Before Xuelin Mountain (Thanks to Fengl Yue for the 100,000 Coins, Wan...

Outside the Ming Household's Learning Forest Mountain, a sea of people surrounded the area. The forces of the Demon Correction Office Division, the Book and Sword Gate, Zi Maple Valley, and other forces close to Tie Liuyun had completely blocked the way, causing the Ming Household members inside the formation to look pale and feel utterly hopeless.

"The trouble Kang Rongquan caused is for the Chongming Sect to handle; why should we get involved?!"

"Second Master is also confused. He only sees that Kang Dabao has become the Fei Household's son-in-law and that Sima Fei has formed his Golden Core, but he hasn't considered how a big shot like Sima Fei could possibly care about the little friendship between our Ming Household and Chongming Sect?"

"Speaking of which, that Kang Rongquan brat is incredibly audacious! He actually dared to conspire with those good-for-nothings from the Kuai Household to harm Foundation Establishment True Cultivator?!"

"And what was the result? The power of Foundation Establishment True Cultivator far beyond the reach of ordinary cultivators. They used poison and a honey trap, making quite a scene, but Gui Xiang still managed to escape! If Ming Hun hadn't come to the rescue, would Kang Rongquan and those other kids have survived unscathed?!"

"Weren't Kang Rongquan locked up by the Demon Correction Office? Why is Tie Liuyun still so aggressive, invading our clan's territory?! The war in Ding Prefecture isn't over yet, and they're actually willing to send Foundation Establishment cultivators here. Aren't they afraid the front lines will be strained?"

"Right now, the Yue family of Hancheng is fighting against an entire Golden Core sect. What difference does it make if there are only a few Foundation Establishment cultivators? Besides, these people were intercepted from Uncle Minghui by a few leaders of the Demon-Slaying Division. How can our Ming family of Xuelin Mountain be uninvolved?!"

"I think Second Master is probably getting senile."

"Silence!! Do you all think I'm dead?!" Without turning around, Second Master Ming's stern shout silenced the whispering Ming Household members behind him.

Ming Hun had a very faint, bright red mark on his neck. The injury wasn't serious, but it was dangerous. If the iron ruler in the Demon Correction Office Division's hand had been even slightly sharper, he probably wouldn't have survived.

He stood before Second Master Ming and said softly, "Second Uncle, shouldn't we make some connections with a few outside businesses? After all, we've had some dealings with them before."

Upon hearing this, Second Master Ming frowned and lightly rebuked, "It's one thing for these people to be muddled-headed, but why aren't you clear-headed either?"

Despite being the only Foundation Establishment True Cultivator in the Ming Household's history, Ming Hun dared not retaliate when reprimanded by the Qi Refinement elder, Second Master Ming. He merely lowered his head and repeatedly agreed.

"The past friendships between Zi Maple Valley and Book and Sword Gate and my family were all due to their so-called alliance with the Chongming Sect, weren't they? Now Tie Liuyun is clearly going to turn against the Chongming Sect because of this, and who knows, the Yue Household might be instigating it too. Cultivate friendships? How many friendships do we have to cultivate?"

Second Master Ming sighed softly, watching as the wind outside the formation forced the Book and Sword Gate's circular formation back again. He was extremely grateful that he had asked Kang Dabao for help earlier.

The Fei Household array master hired by the latter was indeed extraordinary. The Second-Tier Lower-Grade Gale Breath-Severing Formation he set up was also extraordinary, with a power that was at least 30% higher than that of the local array masters in Cloud Horn Prefecture, yet the price was one cent cheaper.

If Learning Forest Mountain were still only protected by that First-Tier Supreme-Grade array, it would have been breached long ago. How could it still allow these juniors to chatter so easily behind the array?

At a glance, there were over a thousand Qi Refinement and more than two Foundation Establishment cultivators outside. Ming Hun was still worried and asked anxiously, "When does Second Uncle think the Chongming Sect will send someone over?"

Second Master Ming lowered his eyes, and his tone softened slightly. "I don't know either, but as long as that kid Kang Dabao is around, he'll definitely come."

After saying this, he didn't wait for Ming Hun to speak again, but said softly, "The Kuai Household members need to be properly taken care of. They are different from those vassals who were hastily taken into the formation; they are guests. Have those in the family who have lost their minds take good care of them. If anyone mistreats or bullies them, let them know that I will use family discipline."

"I already made arrangements, so Second Uncle need not worry." Ming Hun had barely finished speaking when the allied forces summoned by the Demon Correction Office Exorcism Division outside began to move again.

The formation of the disciples of Zi Maple Valley was the most complicated, as their family had been embroiled in internal strife ever since the deaths of two successive sect leaders.

Shen Tu was undoubtedly due to his cunning; his ability to Foundation Establishment with Reed Flower Pill was even more fortunate; not to mention the help of his share of Spirit Stone from the Tanggu County Spirit Stone mine, yet he still couldn't resolve the conflict between the two factions in Zi Maple Valley. This demonstrates that the internal struggles within Zi Maple Valley are far more complex than outsiders realize.

Compared to others, Shen Tu was quite pleased with the siege of Learning Forest Mountain. He recalled his close men from the Ding Prefecture camp, leaving the unruly ones in Ding Prefecture to be at Tie Liuyun's beck and call. With this notoriously ruthless official of the state in charge, he wasn't afraid they would dare to disobey.

If he succeeds, he, as the sect leader, will also gain merit; if he exhausts his resources, he may not feel bad; it's a win-win situation.

Zi Maple Valley is considered a mixed sect among Foundation Establishment sects. The disciples' cultivation methods are not uniform, and the power of their formations is not particularly terrifying. Therefore, Minghui, who was in charge of the Ming Hun, only had to unleash a few gusts of wind to force hundreds of people back.

The weakest of the groups even lost half their lives on the spot, which made Shen Tu's face show a hint of annoyance.

He was about to reprimand the disciple in charge of the formation when a sharp crack rang in his ears, causing a pained expression to appear on his face and him to bend over.

"You led a good team! Let's rest for a bit and regroup. Next time, you lead your men! No retreat!"

Tie Xishui's gleaming bald head revealed a fierce look. With a flick of his wrist, a few drops of hot, bright red blood dripped from the tip of his whip, but it was no match for the blush on Shen Tu's face.

