If we head to Wangxin Hut, it might trigger a side quest and offer unexpected opportunities. However, the round trip would definitely delay our main mission, and the dangers are hard to estimate. Not to mention whether the Primordial True Devil might arrive ahead of schedule, the fellow who stole the Zhenyun Cauldron earlier already makes us extremely wary.
After exchanging a few words secretly through sound transmission, Meng Qi shook his head at Zhao Heng, intending for him to speak first and simultaneously testing Zhao Heng’s willingness to integrate into the team.
Zhao Heng had already sheathed his long sword and stood there like a jade tree in the wind, bowing his hands in reply: “Senior Bai Zhang, speed is the key to this matter, and it has nothing to do with numbers or strength. If we encounter the Primordial True Devil or similar powerful foes, even together, we might still struggle to be their match. If we don’t encounter them, with your superb martial arts skills, under the condition of arriving simultaneously, the others probably won’t be able to snatch it away.”
He didn’t mention the scenario where they don’t arrive simultaneously. Unless they happen to be one after the other, whoever arrives late will only be left frustrated, staring at the empty Wangxin Hut.
“Senior Bai Zhang, you can ride the wind and travel a thousand miles much faster than us. If we go along, we’ll only slow you down. It would be better if we head directly to the Primordial Heaven Hall, taking advantage of the Primordial Old Devil’s journey to Wangxin Hut, and eliminate the remaining devils in one fell swoop.” Meng Qi interjected.
Currently, the three remaining devils in the Primordial Heaven Hall were the Water Devil, Shadow Devil, and Blood Devil. Two of them, relying on devilish energy to enhance their bodies, were approximately at the level of Unity with Heaven, but definitely inferior to Jiang Hengchuan, who had naturally reached that level. The Water Devil was merely at the level of Heaven and Man Communion, comparable to the Iron Devil. Since their powers were forcibly enhanced by devilish energy, Jiang Zhiwei, Zhao Heng, and Meng Qi individually could easily overpower him, while Qi Zhengyan and Ruan Yushu could match him evenly.
Even if the Corpse Devil had returned to the Primordial Heaven Hall, it wouldn’t matter. We wouldn’t choose to launch a direct assault. As long as we seize the opportunity to instantly surround and kill one of the weaker three devils, Meng Qi could draw out the Corpse Devil, Zhao Heng could intercept one of the remaining two devils, and Jiang Zhiwei, Qi Zhengyan, and Ruan Yushu working together could still be confident in quickly defeating the remaining devil.
As the number of enemies decreases, even if Meng Qi and his companions suffer significant losses, things will become increasingly easier. At worst, we won’t engage the Corpse Devil directly. After all, we only need six devil crystals.
Moreover, this hasn’t even considered the Tower of Subduing Devils!
Taoist Bai Zhang smiled wryly: “I was so anxious that I momentarily lost my head. What Master Zhao and Master Su said is quite correct. If we can eliminate the remaining devils at this opportunity, the Primordial True Devil will be left with no support. Even if his devilish arts dominate the world, how extensive could their influence be?”
Currently, the seven great devil generals take turns suppressing various regions, supported by those possessed by devils and still sentient evil spirits, effectively controlling all the prosperous areas of the world. Even if the three sages of salvation work together to eliminate one or two of them, they would struggle to swiftly kill them amidst the grand formations and numerous enemies, inevitably getting bogged down until reinforcements arrive. Once, they nearly fell into a trap and barely escaped death at the hands of the Primordial True Devil. Therefore, unless it’s an absolute opportunity, they no longer have the courage to undertake such actions.
However, if the seven great devil generals are eliminated, can the remaining weak evil spirits and those possessed by devils, who harbor ulterior motives, truly threaten the righteous martial cultivators?
Even if the Primordial True Devil is powerful, he is still only one individual and not a mythic-level master capable of turning the world upside down. At that time, he would likely be forced to fight fires everywhere without much success, and the situation would rapidly improve. At most, the righteous martial cultivators would still have to act secretly.
After speaking, Taoist Bai Zhang turned to “Thunderbolt Sword Immortal” and “Eight-Finger Divine Palm”: “Madam Tong, Master Zu, since you have been infected by devilish energy and poisoned mist, there’s no need to accompany me on my journey. Return separately, rest, and heal your wounds. The devilish energy is like a parasite clinging to the bones; a slight carelessness could cause it to entwine with the physical body and spiritual soul, making it difficult to remove. It may gradually alter one’s temperament and personality.”
