Blood Moss Gnaws Bones on Huangpi Circuit

---- Huangpi Circuit, Huo Prefecture

As dusk fell, blood mingled with the dim sunlight and slowly seeped into the cracked earth.

A broken flag lay askew among the charred corpses. Beside the flagpole, a serpent eagle lay stiff and cold, its once bright red eyes now covered with ice crystals, and its two wings on its back reduced to bare bones. As for the flesh and blood, they had long since rotted in the scorched earth.

The charred spirit wood forest resembled countless ghostly claws reaching towards the sky. Further away lay half of a giant spirit corpse puppet, its spiritual energy furnace in its chest cavity bursting open, with black smoke billowing from the spiritual liquid flowing onto the rotting grass, creating a large cloud of white mist carrying the stench of corpses.

The riverbed beside the Spiritwood Forest was filled with purplish-red mud. And among the densely packed rocks in the riverbed, some mangled corpses of cultivators were stuck in an extremely uncontorted position.

There was a headless figure, clutching a broken jade flute tightly in his hand; and there was a handsome swordsman who died with his sword still glaring angrily, his courage undiminished.

The lives of these people, even those of the least skilled novelist, could produce a grand and magnificent treatise. If they hadn't died, a few False Core and Golden Core might have actually emerged from among them.

But the bodies that gradually swelled up in the river proved that this could not have happened.

Suddenly, a beam of moonlight pierced through the clouds, faintly illuminating a few Blood Spirit Grasses that had moved to grow wildly beside the corpses.

These unique spiritual herbs of Huangpi Circuit grow without any regard for reason. As long as you are willing to feed them with flesh and blood, they will never disappoint you.

The bloodstains scattered everywhere are enough to allow them to grow into high-quality medicinal materials that can be used as False Core within just a few months.

However, the victorious side had no time to wait. He Chang had been scouting the battle situation, rode over on his old donkey. Upon seeing this, his eyes lit up, and he quickly dismounted to harvest the Blood Spirit Grass as soon as possible, lest the reinforcements from the Cloud Marsh Shaman Venerable Hall on the other side arrive and he return empty-handed.

Just then, Han Xundao had finished dealing with several disciples of the Cloud Marsh Shaman Venerable Hall who had come to pay their respects. His flying sword was still dripping with hot blood. He then led the two sons of the sect leader, Kang Changyan and Kang Changzhao, over.

Kang Changxi was far away in Two Rivers, Kang Changyi could only serve by his master's side when there were no major events. So he could not come to Huo Prefecture.

Even though Kang Changyan and Kang Changzhao were not highly skilled, they could not escape the dangers of battle.

This was because Sect Leader Kang Da suddenly realized that his two illegitimate sons had become accustomed to a life of luxury, which was why they had made little progress in any area. Therefore, he cut off their allowances, feeling that they needed some tempering to be able to withstand the storms of the future.

If they continue to be raised as if they are "too precious to be touched," or if they wait until their mother, Yuan Xiyue, passes away, it will be difficult to see whether the two of them Foundation Establishment.

Upon seeing the three approaching, He Chang immediately abandoned his search for the spiritual item and bowed respectfully, saying, "Junior Brother Han, Brother Yan, Brother Zhao, what brings you here?"

Han Xundao was indeed arrogant, but he never slighted fellow disciples He Chang, who were very close to his sect leader, even though the latter was not talented and had difficulty reaching the Foundation Establishment.

But then he heard him laughing and saying to He Chang, "Reporting to Senior Brother, I brought two junior brothers with me; we've come here to search for the remaining enemy soldiers."

"Search for remaining enemy soldiers?" He Chang instantly understood from the expressions on Kang Changyan and Kang Changzhao's faces. He then frowned and asked in a low voice, "Junior Brother Han, you must know that this action is disobeying your uncle."

Upon hearing this, Han Xundao, who had deliberately brought his two junior brothers up to steal the credit, immediately turned pale.

Before he could even make a move, the golden-haired old donkey that He Chang was riding, which was chewing on the Blood Spirit Grass, suddenly raised its head and gave him a cold look.

That old donkey was truly ferocious just now, chewing up three True Cultivator years before finally emerging from its wounded state amidst the array of the Cloud Marsh Shaman Venerable Hall.

Thanks to the old donkey who cleared the way for He Chang, his team was able to surge into Huo Prefecture like a tidal wave, seemingly without any regard for reason.

Han Xundao's cultivation and aptitude were only average. It was only through the favors of his deceased brother that he was able to receive great guidance and support from his teachers, which allowed him to successfully establish his Foundation Establishment.

He had previously considered taking a different path and thus became a disciple of Yuan Xiyue. However, the latter was only at the Foundation Establishment Peak, and her preferred method was not very suitable for cultivation. Therefore, Han Xundao's progress over the years has not been significant.

Furthermore, in terms of seniority, this old donkey under He Chang's command can be considered a founding member of the sect's revival under the Sect Leader Kang Da. There are few in the entire sect who can compare to him.