How could a dignified Foundation Establishment, the leader of a sect, not feel ashamed and indignant to be whipped in front of hundreds of his own disciples?!

Even so, the Shen Tu could only grit his teeth and say cautiously, "Next time, I will definitely not let the Secretary of the Imperial Library down!"

"That had to be for the best, or you'll regret it." Tie Xishui snorted coldly, turned away, and said in a cold voice, "The Book and Sword Gate will go first. Ye Zhen, you must not disappoint me. Otherwise, go back to Ding Prefecture and attack the Hongyi Sect's Third Tier formation."

"Ye Zhen dares not disobey and die!" A trace of fear flashed across Ye Zhen's face, but when he looked at Learning Forest Mountain again, his eyes had become more ruthless.

"Disciples of the Book and Sword Gate, the sect's reputation must not be disrespected! Charge! The first to ascend Learning Forest Mountain will be granted the fortuitous opportunity to Foundation Establishment!" Ye Zhen's junior brother brandished his longsword, and a hundred disciples formed a circular formation with their swords, while two hundred disciples formed a square formation with their bamboo slips.

Ming Hun's gaze sharpened, and the slight relief he had felt from forcing Zi Maple Valley's forces to retreat vanished completely.

With a wave of his battle flag, the Ming Household members scattered across the various battle formations hurriedly activated their formation plates. Two powerful gusts of wind, each a hundred feet long, lashed fiercely at the invading Book and Sword Gate troops like two long whips.

Led by the formation leader, the disciples of the Book and Sword Gate and Sword Sect shouted in unison, and two golden ancient slips appeared on the formation, resisting the wind and allowing the sword-wielding circle formation to rush to the front.

With a deafening roar, a burst of Sword Qi slashed outside the light barrier of the Gale Breath-Severing Formation, causing the Ming Household cultivators guarding the array to turn red in the face and nearly vomit blood.

Even the array flag in Ming Hun's hand was trembling and creaking, forcing him to take another pill and pour all his spiritual power into the array flag without reservation.

However, this attack did not necessarily benefit the Book and Sword Gate Sect. As soon as the sword Sword Qi was generated, an ancient scroll in mid-air was shattered by the wind. The Book and Sword Gate Foundation Establishment, which was in charge of the formation, had a shallow foundation and did not have time to react. A thick layer of the cultivators in the group was scraped off by the wind.

These people would not have survived such a heavy blow if they did not possess some formidable means of self-preservation.

Ye Zhen glanced coldly outside and knew that his family had lost at least thirty or fifty disciples. His hatred intensified, and he found Learning Forest Mountain's Gale Breath-Severing Formation even more of an eyesore. He was about to personally take up his long sword and step forward to supervise the formation when he was stopped by his junior brother who had urged the formation forward earlier.

"It's just a minor setback, no need for Senior Brother to take action!"

But then they saw that the Crimson-Eyebrowed Foundation Establishment held a sword in his left hand and a bamboo slip in his right. His large eyes were even more ruthless than those of an eagle. His steps were incredibly fast, and in just a few breaths, he was already in front of the formation. The two beams of mysterious light from his sword and bamboo slip crossed out and formed a cross, slashing fiercely at the light barrier.

This red-browed cultivator was indeed perceptive. The Dao of Formations was extremely complex, changing in an instant. Yet, with a single strike, he struck the weakest point of the formation. One of the guardian cultivators was the first to be hit, his meridians shattered by the powerful spiritual energy. He vomited a few mouthfuls of blood and died on the spot.

Second Master Ming recognized that the man was one of his trusted cousins. Before he could grieve, he simply pointed to another key member of the clan to fill the vacancy and waved his hand in a gesture.

After Ming Hun understood, the array flags in his hand shimmered with spiritual light, and the formation changed once again.

The sword qi that the Sword Qi -wielding circle formation slashed out from the gap struck a solid spot, causing hundreds of white wind rays to rebound. The Foundation Establishment cultivator leading the formation had poor eyesight and did not have time to react. If it weren't for the Crimson Eyebrow True Cultivator seeing this and coming to the rescue, he would have suffered a great loss here.

Ye Zhen's hatred deepened, and he turned to the gloomy-faced Shen Tu, asking in a deep voice, "Shen Tu, are you ready?!"

Shen Tu was naturally dissatisfied with Ye Zhen's arrogant tone, but he hesitated because he was mindful of the latter's so-called status as the leader of the alliance, and he was also wary of Ye Zhen's profound cultivation at the Foundation Establishment Late Stage.

Without a second thought, he knew that this mere Foundation Establishment Early Stage was no match for him. He glanced at Tie Xishui, whose face also looked unwell, and the smile that had just faded Shen Tu returned to his face.

The sect leader of Zi Maple Valley said with a forced smile, "That's good, that's good!"

The disciples of Zi Maple Valley had just suffered from a severe cold, their wounds still bleeding, yet they were forced into battle because their sect leader was incompetent and obsequious. How could they possibly fight in their miserable state?

He merely took two gusts of wind for the Book and Sword Gate team, allowing them to rush to the front of the formation. Two gleaming ancient bamboo slips, accompanied by Sword Qi, crashed heavily into the Gale Breath-Severing Formation, causing the flag in Ming Hun's hand to shatter at one corner, his tiger's mouth to split open, and blood to seep out.

"Cough, cough!" Ming Hun felt as if thunder was booming in his ears, and the pain made him cough up blood.

"How is it?" Second Master Ming asked with concern in his eyes.

"Don't worry, Second Uncle, as long as I'm alive, those thieves outside won't be able to set foot in Learning Forest Mountain." Ming Hun forced a laugh, flicked his fingers, and the blood at the corner of his mouth dissipated into vapor that landed on his sword.

"Alright, let's hold out a little longer and wait for things to change." After Second Master Ming spoke, he saw Ming Hun's face brighten, but then he realized he had misspoke again, and sighed inwardly, "I am indeed not as resolute and decisive as my elder brother."

The two sides fought fiercely on the front lines, with cultivators' bodies shattering into mangled flesh every moment. Tie Xishui, however, led the members of the Demon Correction Office to watch coldly from behind.

Several array masters recruited by the Demon Correction Office stared intently at the battlefield, not even daring to blink, while constantly calculating with counting rods in hand.

The group kept talking, arguing and verifying each other's points. Tie Xishui didn't urge them, showing great patience. Only Gui Xiang, whose face was half-covered, came closer to them, asking about the progress and time every now and then. The anxiety in his single eye was almost overflowing.

Tie Xishui glanced at him, fearing he might disturb the array master's work, and said softly, "County Commandant Gui, don't be in a hurry, come and wait by my side for a moment."

Gui Xiang wanted to disobey Tie Xishui's orders, but was intimidated by the latter's authority. So he suppressed his anger and walked up to Tie Xishui, saying, "Treasurer, the Ming Household kidnapped the assassin and harbored the traitor. They are aiding and abetting evil, and their crimes are unforgivable! They cannot be let off easily."

Tie Xishui looked down on this man. If it weren't for the fact that he was the son-in-law of the Yue Household, he wouldn't have bothered to say a word to him. He simply raised his eyebrows slightly and said a few words in a low voice, which was enough to deal with the matter.

"I know perfectly well. Look at this force; how can we let this go so easily? Later, my cousin Tie Xishan will also bring the Tanggu militia to suppress the bandits. As the Tanggu magistrate, you should prepare yourselves first and then muster your troops later."

After speaking, Tie Xishui took a few more steps and stopped in front of several Alchemists who were busy at work. He asked softly, "How is it going?"

After a brief discussion, the Alchemist stepped forward to speak with Tie Xishui: "This disciple surnamed Kang, whose injuries are Double Brightness, is likely to survive. However, the young master surnamed Kuai may not be so fortunate. We can only do our best."

Upon hearing the sound, Tie Xishui's expression softened slightly, and he replied softly, "That's good then. The young man surnamed Kang must not die. Kuai Household, please do your best."

The battle at the front was becoming increasingly fierce. The Ming Household had lost several more key members, and Shen Tu and a Book and Sword Gate Foundation Establishment from the Shujian Sect had also been injured by the wind force, suffering minor injuries. At this moment, another person squeezed in from behind Tie Xishui, carrying a heavy object, and immediately bowed:

"I have fulfilled my mission!"

Tie Xishui glanced down, took the head from the messenger, gave a faint "hmm," and handed it to a Foundation Establishment member of the Demon Correction Office Division, giving him a meaningful look.

The latter understood, and with his shaved head, he thrust the severed head to the front of the formation and shouted loudly:

"Ming Household cultivators in the formation, listen up! Do you recognize this head in my hand?! Rescuing assassins and harboring traitors—can you bear the consequences?! Heavenly soldiers are coming from outside, and when the Pill Master arrives and the senior cultivators personally descend, the destruction of your families and clans will be imminent!!"

While the Demon Correction Office still has the mercy to descend, pitying your ignorance and foolishness, as long as you hand over all the traitorous Kuai Household villains and open the great formation to welcome the army to enter and wipe you out, we may spare your Ming Household bloodline. Don't say we didn't warn you, speak frankly, will you surrender or not?!

"Speak plainly, are you surrendering or not?!"

"Speak plainly, are you surrendering or not?!"

"Speak plainly, are you surrendering or not?!"

"That was the Chongming Sect Orchid Daoist, hired by Rogue Cultivator Sect to guard the Spirit Stone mine in Tanggu County. He was a Foundation Establishment, yet he had his head chopped off by the Demon Correction Office?"

"This rogue cultivator has no background whatsoever, so we might as well kill him. These villains from the Demon Correction Office Rogue Cultivator just looking for someone of enough importance to sacrifice as a flag bearer, so they'll use him as they see fit. What's the point of reasoning with them?"

"It's obvious that Tie Xishui is targeting Chongming Sect. Should our Ming Household take the blame for them? We'd be better off handing over the Kuai Household members and giving away some benefits. As long as the Lineage survives, what's wrong with that?!"

All that could be heard was a loud shout from the cultivators of the state court, who were also Foundation Establishment with shaved heads. The sound was so powerful that the cultivators of the Ming Household found it hard to maintain their composure, and many of them showed hesitation on their faces.

Even Ming Hun was slightly shaken, and couldn't help but turn his face to Second Master Ming. Although he didn't speak, the attraction in his eyes was undeniable.

Unexpectedly, Second Master Ming ignored him, and with a sneer, said sarcastically, "How come my Ming Household only produces good-for-nothings? Only you would believe such a thing."

If we were to follow the rules completely and allow ourselves to be slaughtered, then the heads in the hands of those barbarian shrews would be our fate. We must hold out; the Chongming Sect will surely send someone."

Second Master Ming has been in charge of the Ming Household for many years. After he speaks, even Ming Hun, a Foundation Establishment True Cultivator, dares not say anything more. Other Qi Refinement, even if they are dissatisfied and resentful, can only keep it to themselves and silently control the great formation to resist the invasion of the Zi Maple Valley and Book and Sword Gate Sect cultivators, whose morale has soared. They are suffering incessantly.

This passive approach of taking the beating head-on wasn't a solution, so Second Master Ming kept a close eye on the situation outside the battle lines, not even daring to blink.

About fifteen minutes later, with the sudden death of a minor Lineage head under the Ming Household family atop the array base, the opportunity finally presented itself. A sharp glint flashed in Second Master Ming's eyes. He tugged at Ming Hun's sleeve and uttered a soft command, "Go!"

The uncle and nephew risked crossing a formation point, and two sharp Sword-Ray, like white ribbons, slashed fiercely at a reckless and out-of-touch Foundation Establishment cultivator from the Book and Sword Gate Foundation Establishment.

This Foundation Establishment had already been injured by the wind force, and now two Sword-Ray were attacking him. In his haste, he naturally couldn't use his skills. However, unlike the Crimson Eyebrow Foundation Establishment cultivator who was leading the formation, he only cultivated the sword path.

That's why he used his flying sword to deflect Ming Hun's Sword-Ray beam, only to see that Second Master Ming's Sword-Ray was already very close.

His actions were not wrong, and no one would know that Second Master Ming's Qi Refinement in the "Ten Discourses on Qingfuzi's Sword Classic" far surpassed that of Ming Hun, a Foundation Establishment True Cultivator.

Facing a mere Qi Refinement Sword-Ray, one should naturally be careless. However, such a careless act will inevitably have dire consequences.