He reminded them of the dangers posed by the devilish energy, which could defile the physical body and spiritual soul, change one’s temperament and personality, and lead one toward devilhood. Currently, all those possessed by devils were infected and gradually evolving into devilish beings. However, since it had not been long, some still retained their yearning for the light and could secretly provide assistance to the righteous path, occasionally experiencing emotional outbursts, bloodlust, and a penchant for killing.
Upon hearing these words, Meng Qi felt wise about preparing the Baohui Pills for his team. Of course, in the previous battle, except for him, Jiang Zhiwei and the others had not been infected by the devilish energy. As long as his Eight-Nine Mystical Art and Golden Bell Seal remained intact, even if the devilish energy entered his body, he could gradually dissolve it without leaving any lingering effects.
Tong Yao did not insist on staying, and with a bow, she said, “Everyone, with the three devils defeated, the Primordial Heaven Hall will certainly not let this go. Subsequent retaliation will follow one after another. I must return to arrange for my disciples to disperse and relocate, so I must take my leave now.”
“It is fortunate to have several righteous warriors aiding us and displaying the might of immortals and deities. The Blood Devil and others need not be a concern,” Zu Wenzhong flattered them slightly before also departing.
Soon, the ruins were completely empty, with only the cawing of crows echoing in all directions.
“Several noble masters, whether heading to Yanshan or the Primordial Heaven Hall, you must pass through Shigu City. I might as well accompany you a part of the way and also gather some information,” Taoist Bai Zhang gestured politely.
Zhao Heng smiled: “That would be excellent.”
…
In Shigu City, the streets were not as deserted as Meng Qi had imagined. There were still vendors setting up stalls and people coming and going, though the atmosphere was somewhat desolate, with the common folk displaying a sense of numbness on their faces.
“In the beginning, the people feared the devils, and ten cities out of nine were abandoned, with everyone hiding in the deep mountains and forests. However, the wilderness was also dangerous, and the number of devils was limited. They didn’t kill people every day, so people gradually returned to the cities to eke out an existence. This place is ruled by a devil-possessed individual whose personality hasn’t completely changed yet. There are only one or two days each month when he experiences bloodlust and killing instincts, targeting mostly the elderly, weak, sick, and disabled. Therefore, the city remains relatively prosperous,” Taoist Bai Zhang sighed helplessly, lamenting his inability to end such a world.
Meng Qi, Jiang Zhiwei, and the others felt a bit heavy-hearted, with no one in the mood for jokes. They followed Taoist Bai Zhang down the long street, turned into a small alley, and stopped at the back door of a large mansion.
Taoist Bai Zhang immediately leapt into the air, vaulting over the wall, leading Meng Qi and the others through the garden and flower pavilions straight toward the study, skillfully avoiding servants and maids along the way.
“The devils are cruel and cunning. Those possessed by devils often have devil-infected individuals hiding nearby, spying on them to detect any issues and eventually replace them. Therefore, we must not be seen by others,” Taoist Bai Zhang explained upon reaching the study’s exterior.
Meng Qi and the others immediately understood that he was about to meet the devil-possessed ruler of this place.
Dong dong dong, Taoist Bai Zhang rhythmically knocked on the study door, but there was no response from inside.
So he opened the door and entered the study, signaling Meng Qi, Jiang Zhiwei, and the others to conceal their presence and wait patiently.
Not long after, a person with a strong aura approached, reaching the end of the corridor. He instructed the servants to wait outside, then walked through the long corridor, opened the study door, and stepped inside.
At first glance, he saw Meng Qi and the others. He raised his eyebrows slightly and casually closed the door behind him.
“Senior Bai Zhang, who are these people?” he asked in a low voice, addressing the familiar Taoist Bai Zhang.
This was a middle-aged man in a brocade robe and jade belt, sporting neatly trimmed mustaches.
Taoist Bai Zhang smiled: “This is ‘Earth-Shaking’ Zhao Heng. Master Xiong surely has heard of him?”
“Oh, so it’s ‘Earth-Shaking’ Zhao Heng.” Xiong, the city lord, nodded slightly, finally understanding why this person seemed to be on equal footing with Taoist Bai Zhang.
“These are the righteous warriors that Master Zhao recruited from overseas,” Taoist Bai Zhang said, not wanting to reveal too much detail in case he might inadvertently leak information during an emotional outburst.
Xiong the City Lord gave Meng Qi and the others a few glances before whispering, “What exactly have you done? Yesterday, the Corpse Devil passed through here in a panic, flew into a rage, and killed three hundred people before calming down slightly, but he told me nothing.”
