid waters.
The battle lasted from dusk until dawn. The court had sent the Divine Guard Army ahead to clear the area, so the people of Chaonan City could not see what was happening. They could only see dozens of streaks of sword light illuminating the night sky from time to time. Even the next day, bloodstains remained visible on the rocks across the river.
The great demon hidden deep in the turbid waters had been gravely wounded. Whether it had died without a sound or slipped away, it probably would not emerge again to whip up wind and waves.
Twofold Forgetting Peak's demon-slaying expedition had gone very smoothly, but no one had expected a mishap at the very end.
Liu S sui had been gravely wounded and remained unconscious even after being brought back to Green Mountain.
"Many disciples saw him when he returned to the mountain. They say his whole body was red and burning hot. When snow fell on his face, it turned straight into white mist before it could melt."
Gu Qing looked at Jing Jiu and, after a moment's hesitation, said, "I'm a little worried... It doesn't look like an injury. It looks more like poisoning."
Normally, when young disciples accompanied Twofold Forgetting Peak on their first demon-slaying expedition, the purpose was more to gain experience. When the fighting grew dangerous, they would certainly be kept behind their senior brothers with higher cultivation, and only allowed to fight when there was some assurance of success.
Twofold Forgetting Peak was strict with its disciples and advocated nurturing the sword through battle, but it would not act recklessly. Moreover, Liu S sui was an innate Dao Seed whom the sect valued highly.
Jing