The Sword-Ray gleamed like blood, and blood splattered everywhere.

The Crimson Foundation Establishment cultivator watched helplessly as his junior brother had his arm severed by Second Master Ming's sword, and he was naturally furious. He was already preparing to fight, and upon seeing this turn of events, he quickened his pace even further.

The hundreds of cultivators outside the formation were even more enraged. The circular formation's sword light rose again, the square formation's ancient bamboo slips unleashed their power, and the scattered formation's elite troops leaped forward.

"Second Uncle, go first, I'll handle this!" Ming Hun pushed Second Master Ming behind him, and the latter, without any hesitation, entered the formation first. Ming Hun, however, was caught up by the Crimson Foundation Establishment Flying Sword and was a moment too late.

With just this one move, escape will be impossible!

But Ming Hun Minghui's jade pendant shone brightly, protecting him with incredible speed. He first dodged the sword light, then the ancient bamboo slip. The sharpness of the green blade in his hand was unstoppable, and a burst of white light scattered, and several elite cultivators from Zi Maple Valley died under his sword. The madness on the faces of the subsequent cultivators lessened slightly, and their movements faltered.

However, at this moment, the Crimson Eyebrow Foundation Establishment had already caught up with him, wielding a flying sword.

This time, Ming Hun truly met his match, engaging in battle with Chi Mei, a Foundation Establishment. Within a few short breaths, hundreds of sword lights sparked and collided in the arena.

The former excels in the superior sword intent of "Ten Discourses on Qingfuzi's Sword Classic," while the latter excels in the orderly inheritance of its sect. Although its swordsmanship is slightly inferior, its cultivation is profound, and its Spirit Artifact nurture is also superior.

If the battle had dragged on, Ming Hun would certainly have been no match for him. But in the blink of an eye, the two fought to a standstill.

But in the blink of an eye, the other two Foundation Establishment cultivators from the Book and Sword Gate Foundation Establishment had already arrived, and Shen Tu was also rushing over.

Ming Hun was determined to leave, but how could Chimei, a Foundation Establishment, possibly manage to escape? He led two other Foundation Establishment True Cultivator attack, their swords forming a net that bound Ming Hun so tightly that he could hardly fly away.

Second Master Ming, though inwardly anxious, remained outwardly calm. He picked up the array flag left by Ming Hun, channeled his spiritual energy, and performed a series of transformations.

The solemn expression on the faces of the Ming Household cultivators grew even stronger. The joints of the great formation creaked and rattled. Then, a gust of wind whipped through the air, repelling the other two Book and Sword Gate Foundation Establishment from the Book and Sword Foundation Establishment bravely blocked the attack, and then, with a single sword, stepped forward to Ming Hun, who was about to escape.

Ming Hun hadn't expected things to change so drastically. In his haste, his robes were ripped open by the sword of the Crimson Foundation Establishment cultivator, which also slashed his chest. The Crimson Eyebrow Foundation Establishment could already see the internal organs throbbing incessantly in Minghui's wound. Ming Hun had already fled desperately into the formation.

"Damn it, Foundation Establishment are hard to kill!!" Red Eyebrows was dissatisfied with his Foundation Establishment failing at the last moment. With a swing of his longsword, the Book and Sword Gate team surrounding the formation fought even harder.

Back to the battle formation,

Even though Ming Hun was injured, Second Master Ming didn't pay much attention to him. He only instructed two Ming Household cultivators to take care of him. He didn't loosen his grip on the array flags even slightly, and drops of sweat dripped down the flags until the area beneath Second Master Ming was completely soaked. The situation outside still hadn't changed.

The Gale Breath-Severing Formation was still in grave danger under the intense pressure from the cultivators of Zi Maple Valley and the Book and Sword Gate Sect.

Under such circumstances, it was only natural that the Ming Household's vassals within the formation wanted to defect. Second Master Ming remained expressionless; without needing to give any instructions, he had already prepared to slaughter all the Ming Household cultivators.

"The Chongming Sect's reinforcements are coming! Those who disrupt the formation will die!!" A Ming Household cultivator, carrying severed heads, patrolled up and down Learning Forest Mountain on his flying sword, finally managing to calm the unsettled hearts of the people.

"Second Uncle?" A Ming Household cultivator dressed in brocade robes couldn't contain himself and leaned closer to ask.

"Make preparations for the Kuai Household members first, just in case." Second Master Ming sighed as he spoke, his voice barely audible. He also inwardly mocked himself. "Hesitant and indecisive! I am far inferior to my elder brother!"

The monk in brocade robes raised an eyebrow. "Second Uncle, have you made up your mind?!"

Second Master Ming stood with his eyes closed and said softly, "Chongming Sect doesn't arrive, then activate the formation."

The monk in brocade robes was about to agree when he heard Second Master Ming speak again, "Keep a close eye on those vassal states. Be careful they don't collude and ruin everything."

The monk in brocade robes knew this was a crucial matter, so he kept it in mind and hurried to make preparations.

Second Master Ming swallowed a few more pills, feeling the spiritual energy that had just entered his meridians rapidly flowing away again. "Is it too late?"

----In the Demon Correction Office Division

The Ming Household cultivators were forced to cower and remain motionless, and even the power of their wind-force attacks was less than before. Tie Xishui, however, showed no joy at this scene, only muttering to himself, "Why haven't any people from the Chongming Sect arrived?"

Gui Xiang, oblivious to the awkwardness, pressed closer and asked, "Lord Tie, is County Magistrate Tie on his way?"

Tie Xishui said indifferently, "It should be soon, Magistrate Gui, there's no need to worry."

"It's pointless for me to sit here doing nothing. I should go to the front; I might be able to offer some small assistance."

Gui Xiang was surprised that Tie Xishui rejected his suggestion, so he had to retreat back into his formation, staring blankly at the battle, his face showing anxiety.

Little did he know what Tie Xishui was thinking. This clerk, who had specially taken a break from his duties to come here, was not just here to destroy a small Xue Lin Shan Ming family. Protecting Gui Xiang was the real priority.

He is Chongming Sect disciples' murder of officials and rebellion; he cannot die on the way to attack the enemy lines.

Tie Xishui watched the carnage unfold on the battlefield, his expression remaining unchanged throughout, unlike Ye Zhen standing beside him.