“With the help of these noble warriors, the Fire Devil, the Soldier Devil, and the Iron Devil were defeated at the ruins of the Changchun Monastery,” Taoist Bai Zhang said joyfully, though it would have been perfect if the Zhenyun Cauldron hadn’t been stolen.
“What?” The city lord’s pupils widened instantly, and he barely managed to control his voice.
After two heartbeats, he calmed his emotions, asking with a slight tremor: “You actually killed the Fire Devil, the Soldier Devil, and the Iron Devil?”
“Yes, the Soldier Devil and the Fire Devil were slain by these noble warriors, and the Iron Devil was surrounded and killed by us,” Taoist Bai Zhang said without taking any credit.
Xiong the City Lord was overwhelmed with astonishment, looking at Meng Qi and the others sitting silently beside him, unable to imagine how they had managed to kill the Fire Devil, who had once seemed invincible!
Truly, there are skies beyond skies and heroes beyond heroes. He composed himself and said with a bitter smile: “These noble warriors are indeed extraordinary individuals.”
“City Lord Xiong, what recent news do you have?” Taoist Bai Zhang, unwilling to dwell on the previous matter, asked instead.
Xiong’s expression turned serious: “Master Bude Chan Master has passed away.”
“What?” Taoist Bai Zhang nearly lost his composure.
One of the Three Sages of Salvation, Master Bude Chan Master, had actually passed away?
Meng Qi and the others immediately thought of the “Imperial Seal”—could it be that Master Bude had died because of it?
Xiong the City Lord spoke gravely: “I received the news ten days ago. Master Bude was intercepted by a mysterious figure and perished after a bitter battle. The ‘Imperial Seal’ was taken.”
“A mysterious figure?” Taoist Bai Zhang had thought it might be the Primordial True Devil himself.
Xiong the City Lord nodded: “We don’t know who it was, only that he wore a mask and possessed terrifying power.”
Myth? Immortal Trace? Meng Qi and the others immediately thought of these two organizations. Could their mission intersect with this one?
Could their mission be to obtain the three treasures of the Zhenyun Cauldron?
But wouldn’t that be too easy?
“The Imperial Seal has been taken… It seems the same group that took the Zhenyun Cauldron,” Taoist Bai Zhang murmured to himself. If that were the case, the Huangyu Bell at Wangxin Hut would also be their target. He could only hope they hadn’t found the location of Wangxin Hut yet and hadn’t split their forces to go there.
This intelligence was too shocking. It took Taoist Bai Zhang a little while to process it. He then led Meng Qi and the others away, parting ways at the city gate, trying to get ahead of the mysterious figure.
“Never thought we’d run into official members of Myth or Immortal Trace,” Meng Qi thought, his head aching. They could easily crush us like ants.
They reached a secluded spot and were discussing the matter.
Zhao Heng shook his head and advised, “Official members of Myth or Immortal Trace may not necessarily be very strong. Generally speaking, if they are cultivated reincarnators, as long as they survive death missions, they can take the test. Once they pass, they become official members. As for non-reincarnators, it’s said they must reach the level of Heaven and Man Communion.”
“Although the tasks are extremely difficult, and the number of those who pass the tests is limited, it doesn’t mean that there are no successful candidates at the level of Heaven and Man Unity or Half-Step Beyond the Scenery. Therefore, we shouldn’t overestimate the strength of official members. If they are merely new recruits rather than senior members, we might still be able to handle them.”
“Just think about it. The strongest in this world is the Primordial True Devil. The Six Paths Reincarnation Master wouldn’t give them tasks without difficulty. We can infer the range of strength. We won’t interfere with each other, and we won’t fear their harassment either!”
“Right,” Meng Qi, Jiang Zhiwei, and others felt Zhao Heng’s analysis was sound, so they temporarily set aside their worries and headed toward the Primordial Heaven Hall.
After walking for a while, Meng Qi suddenly recalled the description of the main mission:
“Seal the devil realm passage within a month and prevent the ‘Primordial Devil’ from fully awakening and descending…”
A sudden realization struck him. He halted his steps and solemnly said to Jiang Zhiwei and the others: “Perhaps ‘Myth’ or ‘Immortal Trace’ indeed has senior members here, but their enemy isn’t the Primordial True Devil.”
“Then who is it?” Zhao Heng asked, slightly startled.
Meng Qi took a deep breath: “The Primordial Devil!”
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage