Not waiting for Du Huaishang and Meng Qi to respond, Miao Hu continued, “My son has fallen into enemy hands. I fear to act recklessly lest I endanger his life. However, the Master managed to slay the Shadow King amidst a camp bristling with powerful foes and divine weapons, then departed unscathed. Surely the Master can rescue my son from these petty villains. I beg you, Master, lend your aid.”
He candidly admitted his lack of strength to risk losing his son, thus requesting Meng Qi—who had just accomplished an incredible feat—to intervene.
As a top-tier martial cultivator, it wasn’t that he lacked confidence in himself, but assassinating the Shadow King was an extremely difficult task. Anyone capable of achieving it would certainly be held in high esteem.
Meng Qi did not reply immediately. Instead, he turned to look at Du Huaishang, who wore a pleading expression, before slowly nodding. “One of my companions possesses a secret technique that might locate the young master Miao.”
Within his own tent, Meng Qi’s doppelgänger transmitted voice messages to Qi Zhengyan, Jiang Zhiwei, and others, explaining the situation and summoning Qi Zhengyan to join them.
The void around Qi Zhengyan shimmered, as though something had detached itself. He remained seated quietly, showing no signs of movement.
At the central command tent, the suppression enchantments faded. A flash of crimson light appeared to Meng Qi’s left, then quickly vanished, revealing Qi Zhengyan, whose aura remained steady, making it impossible to tell whether it was his true body or a projection.
Without preamble, he spoke directly, “I do indeed have a secret art, but it requires a blood relative’s blood as a medium.”
“Understood!” Seeing both Du Huaishang and Meng Qi turn toward him, Miao Hu’s face showed urgency. Without hesitation, he nodded in agreement. His left hand, no longer gripping his cane, extended outward. His skin split open, and several drops of blood flew forth, forming a spherical, distinct droplet.
Qi Zhengyan scooped the blood into his palm, gripping it tightly. His eyes gleamed darkly, as if countless crimson threads emerged.
“West camp…” Qi Zhengyan said gravely.
“The Child Soldiers Camp? That damned traitor Liu Shunshui!” Miao Hu roared in fury, ready to confront Liu Shunshui, the “Great Heavenly King.”
“Marquis Miao, please remain calm. It might be a spy’s trickery,” Du Huaishang said steadily.
Before Miao Hu could reply, Du turned to Meng Qi and Qi Zhengyan. “I ask the two Masters to go there. Say that I have recovered and invite the Great Heavenly King to discuss important matters. At that time, the Child Soldiers will be without leadership. You can then claim to be searching for spies and ask the junior generals to assist in the search.”
As he spoke, he produced a yellow copper token bearing the image of a dragon above and a tiger below. This was the symbol of the rebel leader, imbued with Du Huaishang’s own aura.
Miao Hu, after all, was a Grandmaster. Though his path was merely one of bloodline refinement, he had vast experience and decent emotional control. He suppressed his anger and earnestly said, “I am much obliged to the two Masters.”
Meng Qi and Qi Zhengyan slightly disguised themselves and approached the western Child Soldiers camp as Red Army commanders, requesting an audience with “Great Heavenly King” Liu Shunshui.
Liu Shunshui was a dignified middle-aged man dressed in black, wide-sleeved robes. His aura was calm and restrained, not as ostentatious as Zhu Shou or Miao Hu, who flaunted their top-tier strength for all to see.
“Father,” the valiant-looking young man who led Meng Qi and Qi Zhengyan inside respectfully bowed.
Beside Liu Shunshui stood several men and women, each possessing extraordinary bearing or imposing presence, their auras resonating with heaven and earth—all of them at the external-scenario level.
They were all Liu Shunshui’s adopted sons and daughters. Together with those on patrol, they numbered seven in total!
Precisely because Liu Shunshui liked to adopt promising young followers as his sons and daughters, treating them as family, his rebel force was known as the “Child Soldiers.”
“Father… adoptive father…” Meng Qi’s lips twitched slightly. He took out Du Huaishang’s token. “Great Heavenly King, our Lord has recovered and is in good condition. He invites you to discuss urgent matters.”