Time flew by, and attacking the formation was no easy task. The Gale Breath-Severing Formation was indeed on the verge of collapse, and the number of casualties among the disciples of Zi Maple Valley and Book and Sword Gate Sect was also rising steadily.

Ming Hun's injuries were not too serious. After bandaging his wounds, he was still able to fight with his sword. The four Foundation Establishment, including Chi Mei, did not dare to get too close to the front of the formation and could not make any progress.

With a rumble, about fifty or sixty disciples of Zi Maple Valley were spotted being targeted by Feng Gang, their formation thrown into disarray.

Shen Tu tried to save him, but was also knocked away by the wind and lost his Spirit Artifact. Just as he was about to lose his life, the wind changed direction, giving Shen Tu a fright and he settled the score.

This scene could not be hidden from Tie Xishui, who had been closely watching the battle. Before he could speak, Ye Zhen beside him said first, "The Ming Household is showing signs of backing down."

There was still no joy on the Tie Xishui. He grunted and, hearing the commotion behind him, slowly withdrew his eyes from the battle.

The one who arrived was a constable from the Demon Correction Office. He bowed to Tie Xishui and said, "County Magistrate Tie has arrived with his local militia."

Ye Zhen's face lit up with joy, while Tie Xishui remained silent. At this moment, a person emerged empty-handed from the Ming Household formation. Tie Xishui frowned, and the golden bell in his hand rang out in a chaotic manner.

The two cultivators at the front of the battle were already fighting fiercely, but after the sound of the bell, they paused their actions to make way for the Ming Household cultivator.

One of the Foundation Establishment cultivators from the Book and Sword Gate Sect, after inquiring about the cultivator's purpose, turned back to Tie Xishui and said softly, "The Ming Household is willing to hand over the Kuai Household cultivators, only asking that we spare the lives and property of their clansmen."

Tie Xishui scoffed, "Either don't surrender, or surrender early. What kind of logic is there in surrendering during wartime? Wouldn't that leave you with nothing? The head of the Ming Household is utterly foolish! Sect Leader Ye, your Book and Sword Gate has already lost so many disciples. Now that the Ming Household wants to surrender, what do you think?"

Ye Zhen's face was contorted with rage, his eyes bloodshot as he spoke, almost clenching his teeth. "How can we let these traitorous villains think as they please, that they can fight when they want and surrender when they want? Lord Tie, I am willing to personally go to the front lines and join my disciples of the Book and Sword Gate Sect to wipe out the rebels' lair."

After nodding, Tie Xishui turned to the Foundation Establishment the message and said, "Go back and behead that messenger, and tell the Ming Household that surrender is not allowed."

This was exactly what the Foundation Establishment intended. Upon returning to the front lines, without even a greeting, he cleaved the Ming Household cultivator who had surrendered in two with a single sword stroke, shouting loudly, "Listen up, Ming Household! The state army has arrived! Surrender is not permitted!!"

Surrender is not permitted!

Surrender is not permitted!

The attacking cultivators shouted in unison. Second Master Ming's eyes dimmed, and all the cultivators inside the formation hung their heads in dejection. Only the Kuai Household members, who were tightly bound and brought to the front of the formation, were overjoyed and felt reborn.

"Release them." After saying this, Second Master Ming glanced at the Kuai Household members and said, "Now we're all in the same boat. Don't gamble on whether outsiders will spare your lives. Fight with your lives. I hope you'll all live to see the day you complain about my family to the Chongming Sect."

The experienced Kuai Household cultivator hurriedly kowtowed and said, "No, no, if it weren't for the Ming Household taking us in, we would have been captured by the Demon Correction Office Division along with our patriarch long ago. How could we dare to harbor any resentment?"

Second Master Ming wasn't in high spirits, and simply said in a low voice, "Let's assume what you say is true. Go and make good preparations; things won't be peaceful outside for long."

Just as Second Master Ming had predicted, after he had spoken with the Kuai Household members, he saw the cultivators outside, their morale soaring, surging towards him.

This time, with the participation of the Tanggu local militia, their momentum was much stronger than before.

Four or five more Foundation Establishment joined the Demon Correction Office Division's formation. Although Tie Xishan was only at the Qi Refinement stage, he commanded these thousand-plus men with ease. Judging from his skill alone, one could tell that if his Spirit Root weren't so poor, he might actually achieve something great.

Although the Demon Correction Office has received new reinforcements, the Ming Household has no way out and has no choice but to fight with their backs against the wall. Under such circumstances, the Gale Breath-Severing Formation cannot be broken in an instant.

But at that very moment, the person that Second Master Ming and Tie Xishui had been waiting for finally appeared.

Yuan Jin was imposing and stern, not fierce but dignified. Although he was short, which was usually the subject of jokes among his close brothers, he now looked Like a Mountain and a tower, carrying the flag with one arm and walking at the very front.

Jiang Qing's face was covered in frost, and the killing intent in his eyes could not be concealed. His whole person was like a cold, gleaming blade, dazzling and eye-catching.

Ye Zhengwen's eyes were indifferent, and his face was expressionless. Anyone with discerning eyes knew that this kind of person was the most difficult to provoke. He had already disregarded life and death and did not care about the lives of any one person.

I wonder if it's because Sect Leader Kang Da's skills in bed are truly remarkable, but even the two delicate beauties, Yuan Xiyue and Zhang Qingran, are listed at the back;

Even Pei Yi, despite his illness, came to join the battle because of the misfortune that befell his disciple.

Mo Wen, a Foundation Establishment from Ingenious Craftsman Fort who was close to the Chongming Sect, also lined up with the Double Brightness True Cultivator. Below these few people were more than a thousand Qi Refinement cultivators, from various families in Ping and Jin counties.

Duan Anle rode his golden-haired old donkey, leading the way, with Ming Zhe and Pei Que at the rear, and the rest of the disciples filling the ranks as the backbone. Facing the attacking cultivators, they were like tigers descending from the mountains, exuding murderous intent.

"They've finally arrived." The two leaders from both sides of the Gale Breath-Severing Formation sighed in unison.

Tie Xishui struck the golden gong, Second Master Ming took the opportunity to breathe a sigh of relief with the cultivators in the formation. The former put away the golden gong but did not stop. Seeing that Kang Dabao was not in the formation, he guessed that the rumor that this fellow had received a favor from the Fei Household and was going to Ying Prefecture to meet Fei Ye Shui was probably true.

He then counted all the members of the Chongming Sect and, finding none particularly outstanding, felt reassured. He then selected several Demon Correction Office Division and Gui Xiang, and, along with the unconscious Kang Rongquan Kuai En, went to the front of the Double Brightness formation and loudly questioned them:

"Those of the Chongming Sect, please see clearly: these two are the masterminds behind the plot to assassinate Tanggu Gui Xiang. After their failure, they fled in disarray but were captured on the spot by the Demon Correction Office. This is tantamount to murdering an official and rebelling! Their crimes are unforgivable!"

You have received the Emperor's grace in vain, yet instead of going to the state court to plead guilty to the Earl, you have brought troops to fight against the state army. Does Chongming Sect also secretly collude with the rebellious and wicked Two Instruments Sect, plotting to betray the state court and the Immortal Dynasty?!

"Enough with the idle talk! Once I've killed you, you scoundrel, and rescued my nephew, then we can have a proper chat about these rules and regulations!"

Jiang Qing was the most impatient. He picked up the Crimson Heart Scorching Sun Sword and was about to fight Tie Xishui, but Ye Zhengwen stopped him.

Yuan Jin stepped forward, flag in hand, and said calmly, "My Chongming Sect is full of loyal and valiant men, even the Earl of Nan'an praises them. Lord Tie, do not make baseless accusations, or you will have a hard time explaining yourself when my senior brother returns from Xuanwei City."

"This is the first time I've seen a short man who has reached the Foundation Establishment." Tie Xishui paused slightly, as if recalling the time when he instructed Kang and Yuan Er to obstruct the True Disciple of the Ge Household.

He thought to himself that this Chongming Sect was indeed remarkable. Putting aside the fact that Kang Dabao was the Fei Household's son-in-law and had gained a lot of advantages, even Yuan Jin, this short man, had caught up with him in cultivation. It was truly rare.

If Chongming Sect hadn't completely sided with the Fei Household, and if the Yue Household family hadn't been unable to offer enough leverage to win them over, he really wouldn't have wanted to offend such a family. You see, through years of careful cultivation, he and Kang Dabao had become quite close friends.

Tie Xishui didn't respond to Yuan Jin's words. Instead, he held the battered Kang Rongquan in front of Gui Xiang and whispered:

"Don't think that just because Fei Nanying the Golden Core, you can disregard the law," Tie Xishui paused, then turned to Gui Xiang and softly pleaded, "County Lieutenant Gui, execute this villain who harmed you right here."

"You scoundrel, how dare you!!!" Yuan Jin roared, and although he was a hundred feet away, the sound made Gui Xiang's face turn pale with fear.

Gui Xiang was too intimidated to move, and Tie Xishui didn't urge him either, only saying coldly, "What? Let me remind you again, if the rest of your Chongming Sect still tries to rescue this prisoner, it will be considered a sect-wide rebellion. Even the Fei Household can't protect you."

Yuan Jin did not reply, but simply handed the banner to Ye Zhengwen behind him and said softly, "This time, I will trouble Senior Brother to lead the battle."

Ye Zhengwen replied in a deep voice, "Junior Brother, rest assured, I will certainly not fail your trust!"

Yuan Jin bowed in thanks, then slowly walked to Jiang Qing's side and said softly with a smile, "Little Sanzi, give your second senior brother a performance today, and let him see just how profound your Swordsmanship has become. We two brothers can't keep letting our eldest senior brother steal the spotlight."

Jiang Qing drew his sword, his aura intensifying. He said, "Second Senior Brother, don't worry. I'll bring Rongquan back first, then we'll fight."

No sooner had Jiang Qing finished speaking than Kang Rongquan, who had been on the verge of death, suddenly struggled to his feet in the opposite formation and shouted loudly:

"Master, fellow disciples, Rongquan has indeed made a mistake by implicating the sect! Don't worry about me! Don't!"

The boy had only spoken halfway when Gui Xiang, standing to the side, used acupressure to silence him, rendering him unable to speak further.

From Pei Yi to Jiang Qing, which of these sect elders didn't dote on him? And which of these fellow disciples, from Duan Anle to Kang Changyi, didn't resent him?!

"Gui Xiang, are you incapable of killing people?" Tie Xishui asked coldly, even more dissatisfied.

Just as Gui Xiang was about to make a move, a voice whispered in his ear, "If you dare to lay a finger on my nephew again, you will hardly survive. You don't have to believe me!"

Jiang Qing took the lead, brandishing his sword, seemingly disregarding Tie Xishui and the other Foundation Establishment cultivators. Yuan Jin followed closely behind, while Ye Zhengwen hurriedly urged the banner to move, and the thousand cultivators mobilized, initiating the great battle.

Upon seeing this Tie Xishui's eyes lit up with joy, but it was quickly replaced by rage. He turned to the sullen-faced Gui Xiang and shouted, "You killed Kang Dabao's top disciple! They already didn't want you to live! What are you hesitating for now?!"

Tie Xishui's words caused Gui Xiang to pause slightly, "How many people actually know about this?!"

That brief moment of distraction gave Jiang Qing a golden opportunity.

He came alone, and two leaders of the Demon Correction Office Division leaped out to greet him.

One wielded a mourning staff, and the other White Bone Banner. They were two skilled fighters recruited by Tie Liuyun, both from the unorthodox sect of Yin Wind Valley. Although they were only early-stage cultivators, their combined strength, if used for a prolonged battle, would easily defeat an ordinary mid-stage cultivator.

Although Jiang Qing had a reputation, outsiders thought he was still young and lacked experience. Tie Xishui was considered a steady person, but seeing the two of them take action, they thought it would not be difficult for them to stop Jiang Qing.

But this time, he was taken aback.

These two brothers had been together for a hundred years and considered themselves to have an extraordinary understanding. When they fought together, they never made any mistakes. However, they never expected that Jiang Qing would find their weakness with just a focused glance.

The Crimson Heart Scorching Sun Sword shone brightly with spiritual light, and several red Sword-Ray shot out, easily breaking through the ghostly mist summoned by the White Bone Banner. The sword itself did not fall behind for long, and the mourning staff hidden in the mist, which was poised to strike, was unable to dodge and was heavily slashed.

This magical Spirit Artifact, which had been tainted with countless lives, simply made a "crack" sound, and seventy percent of the Yin Qi surrounding it dissipated.

But then the master vomited blood and cried out in pain, and the mourning staff in the air broke apart inch by inch and fell to the ground.

The monk holding the banner was terrified, but Jiang Qing ignored him and took advantage of his mental confusion to leap forward and stand in front of Gui Xiang.

This conversation, though lengthy, happened in the blink of an eye. When Jiang Qing arrived in front of Gui Xiang, the latter was still immersed in Tie Xishui's words and had not yet come out of it.

Tie Xishui had not expected Jiang Qing to be so powerful, but he knew that Gui Xiang's skills were only average and that he had been framed by Kang Rongquan. He would hardly retain half of his original skill and would definitely not be a match for this Double Brightness Sword Immortal.

Although he Foundation Establishment early, he was stuck in the Foundation Establishment Early Stage due to a bottleneck and could not make any progress. Seeing Jiang Qing's performance this time, he knew that he could not withstand it alone.

He first gave a signal to the person behind him, and then called on the two mid-level guards beside him to come and block him.

Jiang Qing's expression remained unchanged, as cold as frost. With a flick of his sword, eighteen Sword-Ray, nine vertical and nine horizontal, intertwined into a net, enveloping the three of them.

As the sword net descended, Tie Xishui and the other two Demon Correction Office Division immediately paled. Higher Vehicle three high-quality defensive Spirit Artifact flew into the air, only to be slashed by the sword net, sending golden dust flying everywhere. It almost ripped Gui Xiang's other half of his face to shreds.

"Are you dead?! Do it!!" Tie Xishui's face was filled with fear, but he hadn't completely lost his composure yet, and he hurriedly urged.

Gui Xiang was truly terrified by Jiang Qing. Remembering what the latter had just said, how could he not show the hesitation on his face? Tie Xishui urged the two people beside him to block first. He was about to snatch Kang Rongquan from Gui Xiang's hands so that Jiang Qing would be hesitant to act, when a scream came from the side.

The cultivator wielding the staff was already severely injured, but Yuan Jin caught up with him and struck him squarely with the Ape Demon Cannon Hammer. His robes shattered; how could he possibly survive?

The force of the punch penetrated the flesh, cracking the skeleton, bursting the flesh membrane, and smashing the internal organs to pieces. This infamous elder and leader of the Demon-Slaying Sect was reduced to a pile of minced meat with a single punch, a truly lamentable sight.

Tie Xishui was even more enraged. He grabbed Kang Rongquan, pressed the seal against the back of his forehead, and was about to demand Jiang Qing, who was being pressed down by a flying sword and making it difficult for the two guards to breathe, when he saw that Jiang Qing, despite his predicament, still had the strength to look at him and said coldly:

"If my nephew is harmed again, I will spare your life as well, and in my remaining years, I will slaughter your entire Tie Household, leaving not a single one alive! You may not believe me!"

"Arrogant brat! How laughable!" Tie Xishui was not afraid but enraged. He flashed his seal and was about to smash Kang Rongquan's forehead, but unexpectedly, two swords came at him. He panicked and his qi became disordered, and his movements came to an abrupt stop.

"Gui Xiang!! Have you been bewitched?!"

"Please forgive me, sir, I really don't want to. I really don't want to die here!" A tear rolled down Gui Xiang's face as he snatched Kang Rongquan and left.

"Give them back!!" Tie Xishui and Jiang Qing's voices rang out simultaneously, but the former, who was uninvolved, was faster.

Gui Xiang was kicked away, and Kang Rongquan was brought to the front of the battle. But as soon as Tie Xishui Fang Yi turned around, he saw that one of the two defensive magical Spirit Artifact had cracked. The two leaders of the Demon Correction Office Division panicked and wanted to change their Spirit Artifact to defend themselves, but they were suppressed by the Sword-Ray and could not free their hands. They could only move around and dodge, and could not fight back.

"This kid is only a beginner cultivator? How many years has he been cultivating? Did he learn his Swordsmanship in the womb?! How can he be so terrifying?!"

Only now did Tie Xishui begin to take Jiang Qing's words seriously. The hesitation that had been on Gui Xiang's face earlier returned to his own.

Ye Zhen had originally led half of the cultivators who were forming an array to fight against the Chongming Sect, but upon seeing this scene, he abandoned his opponent.

Seeing that the other Foundation Establishment in the group had not moved, Ye Zhen picked up his longsword and went to fight Jiang Qing.

Yuan Jin tried to block him, but was desperately blocked by the banner-bearing cultivator. The latter was filled with grief because his fellow disciples had died in the formation, and he could not shake him off.

Although the Mixed Gold Staff in Yuan Jin's hand was of a high grade and was very compatible with him, he was still a newly established Foundation Establishment cultivator and had not been able to control this top-grade Spirit Artifact for a long time, so he did not use it at first.

But seeing Ye Zhen draw his sword and go over to fight Jiang Qing, he no longer held back.

With a "crack," the Mixed Gold Staff in Yuan Jin's hand Golden Light brightly. With a lift and a swing, it knocked away fragments, and pieces of the White Bone Banner fell down. The cultivator holding the banner was ashen-faced, but Yuan Jin didn't care. He just swung the cudgel haphazardly again and then ignored the former's life or death, heading straight for Jiang Qing.

Ye Zhen got close enough to realize he was too late.

One of the Demon Correction Office Division leaders was so thrown off balance by Jiang Qing's Sword-Ray that he was caught up by the flying sword itself. His life-saving talisman failed to block the entire blade; the sword tip pierced his robe, and the Sword Qi passed right through his chest, tearing his heart and liver apart, killing him instantly.

Left with no other option, Ye Zhen used his sword to rescue Yixin terrified head of the Demon Correction Office Division, waking him up to fight Jiang Qing alone.

Tie Xishui loosened his grip on Kang Rongquan's hand even further, finding it even harder to muster the willpower to step forward and fight Jiang Qing. His skills were even inferior to those of the mid-stage cultivator who had just perished in the battle; going up against him would be far too dangerous!

He struck the golden gong for a while, Tie Xishan, who was left to guard the Ming Household cultivators in front of Learning Forest Mountain, understood and sent two Foundation Establishment and several formation cultivators to come to the rescue.

However, when Yuan Jin that Ye Zhen, a late-stage cultivator, was fighting Jiang Qing with someone, his own Little Sanzi did not panic at all, so he turned his attention to Tie Xishui.

"You short thief, what are you going to do about it?!"

Compared to Jiang Qing, Yuan Jin's intimidation was much weaker. Tie Xishui knew that his Spirit Artifact was powerful, but he also knew that his spiritual power would be difficult to sustain for long.

He shoved Kang Rongquan into the arms of Gui Xiang, who was already in a state of utter panic, and with a single square seal, he was ready to fight.

Tie Xishui was Tie Liuyun's most outstanding junior, and he was already quite amazing when he was Qi Refinement. However, after fighting the short man in front of him, he realized that the latter was no longer the same as before.

Yuan Jin also felt that the seal in front of him had long lost its former ferocity. If he had enough spiritual power, he might be able to smash it into scrap metal by just randomly tapping it with the Mixed Gold Staff.

Unfortunately, he is only a newly established Foundation Establishment, and his spiritual power is even weaker than Tie Xishui's.

He struck the seal again, making Tie Xishui's face turn crimson, before putting away the Spirit Artifact. His White Ape Step was already incredibly skillful, even impressing his opponent, Tie Xishui.

He lunged forward, his nine fingers clenched into two fists, and his fist energy was extremely fierce, causing Tie Xishui's mid-grade defensive Spirit Artifact to hum incessantly.

The latter showed surprise on his face. He turned the seal around and it fell back into his hand. This time, however, it was not for defending against enemies, but only to protect himself.

Only then did he have to admit to himself that the two chess pieces he had so easily manipulated back then were now far beyond his reach.

He was filled with mixed feelings, but things were changing outside.

Even Ye Zhen himself did not expect that his Swordsmanship of the Book and Sword Gate, which he had painstakingly cultivated for a hundred years, would be so vulnerable in comparison to the Swordsmanship of Jiang Qing, a junior.

If it weren't for his superior cultivation and the fact that his spiritual sword, nurtured for a hundred years, was a top-grade Spirit Artifact that far surpassed Jiang Qing's Crimson Heart Scorching Sun Sword, he probably wouldn't have been able to withstand more than a few sword strikes from this Demon Correction Office before he was finished off.

The thought had barely formed when a flash of blood appeared before his eyes. It was the leader of the Demon Correction Office Division who had been injured by a flying sword. Ye Zhen naturally wanted to save him, so he raised his sword to withstand more than ten sword lights. He was so shocked that the meridians in his right hand went numb, and when he swallowed, he tasted a salty-sweet flavor in his mouth.

Jiang Qing's eyes were sharp, and he saw clearly. The sword's momentum changed, and Ye Zhen was caught off guard. The Sword-Ray's edge grazed his left arm, and blood dripped down, causing him to show pain.

Ye Zhen himself, a veteran of many battles, remained calm, but this startled the head of the Demon Correction Office Division standing beside him.

In Cloud Horn Prefecture, late-stage cultivators were considered prominent figures below the False Core. Yet, despite fighting alongside Ye Zhen against the inexperienced Jiang Qing, the head of the Book and Sword Gate was the first to be injured?!

In his panic, he summoned his flying sword again.

Jiang Qing's expression hardened, his hands formed a mysterious seal, and a chilling sword intent rose from the Sword-Sharpening Stone in his chest, aiding him.

With a "whoosh," a dazzling sword light appeared in the arena. The head of the Demon Correction Office Division tried to stop it in his haste, but how could he possibly stop it?! His entire body, along with the defensive Spirit Artifact, was pierced through by the flying sword, and he lost his breath in just a few moments.

Ye Zhen sighed, knowing that Jiang Qing was currently at the height of his power and that he had lost his reinforcements and could not defeat him. So he decided to leave and wait for reinforcements to arrive.

Unexpectedly, Jiang Qing did not want to let him go. The sharp sword intent of the Sword-Sharpening Stone was still there, and the Double Brightness Sword Immortal, who had learned thrift and frugality from his senior brother, could not afford to waste it!

"Oh no! Oh no!!" Ye Zhen realized how dangerous the attack was after only withstanding a few sword strikes. If the fight continued, he might really be cut down by this junior.

He was a shrewd and decisive man, having endured a fatal sword wound. He found a way to survive and fled.

Just then, the two Foundation Establishment sent by Tie Xishan arrived with their men. While they were hesitating, Jiang Qing found them at the front of the battle.

The Double Brightness Sword Immortal had already become a killing god in the arena. These two were only early-stage cultivators. How could they possibly stop him? One of them was too slow to escape and was caught up by Jiang Qing with just a few sword strikes before turning into a pile of minced meat.

One clever man hid behind the formation and used two hundred Qi Refinement to make defensive Spirit Artifact for him.

At this moment, it wasn't just the Foundation Establishment True Cultivator who knew fear. Jiang Qing was like a ferocious god, his long sword swiftly taking lives. Even though he was covered in wounds, he still caused chaos among the two groups of cultivators.

These two groups of Qi Refinement were considered elite, yet Jiang Qing slaughtered a hundred of them within ten breaths, truly like tigers among sheep.

Even the most elite among them knew the fear of death. The remaining hundred people screamed and cried incessantly, and the formation could no longer be maintained. They scattered and left the Foundation Establishment hiding at the back of the formation in front of Jiang Qing Qingjian's sword.

"Pfft!" This Foundation Establishment didn't have the ability to struggle for long before Jiang Qing slashed his flesh and killed him.

Tie Xishui was on the verge of death under Yuan Jin's heavy pressure. Seeing this scene, he turned his gaze to Kang Rongquan in Gui Xiang's arms.

But Jiang Qing was even faster. He carried a freshly severed head, limped over to the weeping Gui Xiang, and threw it at him.

Gui Xiang heard a muffled thud, followed by a weary voice saying, "Give the person back!"

(Unfortunately, I missed yesterday's update. Today is the first day of the Lunar New Year, so I'm using my Little Sanzi to wish everyone a Happy New Year and a prosperous Year of the Snake.)