Even though this old donkey had an awkward identity and had never been well-liked by the sect leaders, Han Xundao didn't want to offend him rashly. Not to mention, there was also He Chang, the senior brother who was increasingly valued by the Sect Leader Kang Da, by his side.

However, Han Xundao felt it would be difficult to save face if he simply gave in. He was about to pull Kang Changyan and Kang Changzhao together to argue when he heard another person speak gently from behind:

"Why don't Xundao consider this: if you continue to feign compliance, how can you keep it from your master?! After the incident, even Madam Yuan might not be able to smooth things over for you, and Changzhao and Changyan will also suffer the consequences. What's the point?!"

"Senior Brother Duan?"

"Junior brother is guilty! I beg senior brother to punish me!"

He and Han's voices rang out one after the other. The latter had just dared to argue with He Chang, but as soon as he heard Duan Anle speak, he dared not say a word and immediately responded respectfully.

"Hmm," Duan Anle gestured for He Chang to stop bowing, then slowly walked to Han Xundao's side and solemnly instructed, "Uncle Ye is still short-handed in transporting military supplies, Xundao, don't slack off either, go over there honestly and Xundao your best."

"Yes," Han Xundao without hesitation, bowing his head in agreement. However, as he turned to lead Kang Changzhao and Kang Changyan away, he saw Duan Anle gesture for him to leave quickly and say in a low voice:

"I have my own arrangements for Changzhao and Changyan, so there's no need Xundao you to worry about them. Just go."

"Yes"

A flicker of hesitation crossed Han Xundao's eyes, but he ultimately dared not utter a single word of dissent.

Kang Changzhao and Kang Changyan, who were detained on the spot, suddenly looked much uglier, but they did not show it. They just looked at Duan Anle with hopeful eyes, hoping that he would be lenient with them.

However, Duan Anle, who is usually lenient, clearly did not let them off so easily as they had expected.

But then he spoke, saying, "Ahead lies a battalion of Pine Wind Volunteers, searching for the remnants of the defeated Cloud Marsh Shaman Venerable Hall. They are led by Junior Brother Liu Ya. Since you two brothers have come here for training, then do not slack off. Quickly take my token and go up to help."

Because the Cloud Marsh Shaman Venerable Hall has only suffered a minor defeat, the positions Duan Anle has chosen for Kang Changyan and Kang Changzhao are not good ones. In addition, there are many Foundation Establishment True Cultivator who were defeated and fled in the vicinity who have returned to seek revenge.

Of the two, Kang Changyan was the one who could make the decision. He seemed to ponder for a moment, then cupped his hands in a pleading manner, "Senior Brother Duan, this..."

"Please wait a moment, my brothers. When our master was your age, I never saw him so timid."

Having already said all that, how could Kang Changyan and Kang Changzhao possibly refuse? They simply bowed their heads in thanks and rushed forward.

"Senior Brother Duan, that..."

Seeing the hesitation on He Chang's face, Duan Anle immediately knew what he was thinking, so he explained softly, "After Junior Brother He passed away, Junior Brother He Liu took over the management of the Punishment Hall. He's always been very reliable, so there's no need to worry about him."

After Duan Anle finished speaking, seeing that He Chang's expression had not improved, he knew that the latter was still not at ease, so he explained:

"Before I left, my third uncle and several Pill Masters had already gone ahead, and they should be arriving now. With them protecting you, you two brothers will be fine, so please rest assured."

Hearing this, He Chang felt somewhat relieved. After all, it made sense; no matter how selfless Duan Anle was, he still had to know his limits when it came to matters involving his master and son.

While He Chang was initially dissatisfied with Han Xundao for bringing the Kang Household brothers here to claim credit for their achievements, he did not necessarily agree to put them in real danger.

After all, the group of women led by Fei Shuhe always wanted the two of them to have more experience. But they never revealed that they really wanted Kang Changyan, Kang Changzhao and those followers who were so poor that they only had their lives left to live to risk their lives and try to make a future.

Therefore, after hearing Duan Anle's words, He Chang's expression improved considerably, but afterwards he stared straight at Duan Anle without saying a word.

The latter tried to dodge but failed, feeling extremely uncomfortable. He then said helplessly, "Xundao's nature isn't bad. As long as we, his senior brothers, diligently guide him, he will gradually change his temperament and cultivate diligently."

"Senior brother's kindness is a blessing for the disciples of the sect, but too much of a good thing can be harmful."

How could Duan Anle not understand the reasoning He Chang was speaking of?

In fact, even when facing the two illegitimate sons of the Sect Leader Kang Da and his own only son, he could still put on a stern face and give them a good scolding. But as soon as he met Han Xundao, his heart softened involuntarily, which was quite a pity.

Knowing he was in the wrong for not severely punishing Han Xundao, he changed the subject and explained things to He Chang properly:

"There are still many sects in Huo Prefecture that care about the Cloud Marsh Shaman Venerable Hall, and there is also a top-ranked palace master who is stationed here. Junior brother, you must not neglect him in the slightest."

I have a suggestion, junior brother: after you return, quickly reorganize your forces so that we can enter Le Prefecture, where the Cloud Marsh Shaman Venerable Hall is located, as soon as possible.

News has come from Fearless Tower again: ever since the combined forces of the Abbot of Rouge Temple and the Abbot of Thousand Buddha Grove were no match for that scoundrel Huang Mi, the situation in Si Prefecture has become critical. I have compared this news with the battle reports I have received recently, and it is indeed true.

Therefore, we need to act faster, because if we are too slow, we will miss the opportunity to join forces with the other two to attack us.

He Chang could not be considered an expert in military affairs, but he had been exposed to them since childhood and had recently led troops a few times, so he had some insights.

He knew that if the facts were truly as Fearless Tower said, it would be virtually impossible for the Double Brightness Alliance to severely damage the Cloud Marsh Shaman Venerable Hall with the strength of the whole.

You should know that He Chang are somewhat aware of the promises their sect leader received from the Office of the Duke of Qin.

The Cloud Marsh Shaman Venerable Hall currently governs most of Huo Prefecture and the entire Xiu Prefecture, making it almost the heart of the region.

In private conversations, the cultivators often discussed that if the Double Brightness Alliance could take over the entire territory, then the five prefectures of Huangpi Circuit Xian Prefecture and Mountain North Circuit Pu, Ding, Yun, Ye, and Jing would all be under the nominal jurisdiction of the Marquis of Martial Peace's Residence, but in reality, the Chongming Sect.

And Sect Leader Kang Da to unite forces and manage growth goes without saying.

If this continues, after a few more years, the Three Southwest Circuits might suddenly produce a major sect on the border, second only to those Nascent Soul sects.

However, it would be very difficult to accomplish this task by relying solely on Sect Leader Kang Da.

The swordsman in tight-fitting clothes ahead, who is currently scavenging the remaining enemies, is the hope for the next high-level cultivator of the Chongming Sect to appear.

Jiang Qing, suspended in mid-air, led several heads of small families from the capital region, weaving back and forth between the two families' lines of control.

Although his cultivation level is low, his practical skills are not weak. Recently, even Yuan Buwen praised his combat talent as being a hundred times better than that of Sect Leader Kang Da. However, once he chose to cultivate the sword path, there was no turning back. How could he possibly give it up?

Most of these minor family heads from the capital region were only at the False Core level. Although they came from big cities, in terms of ability, they were far inferior to Yuan Buwen.

Therefore, when facing Jiang Qing, none of the cultivators dared to show any sign of weakness, lest they be criticized and offend the sect leader; nor should they be remembered by a cultivator with a bright future.

Jiang Qing led so many Pill Masters in and out of the border several times in order to find out the background of the cultivators in Huo Prefecture. Along the way, he encountered many cultivators sent by the Cloud Marsh Shaman Venerable Hall, but most of them were only at the Foundation Establishment or Qi Refinement Refining stages.

Jiang Qing wasn't exactly bloodthirsty, but he also didn't have any simple moral principles like "not bullying the weak" or "respecting one's status" to uphold.

Therefore, he would often simply capture them at home, hand them over to a specialist for torture, and then easily release them.

Although many people lost their lives as a result, some were still saved. Compared to the high-ranking cultivators in the Cloud Marsh Shaman Venerable Hall who advocated cruelty, Jiang Qing's actions could be considered a bodhisattva's method.

However, this time they were quite lucky, and did not encounter any idle people along the way. It was only on the way back that they ran into the opposing Pill Master had the same methods and plans.

"Clang!" The flying sword that rose from the Jade-Faced Gentleman's hand was even more dazzling than he himself.

The person opposite him was, after all, Pill Master, but as soon as the two sides met, seeing that Jiang Qing's flying sword was no match for it, he immediately thought of those of the same level who had fallen under Jiang Qing's sword during the battle, and wanted to make a run for his life.

The Pill Master behind Jiang Qing seemed to have made no move yet, but Jiang Qing immediately urged his flying sword, which transformed into a long rainbow, intending to kill the False Core in front of him with a single strike.

The man was extremely decisive, but the Law Treasure he carried were not very useful. Before long, he lost his life under the fierce sword light of Jiang Qing and the help of the other Pill Master.

The latter killed another Pill Master, but there was no excitement in his eyes. He simply took out the map that his companion had just drawn and examined it.

He simply disliked complicated matters, but he was extremely intelligent.

Jiang Qing pondered for a moment and then thought, "The fullness inside is all an illusion. The Cloud Marsh Shaman Venerable Hall is out of people in Huo Prefecture! Otherwise, they certainly wouldn't be able to send out such a person! I need to tell my senior brother immediately!"