“Du Tianwang has recovered?” The exclamation came from a woman beside Liu Shunshui. She was beautiful and curvaceous.
The other adopted sons and daughters of Liu Shunshui all showed astonishment. None had expected Du Huaishang, who had been at death’s door yesterday, to miraculously recover and awaken.
Liu Shunshui narrowed his eyes slightly, his gaze almost solidifying. “I just saw Du Tianwang yesterday. His injuries were bizarre and severe—even the Immovable True One could do nothing. How could he suddenly recover? Could it be that divine or demonic forces have taken an interest, or that Heaven itself protects him?”
He was very cautious about his Child Soldiers. He feared this might be a trap set by other factions. If he went there and fell into an ambush surrounded by multiple experts, he would be at their mercy. Thus, he needed to clarify things first.
Meng Qi spoke earnestly, “Last night, a mysterious figure named ‘Shi’ came to us…”
As he spoke, he felt something strange—”Shi” didn’t sound quite right…
He quickly realized his mistake, almost wanting to slap himself. Even if thinking of Yuanshi Tianzun, it would have been better to use “Yuan” instead of “Shi.” Or “Pan” or “Gu” would have worked too. This name wouldn’t sound good in battle! Perhaps it could even make the enemy laugh themselves to death and disrupt their focus!
Though his mind churned, his expression remained unchanged as he continued, “This mysterious figure is an old acquaintance of our Lord. He is extremely powerful, with great abilities and divine arts. He discerned that our Lord’s injuries stemmed from cursed insects entwining his soul. Thus, he went to the imperial camp last night and slew the Shadow King who controlled the insects. Our Lord recovered without any medicine!”
“Last night he went to the imperial camp and killed the Shadow King who controlled the insects…” Meng Qi spoke too casually, so much so that Liu Shunshui didn’t immediately react. After a moment of reflection, Liu’s pupils involuntarily contracted.
“He killed the Shadow King?”
“Yes, though I don’t know the exact details,” Meng Qi replied calmly.
Liu Shunshui’s adopted sons and daughters exchanged glances, their eyes filled with obvious disbelief. They had all witnessed the Shadow King’s formidable power during the previous Jiangshan battle. How could such a figure be slain so easily, especially within the most heavily guarded camp?
After a moment of silence, as if he had secretly divined the truth, Liu Shunshui sighed and, with complex emotions, said, “When danger approaches, a mysterious helper arrives. Truly, Du Tianwang is blessed by Heaven.”
He gave a few instructions to his adopted children and, without waiting for Meng Qi and Qi Zhengyan, took a few steps and vanished toward the central command tent.
At this point, Meng Qi bowed again. “Junior Generals, we recently discovered a spy, but he fled into your Child Soldiers camp under cover of night. We humbly request your help in searching for him.”
Still in shock, Liu Chao, the eldest adopted son, said, “Third Sister, you lead the search. Do not disrupt the camp’s discipline.”
They had all taken Liu Shunshui’s surname, a great honor within the Child Soldiers.
Liu Yuntao, the third-ranked adopted daughter, was the beautiful woman who had gasped earlier. She nodded and turned to Meng Qi and Qi Zhengyan. “Shall we search each tent one by one, or do you have a specific clue?”
Meng Qi replied, “We have a secret method to trace him.”
“Then let’s go.” Liu Yuntao turned, lifted the tent flap, and led the way.
Walking beside Meng Qi, Qi Zhengyan transmitted his voice, “You praised yourself so highly just now. Don’t you feel ashamed?”
He seemed unaccustomed to Meng Qi boasting about himself in the guise of a Red Army commander—so much about his great power and divine abilities…
Meng Qi chuckled dryly. “Isn’t this to boost their confidence? Creating an image of a mysterious, invincible ally is the best approach. Look how Liu Shunshui finally dispelled some doubts.”
Qi Zhengyan said nothing more, occasionally giving directions to Liu Yuntao to change course.
After walking a while, he transmitted to Liu Yuntao and Meng Qi, “It’s the tent ahead. Let’s approach carefully.”
Liu Yuntao’s face suddenly flushed bright red. “Nonsense! That’s my tent!”
“You mean to say I conspire with the spy?”
Meng Qi’s right hand had already rested on his sword hilt, his gaze deep as he looked at Liu Yuntao.
Qi Zhengyan showed no embarrassment. “Even if Miao Cong isn’t hiding there, there must be something related to his bloodline.”
Liu Yuntao’s face turned red, then pale, then red again before she finally spoke. “What do you want with Miao Cong?”
“He was kidnapped. Didn’t you hear the commotion last night?” Meng Qi explained briefly, sensing something odd.
Liu Yuntao shook her head in bewilderment. “I thought it was a conflict between Zhu Shou and Immovable Zhenren, and was planning to stay out of it. So it was him who got taken…”
“No wonder I haven’t seen him…”
Qi Zhengyan looked into her eyes and said gravely, “Are you in a secret relationship with him?”
Ugh, senior brother, that kind of question is so awkward. Be more tactful, more subtle, Meng Qi grumbled to herself.
Liu Yuntao was silent for a moment before softly nodding. “I knew him from the martial world before. We secretly pledged our lives to each other. Two nights ago, we agreed to meet by the western hillside. But I waited and waited, and he never came. I thought perhaps the war had intensified and that Marquis Miao had confined him… The item related to his bloodline is probably a sachet containing our intertwined hair.”
She led Meng Qi and Qi Zhengyan inside and retrieved the love token.
Qi Zhengyan showed no shame for the false alarm. “You met near the western hill? There indeed are bloodline-related clues there.”
“With his strength and status, no one could have subdued him silently within the camp! Yes, he must have left the camp secretly and been kidnapped!” Liu Yuntao became agitated, tinged with guilt.
Meng Qi and Qi Zhengyan exchanged glances and turned, heading straight for the western hill. Liu Yuntao hesitated briefly before chasing after them.
…
The western hill was some distance from the rebel camp. With Du Huaishang’s token, Meng Qi and Qi Zhengyan smoothly exited the camp gates and reached the western hill.
The riverside hills had long been tainted by divine and demonic energies, their shapes strange and grotesque, with many caves. Without waiting for Liu Yuntao, the two followed the bloodline connection deeper into the hills.
“It’s just ahead,” Qi Zhengyan stopped and said.
Meng Qi nodded. “I’ll go first and scout.”
Qi Zhengyan showed no emotion. “Be careful.”
“Don’t worry. I’ve done this kind of thing before,” Meng Qi said with a smile.
He transformed into a flying insect and quietly circled around the ravines, discovering a concealed depression ahead. Two men in black, tight-fitting clothes stood guard.
Behind them, a young man dressed in the Nine Mountains general’s robe had his eyes closed, his aura sealed. Leaning against a rock, he bore a strong resemblance to Miao Hu.
…
Within his own tent, Jiang Zhiwei and others were meditating, waiting for Meng Qi and Qi Zhengyan to return with news of the rescue. Suddenly, Xu Wei entered with a beaming smile. “Prince Pinghai invites you all to meet him.”
Jiang Zhiwei’s eyes snapped open like a famous sword leaping from its scabbard, making Xu Wei instinctively take a few steps back.
…
After a brief discussion, fearing the enemy might kill the hostage in desperation, Meng Qi remained hidden nearby while Qi Zhengyan launched a direct assault.
A purple star river cascaded down, washing over the two men in black. Meng Qi suddenly reverted to his original form, his back straining, feet stomping, leaving an afterimage as he forcefully surged through the guard post and reached Miao Cong’s side.
Just as he turned around, preparing to prevent the two men from killing him, a silent palm strike suddenly came from behind.
Pah!
The strike landed on empty air—Meng Qi had somehow already shifted aside.
Behind him, Miao Cong’s aura flared, his face showing shock!
Meng Qi smiled at him, showing no surprise.
After the incident with the Nine Maidens, Master knew to be prepared for hostages!
(Note: The original text contains informal and possibly playful language (“九娘” as “Nine Maidens,” “爷” as “Master”). The translation preserves the tone while adapting to natural English phrasing. If “九娘” and “爷” are specific names/titles, they could alternatively be rendered as “Jiuniang” and “Ye” with contextual notes.)
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage